bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological variation of serum thyrotropin and thyroid hormones concentrations determined at 8‐week intervals for 1 year in clinically healthy cats
Authors: Prieto Jennifer M. , Carney Patrick C. , Smith Stephanie M. , Miller Meredith L. , Rishniw Mark , Randolph John F. , Salerno Valerie J. , Lamb Steve V. , Place Ned J. , Farace Giosi , Peterson Sarah , Peterson Mark E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundCats commonly develop thyroid disease but little is known about the long‐term biological variability of serum thyroid hormone and thyrotropin (thyroid‐stimulating hormone; TSH) concentrations.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the long‐term biological variation of thyroid hormones and TSH in clinically healthy cats.MethodsA prospective, observational study was carried out. Serum samples for analysis of total thyroxine (T4,by radioimmunoassay [RIA] and homogenous enzyme immunoassay [EIA]), triiodothyronine (T3), free T4(by dialysis), and TSH were obtained every 8 weeks for 1 year from 15 healthy cats, then frozen until single‐batch analysis. Coefficients of variation (CV) within individual cats () and among individual cats (), as well as the variation between duplicates (ie, analytical variation []) were determined with restricted maximum likelihood estimation. The indices of individuality (IoI) and reference change values (RCVs) for each hormone were calculated.ResultsSome thyroid hormones showed similar (total T4by EIA) or greater (TSH) interindividual relative to intraindividual variation resulting in intermediate to high IoI, consistent with previous studies evaluating the biological variation of these hormones weekly for 5–6 weeks. By contrast, total T4(by RIA) and free T4had a low IoI. Total T3had a high ratio of to ; therefore, interindividual variation could not be distinguished from analytical variation. No seasonal variability in the hormones could be demonstrated.ConclusionsClinicians might improve the diagnosis of feline thyroid disease by establishing baseline concentrations for analytes with intermediate‐high IoI (total T4,TSH) for individual cats and applying RCVs to subsequent measurements.
Evolution of Microstructure in MLX®19 Maraging Steel During Rotary Friction Welding and Finite Element Modeling of the Process
Authors: Banerjee Amborish , Da Silva Laurie , Sharma Hitesh , Platts Andrew , Rahimi Salaheddin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Inertia friction welding (IFW) is a solid-state welding process for joining engineering materials. In this paper, a 2.5D finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate IFW of MLX®19 maraging steel. The predicted results showed a non-uniform temperature distribution, with a decrease in temperature from the periphery to the center of the weld interface. Higher temperature and lower stress distributions were predicted in the weld zone (WZ) and the adjacent regions in the vicinity of the WZ. The von-Mises effective stress, effective strain, and strain-rate were investigated at different time-steps of the FE simulation. The effective stress was minimum at the weld interface, and the effective strain and strain-rate attained a quasi-steady-state status with the ongoing IFW after a threshold time (∼6.5 s). The simulated results were validated by comparing the predicted flash morphology with an actual IFW weld, and temperature profiles measured at specific locations using embedded thermocouples. The difference between the experimental and the simulated results was ∼4.7%, implying a good convergence of the model. Microstructural characterizations were performed across different regions, and the observed features were found to be in agreement with the expected microstructure based on the simulated thermal profiles, which included almost complete (∼90%) and partial transformation of martensite to austenite in the WZ and thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ), respectively. Analyses of crystallographic texture showed that the material (i.e., both transformed austenite and martensite) underwent pure shear deformation during IFW.
