Aerial robots can autonomously collect temporal and spatial high-resolution environmental data. This data can then be utilized to develop mathematical ecology models to understand the impact of climate change on our habitat. In case of the drone's malfunction the incorporated materials can threaten vulnerable environments. The recent introduction of transient robotics has enabled the development of biodegradable, environmental sensing drones capable of degrading in their environment. However, manufacturing methods for environmental sensing transient drones are rarely discussed. In this work, we highlight a manufacturing framework and material selection process featuring biopolymer-based, high-strength composite cryogels and printed carbon-based electronics for transient drones. We found that gelatin and cellulose based cryogels mechanically outperform other biopolymer composites while having a homogeneous micro-structure and high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The selected materials are used to manufacture a flying-wing air-frame, while the incorporated sensing skin is capable of measuring the elevons' deflection angles as well as ambient temperature. Our results demonstrate how gelatin-cellulose cryogels can be used to manufacture lightweight transient drones while printing carbon conductive electronics is a viable method for designing sustainable, integrated sensors. The proposed methods can be used to guide the development of lightweight and rapidly degrading robots, featuring eco-friendly sensing capabilities.Corresponding author(s) Email:   fabian.wiesemueller@empa.ch, mirko.kovac@empa.ch 

A document by Selim Polat. Click on the document to view its contents.

Marco Capogna PhD, Professor of Neuroscience at Aarhus University Faculty of Health, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus, Denmark, died from cancer aged 64 on 2nd December 2022.

Over the last decade, rapid vegetation colonization and changes in channel morphology have been observed in the Naeseongcheon Stream in South Korea, which were linked to short-term hydrological fluctuations under a changing monsoon climate. The surface area covered by vegetation has been increasing; this increase intensified after the 2014–2015 drought, which provided a window of opportunity for vegetation establishment. During the drought, pioneer herbaceous vegetation densely colonized the lower floodplains, including bare sandbars and temporarily exposed riverbed. Although the colonized lower floodplain and river banks were partially rejuvenated by several subsequent floods, succession to woody vegetation continued, resulting in stable vegetation cover in areas that had previously been bare. Moreover, sediment carried by flood water was deposited on and around the vegetated areas, and the low-water channel was incised, causing vertical development of river topography. In addition, the main channel width decreased in previously relatively wide sites, and secondary channels formed. The results of this study show that river rejuvenation by floods may decrease owing to systemic changes in the river system. Therefore, we concluded that the Naeseongcheon watershed was primed by human-induced changes, which made the river system more susceptible to changes in rainfall and discharge due to climate change. Furthermore, after the initial vegetation colonization, changes in nutrients and temperature created a positive feedback loop, which reinforced vegetation establishment.

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Thoracic hemivertebra is one of the rare congenital vertebral anomalies in horses resulting in vertebral column deformity with or without neurological signs. A nine-month-old Racking filly was presented with a distinct bump over the back region. This bump was apparent at birth and has been increasing in size. Clinical examination revealed a painless kyphoscoliosis over the thoracic vertebrae with mild ataxia and abnormal gait of hindlimbs. In plain lateral radiographs of thoracic vertebrae, hemivertebrae were seen in the 13th-15th thoracic vertebrae. At myelography performed under general anaesthesia, the ventral and dorsal aspects of the contrast medium column were narrowing at the level of the 13th-14th thoracic vertebrae, and no sign of contrast medium after the 14th thoracic vertebra that represents spinal cord compression. Little information about hemivertebra in horses exists and a better understanding of hemivertebra etiology is required.

