bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Electroreduction of Acetophenone Using Lipase Stabilization: Improved Conversion to 1‐Phenylethanol
Authors: Voigt Morgana Aline , Pinheiro Eduarda Boing , Zapp Eduardo , de Jesus Paulo César , Meier Lidiane , Curbani Luana , Bulegon Brondani Patrícia
Published: August 2023

Few works present effective or viable alternatives to the problem of the electroreduction of acetophenone which usually leads to the pinacol dimer as a primary product in addition to 1‐phenylethanol. Here, various lipases were applied in acetophenone electroreduction. The optimized reaction conditions are tin/lead (63 : 37) combined working electrode coated with Nafion film modified with lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus, a platinum counter electrode, applied potential of −2.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl (KCl 3.0 mol L−1), acetate buffer (0.1 mol L−1) pH 5.0 in 4 hours, and led to the formation of 87.8 % of 1‐phenylethanol. The same working electrode was used five times over five days, and the conversion remained constant. A voltammetric study indicates an alteration of the electroreduction mechanism in the presence of the cited lipase. Adding lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus directly in the medium immobilized in a clay mineral or in silica gel (Lipolase 100T) resulted in even higher conversions (93.2–93.9 %). The modified electrode improved the methodology regarding enzyme stability, process reproducibility, and material reusability.
Recent Progress of Non‐Noble Metallic Heterostructures for the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Song Ailing , Song Shenglu , Duanmu Manman , Tian Hao , Liu Hao , Qin Xiujuan , Shao Guangjie , Wang Guoxiu
Published: August 2023

Developing energy production, storage, and conversion technologies based on sustainable or renewable energy is essential to address the energy and environmental crisis. Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most promising approaches to realize the production of green hydrogen. The design of catalytic materials with low cost, high activity, and long‐term stability and the exploration of specific reaction mechanisms are the key focus for the involved electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Recently, substantial efforts have been devoted to the rational design and synthesis of non‐noble metallic heterostructures with fascinating synergistic effects among different components. These heterostructured materials demonstrate comprehensive properties exceeding the estimations by the rule of mixtures and display high activity and long‐term stability in industrial conditions for HER. Herein, the reaction mechanism and key parameters for improving catalytic performance in the HER process are discussed in detail. The latest advances in heterostructures based on synthetic methods and electrocatalytic characteristics from experimental and computational perspectives are summarized according to the role of various components. Herein, insights are provided in this review into an in‐depth understanding of the heterostructures as HER electrocatalysts, and the opportunities and challenges to scale up future‐oriented developments are highlighted.
Comparison of serum 25(OH) vitamin D, parathormone and immunity marker concentrations between dogs with transmissible venereal tumour and healthy dogs
Authors: Sadeghian Helia Kamali , Mohri Mehrdad
Published: August 2023

Background

1,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) is vital in the homeostasis of calcium and bone health as well as in the prevention of many disorders such as neoplasms. Epidemiological data show that low concentrations of both 1,25(OH)2D and its precursor 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with an increased risk of a variety of human tumours.

Objectives

To investigate 25(OH)D, parathormone (PTH) and immunity marker concentrations in dogs with transmissible venereal tumour (TVT).

Methods

25(OH)D, PTH and various biochemical and immunity markers were evaluated in dogs with TVT (n = 26) and in healthy (n = 30) dogs.

Results

25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with TVT in comparison with healthy dogs. In contrast, PTH, immunoglobulin G and interleukin (IL)‐9 concentrations were higher in the dogs with TVT. Other variables, including IL‐10, interferon γ, calcium and inorganic phosphate, were not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Decreased serum 25(OH)D concentration may be a risk factor for the development of canine TVT; however, cause‐and‐effect remains incompletely understood. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact role of 25(OH)D in canine TVT and whether vitamin D supplementation may be useful prophylactically or as an adjunct to chemotherapy.
The initial steps toward the formation of somatic tissue banks and cell cultures derived from captive Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) skin biopsies
Authors: Nascimento Matheus B. , Moura Yasmin B. F. , Oliveira Radan E. M. , Lira Gabriela P. O. , Borges Alana A. , Luna Fábia O. , Attademo Fernanda L. N. , Pereira Alexsandra F.
Published: August 2023

The declining population of the Antillean manatee caused by ecosystem degradation and rising pollution has prompted interest in developing conservation strategies for this species. Given this scenario, somatic tissue banks are important tools for acquiring knowledge about the species, as well as for obtaining somatic cells for biotechnological and ecotoxicological applications. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of slow freezing (SF) and solid‐surface vitrification (SSV) of the dermis of captive Antillean manatees on the histology and ultrastructure of the tissue and cell viability in culture. While the SSV did not change the dermis thickness, the SF maintained the tissue proliferative potential, assessed by the nucleolar organizer region area, similar to noncryopreserved tissues. Moreover, both techniques reduced the number of fibroblasts and increased the percentage of collagen fibers. Nevertheless, only tissues cryopreserved with SF and noncryopreserved tissues were able to produce cells after in vitro culture. Although SF did not alter cell viability and proliferative activity, cells derived from cryopreserved tissues showed decreased metabolism, altered apoptosis, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential compared to cells from noncryopreserved tissues. In summary, we demonstrated for the first time that Antillean manatee somatic tissues can be cryopreserved by SF, and cells can be obtained after in vitro culture. Improvements in cryopreservation conditions, especially vitrification, of somatic samples are needed to increase the quality of somatic tissue banks in this species.
The 3-dimensional Lyness map and a self-mirror log Calabi–Yau 3-fold
Authors: Ducat Tom
Published: August 2023

