bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental pain induces attentional bias that is modified by enhanced motivation: An eye tracking study
Authors: Sun Z.‐K. , Wang J.‐Y. , Luo F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, the effects of prior pain experience and motivation on attentional bias towards pain‐related information were investigated within two visual‐probe tasks via eye movement behaviours. It is hypothesized that pain experience would induce stronger attentional bias and such bias could be suppressed by the motivation to avoid impeding pain.MethodsAll participants took part in visual‐probe tasks with pictures and words as stimuli that are typically used in studies of attentional bias. They were allocated to three groups: no‐pain (NP) group, performing tasks without experiencing pain; pain‐experience (PE) group, performing the same tasks following painful stimuli; and pain‐experience‐with‐motivation (PEM) group, undergoing the same procedure as PE group with additional instructions about avoiding impeding pain. Eye movements were recorded during the tasks.ResultsThe eye movement data showed that: (1) participants in the PE group exhibited stronger attention bias towards painful pictures than those in the NP group; (2) the attentional bias towards painful pictures was significantly reduced in the PEM group as compared to the PE group. By contrast, the verbal task failed to find these effects using sensory pain words as stimuli.ConclusionThis study was the first that revealed the impact of acute experimental pain on attentional bias towards pain‐related information in healthy individuals through eye tracking. It may provide a possible solution to reduce hypervigilance towards pain‐related information by altering the motivational relevance.What does this study add?(1) This study revealed the impact of experimental pain on attentional bias in healthy individuals; (2) This study may provide a possible approach of altering motivational relevance to control the pain‐induced attentional bias towards pain‐related information.
Voltammetry on a Nanometer‐sized Electrode in Solution Containing Very Dilute Electroactive Species
Authors: Sun Peng , Kitt Jordan , Tran Nina , Dang Jennytruc , Saavedra Daniel P. , Hong Jungik , Wampler Rachel , Anz Samir 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA nanometer‐sized Pt electrode is becoming a routine tool in nano‐electrochemistry research, but, the dissolution of Pt in aqueous solution is quite common and the rate of the dissolution of Pt is related to the current density on the electrode. Measurement on a nanometer‐sized Pt electrode in solution containing very dilute electroactive species can effectively decrease the current on the electrode and thus decrease the extent of the dissolution of Pt electrode. So far, a commercial potentiostat which has a peak‐peak noise of less than 10 fA is not common. In this paper, a homemade potentiostat, which has a peak‐peak noise of less than 5 fA, has been made. By using the instrument, voltammograms with a limiting current of less than 20 fA can be obtained on a nanometer‐sized electrode in solution containing micro molar ferrocenemethanol. Our results show that the standard rate constant of the oxidation of ferrocenemethanol measured in micro molar ferrocenemethanol solution is a little greater than that measured in mili molar ferrocenemethanol solution, which indicates that kinetic parameter may be affected by the amount of electroactive molecules being measured.
A Review of the Restrictive Flow Infusion Devices Available for Parenteral Drug Therapy
Authors: Capes David F , Ferrari Rodolfo L 
Published: March 2016

Restrictive flow devices use a restriction to control the outflow of pressurised fluid. The two most common types of restrictive flow device available are elastomer and spring powered. The former includes the Homepump, lnfusor and Intermate and they consist of a highly elastic, pressure‐distendable bladder that functions as a reservoir and pressurises the drug solution within. A spring is used in the Springfusor to apply force to the piston of a syringe, and in the Paragon and SideKick to pressurise an infusion bag. These devices offer a portable, self‐powered, cost‐effective alternative to electronic pumps for many applications. The major limitations are their dose inflexibility and accuracy. Users should be aware of the operating conditions that affect flow rate, and since flow rate is described by Poiseuille's law, these include temperature, drug concentration, hydrostatic pressure and the addition of narrow lumen catheters.Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 115–24.
Whatever You Do, Don't Mention the ‘Q’ Word — Perspective on Quality in Pharmacy and Health Care
Authors: Linsley Ross F 
Published: March 2016

This is the report of a study tour conducted in 1994 of sites of excellence with quality in health care in the USA. Quality is simply defined as providing what we do best, in an efficient and effective manner that exceeds our customers' needs. It is based on alignment of services with co‐providers, and measurement to ensure goals are achieved. Lessons learned from the USA touch on tailoring the quality program to suit the individual organisation, the need for consistency and commitment from the CEO down, ensuring people are involved in the translation of principles to practice and the importance of measurement in the process. Two sites visited have extended the importance of measures to a level where all management is based on key process and outcome indicators. Change management is discussed and various inhibitors to change are listed. Major challenges and opportunities are discussed in the context of the Australian healthcare environment. From experience in the healthcare industry and local experience, major opportunities exist in standards of practice, protocols for clinical practice, performance indicators, collaboration, and research.Aust J Hosp Pharm 1997; 27: 244–7.
Support Staff in Hospital Pharmacy Practice ‐ a Decade of Change
Authors: Benzie Jennifer L , Swan Graham T , Donnelly Richard J 
Published: March 2016

