bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabis‐based medicines and medical cannabis for patients with neuropathic pain and other pain disorders: Nationwide register‐based pharmacoepidemiologic comparison with propensity score matched controls
Authors: Hjorthøj Carsten , La Cour Peter , Nordentoft Merete , Posselt Christine Merrild
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuropathic pain and other pain disorders have received attention as potential indications for use of cannabis‐based medicines or medical cannabis (CBM/MC). Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CBM/MC for pain disorders is, however, insufficient. Denmark introduced a pilot programme of medical cannabis in January 2018. We aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and non‐specific effects of CBM/MC used under the pilot programme compared with controls.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide register‐based cohort study in Denmark, identifying all individuals redeeming at least one prescription for CBM/MC for either neuropathic pain (n = 1817) or other and unspecified pain disorders (n = 924), and to match one control to each case using propensity score matching.

Results

Among both patient groups, users of THC used more opioids during follow‐up than controls. Among patients with neuropathic pain, however, users of either CBD, THC, or combined CBD + THC used less gabapentin than controls. Users of all three classes of CBM/MC were hospitalized fewer days than controls among neuropathic‐pain patients but not among patients with other or unspecified pain disorders.

Conclusions

CBM/MC were generally safe and even displayed some positive effects among patients with neuropathic pain. We conclude that CBM/MC are safe and possibly efficacious for patients with neuropathic pain but not patients with other pain disorders.

Significance

Patients with neuropathic pain may benefit from treatment with cannabis‐based medicines or medical cannabis (CBM/MC), particularly in terms of reduced use of gabapentin and fewer days admitted to hospitals, compared with propensity score matched controls. CBM/MC did not, however, reduce the use of opioids. We did not find evidence that CBM/MC were effective for patients with other pain disorders.
Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on PEI‐rGO/AuNWs and Zr‐MOF for Determination of Adenosine Triphosphate via Exonuclease I‐assisted Target Recycling Strategy
Authors: Zheng Ruina , He Baoshan , Xie Lingling , Li Liping , Yang Jinping , Liu Renli , Ren Wenjie , Suo Zhiguang , Xu Yiwei , Qu Zhenxi
Published: October 2021

In this study, a hierarchically porous Zr‐MOF‐labeled electrochemical biosensor for the detection of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) was constructed using polyethylenimine‐reduced graphene oxide/Gold nanowire nanocomposite (PEI‐rGO/AuNWs) and exonuclease I (Exo I) assisted target recycling strategy. PEI‐rGO/AuNWs nanocomposite not only favor the immobilization of c‐DNA but also facilitate the electron transfer and elevate the electrode surface area. In addition, hierarchically porous Zr‐MOFs (HP‐UiO‐66), high stability and large mesoporous property, could load more signal molecules. In the presence of ATP, ATP aptamer was released from the c‐DNA, thus introducing MB@Zr‐MOF‐s‐DNA onto the electrode surface. Meanwhile, Exo I selectively digested the aptamer which bound with ATP, the released ATP participated new binding with the rest aptamer. Therefore, a significant increase in MB current intensity was observed. Under optimal conditions, the proposed aptasensor showed excellent performance with a linear range from 10−6 μM to 10 μM and a detection limit of 3.76×10−8 μM by differential pulse voltammetry. In addition, the proposed biosensor showed an outstanding performance with reproducibility, stability and anti‐interference ability, and was applied to the determination of ATP in real samples.
CE‐DAD‐MS/MS in the simultaneous determination and identification of selected antibiotic drugs and their metabolites in human urine samples
Authors: Pauter Katarzyna , Szultka‐Młyńska Małgorzata , Szumski Michał , Król‐Górniak Anna , Pomastowski Paweł , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: October 2021

In this study, a new analytical method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of antibiotic drugs (amoxicillin, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, linezolid, metronidazole) and their metabolites (amoxycilloic acid, amoxicillin diketopiperazine, 3‐desacetyl cefotaxime lactone, clindamycin sulfoxide, ciprofloxacin piperazinyl‐N4‐sulfate, linezolid N‐oxide, metronidazole‐OH) in human urine. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) along with the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used to determine and identify all analytes. Appropriate conditions for MS/MS measurements along with the use of the central composite design were optimized. The effects of different analytical conditions (the composition, the concentration, and the pH value of the background electrolyte, the time and pressure of the injection, the capillary temperature and influence of the organic modifier) on the migration and separation of antibiotic drugs and metabolites were examined using the CE‐DAD. The analytical procedure was linear for concentrations ranging from 20 to 1000 ng/mL, with determination coefficients higher than 0.99 for all the analytes. The validated analytical procedure was then applied to the measurement of antibiotic drugs and their metabolites in human urine samples.
Alluvial connectivity in multi‐channel networks in rivers and estuaries
Authors: Sonke Willem , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Speckmann Bettina , van Dijk Wout M. , Hiatt Matthew
Published: October 2021

