bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Sleep Condition Indicator: a clinical screening tool to evaluate insomnia disorder
Authors: Espie Colin A , Kyle Simon D , Hames Peter , Gardani Maria , Fleming Leanne , Cape John 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveDescribe the development and psychometric validation of a brief scale (the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI)) to evaluate insomnia disorder in everyday clinical practice.DesignThe SCI was evaluated across five study samples. Content validity, internal consistency and concurrent validity were investigated.Participants30 941 individuals (71% female) completed the SCI along with other descriptive demographic and clinical information.SettingData acquired on dedicated websites.ResultsThe eight-item SCI (concerns about getting to sleep, remaining asleep, sleep quality, daytime personal functioning, daytime performance, duration of sleep problem, nights per week having a sleep problem and extent troubled by poor sleep) had robust internal consistency (α≥0.86) and showed convergent validity with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index. A two-item short-form (SCI-02: nights per week having a sleep problem, extent troubled by poor sleep), derived using linear regression modelling, correlated strongly with the SCI total score (r=0.90).ConclusionsThe SCI has potential as a clinical screening tool for appraising insomnia symptoms against Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
Evolution of extended use of the combined oral contraceptive pill
Authors: Panicker Sabeena , Mann Sue , Shawe Jill , Stephenson Judith 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundExtended use of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC), defined as taking active pills for at least 28 days, has been used in order to avoid bleeding at important times and to treat gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis. We examined the main issues involved in extended use of the COC and how it has evolved from being one of medicine's best-kept secrets to becoming more widely accepted by women and the medical community.Study designLiterature review, using Medline, Embase, Pubmed, CINHAL Plus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Ovid database for all relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, literature reviews, scientific papers and individual opinions between 1950 and October 2013.ResultsAccumulating evidence supports various forms of extended pill use as suitable alternatives to the standard (21/7) regimen. In terms of user preference, much hinges on whether women wish to reduce the frequency or duration of scheduled bleeding on the combined pill. Available data on the safety of extended pill regimens do not give cause for concern, but longer term data should be collected.ConclusionsInformation for women considering extended COC regimens should keep pace with research findings to ensure that women and clinicians are better informed about the choices available.
RELIABILITY OF THE HAND20 QUESTIONNAIRE: COMPARISON WITH THE 36-ITEM SHORT-FORM HEALTH SURVEY
Authors: Moritomo Hisao , Imaeda Toshihiko , Gotani Hiroyuki , Momose Toshimitsu , Abe Yukio , Oi Hiroyuki , Omokawa Shohei , Sawaizumi Takuya , Nemoto Koichi , The Functional Evaluation Committee  
Published: March 2014

Background. Hand20 is an illustrated, self-administered questionnaire comprising 20 short and easy-to-understand questions to assess upper limb disorders. This study aimed to test the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of Hand20. Methods. Eighty-five patients with three upper limb disorders (51 with trigger finger, 29 with ulnar impaction syndrome, and five with carpal tunnel syndrome) completed Hand20, the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH-JSSH), and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Reliability was assessed by internal consistency. To test the validity, a factor analysis of Hand20 was performed and the correlation coefficients between Hand20 and DASH-JSSH and those between Hand20 and SF-36 were calculated. Responsiveness was evaluated in 47 patients with trigger finger as the standardized response mean and effect size after treatment. Results. A Cronbach's α coefficient of 0.967 confirmed the unidimensionality of Hand20. The correlation coefficient between Hand20 and DASH-JSSH was 0.84. The correlations between Hand20 and the SF-36 subscales ranged from -0.236 to -0.596. Moderate correlations were observed for "Role-physical" (r = -0.596) and "Bodily pain" (r = -0.557). The correlation between the Hand20 and "Physical functioning" was weak (r = -0.313). The standardized response mean and effect size of Hand20 was 1.50 and 1.60, respectively. Conclusions. The Hand20 has evaluation capacities equivalent to those of DASH-JSSH. There was a moderate correlation between Hand20 and SF-36.
THE EFFECT OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED STEROID INJECTION ON PROGRESSION TO SURGERY IN THUMB CMC ARTHRITIS
Authors: McCann P. A. , Wakeley C. J. , Amirfeyz R. 
Published: March 2014

Thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis is a common complaint that produces pain and disability within the hand. This study aims to ascertain whether joint injection with local anaesthetic and steroid is of predicative value in disease progression in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.Forty-three patients were assessed at an average follow up of 24 months following ultrasound-guided injection. Fourteen patients (32%) progressed to surgery, at a mean interval of 8.6 months (range 4–14 months).There was a statistically significant correlation between those patients who had on-going pain following injection at one week and progression to surgery (p = 0.025) with an odds ratio of 3.14 and positive likelihood ratio of 2.1.Patients with thumb CMCJ osteoarthritis that does not respond favourably to injection at one week are likely to progress to surgery in the first year after the injection. This work offers a useful tool in predicting disease progression and patient counseling.
TRICHILEMMAL CYST OF THE THIRD FINGERTIP: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Melikoglu Cenk , Eren Fikret , Keklik Barış , Aslan Cem , Sutcu Mustafa , Zeynep Tarini Emine 
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Trichilemmal cysts (TCs) are common skin lesions that occur in hairy areas. A TC involving a fingertip has not been previously described in the literature. We herein report a case of a TC occupying a fingertip region. Case presentation: A 43-year-old woman presented with a 1.5 × 1.5 cm nodular lesion on the third fingertip. The lesion was completely excised, and histopathological examination revealed a TC. Conclusion: TCs may involve atypical locations, such as fingertips, where there are no hair follicles. After surgical excision, a careful histopathological examination should be performed to differentiate TCs from proliferating pilar tumors.
New Strategies in Lung Cancer: Epigenetic Therapy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Forde Patrick M. , Brahmer Julie R. , Kelly Ronan J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Recent discoveries that non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be divided into molecular subtypes based on the presence or absence of driver mutations have revolutionized the treatment of many patients with advanced disease. However, despite these advances, a majority of patients are still dependent on modestly effective cytotoxic chemotherapy to provide disease control and prolonged survival. In this article, we review the current status of attempts to target the epigenome, heritable modifications of DNA, histones, and chromatin that may act to modulate gene expression independently of DNA coding alterations, in NSCLC and the potential for combinatorial and sequential treatment strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(9); 2244–8. ©2014 AACR.
Metformin Sensitizes EGFR-TKI–Resistant Human Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo through Inhibition of IL-6 Signaling and EMT Reversal
Authors: Li Li , Han Rui , Xiao Hualiang , Lin Caiyu , Wang Yubo , Liu Hao , Li Kunlin , Chen Hengyi , Sun Fenfen , Yang Zhenzhou , Jiang Jianxin , He Yong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) have become a standard therapy in patients with EGFR-activating mutations. Unfortunately, acquired resistance eventually limits the clinical effects and application of EGFR-TKIs. Studies have shown that suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the interleukin (IL)-6/STAT3 pathway may abrogate this acquired mechanism of drug resistance of TKIs. This study aims to investigate the effect of metformin on sensitizing EGFR-TKI–resistant human lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through inhibition of IL-6 signaling and EMT reversal.
Experimental Design: The effect of metformin on reversing TKI resistance was examined in vitro and in vivo using MTT, BrdUrd incorporation assay, invasion assay, flow cytometry analysis, immunostaining, Western blot analysis, and xenograft implantation.
Results: In this study, metformin, a widely used antidiabetic agent, effectively increased the sensitivity of TKI-resistant lung cancer cells to erlotinib or gefitinib. Metformin reversed EMT and decreased IL-6 signaling activation in TKI-resistant cells, while adding IL-6 to those cells bypassed the anti-TKI-resistance effect of metformin. Furthermore, overexpression or addition of IL-6 to TKI-sensitive cells induced TKI resistance, which could be overcome by metformin. Finally, metformin-based combinatorial therapy effectively blocked tumor growth in xenografts with TKI-resistant cancer cells, which was associated with decreased IL-6 secretion and expression, EMT reversal, and decreased IL-6–signaling activation in vivo.
Conclusion: Metformin, generally considered nontoxic and remarkably inexpensive, might be used in combination with TKIs in patients with non–small cell lung cancer, harboring EGFR mutations to overcome TKI resistance and prolong survival. Clin Cancer Res; 20(10); 2714–26. ©2014 AACR.
Chelating Intracellularly Accumulated Zinc Decreased Ischemic Brain Injury Through Reducing Neuronal Apoptotic Death
Authors: Zhao Yongmei , Pan Rong , Li Sen , Luo Yumin , Yan Feng , Yin Jie , Qi Zhifeng , Yan Ying , Ji Xunming , Liu Ke Jian 
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose—
Zinc has been reported to possess both neurotoxic and neuroprotective capabilities. The effects of elevated intracellular zinc accumulation following transient focal cerebral ischemia remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated whether removing zinc with the membrane-permeable zinc chelator, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), would decrease the intracellular levels of zinc in the ischemic tissue, leading to reduced brain damage and improved neurological outcomes.

