bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Are The Times A‐Changin’? Trends in adolescent substance use in Europe
Authors: Kraus Ludwig , Seitz Nicki‐Nils , Piontek Daniela , Molinaro Sabrina , Siciliano Valeria , Guttormsson Ulf , Arpa Sharon , Monshouwer Karin , Leifman Håkan , Vicente Julian , Griffiths Paul , Clancy Luke , Feijão Fernanda , Florescu Silvia , Lambrecht Patrick , Nociar Alojz , Raitasalo Kirsimarja , Spilka Stanislas , Vyshinskiy Konstantin , Hibell Björn 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo estimate temporal trends in adolescents’ current cigarette, alcohol and cannabis use in Europe by gender and region, test for regional differences and evaluate regional convergence.Design and SettingFive waves of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) from 28 countries between 1999 and 2015. Countries were grouped into five regions [northern (NE), southern (SE), western (WE), eastern Europe (EE) and the Balkans (BK)].ParticipantsA total of 223 814 male and 211 712 female 15–16‐year‐old students.MeasurementsDaily cigarette use, weekly alcohol use, monthly heavy episodic drinking (HED) and monthly cannabis use. Linear and quadratic trends were tested using multi‐level mixed‐effects logistic regression; regional differences were tested using pairwise Wald tests; mean absolute differences (MD) of predicted prevalence were used for evaluating conversion.FindingsDaily cigarette use among boys in EE showed a declining curvilinear trend, whereas in all other regions a declining linear trend was found. With the exception of BK, trends of weekly drinking decreased curvilinear in both genders in all regions. Among girls, trends in WE, EE and BK differed from trends in NE and SE. Monthly HED showed increasing curvilinear trends in all regions except in NE (both genders), WE and EE (boys each). In both genders, the trend in EE differed from the trend in SE. Trends of cannabis use increased in both genders in SE and BK; differences were found between the curvilinear trends in EE and BK. MD by substance and gender were generally somewhat stable over time.ConclusionsDespite regional differences in prevalence of substance use among European adolescents from 1999 to 2015, trends showed remarkable similarities, with strong decreasing trends in cigarette use and moderate decreasing trends in alcohol use. Trends of cannabis use only increased in southern Europe and the Balkans. Trends across all substance use indicators suggest no regional convergence.
Gene‐based evaluation of low‐frequency variation and genetically‐predicted gene expression impacting risk of keloid formation
Authors: Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Russell Shirley B. , Williams Scott M. , Edwards Todd L. , Velez Edwards Digna R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractKeloids are benign dermal tumors occurring approximately 20 times more often in individuals of African descent as compared to individuals of European descent. While most keloids occur sporadically, a genetic predisposition is supported by both familial aggregation of some keloids and large differences in risk among populations. Despite Africans and African Americans being at increased risk over lighter‐skinned individuals, little genetic research exists into this phenotype. Using a combination of admixture mapping and exome analysis, we reported multiple common variants within chr15q21.2‐22.3 associated with risk of keloid formation in African Americans. Here we describe a gene‐based association analysis using 478 African American samples with exome genotyping data to identify genes containing low‐frequency variants associated with keloids, with evaluation of genetically‐predicted gene expression in skin tissues using association summary statistics. The strongest signal from gene‐based association was located in C15orf63 (P‐value = 6.6 × 10−6) located at 15q15.3. The top result from gene expression was increased predicted DCAF4 expression (P‐value = 5.5 × 10−4) in non–sun‐exposed skin, followed by increased predicted OR10A3 expression in sun‐exposed skin (P‐value = 6.9 × 10−4). Our findings identify variation with putative roles in keloid formation, enhanced by the use of predicted gene expression to support the biological roles of variation identified only though genetic association studies.
