bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Oral Sesame Oil Is Ineffectual Against Monocrotaline‐Induced Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Periasamy Srinivasan , Chien Se‐Ping , Liu Ming‐Yie
Published: April 2012

Background: The chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin causes sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), which is analogous to that of monocrotaline‐induced SOS. Sesame oil is a nutrient‐rich antioxidant in alternative medicine. It contains phenol, sesamin, sesamol, and sesamolin, all of which contribute to its antioxidant property. The authors investigated the therapeutic effect of oral sesame oil against monocrotaline‐induced SOS in rats. Methods: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were gavaged with monocrotaline (90 mg/kg) to induce SOS. Control rats were treated with saline only at 0 and 24 hours. Sesame oil (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 mL/kg, orally) was given 24 hours after monocrotaline in rats. Blood samples were collected at 24 and 48 hours after monocrotaline was given to assess the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Histopathology was also assessed 48 hours after monocrotaline was given. Results: AST and ALT were significantly higher in monocrotaline‐treated rats than in control rats. Oral sesame oil did not decrease AST and ALT in monocrotaline‐treated rats. In addition, liver pathology revealed that oral sesame oil had no therapeutic effect against SOS. Conclusion: Oral sesame oil is therapeutically ineffectual against monocrotaline‐induced SOS.
Approach or Avoid? Exploring Overall Justice and the Differential Effects of Positive and Negative Emotions
Authors: Barclay Laurie J. , Kiefer Tina
Published: April 2012

As empirical research exploring the relationship between justice and emotion has accumulated, there have been key questions that have remained unanswered and theoretical inconsistencies that have emerged. In this article, the authors address several of these gaps, including whether overall justice relates to both positive and negative emotions and whether both sets of emotions mediate the relationship between overall justice and behavioral outcomes. They also reconcile theoretical inconsistencies related to the differential effects of positive and negative emotions on behavioral outcomes (i.e., performance, withdrawal, and helping). Across two field studies (Study 1 is a cross-sectional study with multirater data, N = 136; Study 2 is a longitudinal study, N = 451), positive emotions consistently mediated the relationship between overall justice and approach-related behaviors (i.e., performance and helping), whereas negative emotions consistently mediated the relationship between overall justice and avoidance-related behaviors (i.e., withdrawal). Mixed results were found for negative emotions and approach-related behaviors (i.e., performance and helping), which indicated the importance of considering context, time, and target of the behavior. The authors discuss the theoretical implications for the asymmetric and broaden-and-build theories of emotion as well as the importance of simultaneously examining both positive and negative emotions.
Resources Matter
Authors: Norman Patricia M. , Butler Frank C. , Ranft Annette L.
Published: April 2012

Downsizing is a common business management practice. Prior research has examined the financial consequences of downsizing or the impact on individuals remaining in a downsizing organization. Taking a resource-based perspective, this study integrates and extends prior research on downsizing by examining how downsizing influences the relative likelihood that a firm will experience one of three states in the three years following downsizing. Multinomial logistic regression is employed to test hypotheses using a sample of 445 firms that downsized during the period 1995 to 2000. The authors find significant differences in the relative likelihood of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, acquisition, or remaining a nonbankrupt going concern based on the size of the downsizing, firm-level intangible resources, the tangible asset intensity of the firm, and industry-level knowledge intensity. Implications for managers and future research are discussed.
Structural Precursors to Identity Processes
Authors: Merolla David M. , Serpe Richard T. , Stryker Sheldon , Schultz P. Wesley
Published: April 2012

This research investigates how participation in college-based science-training programs increases student intention to pursue a scientific career. Using identity theory, we delineate three levels of social structure and conceptualize science-training programs as proximate social structures. Results from a sample of 892 undergraduate science students are supportive of identity theory and indicate that participation in proximate social structures leads to increased commitment to a science identity, increased salience of a science identity, and increased intention to pursue a scientific career. This study contributes to the literature on identity theory by demonstrating how participation in proximate social structures can lead to subsequent identity processes, thus refining the understanding of how society shapes the self and clarifying how social positioning affects choices for behavior. Additionally, the conceptualization of proximate social structures provides an avenue for applications of identity theory to investigations of other social interventions as well as mechanisms leading to social inequality.
Where does religion meet democracy? A comparative analysis of attitudes in Europe
Authors: Vlas Natalia , Gherghina Sergiu
Published: May 2012

