bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol potentiates fear memory salience through functional modulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic activity states
Authors: Fitoussi Aurelie , Zunder Jordan , Tan Huibing , Laviolette Steven R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractChronic or acute exposure to delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been associated with numerous neuropsychiatric side‐effects, including dysregulation of emotional processing and associative memory formation. Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that the effects of THC are due to the ability to modulate mesolimbic dopamine (DA) activity states in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which THC modulates mesolimbic DA function and emotional processing are not well understood. Using an olfactory associative fear memory procedure combined with in vivo neuronal electrophysiology, we examined the effects of direct THC microinfusions targeting the shell region of the NAc (NASh) and examined how THC may modulate the processing of fear‐related emotional memory and concomitant activity states of the mesolimbic DA system. We report that intra‐NASh THC dose‐dependently potentiates the emotional salience of normally subthreshold fear conditioning cues. These effects were dependent upon intra‐VTA transmission through GABAergic receptor mechanisms and intra‐NASh DAergic transmission. Furthermore, doses of intra‐NASh THC that potentiated fear memory salience were found to modulate intra‐VTA neuronal network activity by increasing the spontaneous firing and bursting frequency of DAergic neurones whilst decreasing the activity levels of a subpopulation of putative GABAergic VTA neurones. These findings demonstrate that THC can act directly in the NASh to modulate mesolimbic activity states and induce disturbances in emotional salience and memory formation through modulation of VTA DAergic transmission.
Voxel‐based morphometry in creative writers: Grey matter increase in a prefronto‐thalamic‐cerebellar network
Authors: Neumann Nicola , Domin Martin , Erhard Katharina , Lotze Martin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractContinuous practice modulates those features of brain anatomy specifically associated with requirements of the respective training task. This study aimed to highlight brain structural changes going along with long‐term experience in creative writing. To this end, we investigated the grey matter volume of 23 expert writers with voxel‐based morphometry and compared it to 28 matched nonexpert controls. Expert writers had higher grey matter volume in the right superior frontal and middle frontal gyri (BA 9,10) as well as left middle frontal gyrus (BA 9, 10, 46), the bilateral medial dorsal nuclei of the thalamus and left posterior cerebellum. A regression analysis confirmed the association of enhanced grey matter volume in the right superior frontal gyrus (BA 10) with practice index of writing. In region‐of‐interest based regression analyses, we found associations of grey matter volume in the right Broca’s analogue (BA 44) and right primary visual cortex (BA 17) with creativity ratings of the texts written during scanning, but not with a standardised verbal creativity test. Creative writing thus seems to be strongly connected to a prefronto‐thalamic‐cerebellar network that supports the continuous generation, organisation and revision of ideas that is necessary to write literary texts.
Molecular systematics and historical biogeography of the genusGerrhonotus(Squamata: Anguidae)
Authors: García‐Vázquez Uri O. , Nieto‐Montes de Oca Adrián , Bryson Robert W. , Schmidt‐Ballardo Walter , Pavón‐Vázquez Carlos J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimMultiple geological and climatic events have created geographical or ecological barriers associated with speciation events, playing a role in biological diversification in Mexico. Here, we evaluate the influence of Neogene geological events and of Pleistocene climate change in the diversification of the genusGerrhonotususing molecular dating and ancestral area reconstruction.LocationMexico and south‐central United States.MethodsA multilocus sequence dataset was generated for 86 individuals ofGerrhonotusfrom most Mexican biogeographical provinces and belonging to five of the seven currently recognized species, as well as two putative undescribed species. Phylogeographical structure was explored using Poisson‐Tree‐Processes molecular species delimitation. Divergence events were estimated based on the fossil record using a relaxed uncorrelated lognormal clock. Ancestral areas were estimated at divergence events across the tree using a probabilistic Bayesian approach.ResultsExtensive geographical structure was evident within three well‐supported clades. These clades probably diverged from each other in the early to mid‐Miocene, and their divergence was followed by six divergences in the late Miocene and eight divergences in the Pliocene. The ancestral origin ofGerrhonotuswith keeled dorsal scales (keeled‐scaleGerrhonotus) was reconstructed to be across the Pacific Coast Province. Our phylogenetic analyses did not support the monophyly ofGerrhonotus.Main conclusionsMiocene and Pliocene geomorphology, perhaps in conjunction with climate change, appears to have induced allopatric divergence on a relatively small spatial scale in this genus. The late Miocene–Pliocene reduction in the highlands along the Tehuantepec fault probably created a large marine embayment that led to an early divergence in a clade ofGerrhonotus. Our analysis suggests uplifting of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt during this same time period resulted in additional diversification. This was followed by more recent, independent colonization events in the Pliocene from the Mexican Plateau to the Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre Occidental, Tamaulipas and Edwards Plateau provinces. A genusGerrhonotuswith the keeled‐scale species in addition toColoptychon rhombifer(=G. rhombifer) is strongly supported. Inclusion of the smooth dorsal‐scale species in the genus is uncertain and maintained only tentatively.
