bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Use of Pressure-Sensitive Paint to Determine the Rim Sealing Effectiveness
Authors: Orsini L. , Picchi A. , Facchini B. , Bonini A. , Innocenti L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The control of cavities sealing has been a challenging problem since early gas turbine development stages and several aspects regarding the flow physics and the modeling of rim seal flows, especially in terms of unsteady phenomena, still represent an open question. Fundamental test cases have been extensively used in the open literature to characterize the level of ingestion by varying the main flow parameters and the geometrical features. In most of them, the seal effectiveness is measured by using taps connected to a gas analyzer used to sample the concentration on the stator surface of a reference foreign gas (generally CO2) used to seed the purge flow. Consequently, the results are usually single-point measurements, and unsteady effects are inevitably neglected. Moreover, the intrusiveness of the approach must be carefully checked, and the application on the rotor side demands for complex slip-rings or telemetry. To overcome these limitations, the current work presents the application of the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique to the study of hot gas ingestion phenomena on a single-stage rotating cold rig. By using an oxygen-free gas such as N2 as purge flow, the PSP was used to measure the partial pressure of oxygen at the wall through the wide optical accesses present in the rig. Then, the collected 2D distributions of pressure were related to the seal effectiveness inside the wheel space. The proposed methodology was first validated through a comparison with the data obtained from standard gas sampling and then applied as main experimental technique to characterize the seal ingestion. The analysis of the results highlighted the capabilities of the PSP technique to fast collect data on both stator and rotor sides, including the tip of the seal tooth where nonuniform efficiency distributions in the circumferential direction have been detected.
Sensitive and selective phenol sensing in denitrifying
Aromatoleum aromaticum
EbN1
T
Authors: Buschen Ramona , Lambertus Pia , Scheve Sabine , Horst Simon , Song Fei , Wöhlbrand Lars , Neidhardt John , Winklhofer Michael , Wagner Tristan , Rabus Ralf 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Aromatoleum aromaticum
EbN1
T
anaerobically degrades phenol,
p
-cresol, and
p
-ethylphenol, each via a distinct peripheral pathway. The compound-specific regulation of each pathway is proposed to occur on the transcriptional level in the case of phenol supposedly mediated by the one-component system PheR. To confirm its predicted function, we generated an unmarked, in-frame deletion mutant (Δ
pheR
). This mutant did not express the
ppsA1
gene, which encodes the A1 subunit of phenol-activating phenylphosphate synthase. The expression of
ppsA1
was restored by
in trans
complementation of
pheR
into the Δ
pheR
background. The responsiveness to phenol was studied
in vivo
in benzoate-limited anaerobic cultures by adding, upon benzoate depletion, single defined pulses of phenol (from 100 µM down to 0.1 nM). Time-resolved, targeted transcript profiling by qRT-PCR revealed a response threshold for
ppsA1
expression of 30‒50 nM phenol. Notably,
ppsA1
expression could not be induced by
p
-cresol or
p
-ethylphenol. Conversely, lack of expression was also observed for the additional target genes
cmh
(
p
-cresol degradation) and
acsA1
(
p
-ethylphenol degradation) applying phenol or
p
-ethylphenol as well as phenol or
p
-cresol as stimuli. Thus, the sensory proteins PheR, PcrS, and EtpR should be highly selective for phenol,
p
-cresol, and
p
-ethylphenol, respectively. The implicated incapability of cross-stimulus binding was corroborated by comparing the predicted 3D structural models of the proteins’ sensory domains. While the ligand-binding pockets share the conserved hydroxy group-anchoring histidine and tryptophane, their distal faces in PcrS and EtpR are, compared to PheR, enlarged to accommodate the bulkier methyl (
p
-cresol) and ethyl group (
p
-ethylphenol), respectively.

IMPORTANCE

Aromatic compounds are globally abundant organic molecules with a multitude of natural and anthropogenic sources, underpinning the relevance of their biodegradation.
A. aromaticum
EbN1
T
is a well-studied environmental betaproteobacterium specialized on the anaerobic degradation of aromatic compounds. The here studied responsiveness toward phenol in conjunction with the apparent high ligand selectivity (non-promiscuity) of its PheR sensor and those of the related
p
-cresol (PcrS) and
p
-ethylphenol (EtpR) sensors are in accord with the substrate-specificity and biochemical distinctiveness of the associated degradation pathways. Furthermore, the present findings advance our general understanding of the substrate-specific regulation of the strain’s remarkable degradation network and of the concentration thresholds below which phenolic compounds become essentially undetectable and as a consequence should escape substantial biodegradation. Furthermore, the findings may inspire biomimetic sensor designs for detecting and quantifying phenolic contaminants in wastewater or environments.
