bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marginal zone lymphoma: 2023 update on diagnosis and management
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Seymour John F.
Published: August 2023

Disease overview

Marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) are collectively the second most common type of indolent lymphoma.

Diagnosis

Three subtypes of MZL are recognized: splenic, extranodal, and nodal. The diagnosis is secured following biopsy of an involved nodal or extranodal site demonstrating a clonal B‐cell infiltrate with CD5 and CD10 negative immunophenotype most common. Some cases will features IgM paraprotein, but MYD88 L256P mutations are less frequent than in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Prognostication Several prognostic models have been developed, including the MALT‐IPI and the MZL‐IPI. The latter is broadly applicable across MZL subtypes and incorporates elevated serum LDH, anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and nodal or disseminated subtypes as independent predictors of outcome.

Treatment

We discuss suggested approach to therapy for both early and advanced‐stage disease, with reference to chemo‐immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and emerging treatments in relapsed/refractory disease such as BTK inhibitors.
Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles decorated with metal–organic framework, Co‐Cu/ZIF@HAp, and evaluation of photocatalytic performance of the prepared nanocomposite in the degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Bharali Linkon , Kalita Juri , Chakraborty Debarati , Dhar Siddhartha Sankar , Moyon N. Shaemningwar
Published: August 2023

In this study, a novel hydroxyapatite (HAp)‐based composite, Co‐Cu/ZIF@HAp, was constructed through in situ growth and simultaneous sonication followed by magnetic string. Herein, the HAp‐based nanocomposite was obtained in which HAp was coated with cobalt–copper bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) in one‐pot synthesis method. The as‐synthesized composite was characterized by PXRD, FTIR, FE‐SEM, EDS, HR‐TEM, TGA‐DTG, XPS, BET, and UV‐DRS techniques, which suggested that HAp was well coated with bimetallic ZIF. The prepared composite was utilized as a catalyst in degradation of organic pollutants. Removal of organic pollutants such as organic dyes has become indispensable due to their higher stability, toxicity, and mutagenic nature. Two commonly found organic dyes, namely, Eosin Yellow (EY) and Brilliant Green (BG), were chosen for the investigation of photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared catalyst. The degradation process was carried out under solar radiation, and there was no utilization of any oxidizing and reducing agent. Several parameters such as amount of catalyst dose, initial concentration of the dye solution, and effect of different pH conditions were evaluated for better understanding of photocatalytic performance of Co‐Cu/ZIF@HAp composite. Both EY and BG dyes were almost degraded up to 98.3% and 99.5%, respectively, within 50 min by the as‐prepared nanocomposite. Also, quenching test was performed that confirmed the formation of superoxide radicals (O2−.) as reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the photodegradation process. The as‐synthesized catalyst was repeatedly used for five times to ascertain the stability and reusability of catalyst.
Debottlenecking and reformulating feed media for improved CHO cell growth and titer by data‐driven and model‐guided analyses
Authors: Park Seo‐Young , Choi Dong‐Hyuk , Song Jinsung , Park Uiseon , Cho Hyeran , Hong Bee Hak , Silberberg Yaron R. , Lee Dong‐Yup
Published: August 2023

Designing and selecting cell culture media along with their feeding are a key strategy to maximize culture performance in biopharmaceutical processes. However, the sensitivity of mammalian cells to their culture environment necessitates specific nutritional requirements for their growth and the production of high‐quality proteins such as antibodies, depending on the cell lines and operational conditions employed. In this regard, previously we developed a data‐driven and in‐silico model‐guided systematic framework to investigate the effect of growth media on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance, allowing us to design and reformulate basal media. To expand our exploration for media development research, we evaluated two chemically defined feed media, A and B, using a monoclonal antibody‐producing CHO−K1 cell line in ambr15 bioreactor runs. We observed a significant impact of the feed media on various aspects of cell culture, including growth, longevity, viability, productivity, and the production of toxic metabolites. Specifically, the concentrated feed A was inadequate in sustaining prolonged cell culture and achieving high titers when compared to feed B. Within our framework, we systematically investigated the major metabolic bottlenecks in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and relevant amino acid transferase reactions. This analysis identified target components that play a crucial role in alleviating bottlenecks and designing highly productive cell cultures, specifically the addition of glutamate to feed A and asparagine to feed B. Based on our findings, we reformulated the feeds by adjusting the amounts of the targeted amino acids and successfully validated the effectiveness of the strategy in promoting cell growth, life span, and/or titer.
Target localization intervention and prognosis evaluation for an individual with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Weiping , Zhao Haiyan , He Chang , Cui Yuanbo , Wang Zhen , Hramov Alexander , Luan Ping , Luo Xiong , Ouyang Jipeng , Jürgen Kurths
Published: August 2023

