bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermohydrodynamic Analysis of a Controllable Stiffness Foil Bearing With Shape Memory Alloy Springs: Experimental Tests and Theoretical Predictions
Authors: Cao Yuanlong , Hao Kaiyuan , Fan Jiahui , Zhang Hang , Guan Hanqing , Feng Kai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Shape memory alloy (SMA)-gas foil bearings (SMA-GFBs) are novel gas bearings comprising top foil, SMA springs, and housing. The radial clearance, stiffness, and damping coefficients of SMA-GFBs can be regulated by the bearing temperature which is determined by the electric heating of SMA springs and the cooling flow. A 3D thermohydrodynamic model (THD) considering the conduction and convection of the top foil, bearing housing, and hollow rotor, and the heat energy of heated SMA springs is presented to simulate the temperature distribution of SMA-GFBs at different rotational speeds, heating powers, and cooling flows. Centrifugal growth of the rotor and thermal expansions of the rotor, SMA springs, and bearing housing are also considered. A test rig is built to measure the bearing temperature and to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical model and circumferential cooling mode. Parametric studies are conducted with different speeds, heating powers, and cooling flows. The heat transfer ratios of the rotor and substructure are also compared. Compared to the temperature differences of the bearing temperature in the circumferential or axial directions, the effects of rotational speed and cooling flow on the bearing temperature are more apparent. The phase transition process of SMA spring can be controlled by adjusting the rotor speed and the cooling flow reasonably, and then the temperature characteristics of SMA-GFB can be changed. The temperature depending on the compressed gas film and heated SMA springs and cooling flow can be adjusted to confirm the feasibility of actively altering the performance of the bearing-rotor system.
The Impact of Multisession Sleep-Hygiene Strategies on Sleep Parameters in Elite Swimmers
Authors: Pasquier Florane , Pla Robin , Bosquet Laurent , Sauvet Fabien , Nedelec Mathieu , _ _ 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are common in swimmers. Sleep-hygiene strategies demonstrated beneficial effects on several sleep parameters. The present study assessed the impact of a multisession sleep-hygiene training course on sleep in elite swimmers. Methods: Twenty-eight elite swimmers (17 [2] y) participated. The sleep-hygiene strategy consisted of 3 interventions. Sleep was measured by actigraphy for 7 days before the beginning of the intervention (baseline), after the first collective intervention (postintervention), after the second collective intervention (postintervention 2), and, finally, after the individual intervention (postintervention 3). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was completed concurrently. Swimmers were classified into 2 groups: nonsomnolent (baseline ESS score ≤ 10, n = 13) and somnolent (baseline ESS score ≥ 11, n = 15). Results: All swimmers had a total sleep time of <8 hours per night. Sixty percent of swimmers were moderately morning type. Later bedtime, less time in bed, and total sleep time were observed in the somnolent group compared with the nonsomnolent group at baseline. An interaction between training course and group factors was observed for bedtime, with a significant advance in bedtime between baseline, postintervention 2, and postintervention 3 for the somnolent group. Conclusions: The present study confirms the importance of implementing sleep-hygiene strategies, particularly in athletes with an ESS score ≥11. A conjunction of individual and collective measures (eg, earlier bedtime, napping, and delaying morning training session) could favor the total sleep time achieved.
