bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental pH and compound structure affect the activity of short-chain carboxylic acids against planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and eradication of the food pathogen
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ng Ker-Sin , Bambace Maria Florencia , Andersen Emilie Balleby , Meyer Rikke Louise , Schwab Clarissa 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) that are naturally produced by microbial fermentation play an essential role in delaying microbial spoilage. SCCAs are structurally diverse, but only a few of them are routinely used in food biopreservation. This study investigated the effects of environmental pH and intrinsic properties of 21 structurally different SCCAs on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against
Salmonella enterica
. Inhibition of SCCA toward planktonic and biofilm growth of
S. enterica
was higher in an acidic environment (pH 4.5) that is common in fermented products, and for SCCA that possessed both a high acid dissociation strength (pK
a
) (>4.0) and a positive hydrophobicity [octanol/water partition coefficient (log
K
ow
)]. Crotonic and caproic acids were identified as SCCAs with potential as biopreservatives even at near-neutral pH. SCCA with hydrophilic groups such as lactic acid did not inhibit
S. enterica
at concentrations up to 50 mM, while SCCA with benzene or methyl groups or a double bond prevented
S. enterica
growth and biofilm formation. Stimulation of biofilm formation was observed for formic, acetic, and propionic acid close to the minimum inhibitory concentration to reduce 50% of cell density (MIC
50
) of planktonic cells, and for citric and isocitric acid with an MIC
50
of ≥50 mM. The presence of low concentrations of formic and propionic acids during biofilm formation conferred protection during eradication possibly due to a pre-adaptation effect, yet two consecutive acid treatments were successful in eradicating biofilms if the first acid treatment was two- to threefold of the MIC
50
.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides a systematic comparison on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of more than 20 structurally different SCCAs against a common food pathogen. We tested the antimicrobial activity at controlled pH and identified the structure-dependent antimicrobial effects of SCCA without the confounding influence of acidification. The combined effect of pK
a
and log
K
ow
was identified as an important feature that should be considered when deciding for a specific SCCA in the application as antimicrobial. Our results imply that additional phenomena such as the use of SCCA as substrate and cellular pre-adaption effects have to be taken into consideration. We finally present a two-step treatment as an efficient approach to eradicate biofilms, which can be applied for the disinfection of contact surfaces and manufacturing equipment. Results obtained here can serve as guidelines for application of SCCA to avoid the growth of food pathogens and/or to develop biopreserved food systems.
Introducing quantum information and computation to a broader audience with MOOCs at OpenHPI
Authors: Hellstern Gerhard , Hettel Jörg , Just Bettina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractQuantum computing is an exciting field with high disruptive potential, but very difficult to access. For this reason, many approaches to teaching quantum computing are being developed worldwide. This always raises questions about the didactic concept, the content actually taught, and how to measure the success of the teaching concept. In 2022 and 2023, the authors taught a total of nine two-week MOOCs (massive open online courses) with different possible learning paths on the Hasso Plattner Institute’s OpenHPI platform. The purpose of the platform is to make computer science education available to everyone free of charge. The nine quantum courses form a self-contained curriculum. A total of more than 17,000 course attendances have been taken by about 7400 natural persons, and the number is still rising. This paper presents the course concept and evaluates the anonymized data on the background of the participants, their behaviour in the courses, and their learning success. This paper is the first to analyze such a large dataset of MOOC-based quantum computing education. The summarized results are a heterogeneous personal background of the participants biased towards IT professionals, a majority following the didactic recommendations, and a high success rate, which is strongly correlatated with following the didactic recommendations. The amount of data from such a large group of quantum computing learners provides many avenues for further research in the field of quantum computing education. The analyses show that the MOOCs are a low-threshold concept for getting into quantum computing. It was very well received by the participants. The concept can serve as an entry point and guide for the design of quantum computing courses.
Targeting G Protein–Coupled Receptors in Immuno-Oncological Therapies
Authors: Stagg John , Gutkind J. Silvio 
Published: September 2024

The advent of cancer immunotherapy based on PD-1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, many cancers do not respond to ICB, highlighting the urgent need for additional approaches to achieve durable cancer remission. The large family of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) is the target of more than 30% of all approved drugs, but GPCRs have been underexploited in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the central role of GPCRs in immune cell migration and function and describe how single-cell transcriptomic studies are illuminating the complexity of the human tumor immune GPCRome. These receptors include multiple GPCRs expressed in CD8 T cells that are activated by inflammatory mediators, protons, neurotransmitters, and metabolites that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting T cell dysfunction. We also discuss new opportunities to target GPCRs as a multimodal approach to enhance the response to ICB for a myriad of human malignancies.
Changes of Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Innervating the Temporomandibular Joint in Chronic Pain Rat Model
Authors: Liu Wen , Jiang Henghua , Ke Jin , Liu Xin , Feng Yaping , Hou Jinsong , Long Xing 
Published: September 2024

