bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of generative adversarial networks in medical image augmentation
Authors: Makhlouf Ahmed , Maayah Marina , Abughanam Nada , Catal Cagatay
Published: October 2023

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have been widely applied in various domains, including medical image analysis. GANs have been utilized in classification and segmentation tasks, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of diseases and disorders. However, medical image datasets often suffer from insufficiency and imbalanced class distributions. To overcome these limitations, researchers have employed GANs to generate augmented medical images, effectively expanding datasets and balancing class distributions. This review follows the PRISMA guidelines and systematically collects peer-reviewed articles on the development of GAN-based augmentation models. Automated searches were conducted on electronic databases such as IEEE, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed, along with forward and backward snowballing. Out of numerous articles, 52 relevant ones published between 2018 and February 2022 were identified. The gathered information was synthesized to determine common GAN architectures, medical image modalities, body organs of interest, augmentation tasks, and evaluation metrics employed to assess model performance. Results indicated that cGAN and DCGAN were the most popular GAN architectures in the reviewed studies. Medical image modalities such as MRI, CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, along with body organs like the brain, chest, breast, and lung, were frequently used. Furthermore, the developed models were evaluated, and potential challenges and future directions for GAN-based medical image augmentation were discussed. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in GAN-based medical image augmentation and emphasizes the potential advantages and challenges associated with GAN utilization in this domain.
The Headache Psychologists’ Role in Pediatric and Adult Headache Care: A Qualitative Study of Expert Practitioners
Authors: Grinberg Amy S. , Damush Teresa M. , Lindsey Hayley , Burrone Laura , Baird Sean , Takagishi Stanley Curtis , Snyder Ivy , Goldman Roberta E. , Sico Jason J. , Seng Elizabeth K.
Published: October 2023

Objective

We examined the perspectives of expert headache psychologists to inform best practices for integrating headache psychologists into the care of children and adults with headache disorders within medical settings.

Background

Headache disorders are prevalent, chronic, and disabling neurological conditions. As clinical providers trained in evidence-based behavior change interventions with expertise in headache disorders, headache psychologists are uniquely positioned to provide behavioral headache treatment.

Methods

In 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of expert headache psychologists working across the United States. Open–ended questions focused on their roles, clinical flow, and treatment content. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using a rapid qualitative analysis method.

Results

We interviewed seven expert headache psychologists who have worked for an average of 18 years in outpatient settings with pediatric (n = 4) and adult (n = 3) patients with headache. The themes that emerged across the clinical workflow related to key components of behavioral headache treatment, effective behavioral treatment referral practices, and barriers to patient engagement. The expert headache psychologists offered evidence-based behavioral headache interventions such as biofeedback, relaxation training, and cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizing lifestyle modification as standalone options or concurrently with pharmacological treatment and were of brief duration. Participants reported many of their patients appeared reluctant to seek behavioral treatment for headache. Participants believed referrals were most effective when the referring provider explained to the patient the rationale for behavioral treatment, treatment content, and positive impact on headache activity, functioning, and quality of life. Barriers cited by participants to integrating headache psychology into headache care included the paucity of psychologists with specialized headache training, lack of insurance reimbursement, limited patient time to seek behavioral treatment, and inadequate patient knowledge of what behavioral treatment entails.

Conclusion

Headache psychologists are often core members of multidisciplinary headache teams offering short-term, evidence-based behavioral interventions, both as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. However, barriers to care persist.

Enhancing referring providers’ familiarity with psychologists’ role in headache care may aid successful referrals for behavioral interventions for headache.
Antiapoptotic and chemotaxis-stimulating effects of poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan and whey proteins against aflatoxicosis-induced splenic and thymic atrophy
Authors: Ezzat Ghada M. , Meki Abdel-Raheim M. A. , Meligy Fatma Y. , Omar Hend , Nassar Ahmed Y.
Published: October 2023

Background

Aflatoxin B (AFB) induces toxicological effects on the liver and immune organs. The whey proteins can modulate the immune response during aflatoxicosis. Our work evaluates the novel polylactic acid-glycolic acid-chitosan-encapsulated bovine and camel whey proteins against AFB-induced thymic and splenic atrophy in rats.

Methods and results

Seventy adult male Wister albino rats were divided into a control healthy group (G1) and six AFB1-intoxicated groups (G2–G7). One of the following supplements: distilled water, camel whey proteins (CWP), bovine whey proteins, poly (d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- chitosan-loaded with camel whey protein microparticles (CMP), PLGA-chitosan loaded with bovine whey protein microparticles (BMP), and PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were administered as prophylactic supplements to AFB1-intoxicated groups. The AFB-treated group showed significantly higher hepatic levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants. In the aflatoxicated group, atrophy of the splenic lymphatic nodules and disfigurement in the organisation with an apparent decrease in the thickness of the cortex in the thymus were observed, as well as a decrease in splenic and thymic CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes. Moreover, CXCL12 levels were downregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were upregulated. CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements markedly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as significantly raised CXCL12, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells.

