bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Design Methodology for Micro-Gas-Turbines—Part II: System Analysis and Optimization
Authors: Badum Lukas , Cukurel Beni 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Owing to their high specific energy capabilities, ultramicrogas turbines (UMGT) are a high-potential technology to provide portable electric power supply for applications with demand of less than 1 kW. UMGT conceptual design is challenged by small-scale effects augmenting interdisciplinary dependencies leading to highly coupled, nonlinear component interactions. This work provides a novel approach to conceptual UMGT design by combining reduced order component and system modeling with constrained multi-objective optimization. Hereby, Part I presents integrated design and performance modeling of compressor, turbine, combustor, and generator. In Part II, the heat engine and generator modules are merged into a system framework by establishing conceptual UMGT rotor geometry and engine design. Following bearing selection and lifetime assessment, experimentally validated reduced order models are developed for heat transfer and rotordynamic analysis. Using the elaborated framework, a constrained multi-objective system optimization of a 300 W engine is performed based on ten design parameters and comparing SiAlON and Inconel 718 as potential rotor materials available for additive manufacturing. Hereby, bearing lifetime, system efficiency, and specific power are maximized while meeting rotordynamic, structural, and thermal requirements. Evaluating the results, interdisciplinary effects are highlighted, and two optimum engine configurations are suggested.
Effect of the Key Geometry and Flow Parameters on Discharge Coefficient of Laidback Fan-Shaped Hole Under Coolant Crossflow Condition
Authors: Haoyang Liu , Qiang Du , Qingzong Xu , Guangyao Xu , Hongye Li , Dawei Chen , Song Liu , Siyi Wang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A laidback fan-shaped hole is commonly used due to its superior lateral film coverage. Its discharge coefficient is significantly influenced by internal crossflow owing to its complex geometrical structure. In this paper, the authors numerically investigate the flow mechanisms of the laidback fan-shaped hole under the influence of internal crossflow. The numerical simulations utilize the validated SST k–ω turbulence model, with the Reynolds number of internal crossflow ranging from 20,000 to 160,000 and the ratio of pressure ranging from 1 to 1.6. The results show that the different orientations of internal crossflow cause varying degrees of in-hole separation that led to a discrepancy in the discharge coefficient. The larger the Reynolds number of the crossflow is, the more drastic the change in the discharge coefficient. Furthermore, a comparison between the results obtained with and without internal crossflow has shown that the length of the cylindrical section is the primary factor determining the discharge coefficient of the laidback fan-shaped hole. The magnitude of the discharge coefficient depended on the extent of flow separation within the cylindrical section. Additionally, the numerical simulations obtained the discharge coefficient under a high internal crossflow Reynolds number of internal crossflow and a wall with a constant thickness and compared it with the predictions of a low-dimensional model of the discharge coefficient (based on our previous experimental data). The discrepancy between the results is within 10%, thus verifying the scalability of the low-dimensional model.
Contribution of Hfq to gene regulation and virulence in
Histophilus somni
Authors: Cao Dianjun , Subhadra Bindu , Lee Yue-Jia , Thoresen Merrilee , Cornejo Santiago , Olivier Alicia , Woolums Amelia , Inzana Thomas J. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Histophilus somni
is one of the predominant bacterial pathogens responsible for bovine respiratory and systemic diseases in cattle. Despite the identification of numerous
H. somni
virulence factors, little is known about the regulation of such factors. The post-transcriptional regulatory protein Hfq may play a crucial role in regulation of components that affect bacterial virulence. The contribution of Hfq to
H. somni
phenotype and virulence was investigated following creation of an
hfq
deletion mutant of
H. somni
strain 2336 (designated
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
). A comparative analysis of the mutant to the wild-type strain was carried out by examining protein and carbohydrate phenotype, RNA sequence, intracellular survival in bovine monocytes, serum susceptibility, and virulence studies in mouse and calf models.
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
exhibited a truncated lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure, with loss of sialylation. The mutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to intracellular and serum-mediated killing compared to the wild-type strain. Transcriptomic analysis displayed significant differential expression of 832 upregulated genes and 809 downregulated genes in
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
compared to
H. somni
strain 2336, including significant downregulation of
lsgB
and
licA
, which contribute to LOS oligosaccharide synthesis and sialylation. A substantial number of differentially expressed genes were associated with polysaccharide synthesis and other proteins that could influence virulence. The
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
mutant strain was attenuated in a mouse septicemia model and somewhat attenuated in a calf intrabronchial challenge model.
H. somni
was recovered less frequently from nasopharyngeal swabs, endotracheal aspirates, and lung tissues of calves challenged with
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
compared to the wild-type strain, and the percentage of abnormal lung tissue in calves challenged with
H. somni
2336Δ
hfq
was lower than in calves challenged with the wild-type strain. In conclusion, our results support that Hfq accounts for the regulation of
H. somni
virulence factors.
