bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Pavlovian appetitive conditioning in humans with the postauricular reflex
Authors: Stussi Yoann , Delplanque Sylvain , Coraj Seline , Pourtois Gilles , Sander David 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDespite its evolutionary and clinical significance, appetitive conditioning has been rarely investigated in humans. It has been proposed that this discrepancy might stem from the difficulty in finding suitable appetitive stimuli that elicit strong physiological responses. However, this might also be due to a possible lack of sensitivity of the psychophysiological measures commonly used to index human appetitive conditioning. Here, we investigated whether the postauricular reflex—a vestigial muscle microreflex that is potentiated by pleasant stimuli relative to neutral and unpleasant stimuli—may provide a valid psychophysiological indicator of appetitive conditioning in humans. To this end, we used a delay differential appetitive conditioning procedure, in which a neutral stimulus was contingently paired with a pleasant odor (CS+), while another neutral stimulus was not associated with any odor (CS−). We measured the postauricular reflex, the startle eyeblink reflex, and skin conductance response (SCR) as learning indices. Taken together, our results indicate that the postauricular reflex was potentiated in response to the CS+ compared with the CS−, whereas this potentiation extinguished when the pleasant odor was no longer delivered. In contrast, we found no evidence for startle eyeblink reflex attenuation in response to the CS+ relative to the CS−, and no effect of appetitive conditioning was observed on SCR. These findings suggest that the postauricular reflex is a sensitive measure of human appetitive conditioning and constitutes a valuable tool for further shedding light on the basic mechanisms underlying emotional learning in humans.
Palaeocene origin of the Neotropical lineage of cleptoparasitic bees Ericrocidini‐Rhathymini (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: MARTINS ALINE C. , LUZ DAVID R. , MELO GABRIEL A. R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCleptoparasitic bees abandoned pollen‐collecting for their offspring and lay their eggs in other bees' provisioned nests. Also known as cuckoo bees, they belong to several lineages, but are especially diverse in Apinae. We focused on a lineage of apine cleptoparasitic bees, the clade Ericrocidini + Rhathymini, which attack nests of oil‐collecting bees. We sequenced five genes for 20 species in all genera of this clade plus a large outgroup to reconstruct the phylogeny and estimate divergence times. We confirmed the monophyly of the clade Ericrocidini + Rhathymini and its position inside the ericrocidine line together with the tribes Protepeolini, Isepeolini, Osirini and Coelioxoidini. Our results corroborated the current taxonomic classification. Ericrocis is sister to all Ericrocidini and the position of Acanthopus and the most diverse genus Mesoplia were inconclusive. Ericrocidini + Rhathymini diverged from other apine cleptoparasitic lineages 74 Ma in the Cretaceous and from each other in the Palaeocene at 61 Ma. Considering the robust molecular evidence of their sister relationships, the striking differences in the morphology of first‐instar larvae of the two groups may represent adaptations to the nesting biology of their hosts. As other cleptoparasites in the ericrocidine line, Ericrocidini and Rhathymini possess larvae which are adapted to kill the immature host and to feed on floral oil provided by the host female. The evolution of host specialization in the line Ericrocidini + Rhathymini retroceded to the Eocene when they differentiated synchronously with their hosts, Centris and Epicharis.
Eligibility criteria and outcome measures adopted in clinical trials of treatments of cutaneous leishmaniasis: systematic literature review covering the period 1991–2015
Authors: López‐Carvajal Liliana , Vélez Iván , Arbeláez María Patricia , Olliaro Piero 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo document the sources of heterogeneity in outcomes and shortcomings in trial designs reported by previous systematic reviews.MethodsSystematic review of clinical trials of CL treatments published since 1991, to assess and compare eligibility criteria and outcome measures in trials (any type of treatment) of CL (any form) reported before and after the publication of the CONSORT statement.ResultsWe identified 106 eligible trials published between 1991 and 2015, 74% after the 2001 CONSORT statement; 58% (n = 63) were on Old‐World CL and 37% (n = 40) in New‐World CL; overall, 11 531 patients enrolled in 243 treatment groups on 30 different treatments. Both requirements and definitions for eligibility and outcome criteria varied. Compliance with CONSORT requirements increased for studies published after the 2010 update. As for entry criteria, 94% of studies had a requirement for sex (74% of those enrolling also women excluded those who were pregnant or lactating), 69% for age (variable age ranges), 99% parasitological confirmation, 43% prior duration of illness (14% excluded cases with previous episodes), 46% defined the number, 28% the size and 13% the type of lesions (27% with restrictions as to their anatomical location). Follow‐up ranged 1–24 months, with 14% and 91% of studies, respectively, having defined initial and final cure.ConclusionsThis review documents changes in reporting before and after the publication of the CONSORT statement. Lack of standardisation, compounded with the small number of trials relative to the magnitude of the disease in its multiple forms, and with the range of treatments tested explains why evidence to inform treatment guidelines is generally weak for CL. Adopting standardised methodologies will improve the quality and consistency of clinical trials, and ultimately yield better treatments for CL.