Aim: To obtain an overview of the deployment and training of support staff and to compare the results with a similar survey conducted in 1986.Method: Questionnaires were sent to Australian hospitals with a nominal bed capacity of 180 or more. Information sought in the questionnaire included staffing numbers, details of duties undertaken by support staff, and qualifications and training of support staff.Results: The response rate of 89.3% was almost the same as the first survey. In hospitals of 200 beds or more the ratio of support staff to pharmacists has increased in three States, remained static in one and has decreased in the remainder. On a national basis the ratio has increased marginally from 0.50 to 0.53. Overall the ratio of bed numbers to support staff has decreased. The most significant decreases occurred in NSW and Qld where there have been percentage changes greater than 50% compared to the first survey. With respect to training methods for support staff, most pharmacy directors favoured a combination of a formal academic qualification and an internal (structured) training program.Thirty‐four per cent of support staff held an appropriate qualification or were studying towards one. This compared very favourably with the previous survey of 11%.An analysis of the duties performed by support staff was also undertaken. Nationally, the percentage of hospitals employing support staff to carry out the various tasks has increased in each category analysed and there are some duties, such as cytotoxic reconstitution, now being performed, which were not included in the original survey.Conclusion: Compared to the original survey, pharmacy support staff have increased in numbers nationally and the range and extent of duties undertaken has expanded. Whilst the results are very encouraging, the pharmacy profession must continue to recognise and encourage support staff, in particular in the area of training programs.
Hospital Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with Community Liaison: A Pharmacokinetic Study in the Real World
Authors: Tett Susan , Ezzy Josie 
Published: March 2016

Aim: This study was designed to determine whether digoxin patients who have a full pharmacokinetic consultation in hospital and have the results sent to their community carers (the intervention group), have better outcomes three months after discharge than those who receive no such consultation (the control group).Method: All inpatients who had digoxin concentrations requested over a three‐month period were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 124) or the control (n = 113) group. Informed consent was obtained from 59 subjects in the intervention group and 49 in the control group. Three months after enrolment, follow‐up information was obtained from the patient and/or their general practitioner for 35 and 30 patients, respectively. There were many reasons for assigned patients not consenting or completing the study, the most common being death and discontinuation of digoxin.Results: The average hospital stay of those in the intervention group was slightly less than those in the control group (13 vs 17 days, p = 0.09). There were no significant differences in the number of rehospitalisations, visits to the doctor or number of digoxin concentrations measured within three months of study entry between the intervention or control groups. However, proportionately more digoxin concentrations were outside the optimal range in the control group. Adverse effects and indications of inefficacy of digoxin were similar in the intervention and control groups three months after study entry (p = 0.19, p = 0.30, respectively).Conclusions: From this study, it was not possible to determine whether full pharmacokinetic consultations for digoxin, with dissemination of information to community carers, improved long‐term outcomes for the patients. However, useful information and ideas for future studies into the value of therapeutic drug monitoring in a community setting were obtained.
Comparison of High‐Dose and Standard‐Dose Pancreatic Enzyme Capsules in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Robinson Philip J , Natoli Grace 
Published: March 2016

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a high‐dose, pancreatic enzyme supplement Creon Forte to that of a standard pancreatic enzyme supplement Cotazym S Forte in a group of children with cystic fibrosis.Methodology: 18 children with cystic fibrosis were enrolled in a 4‐week open‐labelled, randomised, twoperiod, crossover study in which equal doses of lipase were provided by either Creon Forte or Cotazym S Forte. Efficacy was determined by a 4‐day faecal fat study at the end of each 2‐week period. Patients were also asked to record daily the degree of abdominal symptoms including abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and anorexia.Results: No significant differences were found between the two enzyme preparations as assessed by fat absorption studies when equivalent doses of lipase were used. The mean fat absorption for Creon Forte was 89% and 91% for Cotazym S Forte (p > 0.05). This allowed a 2.5‐fold reduction in the number of capsules taken per day with Creon Forte compared to Cotazym S Forte. Scoring of abdominal symptoms were not significantly different between the two medications. The 14 patients who completed the trial preferred Creon Forte.Conclusions: Creon Forte is as effective as Cotazym S Forte in improving fat absorption in children with cystic fibrosis when equivalent doses of lipase are used with a lower number of capsules.
Drug‐Associated Diarrhoea and Constipation in Older People 1. Diarrhoea
Authors: Ratnaike Ranjit N , Milton Austin G , Nigro Olimpia 
Published: March 2016

