bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐sequential correlations between diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes – an 8‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Ting , Hsieh Ming‐Chia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the time‐sequential correlations between progression/remission of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) or diabetic macular oedema (DME) in type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsThis was an 8‐year prospective cohort study in which 576 patients with T2D and microalbuminuria from one medical centre in Taiwan were recruited. Progression of microalbuminuria was defined as shift of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) into 300 mg/g or more; remission of microalbuminuria was defined as having a urinary ACR less than 30 mg/g in at least two of three tests over a period of 6 months. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs) for progression or remission of microalbuminuria on development of any DR, proliferative DR (PDR) and DME.ResultsAfter adjusting for baseline characteristics, remission of microalbuminuria was a significant protecting factor for development of PDR (HR = 0.290, 95% CI: 0.102–0.826, p = 0.020) and DME (HR = 0.404, 95% CI: 0.188–0.864, p = 0.020). After further adjustment for the mean follow‐up HbA1c and systolic blood pressure, remission of microalbuminuria was still a significant protecting factor for development of PDR (HR = 0.348, 95% CI: 0.122–0.992, p = 0.048).ConclusionsRemission of microalbuminuria was an independent protecting factor for development of PDR and DME. Aggressive treatment for DKD might help prevent the progression of DR.
Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration predicts polyneuropathy and overall survival in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Szudy‐Szczyrek Aneta , Mlak Radosław , Bury‐Kamińska Magdalena , Mielnik Michał , Podgajna Martyna , Kuśmierczuk Kinga , Mazurek Marcin , Homa‐Mlak Iwona , Szczyrek Michał , Krawczyk Janusz , Małecka‐Massalska Teresa , Hus Marek 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein with a potent influence on several aspects of neuronal and blood vessel functions. However, its prognostic potential and functional role in multiple myeloma (MM) remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the influence of BDNF on the risk of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and clinical outcome. Study group consisted of 91 newly‐diagnosed MM patients treated with bortezomib and/or thalidomide‐based chemotherapy. Detection of BDNF in serum was performed using ELISA. Polyneuropathy was assessed according to the CTCAE Criteria v5. We observed that BDNF concentration correlated with the severity of polyneuropathy (P = 0·0463). Higher BDNF values were noted in patients who responded to treatment (P = 0·0326), and BDNF proved to be a useful marker to predict lack of response after eight cycles of treatment (sensitivity – 100%, specificity – 61·5%, P = 0·0142). Moreover this marker showed significant diagnostic usefulness in diagnosis of CIPN (sensitivity – 76%, specificity – 71·43%; area under the curve (AUC)= 0·77, 95%, confidence interval (CI): 0·64–0·88; P < 0·0001). Low BDNF was an independent, unfavourable prognostic factor associated with reduced overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 2·79, P = 0·0470). In conclusion, BDNF level may play a prognostic role and constitute a useful biomarker in predicting CIPN in MM patients.
Overproduced bone marrow neutrophils in collagen‐induced arthritis are primed for NETosis: An ignored pathological cell involving inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Xu Danyi , Lin Yiming , Shen Jinming , Zhang Jie , Wang Jinghua , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Hong , Ning Longgui , Liu Peihao , Li Sha , Zeng Hang , Lin Jin , Yu Chaohui 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesBone marrow edema is a universal manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and its pathological essence is a bone marrow lesion (BML) formed by various bone marrow (BM) immune cells. Neutrophils play an important role in inflammatory arthritis, but the role and mechanism of neutrophils in BML are not clear.Materials and methodsGranulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) −/− mice and wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice were immunized for collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Histological scores of arthritis were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry staining with anti‐Ly6G was conducted. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in joint sections were determined by immunofluorescence staining. BM neutrophils were isolated for flow cytometry and NETosis induction in vitro.ResultsHistological study showed significant neutrophil infiltrations in BML of CIA mice. Inhibition of BM neutrophil production by G‐CSF knock out can obstruct the induction of BML and CIA. In addition to abundant infiltrated NETs intra‐articular, remarkable NETosis primed BM neutrophils were infiltrated in BML of CIA mice, which was positively related to bone erosion. Neutrophils derived from G‐CSF−/− mice have diminished ability of NETs formation in vitro, while G‐CSF induction can enhance its capacity of NETs formation.ConclusionsWe propose for the first time that the overproduced BM neutrophils in CIA mice are primed for NETosis in a G‐CSF dependent manner, and these pathogenic cells may have an important role in inflammatory arthritis. Blocking this pathological process could be a potential strategy for the treatment of RA.
Truth, hope, compassion in a time of corona virus and a presidential election
Authors: Childs James M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDespite signs of public unity in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the pandemic has also highlighted our divisions, disparities, and racism. The churches can have a voice for greater harmony and community if their public theology flows from their core beliefs and practices and is marked by engagement with truth, and a vision of hope acted out with compassion.
