bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study Investigating the effect of Glycemic Control on Electrodiagnostic Parameters in Type II Diabetic Patients
Authors: Muley Parikshit Ashok , Biswas Dalia A. , Taksande Avinash 
Published: June 2021

Background: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic abnormality due to either decreased secretion of insulin or decreased tissue sensitivity of insulin resulting in elevated blood glucose. Most common complication of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy. In this research project, we will be conducting a pilot study to observe the effect of glycaemic control on physiological functioning of nerve with the help of neurophysiological parameters, independent of duration of diabetes.
Objectives:

To investigate relationship of quality of glycemic control & severity of neurological changes.
To find out whether glycemic control acts as an independent risk factor for progression of diabetic neuropathy despite the duration of diabetes.
To validate the HBA1C at 10 for future longitudinal study to understand the association between glycemic control & progression of neuropathy.

Methodology: 60 type II diabetic patients visiting diabetic OPD (Medicine) will participate in the study. The patients will be divided in to 2 groups of Group number 1 with (30 subjects) HBA1C < 10 and Group number 2 having (30 subjects) HBA1C >10. Electrodiagnostic study will be conducted on motor (tibial nerve) and sensory (sural nerve) will be performed in Neurophysiology lab. Neurophysiological parameters data of two groups will be analysed and compared.
Expected Results: The pilot study will help to find out whether glycaemic control acts as a separate risk factor for progression of diabetic neuropathy despite duration of diabetes.
Conclusion: This pilot study will help to establish the association between quality of glycaemic control and severity of neurological changes. Also, this will help to validate the HBA1C at 10 for further longitudinal study to know whether poor diabetes control is an independent risk factor associated to the severity of neuropathy in type II diabetes.
Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder for Assessing Gustatory Function and Comparison with Other Tastants
Authors: Varghese Varsha , Sudha M. , Menon Ashok , Rajkumar D. , Jacob Navya Jith , Mukkadan J. K. 
Published: June 2021

Aims: Azadirachta indica (meliacea), popularly known as neem has extreme bitter taste however it has high medicinal properties. The study aimed to use the bitterness property of neem leaf powder to assess the bitter taste along with other tastants and to check reliability of this newly introduced method.
Materials and methods: 60 healthy subjects were recruited in the present study. Bitter, sweet, salt, sour and umami taste solutions are prepared in three different concentrations. Gustatory recognition threshold was recorded against each concentration of five tastants solutions.
Results: A significant difference in the first concentration (.003) of neem between all age groups (p=0.026) but no significant difference in the second and third concentrations were observed. Males have higher gustatory recognition threshold in almost all levels of taste parameters. However, medium and higher concentrations of neem have no significant gender wise difference. An acceptable level of reliability was found in the test retest method conducted in a two week interval.
Conclusion: The neem leaf powder solution can be used for bitter taste assessment, is reliable, and can be safely used in the clinical setting.
Nusinersen in pediatric and adult patients with type III spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Pera Maria Carmela , Coratti Giorgia , Bovis Francesca , Pane Marika , Pasternak Amy , Montes Jacqueline , Sansone Valeria A. , Dunaway Young Sally , Duong Tina , Messina Sonia , Mizzoni Irene , D’Amico Adele , Civitello Matthew , Glanzman Allan M. , Bruno Claudio , Salmin Francesca , Morando Simone , De Sanctis Roberto , Sframeli Maria , Antonaci Laura , Frongia Anna Lia , Rohwer Annemarie , Scoto Mariacristina , De Vivo Darryl C. , Darras Basil T. , Day John , Martens William , Patanella Katia A. , Bertini Enrico , Muntoni Francesco , Finkel Richard , Mercuri Eugenio ,   the iSMAC group
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe report longitudinal data from 144 type III SMA pediatric and adult patients treated with nusinersen as part of an international effort.MethodsPatients were assessed using Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) with a mean follow‐up of 1.83 years after nusinersen treatment.ResultsOver 75% of the 144 patients had a 12‐month follow‐up. There was an increase in the mean scores from baseline to 12 months on both HFMSE (1.18 points, p = 0.004) and RULM scores (0.58 points, p = 0.014) but not on the 6MWT (mean difference = 6.65 m, p = 0.33).When the 12‐month HFMSE changes in the treated cohort were compared to an external cohort of untreated patients, in all untreated patients older than 7 years, the mean changes were always negative, while always positive in the treated ones. To reduce a selection bias, we also used a multivariable analysis. On the HFMSE scale, age, gender, baseline value, and functional status contributed significantly to the changes, while the number of SMN2 copies did not contribute. The effect of these variables was less obvious on the RULM and 6MWT.InterpretationOur results expand the available data on the effect of Nusinersen on type III patients, so far mostly limited to data from adult type III patients.
