bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and Reliability of Turkish Translation of Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality‐of‐Life (NePIQoL) Questionnaire
Authors: Acar Betul , Turkel Yakup , Kocak Orhan M. , Kemal Erdemoglu A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to adapt the “Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire” (NePIQoL) into Turkish and to test its validity and reliability in neuropathic pain patients.MethodsWe enrolled 200 chronic pain patients who admitted to the Neurology Department of Kirikkale University, Faculty of Medicine, in our study. Patients were diagnosed with neuropathic or nociceptive pain based on medical history, physical examination, electromyography and nerve conduction studies, laboratory examinations, and imaging techniques. Discriminant analysis was used to diagnose the neuropathic pain regarding sensitivity and specificity. The original version of the NePIQoL was translated into Turkish by standard procedures.ResultsTotal NePIQoL scores were statistically different between neuropathic and nociceptive pain patients in both the first and second NePIQoL applications (P < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of total 12 items of the first and second applications was 0.95. These results suggest a high validity level for the Turkish version of the NePIQoL.ConclusionsThe Turkish version of NePIQoL appears to be reliable and valid for neuropathic pain impact on quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain.
The role of thioredoxin reductase 1 in melanoma metabolism and metastasis
Authors: Cassidy Pamela B. , Honeggar Matthew , Poerschke Robyn L. , White Karen , Florell Scott R. , Andtbacka Robert H. I. , Tross Joycelyn , Anderson Madeleine , Leachman Sancy A. , Moos Philip J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAlthough significant progress has been made in targeted and immunologic therapeutics for melanoma, many tumors fail to respond, and most eventually progress when treated with the most efficacious targeted combination therapies thus far identified. Therefore, alternative approaches that exploit distinct melanoma phenotypes are necessary to develop new approaches for therapeutic intervention. Tissue microarrays containing human nevi and melanomas were used to evaluate levels of the antioxidant protein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TR1), which was found to increase as a function of disease progression. Melanoma cell lines revealed metabolic differences that correlated with TR1 levels. We used this new insight to design a model treatment strategy that creates a synthetic lethal interaction wherein targeting TR1 sensitizes melanoma to inhibition of glycolytic metabolism, resulting in a decrease in metastases in vivo. This approach holds the promise of a new clinical therapeutic strategy, distinct from oncoprotein inhibition.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Adverse Birth Outcomes in Urban and Rural Contexts: a French Mother–Child Cohort
Authors: Bertin Mélanie , Viel Jean‐François , Monfort Christine , Cordier Sylvaine , Chevrier Cécile 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough adverse birth outcomes have been associated with neighbourhood deprivation in urban areas, few studies have addressed this issue in rural zones. This study examines whether associations between neighbourhood deprivation and adverse birth outcomes differ in urban and rural contexts, while taking individual characteristics and spatial accessibility of prenatal care (SAPC) into account.MethodsPregnant women from a French mother–child cohort were recruited from 2002 to 2006 in Brittany. Their residential addresses were geocoded into their census blocks (the finest geographical resolution available). Deprivation was assessed at the same neighbourhood level. Models to assess the associations of deprivation, stratified by urban/rural status, with preterm delivery (PTD), with small for gestational age birth weight (SGA) and with small for gestational age head circumference at birth (SHC), estimated odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for maternal socioeconomic characteristics and SAPC.ResultsThis study considered 2929 liveborn singleton pregnancies from 780 census blocks. Neighbourhood deprivation was associated with increased risks of SGA and SHC (P trend < 0.01 and 0.03 respectively), only among mothers residing in rural areas. Neighbourhood deprivation had statistically significantly heterogeneous effects on SGA and SHC according to the urban/rural status of maternal residence.ConclusionThese findings suggest that neighbourhood deprivation affects fetal growth differentially in urban and rural areas and that SAPC does not seem to be responsible for this difference. Comparison of these findings with the literature requires caution in the conceptualisation of urban and rural settings.
Increased dosage of donepezil for the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Manabe Yuta , Ino Teruo , Yamanaka Katsuo , Kosaka Kenji 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAs with other types of dementia, the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can make caregiving difficult for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We hypothesized that administration of donepezil at an increased dose of 10 mg/day might dose‐dependently improve BPSD in DLB patients with relapse, after their symptoms had been controlled initially by donepezil therapy at the standard dose.MethodsThe present study was as an open‐label trial. We enrolled 24 patients with DLB (diagnosed according to the Consortium on Dementia with Lewy Bodies Guideline‐Revised) who experienced a relapse of BPSD despite treatment with donepezil at the standard dose (5 mg/day). The donepezil dose for these patients was increased to 10 mg/day, and we evaluated the efficacy and safety of this dose escalation strategy.ResultsThe Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores for BPSD showed statistically significant improvements as a result of the increased dosage, except those for anxiety and euphoria, disinhibition, irritability/lability. High‐dose donepezil therapy caused gastrointestinal symptoms in 4 patients, but there were no life‐threatening adverse events, such as arrhythmias, or no exacerbation of parkinsonian symptoms.ConclusionsWe found that donepezil dose‐dependently improved relapsing BPSD in these patients. Therefore, increasing the dosage of donepezil is a safe and effective treatment for patients with DLB who experience a relapse of BPSD.
