bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does sleep benefit memory consolidation in children with focal epilepsy?
Authors: Chan Samantha , Pressler Ronit , Boyd Stewart G. , Baldeweg Torsten , Cross J. Helen 
Published: January 2017

SummaryObjectiveChildren with epilepsy have high rates of both cognitive impairment and sleep disruption. It is thus assumed that sleep‐dependent memory consolidation is vulnerable to ongoing epileptic activity, but direct evidence of this is limited.MethodsWe performed a within‐subject comparison of memory retention across intervals of wake or overnight sleep. Healthy children (n = 21, 6–16 years, 12 female) and children with focal epilepsy (n = 22, 6–16 years, 9 female) performed verbal and visuospatial memory tasks under each condition. Sleep was assessed with electroencephalography (EEG) polysomnography during the overnight interval. Interictal discharges were quantified manually.ResultsMemory retention was greater in the sleep condition in both the verbal (F1,39 = 10.8, p = 0.002, Cohen's d = 0.67) and the visuospatial (F1,36 = 4.23, p = 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.40) tasks, with no significant interaction of group by condition in either task. Across the total sample, gain in memory retention with sleep in the verbal task correlated with duration of slow wave sleep (r = 0.4, p = 0.01). In patients, sleep‐dependent memory consolidation was negatively correlated with interictal discharge rate in both the verbal (ρ = −0.49, p = 0.04) and visuospatial (ρ = −0.45, p = 0.08) tasks. On post hoc analysis, a longer history of epilepsy (r = 0.53, p = 0.01) and a temporal (t10 = 1.8, p = 0.1, Cohen's d = 0.86) rather than an extratemporal seizure focus (t10 = 0.8, p = 0.4, Cohen's d = 0.30) was associated with greater contribution of sleep to verbal memory retention.SignificanceWe have demonstrated that memory consolidation in children with focal epilepsy benefits from sleep, showing the same correlation with slow wave sleep as in healthy children, but an inverse relationship with the interictal discharge load during sleep. This mechanism appears to be increasingly recruited with longer duration of illness, indicating a resilient homeostatic function which may be harnessed to aid learning.
Measurement and visualization of face‐to‐face interaction among community‐dwelling older adults using wearable sensors
Authors: Masumoto Kouhei , Yaguchi Takaharu , Matsuda Hiroshi , Tani Hideaki , Tozuka Keisuke , Kondo Narihiko , Okada Shuichi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimA number of interventions have been undertaken to develop and promote social networks among community‐dwelling older adults. However, it has been difficult to examine the effects of these interventions, because of problems in assessing interactions. The present study was designed to quantitatively measure and visualize face‐to‐face interactions among elderly participants in an exercise program. We also examined relationships among interactional variables, personality and interest in community involvement, including interactions with the local community.MethodsOlder adults living in the same community were recruited to participate in an exercise program that consisted of four sessions. We collected data on face‐to‐face interactions of the participants by using a wearable sensor technology device.ResultsNetwork analysis identified the communication networks of participants in the exercise program, as well as changes in these networks. Additionally, there were significant correlations between the number of people involved in face‐to‐face interactions and changes in both interest in community involvement and interactions with local community residents, as well as personality traits, including agreeableness.ConclusionsSocial networks in the community are essential for solving problems caused by the aging society. We showed the possible applications of face‐to‐face interactional data for identifying core participants having many interactions, and isolated participants having only a few interactions within the community. Such data would be useful for carrying out efficient interventions for increasing participants’ involvement with their community. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1752–1758.
Making economic evaluations more helpful for treatment choices in haemophilia
Authors: Drummond M. , Houwing N. , Slothuus U. , Giangrande P. 
