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Objective: Increased body weight has been associated with reduced muscle wasting in the early catabolic phase after a severe burn. Yet, overweight and obese non-burn children often exhibit impaired musculoskeletal function, which may lead to poor physical function (PF). We aimed to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) at discharge and self-reported PF and caregiver proxy-reported PF during recovery of burned children.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective multisite longitudinal study in paediatric burn patients ((8-17 y old at time of burn). PF outcome measures were self-reported mobility, proxy-reported mobility, and upper extremity PF evaluated using PROMIS measures at 6-, 12-, and 24-months after injury. Primary exposure variable was BMI-for-age at discharge.Results: A total of 118 paediatric patients, aged 11.7 ± 3.3 y, with burns covering 37.6 ± 18.8% of their total body surface area (TBSA) and BMI-for-age of 23.1 ± 5.4 kg/m2 at discharge were analyzed. BMI at discharge was not significantly associated with self-reported mobility scores 6 months after burn (beta coefficient =-0.23, p = 0.31), had a positive effect on mobility at 12 months (beta = 0.46, p = 0.05), and no effect at 24 months after injury (beta=-0.10, p = 0.60), when adjusted for burn size. BMI did not have a significant effect on proxy-reported mobility or upper extremity PF.Conclusion: A greater BMI at discharge was associated with improved self-reported PF at 12 months after burn but not at 6 months or 24 months, which suggests a faster recovery of PF in paediatric patients of larger body weight. Our data suggests that a larger body weight does not compromise the recovery of PF after burn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Study suggests exercise may help prevent traffic injuries. • Elderly people who do not exercise have a gap between their awareness and behavior when crossing the street. • A high percentage of elderly people are able to react in some way when they are about to have an injury. Introduction: In recent years, the percentage of elderly fatalities in traffic crashes in Japan has been increasing and has exceeded 50% since 2010. The fatality rate is high for the elderly due to the deterioration of physical functions. Method: The purpose of this study was to reduce the high fatality rate of elderly people at the time of the crash and to find out the effective exercise elements for maintaining physical functions, and to deter traffic crashes and reduce the fatality rate of the elderly people. Results: The effect of exercise on improving and maintaining physical fitness was remarkable, and even when encountering a near miss injuries or crashes, the percentage of the group that was able to respond in some way to a near miss or crashes was higher in the group that regularly exercised. The elderly who do not exercise tend to take longer to start crossing and tend to check both sides of the road less often while crossing. In addition, when they were about to encounter a car, they tended to continue walking, which tended to lead to dangerous crossing. Conclusion: As a result of the questionnaire survey, the possibility of preventing traffic crashes by participating in sports was confirmed. As a result of running experiments using a crossing simulator, it was found that elderly people who do not exercise have a gap between their usual awareness of crossing and their actual behavior. Practical implications: Through the discovering elements of exercise that are useful in reducing injuries will make it possible to provide accurate guidance and training to elderly people with reduced physical functions, and it is expected that pedestrians will be able to avoid traffic injuries with their own abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report evaluates whether health related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported arm morbidity one year after axillary surgery are affected by the omission of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The ongoing international non-inferiority SENOMAC trial randomizes clinically node-negative breast cancer patients (T1-T3) with 1–2 sentinel lymph node (SLN) macrometastases to completion ALND or no further axillary surgery. For this analysis, the first 1181 patients enrolled in Sweden and Denmark between March 2015, and June 2019, were eligible. Data extraction from the trial database was on November 2020. This report covers the secondary outcomes of the SENOMAC trial: HRQoL and patient-reported arm morbidity. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23 and Lymph-ICF questionnaires were completed in the early postoperative phase and at one-year follow-up. Adjusted one-year mean scores and mean differences between the groups are presented corrected for multiple testing. Overall, 976 questionnaires (501 in the SLN biopsy only group and 475 in the completion ALND group) were analysed, corresponding to a response rate of 82.6%. No significant group differences in overall HRQoL were identified. Participants receiving SLN biopsy only, reported significantly lower symptom scores on the EORTC subscales of pain, arm symptoms and breast symptoms. The Lymph-ICF domain scores of physical function, mental function and mobility activities were significantly in favour of the SLN biopsy only group. One year after surgery, arm morbidity is significantly worse affected by ALND than by SLN biopsy only. The results underline the importance of ongoing attempts to safely de-escalate axillary surgery. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov prior to initiation (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT 02240472). [Display omitted] • Omission of ALND significantly reduces patient-reported arm morbidity. • SLNB versus ALND results in significant less pain and better physical function. • HRQoL is not affected by de-escalated axillary surgery. • Complaints from axillary surgery are evaluated with patient-reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of aquatic training on motor risk factors for falls in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with older people, divided into an aquatic training group (ATG) (n = 24) and a control group (CG) (n = 25). Muscle strength was assessed by the 5-Times Sit-to-Stand Test, mobility by the simple and dual-task Timed Up and Go Test, and postural stability through stabilometric data (force platform). The CG received monthly calls to monitor general health. The ATG carried out training lasting 16 weeks, with two 1-hour sessions per week. Both groups improved muscular strength and cognitive-motor tasks, and they performed a dual task with fewer errors in the secondary task after 16 weeks regardless of the pandemic and COVID-19 diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in the area of center of pressure displacement in the tandem posture with eyes closed in the CG. When analyzing participants who adhered at least 50% to the intervention, the ATG significantly reduced the number of steps on the Timed Up and Go Test performance. Both groups improved muscular strength and cognitive-motor tasks and increased the cognitive task cost. In the CG, there was a significant decrease in the mean amplitude of the anteroposterior center of pressure displacement in the feet together with eyes open. We found that aquatic physical exercise presented positive effects on some potentially modifiable motor risk factors for falls (mobility and muscle strength) regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 diagnosis, especially among people who adhered to the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess differences in postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) attainment following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion based on predominant preoperative pain symptom. Patients undergoing primary, single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were identified. PROMs included visual analog scale (VAS) arm and neck, 12-item short-form physical component summary (SF-12 PCS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), and Neck Disability Index, collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were placed in preoperative predominant arm pain (pAP) and preoperative predominant neck pain groups. χ2 test compared demographic and perioperative characteristics, and MCID attainment rates. Student t test evaluated change from preoperative to postoperative PROM values and compared PROMs between groups. There were 110 patients assessed (52 neck pain, 58 arm pain). Patients with preoperative predominant neck pain improved significantly from preoperative to postoperative at 12 weeks to 1 year for PROMIS-PF, 6 months and 1 year for SF-12 PCS, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS neck, 6 weeks to 6 months for VAS arm, and 6 weeks to 2 years for Neck Disability Index (all P ≤ 0.035). Patients with pAP improved significantly from preoperative to all postoperative time points for PROMIS-PF, 6 months to 2 years for SF-12 PCS, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS neck, 6 weeks to 1 year for VAS arm, and 6 weeks to 6 months for Neck Disability Index (all P ≤ 0.040). Mean PROMIS-PF was higher at 6 weeks, preoperative VAS neck was lower, and preoperative VAS arm was higher for pAP patients (all P ≤ 0.013). MCID attainment was significantly higher in pAP patients for PROMIS-PF from 6 weeks to 6 months, SF-12 PCS 6 weeks, and VAS arm 12 weeks. Predominant pain symptom demonstrated little effect on perioperative characteristics and postoperative PROMs. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion candidates will likely experience similar clinically meaningful postoperative improvements in physical function, disability, and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Many trials conclude "no clinically meaningful detriment" to health-related quality of life (HRQL) or function between arms, even when notable differential toxicity is observed. Mean change from baseline analyses of function or HRQL can possibly obscure important change in subgroups experiencing symptomatic toxicity. We evaluate the impact of diarrhea, a key treatment arm toxicity, on patient-reported HRQL and functioning in clinical trials submitted to US Food and Drug Administration.Methods: This study used 4 randomized, breast cancer trials (adjuvant to late-line metastatic) as case examples. Diarrhea, physical functioning (PF), and global health status and quality of life (GHS/QoL) from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 were analyzed at baseline and approximately 3 and 6 months.Results: Generally, patients reporting very much diarrhea at months 3 and 6 had worse PF (9-19 points lower) and GHS/QoL (16-19 points lower) than patients reporting no diarrhea regardless of treatment arm. In the change from baseline analysis, patients reporting very much diarrhea also experienced a greater decrease in PF (6-13 points) and GHS/QoL (6-16 points) versus patients reporting no diarrhea in both arms.Conclusions: In trials with moderate to large differences in symptomatic toxicity by arm, reporting "no meaningful difference in functioning and HRQL between arms" based on mean change from baseline analysis is insufficient and may obscure important impacts on subgroups experiencing symptomatic adverse events. Additional exploratory analyses with simple data visualizations evaluating functioning or HRQL in patient subgroups experiencing expected symptomatic toxicities can further inform the safety and tolerability of an investigational agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Painful bone metastases hamper quality of life (QoL). The aim of this prespecified secondary analysis of the PRESENT trial was to compare change in global QoL, physical functioning, emotional functioning, functional interference, and psychosocial aspects after conventional radiation therapy (cRT) versus stereotactic body RT (SBRT).Methods and Materials: A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the phase 2 randomized controlled VERTICAL trial (NCT02364115) following the "trials within cohorts" design and randomized 1:1 to cRT or SBRT. Patient-reported global QoL, physical functioning, emotional functioning, functional interference, and psychosocial aspects were assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire (QLQ) Core 15 Palliative Care and QLQ Bone Metastases 22 modules. Changes in QoL domains over time were compared between patients treated with cRT and SBRT using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) linear mixed model analysis adjusting for baseline scores. Proportions of patients in the cRT versus SBRT arm reporting a clinically relevant change in QoL within 3 months were compared using a χ2 test.Results: QoL scores had improved over time and were comparable between groups for all domains in both the ITT and PP analyses, except for functional interference and psychological aspects in the ITT. Functional interference scores had improved more after 12 weeks in the cRT arm than in the SBRT arm (25.5 vs 14.1 points, respectively; effect size [ES] = 0.49, P = .04). Psychosocial aspects scores had improved more after 8 weeks in the cRT arm than in the SBRT arm (12.2 vs 7.3; ES = 0.56, P = .04). No clinically relevant differences between groups at 12 weeks in terms of global QoL, physical functioning, emotional functioning, functional interference, and psychosocial aspects were observed.Conclusions: Palliative RT improves QoL. Both SBRT and cRT have a comparable effect on patient-reported QoL outcomes in patients with painful bone metastases. Functional interference and psychological aspects scores improved more in patients treated with cRT versus patients offered SBRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Physical inactivity has been described as both a cause and a consequence of low back pain (LBP) largely based on self-reported measures of daily activity. A better understanding of the connections between routine physical activity and LBP may improve LBP interventions.Purpose: In this study, we aim to objectively characterize the free-living physical activity of people with low back pain in comparison to healthy controls using accelerometers, and we aim to derive a set of LBP-specific physical activity minutes thresholds that may be used as targets for future physical activity interventions.Study Design: Cross-sectional.Patient Sample: A total of 22 low back pain patients and 155 controls.Outcome Measures: Accelerometry derived physical activity measures.Methods: Twenty-two people with LBP were compared to 155 age and gender-matched healthy controls. All subjects wore an ActiGraph accelerometer on the right hip for 7 consecutive days. Accelerometry-based physical activity features (count-per-minute CPM) were derived using Freedson's intervals and physical performance intervals. A random forest machine learning classifier was trained to classify LBP status using a leave-one-out cross-validation procedure. An interpretation algorithm, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithm was subsequently applied to assess the feature importance and to establish LBP-specific physical activity thresholds.Results: The LBP group reported mild to moderate disability (average ODI=18.5). The random forest classifier identified a set of 8 features (digital biomarkers) that achieved 88.1% accuracy for distinguishing LBP from controls. All of the top distinguishing features were related to differences in the sedentary and light activity ranges (<800 CPM), whereas moderate to vigorous physical activity was not discriminative. In addition, we identified and ranked physical activity thresholds that are associated with LBP prediction that can be used in future studies of physical activity interventions for LBP.Conclusions: We describe a set of physical activity features from accelerometry data associated with LBP. All of the discriminating features were derived from the sedentary and light activity range. We also identified specific activity intensity minutes thresholds that distinguished LBP subjects from healthy controls. Future examination on the digital markers and thresholds identified through this work can be used to improve physical activity interventions for LBP treatment and prevention by allowing the development of LBP-specific physical activity guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Preliminary evidence has suggested favorable correlation between National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessments and traditional ("legacy") patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in spine surgery. There has been a significant increase in PROMIS research with regards to spinal conditions.Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an assessment of PROMIS Physical Function (PF) measures in this patient population.Study Design/setting: Systematic review.Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify published articles that referenced the various PROMIS PF measures. Two authors independently reviewed selected studies. The search returned 1,060 studies, 124 of which were selected for independent review by two authors. Of these, 37 were selected for inclusion. Mixed linear models were performed to assess for differences between legacy PROMs and PROMIS measures.Results: The combined sample size of all included studies yielded 10,296 total patients. Overall, PROMIS Physical Function (PF) measures demonstrated strong correlations with legacy PROMs when evaluating spine patients (weighted Pearson correlation, 0.589, standard error [SE]=0.023; weighted Spearman correlation, 0.702, SE=0.028). PROMIS questionnaires had significantly fewer questions than did legacy PROMs (4.2±0.30 vs. 9.53±0.82, p=.015). In spine studies, the PROMIS PF forms were completed in significantly less time than legacy PROMs (48.1±2.9 vs. 174.7±12.6 seconds, p<.001). The differences for the reliability measures and the floor and ceiling effects were not significant.Conclusions: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System PF forms compare favorably with legacy PROMs with regard to correlations, ease of use, and quality criteria in the field of spine surgery. PROMIS PF scores correlate strongly with commonly used legacy PROMs, particularly in spine patients. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System PF forms can be administered efficiently and to a broad patient population while remaining highly reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years the focus of healthcare and nutritional science in older adults has shifted from mortality towards physical performance and quality of life. The aim of this review was to summarize observational studies on physical performance in malnourished (MN) or at risk of malnutrition (RMN) older adults compared with well-nourished (WN) older adults. Eligible studies had to report on nutritional status and objectively measured physical performance in older adults (≥60 y). MN or RMN groups had to be compared with a WN group, measured with a validated nutrition screener. Ovid Medline and Web of Science were searched until 13 November, 2020. Study quality was scored using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results were analyzed by meta-analysis when possible, or narratively reviewed otherwise. Forty-five studies (16,911 participants in total) were included from studies in outpatient clinics (n = 6), nursing homes (n = 3), community-dwelling older adults (n = 20), hospitalized patients (n = 15), or a combination (n = 1). Studies used 11 different screeners of malnutrition, and 8 types of physical performance measures. Meta-analysis showed that compared with MN, WN groups had better hand grip strength (mean difference [MD] = 4.92 kg; 95% CI: 3.43, 6.41; P < 0.001; n = 23), faster gait speed (MD = 0.16 m/s; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.27; P = 0.0033; n = 7), performed faster on timed-up-and-go (MD = –5.94 s; 95% CI: –8.98, –2.89; P < 0.001; n = 8), and scored 1.2 more short physical performance battery points (95% CI: 1.32, 2.73; P < 0.001; n = 6). Results were less pronounced when compared with RMN. Narratively, all studies showed an association for knee extension strength, 6-min walking test, and multicomponent tests, except for the chair stand test. Study limitations include no studies scoring "good" on NOS, lack of confounder adjustment, and high heterogeneity. Overall, evidence from cross-sectional studies indicate an association between malnutrition and worse physical performance in older adults. This study is registered in PROSPERO as CRD42020192893. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the evolution of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) has reduced the gap between Deep Learning (DL) based methods and analytical/numerical approaches in scientific computing. However, there are still complications in training PINNs and the optimal interleaving of physical models. In this work, we introduce the concept of Physical Activation Functions (PAFs), in which one can use generic AFs with their mathematical expression inherited from the physical description of the evaluated system, instead of solely usage of standard activation functions (AFs) such as tanh , and sigmoid for all the neurons. The expression of PAFs could be selected based on individual terms appearing in the analytical solution, the initial or boundary conditions of the PDE system, or a component in the composition-of-functions type solutions. The PAFs could be applied in NNs, either in explicit, or self-adaptive forms. In the explicit approach, the main activation function of the network is replaced by PAF in some of the neurons of the network. In the self-adaptive implementation approach, the relative impact of PAFs (compared to the base AF) for each neuron was determined automatically. We tested the performance of PAFs in both forward and inverse problems for several PDEs, such as 1D and 2D wave equations, the Advection-Convection equation, the 1D heterogeneous, and 2D diffusion equations, and the Laplace equation. The main advantage of PAFs, compared to using standard AFs, was the more efficient constraining and interleaving of PINNs with the physical phenomena and their underlying mathematical models. The added PAFs significantly improved the predictions of PINNs for the testing data that were out-of-training distribution. Furthermore, applying PAFs reduced the size