bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pregabalin Vs. Opioids for the Treatment of Neuropathic Cancer Pain: A Prospective, Head‐to‐Head, Randomized, Open‐Label Study
Authors: Raptis Efklidis , Vadalouca Athina , Stavropoulou Evmorfia , Argyra Eriphili , Melemeni Aikaterini , Siafaka Ioanna 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesNeuropathic cancer pain (NCP) is a common manifestation of cancer and/or its treatment. Treatment following the WHO analgesic ladder provides relief for the majority of cancer pain patients; however, concern remains that opioids may be less efficacious for neuropathic pain (NP) compared with nociceptive pain, often necessitating the use of higher doses. Adjuvants, such as pregabalin, have shown to be efficacious for the treatment of NP, although data come mostly from noncancer studies. The comparative efficacy and safety of opioids versus adjuvants has not been studied for NCP. The aim of this study was to directly compare pregabalin versus a strong opioid for the treatment of NCP.MethodsA total of 120 patients, diagnosed with “definite” NCP, were randomized into two groups and received increasing doses of either oral pregabalin or transdermal fentanyl for 28 days. VAS score, patient satisfaction, need for opioid rescue, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded.ResultsIn the pregabalin group, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved at least 30% reduction in VAS compared with the fentanyl group (73.3%, 95% CI: 60.3%–83.93 vs. 36.7%, 95% CI: 24.5%–50.1%, P < 0.0001, respectively), while the percentage mean change from baseline was also significantly different [46% (95% CI: 39.5%–52.8%) for pregabalin and 22% (95% CI: 14.9%–29.5%) for fentanyl (P < 0.0001)]. Patient‐reported satisfaction was more frequent with pregabalin, while AEs and treatment discontinuations were more frequent in the fentanyl group.DiscussionPrompt use of a neuropathic pain‐specific adjuvant, such as pregabalin, in NCP may lead to better control of the neuropathic component, with opioid‐sparing effects.
Perineural Hematoma Following Lumbar Transforaminal Steroid Injection Causing Acute‐on‐Chronic Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Desai Mehul J , Dua Shivani 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionTransforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) are commonly performed for the treatment of lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus and lumbosacral radiculopathy. Although rare, documented complications including spinal cord infarction, paraparesis, epidural abscess, paraplegia, and epidural hematoma have been reported. Here, we present a case of perineural hematoma affecting the L4 nerve root resulting in progressive acute‐on‐chronic lumbar radiculopathy following TFESI.Case ReportA 72‐year‐old female presented with 3 months of low back and right anterior thigh pain. She subsequently underwent right L3 and L4 TFESI for physical examination findings concordant with radiographic right foraminal stenosis at L3‐4 and L4‐5 with L3‐4 spondylolisthesis. Over the following week, the patient reported progressive right lower extremity weakness, worsening sensory loss, and ambulatory dysfunction. Examination revealed mild L3/4 myotomal weakness, sensory changes, and areflexia at the right patella. A gadolinium‐enhanced MRI was ordered, which showed focal abnormal signal with involvement of the right L4‐L5 neuroforamina and extending slightly far laterally, consistent with a small hematoma, affecting the L4 nerve root. Within 2 months, her strength and reflexes normalized and sensory loss diminished following medical management.DiscussionAlthough extremely rare, perineural or foraminal hematomas may occur as a serious complication of TFESI, even in the setting of a standardized procedure. Hematoma may cause worsening of symptoms in the acute and subacute phase following TFESI. Further investigation into the etiologies of such injuries is warranted and must be added to the considerations of pain physicians performing these procedures.
Efficient application of in vitro anther culture for different European winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programmes
Authors: Lantos Csaba , Weyen Jens , Orsini José M. , Gnad Heike , Schlieter Bernd , Lein Volker , Kontowski Stefan , Jacobi Andreas , MihÁly Róbert , Broughton Sue , Pauk János 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe efficiency of our anther culture protocol was tested with high‐ and low‐responding genotypes, ‘Svilena’ and ‘Berengar’, and 93 F1 winter wheat crosses in 2010 and 2011. Based on data for these genotypes, the effect of genotype influenced the number of embryo‐like structures, regenerated plantlets and green plantlets, while the number of albino plantlets was affected by genotype, year and environmental factors. Although genotype also influenced the production of green plantlets from breeding crosses, with green plantlets per 100 anthers ranging from 0.04 to 28.67, the average regeneration rate over all crosses was 5.3 green plantlets/100 anthers, which resulted in a total of 11 416 well‐rooted green plantlets. The survival rate of green plantlets following acclimatization was 97.21% in 2010 and 96.34% in 2011. In this study, the phenomenon of albinism and genotype dependency did not hinder the production of more than five thousand green plantlets each year. In our experiments, anther culture proved to be an efficient method in winter wheat breeding programmes with lower costs than alternative technologies.
