bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friction Variability in Slip Rings: Geometry and Stiffness Effects
Authors: Zhang Kaisen , Liu Kun , Sun Danfeng , Gao Tianyan , Ye Jiaxin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study explores the frictional dynamics in wire-on-V-groove contacts, particularly in slip rings, by examining the effects of contact geometry and loading stiffness. Our experimental setup, using three different custom tribometers, allowed precise control and measurement of these variables. Results show a significant deviation of the friction coefficient from traditional Amonton–Coulomb predictions, highlighting an increased sensitivity to the aforementioned factors. These findings challenge the conventional understanding of tribology, emphasizing the need for a refined theoretical model that better accounts for the complexities in V-groove contacts. The study's implications are far-reaching, particularly in improving the design and reliability of slip rings in high-precision instruments and satellite technologies.
Complete genome sequence of a haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic bacterium
Halomonas salifodinae
IM328
Authors: Wang Zheyi , Yang Niping , Liu Mengshuang , Zhao Dahe , Xiang Hua , Zheng Yanning 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The genome of a halophilic bacterium
Halomonas salifodinae
IM328 was completely sequenced in order to offer convenience for the research such as the synthesis of compatible solutes. The genome contains a circular chromosome which was sequenced by PacBio system.
Illumina short read-based shotgun metagenomic data sets of simulated bacterial communities derived from fresh spinach and surface water
Authors: Chen Zhao , Meng Jianghong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Paired-end short reads of Illumina HiSeq, MiSeq, and NovaSeq of simulated bacterial communities from fresh spinach and surface water were generated
in silico
at various sequencing depths. Multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
serotype Indiana was included in the spinach community, while the water community contained multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Interruption of mycothiol synthesis and intracellular redox status impact iron-regulated reporter activation in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Miller Alexandra H. , Marks Frances , Chan Luming , Botella Helene , Schnappinger Dirk , Ehrt Sabine 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Iron scavenging is required for full virulence of mycobacterial pathogens. During infection, the host immune response restricts mycobacterial access to iron, which is essential for bacterial respiration and DNA synthesis. The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
iron-dependent regulator (IdeR) responds to changes in iron accessibility by repressing iron-uptake genes when iron is available. In contrast, iron-uptake gene transcription is induced when iron is depleted. The
ideR
gene is essential in
M. tuberculosis
and is required for bacterial growth. To further study how iron regulates transcription, wee developed an iron responsive reporter system that relies on an IdeR-regulated promoter to drive Cre and
loxP
mediated recombination in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. Recombination leads to the expression of an antibiotic resistance gene so that mutations that activate the IdeR-regulated promoter can be selected. A transposon library in the background of this reporter system was exposed to media containing iron and hemin, and this resulted in the selection of mutants in the antioxidant mycothiol synthesis pathway. We validated that inactivation of the mycothiol synthesis gene
mshA
results in increased recombination and increased IdeR-regulated promoter activity in the reporter system. Further, we show that vitamin C, which has been shown to oxidize iron through the Fenton reaction, can decrease promoter activity in the
mshA
mutant. We conclude that the intracellular redox state balanced by mycothiol can alter IdeR activity in the presence of iron.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium smegmatis
is a tractable organism to study mycobacterial gene regulation. We used
M. smegmatis
to construct a novel recombination-based reporter system that allows for the selection of mutations that deregulate a promoter of interest. Transposon mutagenesis and insertion sequencing (TnSeq) in the recombination reporter strain identified genes that impact iron regulated promoter activity in mycobacteria. We found that the mycothiol synthesis gene
mshA
is required for IdeR mediated transcriptional regulation by maintaining intracellular redox balance. By affecting the oxidative state of the intracellular environment, mycothiol can modulate iron-dependent transcriptional activity. Taken more broadly, this novel reporter system can be used in combination with transposon mutagenesis to identify genes that are required by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
to overcome temporary or local changes in iron availability during infection.
Highly diverse RNA viruses and phage sequences concealed within birds
Authors: Lu Xiang , Ji Likai , Wang Haoning , Zhang Qing , Wang Xiaochun , Liu Yuwei , Shen Quan , Yang Shixing , Ma Xiao , Zhang Wen , Shan Tongling 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The diversity of birds in most parts of the world is very high, and thus, they may carry different types of highly differentiated and unknown viruses. Thanks to advanced sequencing technologies, studies on the diversity of bird-associated viruses have increased over the past few years. In this study, a large-scale viral metagenomics survey was performed on cloacal swabs of 2,990 birds from nine provinces of the Chinese mainland. To detect undescribed RNA viruses in birds, more than 1,800 sequences sharing relatively low (<60%) amino acid sequence identity with the best match in the GenBank database were screened. Potentially novel viruses related to vertebrates have been identified, and several potential recombination signals were found. Additionally, hundreds of RNA viral sequences related to plants, fungi, and insects were detected, including previously unknown viruses. Furthermore, we investigated the novelty, functionality, and classification of the phages examined in this study. These viruses occupied topological positions on the evolutionary trees to a certain extent and might form novel putative families, genera, or species, thus providing information to fill the phylogenetic gaps of related viruses. These findings provided new insights into bird-associated viruses, but the interactions among these viruses remain unknown and require further investigation.

