bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An autonomous UAV system based on adaptive LiDAR inertial odometry for practical exploration in complex environments
Authors: Kim Boseong , Azhari Maulana Bisyir , Park Jaeyong , Shim David Hyunchul
Published: January 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer many advantages over ground vehicles, including quadruped robots, based on high maneuverability when performing exploration in complex and unknown environments. However, due to their limited computational capability, UAVs require lightweight but accurate state estimation algorithms for reliable exploration. In this paper, we propose a segmented map‐based exploration system based on light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐based state estimation for UAVs. The proposed system includes capabilities such as exploration, obstacle avoidance, and object detection with localization using three‐dimensional (3D) dense maps generated by tightly coupled LiDAR Inertial Odometry (LIO). Our proposed system is a hybrid system that can switch between guided and exploration modes, making it practical for search and rescue missions in disaster scenarios. The proposed LIO algorithm adapts to its surroundings, allowing for fast and accurate state estimation in complex environments. The proposed exploration algorithm is designed to cover specific regions in the 3D dense map generated by the proposed LIO, with the UAV determining if map points are included within the coverage area. We tested the proposed system in both simulation and real‐world environments and validated that the proposed system outperforms state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in various aspects such as localization accuracy and exploration efficiency in complex environments.
Designing Compatible Ceramic/Polymer Composite Solid‐State Electrolyte for Stable Silicon Nanosheet Anodes
Authors: Liu Xianzheng , Wang Dong , Wang Xintong , Wang Deyu , Li Yan , Fu Jie , Zhang Rui , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhou Yuanzhao , Wen Guangwu
Published: January 2024

The commercialization of silicon anode for lithium‐ion batteries has been hindered by severe structure fracture and continuous interfacial reaction against liquid electrolytes, which can be mitigated by solid‐state electrolytes. However, rigid ceramic electrolyte suffers from large electrolyte/electrode interfacial resistance, and polymer electrolyte undergoes poor ionic conductivity, both of which are worsened by volume expansion of silicon. Herein, by dispersing Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) into poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix, the PVDF‐HFP/PEO/LATP (PHP‐L) solid‐state electrolyte with high ionic conductivity (1.40 × 10−3 S cm−1), high tensile strength and flexibility is designed, achieving brilliant compatibility with silicon nanosheets. The chemical interactions between PVDF‐HFP and PEO, LATP increase amorphous degree of polymer, accelerating Li+ transfer. Good flexibility of the PHP‐L contributes to adaptive structure variation of electrolyte with silicon expansion/shrinkage, ensuring swift interfacial ions transfer. Moreover, the solid membrane with high tensile limits electrode structural degradation and eliminates continuous interfacial growth to form stable 2D solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, achieving superior cyclic performance to liquid electrolytes. The Si//PHP‐L15//LiFePO4 solid‐state full‐cell exhibits stable lithium storage with 81% capacity retention after 100 cycles. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of composite solid electrolyte in addressing fundamental interfacial and performance challenges of silicon anodes.
How to Stabilize the Current of Efficient Inverted Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells at the Maximum Power Point
Authors: Ma Xingjuan , Peng Wenli , Jiang Shusen , Li Mingpo , Zhang Aihua , Li Cheng , Li Xin
Published: January 2024

Inverted flexible perovskite cells (fPSCs) have attracted much attention for their high efficiency and power per weight. Still, the steady–state output is one of the critical factors for their commercialization. In this paper, it is found that the steady–state current of inverted fPSCs based on nickel oxide nanoparticles (n‐NiOx) continuously decreases under light illumination. Conversely, those based on magnetron‐sputtered NiOx (sp‐NiOx) exhibit the opposite result. Based on visualization of ion migration in the photoluminescence (PL) imaging microscopy tests, the discrepancies in the buried surfaces lead to the differences in ion migration in perovskite films, which triggers the temporary instability of the output current of devices during operation. The DFT theoretical calculation and experimental results reveal that NiOx films with different contents of Ni vacancies can modulate the crystallization of the perovskite films on the NiOx surfaces. Tuning the crystallization of the perovskite films is essential to stabilize the output current of fPSCs at a steady state. To demonstrate that, capsaicin is doped into the perovskite solutions to improve the quality of the perovskite buried interface. Finally, the corresponding fPSCs exhibit outstanding efficiency and stability during operation. These results provide valuable scientific guidance for fabricating fPSCs with stable operation under illumination conditions.
Surpassing the milestone of spending 50 years as a sole veterinary practitioner
Authors: Shillabeer Edmund
Published: January 2024

Edmund Shillabeer qualified as a vet in 1964 and has not looked back since, remaining as the sole owner of a practice in his hometown of Plymouth, with a loyal veterinary nurse by his side.
Highly efficient and eco‐friendly enhancement of polyvinyl chloride thermal stability: A renewable cinnamate‐intercalated calcium aluminum hydrotalcite stabilizer
Authors: Mei Xue , Jiang Pingping , Zhang Pingbo , Cui Zhixuan , Chen Shijun , Sheng Xunxun
Published: January 2024

