Literature Citations Research Articles

The Role of Gabapentin in the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal and Dependence

To review the literature evaluating gabapentin for alcohol withdrawal and dependence. A literature search of MEDLINE (1966 to end of March 2015) and PubMed was performed using the terms alcohol, gabapentin, withdrawal, and dependence. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. English-language prospective studies evaluating gabapentin for alcohol withdrawal and dependence were evaluated. A total of 10 publications utilizing gabapentin in alcohol withdrawal (n = 5) and alcohol dependence (n = 5) were included in this review. Limited data suggest that gabapentin can provide benefit in managing mild alcohol withdrawal syndrome. There were 5 reported or suspected seizures in the withdrawal studies, suggesting that additional safety data are necessary before gabapentin monotherapy can be routinely considered. Sleep and mood/anxiety-related outcomes were positively influenced by gabapentin, which may result in long-term benefits if continued beyond the withdrawal period for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Studies evaluating gabapentin for alcohol dependence demonstrated dose-dependent benefits for complete abstinence, rates of no heavy drinking, and cravings. Gabapentin used to treat alcohol dependence was well tolerated with no severe adverse reactions reported in the extant literature. Gabapentin may have a role in the treatment of mild alcohol withdrawal, but future studies should focus on adequate dosing strategies. Gabapentin should be considered for the treatment of alcohol dependence when barriers prevent the use of traditional agents. Additional studies should be conducted to further validate findings from the research conducted to date, but the current literature is promising for gabapentin in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Using guided inquiry and the information search process to develop research confidence among first year anatomy students.

With the growing volume of obtainable medical information and scientific literature, it is crucial that students in the field of allied health professions develop and refine the research skill set necessary to effectively find, retrieve, analyze, and use this information. This skill set can be effectively developed using student inquiry; an active learning process where students answer questions using research and data analysis. Therefore, with the pedagogical goal of developing information literacy among a cohort of allied health professional trainees, first year students studying human anatomy completed inquiry-based projects that were structured within the framework of the Information Search Process. This article thoroughly describes the conceptualization, creation, improvement, implementation, and assessment of the projects beginning with version one, the Student Inquiry Projects. Following a pilot of the Student Inquiry Projects various evidence-based improvements resulted in the final project version called the Inquiry Guided Learning Projects (IGLPs). A full assessment of the IGLPs revealed that students' self-perceived confidence improved for all tested research skills including: research question development, research question selection, exploration of peer-review literature, acquisition of resources, effective communication of results, and literature citation (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, six months following project completion students retained improved confidence in research question development and effective communication of results, with 90% of students indicating the IGLPs were directly responsible for these improvements. By guiding students through the Information Search Process, the IGLPs successfully developed research confidence among allied health trainees.

Drug-Drug Interactions With Antiviral Agents in People Who Inject Drugs Requiring Substitution Therapy.

To describe potential drug-drug interactions in the area of HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and injection drug use, including those between antiretrovirals (ARVs), direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), and opioid-agonist therapy, and to supply a practical approach to their management. We searched PubMed for relevant articles published up until February 2015 as well as conference reports and drug-drug-interaction Web sites. We used the following search terms: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interaction, opioid substitution, HIV, hepatitis and the individual names of the relevant agents of the following drug classes and the drug classes itself: reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, direct-acting antivirals, opioide, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations and drug-drug interaction Web sites. In our evaluation, we included German- and English-language studies and reports addressing drug-drug interactions between opioid agonist therapy and ARVs or DAAs. Pharmacokinetic data were available for all ARVs and DAAs except rilpivirine, indinavir, saquinavir, maraviroc, dolutegravir, and MK-8742 with buprenorphine as well as maraviroc with methadone Drug-drug interactions of potential clinical relevance are most likely to occur between opioid-replacement therapy and ARVs, particularly the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, efavirenz and nevirapine, and HIV protease inhibitors. Integrase inhibitors may be safely coadministered with opioid-replacement therapy. With respect to HCV DAAs, most currently approved and late-stage investigational agents do not have clinically significant interactions with opioid-replacement therapy. ARV and DAAs may interact with other drug classes commonly used in the opioid-dependent population, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics.