Iriarteeae palms tracked the uplift of Andean Cordilleras
Authors: Bacon Christine D. , Velásquez‐Puentes Francisco J. , Hoorn Carina , Antonelli Alexandre 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThe high biodiversity of northern South America is unparalleled and includes several centres of diversity such as Amazonia, the Andes and the Chocó. Movement of lineages amongst and within these bioregions is thought to be rare, and the effect of those dispersals on the distribution, diversity, and community assembly remains poorly understood. Here we address these effects by studying divergence times, biogeographical history, and species diversification of the palm tribe Iriarteeae, an ecologically dominant forest component.LocationCentral and South America.MethodsWe developed a calibrated phylogeny and a spatially explicit diversification model that incorporates molecular and fossil data. In these analyses, we included a new fossil Iriartea species Gemmamonocolpites galeanoana, derived from new samples of Miocene deposits in western Amazonia. We also estimated the geographical range evolution of lineages and tested whether speciation and extinction rates were affected by dispersal events using a simulation approach in ClaSSE.ResultsDispersal amongst bioregions was not evenly distributed across the topology. We found that Amazonian communities are overdispersed across the phylogeny, whereas Andean taxa are clustered. Dispersal events were associated with increases in species diversification and were concomitant with periods of Andean uplift. Migration into montane areas occurred several times from lowland Amazonian ancestors, and montane taxa subsequently recolonized the Amazonian bioregion.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the diversification of Iriarteeae palms closely followed the west‐to‐east surface uplift history of the Northern Andes. From an early, lowland Amazonian ancestor, the first diversification events took place in the earliest emerging mountain chain, the Western Cordillera. From there multiple range expansions followed eastwards and back into the lowlands. This study demonstrates how geological events within a single mountain range can affect the geographical expansion and diversification of lineages.
Inflammatory cytokines and peripheral mediators in the pathophysiology of pruritus in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Lewis D.J. , Huang S. , Duvic M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) includes a diverse group of neoplasms, including mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. One of the earliest and most common symptoms of CTCL is pruritus, which affects up to 88% of patients. The severity of pruritus can range from mild to very debilitating, producing tremendous discomfort and a significant decrease in quality of life. Patients with advanced disease, in particular, may experience a more chronic, intractable pruritus. However, the underlying mechanism of pruritus in CTCL remains unknown. Conventional antipruritic agents, such as antihistamines, gamma‐aminobutyric acid analogs and antidepressants, are only partially effective in relieving symptoms, suggesting a more complex, unique pathophysiology. In this review, we summarize the current research on cytokines and peripheral mediators implicated in pruritus in CTCL.
Maternal regulation of the infant's hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis stress response: Seymour ‘Gig’ Levine's legacy to neuroendocrinology
Authors: Suchecki D. 
Published: May 2018

Thirty years ago, Seymour ‘Gig’ Levine published a serendipitous, yet, seminal finding with respect to the regulatory role of maternal presence on the corticosterone stress response of neonatal rats during the developmental period known as the stress hyporesponsive period. At the same time, his group of students also investigated the stress response of infant monkeys with respect to maternal separation, as a means of understanding the stress to the primary caregiver resulting from disruptions of attachment. Gig and his group of students and collaborators, mainly in the USA and the Netherlands, investigated how initial social relationships buffer the stress response of nonhuman primates and rodent infants. His work in rodents involved determining how prolonged deprivation of maternal care disinhibits the stress response of neonates and how maternal behaviours regulate specific aspects of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Maternal deprivation for 24 hours was useful for determining the importance of nutrition in suppressing the corticosterone stress response, whereas anogenital licking and grooming inhibited stress‐induced adrenocortoctrophic hormone release, with the combination of both behaviours preventing the effects of maternal deprivation on the central hypothalamic stress response. Levine's group also studied the consequences of maternal deprivation on basal and stress‐induced activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in juveniles and the persistent effects of the replacement of maternal behaviours on these parameters. Gig's legacy allowed many groups around the world to use the 24‐hour maternal deprivation paradigm as an animal model of vulnerability and resilience to stress‐related psychiatric disorders, as well as in studies of the neurobiological underpinnings of disruption of the mother‐infant relationship and loss of parental care, a highly prevalent condition in humans. This review pays homage to a great scientist and mentor, whose discoveries paved the way for the understanding of how early social relationsships build resilience or lead to susceptibility to emotional disorders later in life.
