bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of alpha7 nicotinic receptors in the ventral hippocampus selectively attenuates reinstatement of morphine‐conditioned place preference and associated changes in AMPA receptor binding
Authors: Wright Victoria L. , Georgiou Polymnia , Bailey Alexis , Heal David J. , Bailey Christopher P. , Wonnacott Susan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRecurrent relapse is a major problem in treating opiate addiction. Pavlovian conditioning plays a role in recurrent relapse whereby exposure to cues learned during drug intake can precipitate relapse to drug taking. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been implicated in attentional aspects of cognition and mechanisms of learning and memory. In this study we have investigated the role of α7 nAChRs in morphine‐conditioned place preference (morphine‐CPP). CPP provides a model of associative learning that is pertinent to associative aspects of drug dependence. The α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA; 4 mg/kg s.c.) had no effect on the acquisition, maintenance, reconsolidation or extinction of morphine‐CPP but selectively attenuated morphine‐primed reinstatement of CPP, in both mice and rats. Reinstatement of morphine‐CPP in mice was accompanied by a selective increase in [3H]‐AMPA binding (but not in [3H]‐MK801 binding) in the ventral hippocampus that was prevented by prior treatment with MLA. Administration of MLA (6.7 μg) directly into the ventral hippocampus of rats prior to a systemic priming dose of morphine abolished reinstatement of morphine‐CPP, whereas MLA delivered into the dorsal hippocampus or prefrontal cortex was without effect. These results suggest that α7 nAChRs in the ventral hippocampus play a specific role in the retrieval of associative drug memories following a period of extinction, making them potential targets for the prevention of relapse.
Trajectories of alcohol consumption in U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Authors: Fuehrlein Brian S. , Kachadourian Lorig K. , DeVylder Elizabeth K. , Trevisan Louis A. , Potenza Marc N. , Krystal John H. , Southwick Steven M. , Pietrzak Robert H. 
Published: April 2018

Background and ObjectivesWhile alcohol use disorder is prevalent in U.S. veterans, little is known about the nature and determinants of predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption in this population. The objective of the current study was to identify predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption over a 4‐year period, and baseline determinants of these trajectories in veterans.MethodsData were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veteran Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 3,157 veterans (Wave 1). Assessments (Waves 2 and 3) were conducted every 2 years thereafter. Alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption, a brief alcohol screen for identifying problematic drinking based on alcohol consumption. Wave 1 sociodemographic, military, health, and psychosocial variables were examined as possible determinants of trajectories of alcohol consumption.ResultsLatent growth mixture modeling revealed that a four‐class model best fit the data: rare drinkers (65.3%), moderate drinkers (30.2%), excessive drinkers (2.6%), and recovering drinkers (1.9%). Lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) was linked to an excessive drinking trajectory, while fewer medical conditions and lower social support were linked to a moderate drinking trajectory. Having a secure attachment style and greater social support, and absence of lifetime MDD was linked to recovery from excessive drinking.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceFour predominant trajectories of alcohol consumption were identified. Targeting MDD and related interpersonal factors such as attachment style and social support in population‐based prevention and treatment initiatives may help prevent, mitigate, and promote recovery from excessive alcohol consumption in veterans. (Am J Addict 2018;27:383–390)
Diagnosis and management practices for gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia: Cross‐sectional survey of the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Meloncelli Nina , Barnett Adrian , Pelly Fiona , de Jersey Susan 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy disorders; however, if well managed, women with GDM experience similar pregnancy outcomes to those without. Currently, there is limited evidence on actual management practices across Australia or how multidisciplinary teams interact to optimise care.AimsTo examine the current screening, diagnostic, task and role perceptions and management practices, as reported by members of the GDM multidisciplinary team.MethodsA 64‐item electronic survey containing multiple choice, Likert scale and open‐ended questions was developed for this cross‐sectional observational study and advertised through health professional organisations and Queensland Health facilities in May and June, 2017.ResultsThe 183 survey respondents included 45 diabetes educators, 43 dietitians, 21 endocrinologists/diabetes specialists, 14 obstetricians and 21 midwives. Although almost 90% reported using updated diagnostic guidelines, less than two‐thirds used GDM management guidelines. While 68% reported using the same blood glucose targets for GDM management, there was variation to what criteria prompted the commencement of medication to control blood glucose levels. There was a good consensus concerning the health professional responsible for tasks such as medical nutrition therapy, gestational weight gain and self‐blood glucose monitoring education and ultrasound use. Other tasks appeared to be the role of almost any member of the GDM multidisciplinary team.ConclusionsThe survey results indicate there is a need for consistent evidence on how to best manage GDM and that role identity, access to specialist knowledge and best practice need to be clearly defined within GDM models of care.
