bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytoplasmic NAD/H synthesis via NRK1 controls CD4+ T cell ROS homeostasis, regulating inflammatory capacity and promoting survival
Authors: Dimeloe Sarah , Stavrou Victoria , Ali Myah , Gudgeon Nancy , Bishop Emma , Fulton-Ward Taylor , Turley Bethany , Heising Silke , Mohamed Sally , Porter Sofia Hain , George Lorna , Davies Scott , Marzullo Bryan , Deng Minghao , Tennant Daniel , Doig Craig , Lavery Gareth , Drummond Rebecca 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

T cell metabolism increases upon activation, underpinning immune effector functions. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/H) is an essential redox cofactor for glycolysis and mitochondrial substrate oxidation. It is also phosphorylated to NADP/H, which regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundance. NAD/H levels increase upon T cell activation, but synthesis pathways and implications are not fully characterised. Here, we interrogated the role of the NAD/H-synthesis enzyme nicotinamide riboside kinase 1 (NRK1), the expression of which increases upon human and murine CD4+ T cell stimulation. Functionally, NRK1 activity restrains CD4+ T cell activation and cytokine production and promotes survival. These activities are linked to increased NRK1 expression in the cytoplasm, where it locally elevates NAD/H levels. This supports glycolysis, but more profoundly impacts cytoplasmic NADP/H generation, thereby controlling ROS abundance and nuclear NFAT translocation. During invasive fungal infection, T cell-intrinsic NRK1 maintains effector CD4+ T cell frequencies within affected tissues, thereby permitting infection control. Taken together these data confirm that subcellular regulation of immune cell metabolism determines whole organism immune responses.
Evaluating an Intervention to Promote Access to Mental Healthcare for Low Language Proficient Migrants and Refugees across Europe (MentalHealth4All): A Study Protocol
Authors: Lent Liza G.G. , Hodakova Sona , Hanft-Robert Saskia , Mösko Mike , Rao Chiara , Kerremans Koen , Cox Antoon , Gutiérrez Raquel Lázaro , Temizöz Özlem , Mankauskienė Dalia , Biel Łucja , Maria Emilio Di , Schouten Barbara C. , Consortium MentalHealthAll 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Migrants and refugees with low language proficiency (LLP) have a higher risk of experiencing certain mental health disorders compared to non-migrant populations. They are also more likely to experience a lack of access to mental healthcare due to language- and culture-related barriers. As part of the MentalHealth4All project, a digital multilingual communication and information platform was developed to promote access to mental healthcare for LLP migrants and refugees across Europe. This paper describes the study protocol for evaluating the platform in practice, among both health and/or social care providers (HSCPs) and LLP migrants and refugees.
Methods
We will conduct a pretest-posttest cross-national survey study to perform the platform’s effect-evaluation (primary objective) and process-evaluation (secondary objective). The primary outcomes (measured at T0, T2 and T3) are four dimensions of access: availability, approachability, acceptability, and appropriateness of mental healthcare. Secondary outcomes (measured at T2) are: actual usage of the platform (i.e. tracking data), ease of use, usefulness of content, comprehensibility of information, attractiveness of content, and emotional support. Participants will be recruited from nine European countries: Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Using convenience sampling through professional networks/organisations and key figures, we aim to include at least 52 HSCPs (i.e. 6-10 per country), and 260 LLP migrants (i.e. 30-35 per country). After completing a pretest questionnaire (T0), participants will be requested to use the platform and HSCPs will participate in an additional personalised training (T1). Next, participants will fill out a posttest questionnaire (T2), and will be requested to participate in a second posttest questionnaire (T3, about 6-8 weeks after T2) to answer additional questions on their experiences through a brief phone interview (T3 is optional for migrants/refugees).
Discussion
The findings of this prospective pretest-posttest cross-national study will deepen our understanding of how a multilingual platform may promote access to mental healthcare services for LLP migrants and refugees. If successful, this intervention could be used to improve access to mental healthcare services, as well as HSCPs’ competencies in delivering such services, for any LLP migrants and refugees across Europe (and beyond).
Prevalence of Disorder of Villous Maturation and the Pattern of CD15 Immunohistochemical Expression in Placentas with Late Intrauterine Fetal Death
Authors: saba Sayedatus , Begum Shahnaj , Ferdous Jesmin Naz , Billah Md. Mustain 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Disorder of villous maturation is one of the main reasons for antenatal hypoxia and fetal deaths. Meticulous microscopic and CD15 immunohistochemical studies of such cases may provide valuable information regarding the cause of intrauterine fetal deaths (IUFDs), can help to avoid diagnostic dilemmas and can offer potential treatment options for its prevention in future pregnancies.
