bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of a Pair of Unequal Rotational Fluxes on Entrained Gaseous Filament
Authors: Panda Santosh Kumar , Rana Basanta Kumar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Efforts are made to elucidate a comprehensive analysis of entrainment dynamics triggered by a couple of unequal rotational fluxes within a viscous pool. Cylindrical rollers are employed to establish the rotational field. The top drum is equally submerged in both phases and also it provides a constant rotational inertia. Concomitantly, the bottom roller is completely submerged in the viscous bath, and it provides an unequal rotational strength in reference to top roller. The average rotational strength of both rollers is measured using average Capillary number (Caavg). The entrainment phenomenon is strongly influenced by both Caavg and gap between the rollers (W/D). Characterization of entrained filament is elucidated by predicting the horizontal distance (L*), radial distance (r*), temporal vertical displacement (Y*), maximum vertical displacement (Ymax*), width (H*), and location of V-shaped diversion (Øs*). Characterization of liquid tip is performed by measuring the travel rate (γ*) along periphery of drum from receding to advancing junction. Air mass ejection from filament tip is analyzed by estimating the first bubble ejection time (t1st*), volume of accumulated of ejected gaseous masses (v*), and ejection frequency (f). Furthermore, the effect of gravitational pull (specified by Archimedes number, Ar) and viscous drag (measured by Morton number, Mo) on the pattern of entrained air filament is described. Lastly, an analytical framework is established to determine the width of the V-junction by balancing the important influencing forces, which are strongly affecting the filament. Analytical observations show a satisfactory agreement with numerical findings.
Research on Prediction Methods for Eccentric Wear of the Slipper Pair in Axial Piston Pumps and Lubrication Performance Analysis
Authors: Du Zunling , Zhang Yimin , Lu Wenjia , Huang Weibo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The axial piston pump (APP) is the core power component of hydraulic systems. Its friction pair wear can cause the degradation of piston pump performance until the function is completely lost or the service life is terminated. The slipper pair, prone to wear failure, is selected as the research object in this paper. The prediction method for the eccentric wear of the slipper pair is established, and the gradual change rules of the performance with wear accumulation are explored. The micro-surface rough peak contact and the stress state of the slipper pair are analyzed, and the mixed lubrication model of the slipper pair is established based on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model of the slipper pair. Grid discretization of a sealing belt of the slipper pair is carried out based on two-body abrasive wear and Archard adhesive wear models to improve the prediction method for eccentric wear of the slipper pair. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a surface morphology analysis of the worn slipper. The results showed that the wear depth and wear width of the outer edge of the slipper bottom surface are positively correlated with the oil discharge pressure and the inclination angle of the swashplate, and negatively correlated with the rotational speed and the dynamic oil viscosity. The outer edge of the slipper is wedged after eccentric wear, and the hydrodynamic effect of the lubricating oil film of the slipper pair is enhanced. Hence, proper wear can improve the lubrication performance of the slipper pair.
The Ptk2-Pma1 pathway enhances tolerance to terbinafine in
Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Kazuki , Ichinose Koji , Monod Michel , Ohata Shinya 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The increasing prevalence of dermatophyte resistance to terbinafine, a key drug in the treatment of dermatophytosis, represents a significant obstacle to treatment.
Trichophyton rubrum
is the most commonly isolated fungus in dermatophytosis. In
T. rubrum
, we identified TERG_07844, a gene encoding a previously uncharacterized putative protein kinase, as an ortholog of budding yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
polyamine transport kinase 2 (Ptk2), and found that
T. rubrum
Ptk2 (TrPtk2) is involved in terbinafine tolerance. In both
T. rubrum
and
S. cerevisiae
, Ptk2 knockout strains were more sensitive to terbinafine compared with the wild types, suggesting that promotion of terbinafine tolerance is a conserved function of fungal Ptk2. Pma1 is activated through phosphorylation by Ptk2 in
S. cerevisiae
. Overexpression of
T. rubrum
Pma1 (TrPma1) in
T. rubrum
Ptk2 knockout strain (ΔTrPtk2) suppressed terbinafine sensitivity, suggesting that the induction of terbinafine tolerance by TrPtk2 is mediated by TrPma1. Furthermore, omeprazole, an inhibitor of plasma membrane proton pump Pma1, increased the terbinafine sensitivity of clinically isolated terbinafine-resistant strains. These findings suggest that, in dermatophytes, the TrPtk2-TrPma1 pathway plays a key role in promoting intrinsic terbinafine tolerance and may serve as a potential target for combinational antifungal therapy against terbinafine-resistant dermatophytes.
