bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient topology optimization for efficient design of actively cooled microvascular materials
Authors: Gorman Jonathan , Pejman Reza , Kumar Sandeep R. , Patrick Jason F. , Najafi Ahmad R.
Published: March 2024

Microvascular materials containing internal microchannels are able to achieve multi-functionality by flowing different fluids through vasculature. Active cooling is one application to protect structural components and devices from thermal overload, which is critical to modern technology including electric vehicle battery packaging and solar panels on space probes. Creating thermally efficient vascular network designs requires state-of-the-art computational tools. Prior optimization schemes have only considered steady-state cooling, rendering a knowledge gap for time-varying heat transfer behavior. In this study, a transient topology optimization framework is presented to maximize the active-cooling performance and mitigate computational cost. Here, we optimize the channel layout so that coolant flowing within the vascular network can remove heat quickly and also provide a lower steady-state temperature. An objective function for this new transient formulation is proposed that minimizes the area beneath the average temperature versus time curve to simultaneously reduce the temperature and cooling time. The thermal response of the system is obtained through a transient Geometric Reduced Order Finite Element Model (GRO-FEM). The model is verified via a conjugate heat transfer simulation in commercial software and validated by an active-cooling experiment conducted on a 3D-printed microvascular metal. A transient sensitivity analysis is derived to provide the optimizer with analytical gradients of the objective function for further computational efficiency. Example problems are solved demonstrating the method’s ability to enhance cooling performance along with a comparison of transient versus steady-state optimization results. In this comparison, both the steady-state and transient frameworks delivered different designs with similar performance characteristics for the problems considered in this study. This latest computational framework provides a new thermal regulation toolbox for microvascular material designers.
Invariant Manifolds for the Thin Film Equation
Authors: Seis Christian , Winkler Dominik
Published: March 2024

The large-time behavior of solutions to the thin film equation with linear mobility in the complete wetting regime on $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

is examined. We investigate the higher order asymptotics of solutions converging towards self-similar Smyth–Hill solutions under certain symmetry assumptions on the initial data. The analysis is based on a construction of finite-dimensional invariant manifolds that solutions approximate to an arbitrarily prescribed order.
On the number of terms in the COS method for European option pricing
Authors: Junike Gero
Published: March 2024

The Fourier-cosine expansion (COS) method is used to price European options numerically in a very efficient way. To apply the COS method, one has to specify two parameters: a truncation range for the density of the log-returns and a number of terms N to approximate the truncated density by a cosine series. How to choose the truncation range is already known. Here, we are able to find an explicit and useful bound for N as well for pricing and for the sensitivities, i.e., the Greeks Delta and Gamma, provided the density of the log-returns is smooth. We further show that the COS method has an exponential order of convergence when the density is smooth and decays exponentially. However, when the density is smooth and has heavy tails, as in the Finite Moment Log Stable model, the COS method does not have exponential order of convergence. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical results.
First Exploration of the Altered Microbial Gut–Lung Axis in the Pathogenesis of Human Refractory Chronic Cough
Authors: Baldi Simone , Fabbrizzi Alessio , Di Gloria Leandro , Pallecchi Marco , Nannini Giulia , D’Ambrosio Mario , Luceri Cristina , Bartolucci Gianluca , Ramazzotti Matteo , Fontana Giovanni , Mannini Claudia , Lavorini Federico , Amedei Amedeo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Cough represents a natural mechanism that plays an important defensive role in the respiratory tract, but in some conditions, it may become persistent, nonproductive, and harmful. In general, refractory chronic cough (RCC) occurs in about 20% of individuals; hence, we aimed to assess the presence of altered gut–lung communication in RCC patients through a compositional and functional characterization of both gut (GM) and oral microbiota (OM).

Methods

16S rRNA sequencing was used to characterize both GM and OM composition of RCC patients and healthy controls (HC). PICRUST2 assessed functional changes in microbial communities while gas chromatography was used to evaluate fecal short-chain fatty acid levels and serum-free fatty acid (FFA) abundances.

Results

In comparison with HC, RCC patients reported increased saliva alpha-diversity and statistically significant beta-diversity in both GM and OM. Also, a, respectively, significant increased or reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio in stool and saliva samples of RCC patients has been shown, in addition to a modification of the abundances of several taxa in both GM and OM. Moreover, a potential fecal over-expression of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and lipoic acid metabolism pathways and several differences in serum FFA levels have been reported in RCC patients than in HC.

Conclusion

Since differences in both GM and OM of RCC patients have been documented, these findings could provide new information about RCC pathogenesis and also pave the way for the development of novel nutritional or pharmacological interventions for the management of RCC through the restoration of eubiotic gut–lung communication.
Alteration of serum bile acid profiles of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma identified by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Dai Sijia , Zhu Jingfei , Chen Xuqiong , Zheng Liming , Li Xiaoping , Liu Longgen
Published: March 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma closely related to metabolic disorders is a common and aggressive liver malignancy. The dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis has emerged as a key factor for the development and progression of HCC. We aimed to investigate the relationship between bile acids and HCC diagnosis and progression.