of the PINNs by up to 75 % in different cases while maintaining the same accuracy. Also, the training process was improved by reducing the value of the total loss term by one to two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, it improved the precision of the calculated properties in the examined inverse problems, for both clean and noisy observational data. It can be concluded that using PAFs helps in generating PINNs with less complexity and more validity for longer ranges of prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recurrent pericarditis (RP) significantly impacts patients' physical function. • Treatment guidelines recommend initiating therapy for any single episode of acute pericarditis. • In some patients, treatment with biologics is suggested. • Anakinra, rilonacept, and goflikicept are highly promising for RP treatment. Recurrent pericarditis (RP) is defined by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) as an instance of acute pericarditis (AP) that occurs at least 4–6 weeks after the resolution of a previous episode of the same ailment. To mitigate the risk of RP, it is advised to administer accurate and prolonged pharmacological treatment for both the initial AP and subsequent RP. ESC guidelines recommend commencing treatment for any single episode of AP, including those that contribute to RP, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in conjunction with colchicine for several months, often followed by gradual tapering. If there is an inadequate response, corticosteroids (CS) may be introduced cautiously. However, in a minority of cases, even when NSAIDs, colchicine, and CS are administered together at the highest recommended dosages, they may prove ineffective. In such instances, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs or biologics is advised. Among biologics, interleukin (IL)-1 inhibitors have been extensively studied, although certain gaps remain. This narrative review delves into the rationale for employing IL-1 inhibitors and presents findings from existing studies regarding their efficacy, tolerability, and safety. Analysis of the literature indicates that there is currently insufficient data to ascertain the true therapeutic role of IL-1 inhibitors in managing and preventing RP. However, theoretically, drugs targeting both IL-1α and IL-1β may offer superior efficacy compared to those solely targeting IL-1β due to the significant involvement of both cytokines in inflammation. Further research is warranted to determine the comparative effectiveness of IL-1α and IL-1β inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Well-dispersed MgO fluorocarbon dispersion was prepared by OBS addition. • The effect of OBS on paper properties was clarified and neglective. • Deacidified paper have excellent cold extraction pH and alkaline reserve. • Distinctive deacidification effect attributed to different fiber voids of papers. • Physical and mechanical performances of papers were not affected. Improving the dispersion or suspension of magnesium oxide micro/nanoparticles in fluorocarbon solvent is the key to ensure the efficient and stable deacidification of paper. Here, we chose a dispersant of sodium perfluorononenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS), to improve the dispersion stability of nano magnesium oxide (nano MgO) in a fluorocarbon solvent without affecting original performance of paper, and then optimized deacidification performance of paper. After addition of OBS, nano MgO was able to stably disperse in fluorocarbon solvent for up to 1 h. With 0.1 wt% OBS, nano MgO could have excellent deacidification effect and good alkali reserves on paper with different ages. In addition, the physical properties had been slightly impacted. MgO is uniformly dispersed in the cross-section of paper fibers, contributing to increasing the strength of paper sheet. Moreover, the paper still showed good resistance to acidification after dry-heat aging. Overall, this work provides an effective and simple paper deacidification method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the emergence of AI systems that interact with the physical environment, there is an increased interest in incorporating physical reasoning capabilities into those AI systems. But is it enough to only have physical reasoning capabilities to operate in a real physical environment? In the real world, we constantly face novel situations we have not encountered before. As humans, we are competent at successfully adapting to those situations. Similarly, an agent needs to have the ability to function under the impact of novelties in order to properly operate in an open-world physical environment. To facilitate the development of such AI systems, we propose a new benchmark, NovPhy, that requires an agent to reason about physical scenarios in the presence of novelties and take actions accordingly. The benchmark consists of tasks that require agents to detect and adapt to novelties in physical scenarios. To create tasks in the benchmark, we develop eight novelties representing a diverse novelty space and apply them to five commonly encountered scenarios in a physical environment, related to applying forces and motions such as rolling, falling, and sliding of objects. According to our benchmark design, we evaluate two capabilities of an agent: the performance on a novelty when it is applied to different physical scenarios and the performance on a physical scenario when different novelties are applied to it. We conduct a thorough evaluation with human players, learning agents, and heuristic agents. Our evaluation shows that humans' performance is far beyond the agents' performance. Some agents, even with good normal task performance, perform significantly worse when there is a novelty, and the agents that can adapt to novelties typically adapt slower than humans. We promote the development of intelligent agents capable of performing at the human level or above when operating in open-world physical environments. Benchmark website: https://github.com/phy-q/novphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management program using gain/loss-framed messages in patients with gastric cancer. In this randomized controlled trial, 69 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy at a university hospital were assigned to the gain- or loss-framed message group. The self-management program consisted of: 1) face-to-face education, 2) gain/loss-framed text messages, and 3) self-monitoring of health behaviors. Health outcomes (i.e., nutritional status, physical activity, exercise intensity, and distress), and health behaviors (i.e., dietary habits, physical activity performance, and distress management) were measured, and a generalized estimating equation was used for the analysis. Nutritional status and dietary habits in the loss framed message group were statistically higher after the intervention compared to the counterpart (β = −1.72, p =.049; β = 0.36, p =.033, respectively). There was no time-group interaction effect on physical activity, exercise intensity, physical activity performance, distress or distress management. A self-management program employing loss-framed messages was effective in promoting nutrition-related self-management among patients with gastric cancer. Message-framing is an effective communication technique that can be easily used in clinical settings, and a loss-message-framing strategy may enhance nutrition-related self-management in patients with gastric cancer. • Message-framing presents a health message based on the anticipated behavior outcome. • Ways of presenting a health message can influence individuals' behavioral changes. • Loss-framing may promote gastric cancer patients' nutrition-related self-management. • Nurses can readily implement message-framing as a patient education strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of hardware security, the physical unclonable function (PUF) is known as a significant advancement for its unique and unclonable outputs, serving as a 'digital fingerprint' for electronic devices. This distinctiveness is crucial for high-security tasks such as device authentication and cryptographic key generation. The PUF's input-output combinations, known as challenge-response pairs (CRPs), are essential to its functionality. Although the Ring Oscillator (RO) PUF is notable for its security advantages and straightforward implementation, it's considered a 'weak' PUF due to its limited CRPs, highlighting a demand for more robust and secure PUF designs. This paper introduces a novel configurable inversion unit (CIU), integrating two universal logic gates, NAND and NOR, to be utilized in building various configurable ring oscillator (CRO) PUF models. Using the newly proposed CIU, we introduce two distinct CRO-PUF configurations. The first one includes 16-ring oscillators, while the second has 8-ring oscillators. A modified version of this CIU is introduced to increase the size of CRPs that a PUF can handle. A comprehensive assessment process of these configurations underscores the superior performance of these models across various parameters, including reliability, distinctiveness, balance, bit-aliasing, and randomness. • MUX-based CRO PUFs mainly utilize inverters and XOR gates. • XOR gates in CRO-PUFs, with/without MUXs, boost RO-PUF efficacy. • Few CRO-PUF designs use NAND/NOR universal gates. • More ring oscillators in PUFs link to better security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual cells are the smallest units of the plant tissue structure, and their structure and physicochemical properties are essential for whole food processing. In this study, cassava cells were isolated using acid-alkali, hydrothermal, and pectinase methods, and the differences in microstructure and physicochemical properties among the cells, starch, and whole flour were investigated. Cassava cells isolated using pectinase showed intact individual cells with a higher isolation rate and less damage to the cell wall structure and intracellular composition. The presence of cell walls in intact individual cells inhibited the swelling and leaching of starch, resulting in a lower peak viscosity and higher gelatinization temperature than those of starch. The intact cell structure and non-starch composition enhanced the shear resistance of the gels in the sample. Heat treatment led to the gelatinization of intracellular starch and increased the permeability of the cell wall, destroying the physical barrier function of the cell wall; however, the compact cell matrix and non-starch components can inhibit starch hydrolysis. This study suggests that cells isolated using pectinase can be used to investigate the effect of cell walls on the functional properties of intracellular starch in cassava. The isolated cells provide new insights into the cassava industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynapenia: grip strength <17 and <20 kg identifies WS decline in women. • Probable sarcopenia: grip strength < 17 and < 20 kg identifies WS decline in women. • Low SMMI and sarcopenia in women didn't identify mobility decline risk. • Dynapenia, low SMMI, sarcopenia in men didn't identify mobility decline risk. To determine the best indicator of mobility