With the development of green chemistry, PVC thermal stabilizers should be developed in the direction of non‐toxic, environmental protection, and high efficiency. This study utilized natural Cinnamic acid to successfully synthesize an eco‐friendly and high‐performance cinnamate‐intercalated calcium aluminum hydrotalcite through the coprecipitation method. The structure of CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs was analyzed via XRD, IR, SEM, and thermogravimetric analyses. The CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs/PVC sample was thoroughly investigated using multiple techniques, including tests, such as oven aging, thermogravimetric analysis, Congo red analysis, and conductivity analysis. Compared with the commercial thermal stabilizers CaSt2/ZnSt2 and CaAl‐CO3‐LDHs, CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs demonstrated superior initial whiteness and exceptional long‐term thermal stability, it did not completely blacken until 120 min. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the addition of CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs could improve the plasticizing performance of PVC. CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs also had a synergistic effect with ZnSt2, with a static thermal stabilization time of up to 40.5 min. Through HCl absorption experiments to investigate the thermal stabilization mechanism, the results showed that CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs can effectively absorb HCl released during PVC degradation.

Highlights

By utilizing natural organic Cinnamic acid, Calcium nitrate, and Aluminum nitrate as raw materials, all from a wide range of sources, the reaction process eliminated the need for toxic solvents and a large number of chemicals.

The preparation process of CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs was simple and the reaction time was short.

Comprehensive tests showcased the exceptional long‐term thermal stability of the CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs/PVC sample.

The addition of CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs can improve the plasticizing property of PVC.

The mechanism of CaAl‐cinnamate‐LDHs was capable of absorbing HCl released during PVC degradation.
Persistent disparities between trauma center types in the management of children with high‐grade blunt splenic injuries
Authors: Aoki Makoto , Katsura Morihiro , Matsumoto Shokei , Matsushima Kazuhide
Published: January 2024

Background

In the early 2000s, substantial variations were reported in the management of pediatric patients with blunt splenic injury (BSI). The purpose of this study was to assess the recent trends and disparities between different types of trauma centers. We hypothesized that there would be persistent disparities despite decreased trends in the rate of splenectomy.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. We included patients (age ≤18 years) with high‐grade BSI (Abbreviated Injury Scale 3–5) between 2014 and 2021. The patients were divided into three groups based on trauma center types (adult trauma centers [ATCs], mixed trauma centers [MTCs], and pediatric trauma centers [PTCs]). The primary outcome was the splenectomy rate. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between trauma center types and clinical outcomes. Additionally, the trends in the rate of splenectomy at ATCs, MTCs, and PTCs were evaluated.

Results

A total of 6601 patients with high‐grade BSI were included in the analysis. Overall splenectomy rates were 524 (17.5%), 448 (16.3%), and 32 (3.7%) in the ATC, MTC, and PTC groups, respectively. ATCs and MTCs had significantly higher splenectomy rates compared to PTCs (ATCs: OR = 5.72, 95%CI = 3.78–8.67, and p < 0.001 and MTCs: OR = 4.50, 95%CI = 2.97–6.81, and p < 0.001), while decreased trends in the splenectomy rates were observed in ATCs and MTCs (ATCs: OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.87–0.97, and p = 0.003 and MTCs: OR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.87–0.98, and p = 0.013).

Conclusions

This study suggested persistent disparities between different trauma center types in the management of children with high‐grade BSI.
Degenerating products of flag varieties and applications to the Breuil–Mézard conjecture
Authors: Bartlett Robin
Published: January 2024

We consider closed subschemes in the affine grassmannian obtained by degenerating e-fold products of flag varieties, embedded via a tuple of dominant cocharacters. For $$G= {\text {GL}}_2$$

G
=

GL
2

, and cocharacters small relative to the characteristic, we relate the cycles of these degenerations to the representation theory of G. We then show that these degenerations smoothly model the geometry of (the special fibre of) low weight crystalline subspaces inside the Emerton–Gee stack classifying p-adic representations of the Galois group of a finite extension of $${\mathbb {Q}}_p$$

Q
p

. As an application we prove new cases of the Breuil–Mézard conjecture in dimension two.
Genotyping of SNPs in bread wheat at reduced cost from pooled experiments and imputation
Authors: Clouard Camille , Nettelblad Carl
Published: January 2024

Key message

Pooling and imputation are computational methods that can be combined for achieving cost-effective and accurate high-density genotyping of both common and rare variants, as demonstrated in a MAGIC wheat population.