Diarrhoea and constipation are common side effects of many drugs. In the elderly, such drug‐related iatrogenic conditions compound the increased prevalence of acute and chronic illness. In older persons, an awareness of diarrhoea and constipation as complications of drug therapy and the use of preventative measures wherever practical may significantly increase the quality of life of the patient. It is important to understand the mechanisms whereby medications may cause diarrhoea and constipation and to periodically review drug use in the elderly.The first part of this review explains the mechanisms involved in drug‐induced diarrhoea and gives examples of drugs commonly involved.
Transient, Profound Thrombocytopenia in a Premature Infant: Is this a Ranitidine‐Induced Immune Reaction?
Authors: Yeung Melinda Y , Smyth John P 
Published: March 2016

Case Report: A female infant was delivered at 31‐weeks gestation for suspected chorioamnionitis. Maternal antenatal dexamethasone had been given one hour prior to delivery to hasten foetal lung maturation. From day 11 to 19, the infant received ranitidine for gastric hyperacidity (pH > 4). On day 16, her blood culture was positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis and her C‐reactive protein (CRP) was slightly elevated. She was treated with vancomycin and cefotaxime. On day 19, when she had become clinically well, profound thrombocytopenia (8 x 109 IL), eosinophilia (3 x 109 /L) and borderline neutropenia (1 x 109/L) occurred in the presence of highly elevated CRP (132 mg/L). For this she received multiple platelet transfusions. Ranitidine was ceased on day 19. On day 20, leukopenia and neutropenia had resolved when the last dose of cefotaxime was given. Eosinophil count normalised by day 21 and platelet count by day 25.Discussion: This phenomenon was similar to that reported in ranitidine‐treated adults during acute illness. Although premature infants are generally thought to be incapable of druginduced allergic reactions, the foetal immune system can be activated by intrauterine infections. Glucocorticoid therapy during mid to late gestation could heighten the immune sensitivity in premature infants. This infant's antenatal history and postnatal events could possibly have predisposed her to hypersensitivity to antigenic stimulation.
Development of a Home Infusion Program for the Treatment of Children with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Bogovic Antun , Carberry Janet , Parkins Paola , Rose Michelle L 
Published: March 2016

Background: Primary pulmonary hypertension is a rare, debilitating disease with a poor prognosis and few treatment options. Long‐term intravenous epoprostenol is used in adults but there is limited experience in paediatric patients.Aim: To describe the program for the administration of epoprostenol for children and adolescents at the Royal Children's Hospital.Method: A protocol for assessment, treatment, education and monitoring of patients was developed by the cardiology and pharmacy departments. Epoprostenol is given through a central venous line via a portable infusion pump with a 100 mL medication cassette. Infusions are commenced in Intensive Care and training is provided in a cardiac ward. Regular outpatient review and dosage increments are required.Results: Home infusions of epoprostenol have been established in three patients.Conclusion: Long‐term epoprostenol treatment is complex and expensive. Beraprost, an orally active prostacyclin analogue, may be an alternative therapy in some patients with less severe disease.
A Review of Pharmacy Services in Australian Collocated Hospitals
Authors: Wyer Stewart L 
Published: March 2016

Introduction: A collocation involves the development of a private hospital on the campus of a public hospital‐usually a teaching hospital. There is a wide range of collocation models. The aim of this project was to review and compare pharmacy services provided at collocated hospitals across Australia.Method: With the support of the 1999 Amgen Pharmacy Management Grant, visits were made to both the public and private pharmacy departments at nine collocated hospitals, and pertinent issues were discussed with the director of pharmacy or their equivalent at each site.Results: The private hospital pharmacy service can be operated by either the private hospital owner (Catholic hospitals); or the public hospital pharmacy department (with either a separate or fully integrated department); or a private partnership (with either an on‐site or off‐site pharmacy). Compared to their public counterparts, the private hospital pharmacists service significantly smaller institutions (average beds‐147 v. 464). The private pharmacies are, on average, operated from significantly smaller on‐site premises (average floor space 90 m2 v. 611 m2), and with lower staffing levels (beds/pharmacist: 49.1 v. 25.3 and beds/total staff: 27.3 v. 14.2). The private and public pharmacies are open for similar periods each week (58.2 v. 60.3 hours). Both private and public pharmacies rely heavily on computers and information technology to provide services (0.7 v. 0.7 computer terminals per staff member). Private pharmacies provide a similar range of general clinical services to those offered by public pharmacies e.g. both perform basic medication chart review. With one exceptkm, fees for professional and technical pharmacy services are charged by private pharmacies not owned and operated by the private hospital.Conclusion: Several structural and functional arrangements exist for the private hospital pharmacy services provided at a number of collocated public and private hospitals in Australia. A variety of factors, some outside the control of pharmacy management, influence the design of the private hospital pharmacy service.
Promoting Rational Prescribing by Emergency Department Junior Medical Officers
Authors: Welch Susan A , Novy Michael , Preisz Paul , Quinn David I , Whicker Sue D , Brown Sue‐Ellen , Day Richard O 
Published: March 2016

