bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of medicine shortages on Australian pharmacists' professional practice and patient care: a nationwide survey
Authors: Janetzki Jack Luke , Chai Wern Chern , Bui Tien Ngoc Thi , Sim Tin Fei , Suppiah Vijayaprakash
Published: November 2024

Recent medicine shortages in Australia have significantly impacted pharmacists' professional practice. The inability to provide essential medicines to consumers in a timely manner has increased pharmacist workload whilst attempting to maintain quality patient care during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medicine shortages on the operational responsibilities of community pharmacists, their ability to deliver health care, and the personal impact on community pharmacists. A nationwide anonymous survey was distributed to Australian community pharmacists via the Qualtrics survey platform between April – September 2023. Of the 142 pharmacists who responded to this survey, 89.5% (n = 127) reported having to purchase medicines from sources other than their regular wholesaler on at least a weekly basis in the last 3 months. The same number reported that they frequently needed to substitute medicines because of ongoing shortages. Most pharmacists (n = 128, 90.1%) reported that their workload had been affected by medicine shortages and that their motivation and engagement with work were frequently affected (n = 79, 55.7%). Pharmacists reported taking on additional administrative responsibilities to ensure access to treatment and health care. Current regulatory restrictions regarding the substitution of medicine dosage forms are often implemented only after community pharmacists are affected by medicine shortages. This survey highlights the need for improved awareness of medicine shortages and timely actions to be taken to ensure pharmacist wellbeing and patient access to health care in the face of medicine shortages. Ethics approval was granted by the University of South Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (reference no.: 205399) and the study conforms with the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Upstaging Prediction Model to Guide the Application of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Chiu Ching‐Wen , Su Chih‐Ming , Liao Li‐Min , Su Chang‐Siang , Phan Thanh‐Phuc , Tam Ka‐Wai
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Indication for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients with high‐upstaging risk remains inconsistent. Our previous systematic review and meta‐analysis had reported five variables that were significantly higher in the upstaging group. We developed the “high‐risk upstaging model” and investigated its predictivity and accuracy.

Methods

The study included patients initially diagnosed with DCIS in a medical center between 2011 and 2020. Patients' clinicopathological data were obtained through web‐based surgical medical record database. Two prediction models were built, in which patients who met at least one (Model A) or two (Model B) of the predictors would be predicted to upstage in the final pathology. We compared the accuracy of our models with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline and original data.

Results

The analyses included 249 patients, of which 67 DCIS patients upstaged in final pathology. The excess treatment in Model A (70%) was lower than the original data (80.2%). The incomplete treatment in Model A (3%) was lower than the NCCN guideline model (38.8%) and the original data (7.5%). Both Model A and Model B yielded a higher receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve compared with original data.

Conclusions

Our Model A derived from the systematic review of the real‐world data reduced the incomplete treatment rate of SLNB. Our Model B also showed the highest predictive value. With the two models, we provided a clearer indication for surgeons to perform SLNB in DCIS patients and demonstrated proof of concept, allowing ready input of patient data.
No difference in osteoarthritis, but less graft failures after 5 years, comparing anatomic double‐bundle to anatomic single‐bundle ACL reconstruction
Authors: Aga Cathrine , Trøan Ingrid , Heir Stig , Risberg May Arna , Rana Tariq , Johansen Steinar , Fagerland Morten Wang , Engebretsen Lars
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) between the anatomic single‐bundle (SB) and anatomic double‐bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique after 5‐year follow‐up (FU). Secondary objectives were to compare patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), clinical examination, activity level, functional tests and graft failures between the two groups.

Methods

The study was a secondary analysis after 5‐year FU of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (Clinical Trials NCT01033188). One hundred and twenty patients between 18 and 40 years were randomized to either anatomic SB or anatomic DB reconstruction. The Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) classification grade ≥2 and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas criteria score ≥2 were used for defining OA. Additionally, PROMs were obtained and clinical examinations of the knees were performed. Finally, the number of patients experiencing graft failure in each group was recorded.

Results

Radiographic imaging was performed in 39 patients in the SB group and in 37 patients in the DB group. Four patients (10%) in the SB group and two (5%) in the DB group developed osteoarthritis according to the KL classification (p = 0.28). Five (13%) in the SB group and three (8%) in the DB group developed osteoarthritis according to the OARSI atlas criteria (p = 0.59; difference 5.0% [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.10 to 0.20]). There were no significant differences in the PROMs, clinical examinations, activity levels, or functional tests when comparing the two groups. Of initially 62 SB patients, 14 (23%) experienced graft failure compared to 4 (7%) of the 58 DB patients (p = 0.015; difference 0.016 [95% CI: 0.03–0.29]).