IMPORTANCE
Studying the diversity of RNA viruses in birds and mammals is crucial due to their potential impact on human health and the global ecosystem. Many RNA viruses, such as influenza and coronaviruses, have been shown to cross the species barrier and cause zoonotic diseases. In this metagenomics study involving 2,990 birds from at least 82 species, we identified over 1,800 RNA sequences with distant relationships to known viruses, some of which are rare in birds. The study highlights the scope and diversity of RNA viruses in birds, providing data to predict disease risks and monitor potential viral threats to wildlife, livestock, and human health. This information can aid in the development of strategies for disease prevention and control.
Quality improvement initiative to standardise the anthropometric assessment for children under the age of 5 years at an urban primary health centre in New Delhi
Authors: Sethi Adhish Kumar , Velarambath Manalil Sumna , Das Sandeep , Singh Shahana , Manu Roshan Mariam , Biswas Riya , Shankar Pranav , Gilhotra Parshav , Kaur Ravneet , Nongkynrih Baridalyne 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAnthropometric assessment in the paediatric population is particularly important to assess the child’s general health status, nutritional adequacy, and growth and developmental pattern. However, there are often shortcomings in the quality of anthropometric assessment done in primary healthcare settings despite the presence of established guidelines. In this study, we plan to use the quality improvement (QI) principles to improve the anthropometric assessment of under-5 children attending an urban primary health centre in Delhi, India.MethodsThe study was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. A baseline assessment was conducted to identify the gaps in the anthropometric measurement of under-5 children visiting the outpatient department. A QI team consisting of doctors and key health staff of urban health centre as its members was formed. A root cause analysis of the identified problems was done and changes were planned and implemented in a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle.ResultsThere was a marked improvement in the quality of anthropometric measurements, particularly in length measurement for children <24 months of age (0% at baseline vs 81.0% at end-line). However, the improvement in weight measurement of children less than 5 years was lesser (16.2% at baseline vs 44.6% at end-line).ConclusionAnthropometric assessment of under-5 children can be standardised through the involvement of all stakeholders and capacity building of the concerned healthcare providers, using the QI approach. Repeated assessments are required to ensure the sustainability of the change.
Procedural elements of the complete examination and screening of the healthy term neonate: a protocol for a scoping review and evidence map
Authors: Greene Liz M , O'Connell Rhona , Murphy Margaret , Hegarty Josephine 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAll newborns undergo a Complete Examination and Screening of the Neonate (CESoN) to verify the general health and well-being of the neonate and to screen for signs and symptoms of illness and significant congenital disorders, typically within 72 hours of birth. For healthy, term gestation neonates, this examination is usually performed by a qualified healthcare practitioner that is, a midwife, nurse or physician just prior to discharge from the maternity services. As a precursor to modifying and adapting an instrument that measures the quality of performance of the CESoN by healthcare professionals, this review aims to identify, evaluate, synthesise and map the evidence and theory underpinning current practice and the procedural elements of the CESoN.Methods and analysisThis review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and also the recommendations of the Campbell Collaboration for systematic evidence mapping. Based on the research question, the Person, Concept, Context framework will be used to develop eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. Eligible information shall be sourced by searching electronic databases including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus, and the published guidance from expert bodies on newborn examination and screening (eg, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, American Academy of Pediatrics, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) and the grey literature. This study will include primary and secondary research papers, evidence-based guidelines, and expert text and opinions published in English from 2013 to September 2023.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this scoping review and systematic evidence mapping. The results from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed format, that is, conference proceedings and peer-reviewed healthcare journals.
Inflammatory imbalance in tracheal aspirate of very preterm newborns is associated with airway obstruction and lung function deficiencies at school age: a cohort study
Authors: Hagman Cecilia , Björklund Lars , Hansen Pupp Ingrid , Tufvesson Ellen 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveA low expression of club cell secretory protein (CC16) and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines at preterm birth are associated with airway inflammation and more severe neonatal lung disease. The present study aimed to investigate if low levels of CC16, proinflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in tracheal aspirate early after birth were associated with lung function impairment at school age.Patients and methodsParticipants were 20 children, born very preterm (median gestational age 25+3 weeks+days, IQR: 24+1–27+0 weeks+days), who had tracheal aspirates collected during mechanical ventilation in their first day of life. CC16, cytokines, VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were measured in the tracheal aspirate and later correlated to results from advanced lung function measurements at 12 years of age.ResultsLow levels of CC16 and high levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in tracheal aspirate were associated with airway obstruction at school age but not with other lung function parameters. The correlation with airway obstruction was even stronger when the ratio between the respective proinflammatory cytokine and CC16 was used. In addition, low levels of VEGF and CC16 were associated with impaired diffusion capacity of the lung.ConclusionsAn imbalance in inflammatory mediators and growth factors in the lungs at birth may have consequences for airway function and vasculature at school age in preterm born children.
Patient-derived organoid biobank identifies epigenetic dysregulation of intestinal epithelial MHC-I as a novel mechanism in severe Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Dennison Thomas W , Edgar Rachel D , Payne Felicity , Nayak Komal M , Ross Alexander D. B. , Cenier Aurelie , Glemas Claire , Giachero Federica , Foster April R , Harris Rebecca , Kraiczy Judith , Salvestrini Camilla , Stavrou Georgia , Torrente Franco , Brook Kimberley , Trayers Claire , Elmentaite Rasa , Youssef Gehad , Tél Bálint , Winton Douglas James , Skoufou-Papoutsaki Nefeli , Adler Sam , Bufler Philip , Azabdaftari Aline , Jenke Andreas , G Natasha , Thomas Natasha , Miele Erasmo , Al-Mohammad Abdulrahman , Guarda Greta , Kugathasan Subra , Venkateswaran Suresh , Clatworthy Menna R , Castro-Dopico Tomas , Suchanek Ondrej , Strisciuglio Caterina , Gasparetto Marco , Lee Seokjun , Xu Xingze , Bello Erica , Han Namshik , Zerbino Daniel R. , Teichmann Sarah A , Nys Josquin , Heuschkel Robert , Perrone Francesca , Zilbauer Matthias 
Published: June 2024