Flagellin is essential for initial attachment to mucosal surfaces by
Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Sidner Ben , Lerma Armando , Biswas Baishakhi , Do Thi Van Thanh , Yu Yafan , Ronish Leslie A. , McCullough Hugh , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Piepenbrink Kurt H. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Mucins are glycoproteins which can be found in host cell membranes and as a gelatinous surface formed from secreted mucins. Mucosal surfaces in mammals form a barrier to invasive microbes, particularly bacteria, but are a point of attachment for others.
Clostridioides difficile
is an anaerobic bacterium, which colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is a common cause of acute GI inflammation leading to a variety of negative outcomes. Although
C. difficile
toxicity stems from secreted toxins, colonization is a prerequisite for
C. difficile
disease. While
C. difficile
is known to associate with the mucous layer and underlying epithelium, the mechanisms underlying these interactions that facilitate colonization are less well understood. To understand the molecular mechanisms by which
C. difficile
interacts with mucins, we used
ex vivo
mucosal surfaces to test the ability of
C. difficile
to bind to mucins from different mammalian tissues. We found significant differences in
C. difficile
adhesion based upon the source of mucins, with highest levels of binding observed to mucins purified from the human colonic adenocarcinoma line LS174T and lowest levels of binding to porcine gastric mucin. We also observed defects in adhesion by mutants deficient in flagella but not type IV pili. These results imply that interactions between host mucins and
C. difficile
flagella facilitate the initial host attachment of
C. difficile
to host cells and secreted mucus.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficile
is one of the leading causes of hospital-acquired infections worldwide and presents challenges in treatment due to recurrent gastrointestinal disease after treatment with antimicrobials. The mechanisms by which
C. difficile
colonizes the gut represent a key gap in knowledge, including its association with host cells and mucosa. Our results show the importance of flagellin for specific adhesion to mucosal hydrogels and can help to explain prior observations of adhesive defects in flagellin and pilin mutants.
Immunogenicity, safety, usability and acceptability of microarray patches for vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berger Matthew N , Mowbray Ellen S , Farag Marian W A , Mathieu Erin , Davies Cristyn , Thomas Claire , Booy Robert , Forster Angus H , Skinner S Rachel 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundMicroarray patches (MAPs) deliver vaccines to the epidermis and the upper dermis, where abundant immune cells reside. There are several potential benefits to using MAPs, including reduced sharps risk, thermostability, no need for reconstitution, tolerability and self-administration. We aimed to explore and evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, usability and acceptability of MAPs for vaccination.MethodsWe searched CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 2023. Eligibility criteria included all research studies in any language, which examined microarrays or microneedles intended or used for vaccination and explored immunogenicity, safety, usability or acceptability in their findings. Two reviewers conducted title and abstract screening, full-text reviewing and data extraction.ResultsTwenty-two studies were included (quantitative=15, qualitative=2 and mixed methods=5). The risk of bias was mostly low, with two studies at high risk of bias. Four clinical trials were included, three using influenza antigens and one with Japanese encephalitis delivered by MAP. A meta-analysis indicated similar or higher immunogenicity in influenza MAPs compared with needle and syringe (N&S) (standardised mean difference=10.80, 95% CI: 3.51 to 18.08, p<0.00001). There were no significant differences in immune cell function between MAPs and N&S. No serious adverse events were reported in MAPs. Erythema was more common after MAP application than N&S but was brief and well tolerated. Lower pain scores were usually reported after MAP application than N&S. Most studies found MAPs easy to use and highly acceptable among healthcare professionals, laypeople and parents.ConclusionMAPs for vaccination were safe and well tolerated and evoked similar or enhanced immunogenicity than N&S, but further research is needed. Vaccine uptake may be increased using MAPs due to less pain, enhanced thermostability, layperson and self-administration. MAPs could benefit at-risk groups and low and middle-income countries.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022323026.