Conclusion

At 5‐year FU, there were no significant differences in the incidence of OA, PROMS, or other clinical findings comparing the anatomic DB to anatomic SB ACL reconstructed patients. There were fewer graft failures among patients treated with anatomic DB ACL reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

II.
Quantitative Assessment of Collagen Architecture to Determine Role of Tumor Stroma During Vestibular Schwannoma Progression
Authors: Fisher Melanie , Duhon Bailey H. , Nguyen Han T. N. , Tonniges Jeffrey R. , Wu Kyle C. , Ren Yin
Published: November 2024

Objective

The primary objective was to characterize the abundance and architecture of collagen in the extracellular matrix in vestibular schwannoma (VS). The secondary objective was to investigate the association between collagen architecture and tumor size.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic referral center.

Methods

Tumor samples were obtained from patients with sporadic VS undergoing microsurgical resection. Histological analyses were performed including picrosirius red (PSR) staining under polarized light. Collagen architecture was quantified using an automated fiber detection software. Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy and immunofluorescence (IF) were utilized to characterize collagen architecture.

Results

Eleven tumor specimens were included (mean tumor diameter = 2.80 cm, range 1.5‐4.0 cm), and were divided into large (mean diameter = 3.5 ± 0.4 cm) and small (mean tumor diameter = 2.0 ± 0.4 cm) cohorts based on size. The large VS cohort showed significantly higher collagen density (27.65% vs 12.73%, P = .0043), with more thick fibers (mature Type I, 24.54% vs 12.97%, P = .0022) and thin fibers (immature Type I or mature Type III, 23.55% vs 12.27%, P = .026). Tumor volume correlated with greater degree of collagen fiber disorganization (P = .0413, r2 = 0.298). Specifically, collagen type I intensity was significantly higher in large VS compared to small tumors (P < .001) and peripheral nerve (P = .028).

Conclusion

Larger VS exhibit increased collagen abundance in the tumor stroma, and a more disorganized collagen architecture compared to smaller VS and normal peripheral nerve tissue. This finding indicates that collagen organization may play a significant role in extracellular matrix remodeling and the progression of VS.
Non‐occlusive mesenteric ischemia developing post‐chemotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ono Shoya , Ogikubo Ryosuke , Tange Yuki , Hatsukawa Kumiko , Shibata Akio , Kawahara Kou
Published: November 2024

Background

Non‐occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a rare, symptom‐scarce condition characterized by rapid progression and high mortality.

Case presentation

A 63‐year‐old male, after recovering from neutropenia following paclitaxel and cetuximab therapy, developed abdominal distension without subjective symptoms. Dynamic CT imaging suggested ischemia in the superior mesenteric artery region without vascular obstruction, leading to a diagnosis of NOMI. With no clear signs of intestinal necrosis, conservative treatment was chosen, but the patient succumbed within 14 h.

Conclusion

Cancer chemotherapy agents may induce intestinal ischemia. Stomatologists should be aware of this disease and facilitate timely referral to specialists for appropriate medical care.
Capabilities and limitations of smoothed particle hydrodynamics for the simulation of two‐phase flow instabilities
Authors: Vallem Rishindra , Klein Marten , Schmidt Heiko
Published: November 2024

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a mesh‐free, Lagrangian particle‐based method that is able to simulate multiphase flows in an economical manner. However, its ability to capture the flow regimes and regime transitions in two phase (liquid‐gas) internal flows, such as pipe or channel flows is not yet generally established. To address this lack in understanding, we first examine a laminar rising bubble case in order to evaluate the fluid‐fluid interface representation and transient interface evolution by the solver. With a focus towards the transition mechanism from a stratified flow regime to a slug flow regime, we investigate the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) both qualitatively and quantitatively, initially focusing on a low density ratio () and then extending it to a high density ratio (). For the low density ratio, we conduct an analysis of the temporal evolution and demonstrate that the SPH solver captures the initial exponential growth in qualitative agreement with inviscid linear stability theory (LST) and reference numerical data for shear‐dominated flow with Richardson number . By conducting eight additional simulations for various for the high density ratio, we demonstrate that the numerically obtained parameter value for instability is around , which is in reasonable agreement with the theoretically expected value of . Based on the SPH results obtained for the range , we suggest a simple parameterization of the reduction of the effective growth rate proportional to .
Interface‐enhanced polyimide‐based nanocomposites with superior dielectric energy storage properties
Authors: Feng EnZhi , Wang Yu , Sun Ling , Yang Wenlong , Sun Hongguo
Published: November 2024

Tailoring the interfacial structure is a critical approach for modulating the dielectric characteristics of nanocomposites. Herein, the energy storage properties of polyimide/silica (PIS) were improved by grafting 4‐carboxyphenyl (PhCOOH), 4‐aminophenyl, isocyanate, phenyl and amino groups on the interfaces. The results demonstrated that the PhCOOH groups not only optimized the interfacial structures, but also enhanced both the relative dielectric permittivity (εr) and dielectric strength (Eb) of PI‐based films. The PhCOOH endowed the PI‐based films with high εr by elevating the intrinsic polarization and suppressing the relaxation polarization. Moreover, the PhCOOH elevated charge injection barriers and reduced carrier hopping distances, resulting in a lower current density. Molecular simulations revealed that the PhCOOH raised the SiO2 electron affinity and the trap depth of PIS composites, achieving the enhancement of Eb. The PIS‐PhCOOH films with high εr (7.57, 103 Hz) and Eb (421 kV⋅mm−1) exhibited superior discharge energy density (6.20 J⋅cm−3) and energy storage efficiency (88.80%), which was 119.08% higher than that of PIS (2.83 J⋅cm−3, 75.91%). This work provides insights into interface engineering to synergistically improve dielectric permittivity and dielectric strength of polymer‐based composites, paving the way for fabricating high‐performance dielectrics.