Broad-spectrum vaccine via combined immunization routes triggers potent immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
Authors: Xing Man , Wang Yihan , Wang Xinyu , Liu Jiaojiao , Dai Weiqian , Hu Gaowei , He Furong , Zhao Qian , Li Ying , Sun Lingjin , Wang Yuyan , Du Shujuan , Dong Zhongwei , Pang Chongjie , Hu Zhidong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing , Cai Qiliang , Zhou Dongming 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Developing broad-spectrum vaccines and optimal vaccination strategies is crucial to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we generated a chimpanzee adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccine carrying broad-spectrum immunogens, modified full-length spike, and conserved T-cell epitopes of SARS-CoV-2, and assessed its immune response in mice through intramuscular (i.m.), intranasal (i.n.), or combined immunization routes (i.m. + i.n., or i.n. + i.m.). Compared to other vaccination strategies, the two combined regimens elicited higher neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses to all variants. Compared to i.n. + i.m. regimen, the i.m. + i.n. regimen stimulated a stronger secondary GC response, which is more pivotal to high-quality antibody production than the primary GC response. Moreover, the i.m. + i.n. regimen was adept at mediating systemic cellular immunity, while the i.n. + i .m. regimen tended to elicit lung tissue-resident memory T (T
RM
) cell responses. Overall, the two combined regimens induced comprehensive but distinct immune responses consisting of lgA, lgG, NAbs, GC B cells, long-lived plasma cells, T
RM
cells, and systemic memory T cells, which conferred complete protection against BA.2 infection in hACE2 transgenic mice, and warranted further investigation as potential universal vaccination strategies.

IMPORTANCE
The development of broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will reduce the global economic and public health stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of conserved T-cell epitopes in combination with spike antigen that induce humoral and cellular immune responses simultaneously may be a promising strategy to further enhance the broad spectrum of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Moreover, this research suggests that the combined vaccination strategies have the ability to induce both effective systemic and mucosal immunity, which may represent promising strategies for maximizing the protective efficacy of respiratory virus vaccines.
A gut commensal bacterium promotes black soldier fly larval growth and development partly via modulation of intestinal protein metabolism
Authors: Luo Xingyu , Fang Gangqi , Chen Kuangqin , Song Yu , Lu Tianyi , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Zhan Shuai , Huang Yongping 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Black soldier fly (BSF),
Hermetia illucens
(L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), is a promising bio-agent to transform organic wastes into valuable insect biomass, and the intestinal microbes play an essential role in this process. Here, we report that
Citrobacter amalonaticus
, a Gram-negative gut commensal bacterium of BSF larvae, can colonize the whole intestines of the larva and significantly promote the larval growth and development. The bacterial association with the larva had a marked impact on the larval transcriptome and modulated the expression of genes involved in dozens of biological pathways including host macro-nutrient metabolism and immune response. We investigated the underlying mechanisms driving the interaction and found that
C. amalonaticus
association can directly promote the expression of two gene families related to intestinal protein metabolism: Hitryp serine protease trypsin family and Himtp metallopeptidase family. To determine the gene function, we developed a symbiont-mediated double-strand RNA interference approach and successfully achieved gene knockdown in larval midgut
in situ
. Knockdown of the two gene families and protease inhibition in larval intestines attenuated the promoting effects on larval growth significantly. The results indicate that the gut symbiont promotes BSF larval growth partly via modulating the expression of the genes involved in intestinal protein metabolism. Taken together, this study establishes a novel genetic tool to study the insect functional genomics and the host-symbiont interaction and sheds light on the important roles of intestinal protein metabolism on the interaction.

Importance

Black solider fly larvae and the gut microbiota can recycle nutrients from various organic wastes into valuable insect biomass. We found that
Citrobacter amalonaticus
, a gut commensal bacterium of the insect, exerts beneficial effects on larval growth and development and that the expression of many metabolic larval genes was significantly impacted by the symbiont. To identify the larval genes involved in the host-symbiont interaction, we engineered the symbiont to produce double-strand RNA and enabled the strain to silence host genes in the larval gut environment where the interaction takes place. With this approach, we confirmed that two intestinal protease families are involved in the interaction and provided further evidence that intestinal protein metabolism plays a role in the interaction. This work expands the genetic toolkits available to study the insect functional genomics and host-symbiont interaction and provide the prospective for the future application of gut microbiota on the large-scale bioconversion.