Are plant community responses to wildfire contingent upon historical disturbance regimes?
Authors: Miller Jesse E. D. , Safford Hugh D. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundEcological disturbance is a major driver of ecosystem structure and evolutionary selection, and theory predicts that the frequency and/or intensity of disturbance should determine its effects on communities. However, adaptations of species pools to different historical disturbance regimes are rarely considered in the search for generalizable community responses to disturbance. To explore how the severity of disturbance affects plant diversity patterns, we review studies of understorey plant community responses to wildfire in conifer forests of western North America across a gradient of departure from historical fire regimes.Review findingsWe find that post‐fire plant species richness may generally be maximized at disturbance severities that match the predominant historical disturbance regime in a given ecosystem. Studies that examined multiple spatial scales indicate that plant community responses to fire are likely to be scale dependent, suggesting that post‐disturbance monitoring should consider community responses at multiple scales.SynthesisOur review highlights that consideration of historical disturbance regimes might improve the ability to predict the effects of disturbance on communities. We discuss future research needs; quantitative studies that compare community responses to fire at multiple scales across different historical fire regimes would be particularly useful. Ultimately, consideration of disturbance as a multivariate problem is likely to lead to greater inference than traditional bivariate approaches.
Effects of acute sleep deprivation on H reflex and V wave
Authors: D. Gonçalves André , Teodosio Carolina , Pezarat‐Correia Pedro , Vila‐Chã Carolina , V. Mendonca Goncalo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe impact of sleep deprivation on muscular strength and power remains poorly understood. We aimed to determine the acute effects of 24 hr of sleep deprivation on H‐reflex and V‐wave excitability. Fourteen healthy young adults (eight men, six women) were included. Participants visited the laboratory on two different occasions, without and with 24 hr of sleep deprivation. In each session, participants were tested for maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors and dorsiflexors, soleus H‐ and M‐recruitment curves, and evoked V wave, as well as tibialis anterior/soleus electromyographic co‐activation. Twenty‐four hours of sleep deprivation did not affect either plantarflexion MVC or soleus electromyographic normalized amplitude (p > .05). Moreover, H‐reflex and V‐wave peak‐to‐peak normalized amplitude did not change with sleep deprivation (p > .05). Conversely, we obtained a significant increase in antagonist/agonist level of co‐activation during MVC post‐sleep deprivation (6.2 ± 5.2%,p < .01). In conclusion, we found that H‐reflex and V‐wave responses are well preserved after 24 hr of sleep deprivation, revealing that descending neural drive and/or modulation in Ia afferent input remains largely unaffected under these circumstances. Yet, sleep deprivation affects motor control by exacerbating the magnitude of antagonist/agonist co‐activation during forceful muscle contractions and this is novel.
Interventions to control children's screen use and their effect on sleep: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martin Katie B. , Bednarz Jana M. , Aromataris Edoardo C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProlonged viewing of screen‐based media is associated with poor sleep in children. Previous systematic reviews have analysed the effectiveness of interventions that aim to limit children's screen use; however, none have evaluated its effect on sleep. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of interventions that incorporate strategies to control children's screen use on screen use and sleep. The databases Pubmed, Embase, Eric, Scopus and PsycInfo were searched during October 2017 and updated in February 2019 for experimental studies with a control that assessed interventions to control screen use in children aged 2–14 years and reported both screen use and sleep outcomes. From 3,872 initial records, 11 studies (six randomized control [RCT], four cluster RCT and one cluster, quasi‐experimental) were eligible for inclusion. A total of 4,656 children aged 2–13 years were included in the studies. The mean reduction in screen time was 0.56 hr (33 min)/day (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92, 0.20) and the mean sleep duration increased by 0.19 hr (11 min)/day (95% CI, 0.05, 0.33). Bedtime was advanced by 0.16 hr (10 min) on weekdays and by 1.0 hr at the weekend. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger intervention effects for interventions of shorter duration (<3 months), which specifically targeted screen use or sleep, and those with direct participant contact. In conclusion, small improvements in screen time and sleep duration can be achieved in children. It is not possible to determine if a reduction in screen time directly improves sleep, due to the limited number of studies, the presence of co‐interventions, issues with studies' methodological quality and heterogeneity.
Numeral semantics
Authors: Bylinina Lisa , Nouwen Rick 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWords for numbers, numerals, are a special lexical class, halfway between natural and mathematical language. One would expect them to have a relatively straightforward semantics. However, during the last several decades, numerals proved to be a rich source of debate in linguistics, especially in semantics and pragmatics. The reason is that the study of numerals requires taking into account core issues such as plurality, quantification, implicature/exhaustivity, degree, modality, imprecision and cross‐linguistic variation. In this article, we provide a thorough introduction to the issues connected to numeral semantics and pragmatics. We gradually develop analyses of meanings of numerals in natural language using a multitude of analytical tools. We evaluate the competing proposals in terms of empirical coverage and predictions.
