Search

Abstract The escalating global plastic waste crisis has prompted a search for sustainable solutions, particularly in the construction industry. Recycling plastic waste to create sustainable construction materials, such as concrete, has emerged as a promising approach. This paper explores the potential of utilizing plastic waste in concrete to mitigate environmental impacts while enhancing construction practices. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices in response to increasing plastic consumption and waste generation. By recycling plastic waste into concrete, the construction industry can reduce dependence on natural aggregates and minimize environmental pollution. The paper also highlights the economic feasibility and long-term performance of plastic-containing concrete, addressing key challenges and limitations. Through a comprehensive analysis of the environmental, economic, and technical aspects, this paper aims to provide valuable insights into the sustainable use of plastic waste in concrete construction.

Abstract Circulating tumor plasma cells (CTPCs) provide a noninvasive alternative for measuring tumor burden in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Moreover, measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment in peripheral blood (PBMRD) can provide an ideal alternative to bone marrow MRD, which is limited by its painful nature and technical challenges. However, the clinical significance of PBMRD in NDMM still remains uncertain. Additionally, data on CTPC in NDMM patients not treated with transplant are scarce. We prospectively studied CTPC and PBMRD in 141 NDMM patients using highly sensitive multicolor flow cytometry (HS‐MFC). PBMRD was monitored at the end of three cycles (PBMRD1) and six cycles (PBMRD2) of chemotherapy in patients with detectable baseline CTPC. Patients received bortezomib‐based triplet therapy and were not planned for an upfront transplant. Among baseline risk factors, CTPC ≥ 0.01% was independently associated with poor progression‐free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.77; p = 0.0047) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.9; p = 0.023) on multivariate analysis. In patients with detectable baseline CTPC, undetectable PBMRD at both subsequent time points was associated with longer PFS (HR = 0.46; p = 0.0037), whereas detectable PBMRD at any time point was associated with short OS (HR = 3.25; p = 0.004). Undetectable combined PBMRD (PBMRD1 and PBMRD2) outperformed the serum‐immunofixation‐based response. On multivariate analysis, detectable PBMRD at any time point was independently associated with poor PFS (HR = 2.0; p = 0.025) and OS (HR = 3.97; p = 0.013). Thus, our findings showed that CTPC and PBMRD assessment using HS‐MFC provides a robust, noninvasive biomarker for NDMM patients not planned for an upfront transplant. Sequential PBMRD monitoring has great potential to improve the impact of the existing risk stratification and response assessment models.

Neurons are basic units of our nervous system used for communication between the brain and the body. Any disruption in their structures or communication can result in several disorders like Dementia and Alzheimer's disease (A.D.). In this paper, we explore the alterations in neurons causing A.D. Due to specific genetic mutations, neurons release and accumulate tau protein and beta-amyloid protein, thus hampering the communication process, leading to neuron death known as brain atrophy, and eventually shrinking the brain is the case in A.D. This paper discusses neuron modeling of a typical neuron and an Alzheimer's neuron to understand the difference and progression of A.D. and the fact that once these equations are concluded, they could be used to control the brain through a brain-computer interface. Modeling of neurons enables exploring different parameters and understanding the behavior of a particular system, and finally, concluding to represent a biological activity mathematically.