Background: The lung-brain-axis is an emerging biological pathway that is being investigated in relation to microbiome medicine. Increasing evidence suggest that pulmonary viral infections can lead to distinct pathological imprints in the brain, thereby the need to explore and understand this mechanism and find possible interventions.  Objective:  This study used RSV infection in mice as a model to establish the potential lung-brain axis phenomenon. We hypothesized that RSV infection could disrupt the lung microbiota, thereby compromising the immune barriers and thus induces significant shift in microglia phenotype.  Methods: Mice were randomized into the Control, Ampicillin, RSV, and RSV+Ampicillin treated groups (n = 6 each). Ampicillin was given intratracheal instillation and seven days after the respective treatments, the mice were anesthetized. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining of lung tissue to detect histopathology. Immunofluorescence label of specific target antigens in both the lung and brain tissues, namely, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were used as markers of cellular damage. RT-qPCR was used to detect viral RNA in both tissues,  ELISA to measure IL-1β, iNOS, IL-10 and Arg1 in the supernatant and 16s DNA technology were used to detect the lung microflora.  Results: We found out that RSV infection induces elevated oxidative stress, reduced anti-oxidant and caused significant dysbacteriosis in the lungs of the mice. Pulmonary microbes were found affecting Th1-type immunoreactivity induced by RSV infection and eventually, microbiota in lung induced microglia phenotype shift in the brain of the mice.  Conclusion. This study was able to establish that RSV infection can disrupt the pulmonary microbiome and immune barriers to induce microglia phenotype shift. Thus, we recommend a large sample size study with robust data analysis for the long-term effects of antibiotics and RSV infection on brain physiology.

Omicron is the current variant of SARS-CoV-2. It has high transmissibility and evades human immunity. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for therapy, prognosis, and curbing the spread of the virus. Here we reported a new sampling method for the rapid antigen test, with specimens from phlegm, instead of from nasal swabs. Sensitivities in detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen were compared within the two specimens, and between rapid antigen tests with phlegm specimens and PCR tests. Of 41 volunteers, thirty-one with positive phlegm specimens of SARS-CoV-2 eventually had typical COVID-19 symptoms, which suggested rapid antigen tests with phlegm specimens had 100 % accuracy. Fourteen of these had antigen tests with nasal swab specimens: 13 negative and 1 positive. Combined with that the antigen levels of the 6561-fold diluted phlegm specimen were comparable to those of the original nasal swab specimen, antigen tests with phlegm specimens are more sensitive and earlier detect SARS-CoV-2 than with nasal swab specimens. Interestingly, case studies indicated antigen tests with phlegm specimens earlier notified patients of positive infection than PCR tests. Phlegm specimens enhanced sensitivity in detection of SARS-CoV-2 in antigen tests, resulting in earlier diagnosis (12 to 42 hours, n=6) than nasal swab specimens. The sensitivity of antigen tests with phlegm specimens is comparable to that of PCR tests, but the former earlier outputs test results. Rapid antigen tests with phlegm specimens facilitate monitoring the health of COVID-19 patients and direct recovery.

Mucocutaneous complications or adverse events due to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination have been well-delineated in the literature, respectively. Most eruptions are considered to be mild and self-limiting; however, for the atypical cases which have a tentative clinical diagnosis, performing a biopsy and histopathological assessment is pivotal to confirm the diagnosis and subsequently prescribe a more tailored treatment. Despite the diverse reporting of such incidents globally, the rate of biopsied cases is restricted to less than 15% in most studies.    This case series elucidates 20 patients referred to the tertiary dermatology clinic, including 14 COVID-19 infection-related eruptions such as Lichen Planus (LP), Cutaneous vasculitis, Pityriasis rosea (PR), Discoid lupus erythematosus, Guttate psoriasis, Sarcoidosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, non-specific lesions resembling genital warts, Beau’s line and one severe case of purpura fulminans with a promising outcome. Moreover, we presented 6 vaccine-induced cases comprising LP, Urticarial vasculitis, PR, Parapsoriasis, and Localized Morphea. The diagnosis of all cases has been proven by histopathological evaluation. We included pertaining anamnesis details of each patient together with vivid classifying images to pinpoint the morphologic features of each condition.   In line with our previous studies, the vaccine-induced eruptions were less severe compared to infection-related complications of COVID-19 and are mostly controllable by antihistamines and corticosteroids administration. Therefore, reporting such events should not hinder COVID-19 vaccination in the general population.