Aim: To promote rational antibiotic and analgesic prescribing by junior medical officers (JMOs) for non‐inpatients attending an emergency department (ED).Method: JMOs were surveyed to determine factors influencing prescribing in the ED and the approach to management of commonly encountered conditions that might require antibiotics or analgesics. The ED was supplied with a prescription pad that included a summary ‘clinical condition’ page to be completed by the prescribing medical officer. A panel comprising an emergency physician, clinical pharmacologist, microbiologist, general practitioner, senior medical registrar, emergency department clinical pharmacist and a JMO reviewed all IMO‐completed summary clinical condition pages with the corresponding analgesic and/or antibiotic prescriptions that were written over a three‐week period. The appropriateness of each prescription was rated following a consensus approach from ‘1’: ‘appropriate’ to ‘4’: ‘inappropriate’.A two‐week educational campaign followed the data collection period and included promotion of guidelines for appropriate analgesic and antibiotic prescribing in the ED and ‘in‐service’ discussions and lectures to all medical staff.The prescription review and survey were repeated to assess the effects of the education and review of prescribing practices. Feedback was given to the JMOs detailing number of antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions and appropriateness before and after education.Results: One hundred and thirty‐four ‘non‐inpatient’ prescriptions were collected before education and 90 afterwards. The majority of prescriptions were graded ‘1’ before and after education with a reduction in prescriptions graded ‘4’ after the education. Antibiotic prescribing improved more markedly than analgesic prescribing. Although there was a trend towards improvement in prescribing of antibiotics this did not reach statistical significance, probably due to the small sample size. A surrogate marker of improvement was that the use of guidelines increased during the study. The JMOs supported the program very enthusiastically.Conclusion: A method has been developed to educate JMOs on therapeutics in the ED that led to a trend in improvement in prescribing of antibiotics but little change in analgesic prescribing. The program was very well accepted by the JMOs.
Indicators of Prescribing Quality for Elderly Hospital Inpatients
Authors: Elliott Rohan A , Woodward Michael C , Oborne C Alice 
Published: March 2016

Objectives: To develop a set of indicators of prescribing quality for elderly patients in Australian hospitals.Methods: Based on a set of indicators developed in the UK, indicators were developed and piloted at nine hospitals in Victoria. Indicators fell into three groups: a) summarising general prescribing activity, b) assessing prescribing based on prescription data only, and c) assessing prescribing based on prescription and clinical data. Following pilot audits, the indicators were reviewed, and indicators that were impractical or flawed were dropped. To assess inter‐rater reliability, a selection of prescriptions were assessed by two pharmacists. Audit results for three indicators were fed back to participating hospitals at meetings attended by medical, nursing and pharmacy staff, and also in writing. To evaluate hospital staff perceptions of the audits and feedback of audit results, a questionnaire was sent to staff at six hospitals.Results: Twenty‐four indicators were developed and applied to prescriptions for 1416 patients. Following pilot audits, review of the indicators resulted in deletion of five, resulting in a final set of 19 indicators. For prescriptions reviewed by two pharmacists (n = 66), assessment agreed in 85% of cases (K = 0.7), indicating good inter‐rater reliability. Responses to the questionnaire (n = 22, 20%) were positive. All respondents felt that audit and multidisciplinary feedback using the indicators had raised awareness amongst the prescribing team regarding the topics presented, and 77% felt it would result in better prescribing.Conclusion: Nineteen indicators were developed to objectively and reliably assess, monitor, benchmark and improve prescribing for elderly hospital inpatients.
Novel Use of Placebo Tablets in the Treatment of Choking Phobia
Authors: Hambridge John A , Macdonald Jenny J , Barker Brent J 
Published: March 2016

Background: Choking phobia is a specific phobia characterised by fear and avoidance of swallowing. If related to the swallowing of medications, this phobia may have profound implications for the management of a disease state. Cognitive behavioural therapy is well recognised as an effective treatment for specific phobias, but there are few reports of its use for choking phobias.Case Report: We report the use of cognitive behavioural therapy to treat a 24‐year‐old woman with reflux nephropathy who was unable to comply with her treatment regimen due to a choking phobia. Oral placebo solid dosage forms were successfully utilised in graded exposure‐based therapy.Discussion: No other case reports describe the use of placebo medications as a tool in a desensitisation protocol for choking phobia. Whilst the treatment itself was reasonably straightforward, there was difficulty in the procurement of placebo medications at reasonable cost. Although this case represents the extreme end of medication compliance, it highlights the advantage of multidisciplinary team involvement in problem solving. This resulted in better patient care and also in a more cost‐effective and acceptable dosing regimen.