Objective
To determine the types of disorders associated with villous maturation in the placenta in late intrauterine fetal death patients, identify delayed villous maturation via histopathological and CD15 immunohistochemical studies and determine its association with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Method
A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from March 2021 to January 2023. A total of 80 patients with late IUFDs were included in this study. The placentas of the dead newborns were histopathologically analyzed, and CD15 immunohistochemistry was performed.
Result
Among the 80 patients, 40 (50.0%) were multiparas, 36 (45.0%) were primis, and only 4 (5.0%) were grand multipara patients. Twenty (25.0%) patients had a history of one IUFD, and 4 (5.0%) patients had a history of multiple IUFDs. Twenty-eight (35%) patients had disorders of villous maturation, among whom 19 (23.8%) had delayed villous maturation (DVM), 4 (5.0%) had malformed villi, 3 (3.8%) had distal villous hypoplasia, 1 (1.3%) had deficiency of intermediate villi and 1 (1.3%) had accelerated villous maturation. CD15 immunostaining was performed in 53 patients, including villitis of unknown origin, disorders of villous maturation and villous edema. Among them, 34 (64.15%) had negative CD15 expression, whereas 19 (35.8%) had positive CD15 expression. All 19 patients with delayed villous maturation had positive CD15 expression (100%), which confirmed their histological diagnosis and ensured the complete exclusion of other false positive cases. Among them, 8 (42.1%) had moderate CD15 expression, and 11 (57.89%) had severe CD15 expression. Among the 13 multipara patients with DVM, 12 (92.3%) had a history of previous IUFD. Among the remaining 31 multipara patients with no DVM, 11 (35.5%) had a previous history of IUFD. A significant difference in history of previous IUFD was observed between the DVM present and absent groups (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
This study revealed that disorders of villous maturation are among the main causes of late IUFD and that DVM shows a distinctive pattern of CD15 immunohistochemical expression. Moreover, this study shed light on the association between DVM and recurrent pregnancy loss. The identification of DVM can guide physicians in decision making regarding the management of the patients and prevention of further pregnancy losses.
Acute Alcohol-Induced Glutamate Changes Measured with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Raval Nakul Ravi , Smart Kelly , Miller Rachel , Huang Yiyun , Krystal John H. , Carson Richard E. , Cosgrove Kelly P. , O’Malley Stephanie S. , Hillmer Ansel T. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Alcohol consumption at clinically relevant doses alters brain glutamate release. However, few techniques exist to measure these changes in humans. The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) PET radioligand [11C]ABP688 is sensitive to acute alcohol in rodents, possibly mediated by alcohol effects on glutamate release. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity of [11C]ABP688 PET to an acute alcohol challenge in humans.
Methods: Eight social drinkers (25–42 years; 5 females) with a recent drinking occasion achieving blood alcohol level (BAL)>80 mg/dL were recruited. All participants underwent a 90-minute dynamic baseline [11C]ABP688 PET scan. Two weeks later (range: 7-29 days), participants completed an oral laboratory alcohol challenge over 30 minutes, targeting a BAL of 60 mg/dL. Immediately after the challenge, a second [11C]ABP688 PET scan was performed. Non-displaceable binding potential (BPND; indicative of mGluR5 availability) and R1 (indicative of relative blood flow) were estimated using the Simplified Reference Tissue Model with the cerebellum as the reference region. Blood samples were taken throughout the scanning procedure to measure the BAL.
Results: Seven participants (4 females) completed the study. The mean peak BAL achieved was 61 ± 18 mg/dL. Acute alcohol significantly decreased [11C]ABP688 BPND (F(1,42) = 17.05, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.32–0.60) and increased [11C]ABP688 R1 (F(1,42) = 6.67, p = 0.013; Cohen’s d = 0.32–0.48) across brain regions. Exploratory analysis showed a positive relationship between alcohol-induced % change in [11C]ABP688 R1 in cortical regions and peak BAL (Spearman rho = 0.78 & 0.85; p = 0.024 & 0.011).
Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that [11C]ABP688 PET imaging is sensitive to the effects of acute alcohol consumption. The observed decrease in mGluR5 availability aligns with preclinical data indicating acute increased extracellular glutamate concentrations following ethanol dosing. This imaging tool could be useful for future investigations into the acute effects of alcohol on the brain during abstinence and withdrawal.