Treatment outcomes of TB‐infected individuals attending public sector primary care clinics in rural Liberia from 2015 to 2017: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wickett Eugene , Peralta‐Santos André , Beste Jason , Micikas Mary , Toe Foriest , Rogers Julia , Jabateh Lassana , Wagenaar Bradley H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesIn June 2015, Partners in Health (PIH) and the Liberian Ministry of Health began a community health worker (CHW) programme containing food support, reimbursement of transport and social assistance to address gaps in tuberculosis (TB) treatment exacerbated by the 2014‐2015 Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic. The purpose of this article was to analyse the performance of routine clinical TB care and the effects of this CHW programme.MethodsRetrospective cohort study utilising data from TB patient registers at a census of all health facilities treating TB in the south‐east region of Liberia from January 2015 – April 2017. Competing risks Cox regression analyses were used to generate subhazard ratios (sHR) analysing factors associated with rates of TB cure (smear negative), treatment completion (no smear), lost to follow‐up (LTFU) and death.ResultsLTFU rates decreased 76% pre‐ vs. post‐CHW intervention, from 14.6% in pre‐intervention to 3.4% post‐intervention (P < 0.001). Although the post‐intervention had better cure rates (sHR 1.07, CI 0.58‐1.9), treatment completion (sHR 1.53, CI 1.00 2.39) and lower death rates (sHR 0.64, CI 0.34‐1.2), statistical significance was not reached. Younger patients had significantly lower death and cure rates, while older patients had higher LTFU and cure rates. Overall, 31% of patients were cured, 44% completed treatment without a confirmatory smear, 5% were LTFU, 9% died, 0.5% failed treatment, and 10% transferred out.ConclusionsIn challenging environments, LTFU can be reduced by CHW accompaniment and socio‐economic assistance to patients with TB. Approaches are needed to improve cure verification in young patients and reduce mortality.
Analysis of antigen‐antibody cross‐reactivity among lineages and sublineages of Babesia microti parasites using human babesiosis specimens
Authors: Sayama Yusuke , Zamoto‐Niikura Aya , Matsumoto Chieko , Saijo Masayuki , Ishihara Chiaki , Matsubayashi Keiji , Nagai Tadashi , Satake Masahiro 
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUNDHuman babesiosis is caused mainly by Babesia microti and has recently become a public health concern due to an increase in transfusion‐transmitted infection. Thus, the development of an antibody detection method with high specificity and sensitivity is a priority. Seroreactivity against B. microti has been reported to be highly specific not only to B. microti lineages but also to sublineages. This study aimed to elucidate the human antibody reactivity against various lineages, including US, Kobe, and Hobetsu, and sublineages (North America and East Asia) in the US lineage.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTwenty samples obtained from individuals infected with B. microti in the United States were tested for the presence of anti‐B. microti antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting (WB) to indicate antigens of each (sub‐)lineage.RESULTSBy IFA, 20 samples showed reactivity to the North America sublineage (titer range, 64‐4096), 16 to the East Asia sublineage (64‐512), 10 to the Kobe (64‐128), and five to the Hobetsu (64). Antibody titers to the East Asia sublineage, Kobe, and Hobetsu were significantly lower than those to the North America sublineage (p < 0.01). By WB, in parallel with the IFA results, 18 samples showed strong reactions to the North America sublineage, weak reactions to the East Asia sublineage, and near‐zero reactions to the Kobe and Hobetsu.CONCLUSIONHuman antibodies induced by B. microti infection are highly specific against B. microti lineages and sublineages with low cross‐reactivity. Developing a precise antibody detection method may require specific antigens based on B. microti lineages and sublineages.
Anaphylactic hypotension causes renal and adrenal sympathoexcitaion and induces c‐fos in the hypothalamus and medulla oblongata
Authors: Tanida Mamoru , Zhang Tao , Sun Lingling , Song Jie , Yang Wei , Kuda Yuichi , Kurata Yasutaka , Shibamoto Toshishige 
Published: March 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Whether anaphylaxis affects sympathetic outflows to the brown adipose tissue (BAT) and adrenal gland and whether anaphylaxis affects some brain areas in association with sympathetic regulation.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Sympathoexcitatory responses to anaphylaxis occurred regionally in the kidney and adrenal gland, but not in the thermogenesis‐related BAT. Further, anaphylactic hypotension also caused increase in c‐fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic and medullary areas. Moreover, catecholaminergic neurons of the brainstem cause adrenal sympathoexcitation in a baroreceptor‐independent manner.