Methods

A total of 744 HBV-related patients (including 396 HCC patients and 348 patients with chronic liver diseases) were enrolled in the current study. The baseline characteristics of patients were collected from electronic medical records, and the levels of bile acid profiles were determined by LC–MS/MS. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to reduce the effect of selection bias, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical application values of bile acid.

Results

Significant differences were observed for most characteristics between the HCC group and the CLD group before PSM analysis. Patients with HCC were older and fatter (p < 0.05). After adjusting with a 1:1 ratio for age, gender and BMI, 42 HCC patients and 42 non-HCC patients were matched in 2 groups, respectively. The total bile acid level in HCC patients was lower than that in patients with chronic liver diseases before and after PSM analysis (p < 0.05). However, patients with HCC had significantly higher levels of DCA, LCA, and GLCA and lower levels of TCDCA, GUDCA, and TUDCA (p < 0.05, respectively). Besides, the TCDCA, TUDCA, GLCA, and GUDCA were significantly correlated with tumor procession. Moreover, the BAs profiles had a superior predictive ability for predicting the development of HCC even in patients with low serum AFP levels.

Conclusion

Patients with HCC had significantly lower levels of total bile acid, but higher levels of secondary bile acids (DCA, LCA, and GLCA). The levels of primary bile acid (TCDCA) were closely related to tumor size and stage, which indicated that the bile acids were involved in the HCC procession and had important clinical application values.
Disulfidptosis features and prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: unveiling and validating the prognostic signature across cohorts
Authors: Xue Hao , Sun Qianyu , Zhang Heqing , Huang Hanxiao , Xue Haowei
Published: March 2024

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern with a variable global incidence and is linked to regional lifestyle factors and HPV infections. Despite treatment advances, patient prognosis remains variable, necessitating an understanding of its molecular mechanisms and the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

We analyzed 959 HNSCC samples and employed batch correction to obtain consistent transcriptomic data across cohorts. We examined 79 disulfidptosis-related genes to determine consensus clusters and utilized high-throughput sequencing to identify genetic heterogeneity within tumors. We established a disulfidptosis prognostic signature (DSPS) using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and developed a prognostic nomogram integrating the DSPS with clinical factors. Personalized chemotherapy prediction was performed using the "pRRophetic" R package.

Results

Batch corrections were used to harmonize gene expression data, revealing two distinct disulfidptosis subtypes, C1 and C2, with differential gene expression and survival outcomes. Subtype C1, characterized by increased expression of the MYH family genes ACTB, ACTN2, and FLNC, had a mortality rate of 48.4%, while subtype C2 had a mortality rate of 38.7% (HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.633–0.934, P = 0.008). LASSO regression identified 15 genes that composed the DSPS prognostic model, which independently predicted survival (HR = 2.055, 95% CI: 1.420–2.975, P < 0.001). The prognostic nomogram, which included the DSPS, age, and tumor stage, predicted survival with AUC values of 0.686, 0.704, and 0.789 at 3, 5, and 8 years, respectively, indicating strong predictive capability. In the external validation cohort (cohort B), the DSPS successfully identified patients at greater risk, with worse overall survival outcomes in the high-DSPS subgroup (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17–2.023, P = 0.002) and AUC values of 0.601, 0.644, 0.636, and 0.748 at 3, 5, 8, and 10 years, respectively, confirming the model's robustness.

Conclusion

The DSPS provides a robust prognostic tool for HNSCC, underscoring the complexity of this disease and the potential for tailored treatment strategies. This study highlights the importance of molecular signatures in oncology, offering a step toward personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes in HNSCC management.
Pharmacovigilance of nephrotoxic drugs in neonates: the Pottel method for acute kidney injury detection in ELBW neonates
Authors: Dumoulin Mathilde , Pottel Hans , Mekahli Djalila , Laenen Annouschka , Smits Anne , Allegaert Karel
Published: March 2024

Background

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates (birth weight ≤ 1000 g) are at high risk to develop drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, we lack a pragmatic detection tool to capture their time-dependent (patho)physiologic serum creatinine (Scr) patterns. Pottel et al. suggested rescaling Scr by dividing Scr with the mean Scr value of the age- and sex-specific reference population. We explored if this Pottel method can detect drug-related nephrotoxicity in ELBW neonates.

Methods

A previously reported dataset on Scr changes in ELBW neonates exposed to ibuprofen, amikacin, or vancomycin was updated to calculate Pottel scores for every available Scr value in the first 28 postnatal days. We hereby used previously published postnatal age-specific 50th centile values in an ELBW population. Linear mixed models were applied, analyzing Pottel scores as response variable and continuous time (day), drug exposure, and interaction thereof in the explanatory model.

