bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of Neuropathy Screening for Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloidosis Patients
Authors: Russell Angela , Hahn Christopher , Chhibber Sameer , Korngut Lawrence , Fine Nowell M. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT:Background:Wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (wtATTR) is an important cause of heart failure (HF); however, the prevalence and clinical significance of neurologic complications remains uncertain.Methods:This analysis reports findings from a single-centre experience of routine neuropathy screening at the time of wtATTR diagnosis by nerve conduction studies and neurologist assessment, compared with age-matched controls.Results:Forty-one wtATTR patients were included, 39 (95%) males, mean age 78.4 ± 7.7 years, 22 (54%) New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III–IV HF, along with 15 age-matched controls (mean age 77.1 ± 4.2 years, 80% male). Twenty-one (51%) wtATTR patients were diagnosed with polyneuropathy, 15 (37%) with spinal stenosis, 36 (88%) with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and 14 (34%) with ulnar neuropathy. Comparison diagnoses among controls were 1 (7%), 0, 1 (7%) and 3 (20%), respectively. Among patients with NYHA class III–IV HF, 16 (73%) had polyneuropathy compared with 5 (26%) with class I–II (p < 0.01), odds ratio of 7.5 (95% confidence interval 1.9–29.9). After neuropathy screening, 19 (46%) patients were offered neurologic therapy and/or additional diagnostic evaluation. This included CTS release surgery (16, 39%), neuropathic pain medication (3, 7%), nerve block (1, 2%), wrist splinting (2, 5%) and foot care (1, 2%). Spine imaging was performed for 3 (7%) patients, and deltoid muscle and sural nerve biopsy for 1 (2%) patient.Conclusions:Screening of wtATTR patients for neurologic complications resulted in a management change for nearly half. CTS, polyneuropathy and ulnar neuropathy were common. This approach warrants consideration as part of routine assessment for newly diagnosed wtATTR patients.
Improvement in Quality of Life with OnabotulinumtoxinA for Cervical Dystonia: POSTURe
Authors: Petitclerc Marc , Cloutier Martin , Naud Pierre , Langlois Mélanie , Bhogal Meetu , Davidovic Goran 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT:Introduction:Symptoms of cervical dystonia (CD) can vary in severity and cause significant pain. OnabotulinumtoxinA is an approved treatment for CD. This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CD who received multiple onabotulinumtoxinA treatments.Methods:This prospective, observational standard-of-care study was conducted at multiple neurology centers in Québec, Canada. Patients reported the health impact of CD using the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP)-58, before and after up to eight onabotulinumtoxinA treatments. Other measures included the Cervical Dystonia Severity Rating Scale by physician, employment status using the Work Productivity Questionnaire and pain using the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (PNRS). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.Results:Sixty-two patients were enrolled (safety population, n = 61; modified efficacy population, n = 58). Participants were mostly females who were employed; most (79.3%) had torticollis. In all, 21/62 patients (33.9%) discontinued the study. At the final visit, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in all eight CDIP-58 subscales, particularly head and neck symptoms (−31.0) and psychosocial functioning (−28.2). Employment increased from baseline (55%) to the end of the study (64%), and there was improvement in work productivity. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in pain measured by the PNRS, from −0.5 post-treatment 1 to −2.4 at end of study. AEs (neck pain, muscular weakness, dysphagia, nausea) were consistent with onabotulinumtoxinA use.Conclusion:These real-world data indicate that after repeated, long-term use, onabotulinumtoxinA continues to be a safe and effective treatment for CD, improving HRQoL and work productivity.