Conclusions

The CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements rescue the liver and immune tissues from the toxic effects of AFB through their antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and chemotaxis-enhancing roles.
Pulmonary Histoplasmosis in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in French Guiana: Clinical Epidemiology, Medical Imaging and Prognostic
Authors: Bourne-Watrin Morgane , Adenis Antoine , Doppelt Gary , Zappa Magaly , Epelboin Loïc , Nacher Mathieu , Bigot Jeanne , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Blaizot Romain , Blanchet Denis , Demar Magalie , Guillot Geneviève , Djossou Félix , Couppié Pierre
Published: October 2023

Background

Histoplasmosis is mainly described as a disseminated disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Compared to historical descriptions in immunocompetent individuals, knowledge is lacking on the detailed clinical and radiological findings and outcomes of pulmonary histoplasmosis (PH). Overlooked or misdiagnosed with other AIDS-defining condition, prognostic of PLHIV may be at risk because of inappropriate care.

Methods

A retrospective multicentric study was conducted in PLHIV from French Guiana between January 1988 and October 2019. Proven PH were documented through mycological direct examination, culture, or histology. Patients with concomitant respiratory infections were excluded.

Results

Among 65 patients, sex ratio M:F was 2.4 with a median age of 39 years [IQR 25–75%: 34–44]. Median CD4 count was 24 cells/mm3 [11–71], with histoplasmosis as the AIDS-defining condition in 88% and concomitant AIDS-defining conditions in 29%. Clinical findings were fever (89%), cough (58%), dyspnea (35%), expectoration (14%), and hemoptysis (5%). Sixty-one X-rays and 24 CT-scans were performed. On X-rays, an interstitial lung disease was mainly found (77%). On CT-scans, a nodular pattern was predominant (83%): mostly miliary disease (63%), but also excavated nodules (35%). Consolidations were present in 46%, associated with miliary disease in 21%. Thoracic lymphadenopathies were found in 58%, mainly hilar and symmetric (33%). Despite antifungal treatment, case-fatality rate at one month was 22%.

Conclusion

When faced with an interstitial lung disease on X-rays or a miliary pattern on CT-scans in advanced PLHIV, physicians in endemic areas, apart from tuberculosis or pneumocystosis, should include histoplasmosis as part of their differential diagnoses.
Erosion mitigation with biocementation: a review on applications, challenges, & future perspectives
Authors: Dubey Anant Aishwarya , Dhami Navdeep Kaur , Ravi K. , Mukherjee Abhijit
Published: October 2023

Soil erosion is a complex natural process that occurs by either individual or combined actions of wind, hydraulic currents, waves, and rain. This study comprehensively reviews biocementation-based soil stabilisation techniques for developing erosion-resilient landforms through an ecologically conscious strategy. The different pathways for biocementation occurring in nature are discussed with a focused view on the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique. MICP relies on biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation via the urea hydrolysis route to bind the soil grains. The kinetics and factors affecting MICP are succinctly discussed to highlight the practical challenges associated with biocementation. This study emphasises the influence of MICP on erosion resistance (aeolian and hydraulic) and geotechnical properties of soils. The critical assessment of the previous studies revealed that aeolian and hydraulic erosion can be effectively controlled with a small to moderate quantity of biogenic CaCO3 (2% to 10% of soil weight). MICP marginally influences the hydraulic conductivity of soils with a substantial improvement in compressive strength, making it desirous over traditional soil cementation agents for erosion control due to the limited intervention to natural groundwater flow. However, the scientific design and findings of the previous laboratory-scale and pilot-scale research are still inconsistent for standardising biocementation techniques to transition towards upscaling. This study presents critical insights to the researchers of the environmental, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering domains to design their upcoming studies to tackle the challenges required for upscaling biocementation technology.
Urban Agglomeration and Income Inequality: Is Kuznets Hypothesis Valid for Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Maket Isaiah , Kanó Izabella Szakálné , Vas Zsófia
Published: October 2023

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality. The World Bank and the United Nations place Sub-Saharan Africa among the leading urbanizing regions with sizable urban agglomeration inequality challenges. Therefore, the main research question of this study was whether there is a significant relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality. This study also aimed to determine whether the relationship is nonlinear, estimated using a dynamic panel model, an inverted U-shaped Kuznets hypothesis, and balanced panel data from 2000 to 2020 for 22 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings revealed a nonlinear relationship between urban agglomeration and income inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings showed that income inequality increases with urban agglomeration in the first stage and decreases in the later stages of urbanization. Based on the findings, our recommendations are to enhance governance capacity in providing urban infrastructural investment, improve industrialization capacity, and open up the peri-urban connecting rural regions through public–private development partnerships to shorten the urbanization-driven income inequality inverted U-shaped Kuznets’ turning point in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Computing in Scilab
Authors: Jain Chetana
Published: October 2023

