bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friction consumption and leakage performance of step piston in a novel synchronous lubrication radial piston pump
Authors: Yongkang Li , Shang Xiao 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To alleviate the wear caused by insufficient lubrication of the slipper and piston pair due to the expansion of the piston pump speed range, a novel synchronous lubrication structure with step piston was proposed, which can generate high-pressure oil to lubricate the friction pair while discharging the working medium synchronously. However, the step structure inevitably influences the film's characteristics and has unclear effects on friction and leakage performance. Therefore, the lubrication and deformation model of the step piston, verified by comparison with classical literature, is established by combining the finite difference method and finite element method. The influence of load pressure, shaft speed, and step parameters on its tribological characteristics was further analyzed. The results show that the local step bearing effect is produced near the piston step, but at the expense of the decreased upstream fluid pressure. The matching length reduction caused by the step piston does not aggravate the piston eccentricity, but alleviates the eccentricity and leakage; The friction consumption and leakage are positively correlated with the load pressure and shaft speed, the step bearing effect and the piston anti-capsizing ability can be significantly improved with a smaller step height, which is also conducive to reducing leakage but increasing the friction consumption. There is an optimal step height to increase the pump efficiency.
Cell wall glycosyltransferase of
Streptococcus mutans
impacts its dissemination to murine organs
Authors: Hashizume-Takizawa Tomomi , Ando Taiki , Urakawa Ayaka , Aoki Kazuhiro , Senpuku Hedenobu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus mutans
, a cariogenic bacterium in humans, is associated with systemic disorders. Its cariogenic factors include glucosyltransferases (GTFs) and the glycosyltransferase rhamnose–glucose polysaccharide I (RgpI), which is involved in cell wall synthesis. However, the potential roles of these enzymes in systemic disorders remain unclear. We constructed a luciferase-tagged
S. mutans
UA159 mutant strain that lacked
rgpI
to explore the involvement of this enzyme in the systemic pathogenicity of
S. mutans
. We also employed the luciferase-tagged
S. mutans
UA159 variant, which exhibited reduced GTF production and therefore had a low glucan synthesis ability. We intravenously inoculated these luciferase-tagged mutants and parent strains into 12-week-old male BALB/c mice to evaluate their distribution to organs. Strong luminescence was noted in the spleen and kidneys, indicating that
S. mutans
was disseminated to these organs. Several organs collected from mice inoculated with the luciferase-tagged parent strain emitted a signal, and inflammatory cytokine production was detected in the blood. The luminescence intensity was lower in the kidneys of mice challenged with the mutant strain, which has a low glucan synthesis ability. Conversely, challenge with the
rgpI
deletion mutant strain resulted in the lowest number of luminescent organs, with a lower intensity and attenuated inflammation. Furthermore, all the mice inoculated with the
rgpI
deletion mutant strain survived, whereas not all the mice inoculated with the parent strain survived. Collectively, these results suggest that RgpI is involved in the systemic pathogenicity of
S. mutans
UA159.
Genome sequence of bacteriophage PensacolaC28 isolated using
Microbacterium sp
. Casco Bay
Authors: Girard Lucas R. , Cousins Samuel R. , Heald Alexis C. , Tanzey Doxel A. , Omo Elizabeth M. , Flannigan Connor R. , Chung Hui-Min , Tarbox Brian P. , Savage Emily F. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophage PensacolaC28 is a lytic phage isolated on
Microbacterium sp
. Casco Bay (NCMA B81), a marine bacterium originally cultured in South Portland, Maine, USA. PensacolaC28 was isolated from an environmental sample collected in Pensacola, Florida, USA. It is a singleton siphovirus with a 16,749 bp genome and contains 24 protein coding genes.