The terrain elevation affects the carbon and water ecosystem services by redistributing heat and energy. The Qinghai Tibet Plateau (QTP) is known as the “Third Pole of the Earth” and the “Water Tower of Asia,” which has the most significant elevation range in the world. However, existing knowledge and understanding of the complex elevation gradient (EG) effects on carbon and water services and their relationships (ESR) are still limited. Here, the moving window method, generalized additive model (GAM), and structural equation model are used to explore ESR dynamics along the EG. From 2000 to 2018, the annual mean values of carbon storage (CS) and water yield (WY) in the QTP were 50.45 tc/ha and 246.14 mm·a-1, respectively. The results from GAMs show that ESR has a nonlinear relationship with the EG. With the elevation rising, the relationship between EG and CS transforms from positive to negative, and the overall ESR changes from synergy to trade-off. In the QTP, the interpretation degree of natural meteorological factors to CS and WY is higher than socioeconomic factors, while the latter is more important in affecting the ESR. The research results call attention to the influence of the four elevation thresholds (1200, 2900, 5200, and 6500 m) on ESR nonlinearity, carbon water trade-off with CS loss in the south-central part of the plateau under the EG, as well as the coordination of the services in the northeast and southern region. This study can serve as a valuable reference for considering complex terrain gradients to mitigate their potential adverse effects on ecosystem services and human well-being.

Background. Despite the known relatively high disease burden of influenza, data are lacking regarding a critical epidemiological indicator, the case-fatality ratio. Our objective was to infer age-group and influenza (sub)type specific values by combining modelled estimates of symptomatic incidence and influenza-attributable mortality. Methods. The setting was the Netherlands, 2011/12 through 2019/20 seasons. Sentinel surveillance data from general practitioners and laboratory testing were synthesised to supply age-group specific estimates of incidence of symptomatic infection, and ecological additive modelling was used to estimated influenza-attributable deaths. These were combined in an Bayesian inferential framework to estimate case-fatality ratios for influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B, per 5-year age-group. Results. Case-fatality estimates were highest for influenza A(H3N2) followed by influenza B and then A(H1N1)pdm09, and were highest for the 85+ years age-group, at 4.76% (95% credible interval (CrI): 4.52-5.01%) for A(H3N2), followed by influenza B at 4.08% (95% CrI: 3.77-4.39%) and A(H1N1)pdm09 at 2.51% (95% CrI: 2.09-2.94%). For 55-59 through 85+ years, the case-fatality risk was estimated to double with every 3.7 years of age. Conclusions. These estimated case-fatality ratios, per influenza sub(type) and per age-group, constitute valuable information for public health decision-making, for assessing the retrospective and prospective value of preventative interventions such as vaccination, and for health economic evaluations.

Background: High power short duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation was expected to be more effective and safer than low power long duration (LPLD) in treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Given the limited data, the findings were controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated whether HPSD’s clinical effects outweigh LPLD’s. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases identified studies comparing HPSD to LPLD ablation. All the analyses used the random-effects model. Results: This analysis included 21 studies with a total of 4169 patients. Pooled analyses revealed that HPSD was associated with a lower recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) at one year (RR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.78, p: 0.00001, I 2: 0%). Furthermore, the HPSD approach reduced the risk of AF recurrence (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.01, p: 0.06, I 2: 86%), The HPSD approach was associated with a lower risk of esophageal thermal injury (ETI) (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.04, p: 0.09, I 2: 73%;). The HPSD strategy increased first-pass pulmonary vein isolation (FPI) and decreased acute pulmonary vein re-connection (PVR) both of which were predominantly manifested in bilateral and left pulmonary veins (PVs). HPSD demonstrated a reduction in procedural time, ablation number for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and fluoroscopy time. Conclusion: The HPSD method reduces ETI, PV reconnection, and recurrent AF. The HPSD approach also reduced procedural time, PVI ablation number, fluoroscopy time, and post-ablation AF relapse in one year, improving patient outcomes and safety.