decline between dynapenia, low skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), and sarcopenia defined by the EWGSOP 2 using different cutoff points for grip strength. A longitudinal study was conducted with a follow-up of eight years, involving 2,680 individuals aged 60 and older who participated in the ELSA study with a walking speed greater than 0.8 m/s at baseline. Dynapenia was defined using different cutoff points for grip strength. SMMI was defined by the 20th percentile of the entire ELSA sample distribution and sarcopenia was defined based on the EWGSOP2 , using different cutoff points for grip strength. Mobility was analysed using the walking speed test. Over time, the greatest decline in walking speed occurred in dynapenic women with grip strength < 17 kg (-0.005 m/s per year; 95 % CI: -0.01 to -0.001) and < 20 kg (-0.007 m/s per year; 95 % CI: -0.01 to -0.001). With regards to sarcopenia, the greatest walking speed decline occurred in women with probable sarcopenia when defined by grip strength < 17 kg [(-0.006 m/s per year; 95 % CI: -0.01 to -0.001) or grip strength < 20 kg (-0.007 m/s per year; 95 % CI: -0.01 to -0.001)]. Dynapenia in men as well as low SMMI and sarcopenia in men and women did not enable identifying the risk of mobility decline. Dynapenia and probable sarcopenia defined by grip strength < 17 kg and < 20 kg enabled identifying walking speed decline over time only in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pain management is complicated by health-related behaviors such as smoking. • Current smokers had higher pain interference at intake. • Body symptom distribution was no different among never, prior, and current smokers. • Physical function scores were also no different between smoking groups. Study of the association between smoking and pain intensity has produced conflicting results; with less focus on pain interference. Different pain constructs could have varying associations with smoking behaviors. This study sought to investigate the association between smoking history and not only pain intensity, but also pain interference, symptom distribution and physical function. Smoking history (current, past, or none), pain interference (Pain, Enjoyment of Life, and General Activity scale), symptom distribution and physical function scores were extracted from medical records of patients seen in physical therapy for common sites of musculoskeletal pain (lumbar and cervical spine, knee, or hip). Generalized linear models assessed the relationship between smoking history and pain/function. 833 patients from an integrated healthcare system were included (mean: 57.6 years, SD=16.3; 43 % male). After controlling for several variables, current smokers had significantly higher baseline pain interference scores compared to never and former smokers (beta [B]: 0.65, 95 %CI: 0.13 to 1.18, P =.02). Smoking was not a significant predictor of symptom distribution at baseline [B: 0.17, 95 %CI −0.06 to 0.42, P =.16] or physical function scores at discharge [B: -0.03, 95 %CI: −0.08 to 0.02, P =.25]. Smokers experienced a greater impact of pain at baseline. However, symptom distribution at intake and function upon discharge were similar between all smoking groups. These findings suggest smoking cessation and abstinence may be important recommendations to help curb pain interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multi-modal mass transport is achieved in a pH-responsive block copolymer membrane. • Reversible oxidative wetting and dewetting are controlled by potential in hydrophobic membranes. • Potential-correlated electrochemiluminescence enables direct observation of wetting. Inspired by the hydrophobic gating for achieving fast and selective ion/molecular transport in cell membranes, wetting/dewetting transition in solid-state nanopores controlled by external stimuli such as voltage, pH, electrostatics, and light have attracted increasing attention. For an accurate and better understanding, a single nanopore or low-density array of nanopores was preferred to investigate the wetting and dewetting transitions owing to their well-defined chemical functions and physical structures. However, high-density nanochannel membranes capable of processing high-throughput and multi-modal mass transport are more beneficial with the aim of practical use. In this regard, pH- and potential-responsive nanochannel membranes consisting of a polystyrene- b -poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS- b -P4VP) block copolymer (BCP) are prepared to demonstrate a multi-modal transport system with high-throughput capability. At pH < p K a (P4VP) (p K a ∼ 4.8), the cylindrical P4VP nanodomains are hydrophilic and positively charged, acting as an anion-exchange membrane. In contrast, at pH > p K a (P4VP), the P4VP domains switch to be charge-neutral and hydrophobic, naturally blocking the mass transport through the nanochannels. Applying a sufficiently positive potential to a BCP membrane-coated electrode may induce oxidative wetting in the hydrophobic nanochannels to facilitate mass transport across the membrane with no charge-selectivity. Releasing the bias makes the hydrophobic nanochannel membranes retrieve the original dewetted state, blocking the transport again. In addition, direct observation of the wetting-dewetting transition dynamics in the hydrophobic nanochannels is investigated by monitoring potential-correlated electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals arising from Ru(bpy) 3 2+ and co-reactant tripropylamine (TPA) under potential modulations. ECL signals tend to decrease with increasing membrane thickness ranging from 0 nm to 820 nm because it requires higher potentials to induce wetting in the nanochannels due to elongated hydrophobic nanochannels. The multi-modal transport system developed in the present work will be useful for applications such as water treatment, biosensors, and smart valve systems like controlled drug release/delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its simplicity and high reliability, Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy conversion devices hold great promise for practical applications. The optimization of OWC parameters is currently a hot research topic. In this study, we address the challenges of rapid response prediction and parameter optimization for OWC systems by developing a physics-informed neural networks (PINN) model. The influence of different physical constraints on the performance of the PINN model is investigated. Our research demonstrates that incorporating the key parameter of wave elevation in the intermediate layer enhances the interpretability, prediction accuracy, and scalability of the model but may affect its convergence. By including the prior physical knowledge of the correlation between water volume change rate and power generation efficiency into the loss function, the convergence of the neural network model can be improved, albeit with minimal impact on prediction accuracy and scalability. Additionally, introducing the critical laws discovered in subsequent analyses regarding the relationship between wave elevation distribution and power generation efficiency into the loss function enhances the convergence of the PINN model while significantly improving its scalability. In summary, by integrating various physical constraints, including key parameters, prior knowledge, and critical laws, into the neural network model, significant improvements can be achieved in the interpretability, accuracy, convergence, and scalability of the model. The findings of this study highlight the avenues through which neural network model performance can be improved from these three perspectives, aiming to provide guidance for related modeling endeavors. • Different types of physical constraints have varying impacts on the performance of the OWC power prediction PINN model. • PINN models have demonstrated a notably enhanced performance in power prediction of OWC devices. • Insights gained from this research can be used to optimize the modeling of PINN models for similar objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces innovative concepts for closed-loop recycling waste concrete to produce fully recycled concrete (FRC). Multiple test methods and characterization techniques were used to evaluate the physical properties and durability of four types of concrete (normal concrete, recycled aggregate concrete, recycled cement concrete and FRC). The fresh density, compressive strength, ultrasonic characteristics, chloride resistance, water adsorption properties, carbonation behaviors, and microstructure characteristics of these concretes were investigated. The water absorption behavior of FRC can be divided into three stages, with the initial stage having a water absorption rate three times that of ordinary concrete. It was found that carbonation depth varied among different concrete types, influenced by binder quality, which can affect the porosity and mechanical properties. Overall, recycled cement concrete and FRC demonstrate considerable potential for reducing carbon emissions, with total emissions of 59.152 kgCO 2 /m3, representing an 85 % reduction compared to ordinary concrete. [Display omitted] • Fully recycled concrete (FRC) with 100 % recycled cement + 100 % recycled aggregates were prepared. • Physical performance and carbon emissions of normal concrete, recycled aggregate concrete, recycled cement concrete and FRC were compared. • The water absorption behavior of FRC can be divided into three stages, with the initial stage three times faster than ordinary concrete. • Recycled cement concrete and FRC demonstrate an 85 % reduction of carbon emissions compared to ordinary concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterioration models of reinforced concrete (RC) in marine environment, to be applied to existing structures, usually need to be calibrated with long-term in-situ data. The Bayesian model updating provides a framework to incorporate measured data into existing models to make them more realistic. The measured chloride concentrations of concrete at different depths are related to each other through the Fick's second law, but they are treated as independent in existing updating methods, which affects the accuracy of model updating. To solve this issue, this paper proposes a data-based and physics-informed (DBPI) likelihood function to incorporate the physical law behind the measured data into Bayesian updating framework, whose validity is first confirmed through numerical examples, and then it is applied to the durability assessment of an existing wharf structure in marine environment. The parameters involved in the chloride ingress model and the critical chloride concentration model are updated using the data from durability inspections. The durability performance of the structure is then assessed using the updated models, which is consistent with the actual surface deterioration observed in the two inspections. Discussion of the updated results reveals that ignoring the physical law behind the measured data may result in incorrect inferences of the chloride ingress model and multi-mode distribution of the updated parameters, which is solved by using the proposed DBPI likelihood function, and the