Currently, no specific treatments are available for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the preclinical stage of AD, has a high possibility of reversing symptoms through neural regulation. A state dynamics model for single brain regions was developed to simulate blood oxygen level‐dependent signals in a patient with early mild cognitive impairment. Subsequently, the analysis of functional connections was used to comprehensively consider multiple complex network centralities to locate the intervention targets, and a multiple brain region collaborative control scheme was designed. Finally, the reliability and effectiveness of the intervention were verified at the brain region and subnetwork levels. This technique provides a basis for future clinical diagnosis and treatment of AD and MCI.
Efficient and high precision target‐driven fluid simulation based on spatial geometry features
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Liu Sinuo , Zeng Haokai , Wang Xiaokun , Ban Xiaojuan
Published: August 2023

We proposed a novel target‐driven fluid simulation method based on the weighted control model derived from the spatial geometric features of the target shape. First, the spatial geometric characteristics of the target model are taken into account to set the color field weights of control particles. This enabled the full expression of geometric characteristics of the target model, and improve the shape accuracy of controlled fluid. Then, the fluid is controlled to form the target shape under driving constraints, wherein we proposed a new adaptive constraint mechanism that enables efficient target shape generation. Finally, a new density constraint between the control particles and the controlled fluid particles is proposed to ensure the incompressibility of fluid during control. Compared to the state‐of‐the‐art target‐driven fluid control methods, our method achieves higher precision fluid control with higher efficiency.
Coleus vettiveroides ethanolic root extract protects against thioacetamide‐induced acute liver injury in rats
Authors: Mohamed Azar Kadmad Abdul Hameed , Ezhilarasan Devaraj , Shree Harini Karthik , Karthick Munusamy , Uthirappan Mani
Published: August 2023

Acute liver injury is caused by various factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Coleus vettiveroides, an ayurvedic medicinal plant, is known to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. In this current study, we investigated the protective effect of C. vettiveroides ethanolic root extract (CVERE) against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced acute liver injury in rats. A single dose of TAA (300 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) was administered to induce acute liver injury. The treatment groups of rats were concurrently treated with CVERE (125 and 250 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), respectively. After 24 h of the experimental period, TAA‐induced liver injury was confirmed by increased activity of serum transaminases and malondialdehyde levels in liver tissue, decreased levels of antioxidants, upregulated expression of the inflammatory marker gene, and altered liver morphology. Whereas CVERE simultaneous treatment inhibited hepatic injury and prevented the elevation of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. CVERE attenuated TAA‐induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation and restoring antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. Further, CVERE treatment was found to inhibit nuclear factor κB‐mediated inflammatory signaling, as indicated by downregulated pro‐inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β. Our findings suggest that CVERE prevents TAA‐induced acute liver injury by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
A case of adult‐onset Still's disease in a patient after a car accident
Authors: Yaman Feride , Kimiaei Ali
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Adult‐onset Still's disease is a rare inflammatory condition with diverse clinical features. Yamaguchi criteria aid diagnosis, and pleural effusion and elevated ferritin levels are important markers. Steroids are the first‐line treatment.

Adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory condition with an unknown etiology. It is characterized by, spiking fever, arthritis, evanescent rash, sore throat, serositis, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and has infections, systemic autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases, malignancy, and adverse drug reactions as its differential diagnosis. Because of these characteristics, diagnosis is frequently delayed, posing a significant challenge for physicians. While several classification criteria can be used to diagnose Still's disease, they have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The Yamaguchi criteria are considered the most sensitive and commonly used, requiring the presence of at least five characteristics, with at least two being major diagnostic criteria. Steroid therapy is the first‐line treatment for AOSD patients. In this case report, we present a 56‐year‐old female patient who developed pleurisy a few months after a car accident, subsequently diagnosed with adult‐onset Still's disease.
Molecular Syringe for Cargo Photorelease: Red‐Light‐Triggered Supramolecular Hydrogel
Authors: Leistner Anna‐Lena , Most Mario M. , Pianowski Zbigniew L.
Published: August 2023

Photochromic supramolecular hydrogels are versatile materials that show macroscopic effects upon irradiation, like liquefaction or shape changes. Here, we demonstrate a simple photochromic cyclic dipeptide (2,5‐diketopiperazine‐based) supergelator, composed of (S)‐lysine and an azobenzene analogue of phenylalanine, that forms supramolecular hydrogels even at 0.1 wt% loading. The gels can physically encapsulate cargo molecules and release them to the environment in a controllable manner upon irradiation with red light, thus working as a “molecular syringe”. As the material is biocompatible and operational in the “therapeutic window” of light (>650 nm) that deeply penetrates soft human tissues, it is applicable to smart drug‐delivery systems.
Association of kidney disease index with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with hypertension
Authors: Fang Suxia , Chen Yuwen , Gao Qiyue , Wei Qucheng
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between a novel kidney disease index (KDI), which combines information from both estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (uACR), and all‐cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among individuals with hypertension.