Using attendance data for social network analysis of a community-engaged research partnership
Authors: Vasquez Kimberly S. , Chatterjee Shirshendu , Khalida Chamanara , Moftah Dena , D’Orazio Brianna , Leinberger-Jabari Andrea , Tobin Jonathan N. , Kost Rhonda G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground:The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science (RU-CCTS) and Clinical Directors Network (CDN), a Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), fostered a community–academic research partnership involving Community Health Center (CHCs) clinicians, laboratory scientists, clinical researchers, community, and patient partners. From 2011 to 2018, the partnership designed and completed Community-Associated Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus AureusProject (CAMP1), an observational study funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and CAMP2, a Comparative Effectiveness Research Study funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). We conducted a social network analysis (SNA) to characterize this Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) partnership.Methods:Projects incorporated principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CAMP1/2) and PCORI engagement rubrics (CAMP2). Meetings were designed to be highly interactive, facilitate co-learning, share governance, and incentivize ongoing engagement. Meeting attendance formed the raw dataset enriched by stakeholder roles and affiliations. We used SNA software (Gephi) to form networks for four project periods, characterize network attributes (density, degree, centrality, vulnerability), and create sociograms. Polynomial regression models were used to study stakeholder interactions.Results:Forty-seven progress meetings engaged 141 stakeholders, fulfilling 7 roles, and affiliated with 28 organizations (6 types). Network size, density, and interactions across organizations increased over time. Interactions between Community Members or Recruiters/Community Health Workers and almost every other role increased significantly across CAMP2 (P< 0.005); Community Members’ centrality to the network increased over time.Conclusions:In a partnership with a highly interactive meeting model, SNA using operational attendance data afforded a view of stakeholder interactions that realized the engagement goals of the partnership.
Inferring Stock Duration Around FOMC Surprises: Estimates and Implications
Authors: Chen Zhanhui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDiscount rates affect stock prices directly via the discount-rate channel or indirectly via the cash-flow channel because expected future cash-flow growth varies with the discount rate. The traditional Macaulay duration captures the effect from the discount-rate channel. I propose a novel duration measure, the effective equity duration, to capture the effects from both channels. I estimate it around unexpected policies in the federal funds rates. I find that the equity yield curve is hump-shaped because expected future cash-flow growth increases with the discount rate. The effective equity duration captures information other than monetary policy risk.
Ex Post Bargaining, Corporate Cash Holdings, and Executive Compensation
Authors: Cheng Yingmei , Harford Jarrad , Hutton Irena , Shipe Stephan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe show that high cash holdings can be used by executives in the ex post bargaining over their compensation. Cash holdings are positively associated with CEO compensation and is driven by non-salary components. In companies with weaker governance, this relation is more pronounced. Using exogenous shocks to the firm’s cash, we show that CEO compensation readily responds to increases in cash holdings, confirming that managers are able to derive personal benefits from excess cash holdings.
Perceived barriers and contributors to sense of purpose in life in retirement community residents
Authors: Lewis Nathan A. , Reesor Naomi , Hill Patrick L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDespite the growing use of retirement communities and ageing care facilities, little is known about how residing in retirement residences may impact aspects of older adult wellbeing. Living in these communities may hold particular influence on residents’ sense of purpose, if they feel limited in their opportunities for individual action, or could serve to promote purposefulness depending on the social connections available. The current study sought to explore contributing factors as well as barriers to purpose in older adults living in three continuing care retirement communities. Using brief semi-structured interviews, 18 older adults were asked to describe their purpose in life, community-related activities and any perceived challenges limiting their ability to pursue this purpose. Thematic analysis was used to examine themes common across interviews. Interviews presented a mixed picture of the nature of purposefulness in retirement facilities. Residents espoused several benefits of community living such as social and leisure opportunities, while also noting several obstacles to their purpose, including health concerns and the belief that purpose in life was not relevant for older adults. These findings provide insight into how older adults can derive a sense of purpose from activities within their retirement community and how facilities can better tailor programmes to promote purposefulness and support personally valued roles for residents.
