bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of metallothionein treatment and treadmill running exercise on disease onset and survival in SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice
Authors: Lewis Katherine E. A. , Bennett William , Blizzard Christopher L. , West Adrian K. , Chung Roger S. , Chuah Meng Inn 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease, characterised by the degeneration of motor neurons innervating skeletal muscle. The mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in ALS are not yet fully elucidated, and with current therapeutics only able to extend lifespan by a matter of months there is a clear need for novel therapies to increase lifespan and patient quality of life. Here, we evaluated whether moderate‐intensity treadmill exercise and/or treatment with metallothionein‐2 (MT2), a neuroprotective protein, could improve survival, behavioural or neuropathological outcomes in SOD1G93A familial ALS mice. Six‐week‐old female SOD1G93A mice were allocated to one of four treatment groups: MT2 injection, i.m.; moderate treadmill exercise; neither MT2 nor exercise; or both MT2 and exercise. MT2‐treated mice survived around 3% longer than vehicle‐treated mice, with this mild effect reaching statistical significance in Cox proportional hazards analysis once adjusted for potential confounders. Mixed model body weight trajectories over time indicated that MT2‐treated mice, with or without exercise, reached maximum body weight at a later age, suggesting a delay in disease onset of around 4% compared to saline‐treated mice. Exercise alone did not significantly increase survival or delay disease onset, and neither exercise nor MT2 substantially ameliorated gait abnormalities or muscle strength loss. We conclude that neither exercise nor MT2 treatment was detrimental in female SOD1G93A mice, and further study could determine whether the mild effect of peripheral MT2 administration on disease onset and survival could be improved via direct administration of MT2 to the central nervous system.
The economic burden of caregiving in epilepsy: An estimate based on a survey of US caregivers
Authors: Hussain Shaun A. , Ortendahl Jesse D. , Bentley Tanya G. K. , Harmon Amanda L. , Gupta Shaloo , Begley Charles E. , Khilfeh Ibrahim , Knoth Russell L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe burden of caregiving for persons with epilepsy (PWEs) has not been examined previously in the United States. We assessed the clinical impact and direct and indirect economic costs for caregivers of PWEs.MethodsAn internet survey of 500 caregivers of PWEs was conducted from May to July 2015 using a combination of validated instruments and questions designed specifically for this survey. Caregivers were stratified by PWE age (adult/child) and disease severity (low: 0 vs high: 1 + seizures in the prior month). Annual self‐reported direct and indirect costs were reported per caregiver and extrapolated to all US caregivers. The economic burden of caregiving for PWEs was defined as the difference between costs for caregivers and the general population.ResultsCaregivers reported that PWEs averaged 11.4 seizures in the prior month. Eighty percent of respondents were female and the average age was 44.3. Since becoming a caregiver, many reported anxiety (52.8%), depression (41.0%), and insomnia (30.8%). Annual mean direct medical costs for caregivers of children with low vs high seizure frequency were $4344 and $10 162, respectively. Costs for caregivers of adult PWEs were $4936 and $8518. Mean indirect costs associated with caregiving for a child with low vs high seizure frequency were $20 529 and $40 137; those for caregivers of an adult were $13 981 and $28 410. The cost estimates are higher vs the general US population; annual per‐person healthcare utilization costs were $2740 and productivity loss costs were $5015. When extrapolating to the US population of PWE caregivers, annual costs exceeded $62 billion vs $14 billion for the general population, resulting in a caregiver burden of nearly $48 billion.SignificanceThe clinical and economic burden of caregivers for PWE were substantial, and greatest for those caring for children with frequent seizures. The impact on caregivers should be considered when estimating the value of interventions that control epilepsy.
Epilepsy‐specific patient‐reported outcome measures of children's health‐related quality of life: A systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Crudgington Holly , Rogers Morwenna , Morris Hannah , Gringras Paul , Pal Deb K. , Morris Christopher 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and appraise published evidence of the measurement properties for epilepsy‐specific patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) of children's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodsWe searched multiple databases for studies evaluating the measurement properties of English‐language epilepsy‐specific PROMs of children's HRQoL. We assessed the methodological quality using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidance. We extracted data about the content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, proxy reliability, responsiveness, and precision, and assessed the measurement properties with reference to standardized criteria.ResultsWe identified 27 papers that evaluated 11 PROMs. Methodological quality was variable. Construct validity, test‐retest reliability, and internal consistency were more commonly assessed. Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QoLCE) questionnaires are parent‐reported and evaluated more than other PROMs; QoLCE‐55 has good and replicated evidence for structural and construct validity and internal consistency. Health‐Related Quality of Life Measure for Children with Epilepsy (CHEQoL) has both child and parent‐reported versions and good evidence of content, structural, and construct validity.SignificanceThis review identified two leading candidate epilepsy‐specific PROMs for measuring health‐related quality of life in children. Establishing evidence of the responsiveness of PROMs is a priority to help the interpretation of meaningful change scores.
