bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Private practitioners’ practices for tuberculosis management in a city largely served by the private health sector in Uganda
Authors: Ssemasaazi Judith Amutuhaire , Bongomin Felix , Akunzirwe Rebecca , Bayowa Joan Rokani , Ssendikwanawa Emmanuel , Adolphus Cherop , Kivumbi Ronald Muganga , Kalyango Joan N. , Mupere Ezekiel , Ekyaruhanga Phiona , Katamba Achilles 
Published: January 2024

Background
Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality having caused 1.6 million deaths in 2021. Uganda is a high TB burden country with a large private sector that serves close to 60% of the urban population. However, private for-profit health facilities’ involvement with the National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP) activities remains poor. This study evaluated the practices of diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and associated factors among practitioners in private for-profit (PFP) healthcare facilities in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among randomly selected private practitioners in Uganda’s largest city, Kampala. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear models with log Poisson link were used to analyze data. Practices were graded as standard or substandard.

Results
Of the 630 private practitioners studied, 46.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 26.6 to 67.1) had overall standard practices. Being a laboratory technician (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.7, p< 0.001) or doctor (PR = 1.2, p< 0.001), a bachelor’s degree level of qualification (PR = 1.1, p = 0.021), quarterly supervision by the national TB program (PR = 1.3, p = 0.023), and acceptable knowledge of the practitioner about TB (PR = 1.8, p<0.001) were significantly associated with standard practices.

Conclusions
The practices of TB management for practitioners from the PFP facilities in Kampala are suboptimal and this poses a challenge for the fight against TB given that these practitioners are a major source of primary health care in the city.
Development of smart core–shell nanoparticles-based sensors for diagnostics of salivary alpha-amylase in biomedical and forensics
Authors: Kaliaperumal Kumaravel , Subramanian Kumaran , Seenivasan Akshara , David Renitta , Mahadevan Indumathi , Alotaibi Nahaa Miqad , Alotaibi Modhi Obaidan , Alshammari Nawaf , Saeed Mohd 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Smart biocompatible materials that respond to a variety of external stimuli have a lot of potential in the creation of low-cost diagnostic biosensors. The present work describes the creation of core–shell nanoparticles as a biosensor for smart enzyme detection of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA). A chitosan-tripolyphosphate core was generated via ionic gelation and was coated with a starch–iodine shell to create biocompatible core–shell nanoparticles. The starch–iodine shell was ruptured in the presence of certain amounts of amylase, exposing the core. This application explains a noticeable color change from blue to white that can be used to identify sAA at the point of care. Synthesized nanoparticles were examined for scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). An EDX report reveals that the nanoparticles have higher carbon content at 55% followed by an oxygen atom of 35%. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed that the core–shell nanoparticles have carbonyl (C═O) functional groups present. A confirmatory test of amylase reaction on nanoparticle-impregnated paper turns blue to white indicating that the nanoparticle reacts with amylase as an indicator. This paper-based method can be used in future applications in forensic and medical applications.
A Reflection on and a Conversation about History, Memory, and Education at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial
Authors: Etges Andreas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Dachau concentration camp was set up in March 1933. During the twelve years of its existence, more than 200,000 prisoners from over 40 nations were imprisoned here and in its sub-camps. At least 41,500 people died there from hunger, disease, torture, murder, and the consequences of their imprisonment. In her introduction, Kerstin Schwenke describes the history of the camp and the memorial site. The head of the Education Department at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial also explains the educational approach used there. This is followed by a discussion with her and other members of the Education Department as well as U.S. public historian Marty Blatt on the educational work, graphic novels as well as politics of remembrance.
Improved tensile properties of Al2O3/Al composite with in-situ generated Al2O3
Authors: Shi Wenchao , Cui Beishun , Tang Min , Gong Dongmei , Xu Feng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In order to obtain a Al2O3/Al composite with high strength, the Al2O3 generated in situ is served as reinforcement. The ball milling is used to flake pure Al powders. The Al2O3/Al composite with flaked Al powders is obtained by vacuum hot pressing sintering. The effect of the flaked Al powders on the distribution of Al2O3 generated in situ is studied. The hardness and tensile properties of Al2O3/Al composite are studied. The results show that the dehydration temperatures of boric acid in powder mixtures with the flaked Al powders and with the spherical Al powders are 119 °C and 128 °C, respectively. During sintering stage, the Al2O3 is generated in situ. Compared with the Al2O3/Al composites with the spherical Al powders, more Al2O3 are generated in Al2O3/Al composites with the flaked Al powders. The hardness and ultimate tensile strength of Al2O3/Al composite are higher than those of pure Al alloy.
All dielectric metasurface based diffractive neural networks for 1-bit adder
Authors: Liu Yufei , Chen Weizhu , Wang Xinke , Zhang Yan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Diffractive deep neural networks (D