SciLab is a free open-source computing and graphics tool that allows students to learn physical and mathematical concepts with ease. Computing in SciLab has been designed for undergraduate students of physics and electronics following the CBCS-LOCF syllabus, and with extensive coverage of concepts, it focuses primarily on the applications of SciLab in improving the problem-solving skills of readers. All these tools are classroom-tested and focus on data visualization and numerical computing with SCILAB. The book covers important topics like linear algebra, matrices, plotting tools, curve fitting, differential equations, integral calculus, Fourier analysis, and equation solving.
The Mojave Section of the San Andreas Fault (California), 2: Pleistocene Records of Near‐Field Transpression Illuminate the Atypical Evolution of the Restraining “Big Bend”
Authors: Moulin Adrien , Cowgill Eric
Published: October 2023

With an obliquity of ∼30° relative to plate motion direction, the ∼300‐km‐long Big Bend of the San Andreas Fault is one of the world's largest restraining bends. The 5–6 Ma (∼160 km of total displacement) longevity of this mechanically inefficient structure and the lack of evidence for associated widespread uplift both challenge existing models of transpression and bend evolution. We focus on the structurally simplest section of the Big Bend (the Mojave section of the San Andreas: MSAF) to characterize the pattern of near‐field (<5 km from the San Andreas trace) uplift over two different timescales. The topography of vertically deformed alluvial surfaces is used to demonstrate that near‐field uplift along the least oblique segment of the MSAF has been significant over the last ∼40 ka (∼1–2 mm/yr), and driven by slip on two oppositely dipping blind reverse faults. Topographic and structural analyses of the MSAF near‐field are conducted at the scale of the entire fault to show that, at least on the NE side of the MSAF, these blind structures coincide with the front of a fault‐parallel bedrock ridge with clear characteristics of a young transpressive ridge. Structural, sedimentary, and geomorphic arguments converge to suggest that these blind structures were activated ∼315 ka ago and record a Mid‐Pleistocene kinematic reorganization of the MSAF fault‐zone. This reorganization is tentatively interpreted as a shift in the mode of accommodation of the transpressive component of plate motion, in turn driven by the strike‐slip advection of crustal strength gradients along the Big Bend.
Tirzepatide after intensive lifestyle intervention in adults with overweight or obesity: the SURMOUNT-3 phase 3 trial
Authors: Wadden Thomas A. , Chao Ariana M. , Machineni Sriram , Kushner Robert , Ard Jamy , Srivastava Gitanjali , Halpern Bruno , Zhang Shuyu , Chen Jiaxun , Bunck Mathijs C. , Ahmad Nadia N. , Forrester Tammy
Published: October 2023

The effects of tirzepatide, a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on weight reduction after successful intensive lifestyle intervention are unknown. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized (1:1) adults with body mass index ≥30 or ≥27 kg/m2 and at least one obesity-related complication (excluding diabetes), who achieved ≥5.0% weight reduction after a 12-week intensive lifestyle intervention, to tirzepatide maximum tolerated dose (10 or 15 mg) or placebo once weekly for 72 weeks (n = 579). The treatment regimen estimand assessed effects regardless of treatment adherence in the intention-to-treat population. The coprimary endpoint of additional mean per cent weight change from randomization to week 72 was met with changes of −18.4% (standard error (s.e.) 0.7) with tirzepatide and 2.5% (s.e. 1.0) with placebo (estimated treatment difference −20.8 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) −23.2%, −18.5%; P < 0.001). The coprimary endpoint of the percentage of participants achieving additional weight reduction ≥5% was met with 87.5% (s.e. 2.2) with tirzepatide and 16.5% (s.e. 3.0) with placebo achieving this threshold (odds ratio 34.6%; 95% CI 19.2%, 62.6%; P < 0.001). The most common adverse events with tirzepatide were gastrointestinal, with most being mild to moderate in severity. Tirzepatide provided substantial additional reduction in body weight in participants who had achieved ≥5.0% weight reduction with intensive lifestyle intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04657016.
Efficacy of Poria cocos and Alismatis rhizoma against diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats based on transcriptome sequencing analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaowen , Luo Jingbiao , Lin Shuxian , Wang Yaxin , Yan Zhenqian , Ren Qi , Liu Xiaoqi , Li Xiantao
Published: October 2023