Background: There is an increasing importance to increasing the day-case rate for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate post-operative complication (IPOC) rate of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), with a view to increasing the day-case rate. IPOC was defined as any adverse clinical events experienced if admitted, or as a re-presentation to the emergency department/ward if done as a day-case, within 24 hours of the surgery. The secondary aim was to evaluate the risk factors predictive of IPOC. Methods: A retrospective analysis of children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for OSA between 01/11/2019–31/03/2022. Results: 464 children were included. Children done as a day-case experienced 0% IPOC (n=260; 220 were planned day-case). Children done as an inpatient experienced 16.7% IPOC (n=34/204). Every child who experienced IPOC had one or more of the following four clinical features: age <3 years, <15 kg, >98th weight centile, significant medical comorbidities. 269 children had none of these four clinical features, and experienced 0.371% IPOC (n=1/269; primary post-tonsillectomy bleed). Children with pre-operative oximetry scores of McGill 3-4 experienced 0% IPOC if they had none of the four clinical features (n=20). The overall readmission rate was 2.80% (n=13/464). Conclusion: Our experience suggests children with none of the four clinical risk factors identified can have adenotonsillectomy performed as a day-case procedure, irrespective of the pre-operative oximetry results. Pre-operative oximetry does not appear to add any additional value in predicting adverse post-operative events.

The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in immunocompromised cases is considerably high. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is essential in managing SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in immunocompromised cases. The mutation in the spike protein RBD region of the SARS-CoV-2 leads to the substitution of amino acids resulting in an altered ACE2 binding affinity. The mAbs must be tested in-vitro using standard neutralisation assays designed against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants to estimate the mAb therapy efficacy. Based on already available data on the mAb efficacy for known SARS-CoV-2 variants, it is plausible to draw inferences for other closely related SARS-CoV-2 variants in circulation owing to the similar spike protein RBD amino acid sequence. In this article, we have attempted to analyse the data of mAb efficacy tested against SARS-CoV-2 variants and extrapolate on other emerging omicron sublineages like BA.2.75, BF.7 and BQ.1.

It is estimated that about 10% of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 worldwide suffer from Long-Covid, about 65 million people [1]. Although we are beginning to know its pathophysiology, there is still no evidence on its treatment. We present the case of a patient with persistent prolonged symptoms who had an optimal response to nirmatrelvir/ritonavir 2 years after acute infection.

A 43-year-old male patient who had an advanced stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed after administration of cisplatin an acute renal failure until he required hemodialysis and his renal failure was permanent. The renal biopsy examination indicated partial recovery of the proximal tubule, but renal function did not recover.

Pediatric cancer patients and survivors frequently report posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which are associated with variation in stress-sensitive brain regions, including the hippocampus. We examined the impact of a novel, four-week martial-arts-based meditative intervention on cancer-related PTSS in pediatric patients and survivors, and whether hippocampal volumes at baseline correlate with PTSS severity and/or changes in PTSS over time. PTSS did not significantly change from baseline to post-intervention. However, smaller hippocampal volume was correlated with more severe re-experiencing PTSS at baseline, and greater reductions in PTSS post intervention. Together, hippocampal volume may be a biomarker of PTSS severity and intervention response.

In this paper, we obtain the new generalized integral transform on Prabhakar integral, Hilfer-Prabhakar derivatives and regularized Hilfer-Prabhakar fractional derivatives. Next, we evaluate the solution of some Cauchy type fractional differential equation with Hilfer-Prabhakar fractional derivatives by applying the new integral transform and Fourier transforms which involves three parameter Mittage-Leffler function.

A top-down kinetic modeling methodology is proposed using the in-house developed software tool ‘KASTER’. As a case study, it is applied in the assessment of methane steam reforming (MSR) kinetics on a Ni catalyst, including water-gas shift (WGS) as a side-reaction. The complexity of the reaction mechanism is gradually enhanced, leading ultimately, to a microkinetic model. The reactor equations are solved in a transient manner, preventing the crucial numerical challenges encountered in the steady-state solution. The model providing the best balance between detail and significance was found to be of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) type accounting for dissociative adsorption. In this model, the rate-determining steps of MSR and WGS are CO formation and COOH formation, respectively. While the microkinetic variant indicated that both CH4 dissociative adsorption and CO formation are kinetically relevant steps in MSR, CO formation is found to be rate determining at 923 K using the adopted methodology.

