bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Gear Friction Equation Using Directional Parameter
Authors: Hongu Junichi , Hattori Shunjiro , Kato Junya , Koide Takao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In our previous study, the Matsumoto equation was modified by introducing the directivity of machining marks on the tooth surfaces (directional parameter), and it was adapted to estimate the gear friction coefficient with various finishing processes. However, this new estimation equation has been applied only to gear pairs with the same finishing process and under manual transmission fluid (MTF) lubricated conditions. Thus, this study extends its application to a gear pair with different finishing processes and the case under automatic transmission fluid (ATF) lubricated conditions. Herein, efficiency tests were performed using gears with four different finishing processes (grinding, barreling, honing, and small-angle honing), and friction values obtained experimentally were compared with the values estimated from the unmodified and modified Matsumoto equations. Consequently, the correlations between the experimental and estimated friction values were significantly improved.
A case study to engage students in the research design and ethics of high-throughput metagenomics
Authors: Alexander Courtney Carroll , Gaudier-Diaz Monica M. , Kleinschmit Adam J. , Dihle Preston J. , Salger Scott A. , Vega Nic , Robertson Sabrina D. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Case studies present students with an opportunity to learn and apply course content through problem solving and critical thinking. Supported by the High-throughput Discovery Science & Inquiry-based Case Studies for Today’s Students (HITS) Research Coordination Network, our interdisciplinary team designed, implemented, and assessed two case study modules entitled “You Are What You Eat.” Collectively, the case study modules present students with an opportunity to engage in experimental research design and the ethical considerations regarding microbiome research and society. In this manuscript, we provide instructors with tools for adopting or adapting the research design and/or the ethics modules. To date, the case has been implemented using two modalities (remote and in-person) in three courses (Microbiology, Physiology, and Neuroscience), engaging over 200 undergraduate students. Our assessment data demonstrate gains in content knowledge and students’ perception of learning following case study implementation. Furthermore, when reflecting on our experiences and student feedback, we identified ways in which the case study could be modified for different settings. In this way, we hope that the “You Are What You Eat” case study modules can be implemented widely by instructors to promote problem solving and critical thinking in the traditional classroom or laboratory setting when discussing next-generation sequencing and/or metagenomics research.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ and IXδ are integral to lifestyle adaptations associated with chronic infection
Authors: Shahzad Saba , Krug Samuel A. , Mouriño Susana , Huang Weiliang , Kane Maureen A. , Wilks Angela 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a versatile opportunistic pathogen requiring iron for its survival and virulence within the host. The ability to switch to heme as an iron source and away from siderophore uptake provides an advantage in chronic infection. We have recently shown the extracellular heme metabolites biliverdin IXβ (BVIXβ) and BVIXδ positively regulate the heme-dependent cell surface signaling cascade. We further investigated the role of BVIXβ and BVIXδ in cell signaling utilizing allelic strains lacking a functional heme oxygenase (
hemO
in) or one reengineered to produce BVIXα (
hemO
α). Compared to PAO1, both strains show a heme-dependent growth defect, decreased swarming and twitching, and less robust biofilm formation. Interestingly, the motility and biofilm defects were partially rescued on addition of exogenous BVIXβ and BVIXδ. Utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we performed a comparative proteomics and metabolomics analysis of PAO1 versus the allelic strains in shaking and static conditions. In shaking conditions, the
hemO
allelic strains showed a significant increase in proteins involved in quorum sensing, phenazine production, and chemotaxis. Metabolite profiling further revealed increased levels of
Pseudomonas
quinolone signal and phenazine metabolites. In static conditions, we observed a significant repression of chemosensory pathways and type IV pili biogenesis proteins as well as several phosphodiesterases associated with biofilm dispersal. We propose BVIX metabolites function as signaling and chemotactic molecules integrating heme utilization as an iron source into the adaptation of
P. aeruginosa
from a planktonic to sessile lifestyle.

IMPORTANCE

The opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes long-term chronic infection in the airways of cystic fibrosis patients. The ability to scavenge iron and to establish chronic infection within this environment coincides with a switch to utilize heme as the primary iron source. Herein, we show the heme metabolites biliverdin beta and delta are themselves important signaling molecules integrating the switch in iron acquisition systems with cooperative behaviors such as motility and biofilm formation that are essential for long-term chronic infection. These significant findings will enhance the development of viable multi-targeted therapeutics effective against both heme utilization and cooperative behaviors essential for survival and persistence within the host.
