bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the heterogeneity of autism spectrum symptoms in a school population
Authors: Morales‐Hidalgo Paula , Ferrando Pere J. , Canals Josefa 
Published: May 2018

The aim of the present study was to assess whether the nature of the main autistic features (i.e., social communication problems and repetitive and restrictive patterns) are better conceptualized as dimensional or categorical in a school population. The study was based on the teacher ratings of two different age groups: 2,585 children between the ages of 10 and 12 (Primary Education; PE) and 2,502 children between the ages of 3 and 5 (Nursery Education; NE) from 60 mainstream schools. The analyses were based on Factor Mixture Analysis, a novel approach that combines dimensional and categorical features and prevents spurious latent classes from appearing. The results provided evidence of the dimensionality of autism spectrum symptoms in a school age population. The distribution of the symptoms was strongly and positively skewed but continuous; and the prevalence of high‐risk symptoms for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and social‐pragmatic communication disorder (SCD) was 7.55% of NE children and 8.74% in PE. A categorical separation between SCD and ASD was not supported by our sample. In view of the results, it is necessary to establish clear cut points for detecting and diagnosing autism and to develop specific and reliable tools capable of assessing symptom severity and functional consequences in children with ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 979–988. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThe results of the present study suggest that the distribution of autism spectrum symptoms are continuous and dimensional among school‐aged children and thus support the need to establish clear cut‐off points for detecting and diagnosing autism. In our sample, the prevalence of high‐risk symptoms for autism spectrum disorders and social‐pragmatic communication disorder was around 8%.
Kreishaus Ludwigsburg – Neue Wege beim Einsatz von Recyclingbeton
Authors: Hinz Holger 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRecycling‐Beton (RC‐Beton) wird in Deutschland bislang nur in sehr geringem Umfang für tragende Bauteile eingesetzt – und das, obwohl normative Grundlagen existieren und ein klarer ökologischer Vorteil gegeben ist. Dieser Aufsatz gibt eine grundlegende Einführung in den Einsatz von RC‐Beton und beschreibt dann anhand eines Projektbeispiels, wie Recycling‐Beton auch für anspruchsvolle Tragwerkselemente eingesetzt werden kann. Das gewählte Projektbeispiel – das Kreishaus in Ludwigsburg – weist die größte Menge an RC‐Beton auf, die hierzulande bislang in tragenden Bauteilen Verwendung gefunden hat.
Schistosomicidal Activity of Dihydrobenzofuran Neolignans
Authors: Dias Herbert J. , Patrocínio Andressa B. , Pagotti Mariana C. , Fukui Murilo J. , Rodrigues Vanderlei , Magalhães Lizandra G. , Crotti Antônio E. M. 
Published: May 2018

We have evaluated the antischistosomal activity of synthetic dihydrobenzofuran neolignans (DBNs) derived from (±)‐trans‐dehydrodicoumaric acid dimethyl ester (1) and (±)‐trans‐dehydrodiferulic acid dimethyl ester (2) against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. Compound 4 ((±)‐trans‐4‐O‐acetyldehydrodiferulic acid dimethyl ester) displayed the most promising activity; at 200 μm, it kills 100 ± 0% of worms after 24 h, which resembles the result achieved with praziquantel (positive control) at 1.56 μm. The hydrogenation of the double bond between C7′ and C8′, the introduction of an additional methyl group at C3′, and a double bond between C7 and C8 decreased the schistosomicidal activity of DBNs. On the other hand, the presence of the acetoxy group at C4 played an interesting role in this activity. These results demonstrated the interesting schistosomicidal potential of DBNs, which could be further exploited.
Targeting regulatory T cells for improving cancer therapy: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Dwarakanath Bilikere S. , Farooque Abdullah , Gupta Seema 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveRegulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in immune responses to infectious agents and tumors. Paradoxically, Tregs protect self‐cells from the immune response as a part of peripheral tolerance and prevents autoimmune disorders, whereas during the process of carcinogenesis, they are exploited by tumor cells for protection against antitumor immune responses. Therefore, Tregs are often considered as a major obstacle in anticancer therapy. The objective of this review is to provide a current understanding on Tregs as a potential cellular target for achieving therapeutic gain and discuss various approaches that are implicated at preclinical and clinical scenario.Recent findingsSeveral approaches like immunotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, which reduce Tregs population, have been found to be useful in improving local tumor control. Our recent observations with the glycolytic inhibitor, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, established as an adjuvant in radiotherapy and chemotherapy of tumors also show that potential of 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose to improve local tumor control is linked with its ability to reduce the Tregs pool.ConclusionsSeveral published studies and emerging evidences indicate that suppression of Treg numbers, infiltration into the tumors, and function can improve the cancer therapy by enhancing the antitumor immunity.