Arrhythmic manifestation of peripartum cardiomyopathy—Case report
Authors: Siedlecki Patryk , Kurpesa Małgorzata , Uznańska‐Loch Barbara , Trzos Ewa , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian 
Published: April 2018

We report a case of 26‐year‐old woman, with arrhythmic manifestation of peripartum cardiomyopathy with moderate heart failure. Ventricular arrhythmia recorded in ambulatory Holter ECG (premature ventricular contractions) was most severe during pregnancy, reduced when beta‐blocker therapy was initiated and almost completely resolved after delivery. Then, 1 year after hospitalization in Cardiology Department, recurrence was observed with recorded short episode of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.
To stent or not to stent: the use of transanastomotic biliary stents in liver transplantation and patient outcomes
Authors: Ong Michelle , Slater Kellee , Hodgkinson Peter , Dunn Nathan , Fawcett Jonathan 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThere is no substantial evidence for the use of biliary stents in bile duct reconstruction during liver transplantation.MethodA longitudinal, retrospective cohort study was performed to compare biliary complications between stented and non‐stented patients between 2011 and 2015 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.ResultsWe found no significant difference in biliary complications between stented and non‐stented groups. Stented patients were 3.31 times as likely to require subsequent intervention, mainly in the form of stent removal.ConclusionThese results suggest that there is limited benefit in the placement of endobiliary stents in liver transplantation. Given that this was purely an observational study, causality cannot be proven and a prospective cohort trial would be beneficial in further defining these relationships.
A New 2D Echocardiographic Approach to Evaluate the Membrane and Valve Movement of the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD Chamber in Pediatric VAD Patients
Authors: Di Molfetta Arianna , Iacobelli Roberta , Ferrari Gianfranco , Filippelli Sergio , Perri Gianluigi , Toscano Alessandra , Adorisio Rachele , Guccione Paolo , Amodeo Antonio 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe use of Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD (BH) is a validated therapy to bridge pediatric patients to heart transplant. Serial echocardiographic (ECHO) assessment of VAD patients is necessary to support patients’ management. This work aims at developing an innovative strategy to evaluate the BH device functioning by ECHO and its interaction with the native heart in a pediatric population. ECHO evaluation of BH membrane movement, and inflow and outflow valves was performed in 2D, 2D‐color Doppler, M‐mode, and M‐mode color Doppler to assess the functioning of the device by direct positioning of the ECHO probe on the BH cannulas and membranes. Forty Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD were analyzed in 18 patients. Seven BH were placed as RVAD and 33 as LVAD. Results evidenced that 14 (21) inflow (outflow) valves presented a mild regurgitation, while 5 inflow (3 outflow) valves presented a moderate regurgitation. In three cases, we observed severe valve regurgitation with back flow in the left ventricle/right atrium. In both cases, the BH chambers were substituted, but we observed that in one case the regurgitation was due to cannulas compression, while in the other case it was due to valve malfunctioning. The M‐mode and the ECHO of the membranes and valves permitted to appreciate the beat phenomenon to assess if the native heart and the BH are working in opposite or in the same phase. The membrane ECHO permits evaluation of minimal changes in membrane movement to assure the completely empty‐completely fully work modality. Systematic ECHO assessment of BH chamber might support the BH programming and the detection of anomalous VAD‐heart interaction.
Application of Heparin/Collagen‐REDV Selective Active Interface on ePTFE Films to Enhance Endothelialization and Anticoagulation
Authors: Shan Yaping , Jia Bing , Ye Ming , Shen Hua , Chen Weicheng , Zhang Huifeng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExpanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthetic valves have been widely used in clinical applications in Asian countries. However, these valves still have limits with regard to thrombosis, neointimal hyperplasia, restenosis, and valvar vegetation. The achievement of in situ endothelialization on implant materials is a promising way to overcome those limits. Here, heparin/collagen multilayers were fabricated on ePTFE films via a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) self‐assembly technique, and then, the endothelial cell (EC) adhesive peptide sequence Arg‐Glu‐Asp‐Val (REDV) was immobilized on the multilayers. After modification with the heparin/collagen multilayers with or without REDV peptide, less platelet activation and aggregation were observed, the blood coagulation time was increased, and the hemolysis rate was decreased compared to that on pristine ePTFE films. The REDV‐functionalized ePTFE films positively impacted early EC adhesion, later cell proliferation and cell activity. The EC barrier was confirmed to be successfully achieved on the functionalized ePTFE film surface in vitro. The successful assembly of the REDV‐functionalized heparin/collagen multilayer on ePTFE films improved the blood compatibility, anticoagulant properties, and cell compatibility of the films in vitro, and thus, represents a candidate approach for applications requiring quick in situ endothelialization in vivo.