Methods

We analyzed data from 19 988 adults with hypertension who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018. Mortality outcomes were determined by linking to National Death Index records through December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for all‐cause and CVD mortality.

Results

Baseline KDI levels were positively associated with glucose, insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, and C‐reactive protein (p value for trend <.05). During a follow‐up period of 179 859 person‐years, a total of 5069 deaths were documented, including 1741 from cardiovascular causes. After multivariable adjustment, each standard deviation increment in KDI level was associated with a 27% increased risk of all‐cause mortality and a 31% increased risk of cardiovascular deaths (both p < .05). Further analysis showed a J‐shaped association between KDI and mortality, with the risk increasing dramatically when KDI exceeded 0.27.

Conclusion

Elevated KDI levels were significantly associated with increased mortality from all causes and CVD among individuals with hypertension. We recommend routine testing of eGFR and uACR in hypertensive patients, and using KDI as a tool to identify individuals who are most likely to benefit from preventive therapies.
Quality of life after surgery for lower grade gliomas
Authors: Heffernan Anne E. , Wu Yilun , Benz Luke S. , Verhaak Roel G. W. , Kwan Bethany M. , Claus Elizabeth B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Few large studies have investigated quality of life (QOL) for adults diagnosed with lower grade glioma (LGG).

Methods

QOL was assessed for 320 adults with LGG (World Health Organization grade 2/3) enrolled in the International Low Grade Glioma Registry by using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form health survey. Data on symptoms were also collected. QOL outcomes were examined by treatment group and also compared to those from a population‐based case‐control study of meningioma (the Meningioma Consortium), in which 1722 meningioma cases diagnosed among residents of Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Texas, and North Carolina from May 1, 2006 through March 14, 2013 were enrolled and frequency matched to 1622 controls by age, sex, and geography.

Results

The LGG sample average age is 45 years at the time of interview and 53.1% male. Almost 55% of patients had received radiation and chemotherapy (primarily temozolomide); 32.4% had received neither treatment. Two‐thirds of participants with LGG report difficulty with speaking, memory, or thinking, and over one of three reports personality change or difficulty driving. After controlling for age and other comorbidities, individuals with LGG report levels of physical, emotional, and mental health functioning below those reported in a meningioma as well as a general healthy population.

Conclusions

Despite being relatively young, persons with LGG report significantly reduced QOL compared to persons with nonmalignant brain tumors and to a control population, which highlights the need to better acknowledge and manage these symptoms for this group of patients diagnosed in the prime of life.
On the Maxwell‐Bloch system in the sharp‐line limit without solitons
Authors: Li Sitai , Miller Peter D.
Published: August 2023

We study the (characteristic) Cauchy problem for the Maxwell‐Bloch equations of light‐matter interaction via asymptotics, under assumptions that prevent the generation of solitons. Our analysis clarifies some features of the sense in which physically‐motivated initial‐boundary conditions are satisfied. In particular, we present a proper Riemann‐Hilbert problem that generates the unique causal solution to the Cauchy problem, that is, the solution vanishes outside of the light cone. Inside the light cone, we relate the leading‐order asymptotics to self‐similar solutions that satisfy a system of ordinary differential equations related to the Painlevé‐III (PIII) equation. We identify these solutions and show that they are related to a family of PIII solutions recently discovered in connection with several limiting processes involving the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation. We fully explain a resulting boundary layer phenomenon in which, even for smooth initial data (an incident pulse), the solution makes a sudden transition over an infinitesimally small propagation distance. At a formal level, this phenomenon has been described by other authors in terms of the PIII self‐similar solutions. We make this observation precise and for the first time we relate the PIII self‐similar solutions to the Cauchy problem. Our analysis of the asymptotic behavior satisfied by the optical field and medium density matrix reveals slow decay of the optical field in one direction that is actually inconsistent with the simplest version of scattering theory. Our results identify a precise generic condition on an optical pulse incident on an initially‐unstable medium sufficient for the pulse to stimulate the decay of the medium to its stable state.
Educational strategies leading to labeling the gifted pupil
Authors: Klimecká Eva
Published: August 2023

Labeling of gifted pupils can negatively affect the life path of gifted individuals. The study explores whether and how a teacher can label gifted pupils when applying educational strategies based on internal differentiation. We focused on formally identified intellectually gifted pupils (age 7–12) educated in (mainstream) elementary schools in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). Qualitative data were collected through classroom observations and teacher interviews. We observed 24 gifted pupils and 15 teachers from 12 schools. We identified five main types of educational strategies leading to inappropriate labeling, such as Tasks for Quick‐witted, Challenges, Boffins Goes to Competition, Teacher's Assistant, and Individual Projects. The “inappropriateness” of these strategies consisted of the significant preference and presentation of gifted pupils, in the useless and overused selection of gifted pupils, and the rigidity of the applied strategies. The paper seeks to highlight the existence of a paradoxical phenomenon whereby, when teachers are maximally interested in promoting giftedness, the stagnation of gifted pupils and other pupils in the class occurs. The study concludes with recommendations for eliminating inappropriate labeling of gifted pupils.
Miniaturized frequency‐selective surface with reduced number of metallic vias for electromagnetic shielding
Authors: Andi Senthilkumar , G. P. Ramesh
Published: August 2023