Stabilizing Intermediate Phases via Efficient Entrapment Effects of Layered VS4/SnS@C Heterostructure for Ultralong Lifespan Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Cao Liang , Luo Bi , Xu Baohe , Zhang Jiafeng , Wang Chunhui , Xiao Zhiming , Li Shanhong , Li Yangzhong , Zhang Bao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Ou Xing , Ji Xiaobo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPotassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have appealed increasing attention due to the inexpensive K‐element resources and satisfactory electrochemical properties. Presently, there are still challenges for developing desirable anode materials. Two‐dimensional metal sulfides exhibit high specific capacity as host for PIBs, yet the dissolution and agglomeration of unstable reaction intermediate KxSy (K2S, K2S5) inescapability induces large loss of active ingredients and poor reactions reversibility, leading to inferior lifespan. Herein, polar polysulfide VS4 is introduced into SnS nanosheets with constructing layered VS4/SnS heterostructure anchored in graphene scaffold (VS4/SnS@C). In this framework, VS4 with unsaturated bridging (S2)2– can act as the anchoring sites to stabilize intermediates KxSy with efficient entrapment effects. Moreover, the heterostructure can maintain layered SnS and regulate the distribution of KxSy with high conversion reversibility. The reaction reversibility and intermediate absorptivity are enhanced, as confirmed by in situ X‐ray diffraction analysis and theoretical calculations. Consequently, the VS4/SnS@C electrode exhibits ultra‐long lifespans, which achieves a capacity of 168.4 mAh g–1 at 1 A g–1 after 6000 cycles. This strategy of heterostructure design facilitates the understanding of K‐storage mechanisms and significantly enhances the reaction reversibility, providing a thought to address the challenges in metal sulfide anodes toward the development of high‐performance PIBs.
Manipulating the Light‐Matter Interaction of PtS/MoS2 p–n Junctions for High Performance Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Li Fang , Tao Rui , Cao Banglin , Yang Lei , Wang Zegao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDue to the limited carrier concentration, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides have lower intrinsic dark current, and thus, are widely studied for high performance room photodetection. However, the light‐matter interaction is still unclear, thus tuning the photoexcitation and further manipulating the photodetection is a challenge. Herein, large‐area PtS films are synthesized, and the growth mechanism is investigated. It is demonstrated that PtS has an orthorhombic structure and exhibits the p‐type semiconducting behavior. Then, MoS2/PtS p–n heterojunction is fabricated, and its energy diagram is discussed based on the Kelvin probe force microscopy. The contact potential difference is about 160 mV, which is much larger than previous 2D junctions facilitating the charge separation. Furthermore, the phototransistor based on MoS2/PtS p–n heterojunction is prepared, showing broadband photoresponse from visible to near‐infrared. The manipulation of an external field on photoresponse, detectivity, and rise/fall time are explored and discussed. The responsivity can reach up to 25.43 A W−1, and the detectivity is 8.54 × 1012 Jones. These results indicate that PtS film is a prospective candidate for high‐performance optoelectronic devices and broaden the scope of infrared detection materials.
Persistent Luminescence Immune Hydrogel for Photodynamic‐Immunotherapy of Tumors In Vivo
Authors: Shu Gang , Zhu Wang , Jiang Yingzong , Li Xinwen , Pan Jinbin , Zhang Xuening , Zhang Xuejun , Sun Shao‐Kai 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPersistent luminescence material (PLM)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown tremendous promise in tumor elimination via avoiding continuous external light illumination. In addition, the tumor‐associated antigens produced by PDT can trigger systemic antitumor immune responses, but only exhibit a limited immunotherapy effect. Herein, a persistent luminescence immune hydrogel is developed via a “turning solid into gel” strategy by introducing a PLM and an immunoadjuvant (R837) into an alginate‐Ca2+ hydrogel for rechargeable photodynamic‐immunotherapy of tumors, for the first time. The designed PLM‐R837‐ALG hydrogel exhibits the intact persistent luminescence of the PLM, 100% of utilization efficiency of the hydrophobic precursors, good biocompatibility and syringeability, and can be easily injected into tumors to serve as an internal light source for efficiently activating photosensitizers to induce a sustained PDT effect. Moreover, the loaded R837 can significantly amplify the immunogenicity of tumor‐associated antigens originating from PL sensitized PDT, thereby leading to a powerful immune response to suppress tumors in vivo. The proposed PL‐based photodynamic‐immunotherapy provides a novel combined tumor treatment paradigm.
Image‐Guided TME‐Improving Nano‐Platform for Ca2+ Signal Disturbance and Enhanced Tumor PDT
Authors: Jiang Yuping , Meng Wei , Wu Lijuan , Shao Kai , Wang Lili , Ding Mengchao , Shi Jinsheng , Kong Xiaoying 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDysfunction of the calcium balancing system and disruption of calcium distribution can induce abnormal intracellular calcium overload, further causing serious damage and even cell death, which provides a potential therapeutic approach for tumor treatment. Herein, a nano‐platform, which includes UCNPs‐Ce6@RuR@mSiO2@PL‐HA NPs (UCRSPH) and SA‐CaO2 nanoparticles, is prepared for improving the tumor micro‐environment (TME), Ca2+ signal disturbance as well as enhanced photodynamic tumor therapy (PDT). UCRSPH combined with SA‐CaO2 can alter TME and relieve hypoxia of the tumor to realize self‐reinforcing PDT under near‐IR irradiation (980 nm). The ruthenium red (RuR) in the UCRSPH NPs can be released to the cytoplasm after endocytosis of the nanoparticles, target Ca2+ channel proteins on the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA), and mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). The combined participation of nanoparticles and RuR promotes Ca2+ imbalance and cytoplasmic calcium overload with the assistance of CaO2, and provides tumor cells higher sensitivity to PDT. Furthermore, the nano‐platform also provides fluorescence imaging and calcification computed tomography imaging for in vivo treatment guidance. In conclusion, this image‐guided nano‐platform show potential for highly specific, efficient combined therapy against tumor cells with minimal side‐effects to normal cells by integrating TME improvement, self‐reinforcing PDT, and Ca2+ signal disturbance.
Significant Performance Improvement in n‐Channel Organic Field‐Effect Transistors with C60:C70 Co‐Crystals Induced by Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) Nanodots
Authors: Nam Sungho , Khim Dongyoon , Martinez Gerardo T. , Varambhia Aakash , Nellist Peter D. , Kim Youngkyoo , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Bradley Donal D. C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSolution‐processed organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) have attracted great interest due to their potential as logic devices for bendable and flexible electronics. In relation to n‐channel structures, soluble fullerene semiconductors have been widely studied. However, they have not yet met the essential requirements for commercialization, primarily because of low charge carrier mobility, immature large‐scale fabrication processes, and insufficient long‐term operational stability. Interfacial engineering of the carrier‐injecting source/drain (S/D) electrodes has been proposed as an effective approach to improve charge injection, leading also to overall improved device characteristics. Here, it is demonstrated that a non‐conjugated neutral dipolar polymer, poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOz), formed as a nanodot structure on the S/D electrodes, enhances electron mobility in n‐channel OFETs using a range of soluble fullerenes. Overall performance is especially notable for (C60‐Ih)[5,6]fullerene (C60) and (C70‐D5h(6))[5,6]fullerene (C70) blend films, with an increase from 0.1 to 2.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. The high relative mobility and eighteen‐fold improvement are attributed not only to the anticipated reduction in S/D electrode work function but also to the beneficial effects of PEOz on the formation of a face‐centered‐cubic C60:C70 co‐crystal structure within the blend films.