Channels in rivers and estuaries are the main paths of fluvial and tidal currents that transport sediment through the system. While network representations of multi‐channel systems and their connectivity are quite useful for characterisation of braiding patterns and dynamics, the recognition of channels and their properties is complicated because of the large bed elevation variations, such as shallow shoals and bed steps that render channels visually disconnected. We present and analyse two mathematically rigorous methods to identify channel networks from a terrain model of the river bed. Both methods construct a dense network of locally steepest‐descent channels from saddle points on the terrain, and select a subset of channels with a certain minimum sediment volume between them. This is closely linked to the main mechanism of channel formation and change by displacement of sediment volume. The two methods differ in how they compute these sediment volumes: either globally through the entire length of the river, or locally. We compare the methods for the measured bathymetry of the Western Scheldt estuary, The Netherlands, over the past decades. The global method is overly sensitive to small changes elsewhere in the network compared to the local method. We conclude that the local method works best conceptually and for stability reasons. The associated concept of alluvial connectivity between channels in a network is thus the inverse of the volume of sediment that must be displaced to merge the channels. Our method opens up possibilities for new analyses as shown in two examples. First, it shows a clear pattern of scale dependence on volume of the total network length and of the number of nodes by a power law relation, showing that the smaller channels are relatively much shorter. Second, channel bifurcations were found to be predominantly mildly asymmetrical, which is unexpected from fluvial bifurcation theory.
The consequences of predators without prey
Authors: Parsons Mitchell A , Newsome Thomas M , Young Julie K
Published: October 2021

Rapid and ongoing environmental change is leading to scenarios where marine and terrestrial predators are persisting without prey, either by scavenging or using anthropogenic foods. Despite investigations into the effects of predator presence or absence on prey behavior and ecology, little research has assessed the effect of prey absence on predators. Here, we synthesize research on scavenging and the use of anthropogenic resources by marine and terrestrial predators; hypothesize how the use of these resources may change predator behavior with respect to their social structure, space use, life history, and individual behavioral traits; and illustrate how these changes are likely to have cascading effects through ecosystems. The prevalence of predators persisting without prey will almost certainly change in the future due to altered availability of anthropogenic foods, scavenging opportunities, and natural prey. We discuss areas of needed research and the relevance of our findings to both the conservation and ecology of predators and management of human–wildlife conflict.
Uncertainty and the predictability of stock returns
Authors: Cai Wensheng , Pan Zhiyuan , Wang Yudong
Published: October 2021

While several theoretical models imply that uncertainty has predictive ability for stock returns, few studies investigate this issue using empirical data. We fill this gap by comparing the predictive ability of uncertainty variables with the predictive ability of well‐known economic level variables. We find the in‐sample and out‐of‐sample return predictability using the combining uncertainty information. The predictability is significant from both economic and statistical perspectives. Further analysis shows that macroeconomic uncertainty and level information provide complementary predictive ability over the business cycle. We obtain stronger and more robust return predictability using both types of information together than using either source of information alone.
Evaluating dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for patients with oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Mehta Mitesh P. , Prince Rebecca , Butt Zeeshan , Maxwell Bryce E. , Carnes Brittni N. , Patel Urjeet A. , Stepan Katelyn O. , Mittal Bharat B. , Samant Sandeep
Published: October 2021

Background

We assessed long‐term patient‐reported dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following definitive surgical management with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) via a cross‐sectional survey study.

Methods

Patients with OPC managed with primary oropharyngeal surgery as definitive treatment at least 1 year ago between 2015 and 2019 were identified. The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and Xerostomia Inventory (XI) scores were compared across treatment types (i.e., no adjuvant therapy [TORS‐A] vs. adjuvant radiotherapy [TORS+RT] vs. adjuvant chemoradiotherapy [TORS+CT/RT]).

Results

The sample had 62 patients (10 TORS‐A, 30 TORS+RT, 22 TORS+CT/RT). TORS‐A had clinically and statistically significantly better MDADI scores than TORS+RT (p = 0.03) and TORS+CT/RT (p = 0.02), but TORS+RT and TORS+CT/RT were not significantly different. TORS‐A had clinically and statistically significantly less XI than TORS+RT (p < 0.01) and TORS+CT/RT (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Patients with OPC who have undergone TORS+RT or TORS+CT/RT following surgery face clinically worse dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes relative to patients who undergo TORS‐A.
GALAD demonstrates high sensitivity for HCC surveillance in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Singal Amit G. , Tayob Nabihah , Mehta Anand , Marrero Jorge A. , El‐Serag Hashem , Jin Qingchun , Saenz de Viteri Cristian , Fobar Austin , Parikh Neehar D.
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

Most patients with HCC are diagnosed at a late stage, highlighting the need for more accurate surveillance tests. Although biomarkers for HCC early detection have promising data in Phase 2 case–control studies, evaluation in cohort studies is critical prior to adoption in practice. We leveraged a prospective cohort of patients with Child‐Pugh A or B cirrhosis who were followed until incident HCC, liver transplantation, death, or loss to follow‐up. We used a prospective specimen collection, retrospective, blinded evaluation design for biomarker evaluation of GALAD (gender × age × log alpha‐fetoprotein [AFP] × des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin), longitudinal GALAD, and the HCC Early Detection Screening (HES) algorithm—compared to AFP—using patient‐level sensitivity and screening‐level specificity.