The 2-dimensional Lyness map is a 5-periodic birational map of the plane which may famously be resolved to give an automorphism of a log Calabi–Yau surface, given by the complement of an anticanonical pentagon of$$(-1)$$(-1)-curves in a del Pezzo surface of degree 5. This surface has many remarkable properties and, in particular, it is mirror to itself. We construct the 3-dimensional big brother of this surface by considering the 3-dimensional Lyness map, which is an 8-periodic birational map. The variety we obtain is a special (non-$${\mathbb {Q}}$$Q-factorial) affine Fano 3-fold of type$$V_{12}$$V12, and we show that it is a self-mirror log Calabi–Yau 3-fold.
Reliability of flow-cytometry in diagnosis and prognostic stratification of myelodysplastic syndromes: correlations with morphology and mutational profile
Authors: Guarnera Luca , Fabiani Emiliano , Attrotto Cristina , Hajrullaj Hajro , Cristiano Antonio , Latagliata Roberto , Fenu Susanna , Buccisano Francesco , Irno-Consalvo Maria , Conti Consuelo , Voso Maria Teresa , Maurillo Luca
Published: August 2023

Diagnosis and prognostic stratification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have been complemented by new techniques, including flow cytometry and NGS. To analyze the relationship between molecular and cytofluorimetric data, we enrolled in this retrospective study, 145 patients, including 106 diagnosed with MDS and 39 controls. At disease onset, immunophenotypic (IF), cytogenetic tests, and cytomorphological (CM) examination on bone marrow were carried out in all patients, while NGS was performed in 58 cases. Ogata score presented a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 59%. The detection of at least two phenotypic aberrancies in Ogata negative patients increased the sensitivity to 83% and specificity to 87%. Correlations were identified between IF aberrancies and mutations, including positive Ogata>2 and mutations in SRSF2 (p=0.035), CD15 and U2AF1 (0.032), CD56 and DNMT3A (p=0.042), and CD38 and TP53 (p=0.026). In multivariate analysis, U2AF1 mutations, associated with del(20q) and/or abnormalities of chromosome 7 (group 4 as defined by the EuroMDS score), significantly correlated with an inferior overall survival (p=0.019). These parameters and Ogata score>2 also showed a significant correlation with inferior event-free survival (p=0.023 and p=0.041, respectively). Both CM and FC features correlated with prognosis and mutational patterns. In an integrated MDS work-up, these tools may guide indications for mutational screening for optimal risk stratification.
AML consolidation therapy: timing matters
Authors: Reimann Adrian-Manuel , Schalk Enrico , Jost Felix , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Weber Daniela , Döhner Hartmut , Récher Christian , Dumas Pierre-Yves , Ditzhaus Marc , Fischer Thomas , Sager Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Infections due to severe neutropenia are the most common therapy-associated causes of mortality in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). New strategies to lessen the severity and duration of neutropenia are needed.

Methods

Cytarabine is commonly used for AML consolidation therapy; we compared high- and intermediate-dose cytarabine administration on days 1, 2, and 3 (AC-123) versus days 1, 3, and 5 (AC-135) in consolidation therapy of AML. Recently, clinical trials demonstrated that high-dose AC-123 resulted in a shortened white blood cell (WBC) recovery time compared with high-dose AC-135. Our main hypothesis is that this is also the case for different cytarabine dosage, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, and cycle lengths. We analyzed 334 treatment schedules on virtual cohorts of digital twins.

Results

Comparison of 32,565 simulated consolidation cycles resulted in a reduction in the WBC recovery time for AC-123 in 99.6% of the considered cycles (median reduction 3.5 days) without an increase in the number of leukemic blasts (lower value in 94.2% of all cycles), compared to AC-135.

