bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and initial psychometric properties of the ‘ICIQ‐Cog’: a new assessment tool to measure the disease‐related impact and care effort associated with incontinence in cognitively impaired adults
Authors: Volz‐Sidiropoulou Eftychia , Rings Theresa , Wagg Adrian S. , Leistner Nadine , Gauggel Siegfried , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo develop a new assessment tool, the ICIQ‐Cog, to measure the disease‐related impact of incontinence in cognitively impaired adults and the effort associated with the care of this population, and to present the initial psychometric properties of this tool and outline the possible clinical implications.Participants and MethodsThe ICIQ‐Cog consists of two scales: a 12‐item scale measuring disease‐specific bother (ICIQ‐Cog‐P) and a four‐item scale assessing efforts associated with care of people with incontinence and cognitive impairment (ICIQ‐Cog‐C). Data on 60 nursing home residents with incontinence and cognitive impairment were obtained in a test–retest research design. The psychometric properties of the ICIQ‐Cog were examined using a combination of classic and item response theory methods.ResultsFactor analyses resulted in a three‐factor solution for the ICIQ‐Cog‐P, with interrelated factors. Rasch analysis showed a good model fit when collapsing response categories. The ICIQ‐Cog‐C fitted to one dimension. The ICIQ‐Cog tool provided reliable measures in terms of internal consistency (0.69–0.82) and retest reliability (0.71–0.83). The preliminary results on external validity showed that the ICIQ‐Cog assessed disease‐specific aspects linked to the group of cognitively impaired people with incontinence.ConclusionThe ICIQ‐Cog tool has appropriate psychometric and clinometric properties and is therefore useful for making decisions about treatment in cognitively impaired adults with incontinence.
Higher levels of kallikrein‐8 in female brain may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Keyvani Kathy , Münster Yvonne , Kurapati Nirup K. , Rubach Sebastian , Schönborn Andreas , Kocakavuk Emre , Karout Mohamed , Hammesfahr Pia , Wang Ya‐Chao , Hermann Dirk M. , Teuber‐Hanselmann Sarah , Herring Arne 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWomen seem to have a higher vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms of this sex dichotomy are not well understood. Here, we first determined the influence of sex on various aspects of Alzheimer's pathology in transgenic CRND8 mice. We demonstrate that beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaque burden starts to be more severe around P180 (moderate disease stage) in female transgenics when compared to males and that aging aggravates this sex‐specific difference. Furthermore, we show that female transgenics suffer from higher levels of neurovascular dysfunction around P180, resulting in impaired Aβ peptide clearance across the blood‐brain‐barrier at P360. Female transgenics show also higher levels of diffuse microgliosis and inflammation, but the density of microglial cells surrounding Aβ plaques is less in females. In line with this finding, testosterone compared to estradiol was able to improve microglial viability and Aβ clearance in vitro. The spatial memory of transgenics was in general poorer than in wildtypes and at P360 worse in females irrespective of their genotype. This difference was accompanied by a slightly diminished dendritic complexity in females. While all the above‐named sex‐differences emerged after the onset of Aβ pathology, kallikrein‐8 (KLK8) protease levels were, as an exception, higher in female than in male brains very early when virtually no plaques were detectable. In a second step, we quantified cerebral KLK8 levels in AD patients and healthy controls, and could ascertain, similar to mice, higher KLK8 levels not only in AD‐affected but also in healthy brains of women. Accordingly, we could demonstrate that estradiol but not testosterone induces KLK8 synthesis in neuronal and microglial cells. In conclusion, multiple features of AD are more pronounced in females. Here, we show for the first time that this sex‐specific difference may be meditated by estrogen‐induced KLK8 overproduction long before AD pathology emerges.