The plant breeding industry has shown growing interest in using the genotype data of relevant markers for performing selection of new competitive varieties. The selection usually benefits from large amounts of marker data, and it is therefore crucial to dispose of data collection methods that are both cost-effective and reliable. Computational methods such as genotype imputation have been proposed earlier in several plant science studies for addressing the cost challenge. Genotype imputation methods have though been used more frequently and investigated more extensively in human genetics research. The various algorithms that exist have shown lower accuracy at inferring the genotype of genetic variants occurring at low frequency, while these rare variants can have great significance and impact in the genetic studies that underlie selection. In contrast, pooling is a technique that can efficiently identify low-frequency items in a population, and it has been successfully used for detecting the samples that carry rare variants in a population. In this study, we propose to combine pooling and imputation and demonstrate this by simulating a hypothetical microarray for genotyping a population of recombinant inbred lines in a cost-effective and accurate manner, even for rare variants. We show that with an adequate imputation model, it is feasible to accurately predict the individual genotypes at lower cost than sample-wise genotyping and time-effectively. Moreover, we provide code resources for reproducing the results presented in this study in the form of a containerized workflow.
Analysis of suicides in the catchment area of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich Switzerland
Authors: Gübelin Larissa , Dobay Akos , Golomingi Raffael , Thali Michael , Ebert Lars , Franckenberg Sabine
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Suicide has a profound impact on both the affected families and society at large. Among young adults it even ranks as the fourth leading cause of death. Therefore, analysis of suicides is crucial for enhancing prevention strategies. This study aims to (I) investigate sex and age differences, (II) differences in methods and (III) locations (urban vs. rural) among those who committed suicide over a time period of 10 years in the catchment area of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich.

Material and methods

The archive of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich was searched for postmortem examinations and autopsy reports from completed suicides over a time period of 10 years. All relevant data were extracted from the written reports and five age groups were defined (group I ≤ 30 years, group II 31–44 years, group III 45–54 years, group IV 55–64 years and group V > 64 years). Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis one-way variance analysis by rank was used for the statistical analysis on each criterion.

Results

Of the 1174 individuals included in the study, 72% were male, and 28% were female, with a mean age of approximately 52 years at the time of suicide. No relevant change was observed in the male-to-female ratio over the 10 years; however, women showed a trend toward a lower age at suicide. In terms of suicide methods, men had a higher rate of shooting (21.2% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.1) and hanging (24.4% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.1), whereas women had a higher rate of intoxication (21.6% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.1). The choice of suicide method also varied across age groups. Regarding location, completed suicides declined in urban regions but increased in rural regions.

Conclusion

Prevention plans should be reviewed, especially given the trend toward younger women completing suicide. Suicide prevention remains a major sociopolitical challenge that demands continuous review and the adaptation of suicide prevention strategies.
Comparison of the nutrient content of commercially purchased medium seed brown lentils with the world’s leading database
Authors: Répás Zoltán , Győri Zoltan
Published: January 2024

The purpose of our study was to ensure that comparing the mineral content of the lentil and the amount of nutrients published by the world's leading organizations. The samples were randomly and subjectively selected from different retail outlets. Fifteen types of medium seed brown lentil from fifteen different distributors were obtained and analyzed for moisture, protein, Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and S content. Descriptive statistics were done and for comparisons. Shapiro–Wilk test was first conducted to assess normality. When data followed a normal distribution, T-test was used, and when not, Wilcoxon signed rank test (P-values = 0.05). The results of the measurements were compared with data from several FAO/INFOODS food composition databases, as well as the Canadian National Food Composition Database, USDA Food Data Central, United Kingdom, Australian Food Composition Database, and Indian food composition tables. The evaluation of the measurement results showed significant differences (p = 0.05) in the amount of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, and Cu compared to the amounts listed in the world's leading databases in most cases. Our results were also examined from a dietary perspective to determine if the differences had practical significance. The results of the Canadian samples were compared with the Canadian database, there was a significant difference amount of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, and Mn. For each discrepancy, more than the quantitative values published in the databases were measured, in the case of Ca, Mg, and Fe almost double.
Die Video-Verhandlung: Wegweiser in die Zukunft des Arzthaftungsprozesses?
Authors: Wenzel Frank , Braun Julia
Published: January 2024

