bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging of neuralgic amyotrophy in the acute phase
Authors: Ripellino Paolo , Arányi Zsuzsanna , van Alfen Nens , Ventura Elisa , Peyer Anne‐Kathrin , Cianfoni Alessandro , Gobbi Claudio , Pedrick Emily , Sneag Darryl Brett 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsHourglass‐like constrictions (HGCs) occur in neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), but the earliest time at which they can be recognized by imaging is poorly understood. We aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal imaging findings in the acute phase of NA.MethodsMagnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and high‐resolution ultrasound (US) examinations were performed at five sites. The investigation included 39 patients with acute NA who underwent imaging within 31 days of symptom onset. Correlation between imaging and electromyography (EMG) findings was measured.ResultsUS was performed in 29 patients and MRN in 23; 16 patients underwent US only, 10 MRN only, and 13 had both. US and MRN showed nerve abnormalities within 1 mo from NA onset in 90% of patients. HGCs were found in 74% (29/39) of the patients: 4 within 1 wk, 8 within 2 wk, 5 within 3 wk, and 12 within 4 wk. The earliest HGC on US was found within 12 h, and on MRN within 3 days from symptom onset. MRN demonstrated a denervation edema pattern of affected muscles in 91% of the patients. The shortest time to observe an edema pattern on MRN was 8 days. EMG was performed in 30 patients and revealed fibrillation potentials in affected muscles in 22 (73%). A denervation edema pattern on MRN was significantly associated with the presence of HGCs both on MRN and US, and with fibrillation potentials on EMG.DiscussionIn the early phase of NA, US and MRN are useful diagnostic techniques for demonstrating nerve abnormalities.
Associations of neuralgic amyotrophy with COVID‐19 vaccination: Disproportionality analysis using the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Kim Jee‐Eun , Park Jin , Min Young Gi , Hong Yoon‐Ho , Song Tae‐Jin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThere are limited studies on the association of COVID‐19 vaccination with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA). Therefore, we evaluated the association between COVID‐19 vaccination and the occurrence of NA.MethodsWe explored unexpected safety signals for NA related to COVID‐19 vaccination through disproportionality analysis using VigiBase, the World Health Organization's pharmacovigilance database.ResultsOn October 15, 2021, 335 cases of NA were identified in the database. The median time to onset of NA after vaccination was around 2 weeks. A significant signal of disproportionality of NA was observed for the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) (information component [IC]025 = 0.33, reporting odds ratio [ROR]025 = 1.30) and two mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines (BNT162b2 [Pfizer and BioNTech] and mRNA‐1273 [Moderna]) (IC025 = 1.74, ROR025 = 3.82) compared with the entire database. However, when compared with influenza vaccines, we did not detect any signal of disproportionality of NA for both the ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine (IC025 = −2.71, ROR025 = 0.05) and mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines (IC025 = −1.38, ROR025 = 0.13).DiscussionA weak association was observed between NA and COVID‐19 vaccines. However, the risk did not surpass that of influenza vaccines.
Clinical and neurophysiological biomarkers of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Hannaford Andrew , Byth Karen , Pavey Nathan , Henderson Robert D. , Mathers Susan , Needham Merrilee , Schultz David , Menon Parvathi , Kiernan Matthew C. , Vucic Steve 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsRate of disease progression (ΔFS), measured as change in the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R) and body mass index (BMI), are predictors of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our aim in this study was to assess the utility of these clinical biomarkers along with neurophysiological measures, such as the split hand index (SI), in monitoring disease progression.MethodsClinical trial data were collected from 107 patients recruited into the Tecfidera in ALS trial. The prognostic utility of clinical and neurophysiological measures, including ΔFS, BMI, SI, and neurophysiological index (NPI), were assessed cross‐sectionally and longitudinally (40 weeks). The outcome measures of disease severity and progression included: (i) ALSFRS‐R score; (ii) Medical Research Council (MRC) score; and (iii) forced vital capacity and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure.ResultsFast‐progressor ALS patients (ΔFS ≥1.1) exhibited significantly lower ALSFRS‐R and total MRC scores at baseline. A baseline ΔFS score ≥1.1 was associated with a greater reduction in ALSFRS‐R (P = .002) and MRC (P = .002) scores over 40 weeks. Baseline BMI <25 was also associated with faster reduction of ALSFRS‐R and MRC scores. SI and NPI were associated with disease severity at baseline, but not with subsequent rate of disease progression.DiscussionImplementation of the assessed clinical and neurophysiological biomarkers may assist in patient management and stratification into clinical trials.