Optimization of real-time PCR protocols from lymph node bovine tissue for direct detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex
Authors: Vera-Salmoral Eduardo , Gómez-Laguna Jaime , Galán-Relaño Ángela , Ruedas-Torres Inés , Carrasco Librado , Luque Inmaculada , Huerta Belén , Sánchez-Carvajal José María 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease and a global health problem that is subjected to obligatory eradication programs in the European Union. Microbiological culture is an imperfect technique for bTB diagnosis. This study aims to compare and validate two DNA isolation protocols and three different specific DNA targets, IS6110, IS4, and mpb70, to confirm
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC) infection by real-time PCR directly from fresh tissue samples. Fresh lymph node samples were collected from 81 cattle carcasses at the slaughterhouse. A comparison of both extraction protocols was performed with IS
6110
-real-time PCR, showing an adjusted sensitivity (SE) of 78.34% and 95.9% for protocols 1 and 2, respectively, while the specificity (SP) was 100% in both cases. Afterward, the comparison between IS4 and mpb70 targets was performed from the samples extracted with protocol 2, obtaining an adjusted SE of 90.87% and 83.3%, respectively, and an SP of 100% in both cases. The positive likelihood ratio was ∞ for the three targets, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.04, 0.091, and 0.16 for IS6110, IS4, and mpb70, respectively. Negative predictive values were ≥90%, ≥85%, and ≥80% for real-time PCR targeting IS
6110
, IS4, and mpb70, respectively, when the true prevalence is ≤60%, and the positive predictive value is 100% in any scenario of true prevalence. According to these results, the DNA extraction protocol 2 and real-time PCR targeting IS
6110
or IS4 could be potential first-choice molecular assays to detect MTC directly in fresh bovine tissue samples.

Importance

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a chronic infectious and zoonotic disease caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTC), is considered a neglected disease of global importance, causing a detrimental impact on public health, particularly in developing countries where tuberculosis remains a major health problem. However, debate around the efficacy of control measures is still an ongoing matter of concern, with poor diagnostic performance being considered one of the most relevant factors involved in the failure to eradicate the disease since many truly infected animals will be misclassified as bTB-free. This study highlights a DNA extraction protocol and real-time PCR targeting IS6110 or IS4 as potential first-choice molecular assays to detect MTC directly in fresh bovine tissue samples, providing rapid, highly sensitive, and specific diagnostic tools as an alternative to microbiology, which could take up to 3 months to complete, shortening the turnaround time for decision makers to be promptly informed.
Forage lignocellulose is an important factor in driving the seasonal dynamics of rumen anaerobic fungi in grazing yak and cattle
Authors: Liang Zeyi , Zhang Jianbo , Ahmad Anum Ali , Han Jianlin , Gharechahi Javad , Du Mei , Zheng Juanshan , Wang Peng , Yan Ping , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Ding Xuezhi 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic fungi (AF) inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants and play an important role in the degradation of fiber feed. However, limited knowledge is available on seasonal dynamics and inter-species differences in rumen AF community in yak and cattle under natural grazing systems. Using the random forests model, the null model, and structural equation model, we investigated the seasonal dynamics and key driving factors of fiber-associated rumen AF in grazing yak and cattle throughout the year on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). We found that the richness and diversity of rumen AF of grazing yak and cattle in cold season were significantly higher than those in warm season (
P
< 0.05). We identified 12 rumen AF genera, among which ,
Cyllamyces
, and
Orpinomyces
were predominant in the rumen of both grazing yak and cattle. LEfSe and random forest analysis showed that
Feramyces
,
Tahromyces
, and
Buwchfawromyces
were important seasonal indicator of rumen AF in grazing yak (
P
< 0.05), and
Caecomyces
,
Cyllamyces
, and
Piromyces
in grazing cattle (
P
< 0.05). Null model analysis revealed that the dynamic changes of rumen AF community structure were mainly affected by deterministic factors. Notably, mantel test and structural equation model revealed that forage physical-chemical properties, including dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and hemicellulose contents (HC) were the key factors driving the seasonal variations of the rumen AF community (
P
< 0.05). The results revealed that forage lignocellulose was probably an important factor affecting the seasonal dynamics and inter-species differences of the rumen AF community under natural grazing conditions.