Optimal Soft Composites for Under‐Actuated Soft Robots
Authors: Boddeti Narasimha , Van Truong Tien , Joseph Vincent S. , Stalin Thileepan , Calais Theo , Lee Shien Yang , Dunn Martin L. , Valdivia y Alvarado Pablo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMaterial properties and composite structures play key roles in tailoring the performance of soft robots. Unfortunately, current design and fabrication approaches limit achievable complexity and functionality in these two categories and hinder soft robot performance. Here, an approach that allows design and direct fabrication of novel soft composite structures is presented. The process uses computational topology optimization to determine the required 3D composite structure of soft hyper‐elastic bodies. The direct fabrication of the soft composite structures using an all‐in‐one fabrication workflow with resilient silicone polymers enables precise tailoring of mechanical properties. By applying this approach to the design and fabrication of an underwater batoid‐inspired soft robot, significant swimming performance improvements is demonstrated. An optimized composite prototype displays 50% faster swimming speeds, 28% faster turning rates, and 55% smaller turning radii than un‐optimized benchmark prototypes.
Constrained adaptive sampling for domain reduction in surrogate model generation: Applications to hydrogen production
Authors: Straus Julian , Ouassou Jabir Ali , Knudsen Brage Rugstad , Anantharaman Rahul 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe propose a new approach for sampling domain reduction for efficient surrogate model generation. Currently, the standard procedure is to use box constraints for the independent variables when sampling the exact simulator. However, by including additional inequality constraints to account for interdependencies between these variables, we can drastically reduce the sampling domain and ensure consistency of unit operations. Moreover, we present a methodology for constructing surrogate models based on penalized regression and error‐maximization sampling. All these algorithms have been implemented as a free and open‐source software package. Through a case study on the water–gas shift reaction for hydrogen production, we show that sampling domain reduction reduces the required number of sampling points significantly and improves the accuracy of the surrogate model.
Do non‐native ornamental fishes pose a similar level of invasion risk in neighbouring regions of similar current and future climate? Implications for conservation and management
Authors: Wei Hui , Chaichana Ratcha , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Daengchana Punyanuch , Liu Fei , Nimtim Matura , Zhu Yunjie , Li Shan , Hu Yinchang , Copp Gordon H. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Global trade in non‐native ornamental species coupled with high connectivity among countries is well known to result in worldwide biological invasions, which pose challenges for the conservation and management of biodiversity.
There are few studies aimed at implementing management strategies that have examined differences in the potential invasiveness of non‐native species between neighbouring political regions within the same ecoregion.
To compare the potential risk of invasiveness of non‐native ornamental fishes with high commercial value in the river basins of two neighbouring regions of East and Southeast Asia, 32 extant and horizon species were screened with the aquatic species invasiveness screening kit (as‐isk) for the lower Pearl River basin (South China) and the Chao Phraya River basin (Thailand). Both regional (i.e. basin level) and combined risk‐ranking thresholds were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Of the 32 species screened, 14 were categorized as posing a high risk and seven were categorized as posing a medium risk of being invasive in both regions, under current and future climate conditions. These species have a history of invasiveness and the climate of their native ranges is similar to that of the two study regions. Pterygoplichthys pardalis received the highest risk score in both regions. The risk ranks of 11 species differed between the two regions, based on either the combined or regional thresholds, and this was partly related to the different risk of invasiveness between the two regions, coupled with cognitive subjectivity among the assessors.
The results of the present study suggest that the invasion of non‐native ornamental fish species could pose similar threats to biodiversity in neighbouring regions. This will serve to inform policy makers of neighbouring countries in the development of coordinated, mutually beneficial regulations and management strategies to enhance the conservation of native species.