Could a feedback device help manage work-related shoulder disorders? – Protocol of a mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Meidinger Philippe , Hong Quan Nha , Tittley Jean , Campeau-Lecours Alexandre , Roy Jean-Sébastien 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Work-related shoulder disorders (WRSDs) pose a significant problem, negatively impacting workers’ health and well-being. Various factors contribute to WRSDs, including work environment, physical workload, psychological stressors and an aging workforce. While various interventions have been proposed to address WRSDs, finding high-quality evidence to support any of them remains challenging. One potential reason is the lack of valid tools to measure physical workload and customize interventions. Hence, we developed a portable feedback system ShoulderWatchLoad (SWL) designed to estimate physical work demands on the shoulder. The objectives of this pilot study are (a) to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the SWLin the workplace and conducting a large-scale randomized clinical trial (RCT) by assessing recruitment success, intervention adherence, acceptability of the technology, the research team’s capacity to refine the SWL, and estimating the sample size for the main trial, and (b) to explore the SWL capacity to reduce disability, pain, work limitations, and physical work demands while increasing pain self-efficacy among workers with WRSDs.
Methods/Design: A convergent mixed methods pilot study will be conducted. The quantitative component will consist of a two-arm parallel group external pilot RCT involving 60 participants with WRSDs who will be randomized into one of the two study groups. Following baseline evaluation, all participants will attend an education session in the workplace. Following this session, participants of the experimental group will receive a 2-week workplace intervention using feedback from the SWL, while participants in the control group will not receive this intervention. All participants will undergo four evaluations over a 12-week period (baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 12th weeks). The qualitative component will be a descriptive qualitative study involving three focus groups with 18 participants from the experimental group. An innovative joint display will be used to represent the integration of qualitative and quantitative data, along with progression criteria, to draw meta-inferences about the feasibility of conducting a full-scale RCT in the future.
Discussion: A holistic approach combining qualitative and quantitative elements will enable us to determine the SWL usability and acceptability, and whether the conduct of a full RCT is feasible.
Trial registration: Not registered, the recruitment has not begun.
The Relationship Between Diabetes and Pneumonia
Authors: Al-Ghofray Amjad , aldawud Abdalaziz , Al-bardan Hussam 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the severity of pneumonia and its adverse outcomes associated with the presence of diabetes. It included 213 patients admitted to the chest department with pneumonia and diabetes. The retrospective methodology was adopted by conducting a statistical and semantic study, where information was collected from patient records, and diabetes characteristics such as the duration of the disease and complications associated with the presence of the disease were determined. In addition, adverse outcomes of pneumonia such as the need for admission to the intensive care unit according to the severity of the disease measured by the CURB-65 scale, the need for oxygen, or the occurrence of death were determined. The results showed that diabetic patients with pneumonia are more vulnerable and at risk in the context of pneumonia in terms of the need for admission to the intensive care unit, oxygen therapy, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and the severity of pneumonia, in addition to an increased mortality rate. The study also found a significant relationship between blood sugar values at admission and the occurrence of death in diabetic patients with pneumonia.
Assessing knowledge and awareness of laryngeal cancer among Syrian population
Authors: Najati Ghena , Alsalti Nour , Snno Nour , Alaldouni Toka , Alawa Mhd Nobough 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Determining awareness about laryngeal cancer is necessary because it helps to early diagnosis, which increases the chances of successful treatment. Awareness also enhances understanding of risk factors and symptoms, and helps individuals make good decisions about their health. In addition, it promotes the awareness and community support programs establishment, which contribute to improving patient outcomes.
Assessment of the potability and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of drinking water in rural areas of the Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Shferaw Mekuanint Lewoyehu , Leweyehu Muluye , Afework Selomon 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Drinking water quality has declined due to the increased pollution from industries, agricultural runoff, sewage, and domestic activities. This study evaluated the potability and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of drinking water in rural areas of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Water samples were collected from the drinking water sources of the dwellers, namely developed spring, shallow well, and deep well in January 2022. The collected water samples were analyzed for physicochemical and biological qualities and trace and heavy metal contents. Chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) indices were calculated to assess human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. The groundwater pollution index (GPI) showed that 100% of the water samples were very highly polluted (GPI &gt;2.5). The HQ values for both children and adults were less than 1. All samples’ total coliform and fecal coliform counts surpassed the recommended limit of 0 cfu/100 mL. The water sources of the study sites were not deemed suitable for drinking as most of the water quality parameters did not meet the national and international drinking water quality standards. There should be immediate treatment of the contaminated water using chlorination, UV treatment, or filtration to save people from waterborne diseases and avoid environmental risks.