Randomised clinical trial: gastrointestinal events in arthritis patients treated with celecoxib, ibuprofen or naproxen in the PRECISION trial
Authors: Yeomans N. D. , Graham D. Y. , Husni M. E. , Solomon D. H. , Stevens T. , Vargo J. , Wang Q. , Wisniewski L. M. , Wolski K. E. , Borer J. S. , Libby P. , Lincoff A. M. , Lüscher T. F. , Bao W. , Walker C. , Nissen S. E. ,   the PRECISION investigators
Published: April 2018

SummaryAimTo evaluate GI safety of celecoxib compared with 2 nonselective (ns) NSAIDs, as a secondary objective of a large trial examining multiorgan safety.MethodsThis randomised, double‐blind controlled trial analysed 24 081 patients. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis patients, needing ongoing NSAID treatment, were randomised to receive celecoxib 100‐200 mg b.d., ibuprofen 600‐800 mg t.d.s. or naproxen 375‐500 mg b.d. plus esomeprazole, and low‐dose aspirin or corticosteroids if already prescribed. Clinically significant GI events (CSGIE—bleeding, obstruction, perforation events from stomach downwards or symptomatic ulcers) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) were adjudicated blindly.ResultsMean treatment and follow‐up durations were 20.3 and 34.1 months. While on treatment or 30 days after, CSGIE occurred in 0.34%, 0.74% and 0.66% taking celecoxib, ibuprofen and naproxen. Hazard ratios (HR) were 0.43 (95% CI 0.27‐0.68, P = 0.0003) celecoxib vs ibuprofen and 0.51 (0.32‐0.81, P = 0.004) vs naproxen. There was also less IDA on celecoxib: HR 0.43 (0.27‐0.68, P = 0.0003) vs ibuprofen; 0.40 (0.25‐0.62, P < 0.0001) vs naproxen. Even taken with low‐dose aspirin, fewer CSGIE occurred on celecoxib than ibuprofen (HR 0.52 [0.29‐0.94], P = 0.03), and less IDA vs naproxen (0.42 [0.23‐0.77, P = 0.005]). Corticosteroid use increased total GI events and CSGIE. H. pylori serological status had no influence.ConclusionsArthritis patients taking NSAIDs plus esomeprazole have infrequent clinically significant gastrointestinal events. Co‐prescribed with esomeprazole, celecoxib has better overall GI safety than ibuprofen or naproxen at these doses, despite treatment with low‐dose aspirin or corticosteroids.
Natural risk assessment and mitigation of cultural heritage sites in North‐eastern Romania (Valea Oii river basin)
Authors: Nicu Ionut Cristi 
Published: April 2018

The number of geomorphological processes increases every year around the world. Irrespective of having natural or anthropic causes (gully erosion, landslides), they irreversibly affect the agricultural lands, lakes and ponds (by increasing the sedimentation rate), and cultural heritage. The main objective of this study is to identify and analyse areas susceptible to landslides and the cultural heritage that is in danger in the Valea Oii catchment, North‐eastern Romania. The development of gullies has been observed for 111 years, first in geomorphological annotations and geographical sketches and second in precise monitoring using the total station and GPS. The average gully head advance is 5.46 m/year for the period 1894–2005. In the case of landslides, the results of monitoring have allowed the implementation of a predictive model relying on the available GIS spatial data. The predictive model was validated by overlaying the existing landslides over the susceptibility map. It can be extremely useful in identifying the areas susceptible to landslides threatening cultural and natural heritage, developing anti‐erosion methods, monitoring and creating a sustainable management plan to protect historical monuments. A significant portion of the latter is included in the Romanian List of Historical Monuments. From 47 registered monuments, 27 are located in areas with high and very high susceptibility to landslides. A series of anti‐erosion measures, involving development projects and re‐greening of sites (planting trees), have already been employed in the case of two of the gullies that are affecting archaeological and palaeontological sites.
Development of Molecular Therapies for Venous Malformations
Authors: Kangas Jaakko , Nätynki Marjut , Eklund Lauri 
Published: April 2018

AbstractVascular anomalies are localized defects of morphogenesis that can affect lymphatic and blood vessels. They are generally called birthmarks, typically observed soon after birth and occurring in up to 10% of children. Based on their clinical and histological characteristics, they are classified into vascular tumours and vascular malformations. The most common malformations are venous malformations (VMs) resulting in chronic vascular diseases that can be associated with significant morbidity necessitating often demanding and repeating clinical management. The current treatment is based on surgical resection and sclerotherapy, which can be impossible due to the size or location of lesions or ineffective due to the regrowth of malformed vessels. Therefore, medical therapies for VMs are highly desired. Recent studies have identified genetic defects that result in the constantly active endothelial cell receptor tyrosine kinase TIE2/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase PI3K signalling pathway as a frequent cause for VMs. The first treatment to inhibit this pathway with sirolimus indicated that molecular treatment can be effective against VMs. In addition, certain VM ‘hotspot’ mutations have been previously found in tumours, providing the rationale for the exploration and repurposing of existing and investigational cancer drugs for VMs. Finally, discoveries of molecular and cellular abnormalities that characterize a large proportion of VMs and the generation of pre‐clinical VM mouse models provide the necessary basis for the development of the targeted molecular treatment strategies we discuss in this MiniReview.
