A Signal Temporal Logic Motion Planner for Bird Diverter Installation Tasks with Multi-Robot Aerial Systems

This paper addresses the problem of task assignment and trajectory generation for installing bird diverters using a fleet of multi-rotors. The proposed solution extends our previous motion planner to compute feasible and constrained trajectories, considering payload capacity limitations and recharging constraints. Signal Temporal Logic (STL) specifications are employed to encode the mission objectives and temporal requirements. Additionally, an event-based replanning strategy is introduced to handle unforeseen failures. An energy minimization term is also employed to implicitly save multi-rotor flight time during installation operations. The effectiveness and validity of the approach are demonstrated through simulations in MATLAB and Gazebo, as well as field experiments carried out in a mock-up scenario.Comment: 23 pages, 14 figures, journal preprint, accepted for publication to IEEE ACCES

Metal-catalyzed oxidation of human serum albumin: conformational and functional changes. Implications in protein aging

Abstract Mild oxidative stress, as elicited by ascorbate, oxygen, and trace metals, affects the binding properties of human serum albumin via purely conformational changes. In fact, no gross alteration can be observed in the electrophoretic and chromatographic patterns of albumin, whereas localized modifications are indicated by the changes in absorption and fluorescence spectra and in polarization degree. The oxidized protein presents a small increase of bityrosine production and a time-dependent increase in the content of carbonyl groups, whereas proteolytic susceptibility is unchanged. A higher affinity for cis-parinaric acid and a slight loss of solubility in high salt indicate a greater surface hydrophobicity. Pinpoint denaturation of the albumin molecule is also suggested by a decreased "esterase" activity in the presence of p-nitrophenyl acetate. Conformational stability evaluated through thermal shock and addition of moderate amounts of guanidine indicate that the oxidized protein is more heat-resistant, less flexible, and more rigid than the native one. Although limited, structural damages afforded by the oxidative stress cause alterations of albumin binding properties as documented by experiments with probes and physiological ligands. The loss of biological activity of human serum albumin induced by ascorbate system appears of medical relevance, because it can affect drug metabolism and particularly drug tolerance in the elderly

The impact of Artificial Intelligence on productivity, distribution and growth

This paper explores the economics of Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on its potential as a new General-Purpose Technology that can significantly influence economic productivity and societal wellbeing. It examines AI's unique capacity for autonomy and self-improvement, which could accelerate innovation and potentially revive sluggish productivity growth across various industries, while also acknowledging the uncertainties surrounding AI's long-term productivity impacts. The paper discusses the concentration of AI development in big tech firms, uneven adoption rates, and broader societal challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and security risks. It calls for a comprehensive policy approach to ensure AI's beneficial development and diffusion, including measures to promote competition, enhance accessibility, and address job displacement and inequality

Bismuth-based quadruple therapy following H. Pylori eradication failures: A multicenter study in clinical practice

Background & Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in patients who failed one or more therapeutic attempts remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of three-in-one capsules bismuth-based quadruple therapy (Pylera®) in these patients managed in clinical practice. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter study enrolling consecutive, adult patients with persistent H. pylori infection following at least one standard therapy. All patients received a rescue quadruple therapy with Pylera (3 capsules four times daily) and esomeprazole 20 mg (1 tablet twice daily) for 10 days. H. pylori eradication was assessed by using Urea Breath Test 4-6 weeks following therapy ending. H. pylori eradication rates, compliance, and side-effects were calculated. Results: A total of 208 patients in the 9 participating centres were enrolled. Overall, 180 patients were successfully cured from the infection, accounting for 86.5% (95% CI 81.9-91.2) and 92.3% (95% CI 88.6-96.1) eradication rates at intention-to-treat analysis and at per protocol analysis, respectively. Cure rates were similar across patients who failed one to three previous therapy attempts, but the success rate fell to 67% after 4 or more therapy failures. Compliance to therapy was good in 198 (95.2%) patients, whilst in 7 (5.3%) cases the therapy was interrupted within 5 days due to side effects. A total of 97 (46.6%) patients complained of at least one side effect; nausea, diarrhea and vomiting were the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Our study found that this bismuth-based quadruple therapy is highly effective as second-line and rescue therapy for H. pylori eradication in clinical practic

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: one year outcome of total and separate kidney function following stenting