Leadership Styles and Change Readiness: Improving Employee Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Primandaru Noormalita , Kairupan Daniel JI 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant organizational changes, particularly in higher education institutions in Indonesia, leading to a transition to distance learning and remote working arrangements. This study examined the effects of different leadership styles, i.e., authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire, on employee performance, focusing on the mediating role of change readiness. Data were collected from 42 business schools in Yogyakarta using a survey method, and the results were analyzed using the SmartPLS 3.0 application. The results indicate that while authoritarian leadership positively affects change readiness, it does not significantly improve employee performance. Conversely, democratic leadership positively influences both change readiness and employee performance. Laissez-faire leadership has a positive effect on change readiness but does not significantly improve employee performance. The study concludes that change readiness significantly mediates the relationship between leadership styles and employee performance, highlighting the importance of adaptive leadership in managing organizational change during the pandemic. Keywords:Authoritarian Leadership, Democratic Leadership, Laissez-Faire Leadership, Change Readiness, Employee Performance
Structural and morphological features of magnetron nanofilms of TaN with different thicknesses
Authors: Kuzmenko A. P. , Kashkin I. S. , Kolpakov A. I. , Zhakin A. I. , Yemelyanov Vi M. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose of research. Study of morphological and phase changes in the structure of tantalum nitride nanofilms formed by magnetron reactive sputtering on a silicon substrate.Methods. Magnetron sputtering on a silicon substrate was performed using the MVU TM-Magna T setup with the sputtering time parameter changing from 300 to 900 sec, and also with constant power parameters of 500 W and working gas pressure of Ar 0,5 Pa. The morphological and phase changes in the structure of tantalum nitride nanofilms were studied using atomic force microscopy and X-ray phase analysis. The fractal dimension was determined using the cube counting method. X-ray diffractometric analysis in the in situ measurement mode with discrete heating (in 100 °C increments) in air up to 1000 °C using the PAAR HTK-16 high-temperature attachment.Results. Using atomic force microscopy methods, it was found that the granulometric distribution of nanoclusters in the studied TaN nanofilms was Gaussian and an increase in the lateral size of particles was observed with an increase in the deposition time. The nanofilm with a deposition time of 300 s had minimal roughness. The statistical fractal dimension was calculated, the value of which corresponded to their three-dimensionality. According to the X-ray phase analysis data, the sizes of the coherence region, texturing, microdeformations and interplanar deformation distortions were determined, and a mixed Stranski-Krastanov mechanism of nanofilm formation was established.Conclusion. The surface roughness of nitride nanofilms formed at a constant power (500 W) depends significantly on the magnetron sputtering time and N2 concentration. In all studied nanofilm structures, the dominant growth mechanism was the mixed Stranski–Krastanov mechanism.
Methods of active friction control in the presence of lubricant compositions with mesogenic additives
Authors: Elnikova L. V. , Belyaev V. V. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose of research. The aim of the study is to systematize the latest literature data related to the modulation of the friction coefficient by external fields when using lubricant compositions with liquid crystal mesogens and polymer composites.Methods. The article considers the methods of tribological tests using various schemes of friction pairs (cylinder-disk, pin-on-disk). Some commonly used methods of applying coatings to the elements of friction pairs are considered: ion beam-assisted deposition, chemical and physical thermal spraying, molecular layer deposition, photopolymerization, etc. Of the discussed methods of characterizing tribosystems, the following are indicated: dielectric spectroscopy, Raman scattering, polarization optical microscopy, nuclear-physical methods (positron annihilation spectroscopy and Xray diffraction).Results. The article systematizes modern trends in the development of modulated modes of operation of tribological circuits with lubricant compositions containing liquid crystals and polymer composites. The following approaches are used to implement active control of the friction coefficient: 1) modulation of friction by an electric field, 2) modulation of friction by a temperature field, and 3) modulation of friction on optical gratings under light irradiation. These approaches take into account the changed characteristics of the lubricant associated with the use of mesogenic additives, modes of exposure to electromagnetic and thermal fields, electrical characteristics, geometry of the surface of friction pairs, and provide the values of tribological characteristics (friction coefficient and wear) that are achieved as a result of friction modulation.Conclusion. A positive effect of mesogenic additives of liquid crystals and polymers on tribological characteristics with active control of the friction coefficient has been established: a decrease in the friction coefficient is observed, which helps to reduce material wear.