The prevalence of psychological comorbidity in people with vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Osinubi O. , Grainge M.J. , Hong L. , Ahmed A. , Batchelor J.M. , Grindlay D. , Thompson A.R. , Ratib S. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It's caused by a lack of melanin, a pigment (colour) in the skin. People of any age, skin type and gender can develop vitiligo and it can affect any area of skin. It is estimated that about 1 in 100 people around the world has vitiligo. The researchers who conducted this study are based in Nigeria and the UK. Our study aimed to find out how commonly psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety occur in people in vitiligo, by looking at all relevant published studies from around the world. After extracting data from 29 studies published in this area we found that people living with vitiligo experience a range of psychological symptoms or disorders. Approximately one in four people with vitiligo appear to have depression and at least one in seven have anxiety. However, they were significantly less likely to show symptoms of depression than people with psoriasis. We also found that there were many tools to measure psychological outcomes (the emotional impact) in skin diseases, and more work needs to be done to develop tools which can be used in people with vitiligo. Our conclusion is that assessment of psychological state during clinical evaluation of vitiligo patients, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines, is essential. The same can be said for clinical evaluation of people with other skin conditions.
Severity strata for five patient-reported outcomes in adults with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Vakharia P.P. , Chopra R. , Sacotte R. , Patel N. , Immaneni S. , White T. , Kantor R. , Hsu D.Y. , Simpson E.L. , Silverberg J.I. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD, also known simply as eczema) is a skin disease that can cause itching (pruritus), sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life (QoL), often affecting everyday activities such as school and work, resulting in impaired mental health. During studies into eczema or when treating patients, doctors use a variety of systems that record how severe the person's eczema is. Some of these look at the physical symptoms, such as how severe the skin lesions (areas of affected skin) are. However, as mentioned above, many of the symptoms of the disease can't be measured by looking at the skin, and for these, different measurements of ‘Patient Reported Outcomes’ (PRO) are used, in which the patient answers questions about, for example, their quality of life, mood or itch severity. These measures are not always specific to eczema, and can be used across a range of skin disorders. Each PRO has a different numbers of questions, response options, and scoring systems, which can make it difficult to interpret the results across different PROs. Severity strata have been developed for some PROs, which attribute levels of severity to the results of the scores, so for example, in a PRO called POEM, a score of 0 to 7 is mild, 8 to 16 is moderate and 17 to 28 is severe. This study sought to confirm whether previously reported strata for the PRO's called POEM and DLQI are indeed accurate for adults with AD. They also sought to develop severity strata for PRO's that don't already have them: NRS-itch, mean ItchyQOL and 5-D itch scale. The authors confirm that existing strata for POEM and DLQI perform well in adult AD and suggested amendments and new strata for certain other PRO's.
Population-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink study using algorithm modelling to identify the true burden of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Ingram J.R. , Jenkins-Jones S. , Knipe D.W. , Morgan C.L.I. , Cannings-John R. , Piguet V. 
Published: April 2018

Summary
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin disease affecting young adults, causing multiple boils in skin crease sites such as the armpits and groins. The boils are painful, may produce pus and leave disfiguring scars. How common HS is remains controversial, with recent reports using USA medical insurance data suggesting about 0.1% of the population is affected, which is lower than European studies using self-reported questionnaires (completed by the patient). This may be because insurance databases miss undiagnosed cases. Our study team based in the UK aimed to use UK electronic data recorded by General Practitioners (GPs) to identify known and previously undiagnosed cases of HS. We identified undiagnosed cases by looking for patients who had seen their GP for at least 5 skin boils and validated their diagnosis by sending some of the GPs a questionnaire to double-check. Out of 4.3 million patients in the GP database, we found 23,000 diagnosed HS patients and 10,000 undiagnosed patients, showing that 0.77% of the UK population has HS. Including probable cases, who had 1-4 skin boil consultations, the figure rises to 1.19%. Comparing people with HS to similar people without HS, there are higher rates of smoking and obesity (both 3 times more common), as well as type 2 diabetes, Crohn's disease, raised fat levels in the blood, acne, high blood pressure and depression. However a link was not found between HS and ulcerative colitis or polycystic ovary syndrome. In conclusion, we found that HS is relatively common, nearly 10 times more common than the estimates using USA insurance data. People with HS have higher rates of risk factors for heart disease and stroke and so checking for these conditions is important.