Results

Serum creatinine (n = 3231) observations in 201 ELBW neonates were collected. A statistically significant rise of Pottel scores was observed with ibuprofen starting from postnatal day 4. In addition, a cumulative effect of treatment with mean Pottel scores on day 0 of 1.020 and on day 3 during treatment of 1.106 (95% CI 1.068–1.145, p < 0.001) was observed, corrected for effect of antibiotics. Antibiotic administrations showed a small but statistically significant difference up to postnatal day 5.

Conclusions

As rescaled Scr biomarker, the Pottel method showed a clear association with ibuprofen-exposed ELBW neonates, suggesting its applicability as a pragmatic bedside alternative tool to assess nephrotoxicity.

Graphical abstract
Surgical repair of torn base of ruptured middle cerebral artery trifurcation aneurysm
Authors: Zhang Rui , Muhammad Sajjad
Published: March 2024

Background

Treating complex middle cerebral artery (MCA) trifurcation aneurysms requires a delicate balance between achieving aneurysm obliteration and preserving vascular integrity. Various cerebral revascularization techniques, including bypass, and clip reconstruction are considered individually or in combination.

Methods

This case report outlines a successful repair of a ruptured neck and base of MCA trifurcation aneurysm using a suturing-clip reconstruction technique. Temporary aneurysm trapping was implemented, with maintained elevated blood pressure to ensure collateral perfusion during repair of ruptured base and neck of MCA aneurysm.

Conclusion

The suturing-clip reconstruction exhibited long-term radiological stability, emerging as a valuable alternative for managing challenging MCA trifurcation aneurysms.
Local excision versus radical surgery for anal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter study in Japan
Authors: Murai Shin , Nozawa Hiroaki , Yamada Kazutaka , Saiki Yasumitsu , Sasaki Kazuhito , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Yokoyama Yuichiro , Abe Shinya , Nagai Yuzo , Yoshioka Yuichiro , Shinagawa Takahide , Sonoda Hirofumi , Sugihara Kenichi , Ajioka Yoichi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: March 2024

Background

The standard treatment for anal squamous cell carcinoma is chemoradiation therapy (CRT), but there is a possibility of over-treatment for early-stage disease. cTisN0 and cT1N0 disease is currently indicated for local excision, but it is unclear whether the indication of local excision can be expanded to cT2N0 disease.

Methods

126 patients with cTis-T2N0 anal cancer treated at 47 centers in Japan between 1991 and 2015 were included. Patients were first classified into the CRT group and surgical therapy group according to the initial therapy, and the latter was further divided into local excision (LE) and radical surgery (RS) groups. We compared prognoses among the groups, and analyzed risk factors for recurrence after local excision.

Results

The CRT group (n = 87) and surgical therapy group (n = 39) showed no difference in relapse-free survival (p = 0.29) and overall survival (p = 0.94). Relapse-free survival curves in the LE (n = 23) and RS groups (n = 16) overlapped for the initial 3 years, but the curve for the LE group went lower beyond (p = 0.33). By contrast, there was no difference in overall survival between the two groups (p = 0.98). In the LE group, the majority of recurrences distributed in locoregional areas, which could be managed by salvage treatments. Muscular invasion was associated with recurrence after local excision (hazard ratio: 22.91, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

LE may be applied to selected patients with anal cancer of cTis-T2N0 stage. Given the high risk of recurrence in cases with muscular invasion, it may be important to consider close surveillance and additional treatment in such patients.
Genetic structure and diversity of semi-captive populations: the anomalous case of the Asian elephant
Authors: Maurer Gilles , Dubois Marie-Pierre , Oo Zaw Min , Chanthavong Vatsana , Mulot Baptiste , Gimenez Olivier , Kjellberg Finn
Published: March 2024

Wild species living in captivity are subject to loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding depression, and differentiation among populations. Only very few species have been under human care for centuries but have not been selectively bred, have free-ranging movements most of the time, and retain porous barriers to gene flow between wild and captive populations. Such captive populations are expected to retain high levels of genetic diversity and anthropogenic factors should result in a limited genetic differentiation from wild populations. Asian elephants have been trained and used by humans for at least 4000 years as war animals, mounts of kings and draught animals. In Myanmar and Laos, elephants are still being used for hauling timber in the forest while retaining traditional management practices including seasonal release, free mating and movement. However, habitat fragmentation, isolation and reduced gene flows are threatening both semi-captive and wild pools. We genotyped 167 semi-captive elephants from Laos and Myanmar using a panel of 11 microsatellite loci to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure. We found that elephants of both countries presented high levels of genetic diversity and a low degree of inbreeding, if any. This agrees with the expected high level of genetic diversity in semi-captive populations. We found a weak differentiation along a geographical gradient from southern Laos to northern Myanmar but no differentiation between wild-caught and captive-born pools. The potential value for conservation of a large population of semi-captive elephants has been recognized but the conservation community has yet to fully explore the potential role semi-captive elephants could play in maintaining gene flows.
Experimental Study and CFD Modelling of Down-Reaching Flame Behaviors of Tank Fires with Large Ullage Heights
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Hu Zhenqi , Li Xinjiang , Ji Jie , Yang Rui , Zhang Jianping , Zhong Yunfei
Published: March 2024