Hyperlipidemia, a common metabolic disease, is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, Poria cocos (PC) and Alismatis rhizoma (AR) serve as a potential treatment. A systematic approach based on transcriptome sequencing analysis and bioinformatics methods was developed to explore the synergistic effects of PC–AR and identify major compounds and potential targets. The phenotypic characteristics results indicated that the high dose (4.54 g/kg) of PC–AR reduced total cholesterol (TC), elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and improved hepatocyte morphology, as assessed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Transcriptomic profiling processing results combined with GO enrichment analysis to identify the overlapping genes were associated with inflammatory responses. The cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway was found as a potential key pathway using geneset enrichment analysis. Core enrichment targets were selected according to the PC–AR's fold change versus the model. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis validated that PC–AR significantly downregulated the expression of Cxcl10, Ccl2, Ccl4, Cd40 and Il-1β mRNA (P < 0.05). Molecular docking analysis revealed the significant compounds of PC–AR and the potential binding patterns of the critical compounds and targets. This study provides further evidence that the therapeutic effects of PC–AR on hyperlipidemia in rats through the regulation of inflammation-related targets.
Hydrothermal extraction and physicochemical characterization of biogenic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles from buffalo waste bones for in vivo xenograft in experimental rats
Authors: Alsharif Shada A. , Badran Mahmoud I. , Moustafa Moustafa H. , Meshref Radwa A. , Mohamed Ehab I.
Published: October 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HA) can be used in odontology and orthopedic grafts to restore damaged bone due to its stable chemical characteristics, composition, and crystal structural affinity for human bone. A three-step hydrothermal method was used for the extraction of biogenic calcined HA from the buffalo waste bones at 700 °C (HA-700) and 1000 °C (HA-1000). Extracts were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and in vivo examination of HA xenografts for femoral lesions in experimental rats. Crystallinity, purity, and morphology patterns showed that the HA main phase purity was 84.68% for HA-700 and 88.99% for HA-1000. Spherical HA nanoparticles were present for calcined HA-700 samples in the range 57–423 nm. Rats with critical bone lesions of 3 mm in diameter in the left femur treated with calcined HA-700 nanoparticles healed significantly (p < 0.001) faster than rats treated with HA-1000 or negative controls. These findings showed that spherical biogenic HA-700 NPs with a bud-like structure have the potential to stimulate both osteoconduction and bone remodeling, leading to greater bone formation potential in vivo. Thus, the calcined biogenic HA generated from buffalo waste bones may be a practical tool for biomedical applications.
Improved structure of Zr-BTC metal organic framework using NH2 to enhance CO2 adsorption performance
Authors: Esfahani Heidar Javdani , Shahhosseini Shahrokh , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: October 2023

Modified mesoporous NH2-Zr-BTC mixed ligand MOF nanocomposites were synthesized via the hydrothermal method as a novel adsorbent for CO2 capture. The newly modified MOF-808 with NH2 demonstrated a similar mesoporous morphology as MOF-808, whereas the specific surface area, pore volume, and average particle size, respectively, increased by 15%, 6%, and 46% compared to those of MOF-808. The characterization analyses exhibited the formation of more active groups on the adsorbent surface after modification. In addition, a laboratory adsorption setup was used to evaluate the effect of temperature, pressure, and NH2 content on the CO2 adsorption capacity in the range of 25–65 °C, 1–9 bar, and 0–20 wt%, respectively. An increase in pressure and a decrease in temperature enhanced the adsorption capacity. The highest equilibrium adsorption capacity of 369.11 mg/g was achieved at 25 °C, 9 bar, and 20 wt% NH2. By adding 20 wt% NH2, the maximum adsorption capacity calculated by the Langmuir model increased by about 4% compared to that of pure MOF-808. Moreover, Ritchie second-order and Sips models were the best-fitted models to predict the kinetics and isotherm data of CO2 adsorption capacity with the high correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99) and AARE% of less than 0.1. The ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° values were − 17.360 kJ/mol, − 0.028 kJ/mol K, and − 8.975 kJ/mol, respectively, demonstrating a spontaneous, exothermic, and physical adsorption process. Furthermore, the capacity of MH-20% sample decreased from 279.05 to 257.56 mg/g after 15 cycles, verifying excellent stability of the prepared mix-ligand MOF sorbent.
Characterization of type-specific HPV prevalence in a population of persistent cutaneous warts in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Redzic Nina , Pereira A. Rita , Menon Sonia , Bogers Johannes , Coppens Astrid , Kehoe Kaat , Vanden Broeck Davy
Published: October 2023

Cutaneous warts are benign skin lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Even though they are considered benign, they can have a considerable impact on the quality of life and cause serious illness in certain immunocompromised populations. Studies have shown that the efficacy of wart treatment is dependent on the causative HPV type. Therefore, in this article, we aim to determine the HPV genotype-specific prevalence in cutaneous warts of a Flemish population as part of the Omnivirol-Salycilic acid randomized controlled trial. Swab samples of cutaneous warts (n = 269) were collected during enrollment. The DNA extraction was performed on the automated NucliSENS® easyMAG® system (bioMérieux). The samples were analyzed with two separate in-house PCR assays capable of detecting the most prevalent cutaneous HPV types (i.e. wart-associated HPV qPCR) as well as the most relevant mucosal types (i.e. RIATOL qPCR assay). In total, the type-specific prevalence of 30 distinct HPV genotypes was determined. The beta-globin gene was used as a cellularity control and for viral load quantification. Data concerning wart persistence, previous treatment, wart type, and other relevant wart and patient characteristics was collected through a baseline questionnaire. The study population consisted mostly of persistent warts considering that 98% (n = 263) of the sampled skin lesions were older than six months and 92% (n = 247) had undergone previous treatment. The most prominent wart type was the mosaic verruca plantaris (42%, n = 113). The most prevalent HPV types were cutaneous HPV types 27 (73%, n = 195), 57 (63%, n = 169), and 2 (42%, n = 113). Only 2% (n = 6) of the lesions was HPV negative. The highest median viral loads were observed with HPV27 and 57 (i.e. 6.29E+04 and 7.47E+01 viral copies per cell respectively). The multivariate analysis found significant associations between wart persistence and certain wart types, the number of warts, and HPV genotypes. Based on these findings, persistent warts are more likely to: (1) be verruca vulgaris, verruca plantaris simple or mosaic, (2) to manifest as multiple warts, (3) and to be negative for HPV type 2 or 4. These characteristics can be useful in the clinical setting for future risk stratification when considering treatment triage and management.

