bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Return on Investment of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in the National Health Service
Authors: Russell Joseph , Innes Sue 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSocial return on investment (SROI) may present a method for demonstrating the social value of healthcare interventions. It has not previously been measured in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy but is being used in the procurement and performance management of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to measure SROI in one provider of MSK physiotherapy in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS).MethodsA retrospective single arm online survey‐based service evaluation was carried out to calculate the SROI of an NHS adult MSK physiotherapy service using the Housing Association's Charitable Trust Social Value Calculator.Results237 respondents (35.6%) completed the survey and a mean SROI of £4.13 for every £1 invested was demonstrated. There were sub‐group variations based on symptom location and discharge location.DiscussionThis is the first time SROI has been calculated in an MSK physiotherapy setting. This service evaluation raises new questions about the variations observed in subgroups and the applicability of this methodology in individuals with MSK conditions who receive physiotherapy.ConclusionMSK physiotherapy is an intervention which offers a positive SROI across a range of MSK conditions and contributes towards improved wellbeing. This is the first study to use the HACT Social Value Calculator when evaluating a physiotherapy service and further research is required to validate the results.
The uncertain death. Estimating mortality structure by random sampling
Authors: Moser Daria , Pichler Sandra L. , Santos Ana Luisa , Klimscha Florian , Fuchs Katharina 
Published: November 2024

AbstractImprecise data produced by commonly applied osteological age‐at‐death estimations profoundly affect all research on age‐dependent mortality in past societies. With uncertain death estimation (UCD), we propose a novel approach to estimating the mortality structure from imprecise data and present a corresponding R package for simple application. Through repeated random sampling of imprecise age‐at‐death ranges, UCD estimates the mortality structure of a given skeletal sample. We demonstrate the applicability of UCD in a proof‐of‐principle study on two samples with known age at death (Bass‐Mercyhurst Collection and Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection). Two case studies of German Neolithic skeletal material illustrate UCD's applicability to archeological samples with dissimilar states of preservation. To comparatively quantify the accuracy of UCD, maximum likelihood estimations, Kaplan–Meier survival estimations, and age‐category mortality profiles were calculated for all four study samples. UCD outperforms similar existing procedures while incorporating the uncertainty inherent in osteological data. The proof‐of‐principle study produced significantly more accurate mortality profiles from UCD than from maximum likelihood estimation and Kaplan–Meier survival estimation. Both archeological case studies indicate UCD's ability to provide meaningful new insight into age‐dependent mortality in past societies. UCD allows for comparative studies into age‐dependent mortality in past societies without requiring a large sample of precise age‐at‐death estimations. UCD provides an opportunity for fast and simple analysis of mortality structures on a large dataset without neglecting the information contained in the raw data, thereby facilitating a critical study of patterns in age‐dependent mortality on a large scale.
Electrochemically Induced, Metal Free Synthesis of 2‐substituted chroman‐4‐ones
Authors: Monirialamdari Mohsen , Podlaska Aleksandra , Pomikło Dominika , Albrecht Anna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractElectrochemically induced, decarboxylative functionalization of chromone‐3‐carboxylic acids by N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters as alkyl radical precursors was studied. Electrochemical protocol offers a sustainable and green approach, obviating the need for catalysts, relying on the direct reduction of NHPI esters using electric current. Developed protocol provides a straightforward route to the synthesis of diverse molecules with potential biological activity.
Can Catering to Local Area Needs Through CSR Reduce Firm Risk?
Authors: Prasad Krishna , Prasad M Durga 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending to cater to the local area's needs (the area of business operations) in reducing the firm's risk in the mandatory CSR setting. Using a sample of 1677 Indian firms spanning the financial year 2009–2022, we present several interesting results. First, we demonstrate that the risk of the firms eligible under mandatory CSR law is higher than those not qualifying. Second, we find that the risk of firms that focus their CSR on the local area's needs is lower. In an additional analysis, we demonstrate that firms with higher spending on the local area experience lower contingent liability, legal expenses, and audit fees. We illustrate that focusing on the local area's needs in CSR efforts retains signaling value under a mandatory CSR regime.
