bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential i‐Nos/Arg‐1 Switch with NLRP3 and Parasitic Load Down Regulation in Experimental Schistosoma mansoni Infection via Chloroquine Repurposing
Authors: Hasby Saad Marwa A. , El‐Saadi Esraa G. , Ali Dareen A. , Watany Mona M. , Eid Mohammed M. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTIn previous studies, the inhibitory effect of chloroquine on NLRP3 inflammasome and heme production was documented. This may be employed as a double‐bladed sword in schistosomiasis (anti‐inflammatory and parasiticidal). In this study, chloroquine's impact on schistosomiasis mansoni was investigated. The parasitic load (worm/egg counts and reproductive capacity index [RCI]), i‐Nos/Arg‐1 expression, splenomegaly, hepatic insult and NLRP3‐immunohistochemical expression were assessed in infected mice after receiving early and late repeated doses of chloroquine alone or dually with praziquantel. By early treatment, the least RCI was reported in dually treated mice (41.48 ± 28.58) with a significant reduction in worm/egg counts (3.50 ± 1.29/2550 ± 479.58), compared with either drug alone. A marked reduction in the splenic index was achieved by prolonged chloroquine administration (alone: 43.15 ± 5.67, dually: 36.03 ± 5.27), with significantly less fibrosis (15 ± 3.37, 14.25 ± 2.22) than after praziquantel alone (20.5 ± 2.65). Regarding inflammation, despite the praziquantel‐induced significant decrease in NLRP3 expression, the inhibitory effect was marked after dual and chloroquine administration (liver: 3.13 ± 1.21/3.45 ± 1.23, spleen: 5.7 ± 1.6/4.63 ± 2.41). i‐Nos RNA peaked with early/late chloroquine administration (liver: 68.53 ± 1.8/57.78 ± 7.14, spleen: 63.22 ± 2.06/62.5 ± 3.05). High i‐Nos echoed with a parasiticidal and hepatoprotective effect and may indicate macrophage‐1 polarisation. On the flip side, the chloroquine‐induced low Arg‐1 seemed to abate immune tolerance and probably macrophage‐2 polarisation. Collectively, chloroquine synergised the praziquantel‐schistosomicidal effect and minimised tissue inflammation, splenomegaly and hepatic fibrosis.
Pyroptosis Tuning in Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis via the Natural Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Romidepsin
Authors: Shalaby Noha E. , Shoheib Zeinab S. , Yassin Nabila A. , El‐Kaliny Heba H. , Hasby Saad Marwa A. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTCryptosporidium is an opportunistic protozoan, with many species of cross‐human infectivity. It causes life‐threatening diarrhoea in children and CD4‐defective patients. Despite its limited efficacy, nitazoxanide remains the primary anti‐cryptosporidial drug. Cryptosporidium infects the intestinal brush border (intracellular–extracytoplasmic) and down‐regulates pyroptosis to prevent expulsion. Romidepsin is a natural histone deacetylase inhibitor that triggers pyroptosis. Romidepsin's effect on cryptosporidiosis was assessed in immunocompromised mice via gasdermin‐D (GSDM‐D) immunohistochemical expression, IFN‐γ, IL‐1β and IL‐18 blood levels by ELISA, and via parasite scanning by modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oocyst deformity and local cytokines were also assessed in ex vivo ileal explants. Following intraperitoneal injection of romidepsin, oocyst shedding significantly reduced at the 9th, 12th and 15th d.p.i. compared with infected‐control and drug‐control (nitazoxanide‐treated) mice. H&E staining of intestinal sections from romidepsin‐treated mice showed significantly low intestinal scoring with marked reduction in epithelial hyperplasia, villous blunting and cellular infiltrate. SEM revealed marked oocyst blebbing and paucity (in vivo and ex vivo) after romidepsin compared with nitazoxanide. Regarding pyroptosis, romidepsin triggered significantly higher intestinal GSDM‐D expression in vivo, and higher serum/culture IFN‐γ, IL‐1β and IL‐18 levels in romidepsin‐treated mice than in the control groups. Collectively, in cryptosporidiosis, romidepsin succeeded in enhancing pyroptosis in the oocysts and infected epithelium, reducing infection and shifting the brush border towards normalisation.