Fashionably late? Time, work and the industrious revolution in early modern Antwerp (1585–1795)
Authors: Verhoeven Gerrit 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDrawing evidence from the proceedings of the Antwerp hoogere Vierschaer (the local criminal court), the article challenges some key features from Jan de Vries’ hypothesis of the Industrious Revolution. Mesmerised by an endless variety of fashionable and exotic consumer goods, eighteenth-century people would have slashed their leisure time in a variety of ways. Labour input would have been forced up on a daily, weekly and annual base. However, time-budget analysis of Antwerp labour rhythms evidences a much more complex picture, which does not really hint at an industrious revolution but rather reveals invariable industriousness.
POLITICAL ALLIANCES AND TRADE CONNECTIONS OBSERVED IN THE CERAMIC RECORD OF THE CLASSIC PERIOD: THE PERSPECTIVE FROM THE MAYA SITE OF NAKUM, GUATEMALA
Authors: Źrałka Jarosław , Helmke Christophe , Hermes Bernard , Koszkul Wiesław , Ting Carmen , Bishop Ronald , Bojkowska Dorota 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecent research carried out at the Maya site of Nakum, located in northeastern Guatemala, has brought about the discovery of a large collection of ceramic artefacts. This substantial assemblage, apart from monochrome ceramics, includes fragments of polychrome vessels that are decorated with elaborate iconographic scenes and painted hieroglyphic texts. Most of them date to the Late Classic period (ca. a.d. 600–800), which represents the peak of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The style of these ceramics, their iconography and accompanying glyphic texts, supplemented in many cases by mineralogical and physicochemical analyses of the ceramic samples, indicate that Nakum was part of a broad and complex network of political and economic interactions between various sites and polities of the southern Maya lowlands in the Classic period. During the first part of the Late Classic period, Nakum seems to maintain close relations with Naranjo, probably serving as its vassal at least from the reign of its renowned king Aj Wosal. After the victory of Tikal over Naranjo in the first part of the eighth century, Nakum shows closer cultural and political connections with Tikal. Nevertheless, towards the end of the Classic era, when we observe the profound collapse of lowland Maya civilization, Nakum elites gain political independence from their former overlords.
George L. Cowgill, December 19, 1929–July 31, 2018
Authors: Smith Michael E. , Cabrera Cortés Oralia , Cowgill Karen D. , Kintigh Keith W. , Nichols Deborah L. , Robertson Ian G. , Stark Barbara L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGeorge L. Cowgill had a major influence on the study of the ancient city of Teotihuacan and the development and promotion of quantitative methods in archaeology. His wit, teaching, and research influenced many in the profession. We draw on two published autobiographical works (Cowgill 2008a, 2013a), some unpublished autobiographical notes (Cowgill 1983), his many publications, and our own associations with George.
Electrodynamical Coupling of the Geospace System During Solar Flares
Authors: Liu Jing , Qian Liying , Maute Astrid , Wang Wenbin , Richmond Arthur D. , Chen Junjie , Lei Jiuhou , Zhang Qinghe , Xing Zanyang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractReduced daytime upward E×B drifts and weakened fountain effects in equatorial ionosphere have been frequently observed during the initial stage of solar flares. The cause of this phenomenon, however, remains unresolved. The latest state‐of‐art whole geospace model provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore the origin of this response. We show that both prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) and internal changes in the wind dynamo process are responsible for the reduced upward ion drifts. Solar‐flare‐induced PPEFs are caused by a reduced high‐latitude potential as a result of flare‐enhanced ionospheric conductances which are distinct from traditional PPEFs that respond to changes in solar wind conditions or magnetosphere dynamics. The neutral wind dynamo source is mainly a reduction in the background low‐latitude eastward electric field. This reduction occurs to maintain current continuity in response to the flare enhancement of low‐latitude Cowling conductance that is relatively greater than the enhancement of the dynamo current source.