A comparative study of caregiver burden in late‐onset depression and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kazhungil Firoz , Velayudhan Rajmohan , Kumar Manoj , Thazhe Mangool Raghuram 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) and major depressive disorder are the two most common psychogeriatric disorders. Late‐onset depression (LOD) is the most common cause of emotional suffering in the elderly and is associated with a poor quality of life in caregivers. Although the burden on caregivers of individuals suffering from AD has been well studied, there is a paucity of comparative studies on caregiver burden between AD and LOD. The objectives of this study were to compare the caregiver burden in LOD and AD and to identify factors associated with caregiver burden in LOD.MethodsThe study included two groups of 25 patients and their caregivers. Group 1 consisted of LOD patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision, with onset after age 60, and their caregivers. Group 2 consisted of AD patients and their caregivers. Caregiver burden was assessed by the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview. Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of caregiver burden in LOD and AD were analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in caregiver burden between LOD and AD (P = 0.27). In LOD, the factors positively associated with caregiver burden included the patient's education and the caregiver being a woman, married, unmarried, and a student. Factors negatively associated with caregiver burden included being the son of the patient and high income status. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that caregiver burden in AD is predicted by the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Scale score, income, presence of diabetes, and in‐laws as caregivers (adjusted R2 = 0.847, P < 0.001). In LOD, caregiver burden is predicted by income, the patient's education, and whether the caregiver is a student or spouse (adjusted R2 = 0.388, P < 0.001).ConclusionThis study highlights the finding that caregiver burden in LOD is comparable to that in AD and requires interventions to reduce the caregiver strain.
In Vitro Measures for Assessing Boar Semen Fertility
Authors: Jung M , Rüdiger K , Schulze M 
Published: July 2015

ContentsOptimization of artificial insemination (AI) for pig production and evaluation of the fertilizing capacity of boar semen are highly related. Field studies have demonstrated significant variation in semen quality and fertility. The semen quality of boars is primarily affected by breed and season. AI centres routinely examine boar semen to predict male fertility. Overall, the evaluation of classical parameters, such as sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm concentration and ejaculate volume, allows the identification of ejaculates corresponding to poor fertility but not high‐efficiency prediction of field fertility. The development of new sperm tests for measuring certain sperm functions has attempted to solve this problem. Fluorescence staining can categorize live and dead spermatozoa in the ejaculate and identify spermatozoa with active mitochondria. Computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) provides an objective assessment of multiple kinetic sperm parameters. However, sperm tests usually assess only single factors involved in the fertilization process. Thus, basing prediction of fertilizing capacity on a selective collection of sperm tests leads to greater accuracy than using single tests. In the present brief review, recent diagnostic laboratory methods that directly relate to AI performance as well as the development of a new boar fertility in vitro index are discussed.
Development Policy Implications for Growth and Regional Inequality in a Small Open Economy: The Indian Case
Authors: Barua Alokesh , Sawhney Aparna 
Published: July 2015

AbstractInclusive economic development has become a pressing goal of government policy in India in the face of rising regional inequality. This paper examines the role of targeted development policy action in inducing economic growth and also in reducing regional income inequality during the last two decades (since the beginning of the 1990s)—a period marked by increasing trade openness. In our disaggregated analysis of the states, we find that while the government capital expenditure policy has had significant positive impact on output growth of the poorer states, it failed to break the trend of escalating regional inequality. The policy has been significantly more effective in enhancing manufacturing sector output in the poorer states compared with the richer states. On the trade front, while the poorer states gained somewhat in income growth from greater openness, the gains were not large enough to offset the increasing regional disparity.
Migration, Transfers and Child Labor
Authors: Dimova Ralitza , Epstein Gil S. , Gang Ira N. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe examine agricultural child labor in the context of emigration, transfers and the ability to hire outside labor. We start by developing a theoretical background and show how hiring labor from outside the household and transfers to the household might induce a reduction in children's working hours. Analysis using Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) data on the Kagera region in Tanzania lend support to the hypothesis that both emigration and remittances reduce child labor.
Reserve Requirements and Real Exchange Rate Misalignments in Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Loeffler Axel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA popular policy target in emerging markets is the real exchange rate as an undervalued real exchange rate is seen to enhance international competitiveness. Within an augmented Dornbusch model it is shown that the implicit tax of low remunerated reserve requirements represents an efficient tool to depreciate the real exchange rate. The model is empirically tested for a panel of Latin American, East Asian and Eastern European countries. Controlling for the impact of fiscal policies and direct capital controls, the reserve requirement tax significantly explains real exchange rate misalignments.