Effect of off‐label targeted drugs on long‐term survival in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: Insights from a national multicentre prospective registry
Authors: Xia Wanying , Qian Yuling , Lin Yangyi , Quan Ruilin , Yang Yuanhua , Yang Zhenwen , Tian Hongyan , Li Shengqing , Shen Jieyan , Ji Yingqun , Gu Qing , Han Huijun , Xiong Changming , He Jianguo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveOff‐label pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)‐targeted drugs are commonly prescribed for non‐operated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but their effect on the long‐term prognosis of CTEPH remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of off‐label PAH‐targeted drugs on the long‐term survival of CTEPH patients.MethodsCTEPH patients were enrolled from a prospective multicentre national registry. Except for licensed riociguat and treprostinil, other PAH‐targeted drugs were off‐label. In the original and propensity score–matched (PSM) samples, five‐year survival was compared in two groups: (a) patients not receiving off‐label PAH‐targeted drugs (control) versus (b) patients receiving off‐label PAH‐targeted drugs (treatment). The latter group was investigated for the effect of started off‐label PAH‐targeted drugs at baselines (initial) or during follow‐up (subsequent).ResultsOf 347 enrolled patients, 212 were treated with off‐label PAH‐targeted drugs initially (n = 173) or subsequently (n = 39), and 135 were untreated. The 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (97.1% vs. 89.4%, 92.3% vs. 82.1%, 83.2% vs. 75.1% and 71.1% vs. 55.3%, respectively, log‐rank test, p = 0.005). Initial treatment was correlated with better 5‐year survival after excluding patients with subsequent treatment to reduce the immortal‐time bias (hazard ratio: 0.611; 95% CI: 0.397–0.940; p = 0.025). In PSM samples, patients given initial treatment showed significantly better 5‐year survival than untreated patients (68.9% vs. 49.3%, log‐rank test, p = 0.008).ConclusionOff‐label targeted drugs contributed to improved long‐term survival in CTEPH patients receiving pharmacotherapies.image
A history of the intermediate tier in the English NHS: Centre, region, periphery
Authors: Lambert Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCentre‐periphery relations have constituted a paradox for the English National Health Service (NHS) since its creation in 1948. Is it a top‐down national service organised locally, or a bottom‐up arrangement of local health systems managed nationally? North West England provides a regional case study which traces the changing organisational, relational and spatial dimensions of the intermediate tier. These reposition centre‐periphery tensions. In foregrounding, situating and conceptualising region in these terms, I offer new insight into existing narratives and centre‐periphery relations in the NHS.
The use of cognitive load theory to assist in the teaching of electrocardiogram interpretation within paramedical science education
Authors: Thomas Marc Gildas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundParamedics are expected to record electrocardiograms (ECGs) as part of their clinical assessment; however, it is an extremely difficult skill to learn and understand as it has a high intrinsic cognitive load which can also be challenging to teach effectively.AimsThis article will explore the use of cognitive load theory to assist in the teaching of ECG interpretation within the context of paramedical education.DescriptionCognitive load theory can be useful to aid teaching within complex medical and health science domains including clinical skills teaching.ConclusionsThe application of cognitive load theory to the teaching of ECG interpretation can be useful as it allows for the development of understanding, building schemata linking information currently being learned to knowledge already gained within the long‐term memory, which can maximise germane load by the appropriate selection of intrinsic load, minimising extraneous load therefore not overloading the working memory.