Objective
Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed to play a key role in Crohn’s disease (CD) pathogenesis. However, the specific cell types and pathways affected as well as their potential impact on disease phenotype and outcome remain unknown. We set out to investigate the role of intestinal epithelial DNAm in CD pathogenesis.

Design
We generated 312 intestinal epithelial organoids (IEOs) from mucosal biopsies of 168 patients with CD (n=72), UC (n=23) and healthy controls (n=73). We performed genome-wide molecular profiling including DNAm, bulk as well as single-cell RNA sequencing. Organoids were subjected to gene editing and the functional consequences of DNAm changes evaluated using an organoid-lymphocyte coculture and a nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain, leucine-rich repeat and CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) colitis knock-out mouse model.

Results

We identified highly stable, CD-associated loss of DNAm at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 loci including
NLRC5
and cognate gene upregulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of primary mucosal tissue and IEOs confirmed the role of NLRC5 as transcriptional transactivator in the intestinal epithelium. Increased mucosal MHC-I and NLRC5 expression in adult and paediatric patients with CD was validated in additional cohorts and the functional role of MHC-I highlighted by demonstrating a relative protection from DSS-mediated mucosal inflammation in NLRC5-deficient mice. MHC-I DNAm in IEOs showed a significant correlation with CD disease phenotype and outcomes. Application of machine learning approaches enabled the development of a disease prognostic epigenetic molecular signature.