accuracy of Bayesian updating is significantly improved. • A data-based and physics-informed likelihood function is proposed for Bayesian updating. • The DBPI likelihood function incorporates the physical laws behind the measurement data. • The method for updating the critical chloride concentration model is proposed. • The methods are applied to the deterioration model updating of an existing wharf structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Diesel oil improves the slurrying characteristics of LRC. • Diesel modification can improve the comprehensive combustion performance of M-LRCWS. • The combustion of LRCWS and M-LRCWS follow the third-order reaction mechanism. In this study, modified low rank coal water slurry (M-LRCWS) was prepared by using diesel modified low rank coal (LRC) and compared with low LRC water slurry (LRCWS) to investigate the slurry formation mechanism and combustion characteristics of coal water slurry. Meanwhile, the combustion kinetics of coal-water slurry was investigated using kinetic methods to probe the combustion reaction mechanism. The results showed that the slurry formation concentration of LRC was 70 %, while the slurry formation concentration of M-LRCWS was 72 %, which was an increase of 2 %. The diesel modification positively affected the stability of CWS. The comprehensive combustion characteristics index of the same slurry deteriorated with increasing heating rate. At the same heating rate, M-LRCWS has better combined combustion performance, higher flammability and more stable ignition performance. Combustion kinetics calculations showed that the reaction activation energies were 105.50 kJ/mol for M-LRCWS and 99.59 kJ/mol for LRCWS using the FWO method, and 93.48 kJ/mol for M-LRCWS and 92.68 kJ/mol for LRCWS using the Starink method. The activation energy of M-LRCWS is slightly higher than that of LRCWS, which indicates that the diesel fuel is encapsulated in the coal particles and it is difficult to activate the substance. As a result, the dispersion system is more stable and favorable for storage and transportation. The physical functions of LRCWS and M-LRCWS were calculated using the Achar differential equation and the Coats-Redfern integral equation, and the results showed that both LRCWS and M-LRCWS followed the tertiary reaction (F3) mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a static-RAM cell using the Gnr-GDI method is proposed as a weak-type physical unclonable function (PUF) circuit to generate a unique and stable binary output for secure IoT devices. Regarding the memory level, a suitable combination of dynamic body bias, stacked networks, and multi-V th techniques has been used in the architecture of asymmetric cell-structure inverters as a latch section to reduce power consumption and improve hardware efficiency. In addition, the logic styles of virtual ground and power gating based on word and BL data lines and a tri-state buffer structure have been used to extend the write VTC and improve read stability, respectively. From the perspective of PUF performance, the body of the latch section can form skewed VTCs based on the setting of critical parameters in GnrFET technology to achieve an efficient PUF circuit design. At the memory performance level, the Monte Carlo (MC) method-based results confirm the reasonable performance of the proposed structure in terms of static noise margin (SNM) and hardware efficiency, such as 53 % delay and 72 % energy-delay product (EDP) parameters, compared with the 6 T SRAM structure in a similar 16 nm GnrFET technology. In addition, in terms of the performance as a PUF circuit, the simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed cell in terms of energy consumption, BER, response time, uniqueness, and stability under non-technological variation conditions of temperature and supply voltage. The outstanding performance results of the figure of merits (FoMs), CEQM, and UR2, which are composed of variability, energy, reliability, and layout-level factors, indicate the suitability of the proposed memory architecture for use in both the memory and PUF modes. Furthermore, to investigate the application level, memory structure has been used to store fingerprint images as PUF data using a hardware algorithm. The results of the proposed comprehensive FoM, which is based on the simultaneous consideration of circuit level and quality parameters, indicate that the proposed memory scheme in a bit-interleaved architecture-compatible design can be introduced as a high-performance candidate for generating and storing unique binary data in PUF-based IoT platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevating visible light absorption and carrier transport capacity of diamond silicon is a terrifying challenge for improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. Here, six new crystals with similar stacking patterns but various arrangement orders to Si–I are predicated by the random approach combined with group and graph theories. Considering potential applications in the photovoltaic field, we have conducted a detailed study on the stability and physical properties of these structures by first-principles calculations. As a result, these new structures meet mechanical, dynamic, and thermodynamic stabilities, and they are all indirect band gap semiconductor. In particular, among these materials, the effective mass of the smallest hole is only 0.11 m 0 , which is smaller than that of diamond silicon. This result indicates that these structures have better carrier transport capabilities than diamond. In addition, XRD patterns of these six structures were studied for shedding more light for developing these structures in the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3D reconstruction is generally defined as the process of capturing the shape and appearance of real objects. By reconstructing 3D digital model from a series of 2D slices, it brings considerable convenience to visualize internal structure and decipher structure-property relation of a material. Nowadays, the 3D reconstruction is becoming a cutting-edge technique in depicting the internal structure and evaluating the physical performance of targeted materials. Recent years, generative machine learning methods, such as generative adversarial networks (GAN), have achieved tremendous success in AI-generated physical content (AIGPC). However, lots of technical challenges remain, including oversimplified models, oversized dataset requirement and inefficient convergence. These difficulties are caused by the insufficient ability to capture detailed features and the inadequacy of the generated model quality. To this end, a novel generative model is developed, which combines the multiscale features of U-net and the synthesis ability of GANs. With the help of the multiscale channel aggregation module, the hierarchical feature aggregation module and the convolutional block attention module, our model is developed to capture the features of the material microstructure better. The loss function is refined by combining the image regularization loss with the Wasserstein distance loss. In addition, the anisotropy index is adopted to measure anisotropic degree of selected samples quantitively. The results demonstrate that the 3D structures generated by the proposed model retain high fidelity with ground truth samples. With remarkable performance, the proposed model not only overtakes traditional GAN, but will shed a brilliant light on AIGPC and physical 3D reconstruction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-cleaning films with superhydrophobicity and photocatalytic capability have attracted considerable interest in recent years for the synthetical chemical and physical self-cleaning performance to overcome individual inherent limitations. In the present work, a dual-functional self-cleaning film is proposed through the design of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanopillar array, swelling absorption of anatase-typed TiO 2 nanoparticles, and final low-surface-energy modification of 1 H ,1 H ,2 H ,2 H -perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDTS). Benefiting from the hierarchically mountain-like structure constructed by the PDMS nanopillar array and swelling absorbed TiO 2 nanoparticles, the self-cleaning film presents a robust superhydrophobicity to resist chemical and mechanical damages (e.g. solvent/acid/alkali immersion, stretching, water impact, and sand abrasion). Combining the photocatalytic activity with adequate loading of TiO 2 nanoparticles, the self-cleaning film demonstrates a great degradation capability of organic pollutants with a degradation efficiency over 98 %. Importantly, owing to the superhydrophobicity repairability induced by the migration of fluorocarbon chains, the self-cleaning film can highly recover the water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 155o even after long-term irradiation under UV light. The findings conceivably promote the development and application of the self-cleaning materials with superhydrophobic and photocatalytic properties. [Display omitted] • A superhydrophobic and photocatalytic self-cleaning film is reported. • The film is based on the structure of TiO 2 -modified nanopillar array. • The film exhibits durable superhydrophobicity to resist various damages. • The film demonstrates effective photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. • The damaged film can repair superhydrophobicity via chain rearrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A decline in intrinsic capacity was found to be common among Chinese older adults. • The decline in intrinsic capacity correlated with advancing age. • Decline in intrinsic capacity can predict 8-year mortality in Chinese older adults. • Each domain of intrinsic capacity contributes differently and needs appropriate weighting. Intrinsic capacity reflects an individual's functions and capacities across their lifetime. There are few studies on whether the level of intrinsic capacity can predict long-term mortality in Chinese populations. To explore the effects of intrinsic capacity on long-term outcomes in older Chinese adults. Data were obtained from the Beijing Longitudinal Study of Aging. Overall, 1699 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years were included and followed up for 8 years. Intrinsic capacity was determined according to the World Health Organization definition. The predictive ability for adverse outcomes was assessed using the age- and sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. A decline in intrinsic capacity domains was observed in 729 (42.9 %) participants. Declines in the mobility, cognition, vitality, sensory and psychology domains were observed in 21.8 %, 15.1 %, 11.4 %, 9.10 %, and 14.2 % of the participants, respectively. Low intrinsic capacity was associated with worse physical performance, frailty, social frailty, chronic diseases, fracture, and falls. A greater decline in intrinsic capacity predicted an elevated 8-year mortality rate (decline in overall intrinsic capacity hazard ratio 2.91, 95 % confidence interval 2.44–3.47, P < 0.001; decline in one domain hazard ratio 2.11, 95 % confidence interval 1.71–2.61, P < 0.001; decline in two domains hazard ratio 3.54, 95 % confidence interval 2.81–4.45, P < 0.001; decline in three or more domains hazard ratio 5.30, 95 % confidence interval 4.09–6.87, P < 0.001); adjusted models did not affect prediction performance. Among the five domains of intrinsic capacity, cognition was the strongest predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 3.17, 95 % confidence interval 2.63–3.81, P < 0.001). Intrinsic capacity is useful in identifying older adults at higher risk of adverse outcomes, presenting significant implications for healthcare policies in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal segmental diffusion and the relaxation modes are investigated, and the relationship between the topology of model dendrimers is established, all within the bounds of analytical and simulation approaches. The precise theoretical and simulation approaches are thoroughly described after sufficient data is provided for model theories and their predictions. The analytical framework of the Generalised Langevin Equation is exactly replicated in the results. The primary focus of this review is on the NMR technique for forecasting the occurrence of the prominent processes, such as bond pulsation, segment reorientation, and total dendrimer rotation, utilizing the relaxation spectrum at various time scales. The utilization of two autocorrelation functions, namely time and orientational, is given significant emphasis. These functions illustrate the mobility of branches and their dependence on the generation number. The text also includes discussions of the approximations, assumptions, and limitations of each author's chosen technique, when relevant. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of phosphogypsum (PG) as a construction material continues to gain considerable attention worldwide. In the United States(US), the specific use of PG as a road base material has received renewed interest on a federal level. Previous work investigated the use of road base, either PG alone or stabilized with cementitious materials. This study investigated the physical characteristics of compacted PG sources and novel blends with traditional base aggregates compared to industry and state requirements. Specimens were created by blending up to 50% PG from five gypstacks in Florida, US with limerock (LR) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The LBR for PG-LR and PG-RCA blends surpassed bearing strength (LBR) requirements and ranged from 102 to 130% and 155–210% at 50:50 ratios, and increased by 2–60% with decreasing PG content from 50 to 30%. The data suggest success of PG-amended granular base reported here relies largely on the strength of the original aggregate. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A mixed physical barrier (MPB) was used to control SWI in layered aquifers. • The MPB outperformed the single cut-off wall by up to 55 %. • This barrier system showed its effectiveness in all the layered cases studied. • The MPB proved effective, achieving a SWI reduction of up to 70%. Mixed physical barriers (MPB), which combine a cutoff wall and subsurface dam, were applied in heterogeneous coastal aquifer settings, and their ability to prevent seawater intrusion (SWI) was tested. The performance of MPB was examined in a typical stratified aquifer using laboratory experiments and numerical modelling. The performance of the MPB was compared to that of a single cut-off wall by measuring the percentage of reduction of the intrusion length. SEAWAT was used for validation purposes and to further evaluate the effectiveness of MPB in five additional realistic heterogeneous configurations. Experimental results show that the MPB effectively reduced the saltwater wedge length by up to 71%. The MPB outperformed the single cut-off wall by up to 55 %. Also, numerical results show that the MPB proved to be effective, achieving a SWI length reduction of up to 69% in the scenario regardless of the aquifer layering structures. Comparable performance was observed when the high K layer was confined between two low K layers or when the aquifer presented a monotonically increasing/decreasing K pattern. The findings of this study provide insights into the applicability of the MPB in realistic heterogeneous coastal aquifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River recovery is defined as the trajectory of change that a reach takes towards an improved condition. In geomorphic terms, this includes improvement in both the physical structure and function of a river. While there are numerous case studies that track river recovery at the reach scale, there is a lack of work that characterises the patterns of recovery across diverse river types. Here we use ergodic reasoning to quantitatively analyse changes in the assemblage of geomorphic units (GUs) that occur for rivers that are known to be at different stages of geomorphic recovery. We aim to understand how the physical structure of different river types change as recovery occurs. In this study, we adopted a semi-automated method to map GUs using Open Access LiDAR and Sentinel remote sensing imagery. We analyse the assemblage of GUs for 78 river sections that span eight river styles, three valley settings and two bed material textures – sand and gravel. We find that the patterns of river recovery vary for different river styles. Confined and laterally unconfined rivers exhibit linear and non-linear increases in richness, abundance, evenness, and diversity of GUs during recovery. Partly confined rivers show more variable trends for these measures, and channelised fill rivers show decreased diversity. During recovery, sand bed rivers are more susceptible to adjustment than gravel bed rivers. The presence of benches and islands indicates that recovery is underway across most river types. A statistically significant increase in abundance and area of benches and pools, and a decrease in abundance and area of floodplain steps can also be used to indicate that recovery is underway. Additionally, in early stages of recovery, adjustments take place at the unit level. Then as recovery progresses, adjustments tend to occur at the sub-unit level as evidenced by bank-attached bars becoming more compound in structure. Determining the indicator GUs and changes in assemblages to 'look out for' while in the field or on remote sensing images can aid the detection and analysis of river recovery, providing invaluable insight for process-based and recovery-enhancement approaches to river management. [Display omitted] • Patterns of geomorphic recovery vary across different river styles. • Different mixes of metrics can be used to track geomorphic river recovery. • Recovery is not always linear and morphology does not always become more complex. • Changes in assemblages of units and some individual units can detect recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnostic concepts of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in DSM-5 and bodily distress disorder (BDD) in ICD-11 require certain psychological criteria, but researchers have called for further specification. Therefore, in a first step, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence on psychological factors associated with SSD/BDD and/or disorder-relevant clinical outcomes such as symptom severity and impairment. Psychological factors were systematically searched using Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Psycinfo via EBSCO. Studies providing original data in English or German, after 2009 were included. Cross-sectional, cohort and case-control studies investigating at least one psychological factor in individuals with SSD/BDD in the context of disorder-relevant outcomes were included. Forty-three eligible studies (n = 3760 patients) in SSD (none in BDD) provided data on at least one psychological factor, 37 in case-control format, 10 cross-sectional and 5 longitudinal. Meta-analyses of the case-control studies found patients with SSD to be more impaired by depression (SMD = 1.80), anxiety (SMD = 1.55), health anxiety (SMD = 1.31) and alexithymia (SMD = 1.39), compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal results are scarce, mixed, and require refining, individual studies suggest self-concept of bodily weakness, anxiety and depression to be predictive for persistent SSD and physical functioning. This review provides a detailed overview of the current evidence of psychological factors in relation to SSD/BDD. Future studies on SSD and BDD should include under-studied psychological factors, such as negative affect, fear avoidance, or emotion regulation. More longitudinal studies are needed to assess the predictive value of these factors. • Psychological factors related to Somatic Symptom Disorder need clarification. • Depression, anxiety, illness anxiety and alexithymia importance could be confirmed. • Other factors, such as, emotion regulation and avoidance behaviour are understudied. • Longitudinal data is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global population as well as the demand for human food is rapidly growing worldwide, which necessitates improvement of efficiency in livestock operations. In this context, environmental factors during fetal and/or neonatal life have been observed to influence normal physical and physiological function of an individual during adulthood, and this phenomenon is called fetal or developmental programming. While numerous studies have reported the impact of maternal factors on development of the female progeny, limited information is available on the potential effects of fetal programming on reproductive function of the male offspring. Therefore, the objective for this review article was to focus on available literature regarding the impact of maternal factors, particularly maternal nutrition, on reproductive system of the male offspring. To this end, we highlighted developmental programming of the male offspring in domestic species (i.e., pig , cow and sheep) as well as laboratory species (i.e., mice and rat) during pregnancy and lactation. In this sense, we pointed out the effects of maternal nutrition on various functions of the male offspring including hypothalamic–pituitary axis, hormonal levels, testicular tissue and semen parameters. • Limited information exists on the effect of maternal nutrition on the male offspring. • Maternal nutrition affects hypothalamus-pituitary axis, hormones, testis and semen. • Colostrum intake and male offspring is an emerging field of research. • Although nutritional requirements and genetic potential have been well documented for livestock species, these figures are not comprehensively defined for the laboratory animals. • The initial stages of development of reproductive organs occur before birth in livestock species; however, part of development of reproductive organs in rodents occurs during lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is associated with widespread physiological changes prominent within all tissues, including skeletal muscle and the brain, which lead to a decline in physical function. To tackle the growing health and economic burdens associated with an ageing population, the concept of healthy ageing has become a major research priority. Changes in skeletal muscle mitochondrial characteristics have been suggested to make an important contribution to the reductions in skeletal muscle function with age, and age-related changes in mitochondrial content, respiratory function, morphology, and mitochondrial DNA have previously been reported. However, not all studies report changes in mitochondrial characteristics with ageing, and there is increasing evidence to suggest that physical activity (or inactivity) throughout life is a confounding factor when interpreting age-associated changes. Given that physical activity is a potent stimulus for inducing beneficial adaptations to mitochondrial characteristics, delineating the influence of physical activity on the changes in skeletal muscle that occur with age is complicated. This review aims to summarise our current understanding and knowledge gaps regarding age-related changes to mitochondrial characteristics within skeletal muscle, as well as to provide some novel insights into brain mitochondria, and to propose avenues of future research and targeted interventions. Furthermore, where possible, we incorporate discussions of the modifying effects of physical activity, exercise, and training status, to purported age-related changes in mitochondrial characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of sarcopenia is intimately linked with aging, posing significant implications not only for individual patient quality of life but also for the broader societal healthcare framework. Early and accurate identification of sarcopenia and a comprehensive understanding of its mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic targets paramount to addressing this condition effectively. This review endeavors to present a cohesive overview of recent advancements in sarcopenia research and diagnosis. We initially delve into the contemporary diagnostic criteria, specifically referencing the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) 2 and Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 benchmarks. Additionally, we elucidate comprehensive assessment techniques for muscle strength, quantity, and physical performance, highlighting tools such as grip strength, chair stand test, dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), gait speed, and short physical performance battery (SPPB), while also discussing their inherent advantages and limitations. Such diagnostic advancements pave the way for early identification and unequivocal diagnosis of sarcopenia. Proceeding further, we provide a deep-dive into sarcopenia's pathogenesis, offering a thorough examination of associated signaling pathways like the Myostatin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS), and the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways. Each pathway's role in sarcopenia mediation is detailed, underscoring potential therapeutic target avenues. From a mechanistic perspective, the review also underscores the pivotal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in sarcopenia, emphasizing elements such as mitochondrial oxidative overload, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy, and highlighting their therapeutic significance. At last, we capture recent strides made in sarcopenia treatment, ranging from nutritional and exercise interventions to potential pharmacological and supplementation strategies. In sum, this review meticulously synthesizes the latest scientific developments in sarcopenia, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision in clinical practice and provide comprehensive insights into refined mechanistic targets and innovative therapeutic interventions, ultimately contributing to optimized patient care and advancements in the field. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study examined the deterioration in FMS and its predictive value for functional disability (FD) progression in Parkinson's disease (PD). • Utilized data from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability, assessing FMS (like pen-holding, buttoning, and knotting) and FD through the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. • Significant correlations between the decline in FMS and FD. • Deterioration in buttoning ability was notably correlated with overall FD worsening. • Baseline FMS were indicative of future FD progression, particularly in cognition, motility, and life activity areas. Parkinson disease (PD) caused substantially disability. The impairment of fine motor skills (FMSs) is correlated with the severity of functional disability (FD) cross-sectionally in people with PD (PwP). The present study investigated the decline in FMSs and the predictive value of baseline FMSs for the progression of FD. People with moderate-to-advanced PD who received two evaluations within 1–5 years were identified from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability database. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) was used to evaluate FD, and FMSs including pen-holding, buttoning, and knotting were assessed. Our study included 2,271 people with moderate-to-advanced PD. We observed annual progression of FD in each domain of the WHODAS 2.0, with no difference between the sexes. The most significant correlation between FD and FMSs was that of decline in buttoning ability and deterioration of summary WHODAS 2.0 scores. Deterioration in FD across all domains of WHODAS 2.0 was associated with at least one FMS. The extent of disability in all three types of FMS at baseline was also correlated with deterioration of motility. Additionally, baseline disability in buttoning was significantly correlated with cognitive decline, and disability in knotting was significantly associated with the progression of FD. FMSs may be reliable markers for further FD, particularly in the areas of cognition, motility, and life activity. Because of the significant FD observed in people with moderate-to-advanced PD, the availability of predictors is essential for applying precautionary measures and providing appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conscious motor processing might disrupt automatic motor control and hamper gait. • External focus training during gait reduces real-time conscious motor processing. • Instruction-specific gait training shortly improves functional balance and gait. This study examined the impact of walking training with different attention focus instructions on real-time conscious motor processing and fall-related rehabilitation outcomes in older adults at risk of falling. A total of 102 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 75.2 years, SD = 6.8 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: no attention focus walking group (NAFWG), external attention focus walking group (EAFWG), or internal attention focus walking group (IAFWG). All groups underwent 12 training sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-training, and six months later, measuring real-time conscious motor processing, functional balance and gait, balance ability, functional mobility, walking ability, trait conscious motor processing propensity, fear of falling, and recurrent falls. The EAFWG showed significant reduction on real-time conscious motor processing immediately after training (p = 0.015). No changes were observed for the IAFWG and NAFWG. All groups showed significant improvements in functional balance and gait (p < 0.001) and balance ability (p < 0.001) post-training. Implementing external focus instructions during walking training could be a feasible and beneficial strategy for reducing real-time conscious motor processing, which may improve walking performance and prevent falls in older adults. Further research is needed to examine the sustained benefits of these interventions and determine optimal training dosage for older adults with different risks of falling in fall prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Resistance Training is an Established Strategy to Promote Improvements in Neuromuscular Function. • The Effects of Resistance Training Alone on Cognitive Functioning are Still Under Debate. • Resistance Training Combined with Cognitive Stimulation Improves Lower Limb Muscle Power. • Resistance Training Combined with Cognitive Stimulation Promotes Greater Improvements in Balance than Exercise Alone. Studies examining the effects of dual-task resistance training (RT) on nursing-home residents are still scarce. To add knowledge to this field, the present study compared the effects of 12-week RT and RT plus cognitive task (COG) programs on physical performance and cognitive function in a sample of frail nursing home residents. This is an experimental study that combined data from two studies that examined older adults living in nursing home residences in Brazil. Exercise groups performed a 12-week RT protocol that included four exercises, with 3–4 times (sets) of 8–10 repetitions at 70 %-75 % of 1-repetition maximum (1RM), twice a week. The RT+COG group evoked as many words was possible for specific categories during concentric actions of the squat on the chair (until 90° knee flexion) and seated unilateral knee extension exercises. Global cognitive function and physical performance were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests, respectively. After interventions, participants in the RT+COG and RT groups had significantly greater lower-limb muscle strength compared with the control group (CG). Those in the RT+COG group had greater tandem performance in comparison to RT and CG groups. Our findings indicate that RT preserves lower-limb muscle strength in frail nursing home residents, regardless of performance of cognitive tasks. Better balance was exclusively observed in the RT+COG, whereas significant improvements in mobility status were only found in the RT group. The present investigation was based on a small sample of nursing home residents. Larger and more structured studies are necessary to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Menopause hormone therapy was associated with better performance on gait speed and timed 'up and go'. • No association was found for grip strength, balance, and chair rise. • Associations did not vary according to body mass index, physical activity, or duration of menopause hormone therapy. • The association found in this work may be restricted to women aged over 65 years. • Starting menopause hormone therapy less than 5 years after menopause was associated with better results. To examine the association between menopause hormone therapy (MHT) and physical performance among women from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Cross-sectional study of 12,506 postmenopausal Canadian women. Grip strength (kg), gait speed (m/s), timed up and go (s), chair rise (s), and balance (s) were assessed following standard procedures. The association between MHT and physical performance was evaluated using linear regression models adjusted for age, education, study site, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hysterectomy. Sensitivity analyses were conducted according to age at study visit (<65 vs. ≥65 years), body mass index (<25 kg/m2 vs. ≥25 kg/m2), physical activity level (less vs. more active), duration and type of MHT, and time of starting MHT after menopause. Compared with those who never used MHT, prior or current use was