bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced heart rate variability in remitted bipolar disorder and recurrent depression
Authors: Bassett Darryl , Bear Natasha , Nutt David , Hood Sean , Bassett Sherylee , Hans Davinder 
Published: June 2016

Objective: There is evidence that mood disorders are associated with impaired parasympathetic nervous system function and consequently increased morbidity and mortality. Our study addresses whether this impairment persists into remission in unipolar and bipolar disorders. Methods: Heart Rate Variability was measured in groups of subjects during remission, with Bipolar Affective Disorder I ( n = 29), recurrent Major Depressive Disorder ( n = 41) and a healthy control group ( n = 38), during the bedtime period. Results: Heart Rate Variability was found to be lower in the bipolar and depression groups, compared with control subjects, using the Root Mean Square of Successive Distances variable, and lower in the depression group using the Standard Deviation of Normal to Normal variable and the Standard Deviation, Poincare Plot variable. Conclusion: Autonomic function during bedtime was impaired in subjects with Bipolar I and recurrent Major Depressive Disorder, despite clinical remission. This has significant implications for the morbidity and mortality of patients with major mood disorders.
Auditory Attention and Comprehension During a Simulated Night Shift
Authors: Pilcher June J. , Jennings Kristen S. , Phillips Ginger E. , McCubbin James A. 
Published: June 2016

Objective: The current study investigated performance on a dual auditory task during a simulated night shift. Background: Night shifts and sleep deprivation negatively affect performance on vigilance-based tasks, but less is known about the effects on complex tasks. Because language processing is necessary for successful work performance, it is important to understand how it is affected by night work and sleep deprivation. Method: Sixty-two participants completed a simulated night shift resulting in 28 hr of total sleep deprivation. Performance on a vigilance task and a dual auditory language task was examined across four testing sessions. Results: The results indicate that working at night negatively impacts vigilance, auditory attention, and comprehension. The effects on the auditory task varied based on the content of the auditory material. When the material was interesting and easy, the participants performed better. Night work had a greater negative effect when the auditory material was less interesting and more difficult. Conclusion: These findings support research that vigilance decreases during the night. The results suggest that auditory comprehension suffers when individuals are required to work at night. Maintaining attention and controlling effort especially on passages that are less interesting or more difficult could improve performance during night shifts. Application: The results from the current study apply to many work environments where decision making is necessary in response to complex auditory information. Better predicting the effects of night work on language processing is important for developing improved means of coping with shiftwork.
Talk versus Action
Authors: Mendez-Luck Carolyn A. , Amorim Clarice , Anthony Katherine P. 
Published: June 2016

Purpose The purpose of this longitudinal qualitative study was to explore Latino caregiving dyads’ experiences with managing diabetes in the home. Methods The authors used Sebern’s Shared Care construct as a framework for understanding the realities that some Latino older adults and their caregivers face in managing diabetes. Twelve caregiving dyads completed a semistructured interview followed by weekly participant observation in their homes over 3 to 4 months. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results Diet was the most commonly discussed and observed aspect of diabetes care and also a source of strain within dyads. Dyads talked and acted congruently about food preparation and the challenges of diet adherence but had conflicting views on whether the care receiver’s diabetes was under control. Analysis also revealed a discordance between views and observed actions of diabetes care related to monitoring blood glucose levels. Conclusion Findings suggest that caregivers or other key family members should be considered as active participants in diabetes management among Latinos, which is consistent with American Diabetes Association and Institute of Medicine recommendations for a patient- and family-centered approach to improve care. In addition, family environments that are in flux, chaotic, or low in resources may benefit from increased support to initiate and maintain diabetes management behaviors.
Defining the optimum tumescent anaesthesia solution in endovenous laser ablation
Authors: Wallace Tom , Leung Clement , Nandhra Sandip , Samuel Nehemiah , Carradice Daniel , Chetter Ian 
Published: June 2016