Assessing the effectiveness of the expanded hepatitis A vaccination program in China: an interrupted time series design
Authors: Wu Yueqian , Wang Pengyu , Huang Yong , Chen Jinwei , Chang Yikun , Li Junxi , Wang Yibing , Hao Yuantao , Zhang Wangjian , Du Zhicheng 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionChina initialised the expanded hepatitis A vaccination programme (EHAP) in 2008. However, the effectiveness of the programme remains unclear. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of EHAP in the country.MethodsBased on the provincial data on the incidence of hepatitis A (HepA), the population and meteorological variables in China, we developed interrupted time series (ITS) models to estimate the effectiveness of EHAP with the autocorrelation, seasonality and the meteorological confounders being controlled. Results were also stratified by economic zones, age groups and provinces.ResultsWe found a 0.9% reduction (RR=0.991, 95% CI: 0.990 to 0.991) in monthly HepA incidence after EHAP, which was 0.3% greater than the reduction rate before EHAP in China. Across the three economic regions, we found a 1.1% reduction in HepA incidence in both central and western regions after EHAP, which were 0.3% and 1.2% greater than the reduction rates before EHAP, respectively. We found a decreased reduction rate for the eastern region. In addition, we found generally increased reduction rate after EHAP for age groups of 0–4, 5–14 and 15–24 years. However, we found decreased reduction rate among the 25–64 and ≥65 years groups. We found a slight increased rate after EHAP in Shanxi Province but not elsewhere.ConclusionOur finding provides comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of EHAP in China, particularly in the central and western regions, and among the population aged 0–24 years old. This study has important implications for the adjustment of vaccination strategies for other regions and populations.
Balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Xu Chunru , Ji Xing , Zhu Zhenpeng , Cai Tianyu , Guo Zhenke , Lin Jian 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe use of minimally invasive endoluminal treatment for urethral strictures has been a subject for debate for several decades. The aim of this study was to review and discuss the safety, efficacy and factors influencing the clinical application of balloon dilation for the treatment of male urethral strictures.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesEmbase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched for publications published before 17 July 2022.Study selectionTwo independent researchers screened and assessed the results, and all clinical studies on balloon dilation for the treatment of urethral strictures in men were included.Data extraction and synthesisThe success rate, rate of adverse events, International Prostate Symptom Scores, maximum uroflow (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume were the main outcomes. Stata V.14.0 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsFifteen studies with 715 patients were ultimately included in this systematic review. The pooled results of eight studies showed that the reported success rate of simple balloon dilation for male urethral strictures was 67.07% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.92% to 77.36%). The maximum urinary flow rate at 3 months (risk ratio [RR]= 2.6510, 95% CI: 1.0681 to 4.2338, p<0.01) and the maximum urinary flow rate at 1 year (RR= 1.6637, 95% CI: 1.1837 to 2.1437, p<0.05) were significantly different after dilation. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that balloon dilation is superior to optical internal urethrotomy or direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) (RR= 1.4754, 95% CI: 0.7306 to 2.9793, p=0.278).ConclusionBalloon dilation may be an intermediate step before urethroplasty and is a promising alternative therapy to simple dilation and DVIU. The balloon is a promising drug delivery tool, and paclitaxel drug-coated balloon dilation is effective in reducing retreatment rates in patients with recurrent anterior urethral strictures. The aetiology, location, length, previous treatment of urethral stricture may be associated with the efficacy of balloon dilation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022334403.
Snoring Survivors: the impact of obstructive sleep apnoea and continuous positive airway pressure use on in-hospital mortality, length of stay and costs among patients hospitalised with acute cardiovascular disease – A retrospective analysis of 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample Data
Authors: Ogbu Ikechukwu , Hakobyan Bagrat , Sossou Christoph , Levisman Jeffrey , Obiagwu Chukwudi , Danielian Alfred 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe routine administration of supplemental oxygen to non-hypoxic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been abandoned for lack of mortality benefit. However, the benefits of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use in patients hospitalised with acute cardiovascular disease and concomitant obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) remain to be elucidated.MethodsIn this retrospective case–control analysis, using 10th International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes, we searched the 2016–2019 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for patients diagnosed with unstable angina (UA), AMI, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFRVR), who also carried a diagnosis of OSA. We identified in-hospital CPAP use with ICD-10-Procedure Coding System codes. In-hospital death, length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges were compared between patients with and without OSA, and between OSA patients with and without CPAP use.ResultsOur sample included 2 959 991 patients, of which 1.5% were diagnosed with UA, 30.3% with AMI, 37.5% with ADHF and 45.8% with AFRVR. OSA was present in 12.3%. Patients with OSA were more likely to be younger, male, smokers, obese and have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal failure and heart failure (p<0.001 for all). Patients with OSA had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.71, 95% CI (0.7 to 0.73)). Among patients with OSA, CPAP use significantly increased the odds of in-hospital death (aOR 1.51, 95% CI (1.44 to 1.60)), LOS (adjusted mean difference of 1.49 days, 95% CI (1.43 to 1.55)) and hospital charges (adjusted mean difference of US$1168, 95% CI (273 to 2062)).ConclusionOur study showed that patients with recognised OSA hospitalised for AMI, ADHF and AFRVR had significantly lower mortality regardless of CPAP use, while CPAP treatment among these patients was associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality and resource utilisation. The routine use of CPAP during acute cardiovascular encounters could neutralise the impact of chronic intermittent ischaemic preconditioning.