Development of the TeamOBS‐PPH – targeting clinical performance in postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Brogaard Lise , Hvidman Lone , Hinshaw Kim , Kierkegaard Ole , Manser Tanja , Musaeus Peter , Arafeh Julie , Daniels Kay I. , Judy Amy E. , Uldbjerg Niels 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to develop a valid and reliable TeamOBS‐PPH tool for assessing clinical performance in the management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The tool was evaluated using video‐recordings of teams managing PPH in both real‐life and simulated settings.Material and methodsA Delphi panel consisting of 12 obstetricians from the UK, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Denmark achieved consensus on (i) the elements to include in the assessment tool, (ii) the weighting of each element, and (iii) the final tool. The validity and reliability were evaluated according to Cook and Beckman. (Level 1) Four raters scored four video‐recordings of in situ simulations of PPH. (Level 2) Two raters scored 85 video‐recordings of real‐life teams managing patients with PPH ≥1000 mL in two Danish hospitals. (Level 3) Two raters scored 15 video‐recordings of in situ simulations of PPH from a US hospital.ResultsThe tool was designed with scores from 0 to 100. (Level 1) Teams of novices had a median score of 54 (95% CI 48–60), whereas experienced teams had a median score of 75 (95% CI 71–79; p < 0.001). (Level 2) The intra‐rater [intra‐class correlation (ICC) = 0.96] and inter‐rater (ICC = 0.83) agreements for real‐life PPH were strong. The tool was applicable in all cases: atony, retained placenta, and lacerations. (Level 3) The tool was easily adapted to in situ simulation settings in the USA (ICC = 0.86).ConclusionThe TeamOBS‐PPH tool appears to be valid and reliable for assessing clinical performance in real‐life and simulated settings. The tool will be shared as the free TeamOBS App.
Extension of peripheral nonperfusion in eyes with retinal vein occlusion during intravitreal dexamethasone treatment
Authors: Rezar‐Dreindl Sandra , Eibenberger Katharina , Buehl Wolf , Weigert Günther , Georgopoulos Michael , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Sacu Stefan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the change in peripheral perfusion status in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) during dexamethasone treatment.MethodsThirty‐five eyes of patients with macular oedema due to either branch or central retinal vein occlusion were included. At baseline, patients were treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) and followed until month 6. Wide‐field angiographies were classified as ischaemic and nonischaemic. Peripheral nonperfusion (PNP) was determined manually by calculating the percentage of nonperfusion area in relation to the total visible retina (ischaemic index).ResultsThirteen eyes showed evidence of >10 disc area of PNP at baseline and were graded as ischaemic RVO. In nonischaemic eyes, the mean area of PNP was 0.3% at baseline, 0.6% after 1 month, 0.6% after 3 months and 0.6% after 6 months, respectively (p > 0.05). In ischaemic RVO, the ischaemic index was calculated to be 18% at baseline. One month after treatment, mean area of PNP was 16% and after 3 months was 19% (p = 0.8; p = 0.6). After retreatment, total PNP area was 18% (month 6; p = 0.9). During treatment, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased and central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from baseline to final follow‐up with no differences between nonischaemic/ischaemic RVO. A significant negative correlation between the total area of PNP and visual acuity was identified (r = −0.6; p = 0.04).ConclusionUsing 200° wide‐field fluorescein angiography, the ischaemic index was shown to remain stable during dexamethasone treatment. This finding was consistent in ischaemic as well as in nonischaemic conditions.
Costunolide suppresses an inflammatory angiogenic response in a subcutaneous murine sponge model
Authors: Saraswati Sarita , Alhaider Abdulqader A. , Abdelgadir Abdelgalil M. 
Published: February 2018

Costunolide is known to possess anti‐inflammatory and antitumor activity, but its role in tumor angiogenesis, the key step involved in tumor growth and metastasis, and the involved molecular mechanism is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the effects of costunolide on key components of inflammatory angiogenesis in the murine cannulated sponge implant angiogenesis model. Polyester‐polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for fibrovascular tissue growth, were implanted in Swiss albino mice and costunolide (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg/day) was administered for 14 days through installed cannula. The implants collected at day 14 post‐implantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb), myeloperoxidase (MPO), N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and collagen, which were used as indices for angiogenesis, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation, and extracellular matrix deposition, respectively. Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Costunolide treatment attenuated the main components of the fibrovascular tissue, wet weight, vascularization (Hb content), macrophage recruitment (NAG activity), collagen deposition, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β). Regulatory function of costunolide on multiple parameters of the main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving insight into the potential therapeutic benefit underlying the anti‐angiogenic actions of costunolide.