Taxonomic notes on Encephalartos ferox (Cycadales: Zamiaceae), with the description of a new subspecies from Mozambique

Continued work on the systematics of the genus Encephalartos has been conducted over a large area along the Mozambican coast to determine the infraspecific variation and taxonomic status of Encephalartos ferox populations. The northern extent of the species was also investigated based on anecdotal information that it might represent a new taxon. Several (45) vegetative and reproductive (ca. 40) characters were analysed and used to re-circumscribe E. ferox. Literature and iconographic citations are included, as is information on ecology, cytology and conservation as available. No specimens of E. ferox were located north of the Save River in the Sofala Province, Mozambique, and the northernmost population of the species was found to be anomalous. Accordingly a new subspecies, E. ferox subsp. emersus, is recognised based on its invariably emergent stems, shorter unarmed petiole length, shorter leaves, greater number and narrower leaflets (in seedlings as well) which are more closely spaced. Strobili and peduncles in subsp. emersus are shorter and narrower with strobili having a propensity towards yellow, while internally the megasporophylls are green, grading to white away from the outer surface. The IUCN Red List status is suggested as Critically Endangered A4d + B1a,b(v) + B2a,b(v), with the threat of illegal over-collection highlighted.

Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru: A Survey of the Families. Part I. Overview

The beetle fauna of Peru has not been enumerated since Blackwelder (1944–1957). This contribution is the first modern synopsis of beetle families, based on ongoing fieldwork and a literature review. Ninety nine families of beetles are now documented from Peru and nine families are reported in Peru for the first time—Biphyllidae, Bothrideridae, Eucinetidae, Monotomidae, Rhipiceridae, Scirtidae, Scraptiidae, Silvanidae, and Throscidae. A species list for each family, updated higher taxonomy, and relevant literature citations are presented. Most families are so poorly known in the tropics and so poorly represented in museum collections, that their rarity and/or conservation status cannot be determined. Altogether the project represents the first modern catalogue of the entire beetle fauna of a hyperdiverse Neotropical country.

Reflections on Research Performance Measures and the Rise of Asia

Citations in the journal literature are reliable indicators of influential ideas. Citation indexes enable retrieval and analysis of information regarding most cited papers. Citation analysis provides un understanding of thorough performance regarding influential nations, institutions, research groups, and even individual scientists. In the share of science publications, the U.S. and Western Europe have declined from 1981 to 2008 while Asia is rising in academic performance; Japan is still strong, Singapore emphasizes quality, India boosts output, and China shows a remarkable rise.

Review of Proton Pump Inhibitor Overuse in the US Veteran Population.

Objective: A growing body of evidence provides proof that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are overused in the general population and that such use is associated with adverse risks and unnecessary costs. Our objective was to systematically evaluate PPI overuse in the veteran population. Data Sources: A literature search using MEDLINE and CINHAL databases (1946-December 2014) was performed using the search term proton pump inhibitors coupled with each of the following key words: inappropriate use, misuse, and overuse. Searches were limited to studies and reviews in English language and human subjects. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles that centrally addressed the issue of PPI overuse were evaluated, following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel 2013. Articles that focused on the pediatric or non-US veteran populations were excluded. Data Synthesis: Among 30 articles included, 5 evaluated PPI overuse in veterans. The reported prevalence rate of PPI overuse in veterans ranged from 33% to 67%. Several cases reported PPI-associated Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and pneumonia. One Veterans Affairs center reported the total cost of PPI overuse to be more than $200 000 based on over-the-counter costs and more than $1.5 million based on average wholesale price cost. Conclusions: PPI overuse is common among veterans and exposes them to adverse risks and costs the system enormous dollars. Based on the findings of this review, we provide recommendations to curb PPI overuse among veterans and in the Veterans Affairs system.

Case 3674CollohmanniaSellnick, 1922 (Arachnida, Acari, Oribatida): proposed conservation by giving it precedence over the senior subjective synonymEmbolacarusSellnick, 1919

The purpose of this application, under Article 23.9.3 of the Code, is to conserve the widely used oribatid mite genus name Collohmannia Sellnick, 1922, which is threatened by the obscure senior subjective synonym Embolacarus Sellnick, 1919. The latter is based on a single fossil species whose type and only known specimen is lost; most subsequent literature citations are simple, unenhanced listings. By contrast, Collohmannia has been used in a significant body of literature relating to morphology, reproductive biology, development, behavior, chemical ecology and phylogeny, as well as appearing in molecular databases. It is proposed that Collohmannia be given precedence over Embolacarus whenever they are considered to be synonyms.