Acquisition of regulator on virulence plasmid of hypervirulent
Klebsiella
allows bacterial lifestyle switch in response to iron
Authors: Chu Wilson H. W. , Tan Yi Han , Tan Si Yin , Chen Yahua , Yong Melvin , Lye David C. , Kalimuddin Shirin , Archuleta Sophia , Gan Yunn-Hwen 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
causes liver abscess and potentially devastating metastatic complications. The majority of
Klebsiella
-induced liver abscess are caused by the CG23-I sublineage of hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. This and some other lineages possess a >200-kb virulence plasmid. We discovered a novel protein IroP nestled in the virulence plasmid-encoded salmochelin operon that cross-regulates and suppresses the promoter activity of chromosomal type 3 fimbriae (T3F) gene transcription. IroP is itself repressed by iron through the ferric uptake regulator. Iron-rich conditions increase T3F and suppress capsule mucoviscosity, leading to biofilm formation and cell adhesion. Conversely, iron-poor conditions cause a transcriptional switch to hypermucoid capsule production and T3F repression. The likely acquisition of
iroP
on mobile genetic elements and successful adaptive integration into the genetic circuitry of a major lineage of hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
reveal a powerful example of plasmid chromosomal cross talk that confers an evolutionary advantage. Our discovery also addresses the conundrum of how the hypermucoid capsule that impedes adhesion could be regulated to facilitate biofilm formation and colonization. The acquired ability of the bacteria to alternate between a state favoring dissemination and one that favors colonization in response to iron availability through transcriptional regulation offers novel insights into the evolutionary success of this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
contributes to the majority of monomicrobial-induced liver abscess infections that can lead to several other metastatic complications. The large virulence plasmid is highly stable in major lineages, suggesting that it provides survival benefits. We discovered a protein IroP encoded on the virulence plasmid that suppresses expression of the type 3 fimbriae. IroP itself is regulated by iron, and we showed that iron regulates hypermucoid capsule production while inversely regulating type 3 fimbriae expression through IroP. The acquisition and integration of this inverse transcriptional switch between fimbriae and capsule mucoviscosity shows an evolved sophisticated plasmid-chromosomal cross talk that changes the behavior of hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
in response to a key nutrient that could contribute to the evolutionary success of this pathogen.
Biohybrid Technology for the Detection of Ultralow Concentrations of Trinitrotoluene in Air
Authors: Kiroy V. N. , Kosenko P. O. , Shepelev I. E. , Shcherban I. V. , Smolikov A. B. , Arsenyev F. V. , Zaborovsky A. V. , Aksenov V. A. , Tivileva M. I. , Gruznov V. M. , Zasypkina I. I. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The technology is based on recording the focal activity (FA) of the olfactory bulb (OB) of rats upon the exposure rats to trinitrotoluene (TNT) vapors in the concentration 4.7 × 10–15 g/cm3, separately and in a mixture with saturated vapors of a complex interference composed of spices. The focal activity of the rat olfactory bulb was recorded using an array of 16 special electrodes implanted in the dorsal part of the rat olfactory bulb. The setup contained a box with a rat, sources of vapors (odorants), a multichannel digital system for recording electrical signals from an electrode array, and software performing algorithms for recognizing and classifying odorants presented to the rat. One source of TNT vapors was a device for batch volumetric preparation with a concentration of about 10–15 g/cm3, and another source was a source with a concentration of 4.7 × 10–15 g/cm3 in an air flow presented to rats. Data from 25 tests showed a 100% probability of detecting TNT vapors of the specified concentrations in pure air and also in the presence of a complex odor interference in the form of vapors from a mixture of red pepper, coriander, tobacco, etc., which, as a rule, mask the smell of TNT for animals.
Social and structural barriers and facilitators to HIV healthcare and harm reduction services for people experiencing syndemics in Manitoba: study protocol
Authors: Rueda Zulma Vanessa , Haworth-Brockman Margaret , Sobie Cheryl , Villacis Enrique , Larcombe Linda , Maier Katharina , Deering Kathleen , Sanguins Julianne , Templeton Kimberly , MacKenzie Lauren , Ireland Laurie , Kasper Ken , Payne Michael , Bullard Jared , Krusi Andrea , Pick Neora , Myran Tara , Meyers Adrienne , Keynan Yoav 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn Manitoba, Canada, there has been an increase in the number of people newly diagnosed with HIV and those not returning for regular HIV care. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased sex and gender disparities in disease risk and mortalities, decreased harm reduction services and reduced access to healthcare. These health crises intersect with increased drug use and drug poisoning deaths, houselessness and other structural and social factors most acutely among historically underserved groups. We aim to explore the social and structural barriers and facilitators to HIV care and harm reduction services experienced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Manitoba.Methods and analysisOur study draws on participatory action research design. Guiding the methodological design are the lived experiences of PLHIV. In-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews and quantitative questionnaires will be conducted with two groups: (1) persons aged ≥18 years living or newly diagnosed with HIV and (2) service providers who work with PLHIV. Data collection will include sex, gender, sociodemographic information, income and housing, experiences with the criminal justice system, sexual practices, substance use practices and harm reduction access, experiences with violence and support, HIV care journey (since diagnosis until present), childhood trauma and a decision-making questionnaire. Data will be analysed intersectionally, employing grounded theory for thematic analysis, sex-based and gender-based analysis and social determinants of health and syndemic framework to understand the experiences of PLHIV in Manitoba.Ethics and disseminationWe received approval from the University of Manitoba Health Ethics Research Board (HS25572; H2022:218), First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, Nine Circles Community Health Centre, Shared Health Manitoba (SH2022:194) and 7th Street Health Access Centre. Findings will be disseminated using community-focused knowledge translation strategies identified by participants, peers, community members and organisations, and reported in conferences, peer-reviewed journals and a website (www.alltogether4ideas.org).