AbstractWe previously reported that sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) to the kidney and the hindlimb increases during anaphylactic hypotension in anaesthetized rats. Based on this evidence, we examined effects of anaphylactic hypotension on SNA to the brown adipose tissue (BAT), and the adrenal gland and kidney in anaesthetized rats. We demonstrated that adrenal and renal SNA, but not BAT‐SNA, were stimulated. In addition, the effects of anaphylaxis on neural activities of the hypothalamic and medullary nuclei, which are candidates for relaying efferent SNA to the peripheral organs, were investigated via immunohistochemical staining of c‐fos. Anaphylaxis increased c‐fos expression in the neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in those of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of the medulla oblongata; c‐fos was expressed in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic neurons of the NTS and in the catecholaminergic neurons of the RVLM. In addition, c‐fos expression in the rostral NTS and mid NTS during anaphylaxis was reduced by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation; however, increased c‐fos expression in the caudal NTS and RVLM or adrenal sympathoexcitation were not affected by sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation. These results indicated that anaphylactic hypotension activates the hypothalamic PVN and the medullary NTS and RVLM independently of the baroreflex pathway. Further, it stimulated efferent SNA to the adrenal gland and kidney to restore blood pressure.
Dynamics of neuroeffector coupling at cardiac sympathetic synapses
Authors: Prando Valentina , Da Broi Francesca , Franzoso Mauro , Plazzo Anna Pia , Pianca Nicola , Francolini Maura , Basso Cristina , Kay Matthew W. , Zaglia Tania , Mongillo Marco 
Published: March 2018

Key points
The present study demonstrates, by in vitro and in vivo analyses, the novel concept that signal transmission between sympathetic neurons and the heart, underlying the physiological regulation of cardiac function, operates in a quasi‐synaptic fashion.
This is a result of the direct coupling between neurotransmitter releasing sites and effector cardiomyocyte membranes.
AbstractCardiac sympathetic neurons (SNs) finely tune the rate and strength of heart contractions to match blood demand, both at rest and during acute stress, through the release of noradrenaline (NE). Junctional sites at the interface between the two cell types have been observed, although whether direct neurocardiac coupling has a role in heart physiology has not been clearly demonstrated to date. We investigated the dynamics of SN/cardiomyocyte intercellular signalling, both by fluorescence resonance energy transfer‐based imaging of cAMP in co‐cultures, as a readout of cardiac β‐adrenergic receptor activation, and in vivo, using optogenetics in transgenic mice with SN‐specific expression of Channelrhodopsin‐2. We demonstrate that SNs and cardiomyocytes interact at specific sites in the human and rodent heart, as well as in co‐cultures. Accordingly, neuronal activation elicited intracellular cAMP increases only in directly contacted myocytes and cell–cell coupling utilized a junctional extracellular signalling domain with an elevated NE concentration. In the living mouse, optogenetic activation of cardiac SNs innervating the sino‐atrial node resulted in an instantaneous chronotropic effect, which shortened the heartbeat interval with single beat precision. Remarkably, inhibition of the optogenetically elicited chronotropic responses required a high dose of propranolol (20–50 mg kg–1), suggesting that sympathetic neurotransmission in the heart occurs at a locally elevated NE concentration. Our in vitro and in vivo data suggest that the control of cardiac function by SNs occurs via direct intercellular coupling as a result of the establishment of a specific junctional site.
Physical Fitness Is Longitudinally Associated With Academic Performance During Childhood and Adolescence, and Waist Circumference Mediated the Relationship
Authors: Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Larsen Lisbeth Runge , Bugge Anna , Andersen Lars Bo 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The current investigation aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between physical fitness and academic performance over 3 years in adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine to what extent waist circumference mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. Methods: For the current study, 1020 students from first grade [mean age: 7.87 (0.34) y] to fifth grade [mean age: 11.87 (0.37) y] were monitored annually for 3 years (2010–2013). Physical fitness was assessed using the Andersen test, 5 × 5-m shuttle run, jump height, and grip strength tests and by constructing a composite score combining all 4 fitness tests. Academic performance was assessed by national standardized tests in Danish language and math. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these variables. Results: The Andersen test (standardized β = 0.15 SD), shuttle run (β = −0.18 SD), jump height (β = 0.10 SD), and the fitness composite score (β = 0.23 SD) were positively associated with academic performance over 3 years. In addition, waist circumference partially mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. Conclusion: Thus, physical fitness abilities should be stimulated during childhood and early adolescence because of their positive association with academic performance.