This paper is aimed at studying the down-reaching flame behaviors of tank fires with large ullage heights. Experiments were first conducted using a gas burner in a transparent quartz glass cylinder to simulate the large ullage and the experimental data was used to validate the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Subsequently the effects of ullage height, fuel velocity and burner diameter on the flame behaviors were examined systematically. Both experimental and numerical results showed that, for lower fuel velocities, the down-reaching flame height (hdown) is restricted by the ullage height. As the fuel velocity continues to increase exceeding a critical value, independent of the ullage height, hdown starts to decrease. For a given fuel velocity, hdown increases with an increase of the burner diameter owing to enhanced air entrainment. A detailed analysis of the flow field and oxygen concentration inside the tank at the steady burning stage was also carried out. Based on the numerical results and dimensionless analysis, a piecewise function was proposed to predict the down-reaching flame height and validated against the experimental data.
Q-Band MIMO Antennas with Circular Polarization for Spatial and Polarization Diversity
Authors: Alaa Nada , Elsayed Rania A. , Farahat Asmaa E. , Hussein Khalid F. A. , El-Deeb Walid S.
Published: March 2024

The present work proposes three MIMO antennas with different configurations for the future applications of wireless communications in the Q-band of the frequency to realize both spatial and polarization diversities. A circularly polarized (CP) printed antenna operating over two frequency bands at 37.8 and 50 GHz is utilized as a single element to construct the proposed MIMO antennas. Two-element MIMO antenna systems arranged in two configurations, side-by-side and face-to-face, are proposed to achieve spatial diversity. Also, a four-element MIMO antenna system is designed to achieve polarization diversity in addition to spatial diversity. The proposed MIMO antenna systems are designed with the aid of the CST simulator. The three MIMO antennas are fabricated and their performance is experimentally evaluated regarding the circular polarization, impedance matching, antenna gain, envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), and diversity gain (DG). The experimental results for the single-element as well as the MIMO antennas come in good agreement with simulation results showing high performance. Both the numerical and experimental investigations reveal that the mutual coupling between any two ports of the proposed MIMO antennas is below $$-25 {\text{dB}}$$

-
25
dB

. Also, for any two ports it is shown that the ECC is below $$1\times {10}^{-7}$$

1
×

10

-
7

and the diversity gain is higher than $$9.99$$

9.99

. The impedance matching bandwidths (for $$\left|{S}_{11}\right|<-10 {\text{dB}}$$

S
11

<
-
10
dB

) are shown to be $$1.53$$

1.53

and $$1.88$$

1.88

GHz at $$37.8$$

37.8

and $$50\mathrm{ GHz}$$

50
GHz

, respectively, and the corresponding 3-dB axial ratio bandwidths are $$700$$

700

and $$130\mathrm{ MHz}$$

130
MHz

, respectively.
The effect of silver nanoparticles on biological and corrosion behavior of electrophoretically deposited hydroxyapatite film on Ti6Al4V
Authors: Balaei Hassan , Ghasemi H. M. , Aghdam Rouhollah Mehdinavaz , Cheraghali B. , Sohi Mahmoud Heydarzadeh
Published: March 2024

Surface modification of titanium and its alloys has been seriously considered by researchers to improve their biological behaviors, in the past few decades. In present research, hydroxyapatite (HA) based composite coatings with different concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt% of silver (Ag) nanoparticles were electrophoretically deposited (EPD) on anodized and non-anodized Ti6Al4V, using a direct current at a voltage of 30 V for 10 min at room temperature. The specimens were then characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The cell adhesion images and cell viability results showed that HA-Ag composite coatings significantly promoted the biocompatibility of samples compared with the non-anodized and anodized Ti6Al4V. The viabilities of Mg-63 cells on HA-4%Ag coating and bi-layer coating (HA-4%Ag on anodized specimen) were approximately 91% and they were considered as the best coatings in term of biocompatibility. On the other hand, the antibacterial assessments demonstrated that HA-6%Ag coating had the best antibacterial performance compared with other samples. Furthermore, Tafel polarization curves indicated that corrosion resistance of the bi-layer coating was higher than those of the other specimens. The polarization resistance of this coating was about 7 times more than that of theTi6Al4V alloy.