Nationwide analysis of the impact of COVID-19 in patients with a cardiovascular, oncological or chronic pulmonary disease in the context of an Eastern European country with a low vaccination rate, Bulgaria: March 2020–April 2022
Authors: Dimitrov George , Valkov Trifon , Batselova Hristiana , Kounchev Ognyan , Momekov Georgi , Argirova Radka 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis study focused on Bulgarian patient cohorts harbouring a single documented chronic comorbidity–cardiovascular pathology, an oncological disease or a chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD) comparing the outcomes in fully vaccinated and non-vaccinated populations classified by sex and age groups in ambulatory, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) settings at the national level.DesignRetrospective analysisSettings, participants and outcome measuresIn total, 1 126 946 patients with confirmed COVID-19, on a national level, were retrospectively analysed between March 2020 and April 2022, using data from the Ministry of Health’s United Information Portal, launched in March 2020.ResultsOf all the confirmed 247 441 hospitalised cases of COVID-19, 67 723 (27.3%) had documented cardiovascular disease (CVD), 2140 (0.9%) had confirmed solid malignancy (regardless of stage) and 3243 (1.3%) had established CPD as their only chronic pathology. The number of cumulative deaths in each subgroup was 10 165 (in-hospital=5812 and ICU=4353); 4.0% vaccinated (410/10 165, p<0.001), 344 (in-hospital=196 and ICU=148), 4.9% vaccinated (17/344, p<0.001), 494 (in-hospital=287 and ICU=207) and 5.2% vaccinated (26/494, p<0.001), respectively. Statistical significance (p<0.001) was obtained in favour of reduced ambulatory, hospitalisation and both in-hospital and ICU-related mortality in the vaccinated cohorts, and BNT162b2 was the most effective at preventing mortality in all age groups.ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis shows that patients vaccinated against COVID-19 demonstrated trends of reduced hospitalisations and premature mortality in patients with CVD, solid malignancy or CPD as a single comorbidity.
What is the current state of research concerning self-efficacy in exercise behaviour? Protocol for two systematic evidence maps
Authors: Bill Vanessa , Wilke Annika , Sonsmann Flora , Rocholl Marc 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionKnowing about a risk factor is not sufficient to ensure corresponding behaviour as additional psychological factors play a role. Self-efficacy is one of the major factors. This also applies to physical activity and exercise behaviour, which is a major public health topic in both primary and secondary prevention. The amount of research on self-efficacy in exercise behaviour is high yet remains uncharted. This protocol presents the research design for two systematic evidence maps on self-efficacy in exercise behaviour in (1) primary prevention and (2) secondary prevention. These maps will thus provide a comprehensive overview over the current state in published empirical research as a starting point for future researchers.Methods and analysisThe databases Medline (via PubMed) and PsycINFO (via EbscoHost) will be searched using the search terms ‘self-efficacy’ and any of the search terms ‘sport’ and ‘exercise’ in titles and abstracts. All empirical research studies which have measured self-efficacy in relation to exercise behaviour will be included. The primary prevention systematic evidence map will aggregate all studies on healthy humans and the secondary prevention systematic evidence map will include all studies on humans with a pre-existing condition. We will extract and present the data points authors, title, year, sample size (N), age groups, surveyed sport and method of measuring self-efficacy in both systematic evidence maps. Moreover, we will extract and present the target group in the systematic evidence map on primary prevention and the pre-existing condition in the systematic evidence map on secondary prevention. In addition to a data table, we will create freely accessible evidence maps in the form of graphs.Ethics and disseminationSince this is a protocol, an ethics approval is not required for the presented and planned work. The results of the two systematic evidence maps will be disseminated via publication in international peer-reviewed journals. In addition, data will be shared in detail via the Open Science Framework platform.