Starting from the growing importance of religion for politics, this article tests whether religion in Europe is connected with democratic attitudes. Analyzing and understanding such a relationship is essential for a better understanding of the prospects of present and future democratic consolidation. Our two-step approach aims to assess the variation and causal forces of democratic attitudes in Europe in the light of broader country-level factors and individual proclivities towards religion and politics. We use data from the European Values Study (1999) for the correlations and regression model. Our findings undermine the existing prejudices according to which Islam leads to authoritarian attitudes. Moreover, we illustrate the crucial roles played by satisfaction with democracy and confidence in the Church in shaping democratic attitudes across religions.
Safer Radiologic Imaging of Otolaryngologic Disease in Children
Authors: Tunkel David E. , Wootton‐Gorges Sandra L. , Wei Julie L.
Published: May 2012

The use of medical imaging is commonplace in children with otolaryngologic disease, with a not insignificant and increasing exposure to ionizing radiation from such diagnostic imaging. Radiation exposure imparts potential cancer risk, particularly in children, who have long life expectancies and are more sensitive to the adverse effects of ionizing radiation. We summarize these issues, with a focus on computed tomography (CT) in children. The otolaryngologist plays a key role optimizing the use and minimizing the risk of diagnostic imaging in children by ordering the correct test at the best time for the right reasons. In concert with radiology colleagues and informed parents, we can improve the safety of radiologic imaging for the children we diagnose and treat.
Dimensions of flow in academic and social activities among summer music camp participants
Authors: Diaz Frank M. , Silveira Jason
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of flow experiences among high school music students attending a two-week summer instrumental music camp. Specifically, the study sought to determine if: (1) students do indeed experience flow in summer camp settings; (2) what activities are conducive to flow; (3) what is the relationship between academic and social contexts in inducing high-level flow experiences; and (4) what is the relationship between attention and enjoyment among these experiences. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to solicit information regarding the aforementioned factors. Results suggested that students experienced flow during a large range of activities, but that musical/academic activities were more conducive to flow than social activities. Additionally, moderate to strong levels of association were found between the variables of attention and enjoyment among the highest-ranked flow-inducing activities. Suggestions for further research as well as implications for music educators are discussed.
Acoustic and perceptual measures of SATB choir performances on two types of portable choral riser units in three singer-spacing conditions
Authors: Daugherty James F. , Manternach Jeremy N. , Brunkan Melissa C.
Published: May 2012

Under controlled conditions, we assessed acoustically (long-term average spectra) and perceptually (singer survey, listener survey) six performances of an soprano, alto, tenor, and bass (SATB) choir ( N = 27) as it sang the same musical excerpt on two portable riser units (standard riser step height, taller riser step height) with varied dimensions of largely horizontal space (close spacing, lateral spacing, circumambient spacing) between singers. Given previous research that suggested horizontally spread spacing between choristers contributes to chorister perceptions of more efficient vocal production and audience preferences for choral sound, we wondered: (1) if spectra analyses might point to a possible acoustical explanation for auditor preferences; and (2) if increasing the height of riser steps to add more vertical space between rows of singers would affect choir sound.

Statistical analyses of spectra data acquired from an audience position microphone found significant differences ( p < .001) in mean signal amplitudes among the various performances. The taller riser unit appeared to enhance modestly the contributions of horizontally spread lateral and circumambient singer spacing. These effects were most robust (c.2–4dB) in diffusion of higher frequency partials in the 2.4–3.7kHz range in and around the ‘singer’s formant’ frequency region on both riser units, and in 4.7–7.1kHz partials on the tall riser unit.

All choristers (100%) thought horizontal singer spacing influenced choir sound; 92.59% of singers described this perceived influence as ‘moderate’ or ‘much.’ Most choristers (96.29%) thought riser step height influenced choral sound, with 62.95% of singers perceiving this influence as ‘moderate’ or ‘much.’ Singers thought spread spacing contributed to most comfortable vocal production, better hearing of self and ensemble, and best overall choir sound.

Listener ( N = 21) survey results indicated significant preference for the overall sound of the spread singer conditions in close versus spread comparisons.
Phonological representations in children with SLI
Authors: Claessen Mary , Leitão Suze
Published: May 2012

It has been hypothesized that children with specific language impairment (SLI) have difficulty processing sound-based information, including storing and accessing phonological representations in the lexicon. Tasks are emerging in the literature that provide a measure of the quality of stored phonological representations, without requiring a verbal response. This article describes the performance of children with specific language impairment (SLI) ( n = 21), typically developing children matched for age ( n = 21), and typically developing children matched for language ( n = 21) on two measures of phonological representations – the Quality of Phonological Representations (QPR) and the Silent Deletion of Phonemes (SDOP) – and a measure of phonological awareness, the Sutherland Phonological Awareness Test: Revised (SPAT-R). As predicted the age-matched (AM) group demonstrated significantly better performance on all tasks than the SLI group. The AM group performed significantly better than the language-matched (LM) group on the SDOP and SPAT tasks, but not significantly differently on the QPR task. The SLI group performed significantly better than the LM group on both the SDOP and SPAT, but their performance on the QPR was significantly weaker than the LM group. The findings of this study provide support for the notion of lower quality phonological representations in children with SLI thus placing them at increased risk of ongoing language and literacy difficulties.
Dutch municipalities and the implementation of social assistance: Making social assistance work
Authors: Blommesteijn Marieke , Kruis Geerten , van Geuns Roeland
Published: May 2012