Graphical Abstract
Synthesis, optical, and spectroscopic studies of bismuth boro-tellurite glass system containing BaO and V2O5
Authors: Srinivas B. , Katubi Khadijah Mohammedsaleh , Bhogi Ashok , Ahammed Sheik , Surendra T. V. , Hameed Abdul , Shareefuddin Md. , Al-Buriahi M. S.
Published: March 2024

A melt quenching technique was used for the preparation of xBaO–(30-x)TeO2–35Bi2O3–33B2O3–2V2O5 (5 ≤ x ≤ 25 mol%) glasses. The structural modifications are studied by X-ray diffraction, DSC, optical, infrared spectroscopy, and Raman as a function of BaO mol%. The progressive incorporation of BaO mol% in the BTBiBV glasses decreases the optical band gap values as the number of free electrons increases with the creation of additional NBOs. The FTIR spectra of the prepared glasses consist of BO3 trigonal and BO4 tetrahedral units while TeO2 changes to TeO3 andTeO4 structural units. The Raman spectra shows that the replacement of BaO with TeO2 decreases the concentration of Te–O–Te linkages within the volume of host glass, which increases the concentration of Ba–O–Te linkages along with BO3 units. Due to this, the overall glass formers connectivity decreases which intern to the creation of NBOs. Moreover, the research highlighted that BTBiBV-5 glasses have exceptional optical properties making them promising materials for photonics, optoelectronics, and optical communication device applications.
Development of a surrogate and its comprehensive compact chemical kinetic mechanism for the combustion of Alcohol-To-Jet fuel
Authors: Saraee Hossein S. , Hughes Kevin J. , Pourkashanian Mohammed
Published: March 2024

This study develops a compact high-fidelity chemical kinetic mechanism for a proposed surrogate of Alcohol-To-Jet fuel, capable of modelling ignition delay time, laminar flame speed, and species concentration. A combination of 85% iso-dodecane and 15% iso-cetane by wt% that is a close approximation to the real fuel composition was selected as the ATJ surrogate to investigate the simulation of the three given combustion properties. A relatively good agreement has been observed for ignition delay, laminar flame speed, and mole fraction of some species, between the simulation by the Chemkin-Pro software package and the available experimental data in the literature. The authors suggest that this proposed surrogate with its compact validated mechanism can be used by researchers to study the combustion behaviour of ATJ fuel including the investigation on the complex geometries of combustion system such as Equivalent Reactor Network Analysis which require a compact accurate chemical kinetic mechanism.
On Ski–Snow Contact Mechanics During the Double Poling Cycle in Cross-Country Skiing
Authors: Hindér Gustav , Kalliorinne Kalle , Sandberg Joakim , Almqvist Andreas , Holmberg Hans-Christer , Larsson Roland
Published: March 2024

Of the medals awarded during the Winter Olympics Games, most are awarded for sports involving cross-country (XC) skiing. The Double Poling (DP) technique, which is one of the sub-techniques used most frequently in XC skiing, has not yet been studied using simulations of the ski–snow contact mechanics. This work introduces a novel method for analysing how changes in the distribution of pressure on the sole of the foot (Plantar Pressure Distribution or PPD) during the DP motion affect the contact between the ski and the snow. The PPD recorded as the athlete performed DP, along with an Artificial Neural Network trained to predict the geometry of the ski (ski-camber profile), were used as input data for a solver based on the boundary element method, which models the interaction between the ski and the snow. This solver provides insights into how the area of contact and the distribution of pressure on the ski-snow interface change over time. The results reveal that variations in PPD, the type of ski, and the stiffness of the snow all have a significant impact on the contact between the ski and the snow. This information can be used to improve the Double Poling technique and make better choices of skis for specific snow conditions, ultimately leading to improved performance.

Graphical Abstract
Associations Between Healthy Behaviors and Persistently Favorable Self-Rated Health in a Longitudinal Population-Based Study in Switzerland
Authors: Nehme Mayssam , Schrempft Stephanie , Baysson Helene , Pullen Nick , Rouzinov Serguei , Stringhini Silvia ,   Speccio Study Group, Bal Antoine , Bouhet Aminata Rosalie , D’ippolito Paola , Dumont Roxane , Merjani Nacira El , Francioli Natalie , Harnal Severine , Joost Stephane , Kathari Gabriel , Lamour Julien , Loizeau Andrea Jutta , Lorthe Elsa , Martinez Chantal , Mecoullam Shannon , Pugin Caroline , Richard Viviane , Uppal Anshu , Villers Jennifer , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Guessous Idris
Published: March 2024

Background

Self-rated health is a subjective yet valuable indicator of overall health status, influenced by various factors including physical, psychological, and socio-economic elements. Self-rated health could be telling and used by primary care physicians to evaluate overall present and predictive health.

Design

This study investigates the longitudinal evolution of self-rated health in Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the association of persistently favorable self-rated health with various predictors.

Participants

This study based on the Specchio cohort, a population-based digital study in Geneva Switzerland, involved participants completing questionnaires from 2021 to 2023.

Main Measures

Self-rated health was assessed alongside factors like physical and mental health, socio-economic status, and lifestyle behaviors.