Quantifying the relative intensity of free-living physical activity: differences across age, association with mortality and clinical interpretation—an observational study
Authors: Rowlands Alex V , Orme Mark W , Maylor Benjamin D , Kingsnorth Andrew P , Henson Joe , Goldney Jonathan , Davies Melanie , Razieh Cameron , Khunti Kamlesh , Zaccardi Francesco , Yates Thomas 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesTo describe age-related differences in the absolute and relative intensity of physical activity (PA) and associations with mortality.MethodsUK Biobank participants with accelerometer-assessed PA (mg) and fitness data (N=11 463; age: 43–76 years) were included. The intensity distribution of PA was expressed in absolute and relative terms. The outcome was mortality.ResultsPA volume (average acceleration) and absolute intensity were lower with increasing age (~−0.03 to −0.04 SD of mean value across all ages per year; p<0.001) but differences in relative intensity by age were markedly smaller in women (−0.003 SD; p<0.184) and men (−0.012 SD; p<0.001). Absolute intensity was higher in men, but relative intensity higher in women (p<0.001). Over a median (IQR) follow-up of 8.1 (7.5–8.6) years, 121 (2.4 per 1000-person-years) deaths occurred in women and 203 (5.0 per 1000-person-years) in men. Lower risk of mortality was observed for increasing absolute or relative intensity in women, but for absolute intensity only in men. In men, the lowest risk (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43, 0.91) was observed in those with high absolute intensity (80th centile), but low relative intensity (20th centile). Conversely, in women, the lowest risk was associated with high levels (80th centile) of both absolute and relative intensity (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41, 0.86).ConclusionAbsolute PA intensity dropped with age, while relative intensity was fairly stable. Associations between PA intensity and mortality suggest that prescribing intensity in absolute terms appears appropriate for men, while either absolute or relative terms may be appropriate for women.
Differentiated community-based point-of-care early infant diagnosis to improve HIV diagnosis and ART initiation among infants and young children in Zambia: a quasi-experimental cohort study
Authors: Manasyan Albert , Tembo Tannia , Dale Helen , Pry Jake M , Itoh Megumi , Williamson Dhelia , Kapesa Herbert , Derado Josip , Beard Rachel Suzanne , Iyer Shilpa , Gass Salome , Mwila Annie , Herce Michael E 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAn estimated 800 000 children (<15 years) globally living with HIV remain undiagnosed. To reach these children with timely HIV testing services during infancy, we implemented a community-based differentiated care model using mobile point-of-care (POC) technology for early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV, and assessed its effects on EID positivity, antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and 3-month retention in care.MethodsBetween 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 at six health facilities in Lusaka, Zambia, we enrolled mother-infant pairs (MIPs) at high risk for vertical transmission of HIV based on missing or late infant EID testing or other maternal risk factors. We offered these MIPs community POC EID testing (post-intervention), and compared their outcomes to historical high-risk controls at the same sites (1 June 2017–31 May 2018; pre-intervention). We used propensity score matched weighting and mixed effects regression modelling to estimate outcome differences pre-intervention and post-intervention, and to identify MIP characteristics predictive of vertical transmission of HIV.Results2577 MIPs were included in the analysis: 1763 and 814 high-risk MIPs from the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods, respectively. Infant HIV positivity was significantly higher in the post-intervention (2.2%) vs pre-intervention (1.1%) period (p=0.038), however this difference was attenuated (0.83%, 95% CI: −0.50%, 2.15%) after adjusting for differences in maternal age, maternal antenatal care visits, infant birth month and facility. During the post-intervention period, MIPs where the mother disengaged from care were 12.97 (95% CI: 2.41, 69.98) times as likely to have an infant diagnosed with HIV vs those in which the infant received late EID testing without maternal care disengagement. Among 18 infants diagnosed with HIV by the intervention, 16 (88.9%) initiated same-day ART and all continued ART at 3-month follow-up.ConclusionCommunity-based differentiated care employing POC EID technology increased testing positivity in unadjusted analyses, and resulted in high ART initiation and early care retention, suggesting it may be a promising approach for reaching infants and young children living with HIV being missed by current facility-based approaches.Trial registration numberThis trial is registered under the following Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT03133728
Development and evaluation of a national administrative code-based system for estimation of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism in Ireland
