bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium-induced calcium release activates spontaneous miniature outward currents in newt medullary reticular formation neurons
Authors: Yaeger Daniel B. , Coddington Emma J. 
Published: June 2018

Neurons in the medullary reticular formation are involved in the control of postural and locomotor behaviors in all vertebrates. Reticulospinal neurons in this brain region provide one of the major descending projections to the spinal cord. Although neurons in the newt medullary reticular formation have been extensively studied using in vivo extracellular recordings, little is known of their intrinsic biophysical properties or of the underlying circuitry of this region. Using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in brain slices containing the rostromedial reticular formation from adult male newts, we observed spontaneous miniature outward currents (SMOCs) in ~2/3 of neurons. Although SMOCs superficially resembled inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), they had slower risetimes and decay times than spontaneous IPSCs. SMOCs required intracellular Ca2+release from ryanodine receptors and were also dependent on the influx of extracellular Ca2+. SMOCs were unaffected by apamin but were partially blocked by iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin, indicating that SMOCs were mediated by big-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channels. Application of the sarco/endoplasmic Ca2+ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid blocked the generation of SMOCs and also increased neural excitability. Neurons with SMOCs had significantly broader action potentials, slower membrane time constants, and higher input resistance than neurons without SMOCs. Thus, SMOCs may serve as a mechanism to regulate action potential threshold in a majority of neurons within the newt medullary reticular formation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The medullary reticular formation exerts a powerful influence on sensorimotor integration and subsequent motor behavior, yet little is known about the neurons involved. In this study, we identify a transient potassium current that regulates action potential threshold in a majority of medullary reticular neurons.
The Community Pharmacist’s Role in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Lebanon: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fahs Iqbal M. , Hallit Souheil , Rahal Mohamad K. , Malaeb Diana N. 
Published: June 2018

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To assess the role of the pharmacist in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Lebanese adults in urban and rural areas. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a prospective survey, 865 out of 1,000 participants aged ≥45 years, previously interviewed, agreed to be followed at 1 and 2 years time points. Parameters including blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, average number of risk factors, and atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk were assessed and evaluated at the beginning of the study, then after 1 and 2 years. <b><i>Results:</i></b> During both follow-ups, the mean average body mass index and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly and the lipid profile improved significantly. Further significant improvements in ASCVD risk occurred during the second follow-up. Monitoring parameters revealed significant improvements as well. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study showed that a plan that includes pharmacists, who regularly monitor and follow-up patients, could improve CVD prevention through the reduction of risk factors.
Prognostic Significance of Baseline Serum Sodium in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Patel Yash R. , Kurgansky Katherine E. , Imran Tasnim F. , Orkaby Ariela R. , McLean Robert R. , Ho Yuk‐Lam , Cho Kelly , Gaziano J. Michael , Djousse Luc , Gagnon David R. , Joseph Jacob 
Published: June 2018

Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum sodium at the time of diagnosis and long term clinical outcomes in a large national cohort of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

We studied 25 440 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction treated at Veterans Affairs medical centers across the United States between 2002 and 2012. Serum sodium at the time of heart failure diagnosis was analyzed as a continuous variable and in categories as follows: low (115.00–134.99 mmol/L), low‐normal (135.00–137.99 mmol/L), referent group (138.00–140.99 mmol/L), high normal (141.00–143.99 mmol/L), and high (144.00–160.00 mmol/L). Multivariable Cox regression and negative binomial regression were performed to estimate hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [CI]) and incidence density ratios (95%
CI
) for the associations of serum sodium with mortality and hospitalizations (heart failure and all‐cause), respectively. The average age of patients was 70.8 years, 96.2% were male, and 14% were black. Compared with the referent group, low, low‐normal, and high sodium values were associated with 36% (95%
CI
, 28%–44%), 6% (95% CI, 1%–12%), and 9% (95% CI, 1%–17%) higher risk of all‐cause mortality, respectively. Low and low‐normal serum sodium were associated with 48% (95%
CI
, 10%–100%) and 38% (95% CI, 8%–77%) higher risk of number of days of heart failure hospitalizations per year, and with 44% (95%
CI
, 32%–56%) and 18% (95% CI, 10%–27%) higher risk of number of days of all‐cause hospitalizations per year, respectively.