The Work and Social Assistance Act grants a minimum income to anyone with insufficient means to support themselves. Local authorities (municipalities) have been responsible for implementing the Work and Social Assistance Act since 2004, which includes managing the social security budget and implementing activation programmes. However, it appears that the Work and Social Assistance Act has induced only a modest decline, at the national level, in the number of social assistance recipients. This article focuses on the reasons why local governance has not been as successful as expected. Among the reasons identified are the perverse effects of the structure of financial incentives, which led to, among other things, the prioritisation of short-term gains. Recently, however, there have been signs that municipalities are adopting more developmental and longer-term approaches.
Active labour market policy and direct job creation in Germany: Achievements, challenges, and pitfalls
Authors: Sommer Jörg , Rosenthal Peer
Published: May 2012

Direct job creation has long been a classic instrument of labour market policy, pursuing a number of potential goals. Recently in Germany, policies of this type have come under growing pressure. This is partly due to the increasingly scarce resources available for job creation measures. Taken together with the continual policy reforms of the past few years and the growing pressure on public employment agencies to promote measures of non-subsidized labour market inclusion, this means that the area of direct job creation has come under close scrutiny and forced to justify its approach. In this article, we present our arguments for a further development of local authority concepts with a programmatic segmentation under the headings of ‘structurally effective direct job creation’ and ‘socially inclusive direct job creation’.
Exploring the Latino Paradox
Authors: Campbell Kelly , Garcia Donna M. , Granillo Christina V. , Chavez David V.
Published: May 2012

The authors examined the contributions of economic status (ES) and citizenship status to health differences between European Americans, Latino Americans, and noncitizen Latinos. The investigation was framed using social identity and comparison theories. Southern California residents ( N = 2,164) were randomly selected to complete a telephone interview. Increases in ES predicted health improvements for European Americans across ES levels. For Latino citizens and noncitizens, ES improvements had no effect on objective health. For subjective health, the Latino paradox existed at the lowest ES level for Latino Americans and did not exist for noncitizens. For objective health, the paradox existed in both Latino groups at low ES and additionally for Latino Americans at mid-ES. The study findings suggested that compared to Latinos, improvements in ES have a stronger positive impact on the health of European Americans, which is likely due to the social comparisons being made by each cultural group.
Movement Disorder in Ataxia-Telangiectasia
Authors: Nissenkorn Andreea , Hassin-Baer Sharon , Lerman Sheera F. , Levi Yonit Banet , Tzadok Michal , Ben-Zeev Bruria
Published: May 2012

Ataxia-telangiectasia is a cerebellar neurodegenerative disorder presenting with ataxia, chorea, myoclonus, and bradykinesia. Literature on treatment of movement disorders is scarce. We treated 17 children (aged 11.2 ± 3.9 years) for 8 weeks with the dopaminergic and anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) agent amantadine sulfate 6.3 ± 0.87 mg/kg/d. Ataxia was assessed by using the International Cooperative Ataxia Scale, parkinsonism by the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, and chorea/myoclonus by the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale. Responders were considered those patients who had at least 20% improvement in the summation of the 3 scales. Overall, 76.5% of patients were responders, with a mean 29.3% improvement. Ataxia, involuntary movements, and parkinsonism improved significantly (25.3%, 32.5%, and 29.5%, respectively); ( P < .001, t test). Side effects were mild and transient, and they did not lead to drug discontinuation. Amantadine is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for motor symptoms in ataxia telangiectasia. Assessment of long-term effects and a double-blind study should follow.
Primary Supratentorial Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor in Children
Authors: Li Fang , Gui Qiuping , Piao Yueshan
Published: May 2012

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor is a highly malignant tumor of the central nervous system, usually occurring in the posterior fossa in infants and young children. Supratentorial example is relatively rare, especially with involvement of the cerebral ventricle system. Herein, we reported 2 cases of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor located in the septum pellucidum within the lateral and third ventricles and right parietooccipital region, respectively. Histopathologically, both of the tumors were composed of rhabdoid tumor cells and mesenchymal components, without primitive neuroectodermal tumor or epithelial differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that these tumor cells reacted positively for vimentin, S-100 protein, synaptophysin, and neuron-specific enolase. Only 1 case was found to be epithelial membrane antigen reactive. The tumor cells lacked nuclear expression of INI1. These cases emphasize that atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor should be also considered in the list of differential diagnosis, even when these rhabdoid tumor cells do not arise in the predilection sites.
Producing More Persuasive Antiviolence Messages for College Students
Authors: Yu Hyunjae (Jay)
Published: May 2012