Online accesses to medical research articles on publication predicted citations up to 15 years later

ObjectivesTo examine whether the number of early online accesses to medical research articles predicts citations in the scientific literature over time. Study Design and SettingCohort study of research articles published in the BMJ between January and June 1999. The number of online assesses within 1 week of publication was examined in relation to citation counts in 1999–2004, 2004–2009, and 2009–2014. ResultsThe 148 included articles were accessed on average 691 times up publication, and each was cited on average 33 times in 1999–2004, 32 times in 2004–2009, and 26 times in 2009–2014. The logarithm of accesses predicted the logarithm of citations for all three subsequent periods, but the association weakened over time (correlation with citations in 1999–2004: 0.54, 2004–2009: 0.49, 2009–2014: 0.39; all P < 0.001). In addition to online accesses, the presence of an abstract also predicted more citations for all periods. ConclusionEarly interest in a medical research article, reflected by online accesses within a week of publication, predicts citations up to 15 years later. This strengthens the validity of online usage as a measure of the scientific merit of publications.

Safety and Efficacy of Fondaparinux in Renal Impairment

Objective: To evaluate the cumulative evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of using fondaparinux in renal impairment, manifested by preventing new or recurrent thrombosis and the incidence of bleeding, respectively. Data Sources: We searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for relevant studies from 1966 until November 2014, using the terms “fondaparinux” and “renal failure” or “dialysis.” Additional references were identified from review of literature citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Inclusion criteria were articles in English language and patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 50 mL/min. Exclusion criteria were using fondaparinux as an anticoagulant for dialyzer circuit patency, abstracts, case reports, case series, pediatrics (&lt;18 years), and pharmacokinetic studies with no clinical efficacy and safety results. Data Synthesis: Our search retrieved 4 cohort studies, 1 clinical trial, and 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT) subgroup analysis. A total of 3237 patients received fondaparinux with a dose ranging from 1.25 mg to 2.5 mg daily. Three studies investigated fondaparinux as a prophylactic agent, 2 as a treatment agent, and 1 study investigated both. The only study with control group was the RCT subgroup analysis, which compared fondaparinux to enoxaparin. A total of 470 patients developed thromboembolic complications or death and 169 developed major bleeding. The composite outcome of safety and efficacy in the RCT subgroup analysis was significantly lower in fondaparinux group compared with the enoxaparin group ( P = .001). Conclusions: Current evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of fondaparinux in renally impaired patients is limited and does not support its use in such population.

A new approach for main path analysis: Decay in knowledge diffusion

Main path analysis is a powerful tool for extracting the backbones of a directed network and has been applied widely in bibliometric studies. In contrast to the no‐decay assumption in the traditional approach, this study proposes a novel technique by assuming that the strength of knowledge decays when knowledge contained in one document is passed on to another document down the citation chain. We propose three decay models, arithmetic decay, geometric decay, and harmonic decay, along with their theoretical properties. In general, results of the proposed decay models depend largely on the local structure of a citation network as opposed to the global structure in the traditional approach. Thus, the significance of citation links and the associated documents that are overemphasized by the global structure in the traditional no‐decay approach is treated more properly. For example, the traditional approach commonly assigns high value to documents that heavily reference others, such as review articles. Specifically in the geometric and harmonic decay models, only truly significant review articles will be included in the resulting main paths. We demonstrate this new approach and its properties through the DNA literature citation network.

Geodynamics, 3rd edn

Turcotte, D.L. and Schubert, G., eds, Cambridge University Press, 2014, ISBN: 9780521186230, Paperback, 636 pp. Turcotte and Schubert's ‘Geodynamics’ book has been essential reading for generations of Earth scientists. Ever since the appearance of the first edition in 1982, lecturers in geodynamics worldwide use the book as reading material, and the large number of citations in the scientific literature illustrates that the book is also heavily used by researchers. I still remember well the excitement when I bought the 2nd edition when it became available a little more than a decade ago: after years of taking out well-worn copies from the University library, I suddenly was the proud owner of my own copy (which by now is equally well worn). Over the years, the book has helped me to understand and teach many different aspects of geodynamics, and it continues to do so. Now the 3rd edition lies in front of me. A first leafing-through shows that most of the familiar contents is much the same. Apart from being a bit bulkier than the previous edition, the structure and basic contents of first 10 chapters remained mostly unchanged, with the same wide range of geodynamic topics presented in the same convenient, familiar way: Chapter 1 sets the scene, describes the plate-tectonic framework, …