Amorphous silicates as a record of solar nebular and parent body processes—A transmission electron microscope study of fine‐grained rims and matrix in three Antarctic CR chondrites
Authors: Vollmer Christian , Pelka Mandy , Leitner Jan , Janssen Arne 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRenazzo‐type (CR) carbonaceous chondrites belong to one of the most pristine meteorite groups containing various early solar system components such as matrix and fine‐grained rims (FGRs), whose formation mechanisms are still debated. Here, we have investigated FGRs of three Antarctic CR chondrites (GRA 95229, MIL 07525, and EET 92161) by electron microscopy techniques. We specifically focused on the abundances and chemical compositions of the amorphous silicates within the rims and matrix by analytical transmission electron microscopy. Comparison of the amorphous silicate composition to a matrix area of GRA 95229 clearly shows a compositional relationship between the matrix and the fine‐grained rim, such as similar Mg/Si and Fe/Si ratios. This relationship and the abundance of the amorphous silicates in the rims strengthen a solar nebular origin and rule out a primary formation mechanism by parent body processes such as chondrule erosion. Moreover, our chemical analyses of the amorphous silicates and their abundance indicate that the CR rims experienced progressive alteration stages. According to our analyses, the GRA 95229 sample is the least altered one based on its high modal abundance of amorphous silicates (31%) and close‐to‐chondritic Fe/Si ratios, followed by MIL 07525 and finally EET 92161 with lesser amounts of amorphous silicates (12% and 5%, respectively) and higher Fe/Si ratios. Abundances and chemical compositions of amorphous silicates within matrix and rims are therefore suitable recorders to track different alteration stages on a submicron scale within variably altered CR chondrites.
Randomized Pragmatic Pilot Trial Comparing Perpendicular Thin Electrode Versus Parallel Thick Electrode Approaches for Lumbar Medial Branch Neurotomy in Facetogenic Low Back Pain
Authors: De Andrés Ares Javier , Gilsanz Fernando 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesAlthough there are different ways of performing medial branch neurotomy on facetogenic low back pain, few studies have compared clinical outcomes of a parallel technique over the medial branch vs. a perpendicular technique. We investigated differences in pain outcome with both techniques.DesignThis was a prospective, pilot, randomized, pragmatic trial (double blinded in the diagnostic phase).SettingA comparative pilot trial was conducted at an academic pain center.MethodsPatients who did not respond to conservative medications and had severe lumbar pain for more than 3 months (VAS score ≥ 65) were included. A double diagnostic block with local anesthetic and placebo was performed, double blinded. Patients who had 80% relief from the local anesthetic and no substantial relief from placebo were randomized to undergo medial branch neurotomy under fluoroscopy, placing an electrode parallel or perpendicular to the medial branch. The primary outcome was differences in the VAS score at 1, 3, and 6 months. The secondary outcomes were Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and other functional Likert scale scores.ResultsForty‐three consecutive patients were randomized to parallel (n = 20) or perpendicular (n = 23) neurotomy. There were no significant differences in VAS, Oswestry Disability Index, or Roland Morris Questionnaire scores at 1, 3, or 6 months between groups. Statistically significant differences were found in the categorical analysis at 6 months in the evolution of pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and some Likert scale scores in favor of the parallel group.ConclusionsThere were differences at 6 months in the categorical analysis of the evolution of pain, Oswestry Disability Index score, Roland Morris Questionnaire score, and some functional Likert scale scores, all in favor of the parallel group.
Dissecting the phenotypic components and genetic architecture of maize stem vascular bundles using high‐throughput phenotypic analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Jinglu , Du Jianjun , Zhao Yanxin , Lu Xianju , Wen Weiliang , Gu Shenghao , Fan Jiangchuan , Wang Chuanyu , Wu Sheng , Wang Yongjian , Liao Shengjin , Zhao Chunjiang , Guo Xinyu 
Published: June 2020

SummaryHigh‐throughput phenotyping is increasingly becoming an important tool for rapid advancement of genetic gain in breeding programmes. Manual phenotyping of vascular bundles is tedious and time‐consuming, which lags behind the rapid development of functional genomics in maize. More robust and automated techniques of phenotyping vascular bundles traits at high‐throughput are urgently needed for large crop populations. In this study, we developed a standard process for stem micro‐CT data acquisition and an automatic CT image process pipeline to obtain vascular bundle traits of stems including geometry‐related, morphology‐related and distribution‐related traits. Next, we analysed the phenotypic variation of stem vascular bundles between natural population subgroup (480 inbred lines) based on 48 comprehensively phenotypic information. Also, the first database for stem micro‐phenotypes, MaizeSPD, was established, storing 554 pieces of basic information of maize inbred lines, 523 pieces of experimental information, 1008 pieces of CT scanning images and processed images, and 24 192 pieces of phenotypic data. Combined with genome‐wide association studies (GWASs), a total of 1562 significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified for 30 stem micro‐phenotypic traits, and 84 unique genes of 20 traits such as VBNum, VBAvArea and PZVBDensity were detected. Candidate genes identified by GWAS mainly encode enzymes involved in cell wall metabolism, transcription factors, protein kinase and protein related to plant signal transduction and stress response. The results presented here will advance our knowledge about phenotypic trait components of stem vascular bundles and provide useful information for understanding the genetic controls of vascular bundle formation and development.