Integrating evidence and causal mapping of factors that influence medication decision-making by pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorder: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Lee Yin Jien , Taft Anita , Stevenson David K , Darmstadt Gary L 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIn 2018, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended low-dose aspirin to prevent the onset of pre-eclampsia among women who were at high risk. Factors influencing women’s acceptance of this recommendation span multiple sectors and levels. Understanding how these factors interact will help stakeholders design effective population-level intervention strategies. Our study aims to identify and map relationships among factors influencing the medication decisions of pregnant women at risk of hypertensive disorders.Methods and analysisPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines will be followed for this review. A research librarian developed a comprehensive search strategy to retrieve published and unpublished English studies after 1 January 1980, involving factors that influence pregnant women’s uptake and adherence to medication for gestational hypertensive disorders. This literature includes perceptions, patterns, acceptance, refusal, tendencies, probability and service utilisation. We will search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL. Reference lists of the selected papers will be searched manually to identify more relevant studies. A two-stage independent screening, consisting of title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening, will be conducted by two independent reviewers to identify eligible articles. Extracted data will be recorded in a customised variable extraction form and input into a Microsoft Access database. The PRISMA-ScR will be used to guide the presentation of the results, which will be presented in a table and causal map to demonstrate the relationships between extracted variables and medication uptake and adherence. A conceptual simulation model will be formulated to validate the logic of the relationships between variables and identify knowledge gaps. Lastly, experts and stakeholders will be invited to critique and comment on the results.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethical approval. The full review results will be presented at a relevant conference and submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication.
Empowering Ontario’s long-term care residents to shape the place they call home: a codesign protocol
Authors: Lee Chloe , Tripp Dee , McVie Melissa , Fineczko Julia , Ramsden Gale , Hothi Sobhneek , Langston Jennifer , Gilhuly Jim , Collingwood Beryl , McAiney Carrie , McGilton Katherine S , Bethell Jennifer 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundCanada’s long-term care (LTC) homes were founded on an institutional model that viewed residents as passive recipients of care. Many homes continue to follow this model leaving residents removed from operational decision-making within their homes. However, involving residents in the design of their LTC home’s environment, programmes and operations can improve the residents’ quality of life and other outcomes. This codesign project creates a toolkit/resource for LTC homes to facilitate meaningful resident engagement in their home’s organisational design and governance.MethodThis three-part project consists of a scoping review, qualitative interviews, toolkit/resource development and prototyping. In part 1, we conduct a scoping review to synthesise existing knowledge on approaches to engaging LTC home residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes, as well as explore barriers, challenges and facilitators of engagement, considerations for diversity and cognitive change, and approaches to evaluation. In part 2, we will have interviews and focus groups with residents, team members (staff) and administrators to assess community capacity to implement and sustain a programme to engage LTC residents in organisational design and governance of their LTC homes. The third part of our project uses these findings to help codesign toolkit(s)/resource(s) to enable the engagement of LTC residents in the organisational design and governance of their LTC homes.Ethics and disseminationThe project is conducted in partnership with the Ontario Association of Residents’ Councils. We will leverage their communication to disseminate findings and support the use of the codesigned toolkit(s)/resource(S) with knowledge users. We will also publish the study results in an academic journal and present at conferences, webinars and workshops. These results can influence practices within LTC homes by inspiring an organisational culture where residents help shape the place they call home. The interviews and focus groups, conducted in part 2, have been submitted to the University Health Network Research Ethics Board.