Target joint "new concept of identification"

Background: The hallmark of hemophilia is hemarthrosis. All efforts must be made to early diagnose joint bleeding as soon as it occurs and treat it not later than within 2 h of onset by infusing the appropriate clotting factor. This will prevent the accumulation of blood in the joint as well as inflammation and a potential hemophilic arthropathy. Recurrent bleeding prevents the joint from regaining its range of motion, muscle strength, and normal appearance. These changes become permanent, leading eventually to osteoarthritis. A bleeds joint requires urgent and comprehensive management, especially in young patients, if permanent damage is to be prevented. Methods: The author conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of the relevant literature. The author reviewed all compiled reports from computerized searches. Searches were limited to English language sources and human subjects. Literature citations were generally restricted to published manuscripts appearing in journals listed in Index Medicus and reflected literature published up to July, 2013. Results: The aim of this study was to introduce the new criteria (joint at risk) for early identification of bleeds joint for early diagnosis and effective management to prevent the joint to become chronic synovitis target joint. Conclusion: The new concept of identifying target joint in this study is aiming to prevent the joint of hemophilic patient to progress to stage of chronic synovitis target joint by early identification of bleeds joint.

Flora of North America North of Mexico

Abstract The Flora of North America north of Mexico treats all native and naturalized vascular plants and bryophytes in Canada, Greenland, St. Pierre et Miquelon, and the continental United States including the Florida Keys and Aleutian Islands (approximately 18 million square kilometers). It provides accepted names, literature citations, basionyms, synonyms, morphological descriptions, habitat, geographical distribution, conservation or weed status, and a discussion of taxonomic issues for approximately 20,000 species. Of the total 30 volumes anticipated, 18 have been published and one is in press, treating 2021 genera and 12,393 species. For the remaining volumes, 763 genera and 5,008 species have been submitted, and 82 of the 144 families have been submitted in full. Completion is anticipated by the end of 2017. The project is managed by the Flora of North America Association. Content from published volumes is available through eFloras and JSTOR and has been provided to the World Flora informatics team.

TIME-DEPENDENT LORENTZ-MIE-DEBYE FORMULATION FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC SCATTERING FROM DIELECTRIC SPHERES (INVITED PAPER)

Canonical solutions to frequency domain Maxwell’s equations, in the spherical coordinate system, have found extensive use as is evident from citations in the scientific literature. What is conspicuous by its absence is lack of such expressions for transient Maxwell systems. The existence of such expressions or approximations, provide the means to glean interesting physics in a variety of applications as well as validate existing numerical fullwave solvers. However, developing these expressions is beset with challenges; direct inverse Fourier transforms of frequency domain expressions are unstable. Successful approaches that ameliorate this instability are more recent endeavor. In this paper, we generalize our earlier contribution to this effort by exploiting a novel representation of the retarded potential to derive expressions for scattering from a dielectric sphere. Several results are provided that demonstrate the stability and accuracy of the method.

Risk Factors for Chronic Renal Insufficiency Following Cardiac Transplantation.

Although previous publications have discussed kidney disease in nonrenal solid-organ transplantation, none has reviewed thoroughly the potential predictors of long-term renal impairment in cardiac recipients. Thus, the purpose of this review article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on risk factors of chronic renal insufficiency in heart transplant patients. An English language Medline literature search (1946-April 2014) was conducted using the search terms renal insufficiency, kidney failure, kidney diseases, nephrotoxi$ ($ for truncation), creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, heart transplantation and organ transplantation. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. A total of 74 articles discussing key risk factors were included in the manuscript. The existing literature reveals that several recipient characteristics (age, female sex, pretransplant/early post-transplant kidney impairment, diabetes, and hypertension) increase the risk of renal insufficiency after transplantation. Current data also indicate that, while cyclosporine and tacrolimus are most likely major determinants of post-transplant kidney failure, the effects of calcineurin inhibitor doses and concentrations remain unclear. A small number of studies suggest that tacrolimus could possibly induce less nephrotoxicity than cyclosporine, but meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials show the opposite with comparable incidences of dialysis after cardiac transplantation. Finally, the role of genetic variations has only been explored to a limited extent in heart transplant patients. This growing body of evidence should ultimately lead to a better risk prediction regarding chronic renal insufficiency following cardiac transplantation and a more personalized tailoring of immunosuppressive regimens.