Motor unit recruitment and firing rate at low force of contraction
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E. , Stålberg Erik V. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsA prevailing concept of motor unit (MU) recruitment used for calculating recruitment ratio (RR) suggests a progressive linear increase in firing rate (FR). The objective of this study is to assess its validity.MethodsConcentric needle electromyography (EMG) recordings were made in normal muscle and abnormal muscle of patients with neurogenic findings. Signals recorded at low force were visually decomposed to study MU FR at onset, recruitment of a second MU, and recruitment of more MUs with further increases in force.ResultsWe observed one to six MUs discharging at a rate < 15 Hz in normal muscles at low force. The MU FR was 5–8 Hz at onset. With increasing force, FR increased by 3–5 Hz and then idled at <15 Hz while other MUs were recruited. The recruitment frequency (RF) and RR had low sensitivity and were abnormal mainly in moderately to severely weak muscles.DiscussionOur data are consistent with FR analysis results described by other investigators. It does not support a progressive linear increase in MU FR with recruitment. A revised model for MU recruitment at low effort during gradual increase in force is presented. On subjective assessment, the FR of the fastest firing MU can help detect MU loss in neurogenic processes.
Instrumental variable‐based multi‐innovation gradient estimation for nonlinear systems with scarce measurements
Authors: Xia Huafeng , Xu Sheng , Miao Xinghua , Cao Jian 
Published: October 2022

SummaryThis article considers the identification problems of nonlinear systems with scarce measurements by using the instrumental variable technique. When the product of the instrumental matrix and the information matrix is a nonsingular matrix and the weak persistent excitation condition about the instrumental vector is true, the obtained parameter estimates can be unbiased consistent estimates. The key is how to choose the instrumental variables. Difficulty arises in that the system outputs are unavailable. By applying the negative gradient search, a recursive instrumental variable‐based gradient algorithm is derived to estimate the parameters of the nonlinear systems with missing observed data. Moreover, the multi‐innovation identification theory is introduced to further improve the parameter estimation accuracy. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed methods are effective.
pH stimuli‐responsive and fouling resistance PES membrane fabricated by using photochromic spiropyran and spironaphthoxazine nanofillers for pesticide removal
Authors: Gholami Foad , Zinadini Sirus , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Sanjabi Samira , Mahdavian Ali Reza , Samari Mahya , Vatanpour Vahid 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNew fouling resistance and stimulus–responsive nanofiltration membranes were fabricated by adding photochromic spiropyran (SPO) and spironaphthoxazine (SNO) nanofillers to the polyethersulfone (PES) matrix via the phase inversion method. The effect of SPO and SNO, as novel photoresponsive molecule nanofillers, were evaluated in terms of membrane morphology, porosity, wettability, pure water flux (PWF), antifouling resistance, and stimulus–responsive properties. All the modified membranes indicated better performance compared to the bare PES. The membrane PWF was notably enhanced from 7.7 kg/m2h for the bare PES up to 18.68 and 20.58 kg/m2h for the 0.1 wt.% SPO and SNO blended membranes, respectively. Also, the 0.1 wt.% of SNO‐based PES membrane indicated the best flux recovery ratio compared to the other membranes. The photo stimulus–responsive assessment showed a color change for both SPO and SNO photochromic in membranes. In the case of variable effect investigation, the response surface methodology at three levels (pressure: 4, 5, 6 bar and flow rate: 50, 100, and 150 L/h) was applied. A suitable flux (23.39 kg/m2 h) and high removal efficiency (more than 90%) was achieved at optimum conditions. Also, the modified membranes by photochromic materials were sensitive to environmental variables such as acidic and alkaline conditions by changing their color.