Investigation on tribo‐properties of twaron pulp‐reinforced brake friction composites
Authors: Kılıç Halil , Güney Bekir 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDetermining the appropriate formulation in designing and developing brake friction materials is one of the most complex tasks. This study investigates the synergistic effect and optimization of twaron fiber on the fade and recovery performance of brake friction composites. For this purpose, a series of friction materials containing varying amounts of twaron between 1 and 9 wt% were developed, and their characterization and tribo evaluation were carried out. The tribo performance of the composites was evaluated in a Krauss‐type friction test machine in line with the ECE R90 procedure in terms of their fade and recovery behaviors. It was noted that the fade‐recovery friction response of composites was affected when fiber is added; that is, an increase in fiber content improved the fade performance, friction fluctuations decreased, and a higher recovery response was observed. The fade and average coefficient of friction were found to be the main determinants, while recovery was found to be the stabilizer. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the priority of importance of criteria in the performance evaluation, and VIKOR (multi‐criteria optimization compromise solution) was used for ranking evaluation. The formulation with a concentration of twaron 7 wt% was found to have exhibited an optimal braking performance. The worn surfaces scanning electron microscope (SEM) study confirms the general friction and wear mechanisms of friction layers with fiber content.Highlights
Development of twaron pulp‐reinforced eco‐friendly brake friction composites.
Use of MCDM approach in the development of BFCs for braking applications.
VIKOR optimization positioned 7 wt% twaron‐addition BFC as the optimal choice.
It was observed that fiber amount is effective on the behaviors of composites.
Update and narrative review of avian influenza (H5N1) infection in adult patients
Authors: Aldhaeefi Mohammed , Rungkitwattanakul Dhakrit , Saltani Ilyas , Muirhead Antoinette , Ruehman Alexander J. , Hawkins W. Anthony , Daftary Monika N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe avian influenza is a serious infection caused by influenza virus that is native to birds. Avian influenza remains a global challenge due to high transmission and mortality rates. The highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 resulted in significant outbreaks and deaths globally since the late 1800s. The most recent outbreaks in wild birds, domestic birds, and cows with some genetic variations and mutations among H5N1 strains has raised major concerns about potential transmission and public health risks. Symptoms range from asymptomatic to mild flu‐like illness to severe illness that requires hospitalization. There are multiple vaccines in development for humans to protect against avian influenza, specifically the H5N1 virus. This includes a cell‐based vaccine approved by the FDA for people aged 6 months and older who are at higher risk of exposure to the H5N1 virus called Audenz. Chemoprophylaxis against avian influenza following a suspected exposure should be started as soon as possible or no later than 48 h, and it is recommended to be continued for 7 days. The majority of avian influenza viruses are susceptible to neuraminidase inhibitors and cap‐dependent endonuclease inhibitor. Neuraminidase inhibitors are the mainstay of the avian influenza treatment and includes oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir. Baloxavir marboxil is a cap‐dependent endonuclease inhibitor. This clinical review aims to highlight the background, epidemiology, clinical presentation, complications and current treatment and prevention strategies for avian influenza H5N1.
Effect of Behavioral Activation on Stigma and Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Huang Runze , Ge Han , Nie Guodong , Li Anlong , Liu Lijun , Cheng Ling , Zhang Mingjun , Cheng Huaidong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEsophageal cancer and gastric cancer patients require researchers' attention to address and resolve the issue of stigma. The aim of this study was to investigate whether behavioral activation (BA), an emerging psychosocial intervention method, can mitigate the stigma experienced by these patients and enhance their quality of life (QoL).MethodsOne hundred fifty‐three patients with advanced esophageal cancer and gastric cancer were recruited and randomly assigned to either the BA plus care as usual group (BA + CAU group) or the care as usual group (CAU group). Pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires, including the Social Impact Scale (SIS), as well as all functional areas and global health and QoL modules from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30, version3).ResultsGeneralized estimating equation analysis revealed that compared to usual care alone, combining BA with usual care significantly reduced stigma (time‐by‐group interaction, T1: β = −10.584, p < 0.001; T2: β = −22.619, p < 0.001) while improving physical, role, emotional, social functioning and global health and QoL particularly at T2 time point. Additionally, it also has the potential to decelerate the progressive decline of cognitive functioning. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between stigma levels and all functional areas as well as global health and QoL.ConclusionThe issue of stigma among esophageal cancer and gastric cancer patients warrants increased attention due to its close relationship with patient QoL. This study presents a promising psychosocial intervention approach suitable for clinical application that deserves further promotion among cancer patients.Trial RegistrationNCT06348940.