Capital Flows and Exchange Rate Volatility in India: How Crucial Are Reserves?
Authors: Kohli Renu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper tests if the adequacy of reserves helps reduce exchange rate volatility in an environment of financial globalization, market‐determined exchange rate and macroeconomic imbalances. It exploits the difference in the period after 2010 when India did not accumulate reserves but faced higher capital flow pressures, relative to a previous managed‐float period marked by significant absorption of surplus capital flows. Along with other determinants, the sensitivity of rupee volatility is examined. The paper finds that adequate reserve holdings significantly reduce exchange rate volatility irrespective of the exchange rate regime; the effect is more through influence upon market sentiment and confidence than actual intervention. It contributes to existing evidence on the role of reserves in mitigating exchange rate volatility amid capital flow swings and offers insights into the policy environment depicted in the trilemma.
Rethinking the Crisis in Social Psychology: A Dialectical Perspective
Authors: Dafermos Manolis 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the crisis in social psychology as a multifaceted process. The epistemological, theoretical, and methodological tensions and controversies that arise in the extensive, reflexive debate on the crisis in social psychology are considered in their interconnections with psychological practice. The paper argues that despite the dominant tendency to return to “business as usual”, the increasing disunity and fragmentation of social psychology only indicate that its crisis has deepened. The paper offers a critical account of the main strategies for the resolution of the crisis in social psychology and suggests a dialectical perspective as a tool for a critical reflection on important theoretical and methodological issues of psychology as a discipline (the relationship between theory and practice, relationship between individual and society, empiricism, etc.)
Intravenous immune globulin–related hemolysis: comparing two different methods for case assessment
Authors: Taylor Elaine , Vu Duc , Legare Carole , Keene Daniel 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDHemolysis is a rare adverse event associated with the use of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG). Using the Canadian experience, this article compares two methods used for case ascertainment of hemolysis after IVIG.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis is a retrospective, descriptive analysis of case reports of hemolytic reaction after exposure to IVIG. The cases were ascertained from the Canada Vigilance database using the standardized MedDRA query for hemolytic disorders between the years 2006 and 2012 inclusively. The presence of a causal relationship was determined by using the Transfusion Transmitted Injuries Surveillance System (TTISS) algorithm. Cases were then reviewed against the standardized case definition of IVIG‐associated hemolysis proposed by the IVIG Hemolysis Pharmacovigilance Group.RESULTSA total of 942 adverse event reports after exposure to IVIG had been received by Canada Vigilance during the study period. A search for the adverse event of hemolytic disorder retrieved 313 reports (33%). Using a modified TTISS definition of hemolysis and the TTISS causality assessment algorithm, 226 cases were found to be at least possibly related to administration of IVIG, whereas 69 cases met the definition of the IVIG Hemolysis Pharmacovigilance Group. The amount of IVIG distributed increased over the study period; this trend was not reflected in the number of adverse reaction reports for “hemolytic disorder” received.CONCLUSIONThe number of case reports per year received for the adverse event “hemolytic disorder” after exposure to IVIG fluctuated. The number of confirmed case reports varied depending on the case definition being used.
The role of isoagglutinins in intravenous immunoglobulin–related hemolysis
Authors: Bellac Caroline L. , Hottiger Thomas , Jutzi Markus P. , Bögli‐Stuber Katja , Sänger Michael , Hanschmann Kay‐Martin , Keller‐Stanislawski Brigitte , Funk Markus B. 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDIncreased reporting of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)‐related hemolytic reactions (HRs) triggered an investigation by the German and Swiss health authorities to identify potential risk factors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSFrom the EudraVigilance database HRs reported between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved for seven IVIG preparations. HRs were classified as mild to moderate (hemoglobin [Hb] decline < 2 g/dL)] or severe (Hb decline > 2 g/dL) and separately analyzed for IVIG doses of less than 2 g/kg body weight and 2 g/kg body weight or more. It was assessed whether HR reporting rates correlate with the isoagglutinin content of the different preparations.RESULTSOf 569 HR cases retrieved, 103 cases were excluded due to insufficient data, leaving 466 for analysis. Ninety‐three cases were classified as mild to moderate and 373 as severe. Approximately 80% of the severe HRs concerned patients with blood group A and only three patients with blood group O. Testing of isoagglutinin titers revealed substantial differences between the seven preparations. IVIG products with high anti‐A/anti‐B titers (≥32) had elevated HR reporting rates, particularly when cumulative doses at least 2 g/kg were administered.CONCLUSIONThe isoagglutinin content of IVIGs correlates with the risk for HRs. Exclusion of high‐titer donations and manufacturing steps that deplete isoagglutinins should be considered for risk mitigation. In patients with blood groups A or AB receiving doses of at least 2 g/kg, the use of IVIG batches with low isoagglutinin titers should be considered to prevent HRs.