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NNs) have brought significant changes in many fields, motivating the development of diverse optical computing components. However, a crucial downside in the optical computing components is employing diffractive optical elements (DOEs) which were fabricated using commercial 3D printers. DOEs simultaneously suffer from the challenges posed by high-order diffraction and low spatial utilization since the size of individual neuron is comparable to the wavelength scale. Here, we present a design of D

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NNs based on all-dielectric metasurfaces which substantially reduces the individual neuron size of net to scale significantly smaller than the wavelength. Metasurface-based optical computational elements can offer higher spatial neuron density while completely eliminate high-order diffraction. We numerically simulated an optical half-adder and experimentally verified it in the terahertz frequency. The optical half-adder employed a compact network with only two diffraction layers. Each layer has a size of 2 × 2 cm2 but integrated staggering 40,000 neurons. The metasurface-based D

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NNs can further facilitate miniaturization and integration of all optical computing devices and will find applications in numerous fields such as terahertz 6G communication, photonics integrated circuits, and intelligent sensors.
Endocannabinoid regulation in the cervix during pregnancy: insights into molecular mechanisms of premature labor
Authors: Marvaldi Carolina , Herrero Felisa , Johnson Clare , Aylen Schander Julieta , Correa Fernando , Cella Maximiliano , Aisemberg Julieta , Franchi Ana María , Bradshaw Heather , Wolfson Manuel Luis 
Published: January 2024

In brief
The cervix plays a crucial role not only in the maintenance of pregnancy but also during delivery, when it undergoes extensive changes. This study highlights the involvement of the endocannabinoidome in cervical remodeling, emphasizing its relevance in the shift from a nonpregnant to pregnant state and its potential contribution to preterm delivery in inflammatory contexts.

Abstract
During pregnancy, the main role of the cervix is to isolate the fetus from outside pathogens and maintain the relatively closed system of uterine gestation. Conversely, toward the end of pregnancy, the cervix must be remodeled to increase flexibility and allow the delivery. This process is called cervical remodeling and dysregulation of the process plays a role in premature delivery. The endocannabinoidome plays an important role in several reproductive events; however, its function on cervical tissue throughout pregnancy is poorly understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate the presence and participation of the endocannabinoidome in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cervical changes. Therefore, we evaluated key components of the endocannabinoidome in cervical tissue from nonpregnant mice and pregnant mice with and without LPS treatment. Using mass spectrometric analysis, we found an increase in anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the cervix of pregnant mice when compared to nonpregnant mice. We have also found a reduction in FAAH protein expression in these tissues. Furthermore, when treated with LPS, we observed a reduction in the cervical immunostaining with anti-CB1 and anti-CB2 antibodies. Likewise, using cervix explants from pregnant mice, we found that LPS significantly increased cervical metalloprotease activity and cyclooxygenase 2, which were subsequently modulated by cannabinoid receptor antagonists. Collectively, our findings suggest that an LPS-induced imbalance of cervix endocannabinoidome likely contributes to premature cervical remodeling, which is part of the key components that contribute to premature delivery.
Antibiotics for veterinary use registered in Guatemala
Authors: Medina-Arellano D. , Chang D. E. , Mejía–Recinos D. , Arango–Gramajo A. , Cuetto L. , Martínez–Ocampo J. , Steffes N. 
Published: January 2024

The description and analysis of the different antibiotics registered in a country allow establishment of criteria on their use, species, and routes of administration, which translates into better controls for the entities in stakeholders. This study is the first report of antibiotics for veterinary use in Guatemala and was carried out through data mining and analysis of the same through Principal Component Analysis, where the registration of 141 molecules of antibiotics and their combinations was exhibited, in which enrofloxacin (10.26%) and oxytetracycline (9.01%) stand out as the antibiotics with the largest number of registrations in the country and the most used in food-producing species, specifically cattle, pigs, and poultry.
First detection of a cefiderocol-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolate in Bulgaria
Authors: Strateva Tanya , Peykov Slavil 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCefiderocol (CFDC) is a first-in-class siderophore cephalosporin with potent activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria including carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The present study aimed to explore the CFDC resistance mechanisms of an extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii isolate from Bulgaria. The A. baumannii Aba52 strain (designated Aba52) was obtained in 2018 from a blood sample of a critically ill patient. The methodology included antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), multilocus sequence typing, and phylogenomic analysis. The isolate demonstrated high-level resistance to CFDC (MIC = 64 mg L−1), resistance to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and tigecycline, as well as susceptibility only to colistin. WGS-based resistome analysis revealed the existence of blaOXA-23, blaOXA-66 and blaADC-73. Seven non-conservative missense mutations affecting iron transport-related genes were detected: exbD4 (p.Ser61Pro), tonB2 (p.Ala268Val), bauA (p.Thr61Ala), ftsI (p.Ala515Val), piuA (p.Gly216Val), and feoB (p.Ser429Pro and p.Thr595Ala). A variety of virulence factors associated with adherence, biofilm formation, enzyme production, immune invasion, iron uptake, quorum sensing, and two-component regulatory systems were identified, suggesting a significant pathogenic potential of Aba52. The performed RT-qPCR analysis showed diminished (0.17) and absent expression of the pirA and piuA genes, respectively, encoding TonB-dependent siderophore receptors. Aba52 belonged to the widespread high-risk sequence type ST2 (Pasteur scheme). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of CFDC-resistant A. baumannii in Bulgaria even though, CFDC has never been applied in our country. The emerging resistance highlights the crucial need for nationwide surveillance targeting the implementation of novel antibiotics.
Content and effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD in Kenya
Authors: Njenga Moses 
Published: January 2024

AbstractContinuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers can improve teaching and wider school practices. However, within developing country contexts, research on the CPD practices of vocational teachers remains limited. This study therefore investigated the CPD practices of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) teachers in Kenya, focusing on the content, outcomes and effectiveness of their CPD practices. Adopting a questionnaire survey approach, data was collected from 170 TVET teachers drawn from six TVET institutes in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area.TVET teachers in Kenya were found to more frequently focus their CPD on subject content knowledge and less frequently on pedagogical knowledge. Their CPD activities are not always effective as the CPD activities often do not involve active learning and collaboration, and are not always of sufficient duration. Cluster analysis showed that for some teachers, CPD activities are rarely effective and result in limited impact on practice. However, Initial Teacher Education was found to encourage teachers to focus on broader content and to adopt more effective CPD practices.To improve the effectiveness of TVET teacher CPD practices in Kenya, it is recommended that TVET teachers in Kenya are supported to adopt active and collaborative learning activities that are spread over extended time durations.
Phage therapy in lung infections caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa – A literature review
Authors: Eiselt Vincent A. , Bereswill Stefan , Heimesaat Markus M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPulmonary infections of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or in intensive care units are frequently caused by the Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since these bacteria are commonly inherently multidrug-resistant (MDR) and hence, antibiotic treatment options are limited, bacteriophages may provide alternative therapeutic and prophylactic measures in the combat of pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa. This prompted us to perform a comprehensive literature survey of current knowledge regarding effects of phages applied against pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections. The included 23 studies revealed that P. aeruginosa specific phages lyse and eliminate the bacteria even in case of biofilm production in vitro, whereas application to mice and men resulted in mitigated P. aeruginosa induced clinical signs and enhanced survival. Besides distinct host immune responses, no major adverse effects limiting therapeutic and/or prophylactic phage application were noted. However, the immune system and antibiotics generate synergies with phages due to the mutable sensitivity of P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, results summarized in this review provide evidence that phages constitute promising alternative treatment options for lung infections caused by MDR P. aeruginosa. Further studies are needed, however, to underscore the efficacy and safety aspects of phages application to infected patients including immune-compromised individuals.
Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of oxygen therapy
Authors: Seledtsov V. I. , Dorzhieva A. B. , Seledtsova G. V. 
Published: January 2024

It is well known that ischemia and hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment promote tumor progression. Оxygen deficiency in tumor microenvironment polarizes cancer cell metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to the aerobic mode (Warburg effect) and anaerobic glycolysis. This altered carbohydrate metabolism is characterized by low energy efficiency and excessive glucose consumption. Under hypoxic conditions, the antioxidant protection of malignant cells becomes weaker, thus causing a sufficient increase of their susceptibility to direct toxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In clinical practice, oxygen saturation of tumors is usually achieved by using water-soluble ozone or hyperbaric oxygen. The ROS are shown to be produced by oxidative burst, thus being able to enhance antitumor effects of chemoradiotherapy. The immune cell-derived ROS were shown to directly inhibit tumor growth. In addition, ROS provide additional immune stimulation through the induction of mutagenesis in the tumor cells and production of immunogenic neoantigens. ROS may also enhance antitumor immune defense by inducing synthesis of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-2 and IL-6 by immune cells. Moreover, ROS may exert a negative effect on antitumor immunity. In particular, they are able to: (I) favor the recruitment and accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment; (II) promote accumulation of alternatively activated (M2) macrophages and (N2) neutrophils, and, (III) impair presentation of immunogenic antigens (Ag) by dendritic cells. We suggest that the maximal clinical effect of oxygen therapy could be achieved in case of its simultaneous or sequential combination with immunotherapeutic interventions.The authors conclude that:– oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species may preferentially damage tumour cells without significantly affecting normal cells;– oxygen therapy may potentiate anti-tumour effects of chemoradiotherapy;– oxygen therapy could be effectively combined with immunotherapy to achieve maximal anticancer effects with minimal side effects.
Cytokine production by blood cells and tumor samples and its coupling to microRNA expression in breast cancer patients
Authors: Studenikina A. A. , Perepechaeva M. L. , Mikhaylova E. S. , Varaksin N. A. , Autenshlyus A. I. 
Published: January 2024