Methods—
Rats were pretreated with TPEN or vehicle before or after a 90-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Cerebral infarct volume, neurological functions, neuronal apoptosis, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity, and cytosolic labile zinc were assessed after ischemia and reperfusion.

Results—
Cerebral ischemia caused a dramatic cytosolic labile zinc accumulation in the ischemic tissue, which was decreased markedly by TPEN (15 mg/kg) pretreatment. Chelating zinc lead to reduced infarct volume compared with vehicle-treated middle cerebral artery occlusion rats, accompanied by much improved neurological assessment and motor function, which were sustained for 14 days after reperfusion. We also determined that reducing zinc accumulation rescued neurons from ischemia-induced apoptotic death by reducing poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activation.

Conclusions—
Ischemia-induced high accumulation of intracellular zinc significantly contributed to ischemic brain damage through promotion of neuronal apoptotic death. Removing zinc may be an effective and novel approach to reduce ischemic brain injury.
Peacemaking in Intractable Conflict: A Contractualist Approach
Authors: Handelman Sapir , Pearson Frederic S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article presents a contractualist approach to peace and conflict studies that grows out of classical paradigms in the field. The contractualist approach proposes a solution to intractable conflicts through processes such as a public negotiating congress to transform conflicting parties into a large peacemaking community. The vision of an ideal congress is based on the multi-party talks that had operated in South Africa and Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The challenge is to establish a similar peacemaking institution in cases such as the Israeli-Palestinian dispute where ordinary citizens are at the center of the struggle. This article includes theoretical background, analysis of relevant case studies, and lessons from the Minds of Peace Experiment, a small-scale Israeli-Palestinian public negotiating congress that has held sessions in various locations around the world.
International Monetary and Financial Negotiations in Times of Crises: The G20 Pittsburgh Summit 2009
Authors: Kamel Maha S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe G20 leaders met for their third summit in Pittsburgh in September 2009. They agreed to institutionalize the G20 as the premier forum for their global economic cooperation, shift 5% of IMF quota shares and 3% of the World Bank’s shares from the overrepresented advanced countries to underrepresented dynamic-markets and developing countries, and continue with their fiscal stimuli and measures to sustain a durable global economic recovery following the global recession of 2008/09. More importantly, they launched negotiations on global imbalances within a newly formed G20 mechanism; theFramework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth.This article focuses on the financial negotiations that took place in this summit, with the aim of explaining how the aforementioned outcome was reached. It focuses on actors’ negotiating strategies as an intervening variable explaining the outcome, and compares the strategies of three important actors: the United States, China and Germany.
Nigerian-Initiated Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in the Czech Republic: Active Missionary Force or a Cultural Ghetto?
Authors: Bargár Pavol 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The phenomenon of the Nigerian Pentecostal/charismatic missionaries and communities led by them has been fairly well documented with respect to some Western European countries. However, much less attention has been given to the ministry of Nigerian-initiated Pentecostal/charismatic churches in Central Europe. The present paper seeks to fill this lacuna by exploring the ministry of three Nigerian-initiated churches in Prague, the Czech Republic, namely ‘The Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries’, ‘Covenant Parish Prague’ of ‘The Redeemed Christian Church of God’, and ‘The Holy Ghost End Time Ministries Intl.’ The present article analyzes different strategies these churches use to move beyond their ethnic origin. On these particular case studies, it tests a thesis, suggested by the research done by various scholars with respect to the Nigerian Pentecostal immigration in Europe and, especially, Great Britain, which claims that Nigerian-initiated Pentecostal/charismatic churches in Europe fail to appeal to the population of non-Nigerian and non-Pentecostal/charismatic backgrounds. This contribution suggests taking a more complex approach to the phenomenon by considering aspects such as contextual knowledge/experience of the pastor, language politics, worldview, worship style, and outreach policy. It will be proposed that sheer numbers are not to be perceived as the main indicator of whether or not a specific church represents an active missionary force, but rather a multiplicity of factors should be taken into consideration.
Knowledge and confidence of the mental health act in Scotland: a survey of general practitioners
Authors: Conway Lisa , Mohammed Nabiha , Jardine Charles , Crabb James 
Published: March 2014

