bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prestroke Cognitive Impairment: Frequency and Association With Premorbid Neuropsychiatric, Functional, and Neuroimaging Features
Authors: Mele Francesco , Cova Ilaria , Nicotra Alessia , Maestri Giorgia , Salvadori Emilia , Cucumo Valentina , Masserini Federico , Martelli Martina , Pomati Simone , Bertora Pierluigi , Pantoni Leonardo 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Some patients with stroke have prestroke cognitive impairment (pre-SCI), but its etiology is not clear. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the frequency of pre-SCI and its association with premorbid neuropsychiatric, functional, and neuroimaging features.

METHODS:
Patients hospitalized in stroke unit with an informant who could complete IQCODE (Informant Questionnaire for Cognitive Decline in the Elderly) were included. Pre-SCI was diagnosed if the IQCODE score was >3.3. Prestroke assessment also included NPI-Q (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire), the basic Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales, and the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of pre-SCI with age, sex, education, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, white matter lesions, cerebral microbleeds, and pathological medial temporal lobe atrophy.

RESULTS:

IQCODE was available in 474 of 520 patients (91.2%; 45% women; mean age 75.5±13.3 years). Pre-SCI had a prevalence of 32.5% and was associated with prestroke NPI-Q (pre-SCI absent versus present, 1.7±2.3 versus 5.5±4.9;
P
<0.001), Activities of Daily Living scale (0.3±0.8 versus 1.8±1.9;
P
<0.001), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (0.6±1.3 versus 3.8±4.0;
P
<0.001), and Clinical Dementia Rating scale score (0.7±1.7 versus 7.2±6.2;
P
<0.001). In the 271 patients with a magnetic resonance imaging available, the multivariate logistic regression showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.62–9.73]), white matter lesions (OR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.003–1.58]), and a pathological medial temporal lobe atrophy score (OR, 3.97 [95% CI, 1.62–9.73]) were independently associated with pre-SCI. In the 218 patients with ischemic stroke, white matter lesions (OR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.04–1.72]) and medial temporal lobe atrophy (OR, 3.56 [95% CI, 1.38–9.19]), but not age, were associated with pre-SCI.

CONCLUSIONS:
One-third of patients admitted to a stroke unit have pre-SCI that is associated with preexisting neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional performance. White matter lesions and medial temporal lobe atrophy are associated with pre-SCI, suggesting that both small vessel disease and neurodegeneration might be involved in its etiology.
Effect of the Blood Pressure and Antihypertensive Drugs on Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ma Yazhou , Wang Mengmeng , Chen Xin , Yao Jianrong , Ding Yiping , Gao Qianqian , Zhou Jiayi , Lian Xuegan 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Previous studies yielded conflicting results about the influence of blood pressure (BP) and antihypertensive treatment on cerebral small vessel disease. Here, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study to investigate the effect of BP and antihypertensive drugs on cerebral small vessel disease.

METHODS:
We extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms for systolic BP and diastolic BP from a genome-wide association study (N=757 601) and screened single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with calcium channel blockers, thiazides, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and β-blockers from public resources as instrumental variables. Then, we chose the genome-wide association study of white matter hyperintensity (WMH; N=18 381), cerebral microbleed (3556 cases, 22 306 controls), white matter perivascular space (9317 cases, 29 281 controls), basal ganglia perivascular space (BGPVS; 8950 cases, 29 953 controls), hippocampal perivascular space (HIPPVS; 9163 cases, 29 708 controls), and lacunar stroke (6030 cases, 248 929 controls) as outcome data sets. Subsequently, we conducted a 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

RESULTS:

We found that elevated systolic BP significantly increases the risk of BGPVS (odds ratio [OR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04–1.07];
P
=1.72×10
−12
), HIPPVS (OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.02–1.05];
P
=2.71×10
−7
), and lacunar stroke (OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.30–1.54];
P
=4.97×10
−15
). There was suggestive evidence indicating that elevated systolic BP is associated with higher WMH volume (β=0.061 [95% CI, 0.018–0.105];
P
=5.58×10
−3
) and leads to an increased risk of cerebral microbleed (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04–1.29];
P
=7.17×10
−3
). Elevated diastolic BP was significantly associated with higher WMH volume (β=0.087 [95% CI, 0.049–0.124];
P
=5.23×10
−6
) and significantly increased the risk of BGPVS (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.04–1.06];
P
=1.20×10
−16
), HIPPVS (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02–1.04];
P
=2.96×10
−6
), and lacunar stroke (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.21–1.41];
P
=2.67×10
−12
). The use of calcium channel blocker to lower BP was significantly associated with lower WMH volume (β=−0.287 [95% CI, −0.408 to −0.165];
P
=4.05×10
−6
) and significantly reduced the risk of BGPVS (OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.81–0.89];
P
=8.41×10
−19
) and HIPPVS (OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.85–0.92];
P
=6.72×10
−9
).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease. Additionally, the utilization of calcium channel blockers to decrease BP can effectively reduce the likelihood of WMH, BGPVS, and HIPPVS. These findings offer valuable insights for the management and prevention of cerebral small vessel disease.
A Diagnostic Analysis of the Mechanisms for Arctic Cyclone Intensity Evolution
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Yang Mingshi , Walsh John E. , Rauber Robert M. , Peng Melinda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The intensity evolution of Arctic cyclones (ACs) is examined via cyclone parameter space and composite analyses based on approximately 18 000 AC tracks during 1979–2021. Cyclone parameter spaces are defined by various parameters representing the cyclone structure and physical processes relevant to cyclone development. It is shown that intensifying ACs are associated with diabatic heating and characterized by a cold core in both the lower and upper troposphere, as well as a thermally asymmetric and vertically tilted structure. In contrast, the decay phase is associated with diabatic cooling and characterized by a vertically aligned cyclone with reduced horizontal asymmetry. The cyclone parameter space analysis also indicates a warm core in the lower troposphere for a subset of ACs, which may reflect a frontal occlusion. The transition from AC intensification to decay, on average, is marked by a sharp decrease in both upward motion and diabatic heating, along with the vertical alignment of the cyclone structure. Following this transition, an upright cyclone may persist for a long time due to the weak background vertical wind shear, diabatic cooling, and weak Rossby wave energy dispersion. The evolution of ACs can thus be regarded as a two-stage process: a baroclinic development stage aided by diabatic heating, during which the AC evolution may conform with the Norwegian model for midlatitude cyclones, and a slow decay stage of an equivalent barotropic cyclone, which may leave a remnant tropopause polar vortex after the erosion of the surface circulation.

Significance Statement
Arctic cyclones are the primary weather system in the Arctic and are also an important component in the Arctic climate system owing to their role in modulating Arctic sea ice variability and poleward moisture and energy transport. We examined the cyclone structural characteristics and physical processes associated with the Arctic cyclone intensity evolution and proposed a two-stage conceptual model. A better understanding of the Arctic cyclone intensity change mechanisms will help us better anticipate the changes in Arctic cyclone activity in a warmer climate.
Comparison of the Characteristics and Precipitation Features of Mesoscale Convective Systems in Tropical Cyclones of Different Intensity Categories over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Wang Ke , Lyu Xinyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The mesoscale features of 400 tropical cyclones (TCs) over the western North Pacific during 2014–21 were investigated through Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar observations. An improved algorithm has been developed to identify active mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in TCs. These MCSs are continuous systems with active precipitation, exhibiting deep convection, and only account for a small portion of the precipitating pixels within a TC. This study highlights the evolving characteristics of MCSs and their precipitation features in TCs of different intensity categories. The development and evolution of active MCSs in TCs are influenced by the degree of organization of the system. During the tropical depression stage, the maintenance of MCSs relies heavily on substantial convective precipitation pixels, especially deep convection. The convection exhibits a high echo top height and significant ice scattering feature. As the TC intensity increases, MCSs are more likely to be in a mature state where convective precipitation is no longer as crucial for their development. This transition leads to a decrease in the proportion and the 20-dBZ echo top height of deep convection in both the inner- and outer-core regions. The proportion of stratiform precipitation increases, ultimately resulting in an expansion in the MCS size and an increase in the polarization-corrected temperatures (PCTs) of MCSs. By elucidating these phenomena, this study deepens our understanding of the structure and precipitation features of TCs, providing insights into the unique characteristics of MCS development that differ from the synoptic-scale features of TC development.
Performance evaluation and degradation analysis of 20 MW photovoltaic power plant located in the southwestern highlands of Algeria
Authors: Amrani Fatima Zohra Bochra , Boutlilis Fatima , Bekkouche Benaissa 
Published: May 2024

This article evaluates the performance of a 20 MW grid-connected photovoltaic system installed in the Naama region, southwestern highlands of Algeria. The production database used in this work was recorded between January 1, 2017, and December 2022, from the plant’s SCADA system. During the first 5 years of production, the final yield varied from 3.88 in winter 2020 to 6.30 h/day in summer 2017, while the reference yield varied from 4.45 to 7.05 h/day, the annual average performance ratio is equal to 83.35%, and the annual average capacity factor was found to be 20.05% for the monitored period. These data are then compared with the predicted outcomes by a detailed difference analysis using three widely used PV simulation tools: PVsyst, SAM, and PVSol. Results indicate that the actual data strongly coincide with those predicted by the PVsyst simulation, as confirmed by statistical indices. However, the degradation of the PV plants over the monitored period is quantified using a linear model and a CSD model and is estimated at −1.43 and −1.55 %/year, respectively. In summary, the photovoltaic system performance indices obtained are satisfactory compared to large-scale photovoltaic systems reported in other studies. Practical applications This study evaluates the performance and degradation of a 20 MWp photovoltaic system located in the highlands of Algeria. The results of this article will serve as a baseline for the future construction of PV plants to raise awareness among decision-makers about the beginnings of the deterioration of installations to allocate a budget for the maintenance and operation of these installations. The findings of this study have the potential to contribute to the wider adoption of Photovoltaic systems as a viable alternative to traditional energy in Algeria and especially in the Highlands.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Computer-Assisted Instructional System Implemented by Teachers for Students on the Autism Spectrum With Intellectual Disabilities in China
Authors: Lee Gabrielle T. , Hu Xiaoyi , Yu Zhuojin , Hu Xiumei , Luke Nicole 
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) implemented by special education teachers in a school setting in China. Feasibility was evaluated by procedural fidelity of teacher implementation and a social validity questionnaire. Effectiveness was measured by the acquisition of bidirectional naming through multiple exemplar instruction implemented in CAI for students on the autism spectrum with intellectual disabilities. Bidirectional naming is a key ability in early language development that allows children to expand their knowledge through incidental learning (Greer et al., 2011). Three students on the autism spectrum with intellectual disabilities (7 years of age; 1 female, 2 males) and their teachers (27–29 years of age; female) participated in this study. Using a single-case design--multiple probes across participants with pre- and post-assessments, all three students demonstrated improvements at post-instruction bidirectional naming assessments. Teachers implemented CAI with a high level of fidelity; they gave it high ratings for acceptability and feasibility. They were satisfied with CAI and student learning outcomes. All three students reported that they enjoyed learning with CAI. The implications and potential utilities of incorporating CAI in special education classrooms in China are discussed.
Association of Self-reported Depressed Mood and Alcohol or Tobacco Use Among Older Adults in India: A Study Based on Longitudinal Aging Study India Wave-1
Authors: Ranjan Ravina , Yadav Jeetendra , Ranjan Vandita , Venkateswaran Chitra , John Denny 
Published: May 2024

Background: Little information exists about the association between alcohol and tobacco use and self-reported depressed mood, such as feeling sad, blue, or depressed days (SBDD), among older adults in India Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between alcohol and tobacco use and self-reported depressed mood with SBDD among older adults in India. Methods: This study uses the Longitudinal Aging Study India (LASI) Wave 1 dataset of 10,487 respondents identified with self-reported mood disorders with SBDD. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate models were performed. Results: In total, 19.7% of persons above 45 years of age experienced SBDD for 2 weeks during the last 12 months. Compared to nonusers, those who used tobacco or alcohol reported higher symptoms of SBDD. Several factors related to alcohol (e.g., illicit alcohol) and tobacco (e.g., smokeless tobacco) indicate a statistically significant association with the prevalence of prolonged sadness or depression. Conclusion: Analysis of LASI Wave 1 shows that lifestyle choices such as alcohol and tobacco use play a role in the burden and association of negative emotions such as SBDD among older adults in India.
Efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause among women in East Asia: a phase 3 randomized study (MOONLIGHT I)
Authors: Ruan Xiangyan , Bai Wenpei , Ren Mulan , Kim Tak , Lee Ji Young , Chuang Fei-Chi , Wang Peng-Hui , He Weizhong , Ma Xiao , Miyazaki Kentaro , Song Nan , Wang Xuegong , Yu Qi 
Published: May 2024

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause in East Asian women. Methods In this phase 3, randomized, double-blind study, postmenopausal women with moderate to severe VMS (minimum average frequency in the 10 days before randomization, ≥7/day or 50/week) received fezolinetant 30 mg/day or placebo (weeks 1–12), followed by an open-label extension phase with fezolinetant 30 mg/day (weeks 13–24). The co-primary endpoints were the mean changes in the daily frequency and severity of VMS at weeks 4 and 12. Results Among 301 participants, the difference in the least squares mean change (95% confidence interval) from baseline in the daily frequency of moderate to severe VMS versus placebo was −0.65 (−1.41 to 0.12) at week 4 and −0.55 (−1.35 to 0.26) at week 12. The differences in the least squares mean change from baseline in the VMS severity score versus placebo were −0.06 (−0.14 to 0.03) and −0.13 (−0.27 to 0.01) at weeks 4 and 12, respectively. Serious adverse events occurred in 0.7% of participants receiving fezolinetant in weeks 1 to 12, compared with 1.3% of those receiving placebo. Conclusions Fezolinetant was generally safe but did not reduce the frequency or severity of VMS versus placebo in postmenopausal women in this study. ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT04234204
Synthesis, and antimicrobial activity of polyazomethine-pyrazole/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite materials
Authors: Hakami Aqilah A. , Alorfi Hajar S. , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Hussein Mahmoud A. 
Published: May 2024