Disaster Risk Research Literature on Statistics Analysis in China Journal Net

Disaster risk literature collect from CNKI, analysis of the development of china journal net’s literature on disaster risk. According to the literature was published in the year, subject, author, literature sources, databases, was cited and downloaded several aspects, such as for quantitative analysis. Statistical analysis of the literature on disaster risk can draw the following result: Risk of disaster in China started late until the beginning of 2007, the increasing number of documents; Domestic disaster risk leading university research station in Nanjing Information Engineering University, the leading journal is Disaster Reduction in China; Domestic cooperation on disaster risk degree of harmony with the rate of increase in value more, gradually in-depth research; Core journal literature citations high, indicating that field has a central effect, receive attention in academia.

Acute methotrexate ingestions in adults: A review on ever-rising consumption of methotrexate since 1980s

To review the possible association between methotrexate (MTX) intake and increased toxicity. A MEDLINE literature search MEDLINE (1980-August 2014) was performed using the search terms MTX, antifolate, MTX toxicity, glucarpidase, and leucovorin. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. All English-language observational studies and case reports were considered. Methotrexate (meth oh trex' ate) is an antifolate and antimetabolite that is used extensively in the therapy of leukemia, lymphoma, and several solid organ tumors. It also has potent activity against psoriasis and has immunomodulatory activity against inflammatory bowel disease and the inflammatory arthritidies. It exhibits a wide range of toxic effects profile. Leucovorin is indicated to diminish the toxicity and counteract the effect of inadvertently administered overdosages of MTX. In post marketing experience, overdose with MTX has generally occurred with oral and intrathecal administration, although intravenous and intramuscular overdose have also been reported. Supporting care strategies, extracorporeal measures, and glucarpidase are some of the means to overcome MTX overdosage. At present, pharmacogenomics tends to contribute toward the emergence of adverse effects following the widespread use of MTX for various indications.

Treatment of hypertension with chronotherapy: is it time of drug administration?

To review evidence for dosing antihypertensives at bedtime and possible cardiovascular risk reduction. A PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials database literature search (1990-September 2014) limited to human subjects was performed using the search terms hypertension, chronotherapy, ambulatory blood pressure, morning administration, evening administration, and antihypertensives. Additional references were identified from literature citations. All prospective studies assessing cardiovascular outcomes or comparing morning to evening administration of antihypertensives were selected. Compared with morning administration, dosing one or more antihypertensive medications at bedtime helps induce a normal circadian blood pressure pattern and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in individuals with hypertension. Similar results have been reported in high-risk individuals with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and resistant hypertension. A lack of diversity among studied populations and reliance on subgroup analyses are among the limitations of these data. All antihypertensive medications have not been studied in chronotherapy and do not uniformly achieve desired results. The most substantial evidence exists for medications affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Despite growing evidence and promise as a cost-effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk, chronotherapy is not uniformly recommended in the treatment of hypertension. Careful selection of patients and antihypertensives for chronotherapy is required. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the definitive impact of chronotherapy on cardiovascular outcomes.

Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 3: Endoscopic computer-assisted electromagnetic navigation and ultrasonography as technical adjuvants for shunt placement.

This systematic review was undertaken to answer the following question: Do technical adjuvants such as ventricular endoscopic placement, computer-assisted electromagnetic guidance, or ultrasound guidance improve ventricular shunt function and survival? The US National Library of Medicine PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words specifically chosen to identify published articles detailing the use of cerebrospinal fluid shunts for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus. Articles meeting specific criteria that had been delineated a priori were then examined, and data were abstracted and compiled in evidentiary tables. These data were then analyzed by the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines Task Force to consider evidence-based treatment recommendations. The search yielded 163 abstracts, which were screened for potential relevance to the application of technical adjuvants in shunt placement. Fourteen articles were selected for full-text review. One additional article was selected during a review of literature citations. Eight of these articles were included in the final recommendations concerning the use of endoscopy, ultrasonography, and electromagnetic image guidance during shunt placement, whereas the remaining articles were excluded due to poor evidence or lack of relevance. The evidence included 1 Class I, 1 Class II, and 6 Class III papers. An evidentiary table of relevant articles was created. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATION: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of endoscopic guidance for routine ventricular catheter placement. Level I, high degree of clinical certainty. The routine use of ultrasound-assisted catheter placement is an option. Level III, unclear clinical certainty. The routine use of computer-assisted electromagnetic (EM) navigation is an option. Level III, unclear clinical certainty.