BACKGROUND: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a known cause of hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. Stenting of the artery is a valid approach, in spite of cases of unexpected adverse evolution of renal function. METHODS: In this study, 27 patients with unilateral RAS were subjected to stenting and followed for a period of one year, while 19 patients were observed while on medical treatment only. The group of 27 patients, 67.33 ± 6.8 years of age, creatinine of 2.15 ± 0.9 mg/dl, following stenting, were followed at intervals with biochemical tests, renal scintigraphy and doppler ultrasonography. The control group (70.0 ± 6.1 years, creatinine 1.99 ± 0.7 mg/dl) was also followed for one year. RESULT: One year after stenting mean creatinine clearance (Ccr) increased from 36.07 ± 17.2 to 40.4 ± 21.6 ml/min (NS). Arterial BP, decreased after 1,3,6, and 12 months (p < 0.05). The number of antihypertensive drugs also decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in proteinuria was also observed. In the control group both Ccr, BP and proteinuria did not show significant changes. Based on renal scintigraphy and Ccr at subsequent times, it was possibile to evaluate the timecourse of renal function in both kidneys of the stented patients. In the stented kidneys Ccr increased significantly. On the controlateral kidney a decrease of renal function (p < 0.05) was observed. Resistance index appeared to be a risk factor of the functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting of RAS due to atherosclerosis is followed by stabilization or improvement of Ccr, mainly at the stented kidney, while contralateral renal function showed a decrease

The Effectiveness of a Motivational Interviewing Intervention on Mutuality Between Patients With Heart Failure and Their Caregivers

background mutuality, defined as "the positive quality of the relationship between a caregiver and a care receiver", was found to be associated with self-care and caregiver contribution to self-care in heart failure (HF). however, no studies were conducted to evaluate whether motivational interviewing (MI) can improve mutuality in patients with HF and caregivers. objectives the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MI on mutuality in HF patient-caregiver dyads. methodsThis is a secondary outcome analysis of the MOTIVATE-HF randomized controlled trial, the primary aim of which was to evaluate the effect of MI on improving self-care in patients with HF. participants were randomized into 3 arms: (1) MI for patients only, (2) MI for both patients and caregivers, and (3) standard care. to assess the HF patients' and caregivers' mutuality, the mutuality scale was used in its patient and caregiver versions. results patients with HF had a median age of 74 years, and there were more men (58%). most patients were retired (76.2%). caregivers had a median age of 55 years and were mostly women (75.5%). most patients were in new york heart association class II (61.9%) and had an ischemic HF etiology (33.6%). the motivational interviews did not show any impact on changes in the patient and caregiver mutuality during the follow-up time (3, 6, 9, and 12 months from baseline). the condition of living together between the patient and the caregiver was significantly associated with better mutuality between the patient and the caregiver. conclusions motivational interviewing performed by nurses was not effective in improving mutuality in patients with HF and caregivers, but the target variable of the intervention was patient self-care. stronger effects of MI on mutuality were observed in patients with HF and caregivers who live together. future studies should target mutuality to see whether MI is really effective

Conservación ex situ de plantas silvestres

La conservación “ex situ” de plantas silvestres es reconocida como un complemento importantísimo de las acciones sobre el terreno, ya que su uso contribuye a proteger y custodiar las especies para evitar su desaparición. En este campo, en los últimos tiempos, se está impulsando el desarrollo de bancos de germoplasma dedicados a la conservación de semillas de plantas silvestres (imprescindibles para la conservación ex situ). Creemos que esta publicación, sin duda necesaria, llena un importante hueco en la literatura en español relacionada con los bancos de germoplasma y será de gran interés para quienes trabajan dentro del panorama de la conservación de plantas, “ex situ”, en España, pero también para un amplio espectro de técnicos que lo hacen en el mundo hispano-americano. La publicación, corolario del apoyo del Gobierno del Principado de Asturias al banco de germoplasma del Jardín Botánico Atlántico de Gijón ha sido promovida por el equipo científico del mismo, dependiente de la Universidad de Oviedo, y posible gracias a la colaboración con los centros italianos ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale) y CCB (Centro Conservazione Biodiversitá e Banca del Germoplasma della Sardegna -Universitá degli Studi di Cagliari). Para el desarrollo de la misma ha sido imprescindible además el trabajo entusiasta de 33 investigadores de cuatro países (Italia, España, Francia y Portugal), lo que convierte a la obra en todo un reto arriesgado, de larga gestación y de nada fácil coordinación. Llevada a buen puerto, finalmente se ha convertido en un ejemplo singular, de cómo coordinando esfuerzos y con buena voluntad, se puede avanzar y trabajar más rápido en aras de la conservación. La edición de esta publicación se enmarca en el Convenio de Colaboración entre el Gobierno del Principado de Asturias y la Obra Social ”la Caixa” firmado el doce de mayo de dos mil seis, dentro de la serie sobre vida silvestre; es un paso más en el compromiso de Asturias con la biodiversidad, y una pequeña, pero interesante, aportación a los objetivos que estableció la Conferencia de las Partes de la Convención sobre Diversidad Biológica, celebrada en La Haya en 2002, y que sentó las bases para la Estrategia Global de la Conservación Vegetal (a la que está adherida España). Pretende ser también un granito de arena para la consecución harto difícil de ese objetivo que hoy une a todos los conservacionistas del mundo: detener la pérdida de biodiversidad antes de 2010