Effectiveness of evidence-based treatments of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Singal Deepa , Menard Chantalle , Neilson Christine J , Brownell Marni , Hanlon-Dearman Ana , Chudley Albert , Zarychanski Ryan , Abou-Setta Ahmed 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionThe aim of this paper is to provide a protocol for a systematic review assessing the effectiveness of evidence from randomised controlled trials comparing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions with placebo/dummy interventions or usual standards of care in children and adolescents (<18 years old).Methods and analysisThe following electronic databases will be searched: Medline (Ovid), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Plus with Full text (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library—Wiley), PsycINFO (ProQuest) and Proquest DissertationsandTheses will be searched from inception to March 2017 for relevant citations of published trials using individualised search strategies prepared for database. We will also search the reference lists of relevant articles and conference proceedings. Two reviewers will independently assess each study against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria and extract data including population characteristics, types and duration of interventions and outcomes from included trials. Internal validity will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Primary outcome measures will be improvements in symptoms, including: hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention as measured by standard rating scales. Secondary outcome measures will include improvements in physical and mental health domains, as well as cognitive, behavioural, social and educational skills as measured by rating scales, standardised psychometric tests of IQ and memory, grade repetition, literacy tests and diagnosis of mental health disorder.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval will not be obtained since it is not required for systematic reviews as there are no concerns regarding patient privacy. The results of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-review journal and presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42013005996.
Steps Towards Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programme (STAMPP): a school-based and community-based cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: McKay Michael , Agus Ashley , Cole Jonathan , Doherty Paul , Foxcroft David , Harvey Séamus , Murphy Lynn , Percy Andrew , Sumnall Harry 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of a combined classroom curriculum and parental intervention (the Steps Towards Alcohol Misuse Prevention Programme (STAMPP)), compared with alcohol education as normal (EAN), in reducing self-reported heavy episodic drinking (HED) and alcohol-related harms (ARHs) in adolescents.Setting105 high schools in Northern Ireland (NI) and in Scotland.ParticipantsSchools were stratified by free school meal provision. Schools in NI were also stratified by school type (male/female/coeducational). Eligible students were in school year 8/S1 (aged 11–12 years) at baseline (June 2012).InterventionA classroom-based alcohol education intervention, coupled with a brief alcohol intervention for parents/carers.Primary outcomes(1) The prevalence of self-reported HED in the previous 30 days and (2) the number of self-reported ARHs in the previous 6 months. Outcomes were assessed using two-level random intercepts models (logistic regression for HED and negative binomial for number of ARHs).ResultsAt 33 months, data were available for 5160 intervention and 5073 control students (HED outcome), and 5234 and 5146 students (ARH outcome), respectively. Of those who completed a questionnaire at either baseline or 12 months (n=12 738), 10 405 also completed the questionnaire at 33 months (81.7%). Fewer students in the intervention group reported HED compared with EAN (17%vs26%; OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.73), with no significant difference in the number of self-reported ARHs (incident rate ratio=0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.05). Although the classroom component was largely delivered as intended, there was low uptake of the parental component. There were no reported adverse effects.ConclusionsResults suggest that STAMPP could be an effective programme to reduce HED prevalence. While there was no significant reduction in ARH, it is plausible that effects on harms would manifest later.Trial registration numberISRCTN47028486; Post-results.
Evaluation of the district health management fellowship training programme: a case study in Iran
Authors: Gholipour Kamal , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Iezadi Shabnam , Ghiasi Akbar , Jahanbin Hasan 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the district health management fellowship training programme in the north-west of Iran.Data sources/study settingThe programme was introduced to build the managerial capacity of district health managers in Iran. Eighty-nine heads of units in the province’s health centre, district health managers and the health deputies of the district health centres in the north-west provinces of Iran had registered for the district health management fellowship training programme in Tabriz in 2015–2016.Study designThis was an educational evaluation study to evaluate training courses to measure participants' reactions and learning and, to a lesser extent, application of training to their job and the organisational impact.Data collection/extraction methodsValid and reliable questionnaires were used to assess learning techniques and views towards the fellowship, and self-assessment of health managers’ knowledge and skills. Also, pretest and post-test examinations were conducted in each course and a portfolio was provided to the trainees to be completed in their work settings.Principal findingsAbout 63% of the participants were medical doctors and 42.3% of them had over 20 years of experience. Learning by practice (scored 18.37 out of 20) and access to publications (17.27) were the most useful methods of training in health planning and management from the participants’ perspective. Moreover, meeting peers from other districts and the academic credibility of teachers were the most important features of the current programme. Based on the managers’ self-assessment, they were most skilful in quality improvement, managing, planning and evaluation of the district. The results of the post-test analysis on data collected from district health managers showed the highest scores in managing the district (77 out of 100) and planning and evaluation (69) of the courses.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that training courses, methods and improvement in managers' knowledge about the health system and the skills necessary to manage their organisation were acceptable.