Aims and method Front-line clinician general practitioners may be required to assist in the administration of mental health legislation. Limited training has been an issue previously identified. This study aims to ascertain levels of training, knowledge and confidence of general practitioners in Scotland in relation to the mental health act. An anonymous online survey of all general practitioners in one Scottish health board was completed. Results Eighty general practitioners in Forth Valley responded to the survey; 55% had never received any previous training in the mental health act. The majority rated knowledge of the act as fair (50%) and confidence in using the act as poor (44%). No relationship was found between previous training and current knowledge or confidence. Previous practical use of the act was associated with better current knowledge ( p = 0.0074) and confidence in using the act ( p = 0.0005). Of the respondents, 99% were keen to pursue further training in the act. Clinical implications Further practical training for general practitioners in the use of the mental health act is required to improve knowledge and confidence in this important area.
A survey of some pre-analytical errors identified from the Biochemistry Department of a Scottish hospital
Authors: Davidson D Fraser 
Published: March 2014

Background It is estimated that 70% of all health care decisions affecting diagnosis or treatment involve laboratory testing. The pre-analytical phase of the testing process shows the highest prevalence of errors accounting for 70% of all mistakes in laboratory diagnostics. It is recommended that laboratories collect statistics on pre-analytical error rates. This survey examined some mistakes in blood collection, i.e. specimen haemolysis, and EDTA contamination. Methods Survey was from June 2011 to May 2012. Haemolysis was detected by analysers’ automated haemolysis index function. Plasma EDTA was measured by an automated system. Data were captured from our laboratory information management system. Results For a total workload of 763,577 blood specimens, the overall haemolysis rate was 3.2%. Much higher rates of both specimen haemolysis and EDTA contamination were observed when blood was not collected by trained phlebotomists. Conclusions Better training in blood collection, achieving the standard of professional phlebotomists, will improve validity of diagnostic information; reduce risks of dangerous misinterpretation of results, unwanted anaemia and needlestick injury and decrease laboratory supplies costs. This type of audit could be replicated in other Scottish Health Boards with some benefit and thereby better target future training needs.
Research ethics policies and practices in health research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries: results of a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Zielinski Chris , Kebede Derege , Mbondji Peter Ebongue , Sanou Issa , Kouvividila Wenceslas , Lusamba-Dikassa Paul-Samson 
Published: March 2014

Objective To describe the state of research ethics policies and practices in health research institutions in sub-Saharan African countries. Design A structured questionnaire was used to solicit information on research ethics from health research institutions. Setting Forty-two sub-Saharan African countries. Participants Key informants from the health research institutions. Main outcome measures Existence of institutional ethics review policies and mechanisms. Results About half (51%) of respondent institutions reported having policies on research ethics and 58% had written policies requiring that researchers obtain informed consent of research participants. About one-third of respondent institutions (34%) had established ethics review committees, 42% required that studies went through ethics review committees and 46% had linkages with national or regional ethics organisations. Regarding operating procedures for ethics review committees, 53% had adopted standard operating procedures. Less than one-quarter of respondent institutions reported having policies in place to monitor ongoing research. Of the institutions that monitored ongoing research, 34% did an annual ethical review and 74% required a periodic written report. Only 36% provided any type of ethics training for staff, including those conducting health research and those who were not members of the ethics review committee. Conclusions There are substantial gaps in the capacity of health research institutions in the WHO African Region to undertake ethical review of studies before, during and after studies conducted. There is a need to strengthen such capacity in order to ensure the wellbeing of individuals enrolled in studies and that of communities that host these studies.
Knowledge systems in health in sub-Saharan Africa: results of a questionnaire-based survey
Authors: Zielinski Chris , Kebede Derege , Mbondji Peter Ebongue , Sanou Issa , Kouvividila Wenceslas , Lusamba-Dikassa Paul-Samson 
Published: March 2014

Objective To describe the mechanisms and systems of knowledge acquisition, creation, diffusion, application and improvement of knowledge in two layers of the health system: health policy formulation and the provision of clinical services. Design A questionnaire-based survey. Setting Health research institutions in 46 countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Participants Key informants in ministries of health and health care institutions in 39 countries of the Region. Main outcome measures Existence of knowledge management infrastructure or components of infrastructure in the countries of the Region. Results Central national bodies are always cited as having a major role in policy-setting. Non-national bodies most frequently provide advice and act in monitoring and evaluation, while decentralised entities are strongly involved in dissemination, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. In general, ministries tend not to have an explicit knowledge management framework and do not map knowledge sources and flows for policy-making. The main sources of evidence are guidelines or recommendations from international or national agencies, although systematic reviews are rarely used. Routine monitoring and evaluation of quality and effectiveness of the process of policy development and its implementation was reported in 19 of the 39 respondent countries. In most respondent countries, electronic medical records were rarely used. Conclusions As systematic reviews are rarely utilised as a source of evidence in policy development and few mechanisms exist to assess the performance of the policies, there are significant opportunities for improving policy development.