College students, between the ages of about 18 and 24, are the group of people who are most often exposed to situations involving diverse types of violence. They have greater access to alcohol and drugs and are under far less parental supervision than younger age groups; reports have shown that frequent involvement in several types of violent behaviors can seriously damage college students physically and psychologically. However, despite the high rate of violence among college students, there has not been enough discussion about how we can produce more effective antiviolence messages targeting college students. This research provides some useful insights into this issue by testing the possible effects of three antiviolence message conditions: gain/loss framing, different information sources, and negative/positive fact appeal. The results reveal that college students in this study find more appeal in antiviolence messages conveyed by a traditional public service announcement (PSA) than in a TV news report. The results also reveal that people pay more attention to messages that use negative fact appeal (e.g., “There are many people losing a lot of precious things because of their violent behaviors”) than to those that use positive fact appeal (e.g., “There are many people gaining a lot of precious things by avoiding violent behaviors”). An interaction effect between information sources and positive/negative fact appeal was also detected.
Interpersonal Barriers to Stopping Animal Abuse
Authors: Arluke Arnold
Published: May 2012

Research into bystander apathy has focused on the barriers to intervening when the perpetrators and witnesses of violence are strangers. Although violence also occurs in the presence of friends, family, and other close ties, it is unclear how these affiliations constrain the behavior of bystanders in these situations. To explore this question, qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 adolescents who were bystanders to animal abuse committed and/or witnessed by family members, friends, or known others. Most interviewees claimed that, despite feeling disturbed by the animal abuse, they did little if anything to stop the abuse and did not report it to adult authority figures. Friendship norms and breeches presented most interviewees with significant barriers that either stopped or tempered their interventions. Implications of these findings are discussed for educating adolescents to intervene on behalf of abused animals.
Youth Alcohol Use and Dating Abuse Victimization and Perpetration
Authors: Rothman Emily F. , Stuart Gregory L. , Winter Michael , Wang Na , Bowen Deborah J. , Bernstein Judith , Vinci Robert
Published: May 2012

Objective: This study retrospectively examined the daily-level associations between youth alcohol use and dating abuse (DA) victimization and perpetration for a 6-month period. Method: Timeline Followback (TLFB) interview data were collected from 397 urban emergency department patients, ages 17 to 21 years. Patients were eligible if they reported past month alcohol use and past year dating. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses estimated the likelihood of DA on a given day as a function of alcohol use or heavy use (≥4 drinks per day for women, ≥5 drinks per day for men), as compared with nonuse. Results: Approximately 52% of men and 61% of women participants reported experiencing DA victimization ≥1 times during the past 6 months, and 45% of men and 55% of women reported perpetrating DA ≥1 times. For both men and women, DA perpetration was more likely on a drinking day as opposed to a nondrinking day ( ORs = 1.70 and ORs = 1.69, respectively). DA victimization was also more likely on a drinking day as opposed to a nondrinking day for both men and women ( ORs = 1.23 and ORs = 1.34, respectively). DA perpetration and DA victimization were both more likely on heavy drinking days as opposed to nondrinking days (2.04 and 2.03 for men’s and women’s perpetration, respectively, and 1.41 and 1.43 for men’s and women’s victimization, respectively). Conclusions: This study found that alcohol use was associated with increased risk for same day DA perpetration and victimization, for both male and female youth. We conclude that for youth who use alcohol, alcohol use is a potential risk factor for DA victimization and perpetration.
Adulthood Animal Abuse Among Women Court-Referred to Batterer Intervention Programs
Authors: Febres Jeniimarie , Shorey Ryan C. , Brasfield Hope , Zucosky Heather C. , Ninnemann Andrew , Elmquist Joanna , Bucossi Meggan M. , Andersen Shawna M. , Schonbrun Yael C. , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: May 2012

The substantial increase in the enrollment of women in batterer intervention programs (BIPs) over the past 30 years has greatly outpaced research on women who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). As a result, it is unknown whether existing programs, which were originally designed to treat male perpetrators, are effective at preventing recidivism among women. Recent research shows that men who perpetrate IPV may also aggress against nonintimate partners, children, and animals, and that the reach of their aggressive tendencies has implications for treatment. Conducting similar investigations on women who perpetrate IPV may help to inform treatment delivery in BIPs. This study examined the prevalence of adulthood animal abuse perpetration and its association with psychological and physical IPV perpetration in a sample of women arrested for domestic violence ( N = 87). Seventeen percent ( n = 15) of the women committed at least one act of animal abuse since the age of 18, in contrast to the 0.28% prevalence rate reported in the general population. The overrepresentation of animal abuse in this sample was consistent with that of men arrested for domestic violence. Furthermore, women who reported committing animal abuse as an adult showed moderately higher rates of psychological aggression and physical assault perpetration against their partners, relative to women who did not report animal abuse. Implications for future research are discussed.
Lifetime Sexual Victimization and Poor Risk Perception
Authors: Walsh Kate , DiLillo David , Messman-Moore Terri L.
Published: May 2012