Conclusions
Both elevated and reduced serum sodium, including values currently considered within normal range, are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Effect of Change in Total Cholesterol Levels on Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults
Authors: Jeong Su‐Min , Choi Seulggie , Kim Kyuwoong , Kim Sung Min , Lee Gyeongsil , Park Seong Yong , Kim Yeon‐Yong , Son Joung Sik , Yun Jae‐Moon , Park Sang Min 
Published: June 2018

Background

Although high serum cholesterol in young adults is known to be a predictor for cardiovascular events, there is not enough evidence for the association of cholesterol level change with cardiovascular disease (
CVD
). This study aimed to evaluate whether the change in cholesterol is associated with incidence of
CVD
among young adults.

Methods and Results

We examined 2 682 045 young adults (aged 20–39 years) who had undergone 2 consecutive national health check‐ups provided by Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2002 and 2005. Cholesterol levels were classified into low (<180 mg/dL), middle (180–240 mg/dL) and high (≥240 mg/dL).
CVD
events were defined as ≥2 days hospitalization attributable to
CVD
for 10 years follow‐up. Increased cholesterol levels were significantly associated with elevated ischemic heart disease risk (adjusted hazard ration [
aHR
]=1.21; 95% confidence interval [
CI
]=1.03–1.42 in low‐high group and
aHR
=1.21; 95%
CI
=1.15–1.27 in middle‐high group) and cerebrovascular disease (
CEVD
) risk (
aHR
=1.24; 95%
CI
=1.05–1.47 in low‐high group and
aHR
=1.09; 95%
CI
=1.02–1.16 in middle‐high group). Decreased cholesterol levels were associated with reduced ischemic heart disease risk (
aHR
=0.91; 95%
CI
=0.88–0.95 in middle‐low group,
aHR
=0.65; 95%
CI
=0.56–0.75 in high‐low group and
aHR
=0.68; 95%
CI
=0.65–0.73 in high‐middle group). Furthermore, lower cerebrovascular disease risk (
aHR
=0.76; 95%
CI
=0.62–0.92) was observed in the high‐low group compared with patients with sustained high cholesterol.

Conclusions

The findings of our study indicate that increased cholesterol levels were associated with high
CVD
risk in young adults. Furthermore, young adults with decreased cholesterol levels had reduced risk for
CVD
.
Loss‐Framed Financial Incentives and Personalized Goal‐Setting to Increase Physical Activity Among Ischemic Heart Disease Patients Using Wearable Devices: The ACTIVE REWARD Randomized Trial
Authors: Chokshi Neel P. , Adusumalli Srinath , Small Dylan S. , Morris Alexander , Feingold Jordyn , Ha Yoonhee P. , Lynch Marta D. , Rareshide Charles A.L. , Hilbert Victoria , Patel Mitesh S. 
Published: June 2018

Background

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, but most ischemic heart disease (
IHD
) patients do not obtain enough.

Methods and Results

ACTIVE REWARD (A Clinical Trial Investigating Effects of a Randomized Evaluation of Wearable Activity Trackers with Financial Rewards) was a 24‐week home‐based, remotely monitored, randomized trial with a 16‐week intervention (8‐week ramp‐up incentive phase and 8‐week maintenance incentive phase) and an 8‐week follow‐up. Patients used wearable devices to track step counts and establish a baseline. Patients in control received no other interventions. Patients in the incentive arm received personalized step goals and daily feedback for all 24 weeks. In the ramp‐up incentive phase, daily step goals increased weekly by 15% from baseline with a maximum of 10 000 steps and then remained fixed. Each week, $14 was allocated to a virtual account; $2 could be lost per day for not achieving step goals. The primary outcome was change in mean daily steps from baseline to the maintenance incentive phase. Ischemic heart disease patients had a mean (
SD
) age of 60 (11) years and 70% were male. Compared with control, patients in the incentive arm had a significantly greater increase in mean daily steps from baseline during ramp‐up (1388 versus 385; adjusted difference, 1061 [95% confidence interval, 386–1736];
P
<0.01), maintenance (1501 versus 264; adjusted difference, 1368 [95% confidence interval, 571–2164];
P
<0.001), and follow‐up (1066 versus 92; adjusted difference, 1154 [95% confidence interval, 282–2027];
P
<0.01).