“Coming from a different place”: Partnerships between consumers and health services for system change
Authors: Scholz Brett , Bocking Julia , Banfield Michelle , Platania‐Phung Chris , Happell Brenda 
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectivesThe aim of the current study is to explore whether and how the expectations of consumers to be “representative” influences consumers’ ability to contribute to health services partnerships.BackgroundHealth standards call for services to partner with consumers in service development and governance. While existing research criticises the assumption that individual mental health consumers working with mental health services must be representative of consumers more broadly, research has yet to explore whether this requirement exists for consumers of other health services. Requiring individual consumers to be representative of consumers more broadly marginalises and limits consumer involvement.DesignA qualitative, exploratory design was employed.MethodsConsumers (n = 6), clinicians (n = 7) and health managers (n = 5) were interviewed about consumer participation in health services. Data analysis was conducted through the lens of social exchange theory and informed by discursive psychological principles.ResultsThe current study extends the existing literature within mental health, finding that consumers of other health services are also held responsible for representing broader communities. Data also suggested that a requirement to be representative would marginalise consumers with a passion to bring about change in health systems.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that organisations might need a culture change so that individual consumers are not expected to be representative of consumers more broadly and that participation be made more accessible for diverse groups of consumers.Relevance to clinical practiceGiven the role that nurses might play as allies to consumers within health services, the findings of this study contribute to knowledge about the expectations placed on consumers and the ways that nurses might advocate for better partnerships.
From breaking point to breakthrough during the ICU stay: A qualitative study of family members’ experiences of long‐term intensive care patients’ pathways towards survival
Authors: Haugdahl Hege S , Eide Regina , Alexandersen Ingeborg , Paulsby Tove Engan , Stjern Berit , Lund Stine Borgen , Haugan Gørill 
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectivesTo explore family members’ experiences of long‐term intensive care unit (ICU) patients’ pathways towards survival and to highlight family members’ efforts to promote the patient's health during the ICU stay.BackgroundAlthough considerable research has been devoted to the substantial burden of long‐term ICU patients, less attention has been paid to health‐promoting factors that facilitate patients’ health and survival during ICU stays. Support from family members can improve patient outcome. However, there is little knowledge of the specific contributions provided by family members.DesignA hermeneutic phenomenological approach, within the context of Antonovsky's salutogenic theory and Merleau‐Ponty's phenomenology of the body, involving the body as the fundament of experience and understanding.MethodsIn‐depth qualitative interviews. Thirteen family members of long‐term ICU patients were interviewed once, at six to 18 months after ICU discharge. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research were used.ResultsThree themes were identified: (i) A body at a breaking point; (ii) family members’ presence; and (iii) breaking through. In the perspective of the family members, their beloved ones were at a breaking point between life and death. The family's presence was significantly health promoting, demonstrating and communicating love and sensitivity. Moreover, family members’ understanding of the patient's unique characteristics and personality was crucial to the patient's experience of being understood, recognised and acknowledged. Inner strength represented a life force capable of moving the patient from the breaking point towards a breakthrough towards life. Family members purposely used their knowledge about the patient to trigger, nurture and release the patient's inner strength.ConclusionsFamily presence helps to trigger, arouse and release a patient's inner strength, representing important health‐promoting factors facilitating patients’ health and survival during an ICU stay.Relevance to clinical practiceInsights into the unique and vital health‐promoting influence of family participation indicate the responsibility of the ICU team to provide support for families.
Evolving self view and body image concerns in female postoperative bariatric surgery patients
Authors: Perdue Tamara O. , Schreier Ann , Swanson Melvin , Neil Janice , Carels Robert 
Published: May 2018

Aims and ObjectivesTo explore the experience of postoperative bariatric surgery patients as they adjust to diminished weight and differentiate that adjustment from the more general concept of body image.BackgroundBariatric surgery is an effective way to reduce weight and comorbidities associated with obesity. Complete success requires that patients must adjust psychologically as they lose weight. If this does not occur, bariatric patients may experience a “mind–body lag,” in which the patient's internal body image lags behind the external changes. Hermans’ Dialogical Self Theory of “I‐positions” is a foundation with which to understand this problem.DesignDescriptive correlational study of postoperative bariatric patients explored the concept of “I‐obese” and “I‐ex‐obese” in an effort to quantify previous qualitative findings and develop a survey questionnaire.MethodsBariatric patients (N = 55) between 18–30 months postoperative completed one‐hour interviews. Cluster analysis and chi‐squared analysis compared mean scores and explored the prevalence of “I‐positions” and body image concerns in the participants.ResultsCluster analysis of the survey data identified participants as falling into either “I‐obese,” “I‐ex‐obese” or “mixed I‐obese” categories. There were significantly higher body image concerns in the “I‐obese” participants than those identified as “I‐ex‐obese.” The majority of female participants reported high body image concerns. There was no significant association with weight loss percentage.ConclusionThis research establishes a connection in this study sample of women who experience body image concerns and prolonged “I‐obese” identification 18–30 months after their bariatric surgery.Relevance to clinical practiceTo date, the primary measure of bariatric surgery success has focused almost exclusively on the amount of weight loss. Implementing psychological as well as physiological care, however, may be the key to full recovery and long‐term success. Practitioners can use this new information to plan effective pre‐ and postoperative psychological preparation and support.