The present study examined whether and which facets of emotion dysregulation serve an intervening role in the association between prior victimization and risk perception in an analogue sexual assault vignette. Participants were 714 university women who completed self-report measures of sexual victimization, emotion dysregulation, and a computer-administered written vignette of a college party scene that culminates in acquaintance rape. Approximately 42% of the sample reported lifetime sexual victimization during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Two individual aspects of emotion dysregulation, limited access to emotion regulation strategies and impulse control difficulties, mediated the association between lifetime victimization and leaving the scenario later. Findings suggest the importance of emotion dysregulation in predicting risk perception among victims and of improving victims’ emotion regulation skills in revictimization risk reduction interventions.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Relationship Between Violent Victimization and Criminal Behavior
Authors: Vaske Jamie , Boisvert Danielle , Wright John Paul
Published: May 2012

Studies have shown that there is a significant association between violent victimization and criminal behavior. One potential explanation for this association is that genetically mediated processes contribute to both violent victimization and criminal behavior. The current study uses data from the twin sample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health ( n = 2,568) to examine whether genetic and/or environmental factors explain the correlation between violent victimization and criminal behavior in adolescence and early adulthood. Results from the bivariate genetic analyses reveal that genetic factors explain 39% of the covariance between violent victimization and delinquency in adolescence and 20% of the correlation between violent victimization and criminal behavior in early adulthood. The remaining covariance between violent victimization and criminal behaviors is attributed to the same nonshared environmental factors operating on both. The implications of these findings in relation to the victimization literature are discussed.
The Effect of Intimate Partner Violence on Mental Health Status Among Women of Reproductive Ages
Authors: Nur Naim
Published: May 2012

Violence against women has been recognized as both a major public health problem and a human rights violation worldwide. Research has documented the association between physical/sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health, measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among women in reproductive age. This study underlines that different types of IPV is independently associated with mental health status. Results also show effects of IPV on mental health may not only be immediate but also be long term. These findings suggest that efforts to identify women with mental health problems should include screening for the types and history of IPV victimization.
“BreastfeedingBasics”
Authors: Lewin Linda Orkin , O’Connor Mary E.
Published: May 2012

Background:

The United States has not met the majority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention goals for breastfeeding duration. Studies have shown a lack of knowledge about breastfeeding by health care professionals and students (HCP/S). Web-based education can be a cost-effective manner of education for HCP/S. “BreastfeedingBasics” is an online free educational program available for use.

Aims:

This study compares information in “BreastfeedingBasics” to the breastfeeding knowledge competencies recommended by the US Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). It also evaluates usage of “BreastfeedingBasics” by users and health care professional faculty.

Methods:

Using anonymous information from Web site users, the authors compared mean pre-test and post-test scores of the modules as a measure of the knowledge gained by HCP/S users. They evaluated usage by demographic information and used a Web-based survey to assess benefits of usage of “BreastfeedingBasics” to faculty.

Results:

Overall, 15 020 HCP/S used the Web site between April 1999 and December 2009. “BreastfeedingBasics” meets 8 of the 11 USBC knowledge competencies. Mean post-test scores increased ( P < .001) for all modules. Faculty reported its benefits to be free, broad scope, and the ability to be completed on the students’ own time; 84% of the faculty combined the use of “BreastfeedingBasics” with clinical work.

Conclusions:

Use of “BreastfeedingBasics” can help HCP/S meet the USBC core breastfeeding knowledge competencies and gain knowledge. Faculty are satisfied with its use. Wider use of “BreastfeedingBasics” to help improve the knowledge of HCP/S may help in improving breastfeeding outcomes.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
Authors: Anagnostis Ellena A.
Published: May 2012