Resuscitation skills of pediatric residents and effects of Neonatal Resuscitation Program training
Authors: Gunay Ilker , Agin Hasan , Devrim Ilker , Apa Hursit , Tezel Basak , Ozbas Sema 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is an effective tool in decreasing mortality and morbidity due to birth asphyxia. The aim of the study was to assess the skill and knowledge level of pediatric residents in a teaching hospital and the effects of NRP training.MethodsSubjects consisted of pediatric residents of Dr Behcet Uz Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. They were assessed on practice exam scenarios and NRP provider course flow charts. Teams with two members were formed randomly. Each resident was evaluated on a 100 point scale covering all resuscitation steps and interventions. Exam scores were analyzed for two major parameters: resident participation in NRP training (never, within the last 6 months, and ≥6 months previously) and being a senior (>18 months residency).ResultsA total of 49 residents enrolled in the study (94.2% of the target group). Twenty‐one residents had NRP training (42.9%). Junior residents comprised 46.9% of the study group. The mean skill score was 72.1, and it was significantly higher for senior residents and residents who attended the NRP course (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference between the members within a team, residents who had not attended the NRP course performed better when paired with a resident with NRP certification.ConclusionsNRP training significantly increases the resuscitation knowledge and skill of pediatric residents, although this can be achieved by being a senior. Residents should undergo training as soon as possible to achieve a higher level of quality in resuscitating babies.
Quality of life in children treated with restrictive diet for inherited metabolic disease
Authors: Eminoglu Tuba F. , Soysal Sebnem A. , Tumer Leyla , Okur Ilyas , Hasanoglu Alev 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (QoL) of a group of patients with inherited metabolic diseases (IMD) who were treated with restrictive diet.MethodA total of 68 patients (35 boys, 51.5%; 33 girls, 48.5%) with IMD (organic acidemia [OA], n = 14; disorder of carbohydrate metabolism [CMD], n = 33; and disorder of amino acid metabolism [AMD], n = 21) and their parents were inteviewed. Both parents completed a QoL Scale for Metabolic Diseases–Parent Form, a KINDL parent questionnaire, and a depression form. All patients aged ≥4 years completed a questionnaire themselves, including the KINDL‐Kid and KINDL‐Kiddo self‐reports. The semi‐standardized interviews were carried out with patients and their parents in a clinical setting.ResultsThe patients with bad diet compliance had lower scores for school labeling and perception of disease on both the parent and child questionnaire forms (P < 0.05). The patients were then divided into three groups (OA, CMD, AMD) for further analysis. Differences were seen between groups with regard to scores of physical function and school performance according to QoL Scale for Metabolic Diseases–Parent Form (P < 0.01). According to parent perceptions, the CMD patients had better QoL with regard to emotional wellbeing.ConclusionAs negative effects of the disease increased, the QoL of IMD patients and their parents decreased in terms of emotional, physical, and cognitive function. Application of expanded newborn scanning programs, early diagnosis, regular follow up, and family education would lessen the effects of the disease and improve the QoL of both families and children.
Breath holding spells: Point prevalence and associated factors among Turkish children
Authors: Carman Kursat Bora , Ekici Arzu , Yimenicioglu Sevgi , Arslantas Didem , Yakut Ayten 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBreath holding spells (BHS) are known as paroxysmal non‐epileptic disorder. There are two subtypes of BHS: cyanotic and the pallid. BHS have been reported to occur in 0.1–4.6% of children in Western countries. Although it is easy to diagnose in its typical form, the data on prevalence of BHS are insufficient in developing countries.MethodsThis study was performed in Turkey's Eskisehir province. A total of 1000 randomly selected 0–6‐year‐old children were invited to family health centers. A specific questionnaire was given to parents. Children who had a history BHS were referred to the hospital to for investigation of medical history and neurological examinations.ResultsA total of 933 children participated and were included in analysis. Thirty‐four children (3.6%) had had BHS. Children's birthweight, parent consanguinity and mothers' education status significantly affected the frequency of BHS. Increase in birth sequence decreases the risk of BHS 0.65‐fold. Fathers' education status also affected the prevalence of BHS, with the risk of BHS being 0.39‐fold less if the father had completed high school or some higher education. And, as the age of the fathers increased, the risk that their children would have BHS was 1.14‐fold higher.ConclusionsAlthough the calculated prevalence rate was compatible with previous studies, positive family history for BHS, birth sequence, parents' education status and fathers' age were identified as risk factors associated with BHS.