Transforming growth factor-β and matrix metalloproteinases as potential biomarkers of fibrotic lesions induced by tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Santoso Arif , Rasiha Rasiha , Zainal Ahmad Taufik Fadillah , Khairunnisa Indah Nurul , Fais Muthia Kintan , Gunawan Andi Muh Aunul Khaliq 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesVery few studies and limited information are available regarding the mechanism of fibrosis in tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to identify, describe and synthesise potential biomarkers of the development of tissue fibrosis induced by TB through a systematic method and meta-analysis.MethodsA literature search was performed using keywords according to the topic from electronic databases (ScienceDirect and PubMed) and other methods (websites, organisations and citations). Studies that matched predetermined eligibility criteria were included. The quality assessment tool used was the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Score 2, and the data obtained were processed using Review Manager V.5.3.ResultsOf the 305 studies, 7 met the eligibility criteria with a total sample of 365. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the post-TB group of patients with pulmonary parenchymal fibrosis had a higher transforming growth factor (TGF)-β level (6.09) than the control group (1.82), with a 4.27 (95% CI: 0.92 to 7.61) mean difference. Moreover, patients with residual pleural thickening post-TB had a higher mean of TGF-β (0.61) than the control group (0.56), with a 0.05 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.06) mean difference. Besides TGF-β, our qualitative synthesis also found that matrix metalloproteinase-1 might have a role in forming and developing pulmonary tissue fibrosis, thus, could be used as a predictor marker in the formation of fibrotic lesions in patients with TB. In addition, several other biomarkers were assessed in the included studies, such as tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-8, IL-10, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and platelet-derived growth factor. However, this study is not intended to examine these biomarkers.ConclusionsThere were differences in the results of TGF-β levels in patients with fibrotic lesions compared with controls. TGF-β might be a biomarker of fibrotic tissue formation or increased pulmonary tissue fibrosis in post-TB patients. However, further studies are needed on a larger scale.
How self-regulated learning influences undergraduate medical students to conduct student-centred learning: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Shitarukmi Savitri , Claramita Mora , Rahayu Gandes Retno 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionSelf-regulated learning is one of the influencing factors in successful learning. There is a need to understand the factors influencing self-regulated learning in undergraduate medical students in implementing a student-centred learning curriculum. This scoping review aims to systematically identify and map undergraduate medical students’ self-regulated learning during student-centred learning implementation and to learn the tools used to measure it.Methods and analysisThe scoping review will use Arksey and O’Malley’s proposed five-stage framework guideline. A search for published literature between 2012 and 2022 in the five electronic databases of EBSCOHost, Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest and PubMed will be conducted using keywords to identify relevant studies. Articles will be limited to the English language. Mendeley software will eliminate duplicates, and results will be exported into abstracts for two stages of the screening process: title and abstract reviews and full-text reviews. The selection process of eligible literature will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist recommendations. Studies using qualitative and quantitative data from all world regions will be considered. To be included, studies should examine medical students’ self-regulated learning in a student-centred learning approach curriculum. A data chart will capture relevant information from all the included studies. As a scoping review, no assessment of the studies’ quality and risk of bias will be made. Results will be presented in tabular form and a narrative report.Ethics and disseminationNo Ethics Committee or Institutional Board approval is required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and professional networks.
Role and perspectives of informal care: a qualitative study of informal caregivers in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Banadinović Maja , Vočanec Dorja , Lukačević Lovrenčić Iva , Lončarek Karmen , Džakula Aleksandar 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesPopulation ageing and the prevalence of multimorbidity represent major challenges for healthcare systems. People who need long-term care have complex conditions requiring both health and social services. Informal caregivers are emerging as an important part of the long-term care ecosystem. This paper aims to explore the position and capacities of informal caregivers in Croatia.DesignHealth and social care legislative documents were analysed using a structured set of keywords. In addition, focus groups were conducted with informal caregivers who cared for a family member. The qualitative method of thematic analysis was used.Setting and participantsTwo focus groups were conducted with 15 caregivers (13 women and 2 men). Geographically, participants came from all four NUTS2 Croatian regions. All participants cared for a close family member. The length of care provision ranged from 3 to 35 years. Focus groups were conducted using the Zoom platform.ResultsThe analysis of the documents indicates the fragmentation of national policy into health and social policy. Long-term care as a term is recognised only in health policy. However, some components related to long-term care are part of social policy. Caregivers are recognised in social policy, although not in healthcare. In focus groups, three main themes were identified as follows: (1) position and role of the caregivers in the system and society; (2) types of care based on the recipient’s need and (3) support for the caregivers.ConclusionThe research showed that the process of exercising certain rights and services for caregivers is not sufficiently clear and feasible in practice. There is a lack of a clearly defined role of caregivers and relationships towards professional care providers in the system. The key to improving long-term care is connecting community services, including health and social services, both formal and informal, with the process of providing care.