Published: January 2017

AimPoorly conducted economic evaluations have the potential to mislead both clinicians, leading to inappropriate treatment choices, and payers who must decide on the reimbursement of treatment costs. This paper reviews the methods used in economic evaluations in haemophilia and proposes standards for conducting and reporting such evaluations in the future.MethodsA systematic review of economic evaluations in haemophilia published since 2008 was conducted. The reporting and methods of the studies were assessed using the recently published Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Guidelines (CHEERS) checklist. The key methodological deficiencies in the studies were recorded.ResultsTwenty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria, classified as follows: prophylaxis vs. treatment on‐demand (five studies); use of bypassing therapy (six); immune tolerance induction (four); and other topics (six). In general, the quality of reporting was good. However, it was poorest for the CHEERS item of patient heterogeneity, with most studies lacking discussion of heterogeneity in the patient population. The main recurring methodological deficiencies were the evaluation of single episodes of care rather than entire treatment strategies; inadequate control for confounders when comparing treatment options; the frequent use of expert opinion to determine drug doses and treatment patterns; lack of consideration of patient heterogeneity; failure to identify patient subgroups; and the inadequate exploration of uncertainty in estimates.ConclusionsA set of 12 standards for future reporting and conduct of economic evaluations within haemophilia is proposed, with the objective of making such evaluations more relevant and reliable for those making treatment and reimbursement decisions in the future.
HFE gene mutation is a risk factor for tissue iron accumulation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Turkmen Ercan , Yildirim Tolga , Yilmaz Rahmi , Hazirolan Tuncay , Eldem Gonca , Yilmaz Engin , Aybal Kutlugun Aysun , Altindal Mahmut , Altun Bulent 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroduction:HFE gene mutations are responsible from iron overload in general population. Studies in hemodialysis patients investigated the effect of presence of HFE gene mutations on serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) with conflicting results. However effect of HFE mutations on iron overload in hemodialysis patients was not previously extensively studied.Methods:36 hemodialysis patients (age 51.3 ± 15.6, (18/18) male/female) and 44 healthy control subjects included in this cross sectional study. Hemoglobin, ferritin, TSAT in the preceding 2 years were recorded. Iron and erythropoietin (EPO) administered during this period were calculated. Iron accumulation in heart and liver was detected by MRI. Relationship between HFE gene mutation, hemoglobin, iron parameters and EPO doses, and tissue iron accumulation were determined.Findings:Iron overload was detected in nine (25%) patients. Hemoglobin, iron parameters, weekly EPO doses, and monthly iron doses of patients with and without iron overload were similar. There was no difference between control group and hemodialysis patients with respect to the prevalence of HFE gene mutations. Iron overload was detected in five of eight patients who had HFE gene mutations, but iron overload was present in 4 of 28 patients who had no mutations (P = 0.01). Hemoglobin, iron parameters, erythropoietin, and iron doses were similar in patients with and without gene mutations. HFE gene mutations remained the main determinant of iron overload after multivariate logistic regression analysis (P = 0.02; OR, 11.6).Discussion:Serum iron parameters were not adequate to detect iron overload and HFE gene mutation was found to be an important risk factor for iron accumulation.
Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma: Can morphological features of inferior vena cava tumor thrombus on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging be a prognostic factor?