Trial registration: NCT05862441, 17/05/2023 (retrospectively registered).
Decorated graphene oxide with gold nanoparticles as a sensitive modified carbon paste electrode for simultaneous determination of tyrosine and uric acid
Authors: Garazhian Elahe , Kalate Bojdi Majid , Behbahani Mohammad
Published: October 2023

It is presented here as a simple, selective, rapid, low-cost, with a wide linear range method to simultaneously determine tyrosine and uric acid using a modified carbon paste electrode decorated with graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles (GO/AuNPs/MCPE). In order to characterize and evaluate the morphology and constituents of the nanostructures, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopes, Dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Voltammetry were employed. The current response on the surface of the modified electrode had a dynamic linear range relationship in the concentrations of 0.14–340.00 µmol L−1 and 0.06–141.00 µmol L−1 for tyrosine and uric acid, respectively, and the method detection limit (MDL) was 0.0060 µmol L−1 and 0.0037 µmol L−1, respectively. This modified electrode provided high stability, sensitivity, and acceptable reproducibility for voltammetric measurements of tyrosine and uric acid simultaneously in a biological matrix.
Synthesis and characterization of Co-MOF@Ag2O nanocomposite and its application as a nano-organic catalyst for one-pot synthesis of pyrazolopyranopyrimidines
Authors: Hootifard Ghader , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Ahmadi Sayed Ali , Yahyazadehfar Mahdieh
Published: October 2023

In this study, a Co-MOF was synthesized via a co-precipitation procedure and then used as support for stabilizing Ag ions and producing Co-MOF@Ag2O nanocomposite by microwave irradiation. The characterization of synthesized Co-MOF@Ag2O nanocomposite was performed by using different techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR). The prepared Co-MOF@Ag2O nanocomposite was applied as a heterogeneous nano-catalyst in the synthesis of pyrazolopyranopyrimidines in water at 50 °C via the one-pot multicomponent reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aromatic aldehydes and barbituric acid derivatives. Through this straightforward and effective protocol, different tricyclic fused pyrazolopyranopyrimidines were synthesized at high yields, and short reaction times, through an uncomplicated work-up process with no by-product. The Co-MOF@Ag2O nanocomposite has been effectively recycled for four consecutive cycles without appreciable loss in its activity. Cost-effectiveness, no need for column chromatography, mild conditions, catalyst recyclability, and eco-friendly nature make it a promising candidate compared to other methods.
Reverse pH-dependent fluorescence protein visualizes pattern of interfacial proton dynamics during hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Farha Trisha Diba , Kim Samyoung , Imayasu Mieko , Miyawaki Atsushi , Tsutsui Hidekazu
Published: October 2023

Reverse pH-dependent fluorescent protein, including dKeima, is a type of fluorescent protein in which the chromophore protonation state depends inversely on external pH. The dependence is maintained even when immobilized at the metal-solution interface. But, interestingly, its responses to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the interface are not reversed: HER rises the pH of the solution around the cathode, but, highly active HER induces chromophore deprotonation regardless of the reverse pH dependence, reflecting an interface-specific deprotonation effect by HER. Here, we exploit this phenomenon to perform scanning-less, real-time visualization of interfacial proton dynamics during HER at a wide field of view. By using dKeima, the HER-driven deprotonation effect was well discriminated from the solution pH effect. In the electrodes of composite structures with a catalyst, dKeima visualized keen dependence of the proton depletion pattern on the electrode configuration. In addition, propagations of optical signals were observed, which seemingly reflect long-range proton hopping confined to the metal-solution interface. Thus, reverse pH-dependent fluorescent proteins provide a unique tool for spatiotemporal analysis of interfacial proton dynamics, which is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the HER process and ultimately to the safe and efficient production of molecular hydrogen.
Regulation of dermal fibroblasts by human neutrophil peptides
Authors: Niwetbowornchai Nattarika , Chaisirirat Thanawat , Sriswasdi Sira , Saithong Supichcha , Filbertine Grace , Wright Helen L. , Edwards Steven W. , Virakul Sita , Chiewchengchol Direkrit
Published: October 2023

Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) can induce cell proliferation and activation so their growth promoting activities may have potential clinical benefit. This study investigated the effects of HNPs on human dermal fibroblasts. Differential gene expression in HNP-treated cells and genes involved in regulating intracellular pathways were explored. Dermal fibroblasts were isolated from healthy neonatal foreskin and treated with HNPs in 2D and 3D cell culture systems. The expression of cell proliferation (Ki-67) gene and cell activation (COL1A1) gene plus their proteins was measured. Differential gene expression was determined using RNA-seq, and upregulated and downregulated genes were mapped onto intracellular pathways by KEGG analysis and Gene Ontology databases. HNPs significantly increased cell proliferation without cytotoxicity whilst HNP1 enhanced expression of COL1A1 and type I collagen production in 2D cells and 3D spheroids. RNA-sequencing analysis showed gene clustering with clear separation between HNP1-treated and control groups. A heatmap of top 50 differentially expressed genes was consistent among HNP1-treated samples. Most upregulated genes were associated with cell proliferation and activation as mapped into intracellular pathways whilst most downregulated genes belonged to steroid/arachidonic acid metabolism and inflammatory signaling pathways. HNP1 increased cell proliferation and activation but reduced lipid metabolism and inflammation.
ROS-responsive phenylboronic ester-based nanovesicles as multifunctional drug delivery systems for the treatment of inflammatory and thrombotic complications
Authors: Xia Yu , Chen Runhai , Ke Yue , Han Qiaoyi , Ma Zhifang , Shi Qiang
Published: October 2023

ROS-responsive phenylboronic ester-based nanovesicles were developed to load and release hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, which showed high therapeutic efficacy to inflammatory and thrombotic complications in vivo.
Chitosan nanocarriers loaded with salicylic acid for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and alleviating oxidative stress in maize plants
Authors: Wang Jinghong , Tao Mengna , Xu Lanqing , Fan Ningke , Zhao Chunjie , Xiao Zhenggao , Wang Zhenyu
Published: October 2023

Foliar spraying with SA–CS nanocomposites (SCNs) significantly increased maize plant resistance against S. frugiperda by increasing defense compound (BX) production and anti-insect gene (Pep1, RIP2, MPI and JAR1a) expression.
Simultaneous determination of Cd and Pb in the environment using a pencil graphite electrode modified with polyaniline/graphene oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Pourbeyram Sima , Fathalipour Soghra , Rashidzadeh Bahaaldin , Firuzmand Hananeh , Rahimi Behnaz
Published: October 2023

Pencil graphite electrode (PGE) is modified with polyaniline/graphene oxide/polyethylene glycol/cysteine nanocomposite (MGO–PANI) and applied for simultaneous determination of Cd and Pb in the environment.
Visible light as a sole requirement for alkylation of α-C(sp3)–H of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines with alkylboronic acids
Authors: Cong Feihu , Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Gan , Liu Jie , Zhang Yicheng , Zhou Chao , Wang Lei
Published: October 2023

An alkylation of α-C(sp3)–H at N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines with alkylboronic acids was developed under visible-light irradiation and metal-free conditions without additional photocatalyst.
A cross‐cross‐correlation based method for joint coregistration of rotated multitemporal synthetic aperture radar images
Authors: Garcia Laura Parra , Pallotta Luca , Clemente Carmine , Giunta Gaetano , Soraghan John J.
Published: October 2023

Coregistration is among the most important and challenging tasks when dealing with multiple synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, especially when they are acquired at different time instants and characterised by low signal to noise power ratio (SNR) that contributes to their coherence reduction. However, even if some technological expedients could be implemented to maintain the same trajectory and to compensate for these inaccuracies during the acquisition campaign, multitemporal SAR images always need additional registration refinements after compression. Usually, to coregister a series of multitemporal SAR images, one of them is selected as the master, and the remainders are separately registered to it. Differently, in this study, a new strategy is developed to jointly coregister a stack of multitemporal SAR images. It is based on the exploitation of the cross‐correlations in turn computed from each couple of cross‐correlations (a.k.a. cross‐cross‐correlations) of the extracted patches. By doing so, the method is capable of exploiting also the respective misregistration information between the slaves during the estimation process. In this respect, this methodology is applied to enhance the registration capabilities of the constrained Least Squares (CLS) optimisation method, which instead does not account for the reciprocal information related to the slaves. Several tests are performed on multitemporal airborne‐measured SAR data. Obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of achieved root mean square error for images affected by respective rotations also in comparison with the CLS counterpart.
Automated pavement crack detection based on multiscale fully convolutional network
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yueming , Yu Lingjun , Li Qi
Published: October 2023

Automatic pavement crack detection is essential for fast and efficient pavement maintenance and health measurement. And crack image data is the basis of crack detection. The existing data collection methods have disadvantages such as high cost, easy loss of frames, blurring, and loss of crack information. Therefore, a new method of data collection using target detection and perspective transformation is introduced. The CRACK2000 dataset with multiple complex backgrounds is constructed by this method. Also, a multiscale fully convolutional network by improving U‐Net, named U‐multiscale dilated network (U‐MDN), is proposed. The network uses U‐Net as the base network and introduces U‐multiscale dilated convolutional module (U‐MDM) after U‐Net downsampling. In addition, the U‐MDM is compared with U‐MCM and MDM, and the result shows that U‐MDM has a better effect. Finally, U‐MDN is compared with U‐Net, CrackSeg, DeeplabV3+, Basnet, and PDDF‐Net on CRACK2000 and other data sets, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the U‐MDN is better than other algorithms in terms of precision, recall, F1‐score, and AUC.
Alternativen: Neue Betrachtung von CO2-intensiven Prozessen im Krankenhaus
Authors: Schilling Max
Published: October 2023

Für eine nachhaltige Zukunft im Gesundheitswesen müssen Abläufe geprüft werden. Die Kreislaufwirtschaft ist ein bisher vernachlässigtes Prinzip für den nachhaltigen Betrieb einer Klinik, das nun verstärkt in den Fokus der Verantwortlichen rücken sollte.
Effizienz im Klinikalltag: Energie sparen im Krankenhaus – gut für Klima und Budget
Authors: Böcker Christoph
Published: October 2023

Energie einzusparen ist für Krankenhäuser wichtiger denn je. Doch wo sind die Stellschrauben, an denen kurzfristig gedreht werden muss und wie ist Energieeffizienz in der Klinik auf längere Sicht umsetz- und vor allem finanzierbar?
Textilwirtschaft: Nachhaltigkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit gehören zusammen
Authors: Schnäpsmeier Moritz
Published: October 2023

In den vielfältigen Diskussionen über die Einführung nachhaltiger Systeme im Gesundheitswesen wird sehr häufig ganz selbstverständlich von der Prämisse ausgegangen: Nachhaltigkeit kostet viel Geld. Dem ist nicht zwangsläufig so.
Energieeffizienz: Diversifizierte Energieversorgung im Krankenhaus mittels Lean-Energy-Management
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: October 2023

Energie sowie ihre Erzeugung und Bereitstellung bilden in ihren unterschiedlichen Ausprägungen aktuell eine systemrelevante Größe und verstärkt knappe Ressource. Zur Sicherstellung der Energieversorgung gilt es, die Verfügbarkeit, deren Nutzung sowie deren Nachhaltigkeit über ein ausdifferenziertes Energiemanagement zu gewährleisten.
Handeln – Jetzt!: Ökologische Kreislaufwirtschaft im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Otto Thomas
Published: October 2023

Das Gesundheitswesen ist aus ökologischer Sicht ein völlig vernachlässigter Bereich. Müllberge, Ressourcenverschwendung, CO2-Belastung und fehlende Recyclingkonzepte sind trauriger Alltag. Medizin, Industrie und Entsorger bilden die Lösung basierend auf einer branchenübergreifenden Zusammenarbeit.
IT- und Cybersicherheit in Kliniken: Rahmenbedingungen und die Rolle der Einkaufsabteilungen – Teil 2
Authors: Gallmann Thomas
Published: October 2023

Auch die Beschaffung der Krankenhäuser muss sich mit dem Thema IT-Sicherheit befassen. Verschiedene gesetzliche Regelungen machen dazu Vorgaben und auch die MDR befasst sich mit der Problematik. Für die Mitarbeiter der Klinik stehen unter anderem IT-Schulungen im Fokus.
Electron paramagnetic resonance of VN–VGa complex in BGaN
Authors: Kierdaszuk J. , Możdżynska E. B. , Drabińska A. , Wysmolek A. , Baranowski J. M.
Published: October 2023

A metastable photoinduced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal at low temperatures is reported for GaN alloyed with boron (i.e., BxGa1−xN) epitaxial layers grown at temperatures ranging from 840 to 1090° C. An isotropic EPR line with g = 2.004 is observed with an intensity depending on the growth temperature for all the samples with boron content between 0.73% and 2.51%. The temperature dependence of EPR intensities is compared with the results of high-resolution photoinduced transient spectroscopy. This enables a link between particular traps and the EPR signal. The activation energies of these traps are consistent with the theoretical position of the VN–VGa complex. Thermal annihilation of the EPR signal with 30 meV activation energy corresponds to shallow donor ionization. A model explaining the light-induced EPR signal that involves redistribution of electrons between deep and shallow donors, mediated by photoionization to the conduction band, is proposed.
Informal Work
Authors: Saxena Mahima
Published: October 2023

Informal work refers to a variety of nontraditional work and employment arrangements. It is different from to work in the informal economy, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. In the extant literature, terms such as precarious work, gig or freelance work, and nontraditional work are also used to describe informal work. Informal work is a ubiquitous phenomenon, found globally, across all or most nations in the world. The majority of research on informal work has occurred within the fields of economics, sociology, labor law, policy, and related disciplines. It has been recognized that not enough attention in the field of psychology, specifically Industrial and Organizational psychology, has been paid to informal work. For the research that does exist in different scholarly and applied disciplines, there is often terminological overlap and confusion with regard to different forms and formats of alternative work arrangements. In addition, the study of informal work is often plagued by negative stereotypes and colonially inspired schools of thought that consider traditional, generational, and nonorganizational work of a lower standard and quality than professionally driven office-going jobs. The latter are mainly a by-product of the Industrial Revolution in Western Europe and fail to account for the multitude of work and work formats found around the world.