Personality Feedback With Tailored Self‐Care Recommendations Improves Self‐Efficacy for Cancer Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Perry Laura M. , Mossman Brenna , Garcia Sofia F. , Kircher Sheetal M. , Dunn Addison , Alonzi Sarah , Easwar Sanjana , Hoerger Michael 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo test whether a personality feedback intervention improves three domains of cancer self‐management: self‐awareness, self‐efficacy, and positive affect.MethodsFrom 11/2020‐02/2021, 372 adults diagnosed with cancer participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention that entailed reading a brief personality‐related excerpt during an online survey. Eligibility included self‐reported age ≥ 18 years, current or past cancer diagnosis, and ability to read English. The survey included a baseline assessment with a personality questionnaire, then randomized participants to one of two groups. The intervention group (n = 184) received a personality feedback report with tailored self‐care tips, whereas the control group (n = 188) received a generic reading on personality theory. At the end of the survey, participants completed outcome measures of self‐awareness (primary), self‐efficacy for illness management, and positive affect. General linear models tested between‐group differences in changes from baseline to post‐test on each outcome.ResultsThere was no intervention effect on self‐awareness (primary outcome) or positive affect. However, compared to controls, intervention participants experienced a greater increase in self‐efficacy for illness management (d = 0.33, p = 0.002), including in 2 of 3 constituent domains: self‐efficacy for managing symptoms (d = 0.36, p < 0.001) and self‐efficacy for managing treatments/medication (d = 0.22, p = 0.035).ConclusionDespite the primary outcome's null results, this was the first RCT of a personality feedback intervention to show improvements in self‐efficacy for managing chronic illness. Given the important role of self‐efficacy in self‐management, the intervention has implications for other cancer outcomes. Follow‐up studies on longer‐term outcomes such as health behaviors and quality of life should be explored.Trial RegistrationNCT04625439
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of IN FOCUS: A Mind‐Body Resiliency Intervention for Fear of Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Hall Daniel L. , Yeh Gloria Y. , O'Cleirigh Conall , Wagner Lynne I. , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Denninger John , Hirschberg April M. , Lee Hang , Markwart Michaela , Siefring Emma , Mizrach Helen R. , Li Raissa , Mian Zainab , Tsuchiyose Erika , Wen Angela , Bullock Andrea J. , Park Elyse R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is prevalent and distressing among survivors of cancer. Evidence‐based mind‐body and cognitive‐behavioral skills lack integration and testing in scalable formats.ObjectiveThis pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT04876599) tested a synchronous, virtual mind‐body group resiliency intervention for FCR (IN FOCUS).MethodAdults with elevated FCR (FCR Inventory severity ≥ 16; 16–21 = elevated, 22–36 = clinically elevated) after completing primary treatment for non‐metastatic cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to eight weekly sessions of IN FOCUS or usual care (UC; synchronous, virtual community group support referral). Feasibility metrics included ≥ 70% retention per arm (primary outcome), ≥ 75% attendance in ≥ 6 sessions, ≥ 75% adherence to relaxation skills practice ≥ 3 days per week and by delivery fidelity (% content covered in video‐recorded sessions). Acceptability was assessed quantitatively via ratings of enjoyableness, convenience, helpfulness, odds of future use, and satisfaction (benchmark ≥ 80% of ratings ≥ 4 on 1–5 Likert scale) and qualitatively via individual exit interviews. Linear mixed models explicated slopes in FCR (secondary) and resiliency (exploratory; Current Experiences Scale) from baseline to 2 months (primary endpoint) and 5 months using intention‐to‐treat.ResultsFrom July 2021 to March 2022, 64 survivors enrolled (25–73 years old, M = 7 years since diagnosis). IN FOCUS was feasible and acceptable (91% retention; attendance