Authors: Choi Don Kyoung , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Chang Wook , Kwak Cheol , Song Cheryn , Chung Jinsoo , Hong Sung Kyu , Hong Sung‐Hoo , Seo Seong Il ,   the Korean Renal Cancer Study Group
Published: January 2017

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of morphological features of inferior vena cava thrombus on the overall survival and cancer‐specific survival (cancer‐specific survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the records of 156 renal cell carcinoma patients with inferior vena cava thrombus who underwent radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy from 1998 to 2013 at five tertiary centers. Inferior vena cava thrombi were classified as spherical (type I) and spiculated (type II) according to morphological features on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate cox regression models were used to quantify the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival and cancer‐specific survival.ResultsType I was found in 29 patients (18.6%), and type II in 127 patients (81.4%). Median follow up was 38.2 months (interquartile range 12–57). Demographic characteristics were not significantly different, except for the cranial thrombus height (P = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, clinical tumor size, distant metastasis, histologic subtype, thrombus morphology and remnant venous thrombus significantly affected overall survival in pNanyMany patients (all P < 0.05). Among the pNO/XMO patients, clinical tumor size, histologic subtype, thrombus morphology and remnant venous thrombus significantly affected overall survival (all P < 0.05). In terms of cancer‐specific survival, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, clinical tumor size, distant metastasis, histologic subtype and thrombus morphology significantly affected cancer‐specific survival in pNanyMany patients (all P < 0.05). In patients with pNO/XMO, body mass index, clinical tumor size, histological subtype, thrombus morphology and remnant venous thrombus significantly affected cancer‐specific survival (all P < 0.05).ConclusionClinical tumor size, histological subtype, and thrombus morphology are independent predictors of overall survival and cancer‐specific survival in renal cell carcinoma patients with inferior vena cava thrombus. These factors might be helpful for the surgeon's determination to improve therapeutic efficacy.
Nerve growth factor: a neuroimmune crosstalk mediator for all seasons
Authors: Skaper Stephen D. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryNeurotrophic factors comprise a broad family of biomolecules – most of which are peptides or small proteins – that support the growth, survival and differentiation of both developing and mature neurons. The prototypical example and best‐characterized neurotrophic factor is nerve growth factor (NGF), which is widely recognized as a target‐derived factor responsible for the survival and maintenance of the phenotype of specific subsets of peripheral neurons and basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei during development and maturation. In addition to being active in a wide array of non‐nervous system cells, NGF is also synthesized by a range of cell types not considered as classical targets for innervation by NGF‐dependent neurons; these include cells of the immune‐haematopoietic lineage and populations in the brain involved in neuroendocrine functions. NGF concentrations are elevated in numerous inflammatory and autoimmune states such as multiple sclerosis, chronic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and mastocytosis, in conjunction with increased accumulation of mast cells. Intriguingly, NGF seems to be linked also with diabetic pathology and insulin homeostasis. Mast cells and NGF appear involved in neuroimmune interactions and tissue inflammation. As mast cells are capable of producing and responding to NGF, this suggests that alterations in mast cell behaviour could provoke maladaptive neuroimmune tissue responses, including those of an autoimmune nature. Moreover, NGF exerts a modulatory role on sensory nociceptive nerve physiology in the adult, which appears to correlate with hyperalgesic phenomena occurring in tissue inflammation. NGF can therefore be viewed as a multifactorial modulator of neuro–immune–endocrine functions.
Associated use of silicone–vitamin E gauzes and α‐tocopherol acetate oil in healing of skin graft donor sites
Authors: Stanizzi Antonio , Bottoni Manuela , Tartaglione Caterina , Bolletta Elisa , Benedetto Giovanni Di 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTSplit‐thickness skin graft is one of the most used procedures in plastic surgery. This procedure involves numerous painful dressings at the donor site. α‐Tocopherol acetate has anti‐oxidative and anti‐inflammatory properties and it can reduce the local bacterial growth, thereby promoting wound healing. We designed a prospective study to evaluate the effects of two different kinds of dressings at skin graft donor sites. A total of 30 patients were subjected to daily dressings with α‐tocopherol acetate oil and traditional moist gauzes (group 1). Another 30 patients were subjected to dressings every 4 days with α‐tocopherol acetate oil and silicone–vitamin E gauzes (group 2). Healing time, infection rate, patient's pain perception and costs were evaluated in both the groups. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of healing time. The infection rate was slightly different in the two groups. Significant reduction of pain perception was detected in group 2. In the same group, significant reduction in the total cost of the treatment was also observed. α‐Tocopherol acetate oil and silicone–vitamin E gauzes may represent a safe, simple, painless and inexpensive method for improving skin graft donor site healing.