Conclusion

Our numerical study supports the use of AC-123 plus G-CSF as standard conventional AML consolidation therapy to reduce the risk for life-threatening infectious complications.
Transferring the approach avoidance task into virtual reality: a study in patients with alcohol use disorder versus healthy controls
Authors: Ascone Leonie , Wirtz Janina , Mellentin Angelina Isabella , Kugler Dimitrij , Bremer Thomas , Schadow Friedrich , Hoppe Stine , Jebens Charlotte , Kühn Simone
Published: August 2023

Study aims were to (I) transfer the measurement of the approach bias (Apb) related to alcoholic stimuli via the Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) into Virtual Reality (VR), (II) check whether measuring Apb in VR leads to similar or different results compared to the classical PC-based version, (III) check the validity of VR versus PC-based bias scores in terms of relatedness to clinical variables. Different ‘grasping-conditions’ were tested and contrasted in VR concerning (Ia) feasibility (performance): (1) never grasp, (2) always grasp, (3) grasp when PULLing stimuli towards oneself. (Ib) Differences in the bias scores between patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and healthy controls (HC) were examined for each grasping-condition. (II) PC-based bias scores were computed and contrasted for AUD versus HC. (III) Correlations of the different VR- versus PC-based bias scores with AUD symptom severity and impulsivity were checked to evaluate validity. (Ia) Grasping-condition 1, followed by 3, showed acceptable (> 50%) and good (> 80%) rates of correct performances allowing for robust median estimation. (Ib) Significant differences in the resulting bias scores emerged between AUD and HC only for grasping-condition 1 (p = 0.034) and 3 at trend-level (p = 0.093). For grasping-condition 1 the Apb Median for AUD was different from zero at a non-significant trend-level (p = 0.064). (II) The PC-based bias scores did not discriminate between AUD versus HC groups. (III) Grasping-condition 1 and 3 VR-based bias scores correlated significantly with impulsivity. In sum, transferring the AAT into VR is feasible, valid, and best implemented without an additional grasping-component when using the VR-controller. This way of Apb assessment represents a viable, perhaps even superior, alternative to PC-based assessments.

Trial registration The trial was pre-registered at AsPredicted #76854: ‘Transferring the approach avoidance task into virtual reality’, 10/13/2021; prior to any analyses being undertaken.
Evaluation of PD-1 T lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage in lung cancer compared to benign lung diseases
Authors: Hammer B. , Bal C. , Gysan M. , Zehetmayer S. , Geleff S. , Zech A. , Kramer M. , Ayazseven S. , Idzko M. , Mosleh B. , Hoda M. A. , Gompelmann D.
Published: August 2023

The expression of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) has been shown to be markedly increased in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. However, the proportion of PD-1 + T cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of lung cancer patients has not been sufficiently evaluated so far. In this prospective study, the proportion of PD-1 + CD4 + as well as PD-1 + CD8 + T cells in BAL samples, isolated from patients with lung cancer, asthma or interstitial lung disease (ILD), were determined via flow cytometry and compared for differences. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 34 patients (14 patients with lung cancer, 10 patients with asthma, 10 patients with ILD). The highest median proportion of PD-1 + CD4 + or PD-1 + CD8 + T cells were found in patients with ILD (83.1% [IQR 72.1; 87.5] and 73.8% [IQR 60.3; 86.3]) followed by patients with lung cancer (66.4% [IQR 59; 69] and 77.1% [IQR 35.8; 82.3]) and patients with asthma (61.3% [IQR 57.4; 70.5] and 57.3% [IQR 46; 65]). Thereby, the difference in the proportion of PD-1 + CD3 + CD4 + BAL cells between ILD patients and asthmatics was significantly different (p = 0.04). The proportion of PD-1 + CD4 + and PD-1 + CD8 + T cells in the BAL of patients with lung cancer did not differ significantly to patients with benign lung diseases. The highest proportion was observed in ILD patients suggesting further research to evaluate the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in ILD patients.
The association of previous night's sleep duration with cognitive function among older adults: a pooled analysis of three Finnish cohorts
Authors: Teräs Tea , Myllyntausta Saana , Salminen Marika , Viikari Laura , Pahkala Katja , Muranen Olli , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Raitakari Olli , Rovio Suvi , Stenholm Sari
Published: August 2023

Study objectives

Sleep duration has been shown to associate with cognitive function, but little is known about the short-term effect of sleep duration on the previous night. This study examines how usual sleep duration and previous night’s sleep duration are associated with cognitive function in older adults.

Methods

The study population consisted of 2949 adults aged 59–92 years (mean 72.6, SD 5.7) derived from three Finnish cohorts. Participants’ self-reported usual sleep duration was categorized into short (< 7 h, 19%), mid-range (7– < 9 h, 64%), and long (≥ 9 h, 17%). Self-reported sleep duration on the night prior to cognitive testing was categorized into shorter (59%), same (35%), and longer (5.9%) than usual sleep duration. Computerized Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB®) was used to assess: (1) learning and memory, (2) working memory, (3) information processing, and (4) reaction time.

Results

Participants with self-reported long, but not short, usual sleep duration had poorer learning and memory (p = .004), information processing (p = .003), and reaction time (p = .006) when compared to those with mid-range sleep duration. Those who slept more than usually the night prior to cognitive testing had poorer information processing (p = .019) than those sleeping the same as usually, while sleeping less than usually was not associated with cognitive function.