Impacts of the Westerlies on Planetary Boundary Layer Growth Over a Valley on the North Side of the Central Himalayas
Authors: Lai Yue , Chen Xuelong , Ma Yaoming , Chen Deliang , Zhaxi Suolang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study focused on planetary boundary layer (PBL) growth in winter under the influence of the westerlies over the Rongbuk Valley on the north side of the central Himalayas. Two sunny November days in 2014 with different synoptic conditions in terms of large‐scale wind direction and speed were selected to investigate the ways in which large‐scale synoptic forcing affected the vertical structure of the PBL, atmospheric stability, surface wind field, and land surface energy fluxes. This was done by using radiosonde and in‐situ measurements, the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA5 reanalysis data set, and a one‐dimensional model. The results revealed that the valley winds and PBL growth were strongly influenced by the variations of the westerlies, which prevail in this region during the winter. When the synoptic wind direction at the height of the mountain ridges was parallel to the axis of the valley and strong, the downward transmission of the westerlies to the valley floor (DTWTV) was strong, causing high near‐surface wind speeds and sensible heat flux values. These conditions, together with a deep residual layer, unstable atmosphere, and thermally driven local wind, produced an extremely deep PBL (9 km above sea level) in the early afternoon of November 23. When the synoptic wind direction at the ridge height intersected the axis of the valley and was weak, the DTWTV was weak, and the PBL became relatively low on November 28. These results demonstrate that the interaction between the topography and synoptic circulation plays a critical role in PBL growth.
KCNQ1OT1 regulates the retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration and SIRT1/JNK signaling pathway by targeting miR-124/SP1 axis
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Yang Xin , Xu Yingying , Li Haijun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjective: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1OT1 was reported to be tightly associated with tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers. However, the expression and biological functions of KCNQ1OT1 in retinoblastoma (RB) are still unknown. We aim to elucidate the potential function and underlying mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 in regulating the progression of RB. Methods: The levels of KCNQ1OT1 were assayed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The cell proliferation of RB cells (Y79 and WERI-Rb-1) were evaluated through Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay. Meanwhile, Y79 and WERI-Rb-1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by Flow Cytometry analysis. Dual luciferase reporter assay were performed to illustrate the interaction between KCNQ1OT1, miR-124, and SP1. Results: We found that KCNQ1OT1 was up-regulated and miR-124 was down-regulated in RB tissues and cells. Moreover, knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 reduced the proliferation, migration, and cell cycle, as well as promoted cell apoptosis of Y79 and WERI-Rb-1 cells. Western blot analysis consistently proved cell cycle and apoptosis related protein expression levels. More importantly, KCNQ1OT1 was a sponge of microRNA (miR)-124. MiR-124 inhibition strongly reversed the effect on cell proliferation, cycle arrest, and apoptosis by KCNQ1OT1 knockdown mediation. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 regulated expression of SP1, a direct target of miR-124 in RB. On the other hand, miR-124 inhibitor abrogated the active effect of KCNQ1OT1 silencing on silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. The function of KCNQ1OT1 was verified in vivo. Conclusions: These findings implied that KCNQ1OT1 silencing inhibited RB progression and activated SIRT1/JNK signaling pathway partially by modulating the miR-124/SP1 axis.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies COL1A1, THBS2 and SPP1 as potential predictors of patient prognosis and immunotherapy response in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Yali , Zheng Kun , Chen Xiuqiong , Chen Rui , Zou Yanmei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study aimed to use bioinformatics tools to explore pivotal genes associated with the occurrence of gastric cancer (GC) and assess their prognostic significance, and link with clinicopathological parameters. We also investigated the predictive role of COL1A1, THBS2, and SPP1 in immunotherapy.
Materials and methods: We identified differential genes (DEGs) that were up- and down-regulated in the three datasets (GSE26942, GSE13911, and GSE118916) and created protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks from the overlapping DEGs. We then investigated the potential functions of the hub genes in cancer prognosis using PPI networks, and explored the influence of such genes in the immune environment.