Authors: Kirke Ciara , Daly Richard , Dalchan Therese , Curley Jacqui , Buckley Ruth , Lynch Deirdre , Crowley Maeve P , Kevane Barry , Gallagher Emer , O’Neill Ann Marie , Ní Áinle Fionnuala 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE) is a significant patient safety concern contributing to preventable deaths. Internationally, estimating HA-VTE relies on administrative codes, in particular the International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes, but their accuracy has been debated. The Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) launched a National Key Performance Indicator (KPI) in 2019 for monitoring HA-VTE rates using the Australian Modification of ICD-10 (ICD-10-AM) codes.ObjectivesThis study aims to (1) describe the development of the national HSE KPI and determine the national HA-VTE occurrence rate per 1000 discharges in 2022; (2) assess the contribution of each VTE ICD-10-AM code to the national HA-VTE figure; (3) estimate the positive predictive value (PPV) of the HSE KPI against true HA-VTE, in a single large tertiary (Irish Model 4) hospital.MethodsA retrospective observational study used national data from Irish publicly funded acute hospitals, focusing on discharges from 2022. The HSE KPI was based on an assessment of HA-VTE as a rate per 1000 hospital discharges (as per the national metadata). Inclusion criteria were inpatient only, length of stay ≥2 days, age ≥16 years and non-maternity admission type (elective or emergency only). Maternity and paediatric hospitals were excluded.The PPV was determined through a detailed review of HA-VTE cases identified through the HSE KPI from April 2020 to October 2022 in a single large tertiary referral centre and determining the proportion indicating a true HA-VTE. Data analysis employed GraphPad Prism (Horsham, PA, USA).ResultsThe national mean monthly HA-VTE rate was 11.38 per 1000 discharges in 2022. Pulmonary embolism (PE) without acute cor pulmonale (I26.9) was the most frequent contributor (59%). The mean PPV in the tertiary hospital was 0.37, with false positives attributed to acute illnesses, historical VTE coding errors and dual VTE diagnoses at admission.DiscussionHA-VTE is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating accurate measurement. Administrative codes, while cost-effective and timely, reveal limitations in precision. This study identifies opportunities to improve code accuracy, address coding challenges and enhance the PPV.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into estimated HA-VTE rates, the contribution of each individual ICD-10-AM code to the overall HA-VTE rate and the PPV of the measure. Ongoing refinement and quality enhancement are needed.
Effectiveness of pain neuroscience education, motivational interviewing and cognition targeted exercise therapy in patients with chronic neck pain: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (the COGMO-AP study)
Authors: Morales Tejera David , Nijs Jo , Malfliet Anneleen , Prieto Aldana María Adoración , Gallardo Vidal María Isabel , Polentinos Castro Elena , Linares Fernández María Teresa , Fernández-Carnero J 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIn primary care, the prevalence of neck pain has increased substantially. Evidence regarding treatment of chronic neck pain (CNP) is scarce, and its effectiveness is not entirely proven in different stages of chronicity, nor for different types of cervical disorders. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention (COGMO intervention) compared with usual practice in primary care physiotherapy to improve neck pain intensity, severity and disability in patients with CNP.Methods and analysisDesign: a pragmatic cluster-randomised clinical trial design with a 12-month follow-up. Setting: primary care. Participants: physiotherapists as randomisation unit, and patients as analysis unit. Inclusion criteria: individuals aged 18 to 65 years suffering from moderate to severe CNP. Sample size expected: 142 patients. Recruitment: patients referred from primary care physicians to physiotherapy. Intervention: pain neuroscience education (PNE), motivational interviewing (MI) and cognition targeted exercise therapy (CTE) compared with the standard treatment in primary care. Outcomes: the main variable is reduction in pain intensity; secondary variables include pain severity, conditioned pain modulation, temporal summation, neck disability, fear/avoidance behaviour, kinesiophobia, catastrophising, therapeutic alliance and quality of life. Sociodemographic information and adherence to the intervention will be recorded. Data collection: baseline, and follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Analysis: it will follow intention-to-treat principles, and difference in percentage of subjects achieving success on the primary endpoint at 12 months. A model with multilevel analysis will be adjusted through logistic regression (being the dependent variable pain intensity, and the independent, the intervention).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been awarded by the Regional Ethics Committee of Madrid (code: COGMO-AP) and the primary health care central commission of research (code: 20210011). The results of the study will be disseminated through international peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, press and social media.Trial registration numberNCT05785455.