Conclusions
Our study has identified epigenetically regulated intestinal epithelial MHC-I as a novel mechanism in CD pathogenesis.
Diamedica Draw-over Vaporiser: bench testing the UK Defence Anaesthesia System in the deployed environment
Authors: Bourn Sebastian , Rylah O , Fishenden T , Connor D 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe Diamedica Draw-over Vaporiser 2 (DDV2) is the sevoflurane vaporiser used by the UK Defence Medical Services to provide deployed volatile general anaesthesia. The Defence Anaesthesia System employs the DDV2 with a turbine-driven ventilator as a ‘push-over’ vaporiser, a modification from the manufacturer’s design. We investigated sevoflurane delivery at varying minute volumes (MVs), vaporiser settings and temperatures in this configuration.MethodsA range of DDV2 settings (1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and induction) and MVs (2, 4, 6 and 8 L/min at 12 ventilations per minute) were tested at two ambient temperatures (20 and 30±3°C) over 30 min. A supplemental experiment, simulating anaesthesia during damage control surgery, was also completed, where he DDV2 was set to 2% with a 6 L/min MV for 90 min.ResultsIn both experiments, two distinct phases of sevoflurane delivery were noted, a ‘wash-in phase’ followed by a ‘maintenance period’. The wash-in phase normally lasted less than 5 min. During the maintenance period at low MVs and vaporiser settings the DDV2 delivered a constant output, while at higher MVs and settings vapour output fell predictably. At 20±3°C, using DDV2 settings likely to be encountered in clinical practice, sevoflurane delivery was within 20% of that set. Higher vaporiser settings, MVs and temperatures resulted in greater variation between vaporiser setting and agent delivery. This variation is explained by the incomplete temperature compensation of the DDV2.ConclusionsThe DDV2 functions predictably at a range of settings, MVs and temperatures. Anaesthetic delivery in the defence anaesthesia configuration is like that previously described in the draw-over configuration. The equipment was found to be reliable and robust. This experimental work supports the continued use of the Defence Anaesthesia System for the delivery of and training in deployed general anaesthesia.
Are physical fitness, a history of childbirth and injury history related to knee valgus in female Canadian Armed Forces members during a bodyweight overhead squat movement?
Authors: Edwards Chris Margaret , da Silva D , Puranda J L , Miller É , Semeniuk K , Adamo K B 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesA history of childbirth is associated with musculoskeletal injury (MSKi) in female members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). While previous injury and pregnancy impact knee kinematics, it is unclear if a history of childbirth is associated with medial knee displacement (MKD) in an overhead squat movement screen. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between MKD and (1) MSKi and (2) parity status in female CAF members.Methods24 nulliparous and 21 parous female participants employed by the CAF completed a comprehensive physical fitness assessment of muscular flexibility, power, strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and a bodyweight overhead squat movement screen (recorded using two-dimensional video, and hip–knee–ankle angle measured using Kinovea software). Interactions between MKD, parity status and MSKi history were assessed by one-way analysis of variance and two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (adjusted for age).ResultsAn interaction between parity status and acute injury of the lower extremity was observed (F=4.379, p=0.043, η2=0.099) in MKD of the right knee. The two-way ANCOVA examining acute injury of the lumbopelvic hip complex (lower back, pelvis, hip) yielded an interaction between acute injury to the lumbopelvic hip complex and parity status (F=4.601, p=0.038, η2=0.103) in MKD asymmetry.DiscussionParous participants with acute injury to the lower extremity had larger MKD than parous without this injury type. Parous participants without acute injury to the lumbopelvic hip complex had greater MKD asymmetry than nulliparous without this injury type. Our findings suggest that researchers and clinicians should consider parity status in conjunction with MSKi history when assessing knee kinematics in female military members.
Assessing the Relationship between Biomarkers of Exposure and Biomarkers of Potential Harm: PATH Study Wave 1 (2013 to 2014)
Authors: Chang Cindy M. , Thakur Sapna , Montes de Oca Ruben , Rostron Brian L. , Cheng Yu-Ching , Wright M. Jerry , van Bemmel Dana M. , Wang Lanqing , Hatsukami Dorothy K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
The adequacy of biomarkers of potential harm (BOPH) for assessing tobacco products was explored based on their ability to distinguish tobacco use from non-use, change with cessation, and to show biological gradient.

Methods:
The sample included individuals with biomarker data in wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco Health study who never used tobacco, currently smoke cigarettes exclusively, used to smoke cigarettes exclusively (quit in past 12 months), currently use smokeless tobacco exclusively, and currently use e-cigarettes exclusively. We compared BOPH levels between groups and assessed the relationships between log-transformed biomarkers of exposure [BOE; total nicotine equivalents including seven nicotine metabolites (TNE-7), 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanonol (NNAL), N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine, 1-hydroxypyrene, cadmium, and serum cotinine (SCOT)], and BOPH [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and 8-isoprostane].

Results:
Among people who smoke, both sICAM-1 and 8-isoprostane distinguished smoking from non-use and were associated with all six BOE. Among people who use smokeless tobacco, 8-isoprostane was associated with TNE-7 and NNAL whereas hs-CRP was associated with SCOT. Among people who use e-cigarettes, no associations between BOPH and BOE were observed.

Conclusions:
Both sICAM-1 and 8-isoprostane may be useful for assessing the use or changes in use of some tobacco products. Studies examining their predictive validity could further strengthen our understanding of these two biomarkers.

Impact:
We found that two biomarkers of potential harm, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and 8-isoprostane, may have utility in studies assessing the potential harm of tobacco use in absence of long-term epidemiological studies.