The extracellular matrix as a key regulator of intracellular signalling networks
Authors: Hastings Jordan F , Skhinas Joanna N , Fey Dirk , Croucher David R , Cox Thomas R 
Published: March 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a salient feature of all solid tissues within the body. This complex, acellular entity is composed of hundreds of individual molecules whose assembly, architecture and biomechanical properties are critical to controlling the behaviour and phenotype of the different cell types residing within tissues. Cells are the basic unit of life and the core building block of tissues and organs. At their simplest, they follow a set of rules, governed by their genetic code and effected through the complex protein signalling networks that these genes encode. These signalling networks assimilate and process the information received by the cell to control cellular decisions that govern cell fate. The ECM is the biggest provider of external stimuli to cells and as such is responsible for influencing intracellular signalling dynamics. In this review, we discuss the inclusion of ECM as a central regulatory signalling sub‐network in computational models of cellular decision making, with a focus on its role in diseases such as cancer.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Translating the Matrix. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.1/issuetoc
Helping the helpers: Post‐traumatic distress and need for help among Israeli social workers in foster care agencies following armed conflict
Authors: Schiff Miriam , Dekel Rachel , Gilbar Ohad , Benbenishty Rami 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study examined the associations between exposure to armed conflict, perceived support, work experience, needing help, and post‐traumatic distress among Israeli social workers in foster care agencies based on Conservation of Resources theory. The study used a mixed‐methods design. Six months after the end of an armed conflict, 82 social workers responded to a web‐based questionnaire with closed‐ and open‐ended questions. Results showed that exposure to the armed conflict was moderately associated with post‐traumatic stress symptoms and functional impairment. Only the workers' perceived need for personal help (but not help for professional matters) was positively associated with their psychological distress. The qualitative analysis suggests that social workers showed strengths and wanted help mainly to improve their professional skills. Yet they also elaborated on the complexities involved in conducting their professional work, especially home visits, because such visits put their own lives in danger and meant deserting their own families. Practice implications are as follows: Foster care agencies should make greater efforts to provide knowledge and skills, support, supervision, and a “safe haven” for their workers, in the context of armed conflict.
Player profiling and quality assessment of dynamic car racing tracks using entertainment quantifier technique
Authors: Javed Saleha , Zafar Kashif 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInteractive games have been an interesting area of research and have many challenges. With the advancement in technology, games have been revolutionizing at each step per the emerging and variant interests of players. Recently, machine learning techniques are used for the generation of game content based on player's experience. The dynamic content generation in computer games based on player's experience and feedback is still a challenging task. This requires measurement of entertainment factor achieved by a player during a game. In order to measure entertainment factor, we need to incorporate human‐computer interaction by evolution of game content with respect to player's response. Optimization techniques can be used for the measurement of entertainment factor and for the generation of dynamic game content. The use of computational intelligence techniques in game development can lead to a new domain called “computational intelligence in games.” This research is focused on car racing game genre, and the paradigm selected for dynamicity is track generation of car racing game. It requires player profiling and classification of players. The optimization of track generation has been performed by using single and multiobjective genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. Initially, classification of player's rank based on data and theory‐driven approaches has been performed. Moreover, 3 different techniques of defining ranges or boundaries of race parameters for player's rank classification are studied. The techniques are based on crisp values, neural network, and fuzzy inference process. Then, an entertainment quantifier technique is proposed for a player after playing a certain number of games based on dynamic content generation using multiobjective genetic algorithm using standard Pareto optimal front and an epsilon (ϵ) front. In conclusion, the method proposed for quantifying entertainment can be used to analyze and classify the trend in interests of a player according to which the game itself can dynamically generate. This will keep the interest of player intact and provides maximum entertainment experience per the interest of an individual. The proposed solution can easily be used in generation of any game content and can effectively be used in accurate measurement of entertaining factor of any game.
New policy directions for global pond conservation
Authors: Hill Matthew J. , Hassall Christopher , Oertli Beat , Fahrig Lenore , Robson Belinda J. , Biggs Jeremy , Samways Michael J. , Usio Nisikawa , Takamura Noriko , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Wood Paul J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDespite the existence of well‐established international environmental and nature conservation policies (e.g., the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biological Diversity) ponds are largely missing from national and international legislation and policy frameworks. Ponds are among the most biodiverse and ecologically important freshwater habitats, and their value lies not only in individual ponds, but more importantly, in networks of ponds (pondscapes). Ponds make an important contribution to society through the ecosystem services they provide, with effective conservation of pondscapes essential to ensuring that these services are maintained. Implementation of current pond conservation through individual site designations does not function at the landscape scale, where ponds contribute most to biodiversity. Conservation and management of pondscapes should complement current national and international nature conservation and water policy/legislation, as pondscapes can provide species protection in landscapes where large‐scale traditional conservation areas cannot be established (e.g., urban or agricultural landscapes). We propose practical steps for the effective incorporation or enhancement of ponds within five policy areas: through open water sustainable urban drainage systems in urban planning, increased incentives in agrienvironment schemes, curriculum inclusion in education, emphasis on ecological scale in mitigation measures following anthropogenic developments, and the inclusion of pondscapes in conservation policy.
Behold the lilies: Martin Buber and the contemplation of nature1
Authors: Santmire H. Paul 
Published: March 2018

AbstractChristians attuned to ecological and eco‐justice issues typically welcome the thought that they are called by God to protect and to serve nature, as well as to respond to the needs of the poor and the oppressed. Drawing on Martin Buber's I‐Thou and I‐It conceptuality and highlighting Jesus’ command about the lilies of the field, this article argues that Christians also are called to enter into an I‐Ens relationship with nature, that is, to behold or to contemplate, as well as to protect and to serve nature, as they continue to address ecojustice issues.