Underground Down Under: Skull anatomy of the southern blind snake Anilios australis Gray, 1845 (Typhlopidae: Serpentes: Squamata)
Authors: Laver Rebecca J. , Daza Juan D. , Ellis Ryan J. , Stanley Edward L. , Bauer Aaron M. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe cranial anatomy of blindsnakes has been markedly understudied, with the small size and relative rarity of encountering these subterranean reptiles being significant limiting factors. In this article, we re‐visit the skull anatomy of the Australian southern blind snake Anilios australis Gray, 1845 using microCT data, and produce the first complete atlas for the cranial anatomy of a representative of this speciose typhlopid genus. The skull is formed by 18 paired and four unpaired elements. We here produce a bone‐by‐bone description of each element as well as an inner ear endocast for each of two specimens differing in skull size. This approach has revealed the presence of a highly perforated dorsal plate on the septomaxilla―a structure convergent with the cribriform plate of the mammalian ethmoid bone―and a feature previously unknown for typhlopid snakes. This detailed anatomical study will facilitate ongoing taxonomic and systematic studies in the genus Anilios as well as provide comparative data for future studies on blindsnake anatomy more broadly.
Industry Payments to Practicing US Rheumatologists, 2014–2019
Authors: Putman Michael S. , Goldsher Jay E. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Duarte‐García Alí 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivePayments from the pharmaceutical industry to practicing physicians may influence prescribing behavior. This study was undertaken to investigate the nature, quantity, and geographic distribution of payments to US rheumatologists.MethodsGeneral payments from industry sponsors to US rheumatologists from 2014 to 2019 were extracted from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments database. Gender was identified by linking physicians to the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System registry. Data were reported in aggregate, trends over time were assessed using linear regression models, and differences by gender were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.ResultsOver the 6‐year time period from 2014 to 2019, a total of 1,610,668 payments totaling $221,254,966 were made to 5,723 rheumatologists. The median payment was $15 (interquartile range [IQR] $10 to $22), and the median total amount received by individual rheumatologists over the 6‐year period was $2,818 (IQR $464 to $11,560). The majority of rheumatologists (3,416 of 5,723 [60%]) received less than $5,000, but 368 of 5,723 (6%) received more than $100,000 each and accounted for 78% of the total. The yearly value of payments increased over time ($3,703,264 per year;P< 0.001), and the median payment to male rheumatologists was significantly higher than the median payment to female rheumatologists ($3,723 [IQR $542 to $15,841] versus $2,084 [IQR $394 to $8,186];P< 0.001).ConclusionThe value of industry payments has increased over time, and a large amount is concentrated among a small number of rheumatologists. Future studies should investigate the degree to which industry payments have influenced prescribing in the field of rheumatology.
A Worldwide Pharmacoepidemiologic Update on Drug‐Induced Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis in the Era of Targeted Therapies
Authors: Deshayes Samuel , Dolladille Charles , Dumont Anaël , Martin Silva Nicolas , Chretien Basile , De Boysson Hubert , Alexandre Joachim , Aouba Achille 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe literature supporting the role of a specific drug in the onset of drug‐induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) mainly relies on case reports or short series and implicates old treatments. The advent of new treatments may have modified the epidemiology of these adverse drug reactions. This study was undertaken to update the list of drugs associated with AAV by using a pharmacovigilance‐based data mining approach.MethodsWe collected data on adverse drug reactions reported using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities preferred term “anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive vasculitis” up to November 2020 from the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase). For each retrieved drug, a case–noncase analysis was performed, and disproportionate reporting was calculated by using the information component (IC). A positive IC025 value, which is the lower end of the 95% credibility interval, was considered significant.ResultsA total of 483 deduplicated individual case safety reports of drug‐induced AAV involving 15 drugs with an IC025 >0 were retrieved. Of the individuals with drug‐induced AAV for whom data on sex were available (n = 371), 264 (71.2%) were women. The median age at onset of drug‐induced AAV was 62 years (quartile 1 [Q1]–Q3 45–72 years), and the median time from the introduction of the suspected drug to the onset of drug‐induced AAV was 9 months (Q1–Q3 1–36 months). Drug‐induced AAV was considered serious in 472 (98.1%), and was fatal in 43 (8.9%), of 481 cases. The drugs associated with the highest disproportionate reporting were hydralazine, propylthiouracil, thiamazole, sofosbuvir, minocycline, carbimazole, mirabegron, and nintedanib.ConclusionOur findings strengthen the evidence of an association of AAV with previously suspected drugs, but also identify 3 new drugs that may cause drug‐induced AAV. Particular attention should be given to these drugs by prescribers and in experimental studies.