Dietary and nutrition interventions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review
Authors: Campagnolo N. , Johnston S. , Collatz A. , Staines D. , Marshall‐Gradisnik S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is characterised by unexplained fatigue for at least 6 months accompanied by a diverse but consistent set of symptoms. Diet modification and nutritional supplements could be used to improve patient outcomes, such fatigue and quality of life. We reviewed and discussed the evidence for nutritional interventions that may assist in alleviating symptoms of CFS/ME.MethodsMedline, Cinahl and Scopus were systematically searched from 1994 to May 2016. All studies on nutrition intervention were included where CFS/ME patients modified their diet or supplemented their habitual diet on patient‐centred outcomes (fatigue, quality of life, physical activity and/or psychological wellbeing).ResultsSeventeen studies were included that meet the inclusion criteria. Of these, 14 different interventions were investigated on study outcomes. Many studies did not show therapeutic benefit on CFS/ME. Improvements in fatigue were observed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride (NADH), probiotics, high cocoa polyphenol rich chocolate, and a combination of NADH and coenzyme Q10.ConclusionsThis review identified insufficient evidence for the use of nutritional supplements and elimination or modified diets to relieve CFS/ME symptoms. Studies were limited by the number of studies investigating the interventions, small sample sizes, study duration, variety of instruments used, and studies not reporting dietary intake method. Further research is warranted in homogeneous CFS/ME populations.
Glycomacropeptide in children with phenylketonuria: does its phenylalanine content affect blood phenylalanine control?
Authors: Daly A. , Evans S. , Chahal S. , Santra S. , MacDonald A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn phenylketonuria (PKU), there are no data available for children with respect to evaluating casein glycomacropeptide (CGMP) as an alternative to phenylalanine‐free protein substitutes [Phe‐free L‐amino acid (AA)]. CGMP contains a residual amount of phenylalanine, which may alter blood phenylalanine control.MethodsIn a prospective 6‐month pilot study, we investigated the effect on blood phenylalanine control of CGMP‐amino acid (CGMP‐AA) protein substitute in 22 PKU subjects (13 boys, nine girls), median age (range) 11 years (6–16 years). Twelve received CGMP‐AA and nine received Phe‐free L‐AA, (1 CGMP‐AA withdrawal). Subjects partially or wholly replaced Phe‐free L‐AA with CGMP‐AA. If blood phenylalanine exceeded the target range, the CGMP‐AA dose was reduced and replaced with Phe‐free L‐amino acids. The control group remained on Phe‐free L‐AAs. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and Phe : Tyr ratio concentrations were compared with the results for the previous year.ResultsIn the CGMP‐AA group, there was a significant increase in blood phenylalanine concentrations (pre‐study, 275 μmol L−1; CGMP‐AA, 317 μmol L−1; P = 0.02), a decrease in tyrosine concentrations (pre‐study, 50 μmol L−1; CGMP‐AA, 40 μmol L−1; P = 0.03) and an increase in Phe : Tyr ratios (pre‐study, Phe : Tyr 4.9:1; CGMP‐AA, Phe : Tyr 8:1; P = 0.02). In the control group there was a non‐significant fall in phenylalanine concentrations (pre‐study 325μmol/L: study 280μmol/L [p = 0.9], and no significant changes for tyrosine or phe/tyr ratios [p = 0.9]. Children taking the CGMP‐AA found it more acceptable to L‐AA.ConclusionsBlood phenylalanine control declined with CGMP‐AA but, by titrating the dose of CGMP‐AA, blood phenylalanine control remained within target range. The additional intake of phenylalanine may have contributed to the change in blood phenylalanine concentration. CGMP‐AA use requires careful monitoring in children.