Identification of a short sequence motif in the influenza A virus pathogenicity factor PB1-F2 required for inhibition of human NLRP3
Authors: Silva Filo , Boal-Carvalho Inês , Williams Nathalia , Chabert Mehdi , Niu Chengyue , Hedhili Dalila , Choltus Hélèna , Liaudet Nicolas , Gaïa Nadia , Karenovics Wolfram , Francois Patrice , Schmolke Mirco 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Influenza A virus infection activates the NLRP3 inflammasome, a multiprotein signaling complex responsible for the proteolytic activation and release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β from monocytes and macrophages. Some influenza A virus (IAV) strains encode a short 90-amino acid peptide (PB1-F2) on an alternative open reading frame of segment 2, with immunomodulatory activity. We recently demonstrated that contemporary IAV PB1-F2 inhibits the activation of NLRP3, potentially by NEK7-dependent activation. PB1-F2 binds to NLRP3 with its C-terminal 50 amino acids, but the exact binding motif was unknown. On the NLRP3 side, the interface is formed through the leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) domain, potentially in conjunction with the pyrin domain. Here, we took advantage of PB1-F2 sequences from IAV strains with either weak or strong NLRP3 interaction. Sequence comparison and structure prediction using Alphafold2 identified a short four amino acid sequence motif (TQGS) in PB1-F2 that defines NLRP3-LRR binding. Conversion of this motif to that of the non-binding PB1-F2 suffices to lose inhibition of NLRP3 dependent IL-1β release. The TQGS motif further alters the subcellular localization of PB1-F2 and its colocalization with NLRP3 LRR and pyrin domain. Structural predictions suggest the establishment of additional hydrogen bonds between the C-terminus of PB1-F2 and the LRR domain of NLRP3, with two hydrogen bonds connecting to threonine and glutamine of the TQGS motif. Phylogenetic data show that the identified NLRP3 interaction motif in PB1-F2 is widely conserved among recent IAV-infecting humans. Our data explain at a molecular level the specificity of NLRP3 inhibition by influenza A virus.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A virus infection is accompanied by a strong inflammatory response and high fever. The human immune system facilitates the swift clearance of the virus with this response. An essential signal protein in the proinflammatory host response is IL-1b. It is released from inflammatory macrophages, and its production and secretion depend on the function of NLRP3. We had previously shown that influenza A virus blocks NLRP3 activation by the expression of a viral inhibitor, PB1-F2. Here, we demonstrate how this short peptide binds to NLRP3 and provide evidence that a four amino acid stretch in PB1-F2 is necessary and sufficient to mediate this binding. Our data identify a new virus-host interface required to block one signaling path of the innate host response against influenza A virus.
Extracellular vesicles in mycobacteria: new findings in biogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and diagnostics
Authors: Salgueiro Vivian C. , Passemar Charlotte , Vázquez-Iniesta Lucía , Lerma Laura , Floto Andrés , Prados-Rosales Rafael 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Since the discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mycobacterial species 15 years back, we have learned that this phenomenon is conserved in the
Mycobacterium
genus and has critical roles in bacterial physiology and host-pathogen interactions.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
), the tuberculosis (TB) causative agent, produces EVs both
in vitro
and
in vivo
including a diverse set of biomolecules with demonstrated immunomodulatory effects. Moreover,
Mtb
EVs (MEVs) have been shown to possess vaccine properties and carry biomarkers with diagnostic capacity. Although information on MEV biogenesis relative to other bacterial species is scarce, recent studies have shed light on how MEVs originate and are released to the extracellular space. In this minireview, we discuss past and new information about the vesiculogenesis phenomenon in
Mtb
, including biogenesis, MEV cargo, aspects in the context of host-pathogen interactions, and applications that could help to develop effective tools to tackle the disease.