Epidemiology of emergency and elective caesarean section and its association with early neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Sandie Arsène Brunelle , Mutua Martin K , Sidze Estelle , Nyakangi Vivian , Sylla El Hadji Malick , Wanjoya Anthony , Njom Nlend Anne Esther , Faye Cheikh 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionInvestigating elective and emergency caesarean section (CS) separately is important for a better understanding of birth delivery modes in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region and identifying bottlenecks that prevent favourable childbirth outcomes in SSA. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalences of both CS types, determining their associated socioeconomic factors and their association with early neonatal mortality in SSA.MethodsSSA countries Demographic and Health Surveys data that had collected information on the CS’ timing were included in our study. A total of 21 countries were included in this study, with a total of 155 172 institutional live births. Prevalences of both CS types were estimated at the countries’ level using household sampling weights. Multilevel models were fitted to identify associated socioeconomic factors of both CS types and their associations with early neonatal mortality.ResultsThe emergency CS prevalence in SSA countries was estimated at 4.6% (95% CI 4.4–4.7) and was higher than the elective CS prevalence estimated at 3.4% (95% CI 3.3–3.6). Private health facilities’ elective CS prevalence was estimated at 10.2% (95% CI 9.3–11.2) which was higher than the emergency CS prevalence estimated at 7.7% (95% CI 7.0–8.5). Conversely, in public health facilities, the emergency CS prevalence was estimated at 4.0% (95% CI 3.8–4.2) was higher than the elective CS prevalence estimated at 2.7% (95% CI 2.6–2.8). The richest women were more likely to have birth delivery by both CS types than normal vaginal delivery. Emergency CS was positively associated with early neonatal mortality (adjusted OR=2.37, 95% CI 1.64–3.41), while no association was found with elective CS.ConclusionsFindings suggest shortcomings in pregnancy monitoring, delivery preparation and postnatal care. Beyond antenatal care (ANC) coverage, more attention should be put on quality of ANC, postnatal care, emergency obstetric and newborn care for favourable birth delivery outcomes in SSA.
Voice of incarcerated male youths in Malawi’s semi-urban prisons: a qualitative study
Authors: Nkambule Ellen , Wella Kondwani , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveIncarcerated male youths in Malawi’s detention facilities face multiple threats to their health and well-being. The most common challenges are overcrowding, poor sanitation and a lack of access to basic needs such as adequate food, bedding and healthcare. In addition, youth are vulnerable to sexual abuse.DesignA qualitative approach using an exploratory study design was used to explore the experiences of incarcerated male youths in semi-urban prisons.SettingTwo semi-urban prisons in Malawi.ParticipantsThree focus group discussions (each with six participants) with incarcerated youths aged 18 were conducted.ResultsThe following four themes emerged from the data: sexual violence perpetuated by other incarcerated persons; the need for sexual violence communication and prevention; trauma associated with incarceration and youth surviving prison life. The incarcerated male youths reported being given incentives such as extra food and adequate sleeping space in exchange for sexual favours with adult incarcerated people or incarcerated individuals with leadership positions. The victims of sexual abuse have had some difficulties reporting the incidences due to a non-existent reporting system for such matters to prison authorities.ConclusionsThis study reveals that the prison environment in Malawi is unsafe, particularly for incarcerated male youths who are at an increased risk of being victims of sexual violence. We recommend that the youths be separated from adults according to the Prison Rape Elimination Act standards. The prison officers should prevent incarcerated youth from having sight or physical contact with adult incarcerated people while in housing units. Policy-makers, prison authorities and researchers must safeguard and empower survivors of sexual violence in prisons.
Identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of return-of-service bursary schemes for health workforce capacity: a qualitative study of Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini
Authors: Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A , Durbach Andrea , Chitha Wezile W , Moaletsane Oduetse , Angell Blake , Joshi Rohina 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundInvesting in training citizens in return for service is a strategy used by Botswana, Eswatini and Lesotho to strengthen their health workforce. These strategies, known as return-of service (RoS) schemes, offer bursaries in exchange for future service. We aimed to ascertain the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of RoS schemes in these three Southern African countries to inform ongoing policy debates on the value of the schemes.MethodsQualitative semistructured interviews were undertaken via Microsoft Teams to elicit the perspectives of policy-makers who administer RoS schemes in each of these countries. The interview guide was developed from a detailed literature review, and discussions with policy-makers and other researchers. Interviews were conducted over a 17-month period between November 2020 and April 2022. We used deductive and inductive approaches to thematic analysis. Furthermore, we conducted internal and external analysis of the emergent themes using SWOT framework.ResultsWe interviewed 9 policy-makers who had work experience that ranged from 5 to 22 years implementing the schemes. The organisational structure of the schemes was a strength compared with seventeen weaknesses, four opportunities and three threats. Prominent weaknesses are the outdated policy documents with some irrelevant and discriminatory conditions, rigid policies, failure to renew bilateral agreements, contextually different training from country of origin, high defaulter rates, poor coordination of schemes, poor monitoring and lack of evaluation of the schemes. Sustainability of the schemes in retaining health professionals is threatened by lack of funds. These schemes present opportunities to invest in effective information systems.ConclusionsWhile the intention of the RoS schemes were to educate the citizens, develop the economy through increased employability of the citizenry and build the health workforce, the schemes were poorly planned and coordinated and have never been evaluated. Weak information systems and failure to employ some RoS beneficiaries render the scheme unsustainable.