Highlights

Polarization response were modulated by interface modification.

Both permittivity and dielectric strength of PI‐based films were enhanced.

PI‐based films showed an energy density as high as 6.20 J⋅cm−3.
Hygrothermal aging and recycling effects on mechanical and thermal properties of recyclable thermoplastic glass fiber composites
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Elen Muthu , Sushmita Kumari , Overman Nicole R. , Nickerson Ethan , Murdy Paul , Presuel‐Moreno Francisco , Fifield Leonard S.
Published: November 2024

Glass fiber‐reinforced polymer composites are widely used in marine applications, including renewable energy devices and submarines, due to their strength‐to‐weight ratios and corrosion resistance. As sustainability becomes more important, recyclable thermoplastic composites are gaining attention in marine energy applications. These materials face harsh conditions such as high chloride water, UV radiation, pressurization, and thermal cycling, which can affect their durability and recyclability. This study examines the impact of hygrothermal aging on the recyclability of an Elium glass fiber (GF) composite. Samples were mechanically ground for recycling, and mechanical and thermal properties were compared between aged and unaged samples. After seawater aging, the tensile strength and modulus of the unaged composite dropped by 25% and 13% respectively, due to water ingress along the fiber‐matrix interface. The recycled composite showed reduced flexural strength as the long fiber composite was converted into short fibers during the process. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed no change in glass transition temperature after aging. Weight loss (25%) was attributed to the thermal stability of the glass fibers. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the storage modulus increased with aging, and fracture analysis confirmed a mixed mode of failure for aged composites.

Highlights

Hygrothermal aging lowers mechanical performance of Elium® GF composites.

Failure mechanism tends to be matrix cracking and interface bonding.

Glass transition temperature is not reduced by hygrothermal aging.

Fractured composite was successfully recycled via thermoforming.

Flexural strength of the recycled composite is lower.
A consistent treatment of mixed‐phase saturation for atmospheric thermodynamics
Authors: Warren Robert A.
Published: November 2024

Ice processes are integral to the formation and maintenance of high‐level clouds and can contribute substantially to the buoyancy of deep moist convection. These processes are represented in modern microphysics parameterisations but are commonly ignored in theoretical treatments of moist thermodynamics. While many thermodynamic variables can be defined uniquely for saturation with respect to liquid water and ice, it is desirable to account for the presence of mixed‐phase condensate, which is common in real clouds. Here, a simple yet novel representation of mixed‐phase saturation is introduced. Using this approach, analytical equations are derived for a variety of thermodynamic variables under mixed‐phase conditions. These include mixed‐phase versions of the saturation vapour pressure, saturated lapse rates, isobaric wet‐bulb temperature, and equivalent potential temperature. A new formulation of the ice–liquid water potential temperature is also presented, together with a method for calculating the mixed‐phase pseudo wet‐bulb temperature and wet‐bulb potential temperature. In addition, two new thermodynamic quantities are introduced: the isobaric saturation‐point temperature, a mixed‐phase analogue of the dew‐point and frost‐point temperatures, and the lifting saturation level, a mixed‐phase analogue of the lifting condensation and lifting deposition levels. Differences between each mixed‐phase variable and its liquid‐ and ice‐only counterparts are quantified across a wide range of atmospheric conditions. A Python library for evaluating these variables, developed during the course of this work, is also briefly introduced.
Engineering Dual‐Defective 0D/2D VN‐CNQDs/VBi‐Bi4O5Br2 S‐Scheme Heterostructure for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction in Air
Authors: Zha Manning , Ai Lili , Sheng Rui , Tan Chuan , Li Yuchun , Guo Nannan , Xu Mengjiao , Jia Dianzeng , Wang Luxiang
Published: November 2024

The direct photocatalytic reduction of CO2 in air is the future trend of photocatalyst application. Herein, the 0D carbon nitride quantum dots with nitrogen vacancies (VN‐CNQDs) and 2D bismuth‐deficient Bi4O5Br2 (VBi‐Bi4O5Br2) are integrated by hydrothermal method. The S‐scheme heterostructure of VN‐CNQDs/VBi‐Bi4O5Br2 composite promotes the separation rate of photogenerated carriers and enhances the redox capacity. The dual defects provide a large number of adsorption and catalytic sites that enhance the ability to capture and reduce CO2. The synergistic effect of S‐scheme heterostructure and defect engineering enables the efficiency of CO2 photoreduction to CO with VN‐CNQDs/VBi‐Bi4O5Br2 to reach 16.89 µmol g−1 h−1 in air and 55.69 µmol g−1 h−1 in VCO2: VAir = 3:1 condition, which is 17 and 21 times higher than that of Bi4O5Br2, respectively. The dual‐defective VN‐CNQDs/VBi‐Bi4O5Br2 exhibits more lower energy barrier for forming *CO2, *COOH, and *CO and is easier to release CO gas. And it exhibits excellent cycling stability for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO. The photocatalytic reduction mechanism of CO2 to CO in the VN‐CNQDs/VBi‐Bi4O5Br2 S‐scheme heterostructure is further analyzed. This work provides new perspectives for the design of the photocatalysts with defect engineering for efficient photoconversion at low CO2
concentrations.
Study on Urban Flood Control Strategies in River Valley Plain Areas Under Multiple Factors Constraints
Authors: Huang Ziqian , Fan Tugui
Published: November 2024

The valley plain has the characteristics of both mountainous hills and plains, with special terrain conditions and frequent floods. In order to improve the drainage capacity of the river valley plain, this article takes the Bihu Plain in the Oujiang River Basin as an example, uses MIKE11 one-dimensional hydrodynamic software to establish a mathematical model of the river network, analyzed the flood and drainage in the river valley plain, studied the impact of Traditional Flood control mode and Flood control mode based on sponge cities concept in regional drainage, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different flood control strategies in practical cases, and provides solutions for regional flood control, Summarized and clarified the relationship between urban flood control and watershed flood control.
Static Loading Behavior of a Hybrid Pile-Bucket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Dai Guoliang , Zuo Chaoqun , Gong Weiming , Tao Jinghui
Published: November 2024

Traditional monopile foundations cannot support the greater lateral loads and horizontal displacement needs required by offshore wind turbines due to their increasingly large size. Popularity has increased for a recently created hybrid pile foundation that combines a traditional monopile with a wide-shallow bucket. In this paper, 1-g model tests in soft clay are used to analyze the lateral behavior of hybrid pile foundation under static load. As a standard, the monopile with the same pile diameter and embedded length is employed. According to the experiment’s findings, the pile-bucket hybrid foundation’s lateral ultimate bearing capacity is more than 70% higher and its initial stiffness is nearly twice as good as that of a monopile foundation under the same lateral load. In addition, this paper compares the pile displacement, pile bending moment, and p-y curve of monopile foundation and hybrid pile-bucket foundation.
Study on Influencing Factors of Hydraulic Efficiency of Clearwell
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Xu Jiajiong , Rui Min , Wang Jian
Published: November 2024

The clearwell has the dual function of hydraulic regulation and disinfection contact. Improving hydraulic efficiency is an important measure to reduce the amount of disinfection by-products. The example of the clearwell was modeled as a whole. Then the influence of the main geometric dimensions on the hydraulic efficiency of the clearwell were studied by two-dimensional numerical simulation method, and the rationality of the design scheme was verified. The results showed that the length–width ratio had the most obvious influence on hydraulic efficiency, but the trend of t10/T increasing was slowing down. The t10/T value could be increased by reducing the number and width of bends and increasing the diameter of inlet pipe. The Pe under each working condition was greater than one, so the particle translation with the water flow was the main factor of mass transfer. The length–width ratio of the clearwell was 38 and the t10/T was 0.54 which would meet the design requirement of not less than 0.5.
Analysis of the Construction of Flood and Drought Disaster Prevention System in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2024

By considering factors such as topography, meteorology, and hydrology, this paper examines the causes of flood and drought disasters in Binzhou City, located in Shandong Province, which serves as the central city of the Yellow River Delta, and summarizes recent flood and drought events. The analysis highlights weaknesses in the current flood and drought prevention system, particularly regarding systematic river management and flood control informatization. To address these issues effectively, this study proposes a set of measures to enhance Binzhou's flood and drought disaster prevention system, including prioritizing improvements in flood control and drainage standards, expediting key flood control projects’ implementation, strengthening river management, investigating potential risks of water conservancy projects, improving sea embankment construction while developing an intelligent platform for water affairs. These countermeasures aim to bolster Binzhou's comprehensive disaster prevention and mitigation capacity while reinforcing its water security.
Analysis of Seepage Monitoring Data of Anhua Reservoir Dam in Zhuji
Authors: Wei Haiyun , Huang Haizhen , Zhang Chaojie , Lu Li
Published: November 2024

Through the analysis of seepage monitoring data of Anhua reservoir dam, the anti-seepage effect of dam reinforcement project is evaluated. The analysis of monitoring data shows that the osmometer water level behind the inclined clay wall of the dam is relatively stable and has little correlation with the reservoir water level. Compared with the upstream reservoir water level, the water level of osmometer in each section falls between 7.31 and 9.30 m at high water level, which indicates that the anti-seepage effect of clay inclined core wall of dam body is better. The water head of the concrete cut-off wall in the connection section between the right dam head and the wing wall of the spillway gate is reduced by 6.65 m, and the potential difference between the front and rear of the wall is 74.7%, which indicates that the anti-seepage effect of the connection between the dam and the wing wall of the spillway gate is good. There is no obvious correlation between the water level of the pressure gauge pipe around the dam on the left bank and the water level of the reservoir, which is mainly affected by rainfall infiltration and mountain groundwater, indicating that there is no seepage around the dam.
Tetraquarks at large M and large N
Authors: Allaman Héloïse , Ekhterachian Majid , Nardi Filippo , Rattazzi Riccardo , Stelzl Stefan
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We study tetraquarks in large N QCD with heavy quarks, in the domain where non-relativistic quantum mechanics offers an adequate approximation. Within the regime of validity of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, we systematically study and explicitly construct tetraquark states. At leading order in the 1/N expansion, the bound spectrum consists of free mesons, while the 1/N corrections give rise to a Born-Oppenheimer potential that can bind the mesons into tetraquarks. We find two different types of tetraquarks, each endowed with distinct color-spatial wavefunctions. These states arise in the presence of an $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(N) mass hierarchy between the quarks and the antiquarks. We provide a quantitative argument indicating that only for such a hierarchy is the ground state of the system a tetraquark. We discuss what the extrapolation of our results to realistic values of the parameters may imply for the QCD tetraquark states.
Perturbations of classical fields by gravitational shockwaves
Authors: Fursaev D. V. , Davydov E. A. , Pirozhenko I. G. , Tainov V. A.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Gravitational shockwaves are geometries where components of the transverse curvature have abrupt behaviour across null hypersurfaces, which are fronts of the waves. We develop a general approach to describe classical field theories on such geometries in a linearized approximation, by using free scalar fields as a model. Perturbations caused by shockwaves exist above the wave front and are solutions to a characteristic Cauchy problem with initial data on the wave front determined by a supertranslation of ingoing fields. A special attention is paid to perturbations of fields of point-like sources generated by plane-fronted gravitational shockwaves. One has three effects: conversion of non-stationary perturbations into an outgoing radiation, a spherical scalar shockwave which appears when the gravitational wave hits the source, and a plane scalar shockwave accompanying the initial gravitational wave. Our analysis is applicable to gravitational shockwaves of a general class including geometries sourced by null particles and null branes.
Transcriptomic heterogeneity of non-beta islet cells is associated with type 2 diabetes development in mouse models
Authors: Gottmann Pascal , Speckmann Thilo , Stadion Mandy , Chawla Prateek , Saurenbach Judith , Ninov Nikolay , Lickert Heiko , Schürmann Annette
Published: November 2024

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to understand the role of non-beta cells in pancreatic islets at early stages of type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.

Methods

Specific clustering was employed to single-cell transcriptome data from islet cells of obese mouse strains differing in their diabetes susceptibility (diabetes-resistant B6.V.Lepob/ob [OB] and diabetes-susceptible New Zealand Obese [NZO] mice) on a diabetogenic diet.

Results

Refined clustering analysis revealed several heterogeneous subpopulations for alpha cells, delta cells and macrophages, of which 133 mapped to human diabetes genes identified by genome-wide association studies. Importantly, a similar non-beta cell heterogeneity was found in a dataset of human islets from donors at different stages of type 2 diabetes. The predominant alpha cell cluster in NZO mice displayed signs of cellular stress and lower mitochondrial capacity (97 differentially expressed genes [DEGs]), whereas delta cells from these mice exhibited higher expression levels of maturation marker genes (Hhex and Sst) but lower somatostatin secretion than OB mice (184 DEGs). Furthermore, a cluster of macrophages was almost twice as abundant in islets of OB mice, and displayed extensive cell–cell communication with beta cells of OB mice. Treatment of beta cells with IL-15, predicted to be released by macrophages, activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), which may mediate anti-apoptotic effects. Similar to mice, humans without diabetes possess a greater number of macrophages than those with prediabetes (39 mmol/mol [5.7%] < HbA1c < 46 mmol/mol [6.4%]) and diabetes.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our study indicates that the transcriptional heterogeneity of non-beta cells has an impact on intra-islet crosstalk and participates in beta cell (dys)function.

Data availability

scRNA-seq data from the previous study are available in gene expression omnibus under gene accession number GSE159211 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE159211).

Graphical Abstract
Diabetes knowledge and behaviour: a cross-sectional study of Jordanian adults
Authors: Amr Rula A. , Al-Smadi Ahmed M. , Akasheh Rand T.
Published: November 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health concern that is projected to affect 7.7% of the global population by 2030. Understanding factors that influence diabetes knowledge and management adherence is crucial for effective diabetes mellitus management and prevention. This study investigates the relationships between demographic and clinical factors and their impact on diabetes knowledge and behaviour, as well as the potential influence of diabetes knowledge on management behaviours.

Methods

The study comprised a cross-sectional survey of 1050 adults, collecting data on age, sex, marital status, education, employment, hypertension, dyslipidaemia (any lipid imbalance, such as high cholesterol, high LDL-cholesterol or low HDL-cholesterol), smoking and diabetes status. Two multiple linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with diabetes knowledge and behaviour, and a simple linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between knowledge and behaviour.

Results

Significant associations were found between diabetes knowledge and the following factors: age (44.32 ± 9.53 for ≥50 years vs 39.73 ± 9.95 for 18 to <25 years; p<0.0001), sex (49.00 ± 12.35 for women vs 45.09 ± 13.27 for men; p<0.0001), marital status (50.92 ± 11.69 for married vs 45.39 ± 13.10 for single; p<0.0001), smoking status (45.78 ± 13.22 for smokers vs 48.22 ± 12.15 for non-smokers; p=0.003), hypertension (46.46 ± 13.11 for present vs 47.31 ± 12.87 for absent; p=0.007) and diabetes status (69.49 ± 17.35 for present vs 62.76 ± 16.88 for absent; p<0.001). Behaviour scores correlated similarly with these factors except for diabetes and smoking status. The adjusted simple linear regression model revealed that diabetes knowledge was significantly associated with better management behaviours (coefficient=0.0794, p<0.001) after adjusting for demographic and clinical factors.

Conclusions/interpretation

This study highlights the importance of demographic and clinical factors in the context of diabetes knowledge and behaviours, underscoring the need for targeted educational and preventive programmes to improve diabetes management, especially in vulnerable populations. Additionally, the strong association between diabetes knowledge and management behaviours supports a knowledge–attitude–behaviour (KAB) model of diabetes management.

Graphical Abstract
The power of visualizing distributional differences: formal graphical n-sample tests
Authors: Konstantinou Konstantinos , Mrkvička Tomáš , Myllymäki Mari
Published: November 2024

Classical tests are available for the two-sample test of correspondence of distribution functions. From these, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test provides also the graphical interpretation of the test results, in different forms. Here, we propose modifications of the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test with higher power. The proposed tests are based on the so-called global envelope test which allows for graphical interpretation, similarly as the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The tests are based on rank statistics and are suitable also for the comparison of n samples, with $$n \ge 2$$

n
≥
2

. We compare the alternatives for the two-sample case through an extensive simulation study and discuss their interpretation. Finally, we apply the tests to real data. Specifically, we compare the height distributions between boys and girls at different ages, the sepal length distributions of different flower species, and distributions of standardized residuals from a time series model for different exchange courses using the proposed methodologies.
Spontaneous high clonal expansion of Wilms’ tumor gene 1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in patients with Wilms’ tumor gene 1-expressing solid tumor
Authors: Morimoto Soyoko , Tanaka Yukie , Nakata Jun , Fujiki Fumihiro , Hasegawa Kana , Nakajima Hiroko , Nishida Sumiyuki , Tsuboi Akihiro , Hosen Naoki , Kagawa Naoki , Maruno Motohiko , Myoui Akira , Enomoto Takayuki , Izumoto Shuichi , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Hashimoto Naoya , Yoshimine Toshiki , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Oji Yusuke , Oka Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: November 2024

Wilms’ tumor protein 1 (WT1)-targeted immunotherapy has been used in patients with leukemia and solid tumors. However, the spontaneous WT1-specific immune response before WT1 peptide vaccination in patients with WT1-expressing tumors (PTs) remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether WT1-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T-lymphocytes (CTLs) are clonally expanded in the peripheral blood outside of tumor sites. Clonal expansion of WT1126 peptide (a.a.126–134)-specific CTLs (WT1126-CTLs) was compared between seven PTs and five healthy volunteers (HVs), and their T-cell receptors (TCRs) were analyzed at the single-cell level. Overall, 433 and 351 TCR β-chains of WT1126-CTLs were detected from PTs and HVs, respectively, and complementarity-determining region 3 was sequenced for clonality analysis. The frequencies of WT1126-CTLs were higher in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*02:01+ PTs than in HLA-A*02:01+ HVs, although the difference was not statistically significant. WT1126-CTLs of differentiated types, including memory and effector, were higher in PTs than in HVs; whereas, those of the naïve type were higher in HVs than in PTs. WT1126-CTL clonality was significantly higher in PTs than in HVs. Furthermore, the frequency of effector WT1126-CTLs positively correlated with WT1126-CTL clonality in PTs; whereas, the frequency of naïve phenotype WT1126-CTLs tended to be negatively correlated with clonality. In conclusion, these results suggest that the WT1 protein in tumor cells is highly immunogenic, thereby stimulating endogenous naïve-type WT1126-CTLs and enabling them to clonally expand and differentiate into effector-type WT1126-CTLs.
Effective removal of malachite green dye by eco-friendly pectin-grafted poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) hydrogel from aqueous solutions
Authors: Sadik Wagih Abdel-Alim , El-Demerdash Abdel-Ghaffar Maghraby , Gabre Hossam Ahmed , Hamza Marwa El-Sayed
Published: November 2024

Grafting of copolymer of sodium acrylate (SA) and acrylamide (Am) onto pectin (Pcn) was successfully performed in order to synthesis Pcn-g-P(Am-co-SA) hydrogel using combined microwave-assisted method and potassium persulfate (KPS) as a free radical initiator. The prepared hydrogel was characterized by FTIR, SEM and TGA. This hydrogel was used to remove malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous solutions. The swelling ratio of the best grade of hydrogel was 214 g/g at pH (7). Factors affecting MG dye adsorption on hydrogel (grafting percentages, pH, contact time, hydrogel dosage, dye initial concentration and temperature) were studied, and the reusability study was also investigated which, in turn, showed the high adsorption capacity of hydrogel for MG dye. The adsorption data were fitted well with Langmuir adsorption isotherm model proposing the formation of monolayer of MG dye molecules on the hydrogel’s surface with maximum adsorption capacity (5000 mg/g). Moreover, the thermodynamic studies indicated the spontaneity and exothermic nature of adsorption of MG dye on hydrogel. From the reusability study, it was found that the prepared hydrogel still retains good adsorption properties after eleven successive cycles. Therefore, Pcn-g-P(Am-co-SA) hydrogel was considered as a highly potential adsorbent for MG dye removal from aqueous solutions.
Finding k Shortest Paths in Cayley Graphs of Finite Groups
Authors: Kim Dohan
Published: November 2024

We present a new method for finding k shortest paths between any two vertices in the Cayley graph $$\text {Cay}(G, S)$$

Cay
(
G
,
S
)

of a finite group G with its generating set S closed under inverses. By using a reduced convergent rewriting system R for G, we first find the lexicographically minimal shortest path between two vertices in $$\text {Cay}(G, S)$$

Cay
(
G
,
S
)

. Then, by symmetrizing the length-preserving rules of R, we provide a polynomial time algorithm (in the size of certain rewrite rules, the lexicographically minimal shortest path, and k) for finding k shortest paths between two vertices in $$\text {Cay}(G, S)$$

Cay
(
G
,
S
)

. Our implementation of finding k shortest paths between two vertices in $$\text {Cay}(G, S)$$

Cay
(
G
,
S
)

is also discussed.
PROGRESS: the sectoral approach to cyber resilience
Authors: Tabansky Lior , Lichterman Eynan
Published: November 2024

Each critical infrastructure and vital service represents a unique instance of a complex socio-technical–economic system. Resilience in complex systems is an emergent behaviour that occurs from interactions between components and is not easily predictable from understanding each component in isolation. Yet, cybersecurity practice and maturity models still focus on the robustness of separate components: organizational units, firms, or IT applications. Such a fundamental mismatch between theory and tools is among the causes of pervasive cyber insecurity. We introduce the sectoral capability maturity model to enable a comprehensive improvement of systemic resilience. The promoting global cyber resilience for sectors cyber-capability maturity model incorporates the science of complex systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and two decades of CIP operations experience. The model was successfully applied in resilience assessment projects in a dozen countries. Real-life experience emphasizes the benefits of the sectoral approach to cyber resilience: creating feedback loops within the sector, integrating supply chain and third-party risks, facilitating information flows between stakeholders, enabling cooperation with and among ministries, departments and other authorities, weighting in the links and processes between actors in cybersecurity issues. The established value of the sectoral approach calls for applications that will improve the resilience of essential services while lowering sector-wide cybersecurity expenditures.
Unveiling the antimicrobial, antivirulence, and wound-healing accelerating potentials of resveratrol against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA)-septic wound in a murine model
Authors: Elshimy Rana , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Okba Mona M. , Ashour Rehab M. S. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Hassanen Eman I. , Aboul-Ella Hassan , Ali Merhan E.
Published: November 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a repertoire of several virulence factors that create a frightening high pathogenicity level as well as high antimicrobial resistance toward commercially used antibiotics. Therefore, finding a new alternative to traditional antimicrobials is a must. Resveratrol is a very famous phytochemical that harbors many beneficial health properties by possessing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of resveratrol against P. aeruginosa and explore its ability to accelerate wound healing in a murine model. The obtained results revealed the potent antimicrobial, antivirulence, and wound-healing accelerating potentials of resveratrol against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA)-septic wounds. It significantly lowered the transcript levels of P. aeruginosa virulent genes toxA, pelA, and lasB. Additionally, resveratrol significantly accelerated skin wound healing by shortening the inflammatory phase and promoting re-vascularization, cell proliferation, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition. Furthermore, it increased the immunoexpression of αSMA along with a reduction of the mRNA levels of VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α genes. Resveratrol has high therapeutic potential for the treatment of P. aeruginosa wound infection and is a prospective and promising candidate for this problem.
Adaptive Sampling Technique for Free-Form Surface of Aero-Engine Blades Based on Discrete Curvature
Authors: Huang Liang , Cao Yan , Peng Runling , Li Hao , Wang Tuo , Wei Guoxin
Published: November 2024