Posttraumatic growth levels of healthcare workers in two periods with different intensities of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yılmaz‐Karaman İmran Gökçen , Yastıbaş‐Kaçar Cennet , Ece İnce Ferda 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic threatens health‐care workers' (HCW) mental health and well‐being. Although traumatic life events may result in psychiatric disorders, occasionally they give rise to positive changes, such as post‐traumatic growth. Accordingly, the present study evaluated the traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression levels of HCWs and their post‐traumatic growth levels during the pandemic. In addition, the study aimed to assess the changes in psychological outcomes during the pandemic. For this aim, the data were collected in two different periods. The first data‐collection period was between May and July 2020, and the second period started in November 2020 and ended in January 2021. The sociodemographic data form, Impact of Events Scale‐Revised (IES‐R), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), and Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to collect data. Sixty‐six HCWs participated in the study. No significant differences appeared between the baseline scores and 6‐month follow‐up in the depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress levels of HCWs. Furthermore, the PTGI scores decreased significantly over time. Although the change in the psychological distress scores was not statistically significant, the depression and post‐traumatic stress scores increased over time. Previous research specified an inverse‐parabolic relationship between traumatic stress and PTGI. Our results support previous research; as the exposure to the stressors continues, individual traumatic stress levels increase, psychiatric disorders become frequent, and affirmative changes (like post‐traumatic growth) decline.
Risk factors and outcomes of severe hypoglycaemia requiring hospital admission: a retrospective study
Authors: Galea Alison , Farrugia Stephanie , Calleja Neville , Coppini David V 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This is a retrospective study intended to determine the prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia requiring admission to Mater Dei Hospital from January to December 2018. We identified risk factors associated with hospital admission and conducted a survival analysis of the cohort.All patients admitted with diabetes and hypoglycaemia were identified by means of hospital admission database, clinical notes, discharge summaries and iSOFT clinical manager. A Cox regression model and a multivariate analysis were utilised to study survival analysis at one year after admission in relation to management strategies, comorbidity and length of hospital stay.A total of 167 episodes (0.77%) of hypoglycaemia admissions satisfying inclusion criteria were identified out of 21,589 medical admissions. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was present in 154 patients (92.2%), mean age was 71.5 years (SD 15.5) and mean length of stay was 4.4 days (SD 5.3). A survival analysis showed a negative association with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (95% CI 1.132–1.516, p<0.05), Parkinson's disease (95% CI 0.078–0.670, p<0.05) and residing in care homes (95% CI 0.274–0.982, p<0.05). Length of stay was related to a poor CCI score (95% CI 0.251–0.967), peripheral vascular disease (95% CI ‐4.658–0.764), and malignancy (95% CI ‐5.438–0.205). There seemed to be no correlation between different diabetes treatment regimens and length of hospital stay or survival.These findings show a strong link between hypoglycaemia, decreased survival and increased frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. This study highlights a need for better education and less stringent glycaemic targets for vulnerable patients. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Stacked antiaromaticity in the π‐congested space between the aromatic rings in the anthracene dimer