Conclusions
Loss‐framed financial incentives with personalized goal setting significantly increased physical activity among ischemic heart disease patients using wearable devices during the 16‐week intervention, and effects were sustained during the 8‐week follow‐up.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02531022.
First Application of the Local Ensemble Tangent Linear Model (LETLM) to a Realistic Model of the Global Atmosphere
Authors: Frolov Sergey , Allen Douglas R. , Bishop Craig H. , Langland Rolf , Hoppel Karl W. , Kuhl David D. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The local ensemble tangent linear model (LETLM) provides an alternative method for creating the tangent linear model (TLM) and adjoint of a nonlinear model that promises to be easier to maintain and more computationally scalable than earlier methods. In this paper, we compare the ability of the LETLM to predict the difference between two nonlinear trajectories of the Navy’s global weather prediction model at low resolution (2.5° at the equator) with that of the TLM currently used in the Navy’s four-dimensional variational (4DVar) data assimilation scheme. When compared to the pair of nonlinear trajectories, the traditional TLM and the LETLM have improved skill relative to persistence everywhere in the atmosphere, except for temperature in the planetary boundary layer. In addition, the LETLM was, on average, more accurate than the traditional TLM (error reductions of about 20% in the troposphere and 10% overall). Sensitivity studies showed that the LETLM was most sensitive to the number of ensemble members, with the performance gradually improving with increased ensemble size up to the maximum size attempted (400). Inclusion of physics in the LETLM ensemble leads to a significantly improved representation of the boundary layer winds (error reductions of up to 50%), in addition to improved winds and temperature in the free troposphere and in the upper stratosphere/lower mesosphere. The computational cost of the LETLM was dominated by the cost of ensemble propagation. However, the LETLM can be precomputed before the 4DVar data assimilation algorithm is executed, leading to a significant computational advantage.
Cold Winters Warming? Perceptions of Climate Change in the North Country
Authors: Hamilton Lawrence C. , Lemcke-Stampone Mary , Grimm Curt 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Public acceptance of the reality of human-caused climate change has risen gradually in the United States, reflecting cumulative impacts from scientific research and communication, and perhaps also from experienced manifestations such as extreme weather or change to familiar seasons. In the rural North Country of northern New England, a key manifestation of climate change has been warming winters. A 2017 survey asked North Country residents whether they thought that recent winters have been warmer compared with earlier decades. Winter warming, which in this historically snowy region has broad impacts ranging from the economy to everyday life, was recognized by a majority of residents young and old, male and female, with little or much education—but not by the most conservative. Although our winter question does not mention climate change, responses followed patterns similar to a subsequent question about human-caused climate change. Moreover, the partisan gradient in response to both winter and climate questions is steepest among people reporting that most of their friends belong to the same political party. Partisan constraints on perception of a mundane physical reality could limit the scope for weather or climate experiences to alter beliefs among those whose political/social identity favors climate-change rejection.
Episodic foresight deficits in regular, but not recreational, cannabis users
Authors: Mercuri Kimberly , Terrett Gill , Henry Julie D , Curran H Valerie , Elliott Morgan , Rendell Peter G 
Published: June 2018