Der Aufsatz beleuchtet die gegenwärtigen Möglichkeiten einer virtuellen Prozessführung nach §128a ZPO und bewertet den von der Bundesregierung eingebrachten Gesetzesentwurf zur Förderung des Einsatzes von Videokonferenztechnik in der Zivilgerichtsbarkeit im Hinblick auf die geplante Reform dieser Norm. Die Autoren analysieren aus anwaltlicher Perspektive die Vor- und Nachteile einer Videoverhandlung speziell bei der Durchführung eines Arzthaftungsprozesses und klären, ob Online-Verhandlungen tatsächlich den Weg in die Zukunft weisen und zu einer ,,effizienteren Verfahrensführung‘‘ führen werden. Dazu wird zunächst dargestellt, wo ,,der andere Ort‘‘ nach §128a ZPO liegen kann. Sodann werden die Vor- und Nachteile einer digitalen Prozessführung gegeneinander abgewogen und ein Ausblick in die Zukunft des Arzthaftungsprozesses geben.
Path Planning in a Weighted Planar Subdivision Under the Manhattan Metric
Authors: Davoodi Mansoor , Safari Ashkan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider the problem of path planning in a weighted polygonal planar subdivision. Each polygon has an associated positive weight which shows the cost of path per unit distance of movement in that polygon. The goal is to find a minimum cost path under the Manhattan metric for two given start and destination points. First, we propose an$$O(n^2)$$O(n2)time and space algorithm to solve this problem, wherenis the total number of vertices in the subdivision. Then, we improve the time and space complexity of the algorithm to$$O(n \log ^2 n)$$O(nlog2n)and$$O(n \log n)$$O(nlogn), respectively, by applying a divide and conquer approach. We also study the case of rectilinear regions in three dimensions and show that the minimum cost path under the Manhattan metric is obtained in$$ O(n^2 \log ^3 n) $$O(n2log3n)time and$$ O(n^2 \log ^2 n) $$O(n2log2n)space.
Screening for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease—a Delphi-based consensus statement
Authors: Hackner Klaus , Hütter Lisa , Flick Holger , Grohs Michael , Kastrati Kastriot , Kiener Hans , Lang David , Mosheimer-Feistritzer Birgit , Prosch Helmut , Rath Eva , Schindler Otmar , Moazedi-Fürst Florentine
Published: January 2024

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major driver of premature mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Detection of RA-ILD is crucial but requires awareness among the treating physicians. To date, however, there is no international recommendation concerning screening for ILD in RA patients.

Methods

After a systematic literature review, the modified Delphi technique in combination with the nominal group technique was used to provide a Delphi consensus statement elaborated by an expert panel of pneumonologists, rheumatologists, and a radiologist. Based on the available evidence, several clusters of questions were defined and discussed until consent was reached.

Results

A screening algorithm for ILD in patients with RA based on clinical signs, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors has been developed. Further, the recommendations address diagnostic tools for RA-ILD and the follow-up of RA patients qualifying for ILD screening.
Accuracy of Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma diagnosis depending on optic disc size
Authors: Englmaier Verena Anna , Storp Jens Julian , Leclaire Martin Dominik , Lahme Larissa , Brücher Viktoria Constanze , Biermann Julia , Diener Raphael , Eter Nicole
Published: January 2024

Background/aim

The aim of this paper is to compare retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and Bruch’s membrane opening-based minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) in terms of their performance in detecting early and moderate/advanced glaucoma using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and the classification using the 5th percentile as a cut-off.

Methods

One hundred eyes from 100 patients with early glaucoma (mean deviation (MD): < -5.0 dB) and 100 eyes from 100 patients with moderate/advanced glaucoma (MD: > -5.0 dB) were carefully matched to healthy controls based on optic disc size. Then, the dataset was divided, based on the 50th percentile of the measured Bruch’s membrane opening area (BMO-A), into small (BMO-A < 1.95 mm2) and large optic discs (BMO-A > 1.95 mm2). Finally, the discriminative performance of BMO-MRW and RNFL between glaucoma and controls using ROC analysis and the manufacturer’s classification based on the 5th percentile was analyzed.

Results

In discriminating between glaucoma and matched healthy controls, global BMO-MRW and global RNFL thickness had comparable areas under the ROC curve for eyes with early glaucoma and both small BMO-As (ROC ± confidence interval [CI] 0.91 [0.87 to 0.95] and 0.88 [0.83 to 0.93]) and large BMO-As (0.86 [0.82 to 0.92] and 0.84 [0.79 to 0.90]), as well as in moderate/advanced glaucoma with small BMO-As (0.99 [0.98 to 1.00] and 0.97 [0.95 to 1.00]) and large BMO-As (0.94 [0.91 to 0.98] and 0.97 [0.94 to 1.00]). Using the calculated 5th percentile as a threshold value, the sensitivities for the detection of early and moderate/advanced glaucoma were comparable for BMO-MRW and RNFL in eyes with small optic discs (early glaucoma: fifty-two percent and 61%; moderate/advanced glaucoma: ninety-one percent and 92%). In eyes with large optic discs, the sensitivity of BMO-MRW was inferior to that of RNFL for both early (38% versus 51%) and moderate/advanced (80% versus 91%) glaucoma.