Taqman PACMAN: a simple molecular approach for positive rapid antigen test confirmation during periods of low prevalence
Authors: McCracken Gregory R. , Patriquin Glenn , Hatchette Todd F. , Davidson Ross J. , Goodall Barbara , Barrett Lisa , MacDonald James , Heinstein Charles , Pettipas Janice , Ross John , LeBlanc Jason J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) were widely deployed to enhance SARS-CoV-2 testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with national guidance for low prevalence settings, positive Ag-RDTs were confirmed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to avoid false positive results. However, increasing demands for positive Ag-RDT confirmation competed with other testing priorities in clinical laboratories. This work hypothesized that real-time RT-PCR without nucleic acid extraction (NAE) would be sufficiently sensitive to support positive Ag-RDT confirmation. Ag-RDT and NAAT results from community-based asymptomatic testing sites prior to the omicron variant wave were compared to calculate the weekly false positive rate (FPR) and false detection rate (FDR). Real-time RT-PCR was compared with and without NAE using 752 specimens previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using commercial NAATs and 344 specimens from Ag-RDT-positive individuals. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence on laboratory resources required to sustain Ag-RDT confirmation was modeled for the RT-PCR with and without NAE. Overall, FPR was low [0.07% (222/330,763)] in asymptomatic testing sites, but FDR was high [30.7% (222/724)]. When RT-PCR was compared with and without NAE, 100% concordance was obtained with NAAT-positive specimens, including those from Ag-RDT-positive individuals. NAE-free RT-PCR significantly reduced time to results, human resources, and overall costs. A 30.7% FDR reaffirms the need for NAAT-based confirmation of positive Ag-RDT results during low SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. NAE-free RT-PCR was shown to be a simple and cost-sparing NAAT-based solution for positive Ag-RDT confirmation, and its implementation supported data-driven broader Ag-RDT deployment into communities, workplaces, and households.

IMPORTANCE
Rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2 was widely deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In settings of low prevalence, national guidance recommends that positive antigen test results be confirmed with molecular testing. Given the high testing burden on clinical laboratories during the COVID-19 pandemic, the high volume of positive antigen tests submitted for confirmatory testing posed challenges for laboratory workflow. This study demonstrated that a simple PCR method without prior nucleic acid purification is an accurate and cost-effective solution for positive rapid antigen test confirmation. Implementing this method allowed molecular confirmatory testing for positive antigen tests to be sustained as antigen testing was expanded into large populations such as workplaces, schools, and households.
Collaborative design of a health research training programme for nurses and midwives in Tshwane district, South Africa: a study protocol
Authors: Gundo Rodwell , Mulaudzi Mavis Fhumulani 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNurses are essential for implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Unfortunately, nurses lack knowledge about research and do not always understand research terminology. This study aims to develop an in-service training programme for health research for nurses and midwives in the Tshwane district of South Africa.Methods and analysisThis protocol outlines a codesign study guided by the five stages of design thinking proposed by the Hasso-Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University. The participants will include nurses and midwives at two hospitals in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province. The five stages will be implemented in three phases: Phase 1: Stage 1—empathise and Stage 2—define. Exploratory sequential mixed methods including focus group discussions with nurses and midwives (n=40), face-to-face interviews (n=6), and surveys (n=330), will be used in this phase. Phase 2: Stage 3—ideate and Stage 4—prototype. A team of research experts (n=5), nurses and midwives (n=20) will develop the training programme based on the identified learning needs. Phase 3: Stage 5—test. The programme will be delivered to clinical nurses and midwives (n=41). The training programme will be evaluated through pretraining and post-training surveys and face-to-face interviews (n=4) following training. SPSS V.29 will be used for quantitative analysis, and content analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Pretoria (reference number 123/2023). The protocol is also registered with the National Health Research Database in South Africa (reference number GP_202305_032). The study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Supplements for cognitive ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Xin-Yue , Li Ya-Qin , Yin Zi-Han , Bao Qiong-Nan , Xia Man-Ze , Chen Zheng-Hong , Zhong Wan-Qi , Wu Ke-Xin , Yao Jin , Liang Fan-Rong 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionConsidering the increasing incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) worldwide, there is an urgent need to identify efficacious, safe and convenient treatments. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the use of supplements in this domain, with oral supplementation emerging as a viable therapeutic approach for AD or MCI. Nevertheless, given the multitude of available supplements, it becomes imperative to identify the optimal treatment regimen.Methods and analysisEight academic databases and three clinical trial registries will be searched from their inception to 1 June 2023. To identify randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of supplements on patients with AD or MCI, two independent reviewers (X-YZ and Y-QL) will extract relevant information from eligible articles, while the risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the Rob 2.0 tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome of interest is the overall cognitive function. Pair-wise meta-analysis will be conducted using RevMan V.5.3, while network meta-analysis will be carried out using Stata 17.0 and ADDIS 1.16.8. Heterogeneity test, data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed if necessary. The GRADE system will be employed to assess the quality of evidence. This study is scheduled to commence on 1 June 2023 and conclude on 1 October 2023.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for systematic review and network meta-analysis. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal or at a conference.Trial registration numberPROSPERO (CRD42023414700).