Background: Cannabis use is associated with a range of neurocognitive deficits, including impaired episodic memory. However, no study to date has assessed whether these difficulties extend to episodic foresight, a core component of which is the ability to mentally travel into one’s personal future. This is a particularly surprising omission given that episodic memory is considered to be critical to engage episodic foresight. Aims: In the present study, we provide the first test of how episodic foresight is affected in the context of differing levels of cannabis use, and the degree to which performance on a measure of this construct is related to episodic memory. Results: Fifty-seven regular cannabis users (23 recreational, 34 regular) and 57 controls were assessed using an adapted version of the Autobiographical Interview. The results showed that regular-users exhibited greater impairment of episodic foresight and episodic memory than both recreational-users and cannabis-naïve controls. Conclusions: These data therefore show for the first time that cannabis-related disruption of cognitive functioning extends to the capacity for episodic foresight, and they are discussed in relation to their potential implications for functional outcomes in this group.
Can baclofen change alcohol-related cognitive biases and what is the role of anxiety herein?
Authors: Beraha Esther M , Salemink Elske , Krediet Erwin , Wiers Reinout W 
Published: June 2018

Background: Baclofen has shown promise in the treatment of alcohol dependence. However, its precise (neuro-) psychological working mechanism is still under debate. Aims: This study aimed to get a better understanding of baclofen’s working mechanism by examining the effect of baclofen on cognitive biases. It was hypothesized that baclofen, compared to placebo, would lead to weaker cognitive biases. Furthermore, given a suggested anxiolytic effect of baclofen, we expected that anxiety would moderate this effect. Methods: From a larger randomized clinical trial (RCT) with 151 participants, a subset of 143 detoxified alcohol-dependent patients, either taking baclofen or placebo, was examined. Attentional bias for alcohol (500 and 1500 ms), alcohol approach tendencies, implicit alcohol-relaxation associations and trait anxiety were assessed before the administration of baclofen or placebo. Four weeks later, 94 patients were still abstinent (53 in the baclofen and 41 in the placebo condition) and cognitive biases were assessed again. Results: At baseline, patients showed a vigilance-avoidance pattern for the attentional bias (at 500 and 1500 ms, respectively) and alcohol-negative associations. After 4 weeks, an indication for an attentional bias away from alcohol at 500 ms was found only in the baclofen group; however, cognitive biases did not differ significantly between treatment groups. No moderating role of anxiety on cognitive biases was found. Conclusions: Baclofen did not lead to a differential change in cognitive biases compared with placebo, and trait anxiety levels did not moderate this. A better understanding of the working mechanism of baclofen and predictors of treatment success would allow prescribing of baclofen in a more targeted manner.
The effect of route of administration on the enantioselective pharmacokinetics of ketamine and norketamine in rats
Authors: Le Nedelec Martin , Glue Paul , Winter Helen , Goulton Chelsea , Medlicott Natalie J 
Published: June 2018

Background: Ketamine has been shown to produce a rapid and potent antidepressant response in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Currently ketamine is most commonly administered as a 40-minute intravenous infusion, though it is unknown whether this is the optimal route of administration. Aims: To determine the plasma concentration time course of the R- and S-enantiomers of ketamine and norketamine following administration of ketamine by four different routes of administration. Methods: Plasma from conscious non-anaesthetised rats was collected following administration of ketamine by either subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), intravenous infusion (IVI) or intravenous bolus (IVB) routes of administration. Concentrations of the enantiomers of ketamine and norketamine were determined by LC/MS. Results: Administration by the SC, IM and IVI routes produced an overall similar drug exposure. In contrast, administration by the IVB route produced approximately 15-fold higher peak plasma concentrations for the enantiomers of ketamine and an approximately four-fold lower AUC for the enantiomers of norketamine. Conclusions: Route of administration can significantly influence ketamine and norketamine exposures. These differences may influence safety and tolerability, and potentially drug efficacy in humans. This knowledge adds to current research into the optimisation of the use of ketamine for the treatment of depression.
Quantification of [18F]florbetapir: A test–retest tracer kinetic modelling study
Authors: Golla Sandeep SV , Verfaillie Sander CJ , Boellaard Ronald , Adriaanse Sofie M , Zwan Marissa D , Schuit Robert C , Timmers Tessa , Groot Colin , Schober Patrick , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M , Windhorst Albert D , van Berckel Bart NM , Lammertsma Adriaan A 
Published: June 2018