Objectives To produce a tumescent anaesthesia solution with physiological pH for endovenous thermal ablation and evaluate its influence on peri- and postoperative pain, clinical and quality of life outcomes, and technical success. Methods Tumescent anaesthetic solution (0.1% lidocaine with 1:2,000,000 epinephrine) was titrated to physiological pH by buffering with 2 ml incremental aliquots of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy were studied before and after introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic. Primary outcome was perioperative pain measured on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were daily pain scores during the first postoperative week, complications, time to return to normal activity, patient satisfaction, generic and disease-specific quality of life, and technical success. Patients were assessed at baseline, and at 1, 6 and 12 weeks following the procedure. Results A physiological pH was achieved with the addition of 10 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate to 1 l of standard tumescent anaesthetic solution. Sixty-two patients undergoing great saphenous vein endovenous laser ablation with phlebectomy were recruited before and after the introduction of buffered tumescent anaesthetic solution. Baseline and operative characteristics were well matched. The buffered solution was associated with significantly lower (median (interquartile range)) periprocedural pain scores (1 (0.25–2.25) versus 4 (3–6), p < 0.001) and postoperative pain score at the end of the treatment day (1.8 (0.3–2.8) versus 3.0 (1.2–5.2), p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between the groups at any other time. There were no significant differences in other clinical outcomes between the groups. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in generic and disease-specific quality of life, with no intergroup differences. Both groups demonstrated 100% ultrasonographic technical success at all time points. Conclusions Buffering of tumescent anaesthetic solution during endovenous thermal ablation is a simple, safe, inexpensive and effective means of reducing perioperative and early postoperative pain.
Portal vein stent placement with or without varix embolization of jejunal variceal bleeding after hepatopancreatobiliary surgery
Authors: Shim Dong Jae , Shin Ji Hoon , Ko Gi-Young , Kim Yook , Han Kichang , Gwon Dong-Il , Ko Heung-Kyu 
Published: June 2016

Background Extrahepatic portal hypertension after surgery involving the duodenum or jejunum might result in massive ectopic variceal bleeding. Purpose To report the results of portal vein stent placement with the addition of variceal embolization. Material and Methods Between January 2000 and June 2015, portal vein stent placement was attempted in 477 patients. Of these, 22 patients (age, 63 ± 10 years) with jejunal variceal bleeding caused by portal vein obstruction after surgery were included in this study. Computed tomography (CT) findings before and after treatment and the rates of technical and clinical success, complications, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results Stent placement was successful in 19 of 22 patients. Additional variceal embolization was performed in five cases. Clinical success, defined as the cessation of bleeding without recurrence within 1 month, was achieved in 18 of 19 patients with technical success. One patient developed recurrent bleeding 4 days after stent placement and was successfully treated with additional variceal embolization. There were no procedure-related complications. A regression of the jejunal varices was noted in 14 of 19 patients on follow-up CT scans. During the follow-up period (258 days; range, 7–1196 days), stent occlusion and recurrent bleeding occurred in six and four patients, respectively, of the 19 patients who achieved technical success. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences regarding stent patency between benign and malignant strictures. Conclusion Percutaneous, transhepatic, portal vein stent placement with or without jejunal variceal embolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment for jejunal variceal bleeding after surgery.
A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Lantto Iikka , Heikkinen Juuso , Flinkkila Tapio , Ohtonen Pasi , Siira Pertti , Laine Vesa , Leppilahti Juhana 
Published: June 2016

Background: The optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures for active patients is under debate. Purpose: To compare clinical outcomes and calf muscle strength recovery after the nonsurgical treatment and open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures with identical accelerated rehabilitation programs. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: From 2009 to 2013, a total of 60 patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomized to surgery or nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment included first a week of cast immobilization, followed by a functional orthosis for 6 weeks, allowing full weightbearing after week 1 and active plantar flexion after week 5. Surgery was simple end-to-end open repair, and postoperative treatment was identical to nonsurgical treatment. Outcome measures included the Leppilahti Achilles tendon performance score, isokinetic calf muscle strength, and RAND 36-Item Health Survey at 18-month follow-up. Results: At 18-month follow-up, the mean Leppilahti score was 79.5 and 75.7 for the surgically and nonsurgically treated groups, respectively (mean difference, 3.8; 95% CI, –1.9 to 9.5; P = .19). Angle-specific peak torque results of affected legs showed that surgery resulted in faster and better recovery of calf muscle strength over the entire range of motion of the ankle joint: at 6 months, the difference varied from 16% to 24% ( P = .016), favoring the surgically treated group, whereas at 18 months, surgically treated patients had 10% to 18% greater strength results ( P = .037). At 18 months, a 14% difference in the peak torque of the affected leg favored the surgical group versus the nonsurgical group (mean peak torque, 110.3 vs 96.5 N·m, respectively; mean difference, 13.6 N·m; 95% CI, 2.0-25.1 N·m; P = .022). The RAND 36-Item Health Survey indicated better results in the domains of physical functioning ( P = .006) and bodily pain ( P = .037) for surgically treated patients. Conclusion: Surgical and nonsurgical treatments of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have similar results in terms of the Achilles tendon performance score, but surgery restores calf muscle strength earlier over the entire range of motion of the ankle joint, with a 10% to 18% strength difference favoring surgery at 18 months. Surgery may also result in better health-related quality of life in the domains of physical functioning and bodily pain compared with nonsurgical treatment. Registration: NCT02012803 ( ClinicalTrials.gov )
Calcium Deficiency in Bangladesh
Authors: Bromage Sabri , Ahmed Tahmeed , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: June 2016