Purpose: We aim to describe the maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with labour epidural analgesia. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort data analysis of PEARL-Peristat Study data, Hamad Medical Corporation- QATAR STATE. The sample for this study comprised of births for the year 2017 in Women’s Hospital. Women who had EA compared to women with no EA during labour. We analyzed 7721 singleton vaginal births at 24 weeks and above conducted in Woman’s hospital (WH) between January 2017 and April 2018. We then excluded babies with major congenital abnormalities, stillbirths, immediate neonatal death in labour room or operating theatre, birth weights <2500g or >4000g, gestational age at birth <37 weeks or >41+6 weeks, women with diabetes and hypertension, precipitate labour where total labour duration was less than 180 minutes and other missing data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 26 statistical software with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The tables showed a comparison between the group which received EA and the other group which did not receive it. There was a significant association between EA and many risks of mother pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. On the other side, no significant correlation was found between EA and other variables. Conclusion: The use of EA was associated with many maternal and neonatal-perinatal risks. It may prolong all stages of labour, precipitates instrumental delivery need, increase NICU admission for different risk factors including respiratory distress and rule out sepsis. We recommend including these risk factors in counseling, before choosing EA.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and aggressive disease that presents similar to septic shock which often goes misdiagnosed. Treatment options include immunosuppressive and chemotherapy options with ultimate treatment being stem cell transplantation. Here we present a case of HLH in a patient with HIV.

Background: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC), asthma and eczema carry a substantial morbidity. These conditions often co-exist within the same individual and prevalence can differ based on age, ethnicity and gender. Objectives: Using a UK primary care database, we estimated the trends in prevalence over the last decade for ARC, asthma and eczema and associated risk factors. Methods: Longitudinal cohort analysis of the health improvement (THIN) database between 1 st Jan 2010 and 1 st Jan 2019. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore risk factors for diagnosis of these conditions. Results: An average of 4.17 million records per year were analysed, 19.4% were children and 49.75% were male. There was an increase in prevalence of ARC, asthma and eczema amongst adults during the study period, whereas ARC and asthma prevalence amongst children has fallen. By 2018, 1:8 adults and 1:14 children had ARC; asthma was diagnosed in 1:7 adults and 1:10 children whereas eczema was diagnosed in 1:6 adults and 1:4 children respectively. Ethnicity and gender modify the risk of being diagnosed with these conditions. Having other allergies substantially increases the odds of having asthma, eczema and ARC. Conclusion: The population burden of ARC, asthma and eczema in the UK is substantial. These conditions are often associated with other allergies and can, therefore, be complex to manage. These data support calls for improvement of pathways of care for allergy patients in the UK.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the predictive value for adverse neonatal outcome of Doppler ultrasound, angiogenic factors and multi-parametric risk-score models in women with early-onset severe preeclampsia. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Maternity units in two Spanish hospitals. Population: Women with diagnosis of early-onset severe pre-eclampsia. Methods: A multi-parametric risk score model, Doppler ultrasound, and levels of angiogenic factors were measured at admission. The predictive value for adverse neonatal outcome was calculated. Main outcome measures: Composite of adverse neonatal outcome. Results: Of 63 women with early-onset severe preeclampsia, 18 (28.6%) presented an adverse neonatal outcome. PlGF showed the best discrimination between neonatal outcomes among angiogenic factors. Good predictive values for the prediction of neonatal complications were found with the combination of PREP-L score with advanced Doppler (AUC ROC 0.9 95% CI 0.82-0.98]) and with PlGF levels (AUC ROC 0.91 [95% CI 0.84-0.98]). Conclusions:  The combination of maternal risk scoring (PREP-L score) with angiogenic factors or fetal Doppler ultrasound at the time of diagnosis of early-onset preeclampsia with severe features performs well in predicting adverse neonatal outcome. Keywords: Angiogenic factors; Early-onset severe preeclampsia; Hypertension in pregnancy; Neonatal adverse outcome; Doppler ultrasound; Placental growth factor; Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1.

This paper describes the author’s exploratory experience of porting the build systems of two large software distributions, the LLVM and GCC programming-language translation systems, to the Amake build tool. Amake is an enhanced derivative of the very popular GNU Make. Amake adds automatic language-independent dependency analysis and site-wide heterogeneous target caching. Amake also supports GNU Make’s parallel-build capabilities. This experience included (mostly) expected changes to both of these build systems, but somewhat surprising changes to Amake’s design and implementation. A description of the former changes is hoped to encourage developers to migrate their build systems to Amake. The latter changes showcase Amake’s most recently added features.