Background: Phenotype alterations of nociceptive neurons have been shown to be a key step in the pathogenesis of many pain‐related diseases. However, it is unclear if the characteristic changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) primary afferent neurons are related to the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) chronic pain. This study aimed to determine the morphological and neurochemical changes in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons innervating the TMJ in TMJOA chronic pain rats.Materials and Methods: Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced TMJOA chronic pain rat model was established (n = 6), and saline was injected in rats of the control group (n = 6). TMJ primary afferent neurons were labeled with retrograde tracing (Dil). The spatial distribution and the expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), isolectin B4 (IB4), and neurofilament 200 (NF200) of TMJ primary afferent neurons in TG were investigated using immunofluorescence. Intracellular calcium signaling was recorded by calcium imaging (n = 20).Results: TMJ primary afferent neurons were located only in the V3 region of the TG from both saline‐ and MIA‐injected rats. The number of TG neurons innervating the TMJ was increased in MIA‐injected rats. Elevated number and intracellular calcium concentration of small‐ and medium‐sized instead of large‐sized Dil+ TG neurons were found in MIA‐injected rats. The upregulated expression of CGRP and IB4, but not NF200, in TG neurons innervating the rat TMJs was accompanied by TMJOA chronic pain.Conclusion: This study suggests that sensitization of small‐ to medium‐sized Dil+ TG neurons and CGRP‐ and IB4‐positive Dil+ TG neurons might contribute to the development of TMJOA chronic pain in rats. This will provide valuable information for more efficient control of TMJOA chronic pain.
TREM2-Expressing Multinucleated Giant Macrophages Are a Biomarker of Good Prognosis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gessain Grégoire , Anzali Ahmed-Amine , Lerousseau Marvin , Mulder Kevin , Bied Mathilde , Auperin Anne , Stockholm Daniel , Signolle Nicolas , Sassi Farah , Marques Da Costa Maria Eugenia , Marchais Antonin , Sayadi Alexandre , Weidner Daniela , Uderhardt Stefan , Blampey Quentin , Nakkireddy Sumanth Reddy , Broutin Sophie , Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Busson Pierre , Walter Thomas , Marhic Alix , Moya-Plana Antoine , Guerlain Johanne , Breuskin Ingrid , Casiraghi Odile , Gorphe Philippe , Classe Marion , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Blériot Camille , Ginhoux Florent 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) often have poor outcomes due to suboptimal risk management and treatment strategies; yet integrating novel prognostic biomarkers into clinical practice is challenging. Here, we report the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MGC)—a type of macrophages—in tumors from patients with HNSCC, which are associated with a favorable prognosis in treatment-naive and preoperative chemotherapy–treated patients. Importantly, MGC density increased in tumors following preoperative therapy, suggesting a role of these cells in the antitumoral response. To enable clinical translation of MGC density as a prognostic marker, we developed a deep-learning model to automate its quantification on routinely stained pathological whole slide images. Finally, we used spatial transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to describe the MGC-related tumor microenvironment and observed an increase in central memory CD4 T cells. We defined an MGC-specific signature resembling to TREM2-expressing mononuclear tumor-associated macrophages, which colocalized in keratin tumor niches.