Early modifications of cardiac function in preterm neonates using speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Castaldi Biagio , Bordin Giulia , Favero Valentina , Nardo Daniel , Previati Francesca , Salvadori Sabrina , Baraldi Eugenio , Milanesi Ornella 
Published: March 2018

Background and aimsPreterm newborns undergo hemodynamic challenges in the postnatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate myocardial mechanics changes in the postnatal period in preterm infants using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).Material and MethodsThirty‐nine preterm infants ≤34 weeks’ gestation underwent cardiac ultrasound evaluation during the first 96 hours of life. A repeated echocardiogram at 3 weeks of age was performed. Echocardiographic assessment involved left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral E/A ratio, S′ and E′ velocities, E/E′ ratio, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), left atrium‐to‐aorta ratio, ductal diameter and ductal shunt pattern. Left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain, apex‐basal rotation and twist were measured from the apical 4‐chamber and short‐axis views using STE.ResultsThe mean gestational age was 30 ± 2.7 weeks with a mean birth weight of 1318 ± 485 g. Apical segments demonstrated higher longitudinal strain than basal and mid‐ones. In all gestational ages, endocardial longitudinal strain was higher than the epicardial. Epicardial longitudinal strain significantly increased during the first 3 weeks, resulting in the change in basal rotation from counterclockwise to clockwise and thus in the acquisition of twist. Deformation parameters were higher in infants with a hemodynamic significant patents ductus arteriosus.ConclusionsEchocardiographic assessment of myocardial deformation parameters is feasible in preterm infants. Our data suggest that the maturational process of the myocardium is due to the development of the epicardial layer after birth, which allows the acquisition of the twist.
Sentiments and Economic Activity: Evidence from US States
Authors: Benhabib Jess , Spiegel Mark M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
We examine whether sentiment influences aggregate demand by studying the relationship between the Michigan Survey expectations concerning national output growth and future economic activity at the state level. We instrument for local sentiments with political outcomes, positing that agents in states with a higher share of congressmen from the political party of the sitting President will be more optimistic. This instrument is strong in the first stage, and our results confirm a positive relationship between sentiments and future state economic activity that is robust to a battery of sensitivity tests.
Comorbidity of mitochondrial disease and dementia in patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy
Authors: Samuelsson K. , Mariosa D. , Fang F. , Press R. 
Published: March 2018

Background and purposeStudying the comorbidities of chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) might help to better understand its etiopathogenesis. We aimed to assess the associations of mitochondrial disease (MD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD) with CIAP.MethodsIn this nested case‐control study we included 2659 patients with CIAP identified from the Swedish Patient Register and 13 295 age‐ and sex‐matched controls to assess the associations of MD, AD and VD with the subsequent risk of CIAP. We also conducted a follow‐up study of the cases and controls to assess the risk of MD, AD or VD among patients with CIAP in comparison to individuals without CIAP.ResultsIndividuals with MD had an increased risk of subsequent CIAP [odds ratio (OR), 4.17; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.27–13.65], whereas individuals with AD and VD had a decreased risk (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06–0.59 and OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04–0.69). Patients with CIAP had a ninefold increased risk of subsequent MD [hazard ratio (HR), 9.37; 95% CI, 4.00–21.93], twofold increased risk of VD (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.23–3.16), but no increased risk of AD (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.89–1.98) compared with individuals without CIAP.ConclusionsWe found a higher risk of MD among patients with CIAP, both before and after the diagnosis of CIAP. We found a higher risk of VD, but not AD, after the diagnosis of CIAP. The lower risks of AD and VD before CIAP might be due to a reduced surveillance of CIAP symptoms among patients with dementia.
Self‐reference, emotion inhibition and somatosensory disturbance: preliminary investigation of network perturbations in conversion disorder
Authors: Monsa R. , Peer M. , Arzy S. 