A novel series of bioactive polymer nanocomposites was recently created using the polycondensation method in conjunction with ultrasonic radiation. These nanocomposites comprise multi-wall carbon nanotubes and polyazomethine, which is based on the pyrazole moiety with various derivatives. The polyazomethine polymer was supplemented with a 2% concentration of multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The produced polymer nanocomposites were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and characterized by common characterization tools including X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability was measured by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal gravimetry. The results of the X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the multi-wall carbon nanotubes are really in the polymer matrix. The thermal analysis of these polymer nanocomposites shows high thermal stability. The agar diffusion technique was used to assess the antibacterial properties of the freshly synthesized polymer nanocomposites against various bacterial and fungal species. The chosen bacteria and fungi were susceptible to varying degrees of antimicrobial and antifungal activity in the polymer nanocomposites that were evaluated. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the fabricated Polymer nanocomposites were assessed through colony forming units against Escherichia coli bacteria and showed good effectiveness of all tested polymer nanocomposites. All samples showed an effect on bacterial growth after 12 h by 22%–35%. After 24 h, the percent inhibition of E. coli in the presence of the prepared polymer nanocomposites was highest; it showed 45%–60%.
Task-Oriented Training by a Personalized Electromyography-Driven Soft Robotic Hand in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shi Xiang-Qian , Ti Chun-Hang Eden , Lu Hsuan-Yu , Hu Cheng-Peng , Xie Di-Sheng , Yuan Kai , Heung Ho-Lam , Leung Thomas Wai-Hong , Li Zheng , Tong Raymond Kai-Yu 
Published: May 2024

Background Intensive task-oriented training has shown promise in enhancing distal motor function among patients with chronic stroke. A personalized electromyography (EMG)-driven soft robotic hand was developed to assist task-oriented object-manipulation training effectively. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of task-oriented training using the EMG-driven soft robotic hand. Methods A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 34 chronic stroke survivors. The subjects were randomly assigned to the Hand Task (HT) group (n = 17) or the control (CON) group (n = 17). The HT group received 45 minutes of task-oriented training by manipulating small objects with the robotic hand for 20 sessions, while the CON group received 45 minutes of hand-functional exercises without objects using the same robot. Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Modified Ashworth Score (MAS), Box and Block test (BBT), Maximum Grip Strength, and active range of motion (AROM) of fingers were assessed at baseline, after intervention, and 3 months follow-up. The muscle co-contraction index (CI) was analyzed to evaluate the session-by-session variation of upper limb EMG patterns. Results The HT group showed more significant improvement in FMA-UE (wrist/hand, shoulder/elbow) compared to the CON group ( P < .05). At 3-month follow-up, the HT group demonstrated significant improvements in FMA-UE, ARAT, BBT, MAS (finger), and AROMs ( P < .05). The HT group exhibited a more significant decrease in muscle co-contractions compared to the CON group ( P < .05). Conclusions EMG-driven task-oriented training with the personalized soft robotic hand was a practical approach to improving motor function and muscle coordination. Clinical Trial Registry Name: Soft Robotic Hand System for Stroke Rehabilitation. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ . Unique Identifier: NCT03286309.
Increased complications and similar patient recorded outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty in patients with functional somatic syndromes
Authors: Gaudiani Michael A , Wager Susan G , Enweze Lawrence C , Gasparro Matthew A , Brown Spencer R , Al-Saghir Tala , Keith Katherine M , Kasto Johnny K , Muh Stephanie J , Mahylis Jared M 
Published: May 2024

Background The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes measures, complication rates, and return to hospital in a cohort of patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) with at least one functional somatic syndrome (FSS) to a control cohort. Methods A retrospective review identifying patients who underwent rTSA or aTSA from 2015 to 2022 was performed. Patients with one or more FSS diagnosis (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headache, chronic low back pain, or fibromyalgia) were compared against a control cohort. Demographic data, comorbidities, operative data, and patient recorded outcomes including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (UE), Pain Interference (PI), and Depression (D) were collected. A 1:1 propensity matching to control for age, gender, and body mass index was performed. Results A total of 54 patients in the FSS cohort and 125 control patients without FSS were included. The FSS cohort had significantly higher rates of depression ( p < 0.001), anxiety ( p < 0.001), and postoperative complications (35.2% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.002). No significant differences in change in PROMIS-UE, -PI, and -D scores or proportion meeting minimal clinically important difference were seen at one year among the propensity-matched cohort. Discussion Patients with FSS undergoing shoulder arthroplasty had higher rates of complications; however, PROMIS scores were similar between cohorts. Level of Evidence Level III