The perceptions of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have evolved considerably. Observational studies suggested that MHT could relieve vasomotor symptoms and prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). However, randomized controlled trials later showed no reduction in CHD and an increased risk of stroke. Subsequent analyses of these trials have shown that in women younger and closer to menopause, the risks associated with MHT may not be as great as originally thought. Several organizations, including the North American Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, and the Endocrine Society, have published guidelines and statements that help health care providers translate the research findings into clinical practice. A common theme from these organizations is the need for health care providers to tailor information to their patients so they may make informed treatment decisions (especially considering the media attention MHT has received). It is particularly important to individualize therapy, considering patients’ risk factors for atherosclerotic disease, venous thromboembolic disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Ongoing research in women younger than those in prior trials is evaluating lower doses of MHT and directly comparing transdermal and oral formulations. Such research should help define the population of women most likely to benefit from MHT without undue risk of adverse outcomes.
An Update in the Treatment of Neurologic Disorders During Pregnancy—Focus on Migraines and Seizures
Authors: Williams Shannon H. , Kehr Heather A.
Published: May 2012

When drug therapy is necessary and cannot be avoided during a pregnancy, the decision of what drug therapy is best may be difficult for the health care provider because the vast majority of drugs are classified as Pregnancy Category C. This classification indicates that information regarding the risk to the fetus is unknown. For ethical reasons, pregnant women are not included in drug studies, so most decisions regarding the safety of a particular drug are based on animal studies, available cases reports, or are theoretical and are based on pharmacokinetic properties. Fortunately, with the development of Pregnancy Registries, more information has been collected, analyzed, and is available regarding the safety of drugs during pregnancy. These registries have expanded in recent years allowing better determination of fetal safety for triptans and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The information assists health care providers in selecting optimal therapy for women seeking pregnancy or those already pregnant. This review presents the most recent information for the treatment and prophylaxis of migraines and seizures during pregnancy.
When One Drug Affects 2 Patients
Authors: Bulloch Marilyn N. , Carroll Dana G.
Published: April 2012

One of the most difficult challenges health care providers encounter is drug selection for pregnant patients. Drug selection can be complex as efficacy and maternal side effects must be weighed against potential risk to the embryo or fetus. Verification of an individual drug’s fetal safety is limited as most evidence is deduced from epidemiologic, prospective cohort, or case–control studies. Medication selection for the pregnant inpatient is a particularly complex task as the illnesses and conditions that require hospitalization mandate different medications, and the risk versus benefit ratio can vary significantly compared to the outpatient setting. Some degree of acute pain is not uncommon among inpatients. Acetaminophen is generally considered the drug of choice in pregnancy for mild to moderate acute pain, while most opioids are thought to be safe for short-term use to manage moderate to severe pain. Providing sedation is particularly challenging as the few options available for the general population are further limited by either known increased risk of congenital malformations or very limited human pregnancy data. Propofol is the only agent recommended for continuous sedation, which has a Food and Drug Administration classification as a pregnancy category B medication. Treatment of infections in hospitalized patients requires balancing the microbiology profile against the fetal risk. Older antimicrobials proven generally safe include beta-lactams, and those with proven fetal risks include tetracyclines. However, little to no information regarding gestational use is available on the newer antimicrobials that are frequently employed to treat resistant infections more commonly found in the inpatient setting. Management of maternal blood pressure is based on the severity of blood pressure elevations and not the hypertensive classification. Agents generally considered safe to use in hypertensive pregnant patients include methyldopa, labetolol, and hydralazine, while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, hydrochlorothiazide, and atenolol should be avoided.
Diabetes Care Practice Patterns of Recent Pharmacy Graduates
Authors: Ryan Gina J. , Chesnut Renae , Johnson June Felice , Jia Haomiao , Dye Joseph T. , Odegard Peggy Soule
Published: April 2012

Purpose: The objective of this project was to determine the amount and type of clinical skills and diabetes education provided by recent pharmacy school graduates. Methods: Six hundred and one graduates were e-mailed a link to an online survey. Subjects were asked to report how frequently they either educate patients on diabetes self-care activities or perform diabetes-related patient care skills and to rate their ability to do so as poor, fair, good, or excellent. Results: Data from 155 (25.8%) respondents were analyzed. The most commonly reported clinical activity was changing medication, followed by interpreting blood glucose patterns, medication management therapy, and interpreting laboratory results. Subjects reported educating patients more on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, blood glucose monitoring, and diet information relative to other topics. The majority of subjects rated their skills as good or excellent. Conclusion: Pharmacists reported the most commonly performed diabetes-related clinical skill was changing medication and they most often educate patients about hypoglycemia and blood glucose monitoring. Subjects, who rated themselves poor/fair in these skills, preferred active learning strategies to enhance their ability.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Following Intravenous Ibandronate administration
Authors: Cieri Nicole E. , Seyse Stephanie J.
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects have been reported with oral bisphosphonate formulations and are the primary adverse effects influencing their tolerability. New intermittent formulations, including intravenous (IV) ibandronate, may increase compliance and decrease the rate of GI adverse effects. We describe a 67-year-old woman with a 2-day history of hematemesis and melena 1 week after administration of IV ibandronate. Summary: The patient was initially stable but began to develop a small bowel obstruction for which a nasogastric (NG) tube was placed. During placement of the NG tube, the patient vomited and aspirated. Due to continued nausea and vomiting with the NG tube and shortness of breath, the patient was intubated and an orogastric tube was placed. Despite the use of a ventilator, the patient’s blood pressure and oxygen saturation began to fall. Even with the use of mechanical ventilation and 3 pressors, her condition deteriorated, she was made DNR/DNI (do not resuscitate or intubate) and subsequently expired. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction score was 2, indicating a possible association between GI bleed and IV ibandronate. The exact mechanism of this is not known. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this possible adverse effect and monitor high-risk patients for bleeding when administering IV bisphosphonates.
A Pharmacotherapeutic Approach to the Management of Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Spaulding Adam Michael
Published: April 2012