Three dimensional ultra‐high‐density electro‐anatomical cardiac mapping in horses: methodology
Authors: Van Steenkiste Glenn , De Clercq Dominique , Boussy Tim , Vera Lisse , Schauvliege Stijn , Decloedt Annelies , van Loon Gunther 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundUltra‐high‐density cardiac mapping allows very accurate characterisation of atrial and ventricular electrophysiology and activation timing.ObjectiveTo describe the technique and evaluate the feasibility of magnetic electro‐anatomical mapping of the equine heart.Study designIn vivo experimental method development.MethodsA mapping system using an 8.5F bidirectional deflectable catheter with a deployable mini‐basket (3–22 mm) containing 64 electrodes divided over eight splines was evaluated. Based upon predefined beat acceptance criteria, the system automatically acquires endocardial electrograms and catheter location information. Electro‐anatomical maps were acquired from four horses in sinus rhythm under general anaesthesia.ResultsAll endocardial areas within each chamber could be reached. Access to the left atrium required the use of a deflectable sheath. With the exception of the left atrial map of horse 1, all four chambers in all four horses could be mapped. Optimisation of the beat acceptance criteria led to a reduction in manual correction of the automatically accepted beats from 13.1% in the first horse to 0.4% of the beats in the last horse.Main limitationsOnly a limited number of horses were included in the study.ConclusionUltra‐high‐density 3D electro‐anatomical mapping is feasible in adult horses and is a promising tool for electrophysiological research and characterisation of complex arrhythmias.
Role of neuroimmune circuits and pruritus in psoriasis
Authors: Ayasse Marissa T. , Buddenkotte Jörg , Alam Majid , Steinhoff Martin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease presenting with an array of clinical phenotypes, often associated with pruritus. Environmental and psychological stressors can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and provoke flares. Recent studies suggest a dysfunctional hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis in some patients with psoriasis that can result in immune dysregulation. The immune system, in turn, can communicate with the nervous system to induce, maintain or aggravate psoriasis. In the skin, peripheral sensory as well as autonomic nerves control release of inflammatory mediators from dendritic cells, mast cells, T cells or keratinocytes, thereby modulating inflammatory responses and, in case of sensory nerves, pruritus. In response to the environment or stress, cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and neuropeptides fluctuate in psoriasis and influence immune responses as well as nerve activity. Furthermore, immune cells communicate with sensory nerves which control release of cytokines, such as IL‐23, that are ultimately involved in psoriasis pathogenesis. Nerves also communicate with keratinocytes to induce epidermal proliferation. Notably, in contrast to recent years the debilitating problem of pruritus in psoriasis has been increasingly appreciated. Thus, investigating neuroimmune communication in psoriasis will not only expand our knowledge about the impact of sensory nerves in inflammation and pruritus and give new insights into the impact of environmental factors activating neuroimmune circuits or of stress in psoriasis, but may also lead to novel therapies. This review summarizes the relevant literature on the role of neuroimmune circuits, stress and how the central HPA axis and its peripheral equivalent in the skin, impact psoriasis.
The mutual interplay of gut microbiota, diet and human disease
Authors: Illiano Placido , Brambilla Roberta , Parolini Cinzia 
Published: January 2020

The intestinal milieu harbours the gut microbiota, consisting of a complex community of bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses and protozoans that bring to the host organism an endowment of cells and genes more numerous than its own. In the last 10 years, mounting evidence has highlighted the prominent influence of the gut mutualistic bacterial communities on human health. Microbial colonization occurs alongside with immune system development and plays a role in intestinal physiology. The community of the gut microbiota does not undergo significant fluctuations throughout adult life. However, bacterial infections, antibiotic treatment, lifestyle, surgery and diet might profoundly affect it. Gut microbiota dysbiosis, defined as marked alterations in the amount and function of the intestinal microorganisms, is correlated with the aetiology of chronic noncommunicable diseases, ranging from cardiovascular, neurologic, respiratory and metabolic illnesses to cancer. In this review, we focus on the interplay among gut microbiota, diet and host to provide a perspective on the role of microbiota and their unique metabolites in the pathogenesis and/or progression of various human disorders. We discuss interventions based on microbiome studies, that is faecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics and prebiotics, to introduce the concept that correcting gut dysbiosis can ameliorate disease symptoms, thus offering a new approach towards disease treatment.