Authors: Nishiuchi Tomohiko , Makihara Yuta , Kishi Ryohei , Sato Hiroyasu , Kubo Takashi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSubstances containing two π‐congested aromatic systems are attractive targets in synthetic studies as well as efforts designed to explore the unique properties that originate from π‐congestion. Since the time of the computational studies by Schleyer and Warner, the concept of stacked aromaticity created by the encounter of two antiaromatic rings has received much attention. A structure containing π‐congestion between two antiaromatic norcorrole rings was prepared by Shinokubo et al. In contrast, questions about what happens when two aromatic rings are closely stacked have remained unanswered. Specifically, the electronic consequences of stacking of two aromatic π‐conjugated systems have not been fully evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, only one computational study has been performed by Herges, the results of which suggest that [2.2]paracyclophane, possessing short distance (<3.00 Å) between two aromatic ring planes, has a paratropic ring current between two the benzene rings. This observation is consistent with the conclusion that stacked antiaromaticity exists within the π‐congested space between aromatic rings. Herein, we investigated the stacked antiaromaticity of highly π‐congested anthracene dimers using anthracenophane, which possesses a short interplane carbon–carbon distance of ca. 2.80 Å. The absorption spectrum of this substance contains a weak broad band from 450 to 550 nm that is attributed to the HOMO–LUMO transition. These properties exist in planar cyclooctatetraene derivatives that have 8π‐electron antiaromaticity. The results of nucleus‐independent chemical shift and anisotropy of the induced current density calculations indicate that a relatively weak antiaromatic character exists between the central six‐membered rings of the two anthracene moieties in anthracenophane. In addition, an attempt to enhance the stacked antiaromaticity of anthracenophane using pressure to enhance π‐congestion was unsuccessful.
Intrinsic protein disorder and conditional folding in AlphaFoldDB
Authors: Piovesan Damiano , Monzon Alexander Miguel , Tosatto Silvio C. E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) defying the traditional protein structure–function paradigm have been difficult to analyze. The availability of accurate structure predictions on a large scale in AlphaFoldDB offers a fresh perspective on IDR prediction. Here, we establish three baselines for IDR prediction from AlphaFoldDB models based on the recent CAID dataset. Surprisingly, AlphaFoldDB is highly competitive for predicting both IDRs and conditionally folded binding regions, demonstrating the plasticity of the disorder to structure continuum.
Synergistic effects of EP‐1 and ivermectin mixture (iEP‐1) to control rodents and their ectoparasites
Authors: Liu Ming , Ren Dongsheng , Wan Xinrong , Shen Xiaona , Zhao Chaoyue , Xingan  , Wang Yujie , Bu Fan , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhongbing , Gao Yulong , Si Xiaoyan , Bai Defeng , Yuan Shuai , Zheng Feng , Wan Xinru , Fu Heping , Wu Xiaodong , Zheng Aihua , Liu Qiyong , Zhang Zhibin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDEctoparasites of rodents play significant roles in disease transmission to humans. Conventional poisoning potentially reduces the population densities of rodents, however, they may increase the ectoparasite loads on the surviving hosts. EP‐1 has been shown to have anti‐fertility effects on many rodent species, while ivermectin is effective in controlling ectoparasites. In this study, we examined the combined effects of EP‐1 and ivermectin mixture (iEP‐1) baits on rodents and their corresponding flea/tick loads.RESULTSIn males, the weight of testis, epididymis, and seminiferous vesicle were reduced to less than 33%, 25%, and 17%, respectively, compared to the control group following administration of iEP‐1 for 7 days. The weight of the uterus increased by approximately 75%. After 5 days of iEP‐1 intake, all ticks were killed, whereas 94% of fleas on mice died after 3 days of bait intake. In the field test near Beijing, the flea index was reduced by more than 90% after 7 days of iEP‐1 bait delivery. In a field test in Inner Mongolia, the weights of testis, epididymis, and seminiferous vesicle were significantly reduced by 27%, 32%, and 57%, respectively, 2 weeks after iEP‐1 bait delivery. Approximately 36% rodents exhibited obvious uterine oedema accompanied by a weight increase of about 150%. The flea index was reduced by over 90%.CONCLUSIONOur results indicated that iEP‐1 is a promising treatment for reducing the abundance of both small rodents and their ectoparasites; this will be effective for managing rodent damage and transmission of rodent‐borne diseases associated with fleas and ticks. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A convection‐permitting numerical study of diurnal cycles of pre‐summer rainfall over southern China