Eosinophilia is a favorable prognostic marker for oral cavity and lip squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Peurala Emma , Tuominen Mirella , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Syrjänen Stina , Rautava Jaana 
Published: February 2018

Eosinophils are frequently encountered with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and it has been proposed that tumor‐associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) could be of prognostic significance in oral SCC. The aim was to evaluate TATE in 83 oral cavity and 16 lip SCCs as well as the best possible use of TATE as a prognostic marker. The number of eosinophils was counted per high power fields (HPF, ×400) in three different representative areas of the tumor and its stroma. The degree of TATE was analyzed in relation to clinicopathological features of tumors and patients’ survival (follow‐up mean 40.7 months) using Fisher's exact test. TATE was detected in 58 (70%) oral and 8 (50%) lip SCC samples. The median number of eosinophils between oral and lip SCC was different (p = 0.028) but TATE was similar per HPF (p = 0.085). Totally, 6% of lip and 21% of oral SCC patients died during the follow‐up. The patients with the higher TATE had significantly better survival than the patients with the lower TATE (p = 0.0136). The best cut‐off value predicting the survival was 4 eosinophils/HPF. TATE is a prognostic marker for oral and lip SCC: more than 4 eosinophils/HPF may predict more favorable prognosis.
Brain alpha‐amylase: a novel energy regulator important in Alzheimer disease?
Authors: Byman Elin , Schultz Nina ,   Netherlands Brain Bank, Fex Malin , Wennström Malin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractReduced glucose metabolism and formation of polyglucosan bodies (PGB) are, beside amyloid beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, well‐known pathological findings associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since both glucose availability and PGB are regulated by enzymatic degradation of glycogen, we hypothesize that dysfunctional glycogen degradation is a critical event in AD progression. We therefore investigated whether alpha (α)‐amylase, an enzyme known to efficiently degrade polysaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract, is expressed in the hippocampal CA1/subiculum and if the expression is altered in AD patients. Using immunohistochemical staining techniques, we show the presence of the α‐amylase isotypes AMY1A and AMY2A in neuronal dendritic spines, pericytes and astrocytes. Moreover, AD patients showed reduced gene expression of α‐amylase, but conversely increased protein levels of α‐amylase as well as increased activity of the enzyme compared with non‐demented controls. Lastly, we observed increased, albeit not significant, load of periodic acid‐Schiff positive PGB in the brain of AD patients, which correlated with increased α‐amylase activity. These findings show that α‐amylase is expressed and active in the human brain, and suggest the enzyme to be affected, alternatively play a role, in the neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Niclosamide inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and attenuates neointimal hyperplasia in injured rat carotid arteries
Authors: Xiao Xiao‐Lin , Hu Nan , Zhang Xin‐Zi , Jiang Man , Chen Chang , Ma Rui , Ma Zhen‐Gang , Gao Jin‐Lai , Xuan Xiu‐Chen , Sun Zhi‐Jie , Dong De‐Li 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeThe anti‐helminthic drug niclosamide regulates multiple cellular signals including STAT3, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt, Wnt/β‐catenin and mitochondrial uncoupling which are involved in neointimal hyperplasia. Here we have examined the effects of niclosamide on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal hyperplasia and assessed the potential mechanisms.Experimental ApproachCell migration was measured by using wound‐induced migration assay and Boyden chamber assay. Protein levels were measured by using Western blot technique. Neointimal hyperplasia in vivo was induced in rats by balloon injury to the carotid artery.Key ResultsNiclosamide treatment inhibited serum‐induced (15% FBS) and PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). Niclosamide showed no cytotoxicity at anti‐proliferative concentrations, but induced cell apoptosis at higher concentrations. Niclosamide treatment inhibited serum‐induced (15% FBS) and PDGF‐BB‐induced STAT3 activation (increased protein levels of p‐STAT3 at Tyr705) but activated AMPK, in A10 cells. Niclosamide exerted no significant effects on β‐catenin expression and the activities of ERK1/2 and Akt in A10 cells. Injection (i.p.) of soluble pegylated niclosamide (PEG5000‐niclosamide) (equivalent to niclosamide 25 mg·kg−1) attenuated neointimal hyperplasia following balloon‐injury in rat carotid arteries in vivo.Conclusions and ImplicationsNiclosamide inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and attenuated neointimal hyperplasia in balloon‐injured rat carotid arteries through a mechanism involving inhibition of STAT3.