Breast tumors show a complex structure and are highly heterogeneous. The study of cytokines, which exert great influence on tumor cells, and microRNAs, which, along with their influence on the proliferation and migration of neoplastic cells, may affect the work of cytokines, will contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological processes occurring in breast cancer. The aim of our work was to analyze the relationship of cytokine production with expression of miR-181a and miR-25in patients with invasive breast carcinoma of a non-specific type (IBC NST) with various molecular subtypes.Patients with IBC NST were divided into five subgroups according to the molecular genetics subtype of the tumor classified by immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and proliferation marker Ki-67. Using enzyme immunoassay, the concentration of 14 cytokines was determined in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells and tumors: IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1. The expression of miR-181a and miR-25 microRNAs isolated from the patients’ blood serum was evaluated using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR).In the luminal A subtype, cytokine concentrations and expression of miR-181a and miR-25 are significantly lower compared to other subtypes. Patients with the luminal B HER2-negative subtype were characterized by significantly increased expression of both studied microRNAs, especially when compared with the luminal A subtype. At the same time, patients with a triple negative molecular subtype, on the contrary, were characterized by high concentrations of cytokines in the supernatants of tumor samples and blood cells compared to other subtypes. In the general group of patients with IBC NST, direct correlations were found between the expression of both studied microRNAs and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant of tumor samples, which may presume mutual interactions existing between miR-181a and miR-25, and the process of angiogenesis in the tumor.The levels of cytokines in blood supernatants and tumors in invasive breast carcinoma may vary, depending on distinct molecular subtypes of the tumor. Moreover, they also have direct links with the levels of miR-181a and miR-25 in blood serum. Particularly noteworthy were the results of measuring the cytokines and microRNAs concentrations in luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative and triple negative molecular subtypes.
Effects of glycodelin on CCR6<sup>+</sup> cell subpopulations of Th17-polarized helper T cells
Authors: Timganova V. P. , Zamorina S. A. , Bochkova Ma. S. , Shardina K. Yu. , Uzhviyuk S. V. , Kropaneva M. D. , Rayev M. B. 
Published: January 2024

Glycodelins, the glycosylated proteins of reproductive tract are characterized by immunomodulatory functions, are of interest because of their role in the development of immune tolerance. Interleukin-17-producing T helpers (Th17) bearing the surface marker CCR6, are a heterogeneous cell population with increased plasticity and functional dichotomy. On the one hand, these cells support antimicrobial and antifungal immunity and microbiota composition; on the other hand, they are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, and pregnancy complications. Despite the scientific interest in glycodelin as an immunomodulator, its direct effects on pro-inflammatory Th17 have not been studied. Therefore, the aim of our work was to investigate the effect of recombinant human glycodelin on Th17 polarization of naïve human T helper cells cells by assessing surface expression of CCR6, CCR4, and CXCR3 molecules. Naïve T helper cells were polarized for 7 days in vitro to Th17 cells with a TCR activator and cytokines for 7 days, supplemented with glycodelin at concentrations appropriate for the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. The percentages of CD4+CCR6+ cell population (Th17 cells), and their CCR4+CXCR3-(Th17/Th22) and CCR4-CXC3+ subpopulations (Th17.1) was then determined. Moreover, the levels of IL-17, IL-2, and other cytokines/chemokines were determined in the culture supernatants of Th17-polarized T helper cells. Treatment with recombinant glycodelin at concentrations equivalent to those in pregnancy (0.2, 2, and 10 μg/mL) did not alter the percentage of CD4+CCR6+ cells in culture, or their IL-17 production. However, at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, it caused a decrease in Th17.1 (CCR6+CCR4-CXCR3+) percentage in the T helper culture, and increased the production of IL-2. In addition, glycodelin was found to have selective pro-apoptotic activity against Th17.1 if applied at 2 μg/mL. Given the known involvement of these cells in pathological processes, the observed effect of glycodelin could be of interest from a biopharmaceutical perspective. However, the mechanism of the revealed selective effects of this pregnancy protein needs further investigation.