How capacity building of district health managers has been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and best fit framework analysis
Authors: Bosongo Samuel , Belrhiti Zakaria , Ekofo Joël , Kabanga Chrispin , Chenge Faustin , Criel Bart , Marchal Bruno 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesWe aimed to understand how capacity building programmes (CBPs) of district health managers (DHMs) have been designed, delivered and evaluated in sub-Saharan Africa. We focused on identifying the underlying assumptions behind leadership and management CBPs at the district level.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesWe searched five electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Systems Evidence, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar) on 6 April 2021 and 13 October 2022. We also searched for grey literature and used citation tracking.Eligibility criteriaWe included all primary studies (1) reporting leadership or management capacity building of DHMs, (2) in sub-Saharan Africa, (3) written in English or French and (4) published between 1 January 1987 and 13 October 2022.Data extraction and synthesisThree independent reviewers extracted data from included articles. We used the best fit framework synthesis approach to identify an a priori framework that guided data coding, analysis and synthesis. We also conducted an inductive analysis of data that could not be coded against the a priori framework.ResultsWe identified 2523 papers and ultimately included 44 papers after screening and assessment for eligibility. Key findings included (1) a scarcity of explicit theories underlying CBPs, (2) a diversity of learning approaches with increasing use of the action learning approach, (3) a diversity of content with a focus on management rather than leadership functions and (4) a diversity of evaluation methods with limited use of theory-driven designs to evaluate leadership and management capacity building interventions.ConclusionThis review highlights the need for explicit and well-articulated programme theories for leadership and management development interventions and the need for strengthening their evaluation using theory-driven designs that fit the complexity of health systems.
Understanding the valuation of paediatric health-related quality of life: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Yu Alice , Luo Yiting , Bahrampour Mina , Norman Richard , Street Deborah , Viney Rosalie , Devlin Nancy , Mulhern Brendan James 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThere is evidence from previous studies that adults value paediatric health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adult HRQoL differently. Less is known about how adolescents value paediatric HRQoL and whether their valuation and decision-making processes differ from those of adults. Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are widely used to develop value sets for measures of HRQoL, but there is still much to understand about whether and how the methods choices in the implementation of DCE valuation tasks, such as format, presentation and perspective, affect the decision-making process of participants. This paper describes the protocol for a qualitative study that aims to explore the decision-making process of adults and adolescents when completing DCE valuation tasks. The study will also explore the impact of methodological choices in the design of DCE studies (including decisions about format and presentation) on participants’ thinking process.Methods and analysisAn interview protocol has been developed using DCE valuation tasks. Interviews will be conducted online via Zoom with both an adolescent and adult sample. In the interview, the participant will be asked to go through some DCE valuation tasks while ‘thinking aloud’. After completion of the survey, participants will then be asked some predetermined questions in relation to various aspects of the DCE tasks. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for this study has been received for the adult sample (UTS ETH20-9632) as well as the youth sample (UTS ETH22-6970) from the University of Technology Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee. Results from this study will inform the methods to be used in development of value sets for use in the health technology assessment of paediatric interventions and treatments. Findings from this study will also be disseminated through national/international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support as mediating roles between role stress and work engagement among Chinese clinical nursing teachers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Xiangjie , Yin Haiyan , Liu Chunlan , Zhao Fenge 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the work engagement of clinical nursing teachers and examine whether psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support mediates the association between role stress and work engagement among clinical nursing teachers.DesignA cross-sectional study design was used.SettingThis study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals affiliated with medical universities in Shandong Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 412 clinical nursing teachers were recruited out of which 406 completed the questionnaires effectively.MethodsQuestionnaires were administered offline and the items consisted of social demographic characteristics, scale related to role stress, psychological capital, perceived supervisor social support and work engagement. T-tests, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS, and mediation analysis was performed using structural equation modelling.ResultsThe work engagement scores of clinical nursing teachers were high, with an average score of 4.76±0.69. Structural equation modelling showed a good fit of the data to the hypothesised model. Role stress did not directly affect work engagement (β=0.057, p>0.001). However, a strong indirect effect of role stress on work engagement (β=−0.373, p<0.001) mediated by psychological capital and perceived supervisor social support was observed, with path coefficient of −0.319 (p<0.01) and −0.054 (p<0.01), respectively. The model explains 57% of the variance in work engagement.ConclusionPsychological capital and perceived supervisor social support fully mediated the relationship between role stress and work engagement among clinical nursing teachers. Thus, to promote the work engagement of clinical nursing teachers, their psychological capital needs to be improved. Furthermore, superiors should provide more support, particularly to clinical nursing teachers experiencing high role stress.