Postnatal psychosocial assessment and clinical decision‐making, a descriptive study
Authors: Sims Deborah Jane , Fowler Cathrine 
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectivesTo describe experienced child and family health nurses’ clinical decision‐making during a postnatal psychosocial assessment.BackgroundMaternal emotional well‐being in the postnatal year optimises parenting and promotes infant development. Psychosocial assessment potentially enables early intervention and reduces the risk of a mental disorder occurring during this time of change. Assessment accuracy and the interventions used are determined by the standard of nursing decision‐making.DesignA qualitative methodology was employed to explore decision‐making behaviour when conducting a postnatal psychosocial assessment.MethodsThis study was conducted in an Australian early parenting organisation. Twelve experienced child and family health nurses were interviewed. A detailed description of a postnatal psychosocial assessment process was obtained using a critical incident technique. Template analysis was used to determine the information domains the nurses accessed, and content analysis was used to determine the nurses’ thinking strategies, to make clinical decisions from this assessment.ResultsThe nurses described 24 domains of information and used 17 thinking strategies, in a variety of combinations. The four information domains most commonly used were parenting, assessment tools, women‐determined issues and sleep. The seven thinking strategies most commonly used were searching for information, forming relationships between the information, recognising a pattern, drawing a conclusion, setting priorities, providing explanations for the information and judging the value of the information.ConclusionThe variety and complexity of the clinical decision‐making involved in postnatal psychosocial assessment confirm that the nurses use information appropriately and within their scope of nursing practice. The standard of clinical decision‐making determines the results of the assessment and the optimal access to care.Relevance to clinical practiceKnowledge of the information domains and the decision‐making strategies that experienced nurses use for psychosocial assessment potentially improves practice by providing a framework for education and mentoring.
The chaos of hospitalisation for patients with critical limb ischaemia approaching major amputation
Authors: Monaro Susan , West Sandra , Pinkova Jana , Gullick Janice 
Published: May 2018

Aims and objectivesTo illuminate the hospital experience for patients and families when major amputation has been advised for critical limb ischaemia (CLI).BackgroundCLI creates significant burden to the health system and the family, particularly as the person with CLI approaches amputation. Major amputation is often offered as a late intervention for CLI in response to the marked deterioration of an ischaemic limb, and functional decline from reduced mobility, intractable pain, infection and/or toxaemia. While a wealth of clinical outcome data on CLI and amputation exists internationally, little is known about the patient/family‐centred experience of hospitalisation to inform preservation of personhood and patient‐centred care planning.DesignLongitudinal qualitative study using Heideggerian phenomenology.MethodsFourteen patients and 13 family carers provided a semistructured interview after advice for major amputation. Where amputation followed, a second interview (6 months postprocedure) was provided by eight patients and seven family carers. Forty‐two semistructured interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis followed.ResultsHospitalisation for CLI, with or without amputation, created a sense of chaos, characterised by being fragile and needing more time for care (fragile body and fragile mind, nurse busyness and carer hypervigilance), being adrift within uncontrollable spaces (noise, unreliable space, precarious accommodation and unpredictable scheduling) and being confused by missed and mixed messages (multiple stakeholders, information overload and cultural/linguistic diversity).ConclusionsPatients and families need a range of strategies to assist mindful decision‐making in preparation for amputation in what for them is a chaotic process occurring within a chaotic environment. Cognitive deficits increase the care complexity and burden of family advocacy.Relevance to clinical practiceA coordinated, interprofessional response should improve systems for communication, family engagement, operation scheduling and discharge planning to support preparation, adjustment and allow a sense of safety to develop. Formal peer support for patients and caregivers should be actively facilitated.