A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Interventions to Improve Hand Hygiene Compliance of Nurses in the Hospital Setting
Authors: RN Olena Doronina , Jones Denise , Martello Marianna , Biron Alain , Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the present systematic review is to identify the interventions that improve hand hygiene compliance (HHC) specifically among nurses.MethodsA systematic review was performed guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses to evaluate the short and long‐term effects of interventions to promote hand hygiene practices among nurses in the hospital setting. A search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline Global Health, and Embase was conducted in addition to studies identified by the most recent systematic review. Six studies met inclusion criteria: three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one controlled before and after studies (CBAs), and two interrupted times series (ITS).FindingsOne RCT reported effectiveness and 6‐month sustainability of the effect related to multimodal‐directed and multimodal with team leadership–directed strategies. The other two RCTs found positive effect of education and feedback on compliance; however, compliance rates declined after 1 month. Education was also found to improve HHC up to 3 months postintervention. An electronic reminder and feedback system evaluated by an ITS improved HHC and detected variation in HHC through the day.ConclusionsThis review showed that single and combined interventions do improve hand hygiene practices among nurses; however, there is a need for more methodologically robust studies to define the most effective and sustainable interventions.Clinical RelevanceAlthough hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent healthcare‐associated infections, compliance with hand hygiene remains low. Nurses are among the healthcare providers who spend the most time in direct patient contact. Therefore, there is a need for research to identify the interventions that improve HHC in this group.
Dyadic characteristics of guanxi and their consequences
Authors: Barbalet Jack 
Published: January 2017

AbstractResearch on guanxi is conducted principally within the disciplines of anthropology, business studies and sociology. It typically takes the form of empirical case studies, applications of extrinsic theory and literature reviews cum trend reports. The present paper, on the other hand, provides an analysis of guanxi in consideration of its elemental relations, components and properties. Discussion indicates the limitations of treatments of guanxi in terms of trust, guanxi bases, tie‐strength and the conveyance of influence and information. Having established the characteristic features of guanxi discussion then turns to how it may be an option or choice of commitment for persons and groups in contemporary China, its form and role in marketized exchanges, and how the efficiency of guanxi may be characterized.
The role of interleukin‐27 in predicting spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Li Jie , Mak Lung‐Yi , Wong Danny Ka‐Ho , Fung James , Seto Wai‐Kay , Lai Ching‐Lung , Yuen Man‐Fung 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsHepatitis B e seroconversion, associated with preceding hepatic inflammation, marks the transition from immune active to residual phase in the natural disease history of chronic hepatitis B. Recently, interleukin‐27 has been reported to be associated with hepatic inflammation in hepatitis B infection. We aimed to evaluate the role of interleukin‐27 in predicting spontaneous e seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B.MethodsA total of 142 treatment‐naive hepatitis B patients with positive e antigen were recruited. Interleukin‐27, hepatitis B viral DNA levels and liver function parameters, were measured on presentation. Patients who had spontaneous e seroconversion within 3 years of follow‐up were compared with those without e seroconversion within the same period of time. Factors predictive of spontaneous e seroconversion were identified.ResultsOf the 142 patients (M:F=80:62, median age: 31), 44 (31%) had spontaneous e seroconversion within 3 years of follow‐up. Multivariate analyses revealed that younger age, lower viral DNA and lower interleukin‐27 levels on presentation independently predicted spontaneous e seroconversion: the rate was significantly higher in patients aged <31 (OR: 11.022, 95% CI: 3.658‐33.205; P<.001), viral DNA <5 log IU/mL (OR: 2.311, 95% CI: 1.049‐5.091; P=.038) and interleukin‐27 <67.3 pg/mL (OR: 3.276, 95% CI: 1.257‐8.536; P=.015). Among patients with all these three favourable factors on presentation, 77% of them underwent spontaneous e seroconversion within 3 years.ConclusionsLow interleukin‐27 levels were associated with early e seroconversion. The combination of baseline interleukin‐27 <67.3 pg/mL and viral DNA <5 log IU/mL in young patients was useful for predicting early spontaneous e seroconversion in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients.