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Approximately 5,700 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year in the UK. The standard of care is to receive an autologous stem cell transplant after completion of induction therapy. There are no specific dietary recommendations for people with myeloma, however they are at risk of malnutrition due to symptoms and side effects of treatments. This report describes the journey of a 73-year-old male diagnosed with immunoglobulin A (IgA) lambda myeloma in April 2021. The patient lost 23% of his body weight during 6 months of systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT), resulting in postponing his transplant twice due to reduced fitness. This report describes an effective, although late, multidisciplinary intervention which was successful for the patient who managed to reestablish a healthy weight and good quality of life. The patient received his transplant in January 2023. This case highlights two important aspects of patient care that should not be underestimated in dietetic clinical practice: early screening and multidisciplinary collaboration. Monitoring the nutritional status of patients and providing early nutrition support can prevent hospital admissions, treatment delays and reduce the associated costs. Multidisciplinary teamwork can improve patient care and clinical outcomes, and it is fundamental to strengthen communication and collaboration among clinical disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physics emphases of the PHENIX collaboration and the design and currentstatus of the PHENIX detector are discussed. The plan of the collaboration formaking the most effective use of the available luminosity in the first years ofRHIC operation is also presented.

Adequate nutrition is necessary for overall health and development(1). Prisoners in general lack autonomy over their diet, in addition to being a population with a high risk of poor health outcomes(2 , 3). It is important therefore that prisons are offered menus which meet dietary reference values (DRVs), as set by the UK government, aiming for equity with the general population, and that prisoners choose food options that are beneficial for their health. The aim of this study was to conduct a nutritional analysis of prisoners' food diaries to determine whether dietary recommendations were being met. Seven-day food diaries were collected from prisoners eating the normal food supplied by three young offender institutions in 2009. Food eaten was analysed using DietPlan6 version 6.0 (Forestfield Software Ltd). Individual nutrient data were tested for normality and compared against the UK DRVs and NDNS data from 2008/9 using either the one-sample T-test, or one-sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Data in the results is presented as (Mean ± SD). There were n=466 diaries analysed, from male participants aged between 16 to 24 years. Twenty- eight nutrients were compared with their respective DRVs by age categories: 16-18y (n=156), 19-24y (n=310), and 16-24y (n=466). For ages 16-24y, chloride (5556 ± 1692mg), folate (302 ± 112ug), iodine (195 ± 81ug), monounsaturated fat (35 ± 10g), potassium (3667 ± 1161mg), sodium (3899 ± 1392mg), sugar (136 ± 73g), riboflavin (2 ± 1mg), vitamin B12 (6 ± 4ug), vitamin C (92 ± 63mg), and zinc (11 ± 3mg) exceeded DRV requirements (P<0.01). Carbohydrates (53 ± 5%E), saturated fat (12 ± 5%E), and sugar (19 ± 9%E) all exceeded their DRVs (P<0.05). Vitamin A (553 ± 531ug) and fibre (15 ± 6g) were found 24% and 18% lower than the DRVs, respectively (P<0.01). Fat (34 ± 5%E), polyunsaturated fat (6 ± 1%E), and protein (14 ± 2%E), as a percent of energy, were below the DRV by 3%, 8%, and 7% respectively (P<0.01). Magnesium (301 ± 107mg) was equal to the DRV (P=0.81). For 16-18, and 19-24 respectively, calcium (1286 ± 928mg; 1337 ± 489mg), copper (1 ± 0.6mg; 2 ± 0.6mg), iron (14 ± 5mg; 15 ± 6mg), niacin (19 ± 7mg; 21 ± 7mg), phosphorus (1545 ± 381mg; 1620 ± 493mg), protein (96 ± 24g; 100 ± 29g), thiamine (2 ± 0.6mg; 2 ± 0.7mg), and vitamin B6 (2.3 ± 0.7ug; 3 ± 0.9ug) exceeded their DRV (P<0.01). For 16-18y, energy (kcals) was equal to the DRV (2748 ± 787kcal, P=0.91). For years 19-24y, energy (kcal) exceeded the DRV (2931 ± 939kcal, P<0.01). This study represents the largest assessment of dietary intake of prisoners and demonstrates that the prison catering, for the most part, met the DRVs. However, sugar, fat, and energy intake exceeded their DRV target, posing clear risks to health by possibly contributing to later obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, a region of the brain that controls movement, are lost over time (1). This results in motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, and non-motor symptoms such as depression (2). Evidence- based resources and programmes utilising exercise for symptom management are widely available (3). However, despite emerging evidence showing that diet changes can improve quality of life and reduce disease severity (4), there are few dietary guidelines and programmes. This study aims to address a current literature gap in qualitative studies assessing the opinions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards diet and exercise in PD care, and to identify barriers and facilitators of this in care. A qualitative design was used to assess the views and beliefs of HCPs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone, using a topic guide developed by the research team, consisting of 20 questions. The data were analysed using the six-phase process of Reflexive Thematic analysis to determine key themes in the data (5). Five HCPs participated in this study. One main theme and two subthemes were identified. The main theme was that provisions of care and dietary advice are limited by a lack of knowledge of evidence- based, PD-specific, dietary guidelines. Subtheme 1 was that evidence-based exercise guidelines have been important facilitators in supporting care provision. Subtheme 2 was that lack of dietary guidance has been a barrier to optimum care provision and self-efficacy of HCPs. HCPs were less likely to discuss diet, due to barriers including lack of available resources or knowledge thereof, self-efficacy to recommend dietary changes, time constraints in the clinic, and less well-established referral pathways for dietitians. HCPs were unaware of the influence of diet in PD treatment, despite diet's impact on symptoms being discussed in clinic. However, HCPs agreed that evidence-based resources would benefit HCPs' practice, to improve symptom severity and nutritional status of patients. Exercise was more likely to be discussed, as evidence-based guidelines and empirical understanding meant HCPs were more aware of the beneficial effects on symptoms. While limited by small numbers, these findings suggest that a lack of knowledge, low self-efficacy, and time pressures mean that patients may not receive dietary guidelines which may be beneficial to their care. Self-efficacy of HCPs should be improved through PD-specific nutritional education, development and dissemination of PD-specific nutrition guidelines and resources. Future research should aim to determine the effectiveness of relevant dietary strategies' in managing and caring for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a technique for spectrally and temporally resolving the kilo-electron-volt emission from ultrashort plasmas produced from solid targets with a tabletop terawatt 400-fs laser. The first time-resolved Al spectra (near 8 Angstroms) obtained with a 2-ps time resolution are presented. The results clearly demonstrate that the resonance emission width decreases as the plasma density increases. The ultrafast K(sub Alpha) emission component is also measured in our experimental conditions.

The article presents an introduction in which the editor discusses in the articles on the several topics including a potential role of nuts in bodyweight management, mechanisms involved in it and the role of nuts in current national dietary guidelines.

Weight management programmes have been shown to be effective interventions that encourage clinically relevant weight loss. The aim of a weight management programme is not only to achieve weight loss, but also to support long‐term weight maintenance and for that reason their suitability in helping people to meet the key dietary recommendations for health must be considered. The British Nutrition Foundation was asked to investigate whether the Slimming World weight management programme is consistent with current nutrient and food‐based recommendations, and whether Slimming World members following the programme are typically eating diets meeting these recommendations in the 'real world'. This was to help inform any potential refinements to their dietary approach. A three‐stage approach included a review of Slimming World's dietary approach resources, nutritional analysis of Slimming World's example menu plans and dietary analysis of 40 7‐day weighed food diaries completed by adult female Slimming World members. The Slimming World dietary approach reflects many of the main messages in the UK's Eatwell Guide and generally accepted healthy eating advice. Several observations were made with indications for potential changes in relation to key food groups. Nutritional analysis of the 7‐day menu plans suggests that a Slimming World member following a provided example menu plan could meet many of the UK dietary recommendations that were analysed in this review. Food diary analysis suggests the Slimming World study sample on average met dietary recommendations for total fat, saturated fat, calcium, salt and 5 A DAY. In comparison, national dietary surveys report that the average UK adult female population meets the total fat and calcium recommendations, but is not meeting the recommendations for saturated fat, salt and 5 A DAY. The study sample did not meet the recommendations for intakes of fibre and free sugars and oil‐rich fish, but these were still closer to recommendations than the average UK adult female population. High intakes of red and processed meat and alcohol were observed amongst some of the study sample. Overall, the findings suggest that despite a reduction in energy intake, adult females following this weight management programme may be consuming a diet that more closely meets UK dietary guidelines when compared with the average UK adult female population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which described a model of the negative glow of a low-pressure mercury-argon discharge. Basic physics allowed for the model; Approach followed in modeling the beam electrons; Description of associative and Penning ionization.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s can result in low physical activity and poor sleep patterns which can have a detrimental effect on a person’s quality of life. To date, studies looking into exercise interventions for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) for symptom management are promising but inconclusive. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of a clearly defined exercise prescription on general physical activity levels, fatigue, sleep, and quality of life in PwP. Method. PwP randomised into either an exercise group (29; 16 males, 13 females; mean age 67 years (7.12)) or a control handwriting group (36; 19 males; 17 females; mean age 67 years (5.88)) as part of a larger trial were included in this substudy if they had completed a 6-month weekly exercise programme (intervention group) and had complete objective physical activity data (intervention and control group). Sleep and fatigue were recorded from self-reported measures, and physical activity levels measured through the use of accelerometers worn 24 hours/day over a seven-day testing period at baseline and following the 24-week intervention. A Wilcoxon’s test followed by a Mann–Whitney post hoc analysis was used, and effect sizes were calculated. Results. Participants showed a significant increase in time spent in sedentary and light activities during the overnight period postintervention in both exercise and handwriting groups (p<0.05) with a moderate effect found for the change in sedentary and light activities in the overnight hours for both groups, over time (0.32 and 0.37-0.38, resp.). There was no impact on self-reported fatigue or sleep. Conclusion. The observed moderate effect on sedentary and light activities overnight could suggest an objective improvement in sleep patterns for individuals participating in both exercise and handwriting interventions. This supports the need for further studies to investigate the role of behavioural interventions for nonmotor symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary interventions including consumption of flavonoids, plant compounds found in certain foods, may have the ability to improve fatigue. However, to date, no well-designed intervention studies assessing the role of flavonoid consumption for fatigue management in people with MS (pwMS) have been performed. The hypothesis is that the consumption of a flavonoid-rich pure cocoa beverage will reduce fatigue in pwMS. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility and potential outcome of running a trial to evaluate this hypothesis. Methods: Using a randomised (1:1) double-blind placebo-controlled feasibility study, 40 men and women (20 in each trial arm) with a recent diagnosis (< 10 years) of relapsing and remitting MS (RRMS) and who are over 18 years of age will be recruited from neurology clinics and throughout the Thames Valley community. During a 6-week nutrition intervention period, participants will consume the cocoa beverage, high flavonoid or low flavonoid content, at breakfast daily. At baseline, demographic factors and disease-related factors will be assessed. Fatigue, activity and quality of life, in addition to other measures, will be taken at three visits (baseline, week 3 and week 6) in a university setting by a researcher blinded to group membership. Feasibility and fidelity will be assessed through recruitment and retention, adherence and a quantitative process evaluation at the end of the trial. We will describe demographic factors (age, gender, level of education) as well as disease-related factors (disease burden scores, length of time diagnosed with MS) and cognitive assessment, depression and quality of life and general physical activity in order to characterise participants and determine possible mediators to identify the processes by which the intervention may bring about change. Feasibility (recruitment, safety, feasibility of implementation of the intervention and evaluation, protocol adherence and data completion) and potential for benefit (estimates of effect size and variability) will be determined to inform future planned studies. Results will be presented using point estimates, 95% confidence intervals and p values. Primary statistical analysis will be on an intention-to-treat basis and will use the complete case data set. Discussion: We propose that a flavonoid-enriched cocoa beverage for the management of fatigue will be well received by participants. Further, if it is implemented early in the disease course of people diagnosed with RRMS, it will improve mobility and functioning by modifying fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the cardiovascular disease (CVD). Topics discussed include the underlying cause of most CVD is atherosclerosis, a slow, progressive process associated with ageing that is heavily influenced by lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity and poor diet; and mentions there is increasing evidence that compositional bacterial changes of the gut microbiome have a role in reducing cardiovascular risk with postulated mechanisms.

Increasingly, evidence suggests a role for polyphenols in blood glucose control. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of polyphenol- rich sources in combination with carbohydrate sources on resulting postprandial glycaemic and insulin responses. A literature search was conducted using Medline, CINHAL and Web of Science databases. Selected studies included randomised controlled trials in which the association of polyphenolcontaining food or beverage consumption with a carbohydrate source and effect on acute postprandial glycaemia and/or insulin was reported. A total of thirteen full articles were included in the review. Polyphenol sources included coffee, black tea, fruit juice, plant extracts, berries and different rye breads, and carbohydrate sources included bread, pancakes and simple sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose. Although glycaemic and insulin responses differed depending on the polyphenol-carbohydrate combination, overall, polyphenol sources were shown to reduce the peak and early-phase glycaemic response and maintain the glycaemic response in the later stages of digestion. To a lesser extent, polyphenol sources were also shown to reduce peak insulin response and sustain the insulin response, especially when consumed with bread. This review supports epidemiological data suggesting that polyphenols in foods and beverages may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the extent of this effect is variable depending on the polyphenol and carbohydrate source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Epithelial calcium transport occurs by paracellular and transcellular mechanisms. Transcellular transport in intestinal and renal epithelia involves several transport proteins, including transient receptor potential vanilloid member 5 (TRPV5), member 6 (TRPV6), calbindin D9k (CB9), calbindin D28k (CB28), sodium calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1), plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We are interested in the horse because of its unique calcium physiology (high blood calcium, high intestinal calcium absorption, high renal excretion of calcium, low vitamin D concentrations), and because horses often have dysregulated calcium balance with various diseases. We cloned the mRNA for equine TRPV5, TRPV6, CB9, CB28, NCX1, PMCA1, and VDR, performed comparative mRNA and protein sequence analysis, and quantified their mRNA expression in the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. Sequence homology for the mRNAs and proteins was high among mammals (>75%), with fish having the lowest homology (<75%). TRPV5, TRPV6, and CB9 expression was higher in the duodenum and proximal jejunum and followed a similar expression pattern. CB28 expression was greatest in the kidney. PMCA1 and NCX1 expression was similar throughout the intestine, but in the kidney PMCA1 expression was higher. Based on our findings, the proximal small intestine is the main site for transcellular calcium transport, with TRPV6 and CB9 serving as the main transport proteins. In the kidney, TRPV6, CB28, and PMCA1 are likely more important. The low VDR expression in the equine small intestine and kidney relative to the large intestine, together with the reported high intestinal absorption and renal excretion of calcium, and low vitamin D concentrations suggests that epithelial calcium transport in horses is not as dependent on vitamin D as in other species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The interaction of human osteoblast cells with diamond-like carbon films incorporating silicon and silicon oxide (SiO x , 1⩽ x ⩽1.5) and synthesized using the direct-current plasma-activated chemical vapour deposition method was investigated. Cell culture studies were performed for films with Si contents ranging from ∼4at.% to 15at.%. Substantial differences between Si-incorporated and SiO x -incorporated films were found for the bonding environments of Si atoms and the hybridization of underlying carbon structures. However, osteoblast-attachment studies did not show statistically significant trends in properties of cell growth (count, area and morphology) that can be attributed either to the Si content of the films or to the chemical structure of the films. The surface energy decreased by 40% as the Si content of the SiO x incorporated DLC films increased to 13at.%. The cell adhesion properties however did not change in response to lowering of the surface energy. The incorporation of both Si and SiO x leads to a beneficial reduction in the residual stress of the films. The average roughness of the films increases and the hardness decreases when Si and SiO x are added to DLC films. The impact of these changes for load-bearing biomedical applications can be determined only by carefully controlled experiments using anatomic simulators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A time-resolved study is presented of stimulated Raman backscatter (B-SRS) produced in a large-scale-length preformed plasma in an intense laser pulse. The first direct experimental results are presented to (i) show that the B-SRS is generated predominantly in laser filaments and (ii) provide a direct correlation between the spectral and spatial emission profiles of the B-SRS as a function of interaction irradiance. The ‘‘anomalous’’ B-SRS spectral features so commonly reported in time-resolved studies are shown to be the characteristic emission of B-SRS from filaments. The B-SRS fraction was also measured as a function of interaction irradiance. The B-SRS intensity ‘‘threshold’’ and ‘‘saturating’’ behavior recorded can be well described for the present interaction conditions. The onset of B-SRS is shown to be strongly correlated with the intensity threshold of the filamentation instability. The effect of laser beam ‘‘smoothing’’ techniques on the B-SRS emission have also been investigated, using either a random phase plate (RPP) or induced spatial incoherence (ISI). The results suggest that their effectiveness in suppressing B-SRS is strongly associated with their ability to reduce the level of filamentation while still producing a high level of plasma perturbation which can effectively destroy the phase-matching conditions necessary for B-SRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes K-shell spectra obtained from solid density plasmas produced by a high contrast subpicosecond laser pulse. Estimation of the mean electron density at which emission takes place; Energy transport mechanism; Existence of an optimum condition to produce x-ray emission at solid density for a given isoelectronic sequence.

Experimental results are presented for the interaction of an intense laser beam in large preformed, homogeneous underdense plasmas. Parametric instabilities, including filamentation, stimulated Raman (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), have been extensively studied. In this paper comparisons are made between coherent and smoothed laser interaction beams for their effectiveness in suppressing these instabilities. Direct observations of the enhanced breakup of the coherent interaction beam due to filamentation are presented. Measurements of the transverse scale lengths of the hot spots, and the level of the intensity modulations of the filamentary structures are given. Further, direct experimental observations of SRS and SBS generated in filaments are presented. These provided conclusive evidence that tills instability provides the primary mechanism for the generation of SRS and SBS under such plasma conditions. With the smoothed laser interaction beams, using random phase plates (RPP) and induced spatial incoherence (ISI), the level of filamention was significantly reduced. The backscattered fractions of SRS and SBS with respect to the irradiance of the interaction beam were measured for coherent, RPP and ISI. Reduction of typically a factor of 20 and 500 were recorded using RPP and ISI, respectively, in the backscattering levels of SRS and SBS when compared with the coherent interaction beam. The reductions are attributed primarily to the effectiveness of the beam-smoothing techniques in suppressing the filamentation instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A screening programme was used to search for biocontrol agents against Gaeumannomyces graminis causing take-all disease of wheat. Of the 1800 rhizosphere microorganisms tested, 10% controlled the disease in a secondary screen. The 30 most effective isolates were further investigated for mode of action. Although 72% of the sites sampled for antagonistic microbes were planted to continuous cereals, they yielded only 23% of the most effective isolates. Of all the isolates selected, 63% belonged to the genera Bocillus, Pseudomonas and Penicillium; Beauveria and Rhodococcus were also antagonistic. Fluorescent pseudomonads, all producing siderophores in low-iron medium, accounted for 23% of the isolate. Over 50% of strains produced β-glucanases and chitinases. Less than 50% of the strains selected by the in vivo screen inhibited G. graminis in agar plate tests. In the gnotobiotic system used, the Pseudomonas strains were faster in colonizing the wheat roots than the majority of the Bacillus and fungal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time-resolved spectroscopy (with a 2 psec temporal resolution) of plasmas produced by the interaction between solid targets and a high contrast subpicosecond table top terawatt (T³) laser at 10[sup 16] W/cm², is used to study the basic processes which control the x-ray pulse duration. Short x-ray pulses have been obtained by spectral selection or by plasma gradient scalelength control. Time-dependent calculations of the atomic physics [Phys. Fluids B 4, 2007, 1992] coupled to a Fokker-Planck code [Phys. Rev. Lett. 53, 1461, 1984] indicate that it is essential to take into account the non-Maxwellian character of the electron distribution for a quantitative analysis of the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high-quality polycrystalline chemical-vapor-deposited diamond films with large grains (∼ 100 μm), field effect transistors (FETs) with gate lengths of 0.1 μm were fabricated. From the RF characteristics, the maximum transition frequency ƒT and the maximum frequency of oscillation ƒmax were ∼ 45 and ∼ 120 GHz, respectively. The ƒT and ƒmax values are much higher than the highest values for single-crystalline diamond FETs. The dc characteristics of the FET showed a drain-current density IDS of 550 mA/mm at gate-source voltage VGS of -3.5 V and a maximum transconductance gm of 143 mS/mm at drain voltage VDS of -8 V. These results indicate that the high-quality polycrystalline diamond film, whose maximum size is 4 in at present, is a most promising substrate for diamond electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the first direct experimental observation of the coalescence of two shocks induced by a shaped laser pulse. Optical streak photography of the rear surface of aluminum multiple step targets was used to study the breakout of these shocks and observe their behavior. The experimental results are compared with simulations by a one-dimensional Lagrangian hydrodynamic code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet and inflammation may contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between proinflammatory diet, as estimated by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), and the likelihood of developing MS or other demyelinating autoimmune diseases. A systematic search was performed of search engines and databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Embase) to identify relevant studies before 10th June 2023. The search identified 182 potential studies, from which 39 full-text articles were screened for relevance. Five articles with case-control design (n = 4,322, intervention group: 1714; control group: 2608) met the study inclusion criteria. The exposure variable was DII, with studies using two distinct models: quartile-based comparisons of DII and assessment of continuous DII. The meta-analysis of high versus low quartiles of DII with four effect sizes showed a significant association with MS/demyelinating autoimmune disease likelihood, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.26 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 9.10). The meta-analysis of four studies with DII fit as a continuous variable showed a 31% increased likelihood of MS per unit increment; which was not statistically significant at the nominal alpha equals 0.05 (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.95, 1.81). In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence of a positive association between higher DII scores with the likelihood of developing MS, highlighting that diet-induced inflammation could play a role in MS or other demyelinating autoimmune diseases risk., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Dr. James R. Hébert owns a controlling interest in Connecting Health Innovations LLC (CHI), a company that has licensed the right to his invention of the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) from the University of South Carolina in order to develop computer and smart phone applications for patient counseling and dietary intervention in clinical settings. CHI owns exclusive rights to the E-DII™. The subject matter of this paper has no direct bearing on that work, nor has any CHI-related activity exerted any influence on this project., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)