Significance:
Novel individual biomarkers are needed to guide therapeutic decisions for patients with head and neck cancer. We report for the first time, granulomas of TREM2-expressing multinucleated giant macrophages in keratin-rich tumor niches, as a biomarker of favorable prognosis and developed a deep-learning model to automate its quantification on routinely stained pathological slides.
CD91 and Its Ligand gp96 Confer Cross-Priming Capabilities to Multiple APCs during Immune Responses to Nascent, Emerging Tumors
Authors: Nayak Devanshi A. , Sedlacek Abigail L. , Cillo Anthony R. , Watkins Simon C. , Binder Robert J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
During cancer immunosurveillance, dendritic cells (DC) play a central role in orchestrating T-cell responses against emerging tumors. Capture of miniscule amounts of antigen along with tumor-initiated costimulatory signals can drive maturation of DCs. Expression of CD91 on DCs is essential in cross-priming of T-cell responses in the context of nascent tumors. Multiple DC and macrophage subsets express CD91 and engage tumor-derived gp96 to initiate antitumor immune responses, yet the specific CD91+ antigen-presenting cells (APC) that are required for T-cell cross-priming during cancer immunosurveillance are unknown. In this study, we determined that CD91 expression on type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1) is necessary for cancer immunosurveillance. Specifically, CD91-expressing cDC1 were found to capture the CD91 ligand gp96 from tumors and, upon migration to the lymph nodes, distribute gp96 among lymph node–resident APCs. However, cDC1 that captured tumor-derived gp96 only provided early tumor control, whereas sustained and long-term tumor rejection was bestowed to the host by other gp96+ cross-priming DCs. We further found that the CD91-induced transcriptome in APCs promoted cross-priming of T-cell responses while downregulating immune regulatory pathways. Our results show an elaborate and synchronized division of labor of APCs in the successful elimination of cancer cells via CD91. We predict that the specialized functions of APC subsets can be harnessed for immunotherapy of disease.
“You’ve Got Me Feeling Emotions”: Affective Norms of Deliberation in the Philippine lgbtqia+ Rights Movement
Authors: Evangelista John Andrew G. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In contentious politics and deliberation, emotions function as rhetorical resources to substantiate claims and as evaluative criteria to assess social ties among actors. For social movements, then, emotions are vital in framing demands and sustaining collective participation. Grounded on accounts gathered from Filipinx lgbtqia+ rights movement through oral history interviews and analyzed through narrative and thematic approaches, this article illustrates the role of emotions when adherents deliberate with various interlocutors. I argue that advocates utilize affective ties to expand access to deliberative institutions and to sustain discussions of their claims. I also submit that specific ideologies motivate the idealization of particular affective norms when activists engage specific interlocutors. Hence, emotions figure in the movement both as framing tools and deliberative norms that need to be deliberated as well.
“The Righteous in Paradise are Ageless, Immortal, Fearless …”: An Edition and Annotated Translation of the Dādestān ī Mēnōg ī Xrad 7
Authors: Agostini Domenico 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The destiny of the soul after death occupies an important place in religious literature. Chapter 7 of the Pahlavi book Dādestān ī Mēnōg ī Xrad (“The Judgments of the Spirit of Wisdom”), which belongs to the genre of andarz literature and contains mostly practical wisdom for Zoroastrian laymen, presents a detailed description of the architecture and role of three otherworldly abodes that await souls in the afterlife. This description contains many architectural and religious features, which characterize these abodes in most Pahlavi literature.
The narrative structure of the chapter constitutes a dialogue between a wise man (dānāg) and the Spirit of Wisdom. In the latter’s responses, a descriptive tripartite division of the afterlife is presented. This architecture of heaven and hell reflects different Zoroastrian traditions that were developed to adapt the afterlife to the tripartite ethical tenets of Zoroastrianism.
Performance evaluation of noninvasive prenatal testing on 24 chromosomes in a cohort of 118,969 pregnant women in Sichuan, China
Authors: Qin Shengfang , Zhao Yitong , Deng Fengqiu , Yan Mengjia , Xi Na , Chen Chun , Wei Ping , Wu Zhiling , Wang Xueyan 
Published: September 2024

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the detection capacity of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for chromosomal abnormalities of all 24 chromosomes, as well as high-risk indications for pregnancy and the fetal fraction, in a large cohort. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 118,969 pregnant women who underwent NIPT at Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from March 2019 to June 2022. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and positive chromosomal abnormality rate were calculated. The fetal fraction based on gestational age, maternal body mass index, and number was examined. Results NIPT demonstrated > 99% sensitivity and specificity for almost all of the common trisomies (T21, T18, and T13), sex chromosomal aneuploidies, rare autosomal trisomies, and microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. Positive predictive values varied from 12.0% to 89.6%. Advanced maternal age was associated with an increased risk of three major aneuploidies. The fetal fraction was positively correlated with gestational age and negatively correlated with the maternal body mass index. Conclusions NIPT can be used to effectively screen for chromosomal abnormalities across all 24 chromosomes. Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for high-risk pregnancy, and careful consideration of the fetal fraction is essential during NIPT.
Exploring low back and pelvic pain challenges: Administrative insights into prevalence during pregnancy among 2016–2021 South Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries
Authors: Deng Songyuan , Bennett Kevin J 
Published: September 2024