IMPORTANCE

The seasonal dynamics of rumen anaerobic fungi in nature grazing yak and cattle were determined during cold and warm seasons based on pasture nutritional quality and environmental data sets. The main driving factors of anaerobic fungi in yak and cattle rumen were explored by combining random forest and structural equation models. In addition, the dynamic differences in the composition of the anaerobic fungi community in the yak and cattle in different seasons were characterized. It was found that some rumen anaerobic fungi have contributed to high fiber degradation rate in yak. These novel findings improve our understanding of the association of environmental and dietary seasonal variations with anaerobic fungal community, facilitating yak adaptation to high altitude.
Design combinations of evolved phage and antibiotic for antibacterial guided by analyzing the phage resistance of poorly antimicrobial phage
Authors: Xu Zhenhe , Ding Zihan , Shi Lijia , Xie YuZhen , Zhang Yuanxing , Sao Shuai , Wang Qiyao , Liu Qin 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Although antibiotics are the primary method against bacterial infections, the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance has forced interest in alternative antimicrobial strategies. Phage has been considered a new biological antimicrobial agent due to its high effectiveness in treating bacterial infections. However, the applications of phage therapy have been limited by the quick development of phage-resistant bacteria. Therefore, more effective phage treatment strategies need to be explored guided by characterizing phage-resistant mutants. In this study,
Pseudomonas plecoglossicida
phage vB_PpS_SYP was isolated from the sewage but exhibited weak antibacterial activity caused by phage-resistant bacteria. Phage-resistant mutants were isolated and their whole genomes were analyzed for differences. The results showed that mutations in glycosyltransferase family 1 (
GT-1
) and hypothetical outer membrane protein (
homP
) led to bacterial phage resistance. The
GT-1
mutants had lower biofilm biomass and higher antibiotic sensitivity than wild-type strain. Phage SYP evolved a broader host range and improved antimicrobial efficacy to infect
homP
mutants. Therefore, we designed a strategy for combined antibiotic and evolved phage inhibition driven by the two phage-resistant mutants. The results showed that the combination was more effective against bacteria than either antibiotics or phage alone. Our findings presented a novel approach to utilizing poorly antimicrobial phages by characterizing their phage-resistant mutants, with the potential to be expanded to include phage therapy for a variety of pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

The rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance renews interest in phage therapy. However, the lack of efficient phages against bacteria and the emergence of phage resistance impaired the efficiency of phage therapy. In this study, the isolated
Pseudomonas plecoglossicida
phage exhibited poor antibacterial capacity and was not available for phage therapy. Analysis of phage-resistant mutants guided the design of antibacterial strategies for the combination of antibiotics with evolved phages. The combination has a good antibacterial effect compared to the original phage. Our findings facilitate ideas for the development of antimicrobial-incapable phage, which have the potential to be applied to the phage treatment of other pathogens.
Advance care planning in perinatal settings: national survey of implementation using Normalisation Process Theory
Authors: Shaw Karen L , Spry J , Cummins Carole , Ewer Andrew K , Kilby Mark D , Mancini Alexandra 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundPerinatal advance care planning (PnACP) is a process of formal decision-making to help families plan for their baby’s care when recognised that they may have a life-limiting condition. While PnACP is recommended in policy, there is a lack of evidence to support implementation and development in the perinatal setting.ObjectiveTo conduct an online survey of UK and Ireland perinatal providers to examine how PnACP is operationalised in current practice.MethodsA secure online questionnaire was developed to collect data on (1) ‘what’ is being implemented, (2) the ‘processes’ being used, (3) perceived impact and (4) unmet support needs. Data were analysed using basic descriptive statistics, thematic analysis and through a conceptual lens of Normalisation Process Theory.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 108 health professionals working in 108 maternity and neonatal services, representing 90 organisations across the UK and Ireland. This revealed many resources and examples of good practice to support PnACP. However, there was wide variation in how PnACP was conceptualised and implemented. Existing frameworks, pathways and planning tools are not routinely embedded into care, and respondents identified many barriers that negatively impact the quality of care. They called for better integration of palliative care principles into acute settings and more investment in staff training to support families at existentially difficult times.ConclusionsPriorities for additional perinatal service development include greater sharing of best practice and effective strategies to target the unique challenges of PnACP, such as time-sensitive collaborative working and decision-making in the face of high uncertainty.