associated with better performance on the timed up and go test (β: −0.19; 95%CI: −0.28; −0.11) and faster gait speed (β = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.00; 0.02). No association was found for grip strength, balance, and chair rise. Results did not change by body mass index, physical activity, or duration of MHT use. When stratified by age at study visit, the effect remained significant only in among those aged 65 years or more. Starting MHT <5 years after menopause was associated with better physical performance. MHT was associated with better physical performance in gait speed and timed up and go tests. The cross-sectional design of the study limits causal interpretation. Prospective studies are needed to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During shading conditions, performance of physical relocation techniques for PV formations is more effective than total cross-tied (TCT) type of PV formation. The main purpose of physical relocation technique is to rearrange the physical position of PV modules in TCT formation without changing the electrical connections. Due to relocation of PV modules, the lengths of required wires are increased. So, the appropriate selection of PV formation is also important. In this paper, three different variants of physical relocation techniques are considered for 6×6 size TCT formation. These three variants are named as SuDoKu (SDK), ShapeDoKu (SPDK) and Futoshiki (FS). Moreover, these variants are analyzed on realistic assumptions of shading situations and these shading situations are categorized into eight different cases. Also, the comparative analysis of PV formations is reported in terms of P-V profiles, effects of shadings on individual rows and generation of energy and incomes. Further, from the obtained results of this paper, it is concluded that these variants of physical relocation techniques enhance the output power, energy and income generation in comparison of TCT type of PV formation. The SPDK variant of physical relocation technique is performing better than the other variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Theoretical derivation of super-ellipse model for V-I characteristics. • Super-ellipse model as an approximation of standard implicit model. • Model parameters as an approximate function of physical parameters. • Effects of temperature and solar irradiance on model parameters. • Compared with other explicit models. Recently, it has been shown that the super-ellipse model can be used to represent the voltage-current characteristics of illuminated solar PV modules. Since the model is claimed to be empirical in nature, this paper demonstrates that the super-ellipse model can be derived as a theoretical approximation of the physics-based implicit model of solar PV. Further, the model parameters used in the super-ellipse model can be approximated to the physical parameters of the implicit model of solar PV. Here, it is also shown how the model parameters of the super-ellipse model vary with the ambient temperature and solar irradiance. The super-ellipse model is compared with other explicit models for different solar modules and shows satisfactory results in representing the voltage-current (current–density) curve of the solar PV module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspinous devices (ISDs) and interlaminar devices (ILDs) are marketed as alternatives to conventional surgery for degenerative lumbar conditions; comparisons with decompression alone are limited. The present study reviews the extant literature comparing the cost and effectiveness of ISDs/ILDs with decompression alone. Articles comparing decompression alone with ISD/ILD were identified; outcomes of interest included general and disease-specific patient-reported outcomes, perioperative complications, and total treatment costs. Outcomes were analyzed at <6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and last follow-up. Analyses were performed using random effects modeling. Twenty-nine studies were included in the final analysis. ILD/ISD showed greater leg pain improvement at 3 months (mean difference, −1.43; 95% confidence interval, [−1.78, −1.07]; P < 0.001), 6 months (−0.89; [−1.55, −0.24]; P = 0.008), and 12 months (−0.97; [−1.25, −0.68]; P < 0.001), but not 2 years (P = 0.22) or last follow-up (P = 0.09). Back pain improvement was better after ISD/ILD only at 1 year (−0.87; [−1.62, −0.13]; P = 0.02). Short-Form 36 physical component scores or Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) symptom severity scores did not differ between the groups. ZCQ physical function scores improved more after decompression alone at 6 months (0.35; [0.07, 0.63]; P = 0.01) and 12 months (0.23; [0.00, 0.46]; P = 0.05). Oswestry Disability Index and EuroQoL 5 dimensions scores favored ILD/ISD at all time points except 6 months (P = 0.07). Reoperations (odds ratio, 1.75; [1.23, 2.48]; P = 0.002) and total care costs (standardized mean difference, 1.19; [0.62, 1.77]; P < 0.001) were higher in the ILD/ISD group; complications did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.41). Patient-reported outcomes are similar after decompression alone and ILD/ISD; the observed differences do not reach accepted minimum clinically important difference thresholds. ISD/ILDs have higher associated costs and reoperation rates, suggesting current evidence does not support ILD/ISDs as a cost-effective alternative to decompression alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An ultra-fast humidity sensor based on C 60 -OH/PDDA/SiO 2 composite is proposed. • A human-machine interface based on an ultra-fast humidity sensor is presented for assisting aphasia patients with semantic expressions. • This interface is particularly suitable for aphasic patients with limited physical mobility. Communication between aphasic patients and health care professionals (HCPs) is often difficult, which is even more complex for aphasic patients with limited physical mobility. In this study, we have proposed a C 60 -OH/PDDA/SiO 2 -based humidity sensor with an extremely short response/recovery time (13 ms/30 ms). This is closely related to the electrostatic adsorption of PDDA which effectively alleviates the aggregation of C 60 -OH and the introduction of SiO 2 microspheres which increases the diffusion space of water molecules. The fast response and recovery rates gave the sensor good respiratory monitoring capability, which can be used to develop a human–machine interface (HMI) to assist aphasic patients for semantic expression. In this HMI, aphasia patients can generate different respiratory signals through the ultrafast humidity sensors to express specific semantics (such as thirst, hunger, etc.). In contrast to traditional semantic expression devices, this interface does not require the user to have vocal or physical movement, and therefore is extremely friendly to aphasic patients with limited mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Participants will be able to recognize buprenorphine as a safe and effective analgesic for cancer pain in pregnancy 2. Participants will be able to integrate buprenorphine into more facets of clinical practice in treatment of cancer-related pain. There is paucity of literature describing the treatment of cancer associated pain in pregnancy. Buprenorphine is an increasingly recognized analgesic used to treat cancer pain with an established safety profile studied in maternal opioid use disorder (OUD). We present a case demonstrating the safe and efficacious use of buprenorphine for cancer-related pain in a pregnant woman with a pancreatic neoplasm. Opioids often are utilized for the optimization of cancer related pain; however, managing cancer-related pain in pregnancy can present challenges, particularly due to opioid-related risks to the fetus in utero. In addition, there is a paucity of literature with regard to treating cancer related pain in pregnancy. Here we present a case where buprenorphine was successfully used to manage cancer related pain for a pregnant female. We present a case of a 36-year-old G3P2 female diagnosed with metastatic solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm (SPEN) of the pancreas at 27 weeks gestation. She began experiencing severe nociceptive visceral abdominal pain, which impaired her ability to perform activities of daily living and even sleep throughout the night. She was started on very low doses of buprenorphine (partial Suboxone SL films), three times a day with improved pain control, physical functioning and sleep with minimal to no side effects. Labor was induced at 34 weeks secondary to intrauterine growth restriction and oligohydramnios, with APGAR scores 8/8 at birth. Buprenorphine was continued for pain control postpartum at varying doses, compatible with patient's wish to continue to breastfeed with appropriate analgesia. Buprenorphine is becoming increasingly more recognized for its efficacy in treating cancer-related pain. The literature describing buprenorphine for pain management in pregnancy is limited; however, its use in treating opioid use disorder in pregnancy and fetal safety profile is well understood. In presenting this case, we demonstrate the safe and efficacious utility of buprenorphine for cancer-related pain during pregnancy Disease specific management / Pharmacotherapeutics / Pharmacopalliation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distinct trajectories exist for physical activity and BMI from middle to older age. • Trajectories in physical activity included an emergent physical activity group. • Stable-high and emergent physical activity groups had better later-life function. • Benefits of physical activity on function existed across different BMI trajectories. We examined the effects of physical activity (PA) and body mass index (BMI) longitudinal patterns (trajectories) on subjective measures of mobility, function, and disability in adults and assessed whether effects of PA trajectories on function varied due to BMI. Group-based trajectory analyses were used to determine patterns of change in PA and BMI using data from the Health and Retirement Study 1931–1941 birth cohort (n = 10,507). Physical function was assessed by Mobility Limitations (0–5 scale) and Large Muscle Function (0–4 scale) Indexes, as well as with score for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), with higher scores being worse. Our analyses estimated four distinct PA trajectories: decreasing, (2) fluctuating, (3) stable high, and (4) emergent (previously low/sedentary with increased PA over the study period). Worse mobility limitations, large muscle function, ADLs, and IADLs were associated with Decreasing and Fluctuating PA groups. Better outcomes were associated with Emergent and Stable High PA groups. The five BMI trajectories were stable normal/overweight, modest decreasing, fluctuating, steep decreasing, and increasing. No significant interaction existed between PA and BMI trajectories for Mobility Limitations (P = 0.577), Large Muscle Function (P = 0.511), ADLs (P = 0.600), and IADLs (P = 0.152). These findings may empower clinicians to promote messages to midlifers that meaningful changes in PA can improve function in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]