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The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that forms on Li-ion battery anodes is critical to their long-term performance, however observing SEI formation processes at the buried electrode-electrolyte interface is a significant challenge. Here we show that operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy in total electron yield mode can resolve the chemical evolution of the SEI during electrochemical formation in a Li-ion cell, with nm-scale interface sensitivity. O, F, and Si K-edge spectra, acquired as a function of potential, reveal when key reactions occur on high-capacity amorphous Si anodes cycled with and without fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The sequential formation of inorganic (LiF) and organic (-(C=O)O-) components is thereby revealed, and results in layering of the SEI. The addition of FEC leads to SEI formation at higher potentials which is implicated in the rapid healing of SEI defects and the improved cycling performance observed. Operando TEY-XAS offers new insights into the formation mechanisms of electrode-electrolyte interphases and their stability for a wide variety of electrode materials and electrolyte formulations. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on Li-ion battery anodes is critical for long-term performance. Here, the authors use operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy in total electron yield mode to resolve the chemical evolution of the SEI during electrochemical formation on silicon anodes.

We present the contents of the historical heliophysical series collected at the Ebro Observatory, as well as the actions carried out to restore and save these data and to conserve the physical media containing the data and the telescopes that helped to obtain them. We also discuss the results obtained with these measurements, describe how we disseminated them, and report on the investigations that we have carried out with this information. We show the evolution of the local solar indices such as the Ebro Sunspot Number (ESN), the Ebro Group Sunspot Number (EGSN), or the Ebro Sunspot Area (ESA), which are derived directly from our data. For verification purposes, these local solar indices have been compared to the international sunspot numbers published by SILSO. Our data are reliable and correlate well with the respective international series. Finally, as an example of the possibilities that the Ebro series offer, we explain the use of these data to elucidate one of the recent problems in solar physics: the discontinuity in international data known as the Waldmeier discontinuity and, in general, the ratio between sunspots and sunspot groups. In the Ebro Observatory series, no discontinuity such as this is detected. We instead observe a rather stable ratio in the spot or group rates. This result is in agreement with the hypothesis of Svalgaard ( 2010 , ASP CS-428 , 297) that the Waldmeier discontinuity is produced only on a procedural level, perhaps by a change in the criteria used in Zürich by Waldmeier or by changing external conditions.

Background and aims Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) should be considered in patients diagnosed with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)-resistant chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (IVIg-NR CIDP). In this 1-year long, retrospective, multicentric study, an online questionnaire was sent to 1100 French healthcare professionals (HCPs) investigating: (i) how many IVIg-NR CIDP patients they followed; (ii) how many IVIg-NR CIDP patients had undergone TTR gene analysis; and (iii) how many IVIg-NR CIDP patients were eventually diagnosed with ATTRv. The questionnaire was sent every 3 months for 1 year and contained information on ATTRv clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Results One-hundred and ten (10%) HCPs responded. A total of 2131 patients with CIDP were identified, including 315 (22.1%) with IVIg-NR CIDP. TTR gene analysis was performed in 144 patients and was positive in 43 cases (29.9%). Conclusions This study demonstrates that ATTRv should be investigated systematically in patients diagnosed with IVIg-NR CIDP. HCP-directed information campaigns are useful for modifying diagnostic practices.

BackgroundThere is evidence of increasing number of falls in adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the contributing factors for falling in adults with knee OA has not been substantially investigated.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between falling in adults with knee OA and clinical characteristics of knee OA such as balance, pain, instability, muscle strength, and physical function.MethodsParticipants with knee OA were recruited from the community (Dunedin, New Zealand). The protocol of the study was registered in Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN 12617000154303). Falls characteristics in the preceding year were collected to distinguish between those with and without history of falling. All participants completed the following measures: Sensory Organisation Test (SOT) using NeuroCom SMART Equitest system, version 8.4.0 which produced Composite Score; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for knee OA related symptoms; Knee outcome survey for self-reported knee instability (buckling); Nicholas MMT hand-held dynamometer for quadriceps and hamstrings isometric muscle strength measured at 20 and 70 degrees; and Timed-Up and Go (TUG) test for physical function.ResultsSixty-three participants with knee OA (30 female, 33 male), with a mean age (SD) of 53.78 (16.17) years were included in the study. Thirty-one (49%) participants reported at least one fall in the previous 12 months. The independent t-test suggested that the SOT Composite Score in fallers was significantly less (mean ±SD: faller=72.16±3.26, non-faller=74.84±4.77; p=0.012) and the TUG test was significantly longer (mean ±SD: faller=7.64±1.29, non-faller=6.74±0.78; p=0.001) when compared with the non-faller group. Also, lower muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors were significantly less in the faller group (p<0.05). Falling in the previous 12 months was associated with Composite Score (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97, p=0.017), knee extensors strength [20 degrees (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.82, p=0.025) and 70 degrees (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.91, p=0.008)], and TUG test (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.32–5.31, p=0.006) using univariate logistic regression analysis. There were no changes in these results with multivariable analyses adjusting for age, gender, and body mass index.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that balance, knee muscle strength, and performance of physical function significantly differed between those with and without the history of falling. An understanding of these risk factors may help in implementing an appropriate evaluation and intervention strategy to reduce falls in this patient population. Given the prevalence of falls in knee OA, this study suggests that falls assessment should be part of the clinical practice routine when evaluating patients with knee OA.AcknowledgementsThis study was funded by Mark Steptoe Grant-in-Aid, University of Otago School of PhysiotherapyDisclosure of InterestNone declared

Introduction Late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is characterized by a progressive myopathy resulting from a deficiency of acid α‐glucosidase enzyme activity. Enzyme replacement therapy has been shown to be effective, but long‐term treatment results vary. Avalglucosidase alfa demonstrated non‐inferiority to alglucosidase alfa in a phase 3 study, allowing in France compassionate access for advanced LOPD patients unresponsive to alglucosidase alfa. Methods Data from the French Pompe registry were analyzed for patients who benefited from a switch to avalglucosidase alfa with at least 1 year of follow‐up. Respiratory (forced vital capacity [FVC]) and motor functions (Six‐Minute Walk Test [6MWT]) were assessed before and 1 year after switching. Individual changes in FVC and 6MWT were expressed as slopes and statistical analyses were performed to compare values. Results Twenty‐nine patients were included (mean age 56 years, 11 years of prior treatment). The FVC and 6MWT values remained stable. The individual analyses showed a stabilization of motor worsening: –1 m/year on the 6MWT after the switch versus –63 m/year the year before the switch (i.e., a worsening of 33%/year before vs. an improvement of 3%/year later). Respiratory data were not statistically different. Discussion At the group level, gait parameters improved slightly with a stabilization of previous worsening, but respiratory parameters showed limited changes. At the individual level, results were discordant, with some patients with a good motor or respiratory response and some with further worsening. Conclusion Switching to avalglucosidase alfa demonstrated varied responses in advanced LOPD patients with failing alglucosidase alfa therapy, with a general improvement in motor stabilization.