Secular trends in longevity among people with Down syndrome in Japan, 1995–2016
Authors: Motegi Narumi , Morisaki Naho , Suto Maiko , Tamai Hiroshi , Mori Rintaro , Nakayama Takeo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundLife expectancy in Japan has increased dramatically and is one of the longest in the world. However, the changes in lifespan in Japanese individuals with congenital diseases remain unknown. We investigated secular changes in the lifespan of people with Down syndrome over the last 20 years.MethodsWe observed secular trends in the number of stillbirths, deaths and the mortality rates at ages 20, 40, and 60 among all deaths registered with Down syndrome as the cause of death (ICD10 code: Q90) in the Japan national death registry database between 1995 and 2016. Changes in the median age at death between 1995–2005 and 2006–2016 were investigated based on sex and history of surgery.ResultsWe identified 240 stillbirths and 1,099 deaths in this period. The annual number of stillbirths and deaths above the age of 1 year increased, whereas the number of deaths below 1 year did not change. The proportional mortality indicator at ages 20, 40, and 60 increased from 21.7%, 11.7%, and 1.7% in 1995 to 69.9%, 66.7%, and 36.6% in 2016, respectively. The median age at death was higher in females, individuals without a surgical history, and deaths occurring in 2006–2016. The median age at death increased over the period in those without a surgical history.ConclusionsThe age at death among people with Down syndrome has increased over the last 20 years, with currently 1 in 3 persons living over 60 years, necessitating adequate social welfare services in this aging population.
The Influence of Identity Salience on Framing Effectiveness: An Experiment
Authors: Diamond Emily P. 
Published: June 2020

Efforts to influence attitudes on highly polarizing issues, such as climate change, often fail because individuals interpret political messages through the lens of their partisan identities. However, shifting the identity lens through which an individual interprets a message may result in more effective political communication. Through a preregistered survey experiment (n = 978), this study tested how priming either a partisan or a nonpartisan (parental) identity influenced the effectiveness of a climate change frame on several attitudinal outcomes. Findings suggest that identity salience—specifically partisan identity salience—can influence the effectiveness of a frame. Among Republican parents, receiving a message about the impact of climate change on future generations increased climate change concern and intended proclimate political behaviors, but this framing effect disappeared when a partisan identity was first primed. Among Democrat parents, framing had no significant effect until a partisan identity was first primed. The findings offer important insight into the role that identity salience plays in framing effectiveness and suggest that political communication on polarized issues is likely to be more effective at building bipartisan agreement when nonpartisan identities are salient.
The association between health‐related factors, physical and mental diseases, social activities, and cognitive function in elderly Koreans: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bae Sung‐Man 
Published: June 2020

AimThe purpose of this study was to verify the association of cognitive function with health‐related variables, diseases, and social activities.MethodsData from the 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. The participants of that study were 5678 adults aged 60 years or older living in 17 major Korean regions nationwide.ResultsHierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that gender, age, education, marital status, depressive symptoms, body mass index, regular exercise, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, hand grip strength, and social activities were all significantly associated with cognitive function in elderly Koreans. However, socioeconomic status, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, attendance at school reunions, volunteer work, and participation in political or civic organizations had no impact on cognitive function. First, the results indicated that men had better cognitive function than women; likewise, married individuals and those with a higher level of education also had better cognitive function. As age increased, cognitive function declined. Second, higher body mass index was related to poorer cognitive function, whereas regular exercise was positively associated with better cognitive function. In addition, higher activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living scores were associated with poorer cognitive function. Third, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with cognitive function. Finally, religious activities, social activities, and participation in leisure activities, cultural events, and sports were associated with better cognitive functioning. The possibility of reverse association exists between some of the variables (e.g. religious activity and cognitive function), and it is necessary to verify this possibility through a longitudinal study. The biggest limitation is that this is a cross‐sectional study, which made it unfeasible to investigate the causal pathways.ConclusionsThis study suggests that regularly exercising and attending social activities each help to improve cognitive function in the elderly.