Quality measures of virtual care in ambulatory healthcare environments: a scoping review
Authors: Petrie Samuel , Laur Celia , Rios Patricia , Suarez Ally , Makanjuola Oluwatoni , Burke Emeralda , Bhattacharyya Onil , Mukerji Geetha 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesDelivery of virtual care increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and persisted after physical distancing measures ended. However, little is known about how to measure the quality of virtual care, as current measures focus on in-person care and may not apply to a virtual context. This scoping review aims to understand the connections between virtual care modalities used with ambulatory patient populations and quality measures across the Quintuple Aim (provider experience, patient experience, per capita cost, population health and health equity).DesignVirtual care was considered any interaction between patients and/or their circle of care occurring remotely using any form of information technology. Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, JBI) and grey literature sources (11 websites, 3 search engines) were searched from 2015 to June 2021 and again in August 2022 for publications that analysed virtual care in ambulatory settings. Indicators were extracted, double-coded into the Quintuple Aim framework; patient and provider experience indicators were further categorised based on the National Academy of Medicine quality framework (safety, effectiveness, patient-centredness, timeliness, efficiency and equity). Sustainability was added to capture the potential for continued use of virtual care.Results13 504 citations were double-screened resulting in 631 full-text articles, 66 of which were included. Common modalities included video or audio visits (n=43), remote monitoring (n=11) and mobile applications (n=11). The most common quality indicators were related to patient experience (n=58 articles), followed by provider experience (n=25 articles), population health outcomes (n=23 articles) and health system costs (n=19 articles).ConclusionsThe connections between virtual care modalities and quality domains identified here can inform clinicians, administrators and other decision-makers how to monitor the quality of virtual care and provide insights into gaps in current quality measures. The next steps include the development of a balanced scorecard of virtual care quality indicators for ambulatory settings to inform quality improvement.
Association between proton pump inhibitors and risk of hepatic encephalopathy in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Su Yun , Chen Yueqiao , Zheng Jinghui , Yao Chun 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionHepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major complication of acute liver failure, cirrhosis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. Its clinical manifestations range from mild cognitive deficits to coma. Furthermore, HE is a financial burden to a patient’s family and significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. In clinical practice, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for the treatment of HE. The use of PPIs is associated with an increased risk of post-TIPS HE; however, findings on the risk relationship between PPIs and post-TIPS HE are inconsistent. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the relationship is needed to further provide valid evidence for the rational use of PPIs in patients who undergo TIPS.Methods and analysisPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Embase will be searched extensively for relevant information. Information from 1 July 2023 to 31 July 2023 in these databases will be included. Primary outcomes will be the use of PPIs and incidence of HE after TIPS; secondary outcomes will be survival, dose dependence and adverse events. This meta-analysis will be reported in accordance with the 50 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020. The risk of bias, heterogeneity and quality of evidence of the included studies will be evaluated prior to the data analysis. All data will be analysed using Review Manager (V.5.4.1) and Stata (V.17.0) statistical software.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be necessary for this review and meta-analysis. The results of the study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022359208.
Incidence of hypopituitarism in adults undergoing radiotherapy for neck and head cancer: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Barros-Sevillano Shamir , Cabanillas-Lazo Miguel , Sedano-Chiroque Franshesca L , Escajadillo-Vergara Camila , Espinoza-Martinez David , Pinedo-Torres Isabel 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionWhen children with head and neck cancer receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment, a considerable frequency of hypopituitarism has been recognised. However, in adults, it has been little studied and it is possible that patients may be inadvertently affected. The objective is to estimate the incidence of anterior pituitary dysfunction in adults undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.Methods and analysisA total of five databases will be used to perform the document search: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), Ovid-MEDLINE and Embase. Cohort studies will be included without restriction by language or date. The main outcome will be the incidence of adenohypophyseal dysfunction for each axis: prolactin, growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Incidence meta-analysis will be performed using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine method. In addition, a random-effects model will be used along with a 95% CI. Subgroup analyses will be performed according to tumour location, radiation dose and endocrine assessment time. Meta-regression will be applied according to patient’s age and time elapsed until diagnosis.Ethics and disclosureSince this will be a systematic review of published data, no ethics committee approval is required. The results will be presented at conferences and finally published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021235163.