Due to relatively recent and ongoing world events (eg, terrorist attacks, wars, and natural disasters), there has been a shift in attention from some of the more common psychiatric illnesses to one of the more elusive, namely, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe, and often chronic, condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Although originally a condition seen primarily among war veterans, PTSD is now becoming more prevalent in the general community. PTSD often presents concurrently with other conditions, such as depression, bipolar, anxiety/panic disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse. Because of this, PTSD often goes unrecognized and is underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Thus, an opportunity for pharmacist intervention exists, both in the institution and in the community. With proper education and training, pharmacists can be efficient in screening for signs and symptoms of PTSD, triaging appropriate patients, and can play an integral role in managing the diverse array of drug therapy options for PTSD.
Review of Survey Articles Regarding Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services/Programs in the United States
Authors: Oladapo Abiola O. , Rascati Karen L.
Published: April 2012

Objective: To provide a summary of published survey articles regarding the provision of medication therapy management (MTM) services in the United States. Methods: A literature search was conducted to identify original articles on MTM-related surveys conducted in the United States, involving community and outpatient pharmacists, physicians, patients, or pharmacy students and published by the primary researchers who conducted the study. Search engines used included PubMed, Medline, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA). If MTM was in the keyword list, mesh heading, title, or abstract, the article was reviewed. References from these articles were searched to determine whether other relevant articles were available. Results: A total of 405 articles were initially reviewed; however, only 32 articles met the study requirements. Of the 32 articles, 17 surveyed community/outpatient pharmacists, 3 surveyed pharmacy students, 4 surveyed physicians, and 8 surveyed patients. The survey periods varied across the different studies, with the earliest survey conducted in 2004 and the most recent survey conducted in 2009. The surveys were conducted via the telephone, US mail, interoffice mail, e-mails, Internet/Web sites, hand-delivered questionnaires, and focus groups. Conclusion: Despite the identified barriers to the provision of MTM services, pharmacists reportedly found it professionally rewarding to provide these services. Pharmacists claimed to have adequate clinical knowledge, experience, and access to information required to provide MTM services. Pharmacy students were of the opinion that the provision of MTM services was important to the advancement of the pharmacy profession and in providing patients with a higher level of care. Physicians supported having pharmacists adjust patients’ drug therapy and educate patients on general drug information but not in selecting patients’ drug therapy. Finally, patients suggested that alternative ways need to be explored in describing and marketing MTM services for it to be appealing to them.
Tablet Splitting and Weight Uniformity of Half-Tablets of 4 Medications in Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Tahaineh Linda M. , Gharaibeh Shadi F.
Published: April 2012

Background: Tablet splitting is a common practice for multiple reasons including cost savings; however, it does not necessarily result in weight-uniform half-tablets. Objectives: To determine weight uniformity of half-tablets resulting from splitting 4 products available in the Jordanian market and investigate the effect of tablet characteristics on weight uniformity of half-tablets. Methods: Ten random tablets each of warfarin 5 mg, digoxin 0.25 mg, phenobarbital 30 mg, and prednisolone 5 mg were weighed and split by 6 PharmD students using a knife. The resulting half-tablets were weighed and evaluated for weight uniformity. Other relevant physical characteristics of the 4 products were measured. Results: The average tablet hardness of the sampled tablets ranged from 40.3 N to 68.9 N. Digoxin, phenobarbital, and prednisolone half-tablets failed the weight uniformity test; however, warfarin half-tablets passed. Digoxin, warfarin, and phenobarbital tablets had a score line and warfarin tablets had the deepest score line of 0.81 mm. Conclusion: Splitting warfarin tablets produces weight-uniform half-tablets that may possibly be attributed to the hardness and the presence of a deep score line. Digoxin, phenobarbital, and prednisolone tablet splitting produces highly weight variable half-tablets. This can be of clinical significance in the case of the narrow therapeutic index medication digoxin.
Probable Linezolid-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Poulakos Mara N. , Grace Yasmin , Coakley Christina
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

A probable case of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia is reported.