Authors: Lu Xi , Wang Yao , Qiu Yueping 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this study, the convection‐permitting model (CPM) with 3‐km horizontal resolution has been used to investigate the simulated ability on diurnal cycles of pre‐summer rainfall over southern China with various subregions and rainfall systems. Compared with the observations, the model captures the peak time of nocturnal rainfall in the western inland related to the eastward‐propagating rainfall system over the eastern slope of the Yungui Plateau. The simulated eastward‐propagating rainfall system moves a short distance and has a short lifetime due to the weaker westerly‐steering flow and southerly winds in the late night bringing less warm and moist air with the weaker upward flow of the mountain–plain solenoid circulation that is unfavorable for convection instability. Over the eastern inland, the model shows good performance on simulating the quasi‐stationary rainfall system in the morning because of the high resolution of topography. However, the model cannot simulate the climatology of the secondary morning rainfall peak due to overestimation of the rainfall from noon to evening. On the other hand, the weaker simulated southwesterly winds especially on the north side of the Nanling Mountains with decreased upward movement and moisture convergence and the more stable atmospheric condition lead to the disadvantage of convective rainfall. The CPM reproduces the afternoon rainfall peak but with a lead of 2–3 hr and still cannot simulate the morning peak well over the coastal region. The main source of mode bias is the overestimation of the onshore winds in the boundary layer over the land with the reduced temperature difference between land and sea resulting in insufficient convergence in the coastal region.
Hiding in plain sight: Integrative analyses uncover a cryptic Salvia species in Europe
Authors: Mátis Attila , Malkócs Tamás , Kuhn Thomas , Laczkó Levente , Moysiyenko Ivan , Szabó Anna , Bădărău Alexandru S. , Sramkó Gábor 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSalvia is the most species‐rich genus of the family Lamiaceae, currently numbering almost 1000 species. The diagnostic feature of the genus is the unique staminal lever mechanism that allows for specific pollination modes. We encountered an unusual Salvia form in the field, in SE Romania, which resembles S. austriaca but features a radically different lever mechanism. This form proved to be geographically widespread on the Pontic steppe, never occurring in sympatry with S. austriaca. We used an integrative approach, employing morphometric and phylogenomic (RADseq) analyses, to study this unusual form. The taxon's floral morphology proved to be consistently and subtly different from that of S. austriaca, and similarly, Bayesian species delimitation using genome‐wide SNP data indicated species‐level differences. Our results provide compelling evidence that points toward the discovery of an unrecognized species. This species has been overlooked for centuries, misidentified as S. austriaca, a closely related taxon. The new species differs from S. austriaca in key features of floral structure, habitat preference, and distribution. The potential range of this cryptic species, its pollination biology, ecology, and phylogeography are discussed.
Exact solutions for MHD and radiative wall jet hybrid nanofluid flow over a permeable surface with velocity slip and convective boundary conditions
Authors: Aly Emad H. , Mahabaleshwar Ulavathi Shettar , Anusha Thippeswamy , Pop Ioan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn this research, we investigated the wall jet problem for a hybrid nanofluid with MHD, thermal radiation, velocity slip, and convective boundary conditions. After converting the governing partial differential equations into nonlinear ordinary ones, by using the proper similarity transformations, they were theoretically solved in view of the hypergeometric function. Comparing the present results with those in the literature, a very good agreement was obtained for fixed values of the included parameters. For some included parameters, regions of physical solutions were presented. By deducing the critical and terminated values of the suction/injection parameter, dual solutions for the reduced skin friction coefficient have been determined. It was found that the hybrid nanofluid temperature is efficiently heated by increasing values of the moving wall, absolute value of the Biot number, and thermal radiation parameters. However, it is cooled by enlarging values of the velocity slip and suction parameters.