Further research and policy attention on informal work is needed to provide conceptual clarity on informal work arrangements and informal workers. Psychology can contribute toward an in-depth understanding of informal work, specifically by focusing on a person-centric, first-person experience of work that is often characterized as informal. Industrial and Organizational psychology can also shed light on the themes and characteristics of work that is typically considered informal. Ultimately, taking a decolonized, international, and boundaryless approach to the psychological study of informal work can contribute both to science and to key policy initiatives surrounding inclusive, global, and sustainable development and human flourishing that leave no one behind.
Pepetela
Authors: Santos Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Pepetela (b. 1941) is one of the most awarded Angolan writers and a successful creator of the myths and epics sustaining Angolan identity in the symbolic domain. He has played many roles throughout his life, from revolutionary socialism ideologist to guerrilla fighter, government member, university professor, and civic activist. Most notably, he is a prolific writer; his dozens of novels, chronicles, plays, and fables constitute an incomparable testimony to 20th-century Angola. His writing articulates a strong sociological awareness with a world vision that feeds on the ideological currents of nationalism and socialism. This surprising junction makes the basis for literary works in which the struggle for independence, the construction of the Angolan nation, the socialist revolution, and social analysis assume great relevance, as does the quest for the symbolic roots of national identity. Pepetela has been the most thorough explorer of Angolan historical sources and autochthonous myths, from which he assembled narratives that are considered foundational to the nation. His work is the object of numerous academic essays in several languages. Just as importantly, he is a favorite among readers worldwide.
The Implications of Pupil Rank for Achievement
Authors: Murphy Richard , Weinhardt Felix
Published: October 2023

The significance of social interaction has become an increasingly important part of economic thought and models through the work on peer effects, social norms, and networks. Within this literature, a novel focus of ranking within groups has emerged. The rank of an individual is usually defined as the ordinal position within a specific group. This could be the work environment or a classroom, and much of this literature focuses on rank effects in education settings. The literature studies rank effects for various age groups. There is evidence that a rank position even during early life phases, such as in elementary education, has lasting effects on education outcomes such as test scores or subject specializations, choices during college, and wages. A first-order challenge in the study of rank effects is to separate them from other highly correlated effects. For example, individuals with a high rank academic rank in a group will likely have high academic ability in absolute terms. Papers in this field directly account for measured ability, and so rely on the variation in rank that exists across groups for any given ability measure, that is, a score of 80 in one group would rank the student top, while near the bottom in another. The comparability of achievement measures across settings is key; one commonly employed solution is to account for level differences across settings. While the literature has now established the importance of rank, there are several—potentially non-competing—ideas for the precise behavioral mechanisms of why rank matters so much. Future work will most likely focus on integrating rank effects into the literature on social interactions to discuss implications for optimal group formation.
Bodhisattva-bhūmi
Authors: Powers John
Published: October 2023

The Bodhisattva-bhūmi (Resources for Bodhisattvas) is part of Resources for Yoga Practitioners (Yogācāra-bhūmi), an encyclopedic treatise that was one of the most important works of the Indian Buddhist School of Yoga Practitioners (Yogācāra). It contains material relating to the doctrines and practices of both Mainstream Buddhists and Mahāyānists, mostly in condensed form. The Bodhisattva-bhūmi brings together disparate sources, and there is considerable overlap between the various lists it presents and the explanations of their contents. Contemporary text-critical scholarship has led to a broad consensus that the text available in the early 21st century is most likely a product of centuries of development during which material was compiled and edited, internal cross-references were provided to direct readers to similar discussions in other parts of the Bodhisattva-bhūmi and the Yogācāra-bhūmi, and a loose structure was imposed. It presents itself as a sourcebook of lore that can help both aspiring bodhisattvas and those who have embarked on the bodhisattva path to awakening (bodhi) in order to free sentient beings from suffering and guide them either to the peace of nirvana or to the ultimate attainment of buddhahood.

Keywords: Buddhism, Yogācāra, bodhisattva, Asaṅga, Mahāyāna
Enhancing patient-centred care in dentistry: a narrative review
Authors: Böhme Kristensen Camilla , Asimakopoulou Koula , Scambler Sasha
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patient-centred care (PCC) is widely used within the medical setting, but there is a need for more research on PCC implementation in dentistry.

Sources of data

A narrative review was conducted with literature identified from the Ovid Interface, including several databases such as Embase and Medline.

Areas of agreement

PCC is associated with better health outcomes for patients, and greater work satisfaction among healthcare professionals.

Areas of controversy

Efforts to implement PCC in dentistry are lacking due to several issues including non-consensus about PCC definition and lack of explicit guidelines on how to implement PCC in dentistry.

Growing points and areas timely for developing research

A theory-derived model of PCC explicitly designed for the dental setting was identified. This serves as a starting point to enhance PCC in dentistry, though further research is needed to empirically test the implementation of this model.