Study of Whole blood in Frontline Trauma (SWiFT): implementation study protocol
Authors: Antonacci Grazia , Williams Allison , Smith Jason , Green Laura 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionUncontrolled bleeding is a major cause of death for patients with major trauma. Current transfusion practices vary, and there is uncertainty about the optimal strategy. Whole blood (WB) transfusion, which contains all components in one bag, is considered potentially advantageous, particularly for resuscitating patients with major bleeding in the prehospital setting. It could potentially improve survival, reduce donor risk and simplify the processes of delivering blood transfusions outside hospitals. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of WB compared with the standard separate blood component therapy is limited. A multicentre randomised controlled trial will be conducted, alongside an implementation study, to assess the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and implementation of prehospital WB transfusion in the prehospital environment. The implementation study will focus on evaluating the acceptability and integration of the intervention into clinical settings and on addressing broader contextual factors that may influence its success or failure.Methods and analysisA type 1 effectiveness–implementation hybrid design will be employed. The implementation study will use qualitative methods, encompassing comprehensive interviews and focus groups with operational staff, patients and blood donor representatives. Staff will be purposefully selected to ensure a wide range of perspectives based on their professional background and involvement in the WB pathway. The study design includes: (1) initial assessment of current practice and processes in the WB pathway; (2) qualitative interviews with up to 40 operational staff and (3) five focus groups with staff and donor representatives. Data analysis will be guided by the theoretical lenses of the Normalisation Process Theory and the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.Ethics and disseminationThe study was prospectively registered and approved by the South Central—Oxford C Research Ethics Committee and the Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and provided to all relevant stakeholders.Trial registration numberISRCTN23657907; EudraCT: 2021-006876-18; IRAS Number: 300414; REC: 22/SC/0072.
Quantitative assessments of retinal macular structure among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based, cross-sectional, optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Cong , Wang Yongxiang , Cong Lin , Liu Keke , Xu Zhe , Jiang Chunyan , Zhou Weiyan , Zhang Chunxiao , Dong Yi , Feng Jianli , Qiu Chengxuan , Du YiFeng 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo quantitatively assess and compare retinal macular structures of rural-dwelling older adults in China using two different optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanners and to examine their associations with demographic, lifestyle, clinical and ocular factors.Design, setting and participantsThis population-based, cross-sectional study included 971 participants (age ≥60 years) derived from the Multimodal Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China study. We collected data on demographics, lifestyle factors, clinical conditions (eg, cardiovascular disease (CVD)) and ocular factors (eg, visual acuity and spherical equivalent). We used two models of spectral-domain OCT to measure macular parameters in nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subﬁelds. Data were analysed using the multiple general linear models.ResultsSpectralis OCT demonstrated higher macular thickness but a lower macular volume than Primus 200 OCT (p<0.05). Nasal quadrant of the inner and outer subfields was the thickest, followed by superior quadrant. Adjusting for multiple potential confounding variables, older age was significantly correlated with lower average inner and outer macular thicknesses and overall macular volume. Men had higher macular parameters than women. The presence of CVD was correlated with lower central macular thickness (β=−6.83; 95% CI: −13.08 to −0.58; p=0.032). Middle school or above was associated with higher average inner macular thickness (β=7.85; 95% CI: 1.14 to 14.55; p=0.022) and higher spherical equivalent was correlated with lower average inner macular thickness (β=−1.78; 95% CI: −3.50 to −0.07; p=0.042).ConclusionsMacular thickness and volume assessed by Spectralis and Primus 200 OCT scanners differ. Older age and female sex are associated with lower macular thickness and volume. Macular parameters are associated with education, CVD and spherical equivalent.Trial registeration numberMIND-China study (ChiCTR1800017758).
Protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study on the effects of non-surgical weight loss on pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Tian Zhao , Chen Wei , Sun Zhijing 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionRecent studies have recommended non-surgical weight loss and pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for obese patients with urinary incontinence. However, limited studies are detecting the effect of weight loss on other types of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs), as well as on the quality of life (QoL) and the related influencing factors.Methods and analysisThe "Weight Loss on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction"(WLPFD) observational study is a 6 months prospective, longitudinal real-world cohort study aiming to recruit 200 patients. Participants will be followed up three times during the study: at baseline, and at 2 and 6 months. The methodology involves recruitment and follow-up of participants, data collection through validated questionnaires, and statistical analysis to assess the impact of non-surgical weight loss on PFD and QoL.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by the Peking Union Medical College Hospital ethics committee (K4278). All results from the study will be submitted to international journals and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT05987085.