Background: Bangladesh incurs among the highest prevalence of stunting and micronutrient deficiencies in the world, despite efforts against diarrheal disease, respiratory infections, and protein-energy malnutrition which have led to substantial and continuous reductions in child mortality over the past 35 years. Although programs have generally paid more attention to other micronutrients, the local importance of calcium to health has been less recognized. Objective: To synthesize available information on calcium deficiency in Bangladesh in order to inform the design of an effective national calcium program. Methods: We searched 3 online databases and a multitude of survey reports to conduct a narrative review of calcium epidemiology in Bangladesh, including population intake, determinants and consequences of deficiency, and tested interventions, with particular reference to young children and women of childbearing age. This was supplemented with secondary analysis of a national household survey in order to map the relative extent of calcium adequacy among different demographics. Results: Intake of calcium is low in the general population of Bangladesh, with potentially serious and persistent effects on public health. These effects are especially pertinent to young children and reproductive-age women, by virtue of increased physiologic needs, disproportionately poor access to dietary calcium sources, and a confluence of other local determinants of calcium status in these groups. Conclusion: A tablet supplementation program for pregnant women is an appealing approach for the reduction in preeclampsia and preterm birth. Further research is warranted to address the comparative benefit of different promising approaches in children for the prevention of rickets.
Systolic blood pressure, routine kidney variables and renal ultrasonographic findings in cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Taffin Elien RL , Paepe Dominique , Ghys Liesbeth FE , De Roover Katrien , Van de Maele Isabel , Saunders Jimmy H , Duchateau Luc , Daminet Sylvie 
Published: June 2016

Objectives Hypertension is a common cause of proteinuria in HIV-infected people. In cats, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection appears to be associated with proteinuria. Therefore, the results from systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements in naturally infected FIV-positive cats were reviewed to assess whether hypertension contributes to the observed proteinuria in these cats. Ultrasonographic findings in FIV-positive cats were reviewed to complete renal assessment and to extend the scant knowledge on renal ultrasonography in cats. Methods Data from client-owned, naturally infected FIV-positive cats were retrospectively reviewed. To obtain a control group, records were reviewed from age-matched, privately owned, FIV-negative cats. Results Data from 91 FIV-infected and 113 control cats were compared. FIV-infected cats showed a significantly lower SBP ( P <0.0001) and significantly fewer FIV-infected cats were hypertensive (⩾160 mmHg) compared with control cats ( P = 0.025). The prevalence of renal azotaemia did not significantly differ between groups, although FIV-infected cats had significantly lower urine specific gravity (USG) ( P = 0.0273) and a higher incidence of USG below 1.035 ( P = 0.043). Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) was significantly higher in FIV-infected cats ( P = 0.0005) and proteinuria (UPC >0.4) occurred more frequently in FIV-infected cats ( P <0.001). Renal ultrasonography showed abnormalities in 60/91 FIV-infected cats, with hyperechogenic cortices in 39/91 and enlarged kidneys in 31/91. Conclusions and relevance Hypertension can be excluded as a common cause of renal damage leading to proteinuria in FIV-infected cats. Proteinuria and poorly concentrated urine are common in naturally infected FIV-positive cats, in contrast to azotaemia. Clinicians should cautiously interpret ultrasonographic abnormalities as these occur in over half of FIV-infected cats.
Chlorhexidine Bathing Effects on Health-Care-Associated Infections
Authors: Denny Janette , Munro Cindy L. 
Published: June 2016

Background: Health-care-associated infections (HAIs), infections that patients contract during the course of their hospitalization, are receiving a growing amount of attention. Heavy skin bacterial colonization aids in the transmission and development of HAIs. Nurses frequently use bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to reduce patients’ cutaneous microbial burden. This intervention has been shown to have promising but mixed results in the prevention of HAIs. Purpose: This article reviews the literature for evidence on the impact of CHG bathing on HAIs. Method: A literature search was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies and meta-analyses that examined the impact of CHG bathing on HAIs using PubMed and CINAHL with the following search terms: CHG bathing AND healthcare associated infections, surgical site infections ( SSIs), central line associated bloodstream infections ( CLABSIs), ventilator-associated pneumonias ( VAP), catheter-associated urinary-tract infections ( CAUTIs), and Clostridium difficile-associated disease. The initial search identified 23 articles for review. Additional studies were identified by searching references used in original studies or review articles on this topic. Principle findings: There is good evidence to support incorporating a CHG bathing regimen to reduce the incidence of CLABSIs, SSIs, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) HAIs. Conclusion: As CHG becomes a standard practice to prevent HAIs, it is important to monitor for adverse reactions and evidence of resistance/susceptibility.
Sex differences and subclinical retinal injury in pediatric-onset MS
Authors: Graves Jennifer S , Chohan Hardeep , Cedars Benjamin , Arnow Samuel , Yiu Hao , Waubant Emmanuelle , Green Ari 
Published: June 2016