Social media for learning: A qualitative exploration of the factors that impact clinical learners' attitudes and intentions
Authors: Ho Vincent , Nguyen Angela , Kumar Koshila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundSocial media has created a revolution in learning and teaching. This study set out to provide a theory‐informed exploration of the factors influencing medical students' perspectives of learning with social media using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a framework.MethodsThe study collected data using semi‐structured interviews from seven third year medical students at an undergraduate Australian medical school, who were in their first clinical year. The data were analysed inductively and deductively using TPB.ResultsThree themes emerged relating to the factors that influence medical students' attitudes and intentions regarding using social media for learning: (1) Social media aligns with the needs and preferences of the contemporary learner; (2) rise of medical professionals on social media during the COVID‐19 pandemic; and (3) being an informed user of social media for learning. Participants had largely positive views and attitudes towards social media as a learning tool especially for preclinical content due to its capacity for multimodal information delivery and evolving social norms. However, this positivity was tempered by the challenges they faced in determining quality of resources, linking their learning to clinical medicine and accessing specialist content.ConclusionSocial media can play a significant role in medical students' learning. However, its potential as an educational tool can be enhanced by widening access to resources, and implementing strategies that help students increase their evaluative judgement skills to make informed decisions regarding the quality of social media resources and to translate their social media‐mediated learning into clinical practice.
How to discuss transferability of qualitative research in health professions education
Authors: Stalmeijer Renée E. , Brown Megan E. L. , O'Brien Bridget C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTransferability is commonly identified as a quality criterion for qualitative research. This criterion was introduced by Lincoln and Guba to describe the degree to which a study's findings can be transferred to other contexts, settings or respondents. In this How To paper, we present a more nuanced, multidimensional view of transferability and explain relevant concepts, reflexive approaches and specific techniques to guide researchers in discussing transferability. We identify three dimensions of transferability for use in many approaches to qualitative research: applicability, resonance and theoretical engagement. Transferability as applicability relates to providing sufficient information for readers to evaluate the relevance of findings to other contexts. Transferability as resonance requires the researcher to present the research in a way that evokes a sense of familiarity or shared experience. Transferability as theoretical engagement refers to ways the researcher uses theory to frame a problem, connects findings to existing constructs and/or proposes a model or theory that could explain a process or phenomenon. We encourage researchers to consider all three dimensions of transferability when developing and presenting their work, keeping in mind that some dimensions may be more relevant than others based on study methodology and project goals.
Helical Actuator–Driven Inchworm Robot Design and Prototype
Authors: Quarnstrom Joel , Xiang Yujiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bio-inspired robots provide solutions in many applications. Robots that can traverse and transport materials through confined areas are useful in disaster response, mining, mapping, and tunneling. The proposed robot is an inchworm-inspired robot that contracts and expands its body segments to move. It has spiky feet that are angled to only allow each foot to slide forward. It has a small frontal area compared to its length, and this allows it to travel through tight gaps or tunnels. Each segment uses two helical actuators as prismatic linkages to drive both forward movement and turning movement. These helical actuators transform the rotation of stepper motors into linear motion. Many linkage configurations were considered in designing this robot, and one without continuous singularities was selected. The robot stride consists of an extension phase and a contraction phase. In each phase, one foot is stationary, and one foot is moving. When each of the feet is in motion, the ground reaction force is assumed to be zero. The motion planning of the robot is designed so that the velocity and acceleration of each of the robot's rigid bodies are zero at the beginning and end of each movement phase. A 3D-printed prototype of the robot has been manufactured, and initial testing has shown that the foot spike design successfully allows the inchworm to shuffle forward. Testing the turning capabilities of this robot is ongoing.
Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Prediction Method Based on Improved Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Huang Zaijun , Tang Liandong , Wang Hao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Currently, research and applications in the field of capacity prediction mainly focus on the use and recycling of batteries, encompassing topics such as SOH estimation, RUL prediction, and echelon use. However, there is scant research and application based on capacity prediction in the battery manufacturing process. Measuring capacity in the grading process is an important step in battery production. The traditional capacity acquisition method consumes considerable time and energy. To address the above issues, this study establishes an improved extreme learning machine (ELM) model for predicting battery capacity in the manufacturing process, which can save approximately 45% of energy and time in the grading process. The study involves the extraction of features from the battery charge–discharge curve that can reflect battery capacity performance and subsequent calculation of the grey correlation between these features and capacity. The feature set comprises features with a high correlation with capacity, which are used as inputs for the ELM model. Kernel functions are used to adjust the ELM model, and Bayesian optimization methods are employed to automatically optimize the hyperparameters to improve the capacity prediction performance of the model. The study uses lithium-ion battery data from an actual manufacturing process to test the predictive effect of the model. The mean absolute percentage error of the capacity prediction results is less than 0.2%, and the root-mean-square error is less than 0.3 Ah.
Characterization of Mechanical Heterogeneity and Study of the Mechanical Field at the Tip of the Stationary-Growing Crack in Dissimilar Metal Welded Joints
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xue He , Zhang YuBiao , Wang RongXin , Geng Miao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mechanical heterogeneity in local areas of dissimilar metal welded joints and the micro-area mechanical state at the crack tip are key factors in determining Environment-Assisted Cracking (EAC). Traditional methods for acquiring material mechanical properties often result in destructive damage to specimens, while conventional “sandwich” models exhibit abrupt changes in interfacial mechanical properties and a lack of research into the mechanical field at the tip of the stationary or growing crack. In light of these challenges, this study, based on the analysis of microstructures in localized regions of the welded joint and the acquisition of material mechanical properties through indentation tests, developed a user-defined material subroutine (UMAT) to characterize the mechanical properties of non-uniform local areas within the welded joint. Additionally, it investigated the mechanical field at the tip of the stationary—growing crack using an integral method and a de-bond technique. The results indicate that non-destructive indentation tests can accurately acquire the material mechanical properties of local areas in the welded joint. Notably, significant changes in mechanical properties typically occur in the material interface regions, making them vulnerable points for potential failure. Furthermore, under the same load, mechanical heterogeneity significantly influences the distribution of the mechanical field at the crack tip. Crack propagation induces alterations in crack tip stresses, resulting in noticeable residual stresses and strains along the propagation path.
Mechanism Analysis of the Effect of Wake Vortex on Cylinder Vibration in Flow Induced Motion
Authors: Zhang Dahai , Yang Hao , Zhang Shuai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method combined with Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model and dynamic mesh technology was used to investigate the impact of wake vortex on the vibration response of a cylinder. By analyzing the phase difference between the wake vortex force and the displacement under different mass parameters in flow-induced vibration (FIV), the study reveals that the influence of wake vortex on the cylinder varies significantly in different vibration branches. The wake vortex of the initial branch enhances the cylinder's vibration, whereas the wake vortices of the upper, lower, and desynchronized branches suppress the vibration. At the critical point between the initial branch and the upper branch of vortex-induced vibration (VIV), there is a 90 degree phase jump, and the instantaneous phase difference fluctuation between the wake vortex force and displacement of the VIV branch remains relatively constant. In the galloping branch, there are wake vortices in different directions that affect the cylinder's vibration every quarter of the vibration period, and the phase difference undergoes periodic large fluctuations (either in-phase or out-of-phase), with the result that the wake vortex force periodically promotes or restrains the cylinder's vibration, which can serve as a novel criterion for identifying the occurrence of galloping. Furthermore, when varying the mass parameters at a constant reduced velocity, the impact of the wake vortex in the initial branch is relatively insignificant. However, as the mass ratio increases in other vibration branches, the suppressive effect increases, and the wake vortex force can prevent VIV induced galloping phenomenon by affecting the vibration intensity.