Defining the ionic mechanisms of optogenetic control of vascular tone by channelrhodopsin‐2
Authors: Rorsman Nils J G , Ta Chau M , Garnett Hannah , Swietach Pawel , Tammaro Paolo 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeOptogenetic control of electromechanical coupling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is emerging as a powerful research tool with potential applications in drug discovery and therapeutics. However, the precise ionic mechanisms involved in this control remain unclear.Experimental ApproachCell imaging, patch‐clamp electrophysiology and muscle tension recordings were used to define these mechanisms over a wide range of light stimulations.Key ResultsTransgenic mice expressing a channelrhodopsin‐2 variant [ChR2(H134R)] selectively in VSMCs were generated. Isolated VSMCs obtained from these mice demonstrated blue light‐induced depolarizing whole‐cell currents. Fine control of artery tone was attained by varying the intensity of the light stimulus. This arterial response was sufficient to overcome the endogenous, melanopsin‐mediated, light‐evoked, arterial relaxation observed in the presence of contractile agonists. Ca2+ entry through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels, and opening of plasmalemmal depolarizing channels (TMEM16A and TRPM) and intracellular IP3 receptors were involved in the ChR2(H134R)‐dependent arterial response to blue light at intensities lower than ~0.1 mW·mm−2. Light stimuli of greater intensity evoked a significant Ca2+ influx directly through ChR2(H134R) and produced marked intracellular alkalinization of VSMCs.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe identified the range of light intensity allowing optical control of arterial tone, primarily by means of endogenous channels and without substantial alteration to intracellular pH. Within this range, mice expressing ChR2(H134R) in VSMCs are a powerful experimental model for achieving accurate and tuneable optical voltage‐clamp of VSMCs and finely graded control of arterial tone, offering new approaches to the discovery of vasorelaxant drugs.
Antinociceptive effects of novel histamine H3 and H4 receptor antagonists and their influence on morphine analgesia of neuropathic pain in the mouse
Authors: Popiolek‐Barczyk Katarzyna , Łażewska Dorota , Latacz Gniewomir , Olejarz Agnieszka , Makuch Wioletta , Stark Holger , Kieć‐Kononowicz Katarzyna , Mika Joanna 
Published: February 2018

Background and PurposeThe histaminergic system is a promising target for the development of new analgesics, as histamine H3 and H4 receptors are expressed in regions concerned with nociceptive transmission. Here we have determined the analgesic effects of new H3 and H4 receptor antagonists in naive and neuropathic mice.Experimental ApproachWe used chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in mice to model neuropathy. Effects of a new H3 receptor antagonist, E‐162(1‐(5‐(naphthalen‐1‐yloxy)pentyl)piperidine) and H4 receptor antagonist, TR‐7(4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐6‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐amine) were assessed on mechanical (von Frey) and thermal (cold plate, tail flick) stimuli in mice with and without CCI (7 days after injury). Effects of these antagonists on morphine analgesia were also evaluated, along with the possible participation of H1 receptors in their effects. We analysed the compounds in binding and functional cAMP assays at the H3 and H4 receptors and determined metabolic stability.Key ResultsE‐162 and TR‐7 attenuated nociceptive responses and profound morphine analgesia in males with CCI. These antagonists showed analgesia in naive mice (tail flick test) and produced prolonged analgesia in neuropathic females. E‐162‐induced analgesia was reversed by pyrilamine, an H1 receptor antagonist. E‐162 bound potently to H3 receptors (Ki = 55 nM) and inhibited cAMP accumulation (IC50 = 165 nM). TR‐7 showed lower affinity for H4 receptors (Ki = 203 nM) and IC50 of 512 nM.Conclusions and ImplicationsWe describe a therapeutic use for new H3 (E‐162) and H4 receptor (TR‐7) antagonists in neuropathy. Targeting H3 and H4 receptors enhanced morphine analgesia, consistent with multimodal pain therapy.