Cytotoxic rhamnolipid micelles drive acute virulence in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Xu Qi , Kang Donghoon , Meyer Matthew D. , Pennington Christopher L. , Gopal Citrupa , Schertzer Jeffrey W. , Kirienko Natalia V. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic human pathogen that has developed multi- or even pan-drug resistance toward most frontline and last resort antibiotics, leading to increasing frequency of infections and deaths among hospitalized patients, especially those with compromised immune systems. Further complicating treatment,
P. aeruginosa
produces numerous virulence factors that contribute to host tissue damage and immune evasion, promoting bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of rhamnolipid production in host-pathogen interactions. Secreted rhamnolipids form micelles that exhibited highly acute toxicity toward murine macrophages, rupturing the plasma membrane and causing organellar membrane damage within minutes of exposure. While rhamnolipid micelles (RMs) were particularly toxic to macrophages, they also caused membrane damage in human lung epithelial cells, red blood cells, Gram-positive bacteria, and even noncellular models like giant plasma membrane vesicles. Most importantly, rhamnolipid production strongly correlated with
P. aeruginosa
virulence against murine macrophages in various panels of clinical isolates. Altogether, our findings suggest that rhamnolipid micelles are highly cytotoxic virulence factors that drive acute cellular damage and immune evasion during
P. aeruginosa
infections.
AHL-differential quorum sensing regulation of amino acid metabolism in
Hafnia alvei
H4
Authors: Yan Congyang , Li Xue , Zhang Gongliang , Bi Jingran , Hao Hongshun , Hou Hongman 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Quorum sensing (QS) regulation of functional metabolites is rarely reported but a common trait of some bacteria. In this study, we found that QS promoted the extracellular accumulation of glycine and serine while inhibiting the extracellular accumulation of methionine in
Hafnia alvei
H4. The correlation analysis of five QS signals with the above three QS-regulated amino acids suggested that these QS signals may have functional differences in amino acid regulation. The exogenous AHL add-back studies on genes involved in glycine, serine, and methionine metabolic pathway highlighted that
N
-octanoyl-
l
-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) downregulated the expression of
sdhC
/
fumA
genes involved in the succinate to malate pathway, thereby reducing the metabolic flux of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle as an amino acid metabolism platform. Further in-depth research revealed that the QS system promoted the conversion of folate to tetrahydrofolate (THF) by positively regulating the expression of
folA
and
folM
, thus impairing the ability of folate to promote methionine accumulation. Moreover, folate positively regulated the expression of the QS signal synthesis gene
luxI
, promoting the synthesis of QS signals, which may further enhance the influence of the QS system on amino acid metabolism. These findings contribute to the understanding of amino acid metabolism regulated by QS and provide new perspectives for accurate control of metabolic regulation caused by QS.

IMPORTANCE

As one of the important regulatory mechanisms of microorganisms, quorum sensing (QS) is involved in the regulation of various physiological activities. However, few studies on the regulation of amino acid metabolism by QS are available. This study demonstrated that the LuxI-type QS system of
Hafnia alvei
H4 was involved in the regulation of multiple amino acid metabolism, and different types of QS signals exhibited different roles in regulating amino acid metabolism. Additionally, the regulatory effects of the QS system on amino acid metabolism were investigated from two important cycles that influence the conversion of amino acids, including the TCA cycle and the folate cycle. These findings provide new ideas on the role of QS system in the regulation of amino acid metabolism in organisms.
Zea mays
cultivation, biochar, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation influenced lead immobilization
Authors: Jia Qiong , Sun Jiahua , Gan Qiuyu , Shi Nan-Nan , Fu Shenglei 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Plant cultivation can influence the immobilization of heavy metals in soil. However, the roles of soil amendments and microorganisms in crop-based phytoremediation require further exploration. In this study, we evaluated the impact of
Zea mays
L. cultivation, biochar application, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on soil lead (Pb) immobilization. Our results indicated that biochar addition resulted in a significant, 42.00%, reduction in AMF colonization. Plant cultivation, AMF inoculation, and biochar addition all contributed to enhanced Pb immobilization, as evidenced by decreased levels of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid- and CaCl
2
-extractable Pb in the soil. Furthermore, soil subjected to plant cultivation with AMF and biochar displayed reduced concentrations of bioavailable Pb. Biochar addition altered the distribution of Pb fractions in the soil, transforming the acid-soluble form into the relatively inert reducible and oxidizable forms. Additionally, biochar, AMF, and their combined use promoted maize growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, shoot and root biomass, and phosphorus uptake, while simultaneously reducing the shoot Pb concentration. These findings suggest a synergistic effect in Pb phytostabilization. In summary, despite the adverse impact of biochar on mycorrhizal growth, cultivating maize with the concurrent use of biochar and AMF emerges as a recommended and effective strategy for Pb phytoremediation.