Key Results

The study included 7006 participants in 2021, and 3888 participants who answered all three follow-ups (2021, 2022, and 2023). At baseline, 34.9% of individuals reported very good, 54.6% reported good, 9.6% reported average, and 1.0% reported poor to very poor self-rated health. Overall, 29.1% had a worsening in their self-rated health between 2021 and 2023. A subset of participants (12.1%) maintained very good self-rated health throughout, demonstrating persistently favorable self-rated health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive health behaviors were associated with persistently favorable self-rated health (exercise aOR 1.13 [1.03–1.24]; healthy diet aOR 2.14 [1.70–2.68]; less screen time aOR 1.28 [1.03–1.58]; and better sleep quality aOR 2.48 [2.02–3.04]). Mental health and social support also played significant roles.

Conclusion

The study underscores the significance of healthy lifestyle choices and social support in maintaining favorable self-rated health, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Primary care physicians should focus on promoting these factors, integrating these actions in their routine consultations, and advising patients to undertake in socially engaging activities to improve overall health perceptions and outcomes.
Diet, exercise, and supplements: what is their role in the management of the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children?
Authors: Serbis Anastasios , Polyzos Stergios A. , Paschou Stavroula A. , Siomou Ekaterini , Kiortsis Dimitrios N.
Published: March 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the main cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents. Indeed, epidemiological studies have shown that MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity. Despite the recent approval of medications that target weight loss in adolescents that could have benefits on pediatric MASLD, lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, remain the mainstay of our therapeutic approach. More specifically, studies on diet alone have focused on the possible role of carbohydrate or fat restriction, albeit without a definite answer on the best approach. Weight loss after dietary intervention in children with obesity and MASLD has a beneficial effect, regardless of the diet used. In relation to the role of exercise in MASLD reversal, indirect evidence comes from studies showing that a sedentary lifestyle leading to poor fitness, and low muscle mass is associated with MASLD. However, research on the direct effect of exercise on MASLD in children is scarce. A combination of diet and exercise seems to be beneficial with several studies showing improvement in surrogate markers of MASLD, such as serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic fat fraction, the latter evaluated with imaging studies. Several dietary supplements, such as vitamin E, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements have also been studied in children and adolescents with MASLD, but with equivocal results. This review aims to critically present available data on the effects of lifestyle interventions, including diet, exercise, and dietary supplements, on pediatric MASLD, thus suggesting a frame for future research that could enhance our knowledge on pediatric MASLD management and optimize clinicians’ approach to this vexing medical condition.
Perception–Intention–Action Cycle in Human–Robot Collaborative Tasks: The Collaborative Lightweight Object Transportation Use-Case
Authors: Domínguez-Vidal J. E. , Rodríguez Nicolás , Sanfeliu Alberto
Published: March 2024

This study proposes to improve the reliability, robustness and human-like nature of Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC). For that, the classical Perception–Action cycle is extended to a Perception–Intention–Action (PIA) cycle, which includes an Intention stage at the same level as the Perception one, being in charge of obtaining both the implicit and the explicit intention of the human, opposing to classical approaches based on inferring everything from perception. This complete cycle is exposed theoretically including its use of the concept of Situation Awareness, which is shown as a key element for the correct understanding of the current situation and future action prediction. This enables the assignment of roles to the agents involved in a collaborative task and the building of collaborative plans. To visualize the cycle, a collaborative transportation task is used as a use-case. A force-based model is designed to combine the robot’s perception of its environment with the force exerted by the human and other factors in an illustrative way. Finally, a total of 58 volunteers participate in two rounds of experiments. In these, it is shown that the human agrees to explicitly state their intention without undue extra effort and that the human understands that this helps to minimize robot errors or misunderstandings. It is also shown that a system that correctly combines inference with explicit elicitation of the human’s intention is the best rated by the human on multiple parameters related to effective Human–Robot Interaction (HRI), such as perceived safety or trust in the robot.
Pre-operative assessment of living liver donors’ liver anatomy and volumes
Authors: Goldaracena Nicolas , Vargas Paola A. , McCormack Lucas
Published: March 2024

Decades of experience supports LDLT as a favorable strategy to reduce waitlist mortality. The multiple regenerative pathways of hepatocytes and other hepatic cells justify the rationale behind it. Nonetheless, living liver donation is still underused and its broader implementation is challenging, mostly due to variability in practices leading to concerns related to donor safety. A non-systematic literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed original articles related to pre-operative evaluation of living liver donor candidates. Eligible studies were synthesized upon consensus for discussion in this up-to-date review. Review of the literature demonstrate that the importance of preoperative assessment of vascular, biliary and liver volume to ensure donor safety and adequate surgical planning for graft procurement is widely recognized. Moreover, data indicates that anatomic variants in vascular and biliary systems in healthy donors are common, present in up to 50% of the population. Therefore, comprehensive mapping and visualizations of each component is needed. Different imaging modalities are reported across practices and are discussed in detail. Lastly, assessment of liver volume must take into account several technical and donor factors that increase the chances of errors in volume estimation, which occurs in up to 10% of the cases. Experience suggests that maximizing donor safety and lessening their risks is a result of integrated experience between hepatobiliary and transplant surgery, along with multidisciplinary efforts in performing a comprehensive pre-operative donor assessment. Although technical advances have increased the accuracy of volume estimation, over- or under-estimation remains a challenge that needs further attention.
A mathematical description of the Weber nucleus as a classical and quantum mechanical system
Authors: Frauenfelder Urs , Weber Joa
Published: March 2024