Predator–prey mass ratio drives microbial activity under dry conditions in Sphagnum peatlands
Authors: Reczuga Monika K. , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Mulot Matthieu , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Buttler Alexandre , Chojnicki Bogdan , Słowiński Michał , Binet Philippe , Chiapusio Geneviève , Gilbert Daniel , Słowińska Sandra , Jassey Vincent E. J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMid‐ to high‐latitude peatlands are a major terrestrial carbon stock but become carbon sources during droughts, which are increasingly frequent as a result of climate warming. A critical question within this context is the sensitivity to drought of peatland microbial food webs. Microbiota drive key ecological and biogeochemical processes, but their response to drought is likely to impact these processes. Peatland food webs have, however, been little studied, especially the response of microbial predators. We studied the response of microbial predators (testate amoebae, ciliates, rotifers, and nematodes) living in Sphagnum moss carpet to droughts, and their influence on lower trophic levels and on related microbial enzyme activity. We assessed the impact of reduced water availability on microbial predators in two peatlands using experimental (Linje mire, Poland) and natural (Forbonnet mire, France) water level gradients, reflecting a sudden change in moisture regime (Linje), and a typically drier environment (Forbonnet). The sensitivity of different microbial groups to drought was size dependent; large sized microbiota such as testate amoebae declined most under dry conditions (−41% in Forbonnet and −80% in Linje). These shifts caused a decrease in the predator–prey mass ratio (PPMR). We related microbial enzymatic activity to PPMR; we found that a decrease in PPMR can have divergent effects on microbial enzymatic activity. In a community adapted to drier conditions, decreasing PPMR stimulated microbial enzyme activity, while in extreme drought experiment, it reduced microbial activity. These results suggest that microbial enzymatic activity resulting from food web structure is optimal only within a certain range of PPMR, and that different trophic mechanisms are involved in the response of peatlands to droughts. Our findings confirm the importance of large microbial consumers living at the surface of peatlands on the functioning of peatlands, and illustrate their value as early warning indicators of change.
Exploring psychological mechanisms of clinical response to an internet‐delivered psychological pain management program
Authors: Gandy M. , Karin E. , Jones M.P. , McDonald S. , Sharpe L. , Titov N. , Dear B.F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe evidence for Internet‐delivered pain management programs for chronic pain is growing, but there is little empirical understanding of how they effect change. Understanding mechanisms of clinical response to these programs could inform their effective development and delivery.MethodsA large sample (n = 396) from a previous randomized controlled trial of a validated internet‐delivered psychological pain management program, the Pain Course, was used to examine the influence of three potential psychological mechanisms (pain acceptance, pain self‐efficacy, fear of movement/re‐injury) on treatment‐related change in disability, depression, anxiety and average pain. Analyses involved generalized estimating equation models for clinical outcomes that adjusted for co‐occurring change in psychological variables. This was paired with cross‐lagged analysis to assess for evidence of causality. Analyses involved two time points, pre‐treatment and post‐treatment.ResultsChanges in pain‐acceptance were strongly associated with changes in three (depression, anxiety and average pain) of the four clinical outcomes. Changes in self‐efficacy were also strongly associated with two (anxiety and average pain) clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that participants were unlikely to improve in these clinical outcomes without also experiencing increases in their pain self‐efficacy and pain acceptance. However, there was no clear evidence from cross‐lagged analyses to currently support these psychological variables as direct mechanisms of clinical improvements. There was only statistical evidence to suggest higher levels of self‐efficacy moderated improvements in depression.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that, while clinical improvements are closely associated with improvements in pain acceptance and self‐efficacy, these psychological variables may not drive the treatment effects observed.SignificanceThis study employed robust statistical techniques to assess the psychological mechanisms of an established internet‐delivered pain management program. While clinical improvements (e.g. depression, anxiety, pain) were closely associated with improvements in psychological variables (e.g. pain self‐efficacy and pain acceptance), these variables do not appear to be treatment mechanisms.