median = 7 sessions, 97% relaxation practice adherence, 95% content fully covered; 82% of acceptability ratings ≥ 4). Interviews (n = 59) revealed benefits in both arms. By 2 months, compared to UC, IN FOCUS reduced FCR to a medium‐to‐large effect (Mdiff = −2.4; 95% CI = −4.2, −0.7; d = 0.66). By 5 months, FCR effects had attenuated (Mdiff = −0.16, 95% CI −1.97, 1.65; d = −0.04), although levels of resiliency had increased with a medium‐to‐large effect (Mdiff = 10.0; 95% CI = 4.9, 15.1; d = 0.78).ConclusionsFor survivors of non‐metastatic cancer, a synchronous, virtual mind‐body resiliency program for FCR is feasible, acceptable, and seemingly beneficial compared to a community group referral.
Structural insights into the recognition of tetrapyrrole substrates by ancestral class II chelatase CfbA
Authors: Ogawa Shoko , Hikita Masahide , Fujishiro Takashi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNickel‐chelatase CfbA, unlike descendant chelatases, is an ancestral class II chelatase with a symmetric active site architecture. CfbA utilizes sirohydrochlorin (SHC) as a physiological substrate in the biosynthesis of coenzyme F430. CbiXS, a structural analog of CfbA, can use uroporphyrin III (UPIII) and uroporphyrin I (UPI) as non‐physiological substrates. Owing to the broad tetrapyrrole specificity of the unique active site of ancestral class II chelatases, the substrate recognition mechanism of CfbA has garnered interest. Herein, we conducted an X‐ray crystallographic analysis of CfbA in complex with UPIII and UPI. Interestingly, the binding sites for UPIII and UPI were distinct. UPI was bound at the entrance of the active site, whereas UPIII was bound deep inside the active site cavity in a manner similar to SHC. Despite the difference in the binding positions of UPIII and UPI, Ser11 at the active site provided critical polar interactions for recognizing UPIII and UPI. Several CfbA variants with a Ser11 mutation were studied to confirm the significance of Ser11's position in the context of tetrapyrrole recognition. The CfbA S11T variant showed Ni2+‐chelatase activity against coproporphyrin I (CPI), which is a more hydrophobic tetrapyrrole than UPIII and UPI. Using a CPI‐docked model of the S11T variant, we proposed that balancing the hydrophobic/polar interactions at residue 11 could alter substrate selectivity. The structural and mutational analyses reported here highlight the importance of polar and hydrophobic interactions at the entry region of the active site for substrate tetrapyrrole recognition by ancestral and descendant class II chelatases.
Disulfide‐mediated oligomerization of mutant Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase associated with canine degenerative myelopathy
Authors: Shino Yuki , Muraki Norifumi , Kobatake Yui , Kamishina Hiroaki , Kato Ryuichi , Furukawa Yoshiaki 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA homozygous E40K mutation in the gene coding canine Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (cSOD1) causes degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs. A pathological hallmark of DM with the cSOD1 mutation is the aggregation of mutant cSOD1 proteins in neurons. The amino acid substitution E40K disrupts a salt bridge between Glu40 and Lys91 and is considered to destabilize the native state of cSOD1; however, the mechanism by which mutant cSOD1 aggregates remains unclear. Here, we show that mutant cSOD1 losing a copper and zinc ion forms oligomers crosslinked via disulfide bonds. The E40K substitution was found to result in the increased solvent exposure of the Cys7 side chain, which then attacked the disulfide bond (Cys57–Cys146) in cSOD1 to form disulfide‐linked oligomers. We also successfully prevented the Cys7 exposure and thus the oligomerization of mutant cSOD1 by a fragment antibody that specifically recognizes the region around the mutation site. The fragment antibody covered the β‐plug region, reinforcing the interactions compromised by the E40K substitution and thus contributing to the maintenance of the structural integrity of the β‐barrel core of cSOD1. Taken together, we propose that the Cys7 exposure in cSOD1 upon the salt bridge disruption plays a central role in the aggregation mechanism of DM‐associated mutant cSOD1.