Wilhelm Weber’s electrodynamics is an action-at-a-distance theory which has the property that equal charges inside a critical radius become attractive. Weber’s electrodynamics inside the critical radius can be interpreted as a classical Hamiltonian system whose kinetic energy is, however, expressed with respect to a Lorentzian metric. In this article we study the Schrödinger equation associated with this Hamiltonian system, and relate it to Weyl’s theory of singular Sturm–Liouville problems.
Effects of Therapy at a Community Based Trauma Therapy Service Treating Child Abuse and Neglect: A Pre-Post Study Using Administrative Data
Authors: Herbert James Leslie , Paton Amanda
Published: March 2024

This repeated-measures study examined the effects of a hybrid of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) with other therapeutic approaches at a community-based clinic in Perth Western Australia among a sample of children and young people overwhelmingly experiencing multiple forms of maltreatment and with complex family situations (i.e., family and domestic violence, parental mental health, parental substance abuse). Drawing on 1713 individual client records from between 2017 and 2020, the researchers identified 113 children and young people with viable pre-post treatment assessments including 78 on the TSCC, 36 on the TSCYC, and 12 on the CBCL. Significant improvements on most clinical scales were identified on the TSCC and TSCYC. Sub-analysis of the TSCC results found no differences across gender, age, care status, therapy funding source, and the presence of sexual abuse in the rate of improvement on trauma symptoms. Overall, the study highlights that integrating different therapy approaches for populations with multiple and complex trauma symptoms accessing community-based services can be useful for supporting the delivery of TF-CBT for difficult to treat populations.
Impact of ecological migration village construction on vector mosquito and mosquito-borne disease in the southern Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Mei-De , Li Chun-Xiao , Wang Xue-Zhong , Dong Yan-De , Zhao Tong-Yan
Published: March 2024

To evaluate the influence of ecological migration village construction on mosquito vector populations and mosquito-borne diseases in southern Yunnan Province. Two vicinal villages in Mengla County, the southern part of Yunnan Province, a native village, and a newly built village, were selected as study sites. Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis vector mosquito population divergence between the two villages were studied. Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the two villages were also compared. Anopheles minimus was the dominant population in houses in the newly built village, and An. jeyporiensis dominated the native village. Accordingly, there were nine malaria cases in the new village compared with zero cases in the native village. Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the chief JE vector in the study area, displayed no difference between the two villages; however, there was a higher density of the local secondary JE vector (Cx. pseudovishnui) in the native village than in the new one. The JE cases in the villages corresponded to zero. From the vector-borne disease perspective, our results suggest that local community should pay more attention to malaria and An. minimus during the construction of an ecological migration village in the new Chinese Western Developing Plan (CWDP) in southern Yunnan Province.
Biochar-induced alterations in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans activity and its impact on Cd(II) and As(III) adsorption from acid mine drainage
Authors: Fu Peng , Chang Fangling , Yuan Dongxu , Wang Yanyan , Fan Yingxuan , Kang Yufan , Zhou Lixiang , Yang Chen , Bi Wenlong , Qin Junmei , Yang Hong , Liu Fenwu
Published: March 2024

Due to continuing mining activities, Cd(II) and As(III) contamination in acid mine drainage (AMD) has become a major environmental challenge. Currently, there is increasing focus on the use of biochar to mitigate AMD pollution. However, the impact of biochar on the process of Fe(II) oxidation by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) in AMD systems has not been determined. In this study, we investigated the effects of introducing biochar and biochar-leachate on Fe(II) biooxidation by A. ferrooxidans and on the removal of Cd(II) and As(III) from an AMD system. The results showed that the biochar-leachate had a promoting effect on Fe(II) biooxidation by A. ferrooxidans. Conversely, biochar inhibited this process, and the inhibition increased with increasing biochar dose. Under both conditions (c(A. ferrooxidans) = 1.4 × 107 copies mL–1, m(FeSO4·7H2O):m(biochar) = 20:1; c(A. ferrooxidans) = 7.0 × 107 copies mL–1, m(FeSO4·7H2O):m(biochar) = 5:1), the biooxidation capacity of A. ferrooxidans was severely inhibited, with Fe(II) oxidation efficiency reaching a value of only ~ 20% after 84 h. The results confirmed that this inhibition might have occurred because a large fraction of the A. ferrooxidans present in the system adsorbed to the biochar, which weakened bacterial activity. In addition, mineral characterization analysis showed that the introduction of biochar changed the A. ferrooxidans biooxidation products from schwertmannite to jarosite, and the specific surface area increased after the minerals combined with biochar. Coprecipitation experiments of As(III) and Cd(II) showed that Cd(II) was adsorbed by the biochar over the first 12 h of reaction, with a removal efficiency of ~ 26%. As(III) was adsorbed by the generated schwertmannite over 24 h, with a removal efficiency of ~ 100%. These findings have positive implications for the removal of As(III) and Cd(II) from AMD.