Conclusions

This study suggests that while long sleep duration was associated with worse cognitive function, sleeping more than usually the night prior to cognitive testing was only associated with information processing, and sleeping less than usually is not associated with cognitive function.
Findings from an Organizational Context Survey to Inform the Implementation of a Collaborative Care Study for Co-occurring Disorders
Authors: Evans Sandra K. , Dopp Alex , Meredith Lisa S. , Ober Allison J. , Osilla Karen C. , Komaromy Miriam , Watkins Katherine E.
Published: August 2023

Primary care is an opportune setting to deliver treatments for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders; however, treatment delivery can be challenging due multi-level implementation barriers. Documenting organizational context can provide insight into implementation barriers and the adaptation of new processes into usual care workflows. This study surveyed primary care and behavioral health staff from 13 clinics implementing a collaborative care intervention for opioid use disorders co-occurring with PTSD and/or depression as part of a multisite randomized controlled trial. A total of 323 completed an online survey for a 60% response rate. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided this assessment of multi-level factors that influence implementation. Most areas for improvement focused on inner setting (organizational level) constructs whereas individual-level constructs tended to be strengths. This work addresses a research gap regarding how organizational analyses can be used prior to implementation and provides practical implications for researchers and clinic leaders.
Temporal bone CT-based anatomical parameters associated with the development of cholesteatoma
Authors: Cavaliere Michele , Ugga Lorenzo , Monfregola Armando , Cavaliere Fabrizia , Caranci Ferdinando , Russo Carmela , Briganti Francesco , Elefante Andrea
Published: August 2023

Background

Cholesteatoma is caused by disorders of the middle ear ventilation that trigger a progressive series of events responsible for its formation. The aim of this study was to identify possible radiological CT-derived parameters predisposing to ventilation disorders and cholesteatoma.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media who underwent temporal bone CT and open tympanoplasty surgery have been included, as well as control patients with clinical examination negative for organic otological pathology who underwent temporal bone CT for other reasons. For each patient, the following parameters have been extracted from CT volumes: degree of mastoid pneumatization, prominence of the cog, patency of the Eustachian tube, antrum width, aditus width, anterior and posterior epitympanic widths, and epitympanic height.

Results

Sixty patients have been included, thirty of whom belonged to the group of patients with cholesteatoma and the remaining part to the group of patients without organic otological pathology. The prevalence of a low degree of mastoid pneumatization was significantly higher among patients with cholesteatoma, as well as for the prevalence of cog prominence (p < 0.001). All the continuous variables were found to have statistical significance (p < 0.05) in the comparison between groups except for the width of the antrum.

Conclusion

Mastoid pneumatization degree, prominence of the cog and epitympanic measures based on temporal bone CT could be good radiological correlates of the ventilatory capabilities of the epitympanum which, if compromised, can facilitate the development of cholesteatoma.
A pilot study on staged surgery by delta video-assisted anal fistula treatment (dVAAFT) for complex anal fistula
Authors: La Torre Marco , La Greca Giorgio , Fiori Enrico , D’Andrea Vito , Tierno Simone Maria , Tommasini Federica , Grossi Ugo , Gallo Gaetano
Published: August 2023

Complex anal fistulas (CAF) present a challenge in achieving healing while preserving anal sphincter function. This study aims to introduce a novel staged approach for CAF treatment, combining video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT), seton placement, and other staged approaches. Consecutive patients with CAF underwent the staged approach involving VAAFT and seton placement. Data on patient demographics, fistula characteristics, and operative findings were collected. Pre-operative work-up included clinical evaluation, endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical techniques and outcomes were evaluated. Eighteen patients (median age 38 years) were included. Misplacement of a previously placed seton was observed in 64% of cases. VAAFT combined with seton placement achieved simplification and healing of secondary tracts in 66% of cases. Operative times significantly decreased across interventions. At a median follow-up of 14 months, complete healing was achieved in 2 patients, with 1 patient demonstrating persistence of the fistula. Post-operative complications were observed in 11% of patients, with no deterioration in continence. The staged approach combining VAAFT, seton placement, and staged procedures offers a potential solution for treating CAF. VAAFT provides diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, simplifying the fistula anatomy and optimizing seton placement. The approach allows subsequent procedures based on individual fistula characteristics.
End of life at the top of the world—stakeholder perspectives for plastics and circular transitions in the Arctic
Authors: Cowan Emily , Setsaas Lacie , Nørstebø Vibeke Stærkebye
Published: August 2023

Plastic pollution is a growing global concern. Although the pollution itself is transboundary and knows no borders—the accumulation of plastics can have a more detrimental impact depending on where it is. In this study, we focus on the Arctic, an area where fragile ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from human-made products such as plastics. Although plastic pollution takes place on a global scale, it will be up to the regional and local levels to implement solutions that work in practice. In light of this, we held a participatory stakeholder workshop in the town of Longyearbyen on Svalbard to identify local perceptions from sectors directly affected by and affecting plastic use and growing mitigation efforts on Svalbard. This was followed by a dialogue on best practices and roadblocks to shift towards a circular economy (CE) in the Arctic. We used a qualitative approach facilitating our workshop by building a group model with stakeholders in various sectors living and working in the Arctic coupled with semi-structured interviews that gain a more detailed understanding of the opportunities and pitfalls of the model. Our main goal was to better understand how the currently negotiated treaty to end plastic pollution may be better implemented at the national and local levels, starting with input from a smaller Arctic community heavily impacted by plastic pollution. In the end, participants stated a strong desire for top-down guidance to make it easier to implement changes at the local levels. Moreover, like that of the ongoing treaty negotiations, the importance of having the same definitions for a CE and its components was deemed vital to enact positive change.
Establishment and characterization of a novel cell line (SCCOHT-CH-1) and PDX models derived from Chinese patients of small cell ovarian carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type
Authors: Gao Yi , Zheng Kewei , Kang Mingyi , Xu Jing , Ning Yan , Hu Weiguo , Li Ke , Kang Yu , Xu Congjian
Published: August 2023