Tapering off long‐term opioid therapy in chronic non‐cancer pain patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kurita G.P. , Højsted J. , Sjøgren P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe indications for initiating long‐term opioid treatment (L‐TOT) for chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) are often unclear and associated with problematic use. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of stabilizing opioid therapy followed by a sequential opioid tapering off program in CNCP patients.MethodsA randomized clinical trial with a medications stabilization period (Phase 1) was followed by an opioid tapering off program (Phase 2). In Phase 2, patients were randomized to Control Group (stable treatment) or Taper off Group (sequential opioid dose reduction) and assessed at baseline, after stabilization and up to 6 months. Primary outcomes: measures of cognitive function; secondary outcomes: pain, sleep, rest, quality of life, depression, anxiety, opioid misuse and opioid withdrawal symptoms.ResultsIn all, 274 patients were screened; 75 were included, out of which 40 dropped out before Phase 2. Those who succeeded Phase 1 (n = 35) had weak/moderate improvements of psychomotor function (p = 0.020), sleeping hours (p = 0.031), opioid withdrawal symptoms (p = 0.019), measures of quality of life (p ≤ 0.043) and opioid misuse scores (p = 0.003). In Phase 2, patients in Taper off Group (n = 15) experienced stable pain intensity and felt significantly more rested at third assessment than the Control Group (n = 20).ConclusionsThe opioid tapering off program was not successful due to the vast number of dropouts. Phase 1 was associated with weak to moderate improvements on psychomotor function, sleeping, opioid withdrawal symptoms, quality of life and reduced risk of opioid misuse. In the intervention group of Phase 2, pain intensity was stable and patients felt more rested.SignificanceThis trial showed that sequential tapering off L‐TOT in CNCP patients may be an unfeasible approach. However, improvements after opioid treatment stabilization were achieved and stable pain intensity in those tapered off may encourage the development of more refined programs.
The predictive value of the heart rate variability‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index in children anaesthetized with sevoflurane: An observational pilot study
Authors: Weber F. , Geerts N.J.E. , Roeleveld H.G. , Warmenhoven A.T. , Liebrand C.A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe heart rate variability (HRV)‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI™) is a continuous noninvasive tool to assess the nociception/antinociception balance in unconscious patients. It has been shown to be superior to haemodynamic variables in detecting insufficient antinociception in children, while little is known about its predictive value.MethodsThe primary objective of this prospective observational pilot study in paediatric surgical patients under sevoflurane anaesthesia was to compare the predictive value of the ANI and heart rate to help decide to give additional opioids. The paediatric anaesthesiologist in charge was blinded to ANI values.ResultsIn patients with an ANI value <50 (indicating insufficient antinociception) at the moment of decision, ANI values dropped from ±55 (indicating sufficient antinociception) to ±35, starting 60 s before decision. Within 120 s after administration of fentanyl (1 μg/kg), ANI values returned to ±60. This phenomenon was only observed in the ANI values derived from HRV data averaged over 2 min. Heart rate remained unchanged. In patients with ANI values ≥50 at the time of decision, opioid administration had no effect on ANI or heart rate. The same accounts for morphine for postoperative analgesia and fentanyl in case of intraoperative movement.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of a better predictive value of the ANI in detecting insufficient antinociception in paediatric surgical patients than heart rate. The same accounts for depicting re‐establishment of sufficient antinociception after opioid drug administration.SignificanceIn paediatric surgical patients anaesthetized with sevoflurane, the heart rate variability‐derived Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) appears to be a better predictor of insufficient antinociception than heart rate. The ANI also appears to depict re‐establishment of sufficient antinociception better than heart rate.
Development and course of chronic pain over 4 years in the general population: The HUNT pain study
Authors: Landmark T. , Dale O. , Romundstad P. , Woodhouse A. , Kaasa S. , Borchgrevink P.C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiological studies of chronic pain frequently report high prevalence estimates. However, there is little information about the development and natural course of chronic pain.MethodsWe followed a random sample of participants from a population‐based study (HUNT 3) with annual measures over 4 years.ResultsAmong those without chronic pain at baseline, the probability of developing moderate to severe chronic pain (cumulative incidence) during the first year was 5%, a pain status that was maintained among 38% at the second follow‐up. The probability of developing chronic pain diminished substantially for those who maintained a status of no chronic pain over several years. Subjects with moderate to severe chronic pain at baseline had an 8% probability of recovery into no chronic pain, a status that was maintained for 52% on the second follow‐up. The probability of recovery diminished substantially as a status of chronic pain was prolonged for several years. Pain severity, widespread pain, pain catastrophizing, depression and sleep were significant predictors of future moderate to severe chronic pain, both among subjects with and without chronic pain at baseline.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the prognosis is fairly good after a new onset of chronic pain. When the pain has lasted for several years, the prognosis becomes poor. The same social and psychological factors predict new onset and the prognosis of chronic pain.SignificanceThe development and recovery of chronic pain is highly dependent on previous pain. The prognosis of chronic pain may be predicted well when considering its duration in combination with other clinical, social and psychological factors. Targeting modifiable prognostic factors may be particularly important for newly developed chronic pain.