Phosphorylation of cytochrome c at tyrosine 48 finely regulates its binding to the histone chaperone SET/TAF‐Iβ in the nucleus
Authors: Tamargo‐Azpilicueta Joaquin , Casado‐Combreras Miguel Á. , Giner‐Arroyo Rafael L. , Velázquez‐Campoy Adrián , Márquez Inmaculada , Olloqui‐Sariego José L. , De la Rosa Miguel A. , Diaz‐Moreno Irene 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPost‐translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are ubiquitous processes present in all life kingdoms, involved in the regulation of protein stability, subcellular location and activity. In this context, cytochrome c (Cc) is an excellent case study to analyze the structural and functional changes induced by PTMS as Cc is a small, moonlighting protein playing different roles in different cell compartments at different cell‐cycle stages. Cc is actually a key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) under homeostatic conditions but is translocated to the cytoplasm and even the nucleus under apoptotic conditions and/or DNA damage. Phosphorylation does specifically alter the Cc redox activity in the mitochondria and the Cc non‐redox interaction with apoptosis‐related targets in the cytoplasm. However, little is known on how phosphorylation alters the interaction of Cc with histone chaperones in the nucleus. Here, we report the effect of Cc Tyr48 phosphorylation by examining the protein interaction with SET/TAF‐Iβ in the nuclear compartment using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, biophysical and structural approaches such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and in cell proximity ligation assays. From these experiments, we infer that Tyr48 phosphorylation allows a fine‐tuning of the Cc‐mediated inhibition of SET/TAF‐Iβ histone chaperone activity in vitro. Our findings likewise reveal that phosphorylation impacts the nuclear, stress‐responsive functions of Cc, and provide an experimental framework to explore novel aspects of Cc post‐translational regulation in the nucleus.
The transmission of mutation effects in a multiprotein machine: A comprehensive metadynamics study of the cardiac thin filament
Authors: Ghanta Krishna Prasad , Castillo Romi L. , Tardiff Jil C. , Schwartz Steven D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe binding of Ca2+ ions within the troponin core of the cardiac thin filament (CTF) regulates normal contraction and relaxation. Mutations within the troponin complexes are known to alter normal functions and result in the eventual development of cardiomyopathy. However, despite the importance of the problem, detailed microscopic knowledge of the mechanism of pathogenic effect of point mutations and their effects on the conformational free energy surface of CTF remains elusive. Mutations are known to transmit their effects hundreds of angstroms along this protein complex and between different component proteins. To explore the impact of point mutations on the conformational free energy barrier between the closed and blocked state of CTF, and to understand the transmission of mutation, we have carried out metadynamics simulations for the wild‐type (WT) and two mutants (cardiac troponin T Arg92Trp (R92W) and Arg92Leu (R92L)). Specifically, we have investigated the conformational modification of the tropomyosin (Tm) and the troponin (Tn) complex during the closed‐to‐blocked state transition for both the WT and two hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causing mutations. Our calculations demonstrated that mutations within the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) protein alter conformational properties of the Tm and the other proteins of the Tn complex as well as the Ca2+ binding affinity of the cTnC protein through the indirect mediation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Importantly, the data revealed a significant influence of the mutations on the conformational transition free energy barriers for both the Tm and cTnC proteins. Furthermore, we found both mutations independently alter the free energy barrier of transitions of cTnT. Such alteration in the free energy upon mutation of one protein in a complex, allosterically affects the others through structural and dynamical changes, leading to a pathogenic effect on the function of the thin filament.