IMPORTANCE
Heavy metal contamination in soil is a pressing environmental issue, and phytoremediation has emerged as a sustainable approach for mitigating this problem. This study sheds light on the potential of maize cultivation, biochar application, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation to enhance the immobilization of Pb in contaminated soil. The findings demonstrate that the combined use of biochar and AMF during maize cultivation can significantly improve Pb immobilization and simultaneously enhance maize growth, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and effective Pb phytoremediation practices. This research contributes valuable insights into the field of phytoremediation and its potential to address heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils.
Risk factors and provider awareness of sexually transmitted enteric pathogens among men who have sex with men
Authors: Miller Timothy Isaac , Banning Stephanie , Lieberman Joshua A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Sexual transmission of enteric pathogens among men who have sex with men (MSM) is well documented, although whether providers are cognizant of this risk when MSM patients present with gastrointestinal symptoms has not been studied. Over 34 months at a major tertiary metropolitan medical system, this study retrospectively analyzed 436 BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal results from 361 patients documented as MSM. An extensive chart review was performed, including specific sexual behaviors, socioeconomic risk factors, and whether providers charted a sexual history when a patient presented for care. Overall BioFire positivity rate was 62% with no significant difference in positivity between persons living with HIV and those without. Patients charted as sexually active had a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of a positive result compared to those who were not. Anilingus had the highest OR. Providers charted any type of sexual history in 40.6% of cases, and HIV/infectious disease providers were significantly more likely to do this compared to other subspecialties. Sexual transmission of enteric pathogens within MSM is ongoing, and patients are at risk regardless of living with HIV. Not all sexual behaviors have the same associated risk, highlighting opportunities to decrease transmission. Increased provider vigilance and better patient education on sexual transmission of enteric pathogens are needed to reduce the disease burden.

IMPORTANCE
Our work adds several key findings to the growing body of literature describing the epidemiology of enteric pathogens as sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). We analyzed clinical test results, housing status, provider awareness, sexual behaviors, and symptoms for 361 patients. We found that any sexual activity was associated with an increased risk of diarrheal pathogen detection, whereas being unhoused was not a risk factor. These findings suggest separate transmission networks between unhoused persons, who are also at risk of infectious diarrhea, and MSM. Moreover, our study suggested low awareness among patient-facing clinicians that diarrheal pathogens can be sexually transmitted. Together, our findings indicate an important opportunity to disrupt transmission cycles by educating clinicians on how to assess and counsel MSM patients.
Orally available nucleoside analog UMM-766 provides protection in a murine model of orthopox disease
Authors: Mudhasani Rajini R. , Golden Joseph W. , Adam Gregory C. , Hartingh Timothy J. , Kota Krishna P. , Ordonez David , Quackenbush Corey R. , Tran Julie P. , Cline Curtis , Williams Janice A. , Zeng Xiankun , Olsen David B. , Lieberman Linda A. , Boyce Christopher , Ginnetti Anthony , Meinig J. Matthew , Panchal Rekha G. , Mucker Eric M. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Although smallpox has been eradicated, other orthopoxviruses continue to be a public health concern as exemplified by the ongoing Mpox (formerly monkeypox) global outbreak. While medical countermeasures (MCMs) previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of smallpox have been adopted for Mpox, previously described vulnerabilities coupled with the questionable benefit of at least one of the therapeutics during the 2022 Mpox outbreak reinforce the need for identifying and developing other MCMs against orthopoxviruses. Here, we screened a panel of Merck proprietary small molecules and identified a novel nucleoside inhibitor with potent broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple orthopoxviruses. Efficacy testing of a 7-day dosing regimen of the orally administered nucleoside in a murine model of severe orthopoxvirus infection yielded a dose-dependent increase in survival. Treated animals had greatly reduced lesions in the lung and nasal cavity, particularly in the 10 µg/mL dosing group. Viral levels were also markedly lower in the UMM-766-treated animals. This work demonstrates that this nucleoside analog has anti-orthopoxvirus efficacy and can protect against severe disease in a murine orthopox model.

IMPORTANCE
The recent monkeypox virus pandemic demonstrates that members of the orthopoxvirus, which also includes variola virus, which causes smallpox, remain a public health issue. While currently FDA-approved treatment options exist, risks that resistant strains of orthopoxviruses may arise are a great concern. Thus, continued exploration of anti-poxvirus treatments is warranted. Here, we developed a template for a high-throughput screening assay to identify anti-poxvirus small-molecule drugs. By screening available drug libraries, we identified a compound that inhibited orthopoxvirus replication in cell culture. We then showed that this drug can protect animals against severe disease. Our findings here support the use of existing drug libraries to identify orthopoxvirus-targeting drugs that may serve as human-safe products to thwart future outbreaks.
Socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children: a cross-sectional analysis of trends in West Africa over two decades
Authors: Adamou Habila , Naba Gregoire , Koné Hamidou 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo study trends in socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children in West Africa, and specifically to analyse the concentration index of underweight inequalities and measure inequalities in the risk of being malnourished by household wealth index.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe study used 50 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted between 1999 and 2020 across 14 countries by the DHS and UNICEF.ParticipantsThe study included 481 349 children under the age of 5 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis used three variables: weight-for-age index, household wealth index and household residence. The inequality concentration index for underweight children and the relative risk of being underweight between 2000 and 2020 were calculated.ResultsThe prevalence of underweight in West Africa showed a downward trend from 2000 to 2020. Nonetheless, the prevalence of underweight children under 5 years of age is still very high in West Africa compared with other sub-Saharan African countries, and the sustainable development objective is yet to be achieved. There was a wide disparity among countries and significant socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children within countries. The proportions of underweight children were concentrated in poor households in all countries in West Africa and over all periods. Socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children were more significant in countries where the prevalence of underweight was low. These inequalities were more pronounced in urban areas in West Africa from 2000 to 2020.Conclusions and relevanceThere is a high concentration of socioeconomic inequalities in underweight children in disadvantaged households in West Africa.
Guidelines and recommendations about virtual mental health services from high-income countries: a rapid review
Authors: Ekeleme Ngozichukwuka , Yusuf Abban , Kastner Monika , Waite Karen , Montesanti Stephanie , Atherton Helen , Salvalaggio Ginetta , Langford Lucie , Sediqzadah Saadia , Ziegler Carolyn , Do Amaral Tamara , Melamed Osnat C , Selby Peter , Kelly Martina , Anderson Elizabeth , O'Neill Braden 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study reviewed existing recommendations for virtual mental healthcare services through the quadruple aim framework to create a set of recommendations on virtual healthcare delivery to guide the development of Canadian policies on virtual mental health services.DesignWe conducted a systematic rapid review with qualitative content analysis of data from included manuscripts. The quadruple aim framework, consisting of improving patient experience and provider satisfaction, reducing costs and enhancing population health, was used to analyse and organise findings.MethodsSearches were conducted using seven databases from 1 January 2010 to 22 July 2022. We used qualitative content analysis to generate themes.ResultsThe search yielded 40 articles. Most articles (85%) discussed enhancing patient experiences, 55% addressed provider experiences and population health, and 25% focused on cost reduction. Identified themes included: screen patients for appropriateness of virtual care; obtain emergency contact details; communicate transparently with patients; improve marginalised patients’ access to care; support health equity for all patients; determine the cost-effectiveness of virtual care; inform patients of insurance coverage for virtual care services; increase provider training for virtual care and set professional boundaries between providers and patients.ConclusionsThis rapid review identified important considerations that can be used to advance virtual care policy to support people living with mental health conditions in a high-income country.
Association of non-obstructive dyspnoea with all-cause mortality and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Yuyan , Wu Fan , Fan Huanhuan , Li Haiqing , Hao Binwei , Deng Zhishan , Lu Xiaoyan , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundControversy exists regarding the association between non-obstructive dyspnoea and the future development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of non-obstructive dyspnoea with mortality and incident COPD in adults.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify studies published from inception to 13 May 2023. Eligibility screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the retrieved articles were conducted independently by two reviewers. Studies were included if they were original articles comparing incident COPD and all-cause mortality between individuals with normal lung function with and without dyspnoea. The primary outcomes were incident COPD and all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was respiratory disease-related mortality. We used the random-effects model to calculate pooled estimates and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was determined using the I² statistic.ResultsOf 6486 studies, 8 studies involving 100 758 individuals fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the study. Compared with individuals without non-obstructive dyspnoea, individuals with non-obstructive dyspnoea had an increased risk of incident COPD (relative risk: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.83), and moderate heterogeneity was found (p=0.079, I2=52.2%). Individuals with non-obstructive dyspnoea had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.28, I2=0.0%) and respiratory disease-related mortality (hazard ratio: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.02, I2=0.0%) than those without.ConclusionsIndividuals with non-obstructive dyspnoea are at a higher risk of incident COPD and all-cause mortality than individuals without dyspnoea. Further research should investigate whether these high-risk adults may benefit from risk management and early therapeutic intervention.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023395192.