A 74-year-old Caucasian male with renal dysfunction was diagnosed with diverticulosis. Patient was prescribed linezolid 600 mg orally twice daily for vancomycin-resistant enterococci abdominal infection that developed secondary to colon resection. Upon initiation of linezolid, platelet count dropped from 248 000 cells/mm3 on day 1 to 97 000 cells/mm3 on day 5 of treatment. Linezolid was discontinued and platelet counts improved to pretreatment levels. Application of the Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable association of linezolid therapy and thrombocytopenia. Clinicians should be aware that linezolid has this hematologic side effect and that patients with renal dysfunction are at increased risk. Monitoring platelet count more than once weekly should be advisable in these patients.

Conclusion:

A 74-year-old Caucasian male with renal dysfunction developed a probable case of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia after receiving the drug for 5 days for treatment of vancomycin-resistant enterococci abdominal infection.
Hybrid intelligent control for set-point tracking of a flexible manoeuvring system using sigmoid activation function
Authors: Omar Muneer E , Aldebrez Fareg M , Zaidan Martha A , Tokhi Mohamed O
Published: May 2012

This article addresses the input tracking control problem of a highly nonlinear flexible system namely a twin-rotor multi-input multi-output system in the vertical plane motion. The twin-rotor multi-input multi-output system can be considered as an aerodynamic experimental model, representing the control challenges of complex air vehicles. A hybrid control scheme comprising a fuzzy proportional–derivative-like control and a conventional integrator is developed by adding the outputs of both control actions. To satisfy the tracking characteristics of the manoeuvring system, an efficient combination of the control actions is developed using a smooth nonlinear activation function which continuously regulates contribution of the integral term in the controller output. The effect of the activation function greatly reduces overshoots when the system is exposed to abrupt changes during its manoeuvre. The control system performance is tested in simulations and experimentally in real-time situations. Robustness and stability of the controller are also investigated. The obtained results prove the efficiency of the proposed scheme in terms of time-domain performance specifications of the system.
Cyclosporin A causes impairment of the ventral prostate tissue structure of Wistar rats
Authors: Freitas KM , Monteiro JC , Gomes MLM , Taboga SR , Dolder H
Published: May 2012

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug widely used in medicine to reduce the immune system activity and, therefore, the risk of organ rejection after transplantation. However, many side effects can be related to its use, such as, reduction in serum testosterone levels due to damage of the testis structure and, consequently, male infertility. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of chronic CsA administration on the ventral prostate tissue (15 mg/kg per d, for 56 days). Stereological, morphometrical, morphological and ultrastructural observations were employed. The plasmatic testosterone and glucose levels were measured. An androgen receptor (AR) immunohistochemical method was applied on ventral prostate sections. Apoptosis was detected with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling technique. CsA treatment caused reduction in plasmatic testosterone levels and an increase in glycemia. The volume of all ventral prostate tissue components (lumen, epithelium and muscular and nonmuscular stroma) and ventral prostate weight were reduced in the CsA-treated group. Light and transmission electron microscopy confirmed epithelium atrophy of treated animals. There was no alteration of AR expression or apoptotic index. CsA chronic treatment in the therapeutic doses caused damage to prostate tissue of adult Wistar rats, probably due to increase in the glucose levels and reduction in the plasmatic testosterone levels.
Effect of zinc in animal models of anxiety, depression and psychosis
Authors: Joshi M , Akhtar M , Najmi AK , Khuroo AH , Goswami D
Published: May 2012

The role of zinc (Zn) in anxiety, depression and psychosis was studied in rodents. Zn was administered at doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 7 days. Both doses of Zn reduced the immobility time and increased the swimming time in the modified forced swim test. In the elevated plus maze test, increases in the number of open arm entries and time spent in the open arms were observed with both doses of Zn. In the amphetamine (1 and 2 mg/kg subcutaneously) induced locomotor activity test both doses of Zn produced reduction in the total movement time, mean velocity and stereotypic movements. Extrapyramidal symptoms such as catalepsy in animals are usually observed with conventional antipsychotic agents; but in the present study, Zn at doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg did not produce any cataleptic state in mice. The results of the present study demonstrated the anxiolytic, antidepressant and antipsychotic-like effects of Zn metal ion, which may be due to its N-methyl d-aspartate receptor antagonistic activity. Concurrent administration of a lower dose of Zn with standard existing anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs in this study showed potentiating effect, suggesting that Zn could exert beneficial role when prescribed as add-on medicine in the psychiatric illnesses. The results obtained in this study are preliminary, as further research is required to confirm the exact role of Zn metal in the investigated central nervous system disorders.