A miniaturized frequency‐selective surface (FSS) for radio frequency (RF) filtering applications is reported in this paper. The proposed FSS is designed to operate with band stop property at 1.57 GHz. The FSS element is developed using highly convoluted lines running on either side of the substrate interconnected using via lines. This specific arrangement increases the electrical length of the resonator without increasing the physical size. Furthermore, the stability towards polarization variation and independence to different angles of incidence are other major concerns in the design of FSS. The FSS unit cell has rotational symmetry thereby providing polarization‐independent operation. The angular independence is tested for various incidence angles, and the results are presented. The performance of the FSS is validated in real time, and the results are presented. The maximum realized transmission loss is 27 dB at 1.57 GHz, and the attenuation bandwidth with reference 10 dB shielding level is estimated to be 400 MHz centered around 1.57 GHz. The convolution technique along with shorting vias has offered this extreme miniaturization ranging from 7% to 95.7% with reference to most of the FSS reported for L‐band services such as radio, telecommunications, military, and aircraft surveillance.
Digital twin‐based framework for wireless multimodal interactions over long distance
Authors: Kang Mancong , Li Xi , Ji Hong , Zhang Heli
Published: August 2023

Wireless multimodal interactions over long distance (WMILD) would give rise to numerous thrilling applications, such as remote touching and immersive teleoperations. However, long distances can induce large propagation delays, which makes it difficult to meet the ultra‐low latency requirements in haptic‐visual interactions. Considering existing works mainly focused on the wireless access part, this paper designs an end‐to‐end framework for general WMILD applications based on the digital twin (DT) technology and proposes an intelligent resource allocation and parameter compression scheme to guarantee WMILD performance under constraint network resources. In the framework, user device can acquire real‐time remote interactions by performing local interactions with nearby base station (BS), where a DT of the remote side is deployed to predict the remote haptic‐visual feedbacks. A reliable DT updating process is carefully designed to guarantee the DT accurately model its dynamic physical counterpart. To optimize the updating reliability, we formulate the resource allocation and parameter compression to be a constraint‐Markov decision problem, under the constraints on energy consumption, multimodal interactions and updating latencies. Then, a safe deep reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed to adapt resources and compression according to the dynamic DT updating workload, multimodal data‐streams and remote transmission capacities. Simulation shows the framework can achieve high updating reliability compared with baselines.
Young‐onset dementia in memory clinics in the Netherlands: Study design and description of PRECODE‐GP
Authors: van Gils Aniek M. , Rhodius‐Meester Hanneke F. M. , Leeuwis Anna E. , Handgraaf Dédé , Bakker Christian , Peetoom Kirsten , Bouwman Femke H. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Papma Janne M. , Hoogendoorn Tanja‐Anne , Schoonenboom Niki , van Strien Astrid , Verwey Nicolaas A. , Köhler Sebastian , de Vugt Marjolein E. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: August 2023

The disease trajectory and healthcare requirements of patients with young‐onset dementia (YOD) differ from those of older patients. Accurate data about YOD is crucial to improve diagnosis and optimize care. PRECODE‐GP aims to set up a prospective national database of patients with YOD to gain insight into the occurrence and characteristics of patients with YOD in memory clinics in the Netherlands.

The national database includes data from dementia patients aged <70 years at diagnosis, collected by local memory clinics (MCs). Data included demographic information, clinical variables, and (etiological) diagnoses.

Between July 2019 and December 2022, 781 patients with a mean age of 62±6y at diagnosis (range 37 to 69y) were included from 39 MCs. Most (n = 547,70%) were diagnosed with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients with Frontotemporal lobe dementia (FTD, n = 87, 11%) were youngest (61±6.0y). Over half (55%) of patients were experiencing symptoms for ≥2 years.

We initiated a Dutch national YOD database to improve diagnosis and care for this underrepresented and vulnerable patient group. The database provides a basis for future in‐depth studies on YOD.
β_lactam antibiotics against drug addiction: A novel therapeutic option
Authors: Esmaili‐Shahzade‐Ali‐Akbari Peyman , Ghaderi Amir , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Mehdi , Nejat Fatemeh , Saeedi‐Mofrad Maryam , Karimi‐Houyeh Motahareh , Ghattan Alireza , Etemadi Amirreza , Rasoulian Elham , Khezri Arina
Published: August 2023

Drug addiction as a problem for the health of the individual and the society is the result of a complex process in which there is an interaction between brain nuclei and neurotransmitters (such as glutamate). β‐lactam antibiotics, due to their enhancing properties on the glutamate transporter glutamate transporter‐1, can affect and counteract the addictive mechanisms of drugs through the regulation of extracellular glutamate. Since glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in the development of drug addiction, it seems that β‐lactams can be considered as a promising treatment for addiction. However, more research in this field is necessary to identify other mechanisms involved in their effectiveness. This article is a review of the studies conducted on the effect of β‐lactam administration in preventing the development of drug addiction, as well as their possible cellular and molecular mechanisms. This review suggests the clinical use of β‐lactam antibiotics that have weak antimicrobial properties (such as clavulanic acid) in the treatment of drug dependence.
The sulfotransferase XB5850668.L is required to apportion embryonic ectodermal domains
Authors: Marchak Alexander , Neilson Karen M. , Majumdar Himani D. , Yamauchi Kiyoshi , Klein Steven L. , Moody Sally A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Members of the sulfotransferase superfamily (SULT) influence the activity of a wide range of hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolites and xenobiotics. However, their roles in developmental processes are not well characterized even though they are expressed during embryogenesis. We previously found in a microarray screen that Six1 up‐regulates LOC100037047, which encodes XB5850668.L, an uncharacterized sulfotransferase.

Results

Since Six1 is required for patterning the embryonic ectoderm into its neural plate, neural crest, preplacodal and epidermal domains, we used loss‐ and gain‐of function assays to characterize the role of XB5850668.L during this process. Knockdown of endogenous XB5850668.L resulted in the reduction of epidermal, neural crest, cranial placode and otic vesicle gene expression domains, concomitant with neural plate expansion. Increased levels had minimal effects, but infrequently expanded neural plate and neural crest gene domains, and infrequently reduced cranial placode and otic vesicle gene domains. Mutation of two key amino acids in the sulfotransferase catalytic domain required for PAPS binding and enzymatic activity tended to reduce the effects of overexpressing the wild‐type protein.

Conclusions

Our analyses indicates that XB5850668.L is a member of the SULT2 family that plays important roles in patterning the embryonic ectoderm. Some aspects of its influence likely depend on sulfotransferase activity.
Evaluating and optimising performance of multi‐species call recognisers for ecoacoustic restoration monitoring
Authors: Linke Simon , Teixeira Daniella , Turlington Katie
Published: August 2023

Monitoring the effect of ecosystem restoration can be difficult and time‐consuming. Autonomous sensors, such as acoustic recorders, can aid monitoring across long time scales. This project successfully developed, tested and implemented call recognisers for eight species of frog in the Murray–Darling Basin. Recognisers for all but one species performed well and substantially better than many species recognisers reported in the literature. We achieved this through a comprehensive development phase, which carefully considered and refined the representativeness of training data, as well as the construction (amplitude cut‐off) and the similarity thresholds (score cut‐offs) of each call template used. Recogniser performance was high for almost all species examined. Recognisers for Crinia signifera, Limnodynastes fletcherii, Limnodynastes dumerilii, Litoria peronii and Crinia parinsignifera all performed well, with most templates having receiver operating characteristics values (the proportion of true positive and true negatives) over 0.7, and some much higher. Recognisers for L. peronii, L. fletcherii and L. dumerilii performed particularly well in the training data set, which allowed for responses to environmental watering events, a restoration activity, to be clearly observed. While slightly more involved than building recognisers using commercial packages, the workflows ensure that a high‐quality recogniser can be built and the performance fine‐tuned using multiple parameters. Using the same framework, recognisers can be improved on in future iterations. We believe that multi‐species recognisers are a highly effective and precise way to detect the effects of ecosystem restoration.
The mechanics and durability of rubber fiber hydraulic concrete on laboratory
Authors: Zhang Jingkui , Liu Changshun , Luo Jugang , Xu Juncai
Published: August 2023

This study delves into the mechanical and durability properties of rubber fiber hydraulic concrete (RFHC) using an orthogonal testing method. The optimal mix proportion for RFHC is determined through orthogonal range and variance analysis results. The influence of polypropylene fiber content, rubber particle content, and rubber particle size on the compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, brittleness, and crack resistance of rubber fiber concrete is thoroughly examined. Durability tests are conducted based on the optimal mix ratio, and a comparative analysis of the durability between RFHC and conventional concrete is carried out. The findings indicate that the mechanical properties of the concrete exhibit a significant decline with increasing rubber content and decreasing rubber particle size. The variation in rubber content notably affects the mechanical properties of hydraulic concrete. The frost resistance and impermeability of RFHC are considerably higher than those of conventional concrete, while the erosion resistance of RFHC surpasses that of the conventional benchmark concrete. This research offers valuable benchmarks for the theoretical design and practical engineering application of RFHC, contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction materials.
A parallelp‐adaptive discontinuous Galerkin method for the Euler equations with dynamicload‐balancingon tetrahedral grids
Authors: Li Weizhao , Pandare Aditya K. , Luo Hong , Bakosi Jozsef , Waltz Jacob
Published: August 2023

A novelp‐adaptive discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method has been developed to solve the Euler equations on three‐dimensional tetrahedral grids. Hierarchical orthogonal basis functions are adopted for the DG spatial discretization while a third order TVD Runge‐Kutta method is used for the time integration. A vertex‐based limiter is applied to the numerical solution in order to eliminate oscillations in the high order method. An error indicator constructed from the solution of order and is used to adapt degrees of freedom in each computational element, which remarkably reduces the computational cost while still maintaining an accurate solution. The developed method is implemented with under the Charm++ parallel computing framework. Charm++ is a parallel computing framework that includes various load‐balancing strategies. Implementing the numerical solver under Charm++ system provides us with access to a suite of dynamic load balancing strategies. This can be efficiently used to alleviate the load imbalances created byp‐adaptation. A number of numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate both the numerical accuracy and parallel performance of the developedp‐adaptive DG method. It is observed that the unbalanced load distribution caused by the parallelp‐adaptive DG method can be alleviated by the dynamic load balancing from Charm++ system. Due to this, high performance gain can be achieved. For the testcases studied in the current work, the parallel performance gain ranged from 1.5× to 3.7×. Therefore, the developedp‐adaptive DG method can significantly reduce the total simulation time in comparison to the standard DG method withoutp‐adaptation.
Common foods for boosting human immunity: A review
Authors: Singh Deo Narayan , Bohra Jitendra Singh , Dubey Tej Pratap , Shivahre Pushp Raj , Singh Ram Kumar , Singh Tejbal , Jaiswal Deepak Kumar
Published: August 2023

We are frequently exposed to potentially harmful microbes of various types on a daily basis. Our immune system is an amazing collection of unique organs and cells that defends us from hazardous germs as well as certain diseases. It plays a crucial role in protecting the body against external invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Maintaining a healthy immune system requires consuming a balanced diet that provides a variety of macro‐ and micronutrients. By consuming sufficient amounts of water, minerals such as zinc and magnesium, micronutrients, herbs, and foods rich in vitamins C, D, and E, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, one can enhance their health and immunity, and prevent infections. This article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on common foods known for their potential to boost human immunity. The review begins by discussing the various components of the immune system and their functions. It then delves into the current understanding of how nutrition can influence immune response, highlighting the importance of a well‐balanced diet in supporting optimal immune function. The article presents an extensive analysis of a range of common foods that have been studied for their immune‐boosting properties. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and animal‐based foods. Each food category is explored in terms of its specific nutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to immune support. Foods such as milk, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, and spices like onion, garlic, and turmeric contain beneficial compounds that can enhance the immune system's function, activate and inhibit immune cells, and interfere with multiple pathways that eventually lead to improved immune responses and defense. The available literature on the issue was accessed via online resources and evaluated thoroughly as a methodology for preparing this manuscript.
Restoration and preservation effects of mung bean antioxidant peptides on H2O2‐induced WRL‐68 cells via Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Miao Xue , Liu Xin , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Changyuan , Diao Jingjing
Published: August 2023

Mung bean antioxidant peptides (MBAPs) were prepared from mung bean protein hydrolysate, and four peptide sequences including Ser‐Asp‐Arg‐Thr‐Gln‐Ala‐Pro‐His (~953 Da), Ser‐His‐Pro‐Gly‐Asp‐Phe‐Thr‐Pro‐Val (~956 Da), Ser‐Asp‐Arg‐Trp‐Phe (~710 Da), and Leu‐Asp‐Arg‐Gln‐Leu (~644 Da) were identified. The effects of MBAPs on the oxidation‐induced normal human liver cell line WRL‐68 were analyzed to determine the mechanism protecting the oxidation‐induced injury. The results showed that the cells were subjected to certain oxidative damage by H2O2 induction, as evidenced by decreased cell number and viability, overproduction of intracellular ROS, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Compared with the H2O2‐induced group, the MBAP‐treated oxidation‐induced group exhibited significantly higher cell number and viability, and the intracellular ROS was similar to that of the control group, suggesting that MBAP scavenges excessive intracellular free radicals after acting on the oxidation‐induced cells. Combined with Western blotting results, it was concluded that the MBAP‐treated oxidation‐induced group also significantly promoted the expression of proteins related to the kelch‐like ech‐related protein 1 (Keap1)/ nuclear factor e2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, which resulted in an approximately 2‐fold increase in antioxidant enzymes, and a decrease in malondialdehyde content of approximately 55% compared to oxidatively‐induced cells, leading to the recovery of both cell morphology and viability. These results suggest that MBAPs scavenge intracellular free radicals and improve oxidative stress in hepatocytes through the expression of Keap1/Nrf2 pathway‐related protein, thereby reducing oxidative attack on the liver. Therefore, MBAP is applied as a nutritional ingredient in the functional food field, and this study provides a theoretical basis for the high utilization of mung bean proteins.
Food menus within New Zealand primary school canteens: Do they meet the guidance?
Authors: Pillay Danika , Piddington Marsha , Ali Ajmol , Wham Carol
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

Unhealthy food and drinks are widely available in New Zealand school canteens. The aim of this study was to assess primary school canteen food menus against the newly implemented Ministry of Health ‘Food and Drink Guidance for Schools’.

Methods

A convenience sample of 133 primary school canteen menus was collected in 2020 as part of the baseline evaluation of the Healthy Active Learning initiative across New Zealand. A menu analysis toolkit was developed to assess menus in accordance with the Ministry of Health's ‘Food and Drink Guidance for Schools’ which classifies food items into three food categories: ‘green’, ‘amber’ and ‘red’.

Results

Most menu items belonged to the less healthy amber (41.0%) and red (40%) food categories. Low decile schools had a lower percentage of green food items (8.6%) and a higher percentage of red food items (48.3%) compared to high decile schools. Sandwiches, filled rolls and wraps were the most commonly available items, followed by baked foods and foods with pastry. Over half of the in‐house canteen menu items were classified as ‘red’ foods (55.3%).

Conclusions

Most school canteens were not meeting the guidelines for healthy food and drink provision outlined by the Ministry of Health. Improving the food environment for children in socio‐economically deprived areas needs to be prioritised to reduce inequities.

So What?

This study highlights the unhealthy food environments in New Zealand schools and emphasises the need for more robust national policies and mandated school guidance.
Challenges and opportunities in prostate cancer surgery in South America: Insights into robot‐assisted radical prostatectomies—A perspective
Authors: Bharadwaj Hareesha Rishab , Wireko Andrew Awuah , Adebusoye Favour Tope , Ferreira Tomas , Pacheco‐Barrios Niels , Abdul‐Rahman Toufik , Mykolayivna Nikitina Iryna
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Prostate cancer imposes a significant health burden, particularly in South America with its high incidence and mortality rates. This article explores the emergence of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a potential solution in the region.

Methods

This study relies on a comprehensive review of relevant literature. The analysis highlights the advantages of RARP, identifies impediments to its implementation, and proposes strategies to overcome these barriers.

Results

RARP demonstrates notable benefits, including improved functional outcomes, reduced complications, and minimized incisions. However, the integration of RARP in South America is hindered by challenges such as regional disparities, financial limitations, and data gaps. Limited healthcare infrastructure and a scarcity of skilled professionals further compound the issues.

Conclusion

Despite its potential, RARP faces obstacles to widespread adoption in South America. Strategic solutions encompassing technology investment, healthcare infrastructure enhancement, and workforce training are imperative. Overcoming these challenges can establish RARP as a crucial tool in managing prostate cancer in the region, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.
Engineering multifunctional adhesive hydrogel patches for biomedical applications
Authors: Chakraborty Aishik , Alexander Shana , Luo Wei , Al‐Salam Narisse , Van Oirschot Mia , Ranganath Sudhir H. , Chakrabarti Subrata , Paul Arghya
Published: August 2023

Traditional patches, such as sticking plaster or acrylic adhesives used for over a hundred years, lack functionality. To address this issue of poor functionality, adhesive hydrogel patches have emerged as an efficient bioactive multifunctional alternative. Hydrogels are three‐dimensional, water‐swellable, and polymeric materials closely resembling the native tissue architecture. The physicochemical properties of hydrogels can be modified easily, allowing them to be suitable for various biomedical applications. Moreover, adhesive properties can be imparted to hydrogels through physicochemical manipulations, making them ideal candidates for supplementing or replacing traditional sticking plaster. As a result, sticky hydrogel patches are widely used for transdermal drug delivery and have even found commercial purposes. Beyond transdermal delivery, such hydrogel patches have also found applications in cardiac therapy, cancer research, and biosensing, among other applications. In this mini‐review, we critically discuss the challenges of fabricating multifunctional adhesive hydrogel patches. Furthermore, we introduce some of the chemical strategies involved with fabricating the patches. We also review their emerging biomedical applications. Finally, we explore their potential future in the flourishing field of tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Negative urgency, distress tolerance, and symptoms of substance use, eating, and borderline personality disorders in treatment‐seeking young people
Authors: Mattingley Sophie , Youssef George J. , Graeme Liam , Sloan Elise , Manning Victoria , Hall Kate
Published: August 2023

Objective

Negative urgency (NU) and distress tolerance (DT) are two similar yet distinct constructs with putative transdiagnostic relevance, particularly across psychopathology characterized by impulsivity (e.g., substance use disorders [SUD], eating disorders featuring binging and/or purging ED‐B/P, and borderline personality disorder [BPD]). Yet, there remains a lack of research into NU and DT across SUD, ED‐B/P, and BPD symptomatology in clinical populations. The present study sought to elucidate the transdiagnostic utility of NU and DT across impulsive‐type psychology by examining the unique and interactive roles of NU and DT across SUD, ED‐B/P, and BPD symptomatology within a treatment‐seeking sample of young people.

Method

Participants (N = 385; 62.3% female; aged 16–25 years) were recruited from youth health services across Melbourne, Australia. Participants completed an online survey including self‐report measures of NU and DT as well as SUD, ED‐B/P, and BPD symptoms. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to explore unique and interactive associations of NU and DT with symptoms.

Results

Both NU (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.16, 1.28]) and global DT (ORadj = 0.59; 95% CI = [0.47, 0.74]) uniquely predicted symptoms. However, associations with global DT and most of its components differed across psychopathology types. No significant interactions between NU and DT in predicting symptoms were found.

Conclusions

These results support the transdiagnostic utility of NU across SUD, ED‐B/P, and BPD, while suggesting the role of DT across these disorders is more nuanced. These findings have important implications for NU and DT as potential intervention targets.
Assessing posttraumatic stress disorder symptom clusters with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐3 in a forensic disability sample
Authors: Kremyar Andrew J. , Ben‐Porath Yossef S. , Sellbom Martin , Gervais Roger O.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Previous evidence indicates that scales from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) family of instruments can measure self‐reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology and differentiate symptom clusters, including in forensic disability assessments. However, limited research has examined assessment of PTSD symptoms with the MMPI‐3, the most recent MMPI instrument. The goal of the current study was to identify the strongest MMPI‐3 scale predictors of individual PTSD symptom clusters, measured via self‐report.

Methods

Using a sample of 716 disability claimants (54.2% men; Mage = 42.98, SD = 10.87; 81.8% White), correlation, regression, and dominance analyses were performed to examine associations between scores on MMPI‐3 scales and latent PTSD symptom cluster factors derived using confirmatory factor analyses from items of the Detailed Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress (DAPS), and to identify the strongest predictor of each symptom cluster when MMPI‐3 scales were concurrently considered.

Results

Results indicate that conceptually expected MMPI‐3 scale scores were meaningfully associated with PTSD symptom cluster factors, with the MMPI‐3 Anxiety‐Related Experiences (ARX) scale demonstrating the strongest and most consistent associations across symptom clusters.

Conclusions

Results of the current study largely converge with previous empirical studies of self‐reported PTSD symptoms in disability claimant settings with the MMPI instruments. Interpretive implications for the MMPI‐3, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Longitudinal relationship between child maltreatment, bullying victimization, depression, and nonsuicidal self‐injury among left‐behind children in China: 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Yan Ru , Ding Wan , Wang Die , Lin Xiongli , Lin Xiuyun , Li Weijian , Xie Ruibo
Published: August 2023

Background

Left‐behind childre (LBC) in China are deeply concerned by society because of their high risk of emotional and behavioral problems. Depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury are the most harmful and worrying negative emotional and behavioral problems in LBC. Unfortunately, LBCs are in unfavorable environments for a long time and are prone to negative interpersonal interactions. Child maltreatment and bullying victimization, as the two most typical negative interpersonal interactions in family and school environments, maybe the key risk factors for depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury among LBCs. However, we are less known of the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment and bullying victimization on LBC's depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury and their underlying mechanisms.

Aims

This study used a two‐year longitudinal design with three‐time points to investigate the longitudinal effects of child maltreatment and bullying victimization on depression, nonsuicidal self‐injury, and the mediating role of negative thoughts and self‐compassion.

Materials & Methods

A sample of 592 LBC (390 were males, Mage at time 1 = 9.56, SDage = 0.65; 202 were females, Mage at time 1 = 9.43, SDage = 0.63) completed a set of questionnaires at three‐time points. This study used SPSS software (version 25.0) and MPLUS software (version 8.3) for all analyses.

Results

(1) Child maltreatment not only affects depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury but also affects depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury through negative thoughts. Child maltreatment affects depression through self‐compassion and does not affect nonsuicidal self‐injury. (2) Bullying victimization affects depression and nonsuicidal self‐injury through negative thoughts and bullying victimization further affects depression through self‐compassion but does not affect nonsuicidal self‐injury.

Conclusion

This study revealed the effects of negative interpersonal interactions (child maltreatment, bullying victimization) on LBC's adverse emotions and behaviors, and their underlying mechanisms, which helps to provide parents, schools, and psychoeducational workers with a new perspective on intervention.