Results: Overall, 268 overlapping DEGs were identified, of which 230 were up-regulated and 38 were down-regulated. CytoHubba selected the top ten hub genes, which included SPP1, TIMP1, SERPINE1, MMP3, COL1A1, BGN, THBS2, CDH2, CXCL8, and THY1. With the exception of SPP1, survival analysis using the Kaplan–Meier database showed that the levels of expression of these genes were associated with overall survival. Genes in the most dominant module explored by MCODE, COL1A1, THBS2, and SPP1, were primarily enriched for two KEGG pathways. Further analysis showed that all three genes could influence clinicopathological parameters and immune microenvironment, and there was a significant correlation between COL1A1, THBS2, SPP1, and PD-L1 expression, thus indicating a potential predictive role for GC response to immunotherapy.
Conclusion: ECM–receptor interactions and focal adhesion pathways are of great significance in the progression of GC. COL1A1, THBS2, and SPP1 may help predict immunotherapy response in GC patients.
Development of a prognostic model based on an immunogenomic landscape analysis of medulloblastoma
Authors: Guo Yuduo , Li Shenglun , Huang Peng , Zhang Hongwei , Yu Chunjiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common central nervous system tumors in children. At present, the vital role of immune abnormalities has been proved in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the immune mechanism in MB is still poorly understood. In the present study, 51 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DE-IRGs) and 226 survival associated immune-related genes (Sur-IRGs) were screened by an integrated analysis of multi-array. Moreover, the potential pathways were enriched by functional analysis, such as ‘cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction’, ‘Ras signaling pathway’, ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’ and ‘pathways in cancer’. Furthermore, 10 core IRGs were identified from DE-IRGs and Sur-IRGs. And the potential regulatory mechanisms of core IRGs were also explored. Additionally, a new prognostic model, including 7 genes (HDGF, CSK, PNOC, S100A13, RORB, FPR1, and ICAM2) based on IRGs, was established by multivariable COX analysis. In summary, our study revealed the underlying immune mechanism of MB. Moreover, we developed a prognostic model associated with clinical characteristics and could reflect the infiltration of immune cells.
A paradox: Fe2+-containing agents decreased ROS and apoptosis induced by CoNPs in vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting HIF-1α
Authors: Zhu Wenfeng , Liu Yake , Wang Wei , Zhou Zihua , Gu Jin-hua , Zhang Zexu , Sun Huanjian , Liu Fan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) released from hip joint implants are known to have a toxic effect on several organs probably through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferrous ion (Fe2+) is well-known to enhance oxidative stress by catalysing the production of ROS. However, in our pilot study, we found that Fe2+ conversely inhibited the ROS production induced by CoNPs. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the present study treated vascular endothelial HUVEC and HMEC-1 cells with CoNPs alone or in combination with ferrous lactate [Fe(CH3CHOHCOO)2], ferrous succinate [Fe(CH2COO)2], and ferrous chloride (FeCl2). CoNP toxicity was evaluated by measuring cell viability, rate of apoptosis and lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and intracellular ROS levels. Treatment with CoNPs decreased cell viability, LDH release, and ROS production and increased apoptosis. CoNPs increased hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein level and mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) downstream of HIF-1α signalling. Silencing HIF-1α attenuated CoNP toxicity, as seen by recovery of cell viability, LDH release, and ROS levels and reduced apoptosis. CoNPs caused a pronounced reduction of Fe2+ in cells, but supplementation with Fe(CH3CHOHCOO)2, Fe(CH2COO)2, and FeCl2 restored Fe2+ levels and inhibited HIF-1α activation. Moreover, all three Fe2+-containing agents conferred protection from CoNPs; Fe(CH3CHOHCOO)2 and Fe(CH2COO)2 more effectively than FeCl2. In summary, the present study revealed that CoNPs exert their toxicity on human vascular endothelial cells by depleting intracellular Fe2+ level, which causes activation of HIF-1α signalling. Supplements of Fe2+, especially in the form of Fe(CH3CHOHCOO)2 and Fe(CH2COO)2, mitigated CoNP toxicity.