Accumulation of amyloid beta can be visualized using [18F]florbetapir positron emission tomography. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal model for quantifying [18F]florbetapir uptake and to assess test–retest reliability of corresponding outcome measures. Eight Alzheimer’s disease patients (age: 67 ± 6 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): 23 ± 3) and eight controls (age: 63 ± 4 years, MMSE: 30 ± 0) were included. Ninety-minute dynamic positron emission tomography scans, together with arterial blood sampling, were acquired immediately following a bolus injection of 294 ± 32 MBq [18F]florbetapir. Several plasma input models and the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) were evaluated. The Akaike information criterion was used to identify the preferred kinetic model. Compared to controls, Alzheimer’s disease patients had lower MMSE scores and evidence for cortical Aβ pathology. A reversible two-tissue compartment model with fitted blood volume fraction (2T4k_VB) was the preferred model for describing [18F]florbetapir kinetics. SRTM-derived non-displaceable binding potential (BPND) correlated well (r2 = 0.83, slope = 0.86) with plasma input-derived distribution volume ratio. Test–retest reliability for plasma input-derived distribution volume ratio, SRTM-derived BPND and SUVr(50–70) were r = 0.88, r = 0.91 and r = 0.86, respectively. In vivo kinetics of [18F]florbetapir could best be described by a reversible two-tissue compartmental model and [18F]florbetapir BPND can be reliably estimated using an SRTM.
Determinants of Quality of Life of Elderly Patients Attending a General Practice Clinic in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Fakoya Oladipupo O. , Abioye-Kuteyi Emmanuel A. , Bello Ibrahim S. , Oyegbade Olarenwaju O. , Olowookere Samuel A. , Ezeoma Ikechi T. 
Published: June 2018

Background Aging is associated with change in health status and decreasing functional capacity affecting the general well-being of individuals with increase in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Objective This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) and its determinants in elderly patients attending a general practice clinic in Southwest Nigeria. Method Descriptive cross-sectional study of consenting elderly patients completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on QoL and its determinants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Logistic regression was done to identify predictors of QoL. Results A total of 216 older adults were interviewed. Only 25% had good QoL with majority having multiple morbidities which was associated with poorer QoL. Predictors of QoL were family support (odds ratio = 0.249, 95% confidence interval [0.079, 0.850], p = .026) and socioeconomic class (odds ratio = 3.66, 95% confidence interval [1.47, 7.87], p = .004) of the respondents. Conclusion QoL was found to be poor among the study population and worst in those with multiple morbidities. There is a need for policy direction to advocate for preventive strategies for risk of chronic diseases as well as provide better access to primary care through National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Carotid near-occlusion can be identified with ultrasound by low flow velocity distal to the stenosis
Authors: Johansson Elias , Benhabib Hadas , Herod Wendy , Hopyan Julia , Machnowska Matylda , Maggisano Robert , Aviv Richard , Fox Allan J 
Published: June 2018

Background Most carotid near-occlusions are indistinguishable from conventional ≥ 50% stenosis on ultrasound, demonstrating high peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the stenosis. Purpose To study whether the velocity distal to the stenosis can separate high PSV near-occlusion from conventional ≥ 50% stenosis. Material and Methods We included patients with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis with high PSV (≥125 cm/s), examined with both computed tomography angiography (CTA) and ultrasound within 30 days, and a distal velocity measurement was performed. Based on CTA, cases were divided into three groups: conventional stenosis; near-occlusion without full collapse (NwoC; normal-appearing albeit small distal artery); and near-occlusion with full collapse (NwC; threadlike distal artery). Distal Doppler ultrasound flow velocities were compared between these groups. Results Sixty patients were included: 33 patients with conventional stenosis; 20 patients with NwoC; and seven patients with NwC. Mean distal PSV was 93, 63, and 21 cm/s ( P < 0.001) and mean distal end-diastolic velocity was 30, 24, and 5 cm/s ( P < 0.001), respectively. A distal PSV < 50 cm/s was 63% sensitive and 94% specific for separating both types of near-occlusion from conventional stenosis. Conclusion In high PSV carotid stenoses, the distal velocity was lower in near-occlusions than conventional carotid stenosis. Distal velocities warrant further investigation in diagnostic studies.