bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the comparative analgesic effectiveness of transdermal and oral opioids in cancer patients: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Apolone G. , Deandrea S. , Montanari M. , Corli O. , Greco M.T. , Cavuto S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundTransdermal delivery systems containing fentanyl or buprenorphine, despite the relatively lack of comparative studies, have reached an impressive share of the market in several countries. In the context of a wider observational study, we applied the propensity score to test the comparative effectiveness of the two routes of administration (oral vs. transdermal).MethodsWe applied the propensity score in a subgroup of patients (starting the World Health Organization third step therapy during the scheduled follow‐up of 28 days) using pre‐planned primary (pain intensity change) and secondary endpoints, such as increase in doses, need for switching and safety profile. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out.ResultsThree‐hundred sixty‐six eligible cases were analysed. We found a difference among the two groups in terms of variables potentially associated with therapy choice and outcomes. After adjusting for propensity score, results were in favour of transdermal delivery systems for the primary endpoint (odds ratio 1.68; p = 0.04). A similar trend was also present for the other secondary endpoints. Only in the case of nausea and vomiting, patients receiving transdermal delivery systems reported a higher frequency of events.ConclusionThe application of the propensity score has helped understand better the actual effectiveness of transdermal delivery systems that are at least equivalent to the oral opioids, and even more effective for pain intensity reduction.
Contribution of mu and delta opioid receptors to the pharmacological profile of kappa opioid receptor subtypes
Authors: Brissett D.I. , Whistler J.L. , van Rijn R.M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMolecular cloning has identified three opioid receptors: mu (MOR), delta (DOR) and kappa (KOR). Yet, cloning of these receptor types has offered little clarification to the diverse pharmacological profiles seen within the growing number of novel opioid ligands, which has led to the proposal of multiple subtypes. In the present study, utilizing in vitro and in vivo methods including the use of opioid receptor knockout mice, we find that certain antinociceptive effects of the KOR‐1 and KOR‐2 subtype‐selective ligands (+)‐(5α,7α,8β)‐N‐Methyl‐N‐[7‐(1‐pyrrolidinyl)‐1‐oxaspiro[4.5]dec‐8‐yl]‐benzene‐acetamide (U69, 593) and 4‐[(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)acetyl]‐3‐(1‐pyrrolidinylmethyl)‐1‐piperazine‐carboxylic acid methyl ester fumarate (GR89, 696), respectively, are potentiated by antagonism of MOR and DOR receptors. We believe that our findings can be best explained by the existence of KOR‐DOR and KOR‐MOR heteromers. We only find evidence for the existence of these heteromers in neurons mediating mechanical nociception, but not thermal nociception. These findings have important clinical ramifications as they reveal new drug targets that may provide avenues for more effective pain therapies.
Feasibility of international data collection and feedback on post‐operative pain data: Proof of concept
Authors: Zaslansky R. , Chapman C.R. , Rothaug J. , Bäckström R. , Brill S. , Davidson E. , Elessi K. , Fletcher D. , Fodor L. , Karanja E. , Konrad C. , Kopf A. , Leykin Y. , Lipman A. , Puig M. , Rawal N. , Schug S. , Ullrich K. , Volk T. , Meissner W. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPost‐operative pain exacts a high toll from patients, families, healthcare professionals and healthcare systems worldwide. PAIN‐OUT is a research project funded by the European Union's 7th Framework Program designed to develop effective, evidence‐based approaches to improve pain management after surgery, including creating a registry for feedback, benchmarking and decision support. In preparation for PAIN‐OUT, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of international data collection with feedback to participating sites. Adult orthopaedic or general surgery patients consented to participate between May and October 2008 at 14 collaborating hospitals in 13 countries. Project staff collected patient‐reported outcomes and process data from 688 patients and entered the data into an online database. Project staff in 10 institutions met the enrolment criteria of collecting data from at least 50 patients. The completeness and quality of the data, as assessed by rate of missing data, were acceptable; only 2% of process data and 0.06% of patient‐reported outcome data were missing. Participating institutions received access to select items as Web‐based feedback comparing their outcomes to those of the other sites, presented anonymously. We achieved proof of concept because staff and patients in all 14 sites cooperated well despite marked differences in cultures, nationalities and languages, and a central database management team was able to provide valuable feedback to all.
Two‐week cast immobilization induced chronic widespread hyperalgesia in rats
Authors: Ohmichi Y. , Sato J. , Ohmichi M. , Sakurai H. , Yoshimoto T. , Morimoto A. , Hashimoto T. , Eguchi K. , Nishihara M. , Arai Y.‐C.P. , Ohishi H. , Asamoto K. , Ushida T. , Nakano T. , Kumazawa T. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt has been postulated that physical immobilization is an essential factor in developing chronic pain after trauma or surgery in an extremity. However, the mechanisms of sustained immobilization‐induced chronic pain remain poorly understood. The present study, therefore, aimed to develop a rat model for chronic post‐cast pain (CPCP) and to clarify the mechanism(s) underlying CPCP. To investigate the effects of cast immobilization on pain behaviours in rats, one hindlimb was immobilized for 2 weeks with a cast and remobilization was conducted for 10 weeks. Cast immobilization induced muscle atrophy and inflammatory changes in the immobilized hindlimb that began 2 h after cast removal and continued for 1 week. Spontaneous pain‐related behaviours (licking and reduction in weight bearing) in the immobilized hindlimb were observed for 2 weeks, and widespread mechanical hyperalgesia in bilateral calves, hindpaws and tail all continued for 5–10 weeks after cast removal. A sciatic nerve block with lidocaine 24 h after cast removal transitorily abolished bilateral mechanical hyperalgesia in CPCP rats, suggesting that sensory inputs originating in the immobilized hindlimb contribute to the mechanism of both ipsilateral and contralateral hyperalgesia. Intraperitoneal injection of the free radical scavengers 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperydine‐1‐oxy1 or N‐acetylcysteine 24 h after cast removal clearly inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia in bilateral calves and hindpaws in CPCP rats. These results suggest that cast immobilization induces ischaemia/reperfusion injury in the hindlimb and consequent production of oxygen free radicals, which may be involved in the mechanism of widespread hyperalgesia in CPCP rats.
Patient predictor variables for six forms of suicidality
Authors: Fishbain D.A. , Lewis J.E. , Bruns D. , Gao J. , Disorbio J.M. , Meyer L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectivesThere has been a significant amount of research performed on the relationship between the presence of chronic pain and all forms of suicidality. This study explored which rehabilitation acute pain patient (APP) and rehabilitation chronic pain patient (CPP) variables are predictive of six suicidality items: wanting to die because of pain; wanting to die because life is hard; history of wanting to die; history of suicide attempts; recent frequent suicide ideation; and having a suicidal plan.MethodsThe six suicide items were contained within the Battery for Health Improvement‐Research Version (BHI‐R) and were administered to a healthy community sample (n = 1478), community patients (n = 158), rehabilitation APPs (n = 326), rehabilitation CPPs (n = 341) and rehabilitation patients without pain (n = 110).ResultsAffirmation of the six items in APPs/CPPs ranged from 6.13% to 34.90%. Logistic regression predictor models for each item for APPs/CPPs were developed utilizing available variables from the BHI‐R. Predictor variables differed between APPs and CPPs and between items. Most predictor variables had previously been delineated in non‐pain behaviour studies (e.g., substance abuse). Some novel variables such as perseverance were also identified. Contrary to the behaviour suicide literature, no demographic variables (except employment) were predictive. Correct patient classification ranged from 87% to 95%, in most cases being better than the base rate prediction.DiscussionSuicidality predictor variables were differentially distributed between APPs and CPPs and between different forms of suicidality. Some suicidality predictor variables appeared to be specific to pain patients.
Does the neonatal clinical risk for illness severity influence pain reactivity and recovery in preterm infants?
Authors: Valeri B.O. , Gaspardo C.M. , Martinez F.E. , Linhares M.B.M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe biobehavioural pain reactivity and recovery of preterm infants in the neonatal period may reflect the capacity of the central nervous system to regulate neurobiological development.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of the neonatal clinical risk for illness severity on biobehavioural pain reactivity in preterm infants.MethodsFifty‐two preterm infants were allocated into two groups according to neonatal severity of illness, as measured by the Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB). The low clinical risk (LCr) group included 30 neonates with CRIB scores <4, and the high clinical risk (HCr) group included 22 neonates with CRIB scores ≥4. Pain reactivity was assessed during a blood collection, which was divided into five phases (baseline, antisepsis, puncture, recovery‐dressing and recovery‐resting). Behavioral pain reactivity was measured using the scores, and magnitude of responses in Neonatal Facial Coding System (NFCS) and Sleep‐Wake States Scale (SWS). The heart rate was continuously recorded.ResultsThe HCr demonstrated a higher magnitude of response on the SWS score from the baseline to the puncture phase than the LCr. Also, the HCr exhibited a higher mean heart rate and minimum heart rate than the LCr in the recovery‐resting phase. In addition, the HCr exhibited a higher minimum heart rate from the baseline to the recovery‐resting phase than the LCr.ConclusionThe infants exhibiting a high neonatal clinical risk showed high arousal during the puncture procedure and higher physiological reactivity in the recovery phase.
Risk factors of chronic neck pain: A prospective study among middle‐aged employees
Authors: Kääriä S. , Laaksonen M. , Rahkonen O. , Lahelma E. , Leino‐Arjas P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo study the associations of sociodemographic factors, working conditions, lifestyle and previous pain in the spine with new onset chronic neck pain (NP).MethodsThe participants were municipal employees free of chronic NP at baseline, aged 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 years (n = 5277, 80% women). Self‐reported data on occupational class, working conditions, body mass index, smoking, exercise, mental well‐being, sleep problems, NP and low back pain (LBP) were obtained from baseline questionnaire surveys in 2000–2002. The question on chronic NP was repeated in a follow‐up in 2007. Logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsThe incidence of chronic NP was 15% in women and 9% in men. In multivariable analysis among women, acute NP [odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9–5.1], chronic LBP (1.6, 1.2–2.2), reporting current workplace bullying (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4), earlier bullying at the present workplace (1.6, 1.2–2.0), and earlier bullying in another workplace (1.8, 1.3–2.4), frequent sleep problems (1.5, 1.2–2.0), overweight (1.2, 1.0–1.5), and obesity (1.4, 1.1–1.8) predicted chronic NP at follow‐up. Men with acute NP (2.3, 1.4–3.8), chronic LBP (2.3, 1.2–4.3), manual occupational class (1.8, 1.1–3.1) and high work‐related emotional exhaustion (1.9, 1.1–3.3) at baseline had an increased risk of new onset chronic NP.ConclusionsWe found potentially modifiable predictors of chronic NP among employees: workplace bullying, sleep problems, and high body mass index in women, and work‐related emotional exhaustion in men. In both genders, previous acute NP and chronic LBP were predictive of chronic NP.
The Minnesota Studies of Creative Behavior: National and International Extensions
Authors: TORRANCE E. PAUL 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT On the basis of over 300 reports by independent investigators and voluminous correspondence from all of the United States and over 36 foreign countries, the author summarizes some of the national and international extensions of the Minnesota (now Georgia) Studies of Creative Behavior. In these extensions, other investigators have used the research instruments and instructional materials developed by the author and his associates. Instruments have been translated into at least seventeen different languages, and one book, Gifted Children in the Classroom, has been published in both Spanish and Japanese.In the judgment of the author, there is little relationship between the kinds of effort that have an impact on research and the ones that influence educational practice. The most popular topic of the research studies collected was the validity of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Unfortunately, most of these studies have been preoccupied with the relationship between measures of creativity and measures of intelligence and school achievement. Nevertheless, these studies did yield a variety of evidence of construct, concurrent, and predictive validity, and test‐retest reliability. The author makes a plea for future investigators to build upon rather than endlessly repeat these studies and make use of the theoretical rationales upon which the instruments and materials have been developed.
The Conditions for Creativity
Authors: ALAMSHAH WILLIAM H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT We must attempt to formulate those conditions which are both necessary and sufficient for creativity. These conditions, at a minimum, appear to be:(1) Motivation. This includes inherent needs, which provide the “push”, and acquired traits and attitudes, which provide the “pull”. (2) Self‐limitation (or selectivity). This means proper use and the setting of proper curbs on our talents and energies; the adoption of an adequate valuing‐system and the development of the kind of character that will help us meet the demands of the environment and our creative projects. (3) Receptivity (or openness). This makes it possible for us to take in new ideas, experience new feelings and attitudes, apprehend new aesthetic forms relevant to originality. (4) Competence. This involves mastery of those tools used in, and required for, the creative project. These conditions may be held to be minimal for creativity.
The Creative Medical Student: A Descriptive Study
Authors: GRAVES GRANT O. , INGERSOLL RALPH W. , EVANS LLOYD R. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTBiographical study distinguished high from low creative medical students by broken homelife, greater preference for movies, modern music, serious books, bridge playing and creative hobbies. High creatives seek challenge, academic or research careers, verbal and imaginative expression. Low creatives have higher motivation, better academic grades, more economic and family interests, are often oldest children and head for general practice. Independent, original explorations characterize high creativity while traditional, authoritative explanations satisfy the less creative. Fricke's Opinion, Attitude and Interest Survey made the creativity identification. Factor analysis related OAIS Scores, Omnibus Personality Inventory and Medical College Admission Test scores to cross check with biography data. A motivational Index is suggested as a predictor of supportive value to the creativity score.
College Level Creativity Course Content
Authors: MONTOGOMERY DIANE , BULL KAY S. , BALOCHE LYNDA 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the nature of creativity courses taught at the university or college level. Prompted by a national conference sponsored by the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center at Northwood Institute and the Dow Foundation, this study analyzed the content of sixty‐seven (67) creativity course syllabi, collected from a variety of courses taught in all geographical areas of the United States. From the content analysis emerged a theoretical framework descriptive of the dimensions of creativity as taught on the university level. These dimensions can be characterized broadly as factors of prerequisite, conceptual tools and production factors. Implications for course construction based on these broad factors are discussed.
Young Children's Creative Solutions To Realistic and Fanciful Story Problems
Authors: ALEXANDER PATRICIA A. , JETTON TAMARA L. , WHITE STEVEN H. , PARSONS JAMES L. , COTROPIA KIMLA K. , LIU HSAIO‐CHIN , ACKERMAN CHERYL M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis study examined the creative problem solving of young children as evidenced in their responses to realistic and fanciful stories posing similar problems (i.e., key character trapped and in need of rescue). One‐hundred young children listened to two stories; one about a puppy trapped in a hole (realistic) and one about a prince caught in a tower (fanciful). The children were asked to complete the stories by thinking of ways to get the puppy or the prince out. The children's responses were scored for fluency (number), elaboration (detail), flexibility (conceptual shifts), originality (novelty), effectiveness, and realism. Overall, the results suggest that the children's performance improved with age and experience, although their solutions tended to remain ineffective and unoriginal. As predicted, the children strongly preferred the puppy to the prince story, although preference did not generally affect their creative performance. The practical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented.
When Consonance Is Not Enough … A Study of the Use of Dissonant Music In Psychotherapy*
Authors: SOLOMON ELIDÉ H. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThis study explores the thesis that dissonant music is of significant help in psychoanalytic process and treatment. The survey emphasizes the spiritual dimension of abstract music, which creates an ego‐less state, affording an important treatment toward the listener's well being. The term “spiritual” as used here, refers not to organized religion, but rather to positive, evolutionary self‐growth beyond the ego. The investigation involved seven individual listening sessions conducted in psychoanalytic training schools and four sessions with non‐analytic minded subjects. The verbal feedback showed that dissonant music, abstract and unfamiliar sound styles, can make a meaningful contribution to healing during psychoanalytic treatment.
Transcendence as a Subset of Evolutionary Thinking: A Darwinian View of the Creative Experience
Authors: GROSSMAN STEPHEN R. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTThe states of transcendence and affective discontinuities as features of the creative act are posited as analogous to Darwin's theory of evolution. The intellectual essence of Darwin's argument is that randomness processed through a selection system yields purpose. Some recent studies suggest this process holds true for profound acts of creativity. Darwin's two criteria for change, randomness and a system of recognition, are examined in application to the creative act. The argument is made that extraordinary creative people use a specific selection process coupled with the ability to de‐structure or randomize their mental environment. Finally, techniques are proposed to structure a creative recognition system and to de‐structure the input that is processed to enhance creative results.Considerable research into creativity has been concerned with transcendent thinking, the sudden discontinuous pattern shifts that lead to wonderful new insights. Three schools of thought have attempted to explain and resolve this discontinuity. Overton and Newman (1982) describe two of these. There is the reductionist view taking the position that all creative thinking can be explained by continuous processing. Discontinuity is treated merely as a behavioral or affective phenomenon since by nature pre‐conscious algorithms are unavailable for systematic inquiry.The organismic view, on the other hand, takes the lofty position that transcendence is a function of indeterminacy: ideas actually operate in earthly terms but are post‐Newtonian in nature. That is, transcendent states are delocalized concepts operating beyond the tangible limitations of space and time. Attempts to measure these phenomena are doomed to the same outcome as the proverbial killing of the goose that laid the golden egg.McCarthy (1993) has recently attempted to reconcile the above positions by arguing that the answer may well be found in the field of quantum physics and elementary particle research. She proposes that nature is a duality. Creative insight and transcendence come about through the superposition of two realities, one which is “boundary‐free”; the other a more conscious process which is hierarchal and “boundary‐laden.”Presented here is a reductionist point of view asserting that what we consider to be transcendence — the mystical nature of creativity — is not only sequential but a subset of the evolutionary process as set forth by Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species (1859). Further, the principles of Darwin's theory may be applied to speed and improve the creative process both for individuals and groups. Other researchers in the field (Campbell, 1960, Finke, Ward, & Smith, 1992, Gruber& Davis, 1988, Kantorovich, 1993; Simonton, 1988), have invoked evolutionary thinking to explain the creative process. However, this argument looks at the two properties of evolution necessary for its function and shows how in highly creative people they may operate differently.