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that poses a significant clinical challenge due to its grim prognosis. Unfortunately, only three SCCOHT cell lines are currently available for scientific research. In this study, we have successfully established a novel SCCOHT cell line from a recurrent lesion of a SCCOHT patient, named SCCOHT-CH-1. We comprehensively characterized the novel cell line by employing techniques such as morphological observation, CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, clone formation assay, short tandem repeat sequence (STR) analysis, karyotype analysis, immunohistochemical staining, western blot assay, and xenograft tumor formation assay. SCCOHT-CH-1 cells were small circular and had a unique STR profile. The population-doubling time of SCCOHT-CH-1 was 33.02 h. The cell line showed potential migratory and invasive ability. Compared with another SCCOHT cell line COV434, SCCOHT-CH-1 exhibited higher expression of AKT, VIM, and CCND1. At the same time, SCCOHT-CH-1 has the ability of tumorigenesis in vivo. We also successfully constructed three patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of SCCOHT, which were pathologically diagnosed to be consistent with the primary tumor, accompanied by loss of SAMRCA4 protein expression. The establishment of SCCOHT-CH-1 cell line and PDX models from Chinese people represent a pivotal step toward unraveling the molecular mechanism of SCCOHT and fostering the development of targeted interventions to tackle this challenging malignancy.
The Human Perception of Breathing: How Do We Perceive Breathing and Why Surgery Cannot Always Resolve Nasal Congestion
Authors: Garefis Konstantinos , Konstantinidis Iordanis
Published: August 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the human perception of breathing and answer in questions of how do we perceive breathing and why surgery cannot always resolve nasal congestion.

Recent Findings

TRPM8 thermoreceptors expressing the majority of trigeminal afferents nerve endings within the nasal mucosa are responsible for human subjective perception of breathing. Human nose seems to sense patency with mechanisms involving localized peak mucosal cooling. A subset of patients after surgery for nasal obstruction suffers from persistent blocked nose, although clinical and laboratory examinations confirm normal airflow. The potential mechanism is a lower intranasal trigeminal sensitivity leading to a decreased subjective airflow perception.

Different factors and mechanisms like nasal thermoreceptors/mechanoreceptors, nasal mucosa cooling, nasonasal reflexes, and nasal cycle are implicated with the human perception of breathing. Abnormalities in nasal framework and/or trigeminal function may result in nasal congestion sensation. Surgery cannot always resolve this problem due to failed surgical technique, suboptimal preoperative diagnosis of concomitant disorders, and impaired intranasal trigeminal function.
Calibration interval scenario approach in spatial modeling of land cover change in East Kalimantan from 2016 to 2036
Authors: Arimjaya I Wayan Gede Krisna , Mulyana Ade Komara , Dimyati Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Spatial modeling can be used to predict future land cover changes based on past and present conditions. However, it is not yet known to what extent this model can be used to predict the future with reliable accuracy. Therefore, by using multi-temporal land cover data, this study aims to build an optimal model based on the calibration interval scenario. The optimal model is then used to predict and analyze changes in land cover in East Kalimantan in 2016–2036. 11 classified multi-temporal land cover maps from the Landsat Time Series using Random Forest in Google Earth Engine are used to model 14 calibration interval scenarios. A land Change Modeler is used to model and predict land cover change with 14 driving variables. The results of the classification of multi-temporal land cover maps show a good level of accuracy, with an Overall Accuracy value of 71.43–85.14% and a Kappa value of 0.667–0.827. Then 2016–2021 is one of the best scenarios with 5-year intervals where the accuracy of future predictions can still be relied upon for up to three prediction iterations. The calibration interval scenario approach in spatial modeling in East Kalimantan can be relied upon to show a decrease in forest cover from 2016 to 2021, with a deforestation rate of 651 km2/year. The prediction of land cover in 2036 estimates that the remaining forest cover area in East Kalimantan is 69.203 km2. It is believed that topography is the most influential variable driving land cover change in East Kalimantan.
Convergent Approaches to AI Explainability for HEP Muonic Particles Pattern Recognition
Authors: Maglianella Leandro , Nicoletti Lorenzo , Giagu Stefano , Napoli Christian , Scardapane Simone
Published: August 2023