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cholera among people living in a cholera-endemic health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kayembe Ntumba Harry César , Taty Nadège , Mako Sandra , Batumbo Doudou Boloweti 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesTo assess cholera-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and identify associated factors in a cholera endemic health zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).DesignA community-based cross-sectional study.SettingThe study was conducted in Kalemie health zone, which is located in the Tanganyika province in eastern DRC.ParticipantsA total of 455 participants were enrolled in this study using a three-stage random sampling procedure.Main outcome measuresSociodemographic characteristics, cholera and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)-related KAP, and their associated factors.ResultsThe study revealed that the population demonstrated a good knowledge (64%), a positive attitude (73.6%) and good WASH practices (73.8%) regarding cholera. The identification of cholera symptoms, modes of transmission and means of prevention ranged from 79.6% to 94.3%, 38.2% to 41.5% and 32.5% to 56.3%, respectively. It was also noted a high prevalence of tap water use (93.4%) and limited access to water treatment (43.1% to 57.1%), as well as a significant proportion of latrine access (70.8%) with the presence of open defecation (16.3%). In multivariable logistic regression, poor knowledge about cholera was associated with being aged 18 years or younger, having limited education and practising poor WASH habits. No significant factors influenced participants’ attitudes. Poor WASH practices were associated with being from households with daily expenditures of less than 1 USD and 5 USD, as well as having poor knowledge about cholera. In addition, believers from Catholic and Muslim backgrounds were less likely to have poor WASH practices.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that health education initiatives targeting younger demographics should be intensified to enhance awareness of cholera prevention and household water treatment. Furthermore, there is a need for targeted interventions to provide public standpipes and community boreholes, as well as to improve the coverage of covered pit latrines, especially for poorer households.
Threats to grant peer review: a qualitative study
Authors: Sims Gould Joanie , Lasinsky Anne M , Mota Adrian , Khan Karim M , Ardern Clare L 
Published: February 2025

Background and objectivesPeer review is ubiquitous in evaluating scientific research. While peer review of manuscripts submitted to journals has been widely studied, there has been relatively less attention paid to peer review of grant applications (despite how crucial peer review is to researchers having the means and capacity to conduct research). There is spirited debate in academic community forums (including on social media) about the perceived benefits and limitations of grant peer review. The aim of our study was to understand the experiences and challenges faced by grant peer reviewers.MethodsTherefore, we conducted qualitative interviews with 18 members of grant review panels—the Chairs, peer reviewers and Scientific Officers of a national funding agency—that highlight threats to the integrity of grant peer review.ResultsWe identified three threats: (1) lack of training and limited opportunities to learn, (2) challenges in differentiating and rating applications of similar strength, and (3) reviewers weighting reputations and relationships in the review process to differentiate grant applications of a similar strength. These threats were compounded by reviewers’ stretched resources or lack of time. Our data also highlighted the essential role of the Chair in ensuring transparency and rigorous grant peer review.ConclusionsAs researchers continue to evaluate the threats to grant peer review, the reality of stretched resources and time must be considered. We call on funders and academic institutions to implement practices that reduce reviewer burden.