Conclusion

Based on an ROC analysis, the discriminative performance of BMO-MRW and RNFL between patients with early and moderate/advanced glaucoma and a healthy control group matched based on optic disc size is comparable in eyes with BMO-As smaller and larger 1.95 mm2. Using a classification based on the 5th percentile, as used in clinical practice, RNFL is shown to be superior to BMO-MRW regarding sensitivity in glaucoma detection with large optic discs. This study underscores the importance of RNFL imaging and measurement in the diagnostic evaluation of glaucoma, especially in cases of large optic discs.
Autonomic activity and cardiovascular system risk assessment in pediatric patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Duman Derya , Sürmeli Döven Serra , Karpuz Derya , Danacı Vatansever Esra , Taşdelen Bahar , Delibaş Ali
Published: January 2024

In pediatric patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), cardiac involvement and autonomic nervous system function can be evaluated by a non-invasive method called heart rate variability (HRV). This study aims to evaluate heart rate variability and electrocardiography findings in patients with HUS by comparing a healthy group. Patients who are diagnosed with HUS at a university hospital from December 2020 to June 2022 are screened by electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and 24-h Holter ECG. A healthy control group, compatible in age and gender with the patient group, was selected from healthy subjects. HRV parameters, laboratory values, and ECG findings were analyzed and compared with the healthy group and each other. There were 25 patients with HUS and 51 participants in the healthy control group. Statistically significant differences were found in some HRV parameters: standard deviation of normal to normal intervals, the mean of the 5-min RR interval standard deviations, the standard deviation of 5-min RR interval means, the triangular interpolation of normal to normal interval, and very-low-frequency power. HUS patients had impaired and declined HRV values compared to the healthy group. There was a significant decrease in the PR distance, while a significant increase in the corrected QT and QT dispersion values was detected in the electrocardiographic findings of the patient group. HRV values impaired as renal failure parameters increased.

  Conclusion: Patients with HUS may have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. HRV measurement is a non-invasive method that can evaluate this. It can be thought that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events and arrhythmias in some patients with HUS. ECG should be also considered to detect arrhythmia.

What is Known:• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) primarily effects the hematologic parameters and kidney.• Secondary cardiomyopathy with hypertension and renal failure could be observed in these patients.• Rhythm problems are not expected primarily in these patients.• There is very limited data in evaluating autonomic function and arrhythmia risk for these patients.

What is New:• Patients with HUS may have autonomic nervous system dysfunction.• HRV measurement is a non-invasive method that can evaluate this.• Cardiovascular events and arrhythmias due to the deterioration of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems could manifest in patients with HUS.• An ECG and screening patients for cardiac events, and monitoring them closely should be considered.
Are Saudi Arabian banks’ mobile applications accessible for blind or partially sighted users?: a customers’ perspective and evaluation
Authors: Alayed Asmaa
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the accessibility problems and barriers faced by visually impaired Arabic speakers when using banking mobile applications. The sample included mobile applications for the top three banks in Saudi Arabia in terms of their customer base, including applications for AlRajhi, SNB, and Riyad bank. The focus was on the three most popular e-services provided by those applications. Using a mixed method approach, accessibility was inspected manually according to current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). In addition, in-depth usability testing for those applications was conducted with 12 blind Arabic-speaking users. The results revealed that the accessibility level for all sample applications did not conform to WCAG 2.1, which reflected the low accessibility level provided by these applications. However, AlRajhi’s application was the best among the tested applications. In manual inspection, it had the lowest number of violations of success criteria compared to SNB’s and Riyad’s applications. It also achieved the best results in usability testing in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction compared to the other two applications. The overall results showed that the current situation of accessibility of Saudi banking applications is not very satisfactory in terms of number of violations to WCAG 2.1 success criteria. The most violated principle by all the applications was operable, with around 37% of total violations, followed by perceivable, then robust and understandable.
Efficacy of omalizumab in adult patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a multicentre study in China
Authors: Chen Peixv , Yu Yali , He Li , Zhang Chunyi , Li Yiting , Wu Di , Chen Ying , Wang Ran , Xu Guopeng , Cao Chao
Published: January 2024

Despite conventional glucocorticoid and antifungal therapy, acute exacerbation and hospitalization occur frequently in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Whether omalizumab is an effective and safe treatment for adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patients with ABPA complicating asthma who were treated with omalizumab from October 2019 to May 2023 were collected from five tertiary hospitals and evaluated. The frequencies of acute exacerbation and hospitalization; the number of eosinophils; the total IgE levels; and the average monthly medical dosages after 3, 6, and 12 months of omalizumab treatment were analysed, and the data before and after treatment (up to one year) were compared. The efficacy and safety of omalizumab treatment were assessed. In total, 26 patients were enrolled. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 24 mg/m) after 6 months of omalizumab treatment compared with 3 months; 73.68% of patients discontinued glucocorticoids after ≤ 12 months of treatment. Similarly, the average monthly dosage of antifungal agents was significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 3.49 g/m) after 12 months of treatment compared with 3 months. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage (median 213.75 vs. 65.42 mg/m, P = 0.002) and the frequency of acute exacerbation (median 0.94 vs. 0.44 events, P = 0.033) were considerably reduced after omalizumab treatment. Omalizumab is effective in reducing the frequency of acute exacerbation and the necessary dosage of glucocorticoids in adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patient age and BMI may affect the efficacy of treatment.
Helios characterized circulating follicular helper T cells with enhanced functional phenotypes and was increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zeng Xingyue , Alimu Xiayidan , Bahabayi Ayibaota , Zhang Zhonghui , Zheng Mohan , Yuan Zihang , Liu Tianci , Liu Chen
Published: January 2024