Impact of a hurricane on the herpetofaunal assemblages of a successional chronosequence in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Suazo‐Ortuño Ireri , Urbina‐Cardona José Nicolás , Lara‐Uribe Nancy , Marroquín‐Páramo Jorge , Soto‐Sandoval Yunuen , Rangel‐Orozco Jorge , Lopez‐Toledo Leonel , Benítez‐Malvido Julieta , Alvarado‐Díaz Javier 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLand‐use change is the main cause of deforestation and degradation of tropical forest in Mexico. Frequently, these lands are abandoned leading to a mosaic of natural vegetation in secondary succession. Further degradation of the natural vegetation in these lands could be exacerbated by stochastic catastrophic events such as hurricanes. Information on the impact of human disturbance parallel to natural disturbance has not yet been evaluated for faunal assemblages in tropical dry forests. To evaluate the response of herpetofaunal assemblages to the interaction of human and natural disturbances, we used information of pre‐ and post‐hurricane herpetofaunal assemblages inhabiting different successional stages (pasture, early forest, young forest, intermediate forest, and old growth forest) of dry forest. Herpetofaunal assemblages were surveyed in all successional stages two years before and two years after the hurricane Jova that hit the Pacific Coast of Mexico on October 2011. We registered 4093 individuals of 61 species. Overall, there were only slight effects of successional stage, hurricane Jova or the interaction between them on abundance, observed species richness and diversity of the herpetofauna. However, we found marked changes in estimated richness and composition of frogs, lizards, and snakes among successional stages in response to hurricane Jova. Modifications in vegetation structure as result of hurricane pass promoted particular changes in each successional stage and taxonomic group (anurans, lizards, and snakes). Secondary forests at different stages of succession may attenuate the negative effects of an intense, short‐duration, and low‐frequency natural disturbance such as hurricane Jova on successional herpetofaunal trajectories and species turnover.
Using Meta‐analytic Structural Equation Modeling to Study Developmental Change in Relations Between Language and Literacy
Authors: Quinn Jamie M. , Wagner Richard K. 
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this review was to introduce readers of Child Development to the meta‐analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) technique. Provided are a background to the MASEM approach, a discussion of its utility in the study of child development, and an application of this technique in the study of reading comprehension (RC) development. MASEM uses a two‐stage approach: first, it provides a composite correlation matrix across included variables, and second, it fits hypothesized a priori models. The provided MASEM application used a large sample (N = 1,205,581) of students (ages 3.5–46.225) from 155 studies to investigate the factor structure and relations among components of RC. The practical implications of using this technique to study development are discussed.
“Nothing goes as planned”: Practitioners reflect on matching children and foster families
Authors: Zeijlmans Kirti , López Mónica , Grietens Hans , Knorth Erik J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMatching children with foster carers is an important step in every nonkinship family foster care placement. Although guidelines for matching are provided in several studies, the case‐specific context of the decision can influence the practitioners' ability to adhere to these guidelines. Therefore, this study answers the following question: “How does the case‐specific context influence the practitioners' decision‐making process regarding matching in family foster care?” Using a qualitative design, 20 semistructured interviews were conducted with practitioners matching children with foster families. Three themes emerged representing different layers of practitioners' everyday decision‐making: matching as planned, matching being tailored, and matching being compromised. The results show that exceptions are part of practitioners' daily work, either due to the belief that it might benefit those involved or because of obstacles presented during the decision‐making process. When the decision is compromised, matching practitioners lower their standards, while at the same time safeguarding the quality of the match. This proves that matching in practice is more than choosing a family, and guidelines are needed to determine what “good‐enough” matching should entail.