Climate drives global soil carbon sequestration and crop yield changes under conservation agriculture
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Canadell Josep G. , Yu Lijun , Yu Lingfei , Zhang Wen , Smith Pete , Fischer Tony , Huang Yao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractConservation agriculture has been shown to have multiple benefits for soils, crop yield and the environment, and consequently, no‐till, the central practice of conservation agriculture, has rapidly expanded. However, studies show that the potential for carbon (C) sequestration in no‐till farming sometimes is not realized, let alone the ability to maintain or improve crop yield. Here we present a global analysis of no‐till‐induced changes of soil C and crop yield based on 260 and 1,970 paired studies; respectively. We show that, relative to local conventional tillage, arid regions can benefit the most from conservation agriculture by achieving a win‐win outcome of enhanced C sequestration and increased crop yield. However, more humid regions are more likely to increase SOC only, while some colder regions have yield losses and soil C loss as likely as soil C gains. In addition to site‐specific characteristics and management, a careful assessment of the regional climate is needed to determine the potential benefits of adopting conservation agriculture.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP OVER THE LIFE CYCLE: WHERE ARE THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
Authors: Hincapié Andrés 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMost individuals do not start a business and, if they do, they start well into their 30s. To explain these stylized facts, I estimate a dynamic Roy model with experience accumulation, risk aversion, and imperfect information about ability using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Information frictions and income risk reduce entrepreneurship by up to 40% and 35%, respectively. Entry costs and information frictions explain most of the delayed entry. Results from counterfactual policies targeting delayed entry suggest that entrepreneurship education can yield higher returns than subsidies. Fostering young entrepreneurship yields higher returns than fostering old entrepreneurship.
INNOVATION AND INEQUALITY IN A SMALL WORLD
Authors: Lindner Ines , Strulik Holger 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe present a multicountry theory of economic growth and R&D‐driven technological progress in which countries are connected by a network of knowledge exchange. Technological progress in any country depends on the state of technology in the countries it exchanges knowledge with. The diffusion of knowledge throughout the world explains a period of increasing world inequality, followed by decreasing relative inequality. Knowledge diffusion through a small world network produces an extraordinary diversity of country growth performances, including the overtaking of individual countries and the replacement of the technologically leading country in the course of world development.
GIRLS' SCHOOLING CHOICES AND HOME PRODUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN
Authors: Reis Hugo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe article develops and estimates a dynamic structural model of girls' school‐going decisions and mother's labor market participation. It seeks to determine the causes of low school participation and to evaluate alternative public policies. The model incorporates mother's education, school availability, the productivity of the girl when engaged in household production, and the potential trade‐off between mother's and daughter's housework decisions. Our findings suggest that school construction is the most cost‐effective program. When using monetary incentives, our results highlight the effectiveness of conditionality, as opposed to unconditional transfers, and the existence of a trade‐off between maternal employment and daughter's schooling.
Novolac‐Polydimethyl Siloxane networks through click chemistry: Thermal and Thermophysical characterization
Authors: Sunitha Kayyoorkarathi , Soumyamol Panthaplackal Bhaskaran , Mathew Dona , Unnikrishnan Gopalakrishna Panicker , Reghunadhan Nair Chethrapilly Padmanabhan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPolydimethyl siloxane combs projecting from a novolac stem were synthesized using click reaction of azide‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (AZ‐PDMS), and novolac propargyl ether (NPE) under ambient (30°C) conditions. Dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) indicated the transition of soft segments at nearly −100°C and that of the hard segments in the range of 25°C‐30°C. The hybrid novolac‐siloxane networks have been found to possess an elongation at break of 100%–260%. Thermal degradation behavior of the networks of different crosslink densities was studied using TGA and pyrolysis GC‐MS. Thermogravimetry revealed an anaerobic char residue of 23%–40% at 900°C. Further rise in temperature up to 1500°C has been observed to result in hardly 1% reduction in the char yield/ceramic residue, thus attributing to the presence of high char‐yielding aromatic part. The ceramic residue obtained at 1500°C under argon atmosphere was analyzed using FTIR, Raman, and XRD. XRD studies implied formation of βSiC, and SiO2. Morphology of the ceramics conformed to nanowires with diameters in the range of 20‐100 nm. The nanowire consisted of mainly SiOC as attested by EDS analysis.
Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of snacks developed from broken rice grains and turmeric powder
Authors: Ribeiro Oliveira Aryane , Chaves Ribeiro Alline Emannuele , Resende Oliveira Érica , Oliveira Ribeiro Keyla , Costa Garcia Marina , Careli‐Gondim Ítalo , Soares Soares Júnior Manoel , Caliari Márcio 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to develop extruded snacks from broken rice grains (BRG) and turmeric powder (TP). Different levels of substitution of BRG by TP (0%, 2%, 4%, 8% and 10% w/w) were used. Snacks were processed in a single‐screw extruder with three heating zones (41, 61 and 84 °C, respectively), using a helicoidal grooved extrusion sleeve, a 4 mm (diameter) matrix, 3:1 screw compression ratio, screw rotation of 3600 × g and a feed rate of 335 g min−1. Snacks were evaluated for their physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics; as well as for the chemical composition, phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of the selected savoury snack formulation. The selected snack, with the physical characteristics closest to the traditional corn product, was obtained with 6% substitution of BRG by TP and was constituted by 7.76% protein, 4.78% lipid, 5.84% dietary fibre, 75.3% available carbohydrates, and 174.75 mg gallic acid equivalent per100 g and 6.52% of DPPH• scavenging capacity. The selected snack was shown to be feasible, once TP is an ingredient that aggregates sensory (colour and taste), nutritional (dietary fibres and total energy value) and functional (antioxidants) values to the BRG‐based snack, being an alternative for the production of gluten‐free snacks.
Comparison of uniaxial/biaxial extensional rheological properties of mixed dough with traditional rheological test results: relationship with the quality of steamed bread
Authors: Yue Qinghua , Li Mingfei , Liu Chong , Li Limin , Zheng Xueling , Bian Ke 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThe formula and preparation of steamed bread are different from those of western bread. The extensional rheological behaviour plays a key role in the development of steamed bread dough. However, there are inadequate studies on the rheological properties of mixed dough with yeast. In this study, the relationship between properties of dough in the presence or absence of yeast was elucidated. Besides, the flour characteristics and quality of steamed bread prepared from different wheat varieties were evaluated. The uniaxial/biaxial extensional rheological properties of wheat dough were compared with traditional rheological test results. Large deformations in the extensional properties were measured by Extensograph and the Kieffer extensibility rig, while the biaxial extension was quantified using uniaxial compression. These characteristics of dough and flour correlated with each other in different ways. Correlation analysis illustrated that the uniaxial extensional rheological properties of dough with yeast better indicated the quality of the steamed bread. Moreover, the total work for breakage of the dough with yeast was the best predictor for specific volume of steamed bread. The texture‐based properties of steamed bread showed correlation with biaxial extension viscosity. The rheological tests provide useful information for evaluating wheat flour and steamed bread quality.
Paul and Grace in Theological Perspective: A Grateful Response
Authors: Barclay John M.G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis response to the above seven articles engages with some of the significant ways in which each takes forward the theological discussion of grace. While some areas of disagreement arise, the overall sense is of a conversation that is moving beyond Paul and the Gift, using its contribution to open fresh avenues for understanding between Catholic and Protestant theologians on this deeply controversial topic, and new possibilities for conversation between biblical exegesis and theology.
Dynamic Reciprocity and Ontological Affinity in the Pauline Account of Solidarity
Authors: Macaskill Grant 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article suggests that the dynamic elements of gift‐giving and reciprocity, which are incisively re‐evaluated in John Barclay's study Paul and the Gift, might fruitfully be combined with the classical incarnational understanding of the union of natures to better our understanding of Paul's soteriology. Setting Paul's account of salvation within the framework of the wider New Testament, the article highlights the presence of key elements that might best be articulated in terms of the dual kinship of Jesus with both God and humanity and that require some discussion of the ontology of the one who saves. When Paul speaks of the solidarity that exists within the Christian community, he does so in a way that links it to the presence of the Spirit, by whom we participate in the oneness of God through the one mediator; his development of this emphasis draws heavily upon the Shema, which Jewish traditions associate with the distinctive ‘being’ of God.
Paradox and Paul: Catholic and Protestant Theologies of Grace
Authors: Kilby Karen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractJohn Barclay offers a capacious and helpful framework for reflection on large swathes of the history of the theology of grace with his notion of the six ways of ‘perfecting the gift’. In this article, I extend his analysis to a consideration of certain typical differences between Catholic and Protestant conceptions of grace. Where Protestant theology tends toward a juxtaposition of grace with sin, Catholic theology often considers grace in relation to nature, and each side, I suggest, has its own characteristic proclivity towards paradox.