Background: Musculoskeletal changes occur during pregnancy; one-half of pregnant women experienced low back pain and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy. Prescription opioid use for Medicaid enrolled pregnant women has increased dramatically due to severe low back pain/pelvic pain. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence of low back pain/pelvic pain and related risk factors among a broader population. Design: This is a retrospective cohort study. Methods: This study utilized de-identified Medicaid claims data provided by the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, including individuals who gave birth between 2016 and 2021 during pregnancy. Low back pain/pelvic pain and a group of musculoskeletal risk factors were identified with International Classification of Diseases v10. Comparisons were made for the prevalence of low back pain and pelvic pain between those with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal risk and those without. Results: Among 167,396 pregnancies, 65.6% were affected by musculoskeletal risk factors. The overall prevalence of low back pain was 15.6%, and of pregnancy-related pelvic pain was 25.2%. The overall prevalence for either low back pain or pelvic pain was 33.3% (increased from 29.5% in 2016 to 35.3% in 2021), with 24.6% being pregnancy-induced. Pregnancies with musculoskeletal risk factors were more likely to be diagnosed with low back pain (20.7% versus 5.7%, p < 0.001) or pelvic pain (35.3% versus 6.0%, p < 0.001) than those without. Conclusion: This study found a very high prevalence of musculoskeletal risk and a high prevalence of low back pain or pelvic pain, with an increasing trend, among South Carolina pregnancies enrolled in Medicaid during the period 2016–2021. Most of the diagnosed low back pain or pelvic pain were pregnancy induced. Musculoskeletal risk factors were associated with low back pain or pelvic pain.
Impact of the Swine flu pandemic on General Practitioner (GP) visits in Finland: sex and age differences
Authors: Mustonen Katri , Pitkälä Kaisu , Rahkonen Ossi , Raina Marko , Kauppila Timo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Swine flu might serve as a model for challenges that primary care faces during pandemics. This study examined changes in the numbers and diagnoses of general practitioner (GP) visits during and after the Swine flu pandemic in Vantaa, a Finnish city, and how GP activities recovered after the pandemic. Putative sex and age group differences were also evaluated.

Methods
The study was an observational retrospective study. The monthly number of patient visits to primary care GPs by women and men in age groups 0–19, 20–64 and 65 + years was recorded before, during and two years after the Swine flu pandemic. The recorded diagnoses were also examined. The investigation period was from 2008 to 2012.

Results
The numbers of monthly visits to primary care decreased from 12 324 (mean) to 10 817 in women and from 8563 to 7612 in men during the first six months of the Swine flu, returning to the original level afterwards. This decrease was thus slightly more prominent in women. However, as the size of the population increased during the follow-up period, the actual number of GP visits adjusted for the size of population remained at a decreased level for two years after the Swine flu. This decrease was observed especially in office-hours visits of men (from 3692 to 3260) and women (from 6301 to 5428) of 20–64 years. Swine flu did not alter the number of visits to the primary care Emergency Department. The proportion of visits with diagnostic recordings of common infectious diseases mostly decreased during the Swine flu. Only a minor impact on the distribution of recordings of chronic diagnoses was found.

Conclusion
A pandemic, such as Swine flu, may decrease office-hours visits to primary care GPs. This in turn may lead to activities of primary care being adjusted downward for a long time following the pandemic. Especially the age group 20–64 years may be affected. This risk should be considered when recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic begins. Swine flu did not affect the proportion of consultations of chronic diseases, but the number of diagnoses of common infectious diseases had diminished.
Evaluating the implementation of the Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) program in northwestern Tanzania: a mixed-methods study guided by normalization process theory
Authors: Mwanga Joseph R. , Hokororo Adolfine , Ndosi Hanston , Masenge Theopista , Kalabamu Florence S. , Tawfik Daniel , Mediratta Rishi P. , Rozenfeld Boris , Berg Marc , Smith Zachary H. , Chami Neema , Mkopi Namala P. , Mwanga Castory , Diocles Enock , Agweyu Ambrose , Meaney Peter A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such as Tanzania, the competency of healthcare providers critically influences the quality of pediatric care. To address this issue, we introduced Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE), an adaptive learning program to enhance provider competency in Tanzania’s guidelines for managing seriously ill children. Adaptive learning is a promising alternative to current in-service education, yet optimal implementation strategies in LMIC settings are unknown.

Objectives
(1) To evaluate the initial PACE implementation in Mwanza, Tanzania, using the construct of normalization process theory (NPT); (2) To provide insights into its feasibility, acceptability, and scalability potential.

Methods
Mixed-methods study involving healthcare providers at three facilities. Quantitative data was collected using the Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire, while qualitative data was gathered through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups discussions (FGDs).

Results
Eighty-two healthcare providers completed the NoMAD survey. Additionally, 24 senior providers participated in IDIs, and 79 junior providers participated in FGDs. Coherence and cognitive participation were high, demonstrating that PACE is well understood and resonates with existing healthcare goals. Providers expressed a willingness to integrate PACE into their practices, distinguishing it from existing educational methods. However, challenges related to resources and infrastructure, particularly those affecting collective action, were noted. Early indicators point toward the potential for long-term sustainability of the PACE, but assessment of reflexive monitoring was limited due to the study’s focus on PACE’s initial implementation.

Conclusion
This study offers vital insights into the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PACE in a Tanzanian context. While PACE aligns well with healthcare objectives, addressing resource and infrastructure challenges as well as conducting a longer-term study to assess reflexive monitoring is crucial for its successful implementation. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of the NPT as a framework for guiding implementation processes, with broader implications for implementation science and pediatric acute care in LMICs.