Interhemispheric transfer of spatial and semantic information: Electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Dal Molin Anna , Marzi Carlo Alberto , Banich Marie T. , Girelli Massimo 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe goal of this study was to cast light on the existence of functional callosal channels for the interhemispheric transfer (IHT) of spatial and semantic information. To do so, we recorded event‐related potentials in healthy humans while performing a primed odd‐even discrimination task. Targets were visually presented numbers preceded by single‐letter primes signaling the probable presentation of an odd or an even number. Primes and targets could appear either in the same or in different visual fields, thus requiring an IHT in the latter case. The P1 and N2 components were influenced by IHT of spatial information only, whereas the later N400 was influenced by IHT of both spatial and semantic information. This was not the case for the P3b, which was modulated by semantic validity only. These results provide novel evidence of the existence of a temporally separated interhemispheric exchange of spatial and semantic information.
Nurse–patient interaction is a resource for hope, meaning in life and self‐transcendence in nursing home patients
Authors: Haugan Gørill 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundSpiritual dimensions such as hope, meaning in life and self‐transcendence have been found to be predictors of successful ageing, life satisfaction and well‐being in older individuals. Connectedness and communicating with others have been seen to facilitate hope, meaning in life and self‐transcendence among nursing home patients.AimsThis study aimed to investigate the associations between hope, meaning in life, self‐transcendence and nurse–patient interaction in a nursing home population.Design and methodsA cross‐sectional design was employed, collecting data in 44 different Norwegian nursing homes (NHs) from 250 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Approval by all regulatory institutions dealing with research issues in Norway and the Management Unit at the 44 NHs was obtained. A sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing home patients responded to the Herth Hope Index, the Purpose in Life test, the Self‐Transcendence Scale and the Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale. A structural equation model (SEM) of the hypothesized relationships between the constructs was tested.ResultsThe SEM model fit well with the present data. Significant direct relationships of nurse–patient interaction on hope, meaning in life and self‐transcendence were displayed. Meaning and the interconnectedness dimension of hope appeared to be particularly dynamic resources, revealing significant influences on all the constructs in the SEM model tested.ConclusionNurse–patient interaction influences hope, meaning in life and self‐transcendence in cognitively intact nursing home patients and might be an important resource in relation to patients' health and global well‐being. Thus, care providers are above all fundamental for nursing home patients. Advancing caregivers' interacting and communicating skills might facilitate patients' health and global well‐being and inspire professional caregivers as they perform their daily care practices. More research of the effectiveness of such strategies is greatly needed.LimitationsThe SEM model tested comprised 20 variables, indicating a desirable sample size of n = 200, while the present effective sample was n = 187. Also, cross‐sectional data do not allow making conclusion on the causality.
Asymmetric Explanations of Group Differences: Experimental Evidence of Foucault’s Disciplinary Power
Authors: Hegarty Peter , Bruckmüller Susanne 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhilst the same group differences can be explained in many ways, explanations of group differences tend to spontaneously figure the distinctive attributes of lower‐status groups against a background norm of high‐status groups’ attributes. We suggest that this asymmetry occurs in the explanations of scientists and laypeople who have been influenced by the history of ‘disciplinary power’ which works to disempower lower‐status people by making them visible to the human sciences. We argue that social groups who are habitually studied first in research programs, more commonly encountered social groups, and prototypical social groups are all less likely than their counterparts to be marked in spontaneous explanations of empirical group differences. We present evidence that groups who are explicitly mentioned in such explanations are assumed to be lower in power. We describe some limitations to current knowledge about such asymmetric explanations and suggest some directions for further research, including our thoughts about how to integrate existing findings with the possibility of formulating cognitive alternatives to the status quo among minority groups.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis in resource‐poor settings: review and recommendations for pre‐departure risk assessment and planning for expatriate healthcare workers
Authors: Vaid Nidhi , Langan Katherine M. , Maude Richard J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is estimated that more than 3 million healthcare workers worldwide suffer needlestick and splash injuries whilst at work resulting in the potential transmission of blood‐borne pathogens via exposure to bodily fluids. Under‐reporting and the subsequent management of occupational injuries is a problem both in the United Kingdom and abroad. Many expatriate health care workers will work in low resource settings where the risk of transmission is greatest but in contrast to wealthier countries such as the United Kingdom, there is often a lack of effective systems for its safe management. This article provides important information about this risk and how to minimise it. The reasons for an increased risk in transmission, its subsequent management and pre‐departure planning are discussed, together with the evidence for initiation of post‐exposure prophylaxis; current National and International guidelines as well as the urgent need for International standardisation of these is also discussed.