Complementary use of passive surveillance and Mini‐Sentinel to better characterize hemolysis after immune globulin
Authors: Winiecki Scott , Baer Bethany , Chege Wambui , Jankosky Christopher , Mintz Paul , Baker Meghan , Woodworth Tiffany , Nguyen Michael 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDHemolysis after intravenous immune globulins (IGIVs) is a known complication, but expanding indications and recent manufacturing changes warrant ongoing postmarketing surveillance. Characterization of post‐IGIV hemolysis to date has been limited to small case series.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe queried the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2007 to 2014. All reported post‐IGIV hemolysis cases were classified using a prespecified case definition and a case series analysis performed. We also conducted two assessments using FDA's Mini‐Sentinel (MS) system to quantify the risk of hemolysis by six product indications and by IGIV formulation and evaluate the onset interval.RESULTSA total of 109 FAERS cases met our definition. For cases with available information, 83% (66/80) received IGIV doses of at least 2 g/kg, 98.1% (51/52) had non‐O blood group, and 75% (64/85) of events occurred within 4 days of IGIV exposure. We identified 313,045 treatment episodes and 337 post‐IGIV hemolytic events in MS from 2006 to 2014, with 72% occurring within 2 days. Rates of hemolysis were highest among patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The risk among patients receiving nonlyophilized products was 2.3 times higher than that in patients receiving lyophilized products.CONCLUSIONWith the largest case series to date, FAERS data support that higher doses and non‐O blood group are key risk factors. The incident rate of post‐IGIV hemolysis is estimated at one per 1000 IGIV treatment episodes, with most occurring within 2 days of exposure. The risk is higher in patients with KD and ITP and after receipt of nonlyophilized IGIV.
Do immune complexes play a role in hemolytic sequelae of intravenous immune globulin?
Authors: Zimring James C. 
Published: July 2015

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) was developed initially as an immunoglobulin replacement therapy for primary humoral immunodeficiency, but is now widely used in the treatment of autoinflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. In a small number of patients, hemolytic sequelae have been observed after IVIG administration. The lack of a simple one‐to‐one correlation between measurable hemagglutinins and hemolysis has led to complicated hypotheses involving coincident necessary variables (e.g., a two‐hit hypothesis) and also to the positing of causal factors other than hemagglutinins. One such hypothesis is that immune complexes (ICs) contained within IVIG lead to hemolysis.IVIG‐mediated hemolysis was addressed at a recent meeting sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration; the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The primary literature was reviewed at this meeting followed by detailed discussion. Participants concluded that there is both a theoretical basis by which ICs could contribute to hemolysis after IVIG administration and some published data in support of such a possibility. However, the reported data contain substantial caveats, and the existing evidence does not rise to a level sufficient to either confirm or reject a role for ICs. More detailed and focused human studies will be required to further assess the potential role of ICs in IVIG induced hemolysis. This paper summarizes the relevant literature and expands upon the conclusions of this workshop.
Survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in modified Romanowsky staining solutions
Authors: Duffield Richard , Wong Hui‐San , Trott Darren J. , Hill Peter B. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundAnecdotal reports suggest that rapid staining solutions can become contaminated with micro‐organisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine whether inoculation of rapid Romanowsky‐type stains with P. aeruginosa results in viable bacterial contamination, which could lead to cross‐contamination of slides during cytological staining.MethodsPseudomonas aeruginosa was inoculated into clean and organically contaminated staining solutions (fixative, eosin and methylene blue) and positive (broth) and negative (bleach) control solutions. Subsequent viability and survival were detected by measuring colony‐forming units per millilitre at various time points up to 2 weeks. Each sample was stained and microscopically examined to determine whether bacteria were visible.ResultsNo bacteria could be cultured at any time point from the bleach or fixative solution. In clean eosin and methylene blue staining solutions, viable bacteria were recovered for up to 1 h, but by 24 h all bacteria were dead. In staining solutions contaminated with hair and dead skin cells, bacteria survived in methylene blue for up to 1 h, and viable bacteria persisted in the eosin stain for 2 weeks. In solutions containing viable organisms, the bacteria could be observed by microscopic examination; no bacteria were visible when the solutions contained no viable organisms.Conclusions and clinical importancePseudomonas aeruginosa can survive in commonly used staining solutions for variable periods of time, but is unable to proliferate. Although theoretically this might complicate cytological interpretation and subsequent diagnosis, the likelihood of this in clinical practice appears remote when the correct staining technique is used.