Published: March 2018

Background and purposeConversion disorder (CD), or functional neurological disorder, is manifested as a neurological disturbance that is not macroscopically visible on clinical structural neuroimaging and is instead ascribed to underlying psychological stress. Known for many years in neuropsychiatry, a comprehensive explanation of the way in which psychological stress leads to a neurological deficit of a structural‐like origin is still lacking.MethodsWe applied whole‐brain network‐based data‐driven analyses on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, recorded in seven patients with acute‐onset, stroke‐like CD with unilateral paresis and hypoesthesia as compared with 15 age‐matched healthy controls. We used a clustering analysis to measure functional connectivity (FC) strength within 10 different brain networks, as well as between these networks. Finally, we tested FC of specific brain regions that are known to be involved in CD.ResultsWe found a significant increase in FC strength only within the default‐mode network (DMN), which manages self‐referential processing. Examination of inter‐connectivity between networks showed a structure of disturbed connectivity, which included decreased connectivity between the DMN and limbic/salience network, increased connectivity between the limbic/salience network and body‐related temporo‐parieto‐occipital junction network, decreased connectivity between the temporo‐parieto‐occipital junction and memory‐related medial temporal lobe, and decreased connectivity between the medial temporal lobe and sensorimotor network. Region‐specific FC analysis showed increased connectivity between the hippocampus and DMN.DiscussionThese preliminary results of disturbances in brain networks related to memory, emotions and self‐referential processing, and networks involved in motor planning and execution, suggest a role of these cognitive functions in the psychopathology of CD.
Extrahippocampal high‐frequency oscillations during epileptogenesis
Authors: Li Lin , Patel Mayur , Almajano Joyel , Engel Jerome , Bragin Anatol 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe current study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) in the intra‐/extrahippocampal areas during epileptogenesis. Local field potentials were bilaterally recorded from hippocampus (CA1), thalamus, motor cortex, and prefrontal cortex in 13 rats before and after intrahippocampal kainic acid (KA) lesions. HFOs in the ripple (100‐200 Hz) and fast ripple (250‐500 Hz) ranges were detected and their rates were computed during different time periods (1‐5 weeks) after KA‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Recurrent spontaneous seizures were observed in 7 rats after SE, and the other 6 rats did not develop epilepsy. During the latent period, the rate of hippocampal HFOs increased at the ipsilateral site of the KA lesion in both groups, and the HFO rate was significantly higher in the animals that later developed epilepsy. Animals that later developed epilepsy also demonstrated widespread appearance of HFOs, in both the ripple and the fast ripple range, whereas animals that did not develop epilepsy only exhibited changes in the ipsilateral intrahippocampal HFO rate. This study demonstrates an association between an increased rate of widespread HFOs and the later development of epilepsy, suggesting the formation of large‐scale distributed pathological networks during epileptogenesis.
Capsaicin induces atopic dermatitis‐like manifestations through dysregulation of proteolytic system and alteration of filaggrin processing in rats
Authors: Kim Sewon , Back Seung Keun , Na Heung Sik , Kee Sun‐Ho 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex disease featuring pruritic skin inflammation. Many animal models have been developed. In a rat model, subcutaneous capsaicin injection within 48 hours after birth induces AD‐like skin manifestations of dermatitis and scratching behaviour 3 weeks after the injection. When 2‐ to 4‐week‐old rats were injected with capsaicin, the lag period was shortened, and the severity of skin manifestations was significantly reduced, suggesting influences of postnatal development. Lgr6 is an epidermal stem cell marker that is normally restricted to the isthmus area of hair follicles at postnatal 2 weeks. Lgr6 persisted in the interfollicular epidermis of capsaicin‐injected rats beyond 3 weeks after birth, indicating that capsaicin‐induced skin manifestations were influenced by postnatal epidermal development. Capsaicin injection induced alteration of proteolytic processing of filaggrin and corneodesmosin, suggesting epidermal barrier dysfunction. Inappropriate degradation of matriptase was observed. Degrees of proteolysis of these proteins were corelated with the severity of manifestations, suggesting that inappropriate proteolysis might be a possible cause of the skin manifestations. These results strongly suggest that capsaicin may dysregulate the protease system, resulting in alteration of profilaggrin and corneodesmosin proteolysis and skin manifestations. These events may be influenced by postnatal epidermal development.
A short‐term in vivo model for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bhat Vishwanath Kumble , Krump Corinna , Bernhart Eva , Becker Jürgen C. , Sattler Wolfgang , Ghaffari‐Tabrizi‐Wizsy Nassim 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn vivo tumor models are essential for studying the biology of cancer, identifying tumor targets and evaluating antitumor drugs. Considering the request for the minimisation of animal experiments and following the “3R”‐rule (“replacement,” “refinement,” “reduction”), it has become crucial to develop alternative experimental models in cancer biology. Several studies have already described the avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model as an alternative to rodents, suitable to investigate growth, progression and metastasis of various types of cancer. In the present work, we grafted three Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cell lines onto the avian CAM and monitored tumor growth and development of solid tumor nodules. Morphology of xenograft was characterised histologically and immunohistochemically. Our results demonstrate CAM assay as a useful tool to study MCC pathophysiology.