As the aero-engine blade surface is a typical representative of a free-form surface, its sampling and reconstruction accuracy directly determines the evaluation and correction of subsequent processing technology. In this study, based on a case study of a small engine rotor blade, the blade surface (including concave and convex variations) was divided into thick rectangular meshes based on the idea of mesh subdivision, and the rectangular meshes were refined into primary triangular meshes by Delaunay triangulation. Second, the local Gaussian curvature of the vertices of each primary refined triangle mesh was estimated by combining the Moreton-Sequin method. Then, according to the curvature change in the two connected sampling points on the edge of each primary refined triangle, the adaptive sampling point interpolation along with the curvature change on the boundary of the original triangulation triangle and the densified sampling point distribution, which satisfies the idealized triangulation requirement, were further realized. This approach happens through continuous iteration by introducing a curvature relaxation factor and a greedy algorithm. This method can be used to adaptively adjust the distribution and number of sampling points according to the change in the geometric characteristics of the free-form surface and the curvature distribution of each part. The comparison between this method and the mainstream equidistant sampling method in the blind sampling method and the recent mainstream adaptive sampling method, which uses biquartic B-spline curves, demonstrates that the method proposed in this study can accurately and efficiently represent the complex special-shaped free-form surface in blade free-form surfaces with the fewest sampling points while achieving the highest sampling efficiency and the highest model reconstruction precision.

Graphical Abstract
Performance of water quality simulation model for lifting drainage water joints and mixing zone determination
Authors: El-Gamal Talaat , Agrama Asmaa
Published: November 2024

Limited water resources with gradual increase in water demand led to higher dependence on drainage water as one of the non-conventional water resources in Egypt. However, there was no precise approach for using such resource. The practices ranged between stopping lifting drainage water to main canals at many locations due to the water quality degradation in the drains and pure dependence on polluted drainage water by farmers. This implies the importance of applying the mathematical models that provide precise and flexible alternative for the dependence on the drainage water. This procedure could save the big investments that were used in the lifting stations while mitigating the environmental hazards. Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) model is one of these mathematical simulation models. The study used surface discharge sub-model (CORMIX3) to define the mixing zone between the lifted drainage water from Mehalet Rough drain and the freshwater in Mit Yazid canal, by investigated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The simulation results verified that the two investigated parameters met WQ standards for the Egyptian law 48/1982. BOD standard value was met after 448.36 m, in 723 s. TDS standard value was met after 4.46 m, in 7.8 s. This was far ahead of the first municipal station regardless low quality of these parameters in the drain. This is the first time to apply this model in the irrigation sector in Egypt, and the results were promising for defining the precise approach to reuse the drainage water in Egypt.
Slaughterhouse wastewater remediation using carbonized sawdust followed by textile filtration
Authors: Elkady Mahmoud , Yosri Ahmed. M. , Fathy Samar Mohamed , Abbas Mohammed Helmy Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) is considered an industrial wastewater, which seriously harms the environment due to the high concentration of contaminants such as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Additionally, the wastewater from slaughterhouses contains harmful bacteria. This study used a lap-scale model to treat SWW from a local private slaughterhouse. The treatment process involves three stages: adsorption using activated carbon, which is derived from sawdust, followed by sedimentation, and finally, a slow sand filter with a modified layer of woven textile cotton. The first two steps were tested to obtain the ideal operation condition of the treatment system. After the final step of treatment, we evaluated the overall process using a modified slow sand filter (MSSF). We used a Jar test to determine the optimal dosage of activated carbon from sawdust (ACS). The monitored parameters were physicochemical, such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN). The bacteriological examination included both total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC). The results of the jar test revealed that the optimal ACS dose was 2.0 g/l. After adjusting the contact time and pH levels for the adsorption process, we discovered that the ideal contact time was 100 min and the ideal pH level was 4.0. Finally, we evaluated the entire treatment system by applying the MSSF after the sedimentation process, and found that the removal efficiencies of turbidity, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS, TP, and TN were 97.14, 94.80, 91.80, 98.96, 81.17, 81.12, and 82.50%, respectively. This is in addition to the filter's ability to remove bacteria counts at a rate of up to 98.93 and 99.13% of TCC and FCC, respectively.
Product formulas for multiple stochastic integrals associated with Lévy processes
Authors: Di Tella Paolo , Geiss Christel , Steinicke Alexander
Published: November 2024

In the present paper, we obtain an explicit product formula for products of multiple integrals w.r.t. a random measure associated with a Lévy process. As a building block, we use a representation formula for products of martingales from a compensated-covariation stable family. This enables us to consider Lévy processes with both jump and Gaussian part. It is well known that for multiple integrals w.r.t. the Brownian motion such product formulas exist without further integrability conditions on the kernels. However, if a jump part is present, this is, in general, false. Therefore, we provide here sufficient conditions on the kernels which allow us to establish product formulas. As an application, we obtain explicit expressions for the expectation of products of iterated integrals, as well as for the moments and the cumulants for stochastic integrals w.r.t. the random measure. Based on these expressions, we show a central limit theorem for the long time behaviour of a class of stochastic integrals. Finally, we provide methods to calculate the number of summands in the product formula.