Engaging adolescents for sexual and reproductive health and rights and family planning advocacy in Pakistan: a qualitative study protocol
Authors: Meherali Salima , Najmi Hina , Nausheen Sidra , Lassi Zohra , Memon Zahid Ali , Mian Abeer , Saleem Sarah 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAdolescents and young people aged 10–24 years comprise 32% of the total population of Pakistan. Adolescents and young people are a heterogeneous group—in different stages of development, living in different circumstances and with differing and changing needs. Neglect of specific adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs can pose serious challenges and affect physical and mental health, future employment, economic well-being and adolescents’ ability to reach their full potential. Evidence suggests that adolescents in Pakistan have poor access to SRH services, including access to contraception and limited knowledge of SRH and rights (SRHR), contributing to unplanned pregnancies, very early childbearing, short birth intervals, pregnancy complications, maternal death and disability. Despite recognising adolescence as an important developmental period, research on SRHR needs and access to SRH information among adolescents in Pakistan is scarce. This project will use a participatory action research (PAR) approach based on the principles of public engagement in science and innovation to develop a national SRHR and Family Planning Advocacy Toolkit for adolescents in Pakistan.Methods and analysisWe will use the PAR framework to guide our study. This research project will be conducted in three stages with cyclical recurring activities involving planning, acting, observing and reflecting, as informed by the PAR framework. The three stages are: (1) establishment of youth advisory groups and identification and prioritisation of SRHR concerns, (2) planning and co-designing an appropriate intervention (ie, SRHR and Family Planning Advocacy Toolkit) and (3) implementation and usability testing of advocacy Toolkit. This project leverages strong, well-established partnerships among researchers, clinicians, lady health workers (LHWs) and adolescent communities living in rural parts of Pakistan.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received ethics approval from the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board (Pro00129101_REN1) and the Ethics Review Committee at Aga Khan University (2023-8671-26021). We will actively engage adolescent advisory group members, youth partners and LHWs in the dissemination of the Toolkit to ensure that it will reach end users in the rural community. In collaboration with governmental platforms, community non-governmental organisations and educational campaigns, the Toolkit will be disseminated to ensure SRH knowledge is readily available to young adolescents. We will also publish our study findings for peer-reviewed publications, digital stories and conference presentations.
The safety and health paradox of workers at social venues: a regulatory compliance gap analysis of the existing relevant legislation and the unwritten rules at social venues in Uganda
Authors: Babirye Susan , Michielsen Kristien , Robijn Lenzo , Keygnaert Ines , Ssengooba Freddie 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesThis study aims to analyse the disparity between the rules and procedures at social venues in Uganda and the current regulatory requirements concerning venue worker safety.MethodsBetween 2021 and 2023, we analysed national laws/policies impacting the safety and health of venue workers in Uganda. This analysis was complemented by data collected from 66 in-depth interviews with venue workers. Additionally, we organised two subnational/national dialogues with key stakeholders in Uganda.ResultsOur findings revealed minimal adherence to national regulations concerning workplace safety and health at venues. Many rules/procedures implemented at these venues directly contradicted the principles outlined in national regulations. There were barely any laws explicit to the safety and health of workers at social venues with the exception of the Hotels Act, 2000, which only applies to venues offering accommodation services. The identified significant regulatory compliance gaps in social venues include inconsistent and low wages, discriminatory recruitment practices such as a preference for young and beautiful females and the employment of underage workers.ConclusionEmployment in social venues continues to lack regulations that address the unique occupational hazards, many of which are linked with increased risk of HIV acquisition. Furthermore, existing regulations relevant to the sector are not complied with by social venues, and consequently safe workplace in these environments remains a significant challenge.
1-in-3
vs.
Not-All-Equal
: Dichotomy of a broken promise
Authors: Ciardo Lorenzo , Kozik Marcin , Krokhin Andrei , Nakajima Tamio-Vesa , Živný Stanislav 
Published: February 2025

The
1-in-3
and
Not-All-Equal
satisfiability problems for Boolean CNF formulas are two well-known NP-hard problems. In contrast, the
promise
1-in-3
vs.
Not-All-Equal
problem can be solved in polynomial time. In the present work, we investigate this constraint satisfaction problem in a regime where the promise is weakened from either side by a
rainbow-free
structure, and establish a complexity dichotomy for the resulting class of computational problems.