Objective: To assess retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and sex differences in axon loss in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This is a cross-sectional evaluation of consecutive pediatric MS subjects and controls. Eyes with acute optic neuritis (ON) within 6 months of visit were excluded. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) included peripapillary ring and macular scans with post-acquisition segmentation of retinal layers using automated software (Heidelberg v1.8.6.0). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) measured associations of sex, history of ON, disease duration, and age with OCT outcomes. Results: In all, 53 MS subjects (100 eyes, median disease duration = 1.0 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.3, 2.5) were compared to 19 control subjects (38 eyes). Eyes with history of ON showed reduced retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL: −26.8 µm, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −38.9, −14.8, p < 0.001) and 26% lower ganglion cell layer (GCL) volumes (−0.12 mm3, 95% CI = −0.16, −0.072, p < 0.001) compared to control eyes. Non-ON MS eyes had lower temporal RNFL (−11.9 µm, 95% CI = −18.6, −5.3, p < 0.001) and GCL volumes (−0.036 mm3, 95% CI = −0.06, −0.011, p = 0.004) than control eyes. In MS eyes, males versus females had lower global RNFL (−9.4 µm, 95% CI = −17.4, −1.33, p = 0.022) and in ON eyes had lower temporal quadrant RNFL (−9.6 µm, 95% CI = −15.1, −4.15, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Subclinical retinal injury occurs in pediatric-onset MS patients without a history of ON. As in adult-onset MS, substantial GCL thinning is present in eyes with prior ON. Finally, greater retinal axonal injury occurs in boys compared to girls.
Explanatory models and openness about dementia in migrant communities: A qualitative study among female family carers
Authors: van Wezel Nienke , Francke Anneke L , Kayan Acun Emine , Devillé Walter LJM , van Grondelle Nies J , Blom Marco M 
Published: June 2016

Background The prevalence of dementia is increasing among people with a Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese-Creole background. Because informal care is very important in these communities, it is pertinent to see what explanations female family carers have for dementia and whether they can discuss dementia openly within the community and the family. Method Forty-one individual interviews and six focus group interviews ( n = 28) were held with female Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese Creole family carers who are looking after a close relative with dementia, and who live in The Netherlands. Qualitative analysis has been carried out, supported by the software MaxQda. Results The dominant explanations of dementia given by the female family carers interviewed are in line with what Downs et al. describe as the explanatory models ‘dementia as a normal ageing process’ and ‘dementia as a spiritual experience’. In addition, some female family carers gave explanations that were about an interplay between various factors. Turkish and Moroccan informal caregivers ascribe the causes of dementia relatively often to life events or personality traits, whereas Surinamese Creole caregivers frequently mention physical aspects, such as past dehydration. However, the explanatory model ‘dementia as a neuropsychiatric condition', which is dominant in Western cultures, was rarely expressed by the informal caregivers. The female family carers generally talked openly about the dementia with their close family, whereas particularly in the Turkish and Moroccan communities open communication within the broader communities was often hampered, e.g. by feelings of shame. Conclusions Female family carers of Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese Creole backgrounds often consider dementia as a natural consequence of ageing, as a spiritual experience, and/or as an interplay between various factors. They feel they can talk openly about dementia within their close family, while outside the close family this is often more difficult.
Oligodendrocytes in HIV-associated pain pathogenesis
Authors: Shi Yuqiang , Shu Jianhong , Liang Zongsuo , Yuan Subo , Tang Shao-Jun 
Published: June 2016

Background Although the contributions of microglia and astrocytes to chronic pain pathogenesis have been a focal point of investigation in recent years, the potential role of oligodendrocytes, another major type of glial cells in the CNS that generates myelin, remains largely unknown. Results We report here that cell markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, including NG2, PDGFRα, and Olig2, are significantly increased in the spinal dorsal horn of HIV patients who developed chronic pain. The levels of myelin proteins myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein are also aberrant in the spinal dorsal horn of “pain-positive” HIV patients. Similarly, the oligodendrocyte and myelin markers are up-regulated in the spinal dorsal horn of a mouse model of HIV-1 gp120-induced pain. Surprisingly, the expression of gp120-induced mechanical allodynia appears intact up to 4 h after myelin basic protein is knocked down or knocked out. Conclusion These findings suggest that oligodendrocytes are reactive during the pathogenesis of HIV-associated pain. However, interfering with myelination does not alter the induction of gp120-induced pain.