Advancing Open Science

HMLasso (Lasso with High Missing Rate) is a useful technique for sparse regression when a high-dimensional design matrix contains a large number of missing data. To solve HMLasso, an appropriate positive semidefinite symmetric matrix must be obtained. In this paper, we present two structural results on the HMLasso problem. These results allow existing acceleration algorithms for strongly convex functions to be applied to solve the HMLasso problem.

The projected increase in the global probiotics market is driven by growing consumer awareness of gut health and the potential benefits of microbial supplements. However, the market currently exhibits a significant gap in probiotic yeast options, with Saccharomyces boulardii being the predominant probiotic yeast available. This limitation restricts diversity and potential tailored applications of alternative probiotic yeast strains. Pichia, a genus of yeast, has emerged as a promising candidate. This review explores the safety profile and probiotic attributes of Pichia strains, which collectively highlight its potential as an effective probiotic yeast. Evidence indicates that Pichia exhibits beneficial characteristics such as resilience in harsh gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, antimicrobial activity against pathogens, and immunomodulatory effects that could contribute to gut health. Additionally, the non-pathogenic nature of Pichia and its history of safe and wide use in food and beverage fermentation processes increases confidence in its safety for human consumption. Given its potential, Pichia may diversify the probiotic yeast market and present an alternative beneficial organism that may contribute to general health and well-being.

Inspired by the mechanism of ion exchange resins, this study is a first-report in constructing a dual-layer photocathodic protective coating with ionic selectivity to enhance corrosion resistance property. The microstructure, composition, and ion selectivity of the coating are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and membrane potential. It shows that the outer g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ cation-selective layer plays a role in preventing corrosive Cl⁻ ions passing through the coating; the inner g-C₃N₄-TiO₂-CTAB anion-selective layer could prevent Fe²⁺ ions from diffusing through the coating. Furthermore, the coated carbon steel sample demonstrates a minimum OCP (open circuit potential) value of −770 mV (vs. SCE) under illumination in 3.5% NaCl media. Interestingly, the OCP remains around −720 mV (vs. SCE) even after light deprivation. The synergistic effect between ion selectivity and photocathodic protection is described, in detail, in the following.

This study considers general Markov chains (MCs) with discrete time in an arbitrary phase space. The transition function of the MC generates two operators: T, which acts on the space of measurable functions, and A, which acts on the space of bounded countably additive measures. The operator $T^{*}$, which is adjoint to T and acts on the space of finitely additive measures, is also constructed. A number of theorems are proved for the operator $T^{*}$, including the ergodic theorem. Under certain conditions it is proved that if the MC has a finite number of basic invariant finitely additive measures then all of them are countably additive and the MC is quasi-compact. We demonstrate a methodology that applies finitely additive measures for the analysis of MCs, using examples with detailed proofs of their non-simple properties. Some of these proofs in the examples are more complicated than the proofs in our theorems.

Generalized lipodystrophies (GLs) are rare diseases characterized by a lack of body fat. When patients with a GL phenotype are referred with a presumptive diagnosis of congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) but genetic testing for known pathogenic variants is negative, the diagnosis of acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL) becomes a more likely diagnosis. No single test confirms such a diagnosis, and it is crucial to recognize the similarities and differences between these diseases. We review the literature and report four GL cases from our lipodystrophy outpatient clinic, highlighting the main points for an accurate diagnosis. Similarities: phlebomegaly, umbilical scar protrusion, loss of Bichat’s fat pad, muscle hypertrophy, and hepatomegaly can occur in both. Cirrhosis can also arise, but in AGL, it occurs as a consequence of hepatic steatosis and also due to autoimmune hepatitis. Insulin resistance is frequent, and patients present acanthosis nigricans and acrochordons and may develop difficult-to-control diabetes and its complications, despite very high daily doses of insulin. Low HDL and hypertriglyceridemia are frequent and may progress to acute pancreatitis. Serum leptin levels are typically low and contribute to hyperphagia. Differences: AGL patients’ body fat loss occurs gradually in childhood or adolescence, whereas CGL patients are born with the characteristic phenotype. Evaluating photographs of AGL patients in the first years of life can provide evidence of this selective and gradual fat loss. Some AGL patients may have panniculitis (inflamed and painful subcutaneous nodules), with or without autoimmune diseases. In conclusion, recognizing both similarities and differences is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and ensuring the most appropriate treatment.

Background/Objectives: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a highly effective and safe treatment for hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (ARF). This study aimed to identify and examine the content and recommendations within local health guidance documents (LHGDs) that facilitate ward-based implementation of NIV for the treatment of ARF in adults in Australian health services. Methods: A scoping review was conducted on 26 May 2023, updated on 11 January 2024 and 16 September 2025 to identify public health services NIV LHGDs. Data were extracted and analysed regarding NIV initiation, monitoring, maintenance and weaning, and management of clinical deterioration. Results: Twenty-two LHGDs were included, of which only six (27.3%) referenced international NIV guidelines. Most LHGDs (n = 17, 77.3%) required an arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement before NIV initiation, with eight (36.4%) specifying PaCO₂ > 45 mmHg and pH < 7.35 as a basis to consider NIV initiation. Most (n = 13, 59.1%) specified a target SpO₂ range to monitor NIV, but recommendations varied. NIV implementation recommendations general wards (n = 12, 54.5%) were most common, followed by respiratory wards (n = 5, 22.7%) and respiratory care units (n = 4, 18.2%). Most LHGDs did not specify criteria for medical review (n = 13, 59.1%), clinical escalation (n = 13, 59.1%) or palliation care (n = 13, 59.1%), and weaning guidance was rarely specified (n = 7, 31.8%). Conclusions: There was substantial variation in the structure and content of LHGDs for ward-based NIV across Australian hospitals, including inconsistencies in initiation, monitoring, weaning, and detection of patient deterioration. Variation and limited alignment with major clinical guidelines may impact care quality and safety.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate how non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFT) versus conventional oxygen therapy (COT) affect neural ventilatory drive during exercise in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: We conducted an experimental, controlled study with one arm and three different conditions for the same cohort. After initial testing on conventional oxygen therapy (COT), patients exercised under NIV and HFT in sequential days and a random order. Participants: Twenty patients (mean age 60 years old (SD 3.9), 6 female) with severe COPD (30% women) on home NIV as a bridge to lung transplantation were enrolled in this study, with a mean FEV₁ of 19.78% predicted and marked hyperinflation. Protocol: Participants performed constant-load cycling exercises at 75% maximum tolerated workload under three conditions: COT, NIV, and HFT. Neuro-respiratory drive (NRD) was measured using surface parasternal and sternocleidomastoid electromyography, and mixed ANOVA was performed to analyze repeated measures across conditions. Results: In total, 20 patients were included in this study. NIV demonstrated superior performance, with 60% lower NRD compared to COT (488.81 µV vs. 1180.63 µV, p < 0.05). HFT showed intermediate effects (807.8 µV). NIV also achieved greater reduction in respiratory rate (4.2 breaths/min), lower perceived exertion (Borg score decrease: 1.8 points), and more pronounced CO₂ reduction (5.3 mmHg) compared to both COT and HFT. Conclusions: NIV significantly reduces NRD during exercise in severe COPD patients compared to HFT and COT. This supports its use as a valuable adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation in severe COPD.

Background: MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is the most common form of inherited thrombocytopenia (IT). It is caused by pathogenic variants in the MYH9 gene. It manifests as early-onset macrothrombocytopenia with variable later-onset extra-hematological features, including hearing loss, renal disease, and cataracts. In pediatric patients, early recognition is critical to avoid misdiagnosis as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and unnecessary immunosuppressive therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective unicentric study at the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania, including patients aged 0–18 years with suspected IT, tested between 2017 and 2025 by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Clinical, laboratory, and genetic data were reviewed. Results: Among 66 patients who underwent genetic testing, 31 (48.5%) had IT-associated genetic variants; 8 (25.8%) carried MYH9 mutations. Four patients (50%) had disease onset before age 1 year, three with neonatal presentation; 3 (37.5%) reported a family history of thrombocytopenia. Six variants were previously reported, and two were novel variants. Five variants (62.5%) were pathogenic, while three (37.5%) were initially classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Most mutations were missense in the coiled-coil tail domain, correlating with milder thrombocytopenia and absence of extra-hematological features. No life-threatening bleeding was recorded; hemorrhagic symptoms were limited to minor mucocutaneous bleeding. Conclusions: This is the first Romanian pediatric cohort and one of the few existing pediatric cohorts describing the genetic and clinical spectrum of MYH9-RD. Early genetic confirmation enables precise diagnosis, tailored management, and family screening, while preventing inappropriate therapies.