Helios was related to the immunosuppressive capacity and stability of regulatory T cells. However, the significance of Helios in follicular help T (TFH) and follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells is unclear. This research aimed to clarify the significance of Helios (IKZF2) in TFH and TFR cells and its clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). IKZF2 mRNA in different cell subsets was analyzed. Helios+ percentages in TFH and TFR cells were identified in the peripheral blood of 75 SLE patients and 62 HCs (healthy controls). PD-1 and ICOS expression were compared between Helios+ and Helios− cells. The capacity of TFH cells to secrete IL-21 and TFR cells to secrete IL-10 was measured. Correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted to assess the clinical significance of Helios-related TFH and TFR cell subsets in SLE. There was Helios expression in TFH and TFR cells. PD-1 and ICOS were lower in Helios+ TFR than in Helios− TFR. ICOS was increased in Helios+ TFH cells compared with Helios− TFH cells, and ICOS in Helios+ TFH cells was downregulated in SLE. Helios+ TFH cells secreted more IL-21 than Helios− TFH cells, and Helios+ TFH cells from SLE patients had a stronger IL-21 secretion than HCs. Helios+ TFH percentages were negatively correlated with C3 and C4 and positively related to CRP and SLEDAI, and the AUC of Helios+ TFH to distinguish SLE from HC was 0.7959. Helios characterizes circulating TFH cells with enhanced function. Increased Helios+ TFH cells could reflect the autoimmune status of SLE.

Graphical abstract
Discrete half-logistic distributions with applications in reliability and risk analysis
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro , Hitaj Asmerilda
Published: January 2024

In the statistical literature, several discrete distributions have been developed so far for modeling non-negative integer-valued phenomena, yet there is still room for new counting models that adequately capture the diversity of real data sets. Here, we first discuss a count distribution derived as a discrete analogue of the continuous half-logistic distribution, which is obtained by preserving the expression of its survival function at each non-negative integer support point. The proposed discrete distribution has a mode at zero and allows for over-dispersion; these two features make it suitable for modeling purposes in many fields (e.g., insurance and ecology), when these conditions are satisfied by the data. In order to widen its spectrum of applications, a discrete analogue is also presented of the type I generalized half-logistic distribution (obtained by adding a shape parameter to the simple one-parameter half-logistic), which allows us to model count data whose mode is not necessarily zero. For these new count distributions, the main statistical properties are outlined, and parameter estimation along with related issues is discussed. Their feasibility is proved on two real data sets taken from the literature, which have already been fitted by other well-established count distributions. Finally, a possible application is illustrated in the insurance field, related to the exact/approximate determination of the distribution of the total claims amount through the well-known Panjer’s recursive formula, within the framework of collective risk models.
The association between HER2-low status and survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Sahin Taha Koray
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors significantly altered the treatment landscape of hormone-positive (HR+), HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, biomarkers predicting long-term benefit and early progression are yet to be defined. Several studies suggested the possibility of diminished efficacy in patients with HER2-low disease. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between low-level HER2 expression and efficacy outcomes (PFS, OS, ORR) with CDK 4/6 inhibitors.

Methods

The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were used to systematically filter the published studies from inception to 08 August 2023 for this systemic review. Studies including MBC patients treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors and reported survival outcomes according to HER2 expression were included. We performed the meta-analyses with the generic inverse-variance method with a fixed-effects model and used HRs with 95% two-sided CIs as the principal summary measure.

Results

Nine studies encompassing 2705 patients were included in the analyses. In the pooled analysis of nine studies, the risk of progression and/or death was higher in patients with HER2-low tumors compared to HER2-zero (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35, p < 0.001). In the pooled analysis of five studies, although the median follow-up was short, the risk of death was higher in the HER2-low group compared to the HER2-zero group (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.44, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

The available evidence demonstrates a significantly higher risk of progression or death with CDK 4/6 inhibitors in HER2-low tumors. Further research is needed to improve outcomes in patients with HR+-HER2-low tumors.
Inverse design of aluminium alloys using multi-targeted regression
Authors: Bhat Ninad , Barnard Amanda S. , Birbilis Nick
Published: January 2024

The traditional design process for aluminium alloys has primarily relied upon iterative alloy production and testing, which can be time intensive and expensive. Machine learning has recently been demonstrated to have promise in predicting alloy properties based on the inputs of alloy composition and alloy processing conditions. In the search for optimal alloy concentrations that meet desired properties, as the search space expands, the optimisation process can become more time intensive and computationally expensive, depending on the methodology used. We propose a faster workflow for inverse alloy design by using multi-target machine-learning models. We train a random forest regressor to predict the concentration of alloying elements and a random forest classifier to determine the processing condition. We further analysed the inverse model and validated findings against alloys reported in the literature.
Microrheological comparison of melanoma cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Brás M. Manuela , Sousa Aureliana , Cruz Tânia B. , Michalewski Jonas , Leite Marina , Sousa Susana R. , Granja Pedro L. , Radmacher Manfred
Published: January 2024