Neural networks are commonly defined as ‘black-box’ models, meaning that the mechanism describing how they give predictions and perform decisions is not immediately clear or even understandable by humans. Therefore, Explainable Artificial Intelligence (xAI) aims at overcoming such limitation by providing explanations to Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and, consequently, making their outcomes reliable for users. However, different xAI methods may provide different explanations, both from a quantitative and a qualitative point of view, and the heterogeneity of approaches makes it difficult for a domain expert to select and interpret their result. In this work, we consider this issue in the context of a high-energy physics (HEP) use-case concerning muonic motion. In particular, we explored an array of xAI methods based on different approaches, and we tested their capabilities in our use-case. As a result, we obtained an array of potentially easy-to-understand and human-readable explanations of models’ predictions, and for each of them we describe strengths and drawbacks in this particular scenario, providing an interesting atlas on the convergent application of multiple xAI algorithms in a realistic context.
A correlation study between virulence factors and multidrug resistance among clinical isolates of Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Elhoshi Mai , El-Sherbiny Eglal , Elsheredy Amel , Aboulela Aliaa Gamaleldin
Published: August 2023

Treatment of Proteus mirabilis infections is a challenge due to the high abundance of virulence factors and the high intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR) further challenge the control of P. mirabilis infection. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between virulence determinants and multidrug resistance in 100 clinical isolates of P. mirabilis collected in Alexandria from December 2019 to June 2021. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was tested by the Kirby Bauer method. Detection of swarming, urease, protease, hemolysin, and biofilm formation was performed phenotypically and by PCR amplification of zapA, flaA, ureC, mrpA, atfA, ucaA, hpmA, and luxS. MDR and XDR were detected in 34% and 5%, respectively. All isolates were positive for motility, swarming, urease, and protease production. Ninety percent were positive for hemolysin production, while 73% formed biofilm. All isolates possessed the ureC and zapA genes. The luxS, flaA, ucaA, hpmA, mrpA, and atfA genes were detected in 99%, 98%, 96% 90%, 89%, and 84%, respectively. The presence of a single biofilm-related gene was statistically correlated with non-biofilm production (P= 0.018). It was concluded that P. mirabilis isolates from catheterized-urine samples were significantly associated with biofilm formation. MDR and virulence were not statistically correlated. A significant positive correlation was detected between some virulence genes in P. mirabilis. Non-MDR isolates of P. mirabilis had a high abundance of virulence factors with no statistically significant difference from MDR. Most of the MDR and all XDR isolates could produce biofilm.
Allergenic tree pollen in Johannesburg and Cape Town as a public health risk: towards a sustainable implementation framework for South African cities
Authors: Gharbi Dorra , Neumann Frank H. , Cilliers Sarel , Cornelius Selna , Viviers Jako , Drewes Ernst , Puren Karen , Berman Dilys , Esterhuizen Nanike , Ajikah Linus , Peter Jonny , Chakwizira James
Published: August 2023

South Africa’s urban population is increasing, and in parallel, urban green infrastructure has shown an increase in alien tree species, e.g., mulberry (Morus sp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and plane trees (Platanus spp.) to name a few. This causes ecological problems since alien trees are often more water-demanding and competitive than indigenous trees, but they also increase the abundance of respiratory diseases often triggered by an allergic reaction towards the pollen of those alien taxa. In the current study, utilizing 7-day volumetric spore traps, we illustrate that the most abundant tree pollen in the two largest cities of South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg, is produced by alien trees with a high risk of allergenicity. This adds another aspect related to public health when evaluating plant species composition in urban forestry and urban ecology, which underlines the urgency of more intense monitoring. More importantly, this—for South Africa—newly emphasized risk for public health underlines the applicability of current directives [i.e., Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), localized Precinct Plans, Land Use Schemes (LUSs)] and implementation options in urban planning. Here, we present ideas that may be implemented in such a framework. From both a public health and an ecological perspective, it is recommended to plant indigenous trees like Combretum erythrophyllum, Vachellia and Senegalia spp. that have fewer ecosystem disservices, like a lower impact on public health due to lower allergenicity/lower pollen occurrence and providing more ecosystem services such as lower water needs.
Attitudes and behaviors of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in a predominantly Indigenous population in Mexico: a survey study
Authors: Joaquin Damas Elienai , Dahal Sushma , Rivera Aguilar Ana Gloria , Garcia Morales Juana , Sattenspiel Lisa , Mamelund Svenn-Erik , Chowell Gerardo
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most devastating worldwide crises. The pandemic has heavily affected the most vulnerable groups, including Indigenous communities. Our study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and behaviors relating to care and prevention of COVID-19 in a predominantly Indigenous university population in Mexico.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in early February 2022 focused on university students in a predominantly Indigenous community in central Mexico. The survey addressed prevention, vaccination, anthropometric data, and food intake.