A Data-Driven Approach for Generalizing the Laminar Kinetic Energy Model for Separation and Bypass Transition in Low- and High-Pressure Turbines
Authors: Fang Yuan , Zhao Yaomin , Akolekar Harshal D. , Ooi Andrew S. H. , Sandberg Richard D. , Pacciani Roberto , Marconcini Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
No common laminar kinetic energy (LKE) transition model has to date been able to predict both separation-induced and bypass transition, both phenomena commonly found in low-pressure turbines and high-pressure turbines. Here, a data-driven approach is adopted to develop a more general LKE transition model suitable for both transition modes. To achieve this, two strategies are adopted. The first is to extend the computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-driven model training framework for simultaneously training models on multiple turbine cases, subject to multiple objectives. By increasing the training data set, different transition modes can be considered. The second strategy employed is the use of a newly derived set of local non-dimensionalized variables as training inputs to reduce the search space. Because one of the training turbine cases is characterized by strong unsteady effects, for the first time an unsteady solver is utilized during the CFD-driven training, and the time-averaged results are used to calculate the cost function as part of the model development process. The results show that the data-driven models do perform better, in terms of their predictions of pressure coefficient, wall shear stress, and wake losses, than the baseline model. The models were then tested on two previously unseen testing cases, one at a higher Reynolds number and one with a different geometry. For both testing cases, stable solutions were obtained with results improved over the predictions using the baseline models.
Microbial diversity in shallow-sea sediment from Tsukumo Bay, Japan, determined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing
Authors: Kato Moe , Sugitani Reina , Niiyama Sota , Kamiya Takahiro , Matsuura Norihisa 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Information about the microbiota in marine sediments is important because the microbiota and their activities in sediments affect the surrounding marine environment. To evaluate the microbial diversity, we performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on sediment samples from 19 stations in Tsukumo Bay, the northern area of Noto Peninsula, Japan.
Quantitative analysis of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria antibodies in sera and breast milk from Tdap vaccinated women using a qualified multiplex assay
Authors: Portillo Susana , Oshinsky Jennifer , Williams Margaret , Yoder Sandra , Liang Yuanyuan , Campbell James D. , Laufer Miriam K. , Neuzil Kathleen M. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Pasetti Marcela F. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a reemergent, highly contagious respiratory infection of public health concern. Infants prior to initiation of their primary vaccination series are the most vulnerable to severe infection, and even death. Vaccination during pregnancy is an efficacious means of reducing infection in infants. This approach relies on boosting maternal immunity and passive transfer of antibodies to the infant via placenta and breast milk. Similarly, maternal vaccination post-partum can enhance maternal-infant immunity. To support the analysis of pertussis immunity in the context of maternal-infant immunization, we developed a high throughput multiplex assay for simultaneous quantification of serum IgG antibodies against pertussis vaccine antigens: pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (FIM2/3), and against tetanus (TT) and diphtheria toxoids (DT), using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform. The assay was qualified, and specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, and robustness were demonstrated. The assay was subsequently adapted for quantification of IgG and IgA in breast milk. Applied to a serological survey of pregnant women living in the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, this method revealed differences in magnitude and breadth of antibody profile, consistent with history of vaccination. A longitudinal analysis of Tdap responses in women vaccinated post-partum demonstrated a rapid increase in serum IgG that remained elevated for up to 24 months. Likewise, high levels of vaccine-specific IgA and IgG antibodies were present in breast milk, although they exhibited faster decay. This multiplex MSD assay is a reliable and practical tool for quantification of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria antibodies in serum and breast milk in serosurveys or vaccine studies.

IMPORTANCE
Pertussis (whooping cough) has reemerged in recent years. Vaccination during pregnancy is an effective approach to prevent illness during the first months of life. We developed a multiplex assay for quantification of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria serum antibodies using the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform; the method was qualified, and specificity, precision, accuracy, linearity, and limits of quantification were defined. It was also adapted for quantification of antibodies in breast milk. We successfully determined serostatus in women from different regions and with different vaccination histories, as well as responses to Tdap in blood and breast milk post-partum. This is the first description of a multiplex assay for the quantification of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria antibodies in breast milk.