Trends in transfusion‐transmissible infections among Australian blood donors from 2005 to 2010
Authors: Lucky Tarana T.A. , Seed Clive R. , Keller Anthony , Lee June , McDonald Ann , Ismay Susan , Wand Handan , Wilson David P. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundRoutine monitoring of trends in transfusion‐transmissible infections (TTIs) is essential to maintaining and improving transfusion safety. Although periodic studies have been published there is no comprehensive trend analysis for TTIs in Australian donors. This study determined recent trends in TTIs for which testing is conducted in Australia and described key attributes of infected blood donors.Study Design and MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis using data on donation testing for TTIs (2005‐2010) from the national blood service donor database and data on postdonation interviews with TTI‐positive donors (2008‐2010) from a risk factor database incorporating responses to standardized interview questions. The study measured the prevalence and incidence of TTIs in Australia and assessed their time trends. Multivariate analysis of time trends was conducted using Poisson regression models.ResultsOverall, the prevalence and incidence of TTIs in 2005 to 2010 remained low and steady. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus decreased (rate ratio [RR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89‐0.97) and the prevalence of active syphilis increased (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.15‐1.99) significantly during the study period. Prevalence of TTIs among Australian blood donors was substantially lower than that in the general population and no unique risk factors were identified in test‐positive blood donors when compared with the general population.ConclusionBoth the prevalence and the incidence of TTIs in Australian blood donors remained low, with a steady or declining trend for most infections except active syphilis. The lower prevalence of TTIs in blood donors compared with the general population reflects the effectiveness of donor education and donor selection measures in Australia.
Microbial contamination of hematopoietic progenitor and other regenerative cells used in transplantation and regenerative medicine
Authors: Jacobs Michael R. , Good Caryn E. , Fox Robert M. , Roman Katharine P. , Lazarus Hillard M. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundMicrobial contamination of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and other regenerative cells used in transplantation and regenerative medicine can occur during collection and after in vitro manipulation, including purging, cryopreservation, thawing, and infusion.Study Design And MethodsMicrobiologic culture findings on consecutive HPCs and other cell preparations at a single institution derived from peripheral blood, marrow, cord blood, and mesenchymal stromal cells during all phases of manipulation were retrospectively examined from 2005 through 2011. Results were classified as confirmed positive, false positive, and indeterminate.ResultsDuring the 6‐year surveillance period, 365 patients underwent 912 procedures involving HPC or other cell‐based transfusion. True positive microbial contamination was found in five of 663 (0.8%) peripheral blood and two of 34 (5.9%) marrow preparations (p = 0.04), while no contamination was found in 118 preparations from other sources. True‐positive microbial contaminants included coagulase‐negative staphylococci in autologous HPC products derived from peripheral blood from two patients with asymptomatic central venous catheter infections at time of apheresis and Propionibacterium acnes in one apheresis and two marrow products. Organism loads were low in all cases (≤500 colony‐forming units/mL), and no adverse sequelae occurred in four patients that received contaminated products.ConclusionThe incidence of microbial contamination of progenitor cell products in our institution over a 6‐year period was low (0.8% overall), with contaminants originating from infected central venous catheters or from skin flora. All contaminants were bacterial species of low virulence, present in low titers and, if transfused, did not result in adverse reactions.
Sterilisation and Monetary Control by the GCC Member Countries
Authors: Hassan M. Kabir , Nakibullah Ashraf , Hassan Abul 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe prevailing dollar peg of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the absence of any significant current and capital account restrictions led some to believe that these countries have lost monetary independence. However, the paper presents evidence that interest rates of the GCC countries did not converge to the interest rates of the US implying that the assets of the GCC countries are not perfect substitutes to the US assets. This imperfect asset substitutability has allowed the GCC countries to manoeuvre their monetary policies and the central banks of the GCC countries have had some control over their money growth rates by sterilising the changes in international reserves. Results indicate that the monetary authorities of these countries used domestic credit policy to attain some domestic policy objective while engaging in sterilised foreign exchange intervention. This result implies that the proposed GCC central bank should be able to maintain the monetary independence as a group and can reap the benefit of monetary efficiency of the proposed Gulf Monetary Union.