Melanoma is one of the most severe cancers due to its great potential to form metastasis. Recent studies showed the importance of mechanical property assessment in metastasis formation which depends on the cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration. Although cells are considered purely elastic, they are viscoelastic entities. Microrheology atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables the assessment of elasticity and viscous properties, which are relevant to cell behavior regulation. The current work compares the mechanical properties of human neonatal primary melanocytes (HNPMs) with two melanoma cell lines (WM793B and 1205LU cells), using microrheology AFM. Immunocytochemistry of F-actin filaments and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and cell migration assays were performed to understand the differences found in microrheology AFM regarding the tumor cell lines tested. AFM revealed that HNPMs and tumor cell lines had distinct mechanical properties. HNPMs were softer, less viscous, presenting a higher power-law than melanoma cells. Immunostaining showed that metastatic 1205LU cells expressed more p-FAK than WM793B cells. Melanoma cell migration assays showed that WM73B did not close the gap, in contrast to 1205LU cells, which closed the gap at the end of 23 h. These data seem to corroborate the high migratory behavior of 1205LU cells. Microrheology AFM applied to HNPMs and melanoma cells allowed the quantification of elasticity, viscous properties, glassy phase, and power-law properties, which have an impact in cell migration and metastasis formation. AFM study is important since it can be used as a biomarker of the different stages of the disease in melanoma.
The Effect of Mechanical Recycling on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of Poly (Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT), Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS), Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA), PBAT-PBS Blend and PBAT-TPS Biocomposite
Authors: Nomadolo Nomvuyo , Mtibe Asanda , Ofosu Osei , Mekoa Caroline , Letwaba John , Muniyasamy Sudhakar
Published: January 2024

Mechanical recycling of plastics is regarded as the best option to minimize plastic waste pollution in the environment as it is well established and offers valorisation of plastics; however, there is limited research on the mechanical recyclability of biopolymers. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of multiple reprocessing on the mechanical, thermal, physical, chemical, and morphological properties of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), PBAT-PBS blend, and PBAT-thermoplastic starch (TPS) composite. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a conventional non-biodegradable plastic, was also reprocessed for comparison studies. The biopolymers were extruded seven times in a twin-screw extruder and injection moulded into test specimens. Their properties were investigated at each extrusion cycle. Tensile, impact strength, and melt flow index (MFI) results of neat PBAT and PBAT-TPS were stable with slight changes throughout the seven reprocessing cycles and were comparable to LDPE. The properties of PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS blend, on the other hand, started to decrease after the second melt extrusion cycle. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that LDPE, PBAT, and PBAT-TPS exhibited better thermal and mechanical stability as compared to PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS blend. The FTIR spectroscopy results showed that the characteristic peaks of C=O and C–O around 1710 cm−1 and 1046–1100 cm−1 for PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS decreased due to multiple thermal processing, while those of PBAT and PBAT-TPS were unaffected. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the fractured cross-sectional surface of PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS tensile specimens clearly evidenced the degradation of the biopolymers by severely fractured morphology as a result multiple reprocessing cycle. The results demonstrate that the fully biodegradable PBAT and PBAT-TPS can be mechanically recycled for at least seven cycles, and therefore, the service life of biodegradable polymers can be extended, and it is comparable with petroleum-based plastic.

Graphical Abstract
Bipolar Disorder: Identity, Social Support, Religiosity and Spirituality. Can Religiosity/Spirituality be a Mood Balancing Factor? An Italian Case Report
Authors: Santambrogio Jacopo , Maissen Jessica , Calini Cosima , Filippo Maria Cristina , Frigerio Roberto , Rampin Roberto , Locorotondo Giovanna , Pontiggia Adriana , Riboldi Stefania , Chiorazzo Rossella , Amatulli Antonio , De Berardis Domenico , Clerici Massimo , Milani Simona , Cavalleri Pietro Riccardo
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a case study to support the hypothesis that religiosity and spirituality (R/S), as mood balancing factors, could facilitate the recovery process for patients suffering from bipolar disorder (BD) once they have been stabilized and are receiving appropriate support (e.g., in a residential rehabilitative center). After a succinct review of BD and R/S, the patient’s medical history and rehabilitation pathway are described, with a particular focus on the role played by R/S. The authors found that in this case, once the patient was stabilized, R/S helped to consolidate her feelings of well-being, increasing her positive perception of social support services and ultimately her self-confidence.
Androgen deficiency in hypopituitary women: its consequences and management
Authors: Esposito Daniela , Tivesten Åsa , Olivius Catharina , Ragnarsson Oskar , Johannsson Gudmundur
Published: January 2024