Results

We obtained a high response rate of 71.6%, with 981 students (41.2%) identifying as belonging to an Indigenous group. In the sample, 3.1% (95% CI 2.07, 4.33) of the Indigenous group reported COVID-19 deaths among family members older than 18 years; this rate was 3% (95% CI 2.17, 4.03) in the non-Indigenous group. Whereas most of the students [98% (95% CI 97.62, 98.72)] reported having received COVID-19 vaccines, 36.6% (95% CI 33.57, 39.70) and 39.9% (95% CI (37.32, 42.52) of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous respondents, respectively, reported that their parents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Finally, we found important differences in weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) between pre-pandemic baseline and two years after confinement in the general population as well as between Indigenous and non-Indigenous: general BMI increased from 22.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2 to 23.6 ± 4.1 kg/m2 (Wilcoxon test; P < 0.001). The BMI for the Indigenous went up from 22.4 ± 3.8 kg/m2 to 23.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2 (Wilcoxon test; P < 0.001), and BMI for non-Indigenous rose from 23.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2 to 24.0 4.2 kg/m2 (Wilcoxon test; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study highlights significant vaccination disparities between our university population and their parents, although no substantial differences regarding attitudes and prevention of COVID-19 between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations were found. Findings suggest that efforts to expand prevention to students’ families and surrounding communities could lead to significant public health gains and should be further investigated. Furthermore, the university setting may improve access to prevention tools against COVID-19.
Literature, Science, and Public Policy
Authors: Clayton Jay
Published: August 2023

Literature, Science, and Public Policy shows how literature can influence public policy concerning scientific controversies in genetics and other areas. Literature brings unique insights to issues involving cloning, GMOs, gene editing, and more by dramatizing their full human complexity. Literature's value for public policy is demonstrated by striking examples that range from the literary response to evolution in the Victorian era through the modern synthesis of evolution and genetics in the mid-twentieth century to present-day genomics. Outlining practical steps for humanists who want to help shape public policy, this book offers vivid readings of novels by H. G. Wells, H. Rider Haggard, Aldous Huxley, Robert Heinlein, Octavia Butler, Samuel R. Delany, David Mitchell, Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Kazuo Ishiguro, Gary Shteyngart, and others that illustrate the important insights that literary studies can bring to debates about science and society. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Staël, Romanticism and Revolution
Authors: Isbell John Claiborne
Published: August 2023

Two centuries of sexism have hidden Staël's place in international history. Straddling the divides of the French Revolution, Napoleonic Europe, emergent nationalism, and European Romanticism, and playing pivotal roles in those movements, she was also a friend of Byron, Jefferson, and Tsar Alexander. Extensive archival research, and a complete contextual overview of Staël's writings, here restore Staël's canonical status as political philosopher, historian, European Romantic theorist, and Revolutionary. While the term stateswoman is not commonly used, it describes Staël aptly, acting as she necessarily did through men around her. The brilliant game of masks and proxies imposed on her by patriarchy is detailed here, alongside her unending fight for the oppressed, from the nations of Napoleon's subjugated Europe to the victims of the Atlantic slave trade. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Uncivil War
Authors: Bennett Huw
Published: August 2023

When Operation Banner was launched in 1969 civil war threatened to break out in Northern Ireland and spread over the Irish Sea. Uncivil War reveals the full story of how the British army acted to save Great Britain from disaster during the most violent phase of the Troubles but, in so doing, condemned the people of Northern Ireland to protracted, grinding conflict. Huw Bennett shows how the army's ambivalent response to loyalist violence undermined the prospects for peace and heightened Catholic distrust in the state. British strategy consistently underestimated community defence as a reason for people joining or supporting the IRA whilst senior commanders allowed the army to turn in on itself, hardening soldiers to the suffering of ordinary people. By 1975 military strategists considered the conflict unresolvable: the army could not convince Catholics or Protestants that it was there to protect them and settled instead for an unending war.
Worthington George Smith and Other Case Studies
Authors: Bell Patricia , Buck Anne , Cirket Alan F. , Dony John , Dyer James , Kuhlicke Frederick William , Owen Dorothy , Tibbutt H. G. , Varley Joan
Published: August 2023

Contains 'Bedfordshire Chapelries: an Essay in Rural Settlement History', by Dorothy Owen.
'Bedfordshire Heraldry: A Conspectus', by F. W. KuhIicke.
'Middlemen in the Bedfordshire Lace Industry', by Anne Buck.
'Joshua Symonds, an 18th-century Bedford Dissenting Minister', by H. G. Tibbutt.
'The 1830 Riots in Bedfordshire, Background and Events', by A. F. Cirket.
'A Bedfordshire Clergyman of the Reform Era and his Bishop', by Joan Varley.
'Worthington George Smith', by James Dyer.
'Aspects of Anglo-Indian Bedford', by Patricia Bell.
'The 1919 Peace Riots in Luton', by John Dony.