Graphical Abstract
Protease hydrolysed brewers’ spent grain bioactive extracts for applications in human health
Authors: Naik Azza Silotry , Brugiere Mila , Dunne Kevin , Sorohan Michael , Grasa Laura , Javed Bilal
Published: March 2024

About 39 million tons of Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the main by-product of beer manufacturing, are produced annually and is used for low value applications. To valorise this rich bioresource, the present work entails bioprocessing of BSG with various proteases (Novozymes) at two different concentrations (4% and 9%) to solubilise protein, carbohydrate and polyphenols from the grain and evaluate its effect on gut and brain health. The results show the highest (p < 0.05) FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) based antioxidant activity was obtained for Pro 5 (4%: 108.10 ± 4.17 µmole Trolox Equivalence (TE)/g protein, 18.06 ± 0.70 µmole TE/g d.w., which was 3.6 times higher than untreated control extracts. The highest DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity was obtained for the same extract (Pro 5 at 4%: 0.118 ± 0.006 µg AAE/mg d.w., 9%: 0.110 ± 0.006 µg AAE/mg d.w). Proximate composition showed this extract to contain the highest concentration of proteins at 21.66% ± 2.71, and color analysis showed the same Pro 5 (4%) extract to be the darkest (L*53.73) indicating the possible presence of dark polyphenols. Anticancer screening showed Control and Pro 1 to possess cytotoxic effect against colon cancer cells with IC50 of 3.2 and 13.91 mg/mL, respectively. No significant activity was noted against the brain cancer cell line. Thus anti-colon cancer activity of BSG extracts highlights its potential in gut health. The observed bioactivity resulted from a combination of peptides, carbohydrates and polyphenolic compounds in the extract and warrants further characterisation for targeted nutraceutical applications.

Graphical abstract
Removal of rhodamine B and methylene blue using residual Onecarpus bacaba Mart fibers as biosorbent: kinetic and thermodynamic parameters
Authors: Rolim Eberlanny Moraes , da Silva Andreza Miranda Barata , dos Santos Batista Joel , Serrão Naiany Oliveira , Laier Leticia Oliveira , de Freitas Flávio Augusto , Perotti Gustavo Frigi , de Moura do Carmo Dominique Fernandes , de Gusmão Celestino Gustavo , Maia Paulo José Sousa
Published: March 2024

Among the most common water contaminants, dyes are responsible for polluting rivers and other water bodies as well as contributing to other environmental problems, thus posing serious health hazards to humans and animals. In order to minimize these environmental impacts, this study proposes the use of Onecarpus bacaba Mart fiber residues, in natura (OBMi) and NaOH-modified (OBMm), to bioadsorb rhodamine b (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. The biosorbents OBMi and OBMm were characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Boehm titration, PZC, and scanning electron microscopy. This study also analyzed the influence of pH, contact time, absorbent mass, temperature, and contaminant concentrations by means of batch equilibrium assays. It was observed that the OBMi absorbent showed a low dye removal capacity. Maximum OBMm adsorption capacity for RhB and MB at 25 °C was 26.60 mg g−1 and 407.98 mg g−1, respectively. In both systems, OBMm:RhB and OBMm:MB, adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model, and the Langmuir and Freundlich models constituted the best fit for isothermal curves. Lastly, thermodynamic parameters indicated that adsorption of both RhB and MB onto OBMm is spontaneous.
Explaining long-term trends in adolescent emotional problems: what we know from population-based studies
Authors: Armitage J. M. , Collishaw S. , Sellers R.
Published: March 2024

Over the past four decades, rates of emotional problems in adolescents have increased in many countries, and outcomes for those with mental health problems have worsened. In this review we explore existing population-based studies to evaluate possible explanations for these trends. We include population-based studies that examine both trends in adolescent emotional problems, as well as risk or protective factors previously hypothesised to be associated with trends in youth depression and anxiety. The available evidence on risk or protective factors trends related to family life, young people’s health behaviours and lifestyle, school environment, peer relationships, as well as poverty. Studies reviewed suggest that trends in emotional problems are associated with increases in parental emotional problems, youth weight-control behaviours and eating disorders, school-related stress, as well as a rise in family poverty and social inequality in the 21st Century. One of the biggest changes in young people’s lives over the last few decades has been the rise of digital media to access information and interact with others, but implications for trends in mental health remain unclear. Other trends are likely to have mitigated against even steeper increases in youth emotional problems, for example improvements in youth substance use and a possible long-term reduction in child maltreatment. Epidemiological studies of unselected cohorts testing explanations for secular trends in mental health are scarce and an urgent priority for future research. Such studies will need to prioritise collection of comparable data in repeated population cohorts. Improving young people’s mental health is a major societal challenge, but considerably more needs to be done to understand the connections between social change and trends in youth mental health.