Risk factors for neonatal mortality: an observational cohort study in Sarlahi district of rural southern Nepal
Authors: Yan Tingting , Mullany Luke C , Subedi Seema , Hazel Elizabeth A , Khatry Subarna K , Mohan Diwakar , Zeger Scott , Tielsch James M , LeClerq Steven C , Katz Joanne 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo assess the association between maternal characteristics, adverse birth outcomes (small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and/or preterm) and neonatal mortality in rural Nepal.DesignThis is a secondary observational analysis to identify risk factors for neonatal mortality, using data from a randomised trial to assess the impact of newborn massage with different oils on neonatal mortality in Sarlahi district, Nepal.SettingRural Sarlahi district, Nepal.Participants40 119 pregnant women enrolled from 9 September 2010 to 16 January 2017.Main outcomeThe outcome variable is neonatal death. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHRs) to assess the association between adverse birth outcomes and neonatal mortality.ResultsThere were 32 004 live births and 998 neonatal deaths. SGA and/or preterm birth was strongly associated with increased neonatal mortality: SGA and preterm (aHR: 7.09, 95% CI: (4.44 to 11.31)), SGA and term/post-term (aHR: 2.12, 95% CI: (1.58 to 2.86)), appropriate-for-gestational-age/large-for-gestational-age and preterm (aHR: 3.23, 95% CI: (2.30 to 4.54)). Neonatal mortality was increased with a history of prior child deaths (aHR: 1.53, 95% CI: (1.24 to 1.87)), being a twin or triplet (aHR: 5.64, 95% CI: (4.25 to 7.48)), births at health posts/clinics or in hospital (aHR: 1.34, 95% CI: (1.13 to 1.58)) and on the way to facilities or outdoors (aHR: 2.26, 95% CI: (1.57 to 3.26)). Risk was lower with increasing maternal height from <145 cm to 145–150 cm (aHR: 0.78, 95% CI: (0.65 to 0.94)) to ≥150 cm (aHR: 0.57, 95% CI: (0.47 to 0.68)), four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits (aHR: 0.67, 95% CI: (0.53 to 0.86)) and education >5 years (aHR: 0.75, 95% CI: (0.62 to 0.92)).ConclusionSGA and/or preterm birth are strongly associated with increased neonatal mortality. To reduce neonatal mortality, interventions that prevent SGA and preterm births by promoting ANC and facility delivery, and care of high-risk infants after birth should be tested.Trial registration numberNCT01177111.
Blended intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy for informal caregivers of people with dementia (ACT-IC): protocol of a mixed-methods feasibility study
Authors: Atefi Golnaz L , van Knippenberg Rosalia J M , Bartels Sara Laureen , Verhey Frans R J , de Vugt Marjolein E 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionNumerous caregiver support programmes have shown promise in promoting the mental health of informal caregivers of people with dementia (PwD). However, there is still a lack of evidence-based interventions tailored to the specific needs of this population. This mixed-methods study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a blended intervention based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for informal caregivers of PwD, leading to a better understanding of intervention refinements for future controlled trials.Methods and analysisThis study includes an uncontrolled pre–post intervention pilot study. A total of 30 informal caregivers of PwD will be recruited through memory clinics and social media platforms in the Netherlands. The ACT for informal caregiver (ACT-IC) intervention will be delivered over a 9-week period and consists of a collaborative goal-setting session, nine online ACT modules, nine telephone-based motivational coaching sessions and 6 monthly booster sessions following the main intervention period. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using attrition rate, adherence to and engagement with the intervention, proportion of missing data and semistructured interviews. Preliminary efficacy will be assessed with retrospective measures of depression, anxiety, stress, sense of competence, burden and self-efficacy at baseline, postintervention, at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.Ethics and disseminationThe Medical Ethical Committee from the Maastricht academic hospital and Maastricht University approved the study. The findings of this study will be shared with healthcare professionals, researchers and public audience through various channels, including scientific publications, conference presentations, online forums and community outreach programmes.Trial registration numberNCT05064969.