The illusion of explanatory depth and endorsement of conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Vitriol Joseph A. , Marsh Jessecae K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe average person possesses superficial understanding of complex causal relations and, consequently, tends to overestimate the quality and depth of their explanatory knowledge. In this study, we examined the role of this illusion of explanatory depth (IOED) in politics—inflated confidence in one's causal understanding of political phenomena—for endorsement of conspiracy beliefs. Utilizing a pre‐/post‐election panel design and a large sample of U.S. Citizens (N = 394) recruited in the context of the 2016 presidential election, we provide evidence that political IOED, but not a non‐political IOED, was associated with increased support for general and election‐specific conspiracy beliefs, particularly among political novices and supporters of the losing candidate. We find this pattern of results net the influence of a broad range of variables known to covary with conspiracy beliefs. Implications for theory and the need for future research are discussed.
Investigating stereotype structure with empirical network models
Authors: Sayans‐Jiménez Pablo , van Harreveld Frenk , Dalege Jonas , Rojas Tejada Antonio J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this work we present empirical network models as a new approach in the investigation of stereotype structure. We will argue that empirical network models can provide more insight into stereotype structure because they do not suffer from the inherent constraints of factor analysis and multidimensional scaling (e.g., group features interpreted homogeneously only on the basis of their shared variance, impossibility to adequately represent cognitive schemas, difficulties to make inferences on the basis of dimensions potentially overlapping). In the present research we show how empirical network models can represent stereotypes as dynamic cognitive structures clustered in different substructures. These structures will be based on both the stereotype content and the co‐occurrence of features in each group target. Additionally, this research shows how using empirical networks can contribute to broadening the interpretation of stereotypes representing them in the framework of prejudice or intergroup attitudes.
The benefits of collective responsibility: How ingroup reputation concern motivates prosociality in intergroup contexts
Authors: Kardos Peter , Leidner Bernhard , Castano Emanuele , Lickel Brian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCollective responsibility processes have been investigated from the perspectives of the outgroup (e.g., collective blame) and the ingroup (e.g., collective guilt). This article extends theory and research on collective responsibility with a third perspective, namely that of the individual actor whose behavior triggers the attribution of collective blame. Four experiments (n = 78, 118, 208 and 77, respectively) tested the hypotheses that collective responsibility processes influence the individual actors' appraisals, emotions and behavior. The possibility of collective blame for their individual action prompted more prosocial behavior among participants (Experiment 1). Participants also experienced more ingroup reputation concern and in turn more negative emotions (Experiment 2–4) for a past wrongdoing if it could reflect negatively on the ingroup in the eyes of outgroups. The increased negative emotions then motivated participants to improve the ingroup's image (Experiment 4). The effects were moderated by perceived ingroup entitativity, in that activating collective blame increased ingroup reputation concern and negative emotions only for ingroups perceived as highly entitative (Experiment 3).
Creating healthier graduates, campuses and communities: Why Australia needs to invest in health promoting universities
Authors: Taylor Patricia , Saheb Rowena , Howse Eloise 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIssueHigher education is an important and influential setting for embedding health promotion principles and practice. Universities have a responsibility to their communities and more broadly as leaders in society.ProjectSettings‐based health promotion is an effective method for increasing healthy environments and an organisational culture that supports health. “Healthy Universities” and the Okanagan Charter aim to embed health within the university structure through committed policies and programs. Collaboration across Australia can support this sector‐wide adoption.ConclusionsLeadership is required from Australian universities to invest in health promotion. This is the time for higher education in Australia to consider its role in shaping the health of its local and global communities.
The intranuclear PEX domain of MMP involves proliferation, migration, and metastasis of aggressive adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Okusha Yuka , Eguchi Takanori , Sogawa Chiharu , Okui Tatsuo , Nakano Keisuke , Okamoto Kuniaki , Kozaki Ken‐Ichi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMembers of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family promote cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis through alteration of the tumor milieu, intracellular signaling pathways, and transcription. We examined gene expression signatures of colon adenocarcinoma cell lines with different metastatic potentials and found that rapidly metastatic cells powerfully expressed genes encoding MMP3 and MMP9. The non‐proteolytic PEX isoform and proteolytic isoforms of MMPs were significantly expressed in the metastatic cells in vitro. Knockdown of MMP3 attenuated cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Profound nuclear localization of MMP3/PEX was found in tumor‐stroma marginal area. In contrast, MMP9 was localized in central area of subcutaneous tumors. Overexpression of the PEX isoform of MMP3 promoted proliferation and migration of the rapidly metastatic cells in vitro. Taken together, the non‐proteolytic PEX isoform of MMPs locating in cell nuclei involves proliferation, migration, and subsequent metastasis of aggressive adenocarcinoma cells.