This collection of essays was presented to Miss Joyce Godber (formerly County Archivist) on her retirement as general editor for the BHRS.
Martyrdom, Witnessing, and Social Lineages in the Tamil Country
Authors: Trento Margherita
Published: August 2023

This article examines the martyrdom of the Jesuit
missionary Saint João de Brito (1647-1693) and the beginnings of his cult, at
once embedded in the local dynamics of the Tamil country and extending towards
broad imperial horizons. How did a Portuguese Jesuit, an agent of modern global
Catholicism, become such a locally anchored figure? And how did the last moments
of Brito’s life initiate a Tamil devotion that has lasted for over three
centuries? A diverse array of sources is used to address these questions: the
multilingual archives produced during early inquiries in support of Brito’s
canonization (particularly the witness statements of his catechists), a
missionary treatise in Tamil, and a life of Brito composed in Tamil by one of
his catechists and preserved in a palm-leaf manuscript. Two conclusions emerge
from this study. In the early eighteenth century, witnessing a martyrdom could
be a means of acquiring a certain degree of sanctity, and thus a spiritual and
social authority transmissible within family lineages. Moreover, by witnessing
Brito’s life and death, Tamil Christian laymen found a way of inscribing their
own lives into the history of Catholicism on both local and global scales.
Influence of COVID-19 on Stress at Work During the First Wave of the Pandemic Among Emergency Health Care Workers
Authors: Dupuy Marie , Dutheil Frédéric , Alvarez Al’ai , Godet Thomas , Adeyemi Oluwaseun John , Clinchamps Maëlys , Schmidt Jeannot , Lambert Céline , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

For more than 2 years, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has forced worldwide health care systems to adapt their daily practice. These adaptations add to the already stressful demands of providing timely medical care in an overcrowded health care system. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic added stress to an already overwhelmed emergency and critical care health care workers (HCWs) on the front lines during the first wave of the pandemic.

This study assessed comparative subjective and objective stress among frontline HCWs using a visual analog scale and biometric data, specifically heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods:

This is a prospective, observational study using surveys and heart rate monitoring among HCWs who work in 3 frontline health care units (emergency department, mobile intensive care unit, and intensive care unit) in the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France. Two sessions were performed: 1 during the first wave of the pandemic (April 10 to May 10, 2020) and 1 after the first wave of the pandemic (June 10 to July 15, 2020).

The primary outcome is the difference in stress levels between the 2 time points. Secondary objectives were the impact of overcrowding, sociodemographics, and other variables on stress levels. We also assessed the correlation between subjective and objective stress levels.

Results:

Among 199 HCWs, 98 participated in biometric monitoring, 84 had biometric and survey data, and 12 with only biometric data. Subjective stress was higher during the second time point compared to the first (4.39 ± 2.11 vs 3.16 ± 2.34, P = 0.23). There were higher objective stress levels with a decrease in HRV between the first and the second time points. Furthermore, we found higher patient volumes as a source of stress during the second time point. We did not find any significant correlation between subjective and objective stress levels.

Conclusion:

HCWs had higher stress levels between the 2 waves of the pandemic. Overcrowding in the emergency department is associated with higher stress levels. We did not find any correlation between subjective and objective stress among intensive care and emergency HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic.
Women Reclaiming Their Voices for Life and Freedom: Music and the 2022 Uprising in Iran
Authors: Siamdoust Nahid
Published: August 2023

One of the most prominent features of Iran's 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising has been the diverse profusion of songs created in its wake. Music has played an important role in Iran's social and political movements at least since the Constitutional Revolution when the poet and musical bard Abolqasem Aref Qazvini (d. 1934) effectively transformed the musical concert into a political congregation. Since then, musicians have given rhythm and rhyme to contentious movements all through modern Iranian history, most prominently during the 1979 revolution and again for the 2009 Green Uprising. Considering the important role of music in Iran's political movements, scholarship on music remains surprisingly marginal in Iranian studies.
WEDNESBURY UNREASONABLENESS
Authors: Perry Adam
Published: August 2023

Administrative decisions are unlawful if they are unreasonable, in the sense that Associated Provincial Picture Houses Ltd. v Wednesbury Corporation made famous. What is Wednesbury unreasonableness, precisely? Courts have not clearly said, and existing academic answers are flawed. Here I propose a new answer. My claim, roughly, is that a Wednesbury unreasonable decision is one that a court is entitled, given the evidence before it, to conclude was wrong, given the evidence before the authority when it made the decision. In a slogan: Wednesbury unreasonableness is demonstrable wrongness.
Le témoignage d'Almamy Maliki Yattara sur W. A. Brown: Dr Brown through the Testimony of Almamy Maliki Yattara
Authors: Salvaing Bernard
Published: August 2023

Almamy Maliki Yattara, en sa double qualité de traditionniste et d’arabisant, fut chargé par l’Institut des Sciences Humaines de Bamako d’accompagner W. A. Brown pendant ses recherches. Dans ses Mémoires, Yattara a laissé sur leurs enquêtes un témoignage saisissant, où transparaissent l’estime et la complicité existant entre deux personnes venues d’horizons si différents. On y voit également comment les curiosités et les approches du chercheur ont pu être influencées par les positionnements de son guide. Yattara décrit longuement leur quête des manuscrits arabes locaux qu’ils photographiaient inlassablement, dans un domaine de recherche où Brown joua un rôle de pionnier.