Women with hypopituitarism have various degrees of androgen deficiency, which is marked among those with combined hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. The consequences of androgen deficiency and the effects of androgen replacement therapy have not been fully elucidated. While an impact of androgen deficiency on outcomes such as bone mineral density, quality of life, and sexual function is plausible, the available evidence is limited. There is currently no consensus on the definition of androgen deficiency in women and it is still controversial whether androgen substitution should be used in women with hypopituitarism and coexisting androgen deficiency. Some studies suggest beneficial clinical effects of androgen replacement but data on long-term benefits and risk are not available. Transdermal testosterone replacement therapy in hypopituitary women has shown some positive effects on bone metabolism and body composition. Studies of treatment with oral dehydroepiandrosterone have yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting improvements in quality of life and sexual function. Further research is required to elucidate the impact of androgen deficiency and its replacement treatment on long-term outcomes in women with hypopituitarism. The lack of transdermal androgens for replacement in this patient population and limited outcome data limit its use. A cautious and personalized treatment approach in the clinical management of androgen deficiency in women with hypopituitarism is recommended while awaiting more efficacy and safety data.
Bone loss and new vertebral fractures during treatment with romosozumab: a case-report
Authors: Marsman Anneke F. , de Jongh Renate T. , Teunissen Bernd P. , Lems Willem F.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to illustrate the possibility of an unfavorable response to treatment with the anabolic agent romosozumab for patients with severe osteoporosis and to discuss explanations for treatment failure.

Methods

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) including vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) and X-rays of the thoracolumbar spine was used to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and the presence of vertebral fractures before and after treatment with romosozumab.

Results

Our patient developed a decrease in the BMD of the hip, two incident new vertebral fractures, and worsening of one prevalent vertebral fracture during 1 year treatment with romosozumab. We have not detected non-adherence, there was no pretreatment with anti-resorptives, and we observed no signs of secondary osteoporosis and/or comorbidities.

Conclusion

As the number of patients treated with romosozumab is rising, it becomes more likely that more patients will be found with new fractures and/or an unfavorable BMD response. Probably, the unfavorable response is a (bad) chance finding, but we think it is crucial for clinicians and patients to exclude nonadherence, new comorbidities and pretreatment with anti-resorptives as explanation in these patients.
Analysis of longitudinal wrinkle formation during calendering of NMC811 cathodes under variation of different process parameters
Authors: Wurba Ann-Kathrin , Altmann Lennart , Fleischer Jürgen
Published: January 2024

The requirements for the lithium-ion battery (LIB) are constantly increasing. In the nearer future, batteries need to be even more powerful, safer and cheaper. One lever is the optimization of the production in order to minimize production scrap rates. In electrode manufacturing, calendering is an essential process step to adjust the volumetric energy density. However, this process leads to undesirable defects that result in production scrap. In this paper, the formation of longitudinal wrinkles is analyzed using a statistical experiment design. Electrode density, web tension and temperature are varied in two levels during calendering and are examined for their significance with regard to the geometry of the longitudinal wrinkles. Furthermore, the strain and the deformation of the electrode are analyzed. A complex interaction of material and process is revealed with respect to the formation of longitudinal wrinkles. A better understanding of these interactions contributes to optimize the calendering process and to find a solution to avoid longitudinal wrinkles.
Simple closed geodesics in dimensions $$\ge 3$$
Authors: Rademacher Hans-Bert
Published: January 2024

We show that for a generic Riemannian or reversible Finsler metric on a compact differentiable manifold M of dimension at least three all closed geodesics are simple and do not intersect each other. Using results by Contreras (Ann Math 2(172):761–808, 2010; in: Proceedings of International Congress Mathematicians (ICM 2010) Hyderabad, India, pp 1729–1739, 2011) this shows that for a generic Riemannian metric on a compact and simply-connected manifold all closed geodesics are simple and the number N(t) of geometrically distinct closed geodesics of length $$\le t$$

≤
t

grows exponentially.
Diuretic Treatment in Patients with Heart Failure: Current Evidence and Future Directions – Part I: Loop Diuretics
Authors: Cuthbert Joseph James , Clark Andrew L
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Fluid retention or congestion is a major cause of symptoms, poor quality of life, and adverse outcome in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite advances in disease-modifying therapy, the mainstay of treatment for congestion—loop diuretics—has remained largely unchanged for 50 years. In these two articles (part I: loop diuretics and part II: combination therapy), we will review the history of diuretic treatment and the current trial evidence for different diuretic strategies and explore potential future directions of research.

Recent Findings

We will assess recent trials including DOSE, TRANSFORM, ADVOR, CLOROTIC, OSPREY-AHF, and PUSH-AHF amongst others, and assess how these may influence current practice and future research.

There are few data on which to base diuretic therapy in clinical practice. The most robust evidence is for high dose loop diuretic treatment over low-dose treatment for patients admitted to hospital with HF, yet this is not reflected in guidelines. There is an urgent need for more and better research on different diuretic strategies in patients with HF.