Bismuth-based quadruple therapy following H. Pylori eradication failures: A multicenter study in clinical practice

Background & Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in patients who failed one or more therapeutic attempts remains challenging. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of three-in-one capsules bismuth-based quadruple therapy (Pylera®) in these patients managed in clinical practice. Methods: This was a prospective, open-label, multicenter study enrolling consecutive, adult patients with persistent H. pylori infection following at least one standard therapy. All patients received a rescue quadruple therapy with Pylera (3 capsules four times daily) and esomeprazole 20 mg (1 tablet twice daily) for 10 days. H. pylori eradication was assessed by using Urea Breath Test 4-6 weeks following therapy ending. H. pylori eradication rates, compliance, and side-effects were calculated. Results: A total of 208 patients in the 9 participating centres were enrolled. Overall, 180 patients were successfully cured from the infection, accounting for 86.5% (95% CI 81.9-91.2) and 92.3% (95% CI 88.6-96.1) eradication rates at intention-to-treat analysis and at per protocol analysis, respectively. Cure rates were similar across patients who failed one to three previous therapy attempts, but the success rate fell to 67% after 4 or more therapy failures. Compliance to therapy was good in 198 (95.2%) patients, whilst in 7 (5.3%) cases the therapy was interrupted within 5 days due to side effects. A total of 97 (46.6%) patients complained of at least one side effect; nausea, diarrhea and vomiting were the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Our study found that this bismuth-based quadruple therapy is highly effective as second-line and rescue therapy for H. pylori eradication in clinical practic

What to do and what not to do in the management of opioid-induced constipation. A Choosing Wisely report

Introduction: Despite the essential utility of opioids for the clinical management of pain, opioid-induced constipation (OIC) remains an important obstacle in clinical practice. In patients, OIC hinders treatment compliance and has negative effects on quality of life. From a clinician perspective, the diagnosis and management of OIC are hampered by the absence of a clear, universal diagnostic definition across disciplines and a lack of standardization in OIC treatment and assessment. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of physician experts who treat OIC was assembled to identify a list of ten corrective actions-five "things to do" and five "things not to do"-for the diagnosis and management of OIC, utilizing the Choosing Wisely methodology. Results: The final list of corrective actions to improve the diagnosis and clinical management of OIC emphasized a need for: (i) better physician and patient education regarding OIC; (ii) systematic use of diagnostically validated approaches to OIC diagnosis and assessment (i.e., Rome IV criteria and Bristol Stool Scale, respectively) across various medical contexts; and (iii) awareness about appropriate, evidence-based treatments for OIC including available peripheral mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs). Conclusions: Physicians who prescribe long-term opioids should be forthcoming with patients about the possibility of OIC and be adequately versed in the most recent guideline recommendations for its management

The Impact of an Intervention to Improve Caregiver Contribution to Heart Failure Self-care on Caregiver Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life, and Sleep

backgroundBetter caregiver contribution to self-care in heart failure is associated with better patient outcomes. however, caregiver contribution to self-care is also associated with high anxiety and depression, poor quality of life, and poor sleep in caregivers. It is still unclear whether interventions that encourage caregivers to contribute more to patient self-care might increase caregivers' anxiety and depression and decrease their quality of life and sleep.objectivethe aim of this study was to assess the impact of a motivational interview intervention aimed at improving caregiver contribution to self-care in heart failure on caregivers' anxiety, depression, quality of life, and sleep. methods this is a secondary outcome analysis of the MOTIVATE-HF trial. patients with heart failure and their caregivers were randomized into arm 1 (motivational interview to patients), arm 2 (motivational interview to patients and caregivers), and arm 3 (standard care). data were collected between June 2014 and october 2018. the article has been prepared following the consolidated standards of reporting Trials checklist. results a sample of 510 patient-caregiver dyads was enrolled. over the year of the study, the levels of anxiety, depression, quality of life, and sleep in caregivers did not significantly change among the 3 arms. conclusions motivational interview aimed at improving caregiver contribution to self-care does not seem to increase caregiver anxiety and depression, nor decrease their quality of life and sleep. thus, such an intervention might be safely delivered to caregivers of patients with heart failure, although further studies are needed to confirm our findings