Approach and Results

Of 397 patients with cirrhosis, 42 developed HCC (57.1% early stage) over a median of 2.0 years. Longitudinal GALAD had the highest c‐statistic for HCC detection (0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.92) compared to single–time point GALAD (0.79; 95% CI, 0.71–0.87), AFP (0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.85), and HES (0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.83). When specificity was fixed at 90%, the sensitivity for HCC of single–time point and longitudinal GALAD was 54.8% and 66.7%, respectively, compared to 40.5% for AFP. Sensitivity for HCC detection was higher when restricted to patients with biomarker assessment within 6 months prior to HCC diagnosis, with the highest sensitivities observed for single–time point GALAD (72.0%) and longitudinal GALAD (64.0%), respectively. Sensitivity of single–time point and longitudinal GALAD for early‐stage HCC was 53.8% and 69.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

GALAD demonstrated high sensitivity for HCC detection in a cohort of patients with cirrhosis. Validation of these results is warranted in large Phase 3 data sets.
DDX17‐regulated alternative splicing that produced an oncogenic isoform of PXN‐AS1 to promote HCC metastasis
Authors: Zhou Hong‐Zhong , Li Fan , Cheng Sheng‐Tao , Xu Yong , Deng Hai‐Jun , Gu Da‐Yong , Wang Jin , Chen Wei‐Xian , Zhou Yu‐Jiao , Yang Min‐Li , Ren Ji‐Hua , Zheng Lu , Huang Ai‐Long , Chen Juan
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims

The mechanism underlying HCC metastasis remains unclear, many oncogenes are known to regulate this process. However, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in pro‐metastatic HCC is poorly understood.

Approach and Results

By performing RNA sequencing on nine pairs of primary HCC tissues with extrahepatic metastasis (EHMH) and nine pairs of metastasis‐free HCC (MFH) tissues, we depicted the AS landscape in HCC and found a higher frequency of AS events in EHMH compared with MFH. Moreover, 28 differentially expressed splicing regulators were identified in EHMH compared with MFH. Among these, DEAD‐box RNA helicase 17 (DDX17) was significantly up‐regulated in EHMH and was strongly associated with patient outcome. Functional studies indicated that DDX17 knockout inhibited the degradation of the extracellular matrix, and diminished the invasive ability of HCC cells. A significant reduction in lung metastasis induced by DDX17 deficiency was also demonstrated in a diethylnitrosamine‐induced DDX17HKO mouse model. Mechanistically, high DDX17 induced intron 3 retention of PXN‐AS1 and produced a transcript (termed PXN‐AS1‐IR3). The transcript PXN‐AS1‐IR3 acted as an important promoter of HCC metastasis by inducing MYC transcription activation via recruiting the complex of testis expressed 10 and p300 to the MYC enhancer region, which led to transcriptional activation of several metastasis‐associated downstream genes. Finally, the PXN‐AS1‐IR3 level was significantly higher in serum and HCC tissues with extrahepatic metastasis.

Conclusions

DDX17 and PXN‐AS1‐IR3 act as important metastatic promoters by modulating MYC signaling, suggesting that DDX17 and PXN‐AS1‐IR3 may be potential prognostic markers for metastatic HCC.
Isotopic analysis to quantify the role of the Indian monsoon on water resources of selected river basins in the Himalayas
Authors: Jeelani Ghulam , Shah Rouf Ahmad , Deshpande Rajendrakumar D. , Dimri Ashok P. , Mal Suraj , Sharma Anupam
Published: October 2021

Western disturbances (WDs) and Indian summer monsoon (ISM) led precipitation play a central role in the Himalayan water budget. Estimating their contributions to water resource is although a challenging but essential for hydrologic understanding and effective water resource management. In this study, we used stable water isotope data of precipitation and surface waters to estimate the contribution of ISM and WDs to the water resources in three mountainous river basins ‐ Indus, Bhagirathi and Teesta river basins of western, central and Eastern Himalayas. The study reveals distinct seasonality in isotope characteristics of precipitation and surface waters in each river basin is due to changes in moisture source, hydrometeorology and relief. Despite steady spatial variance in the slope and intercept of regression lines from the Teesta to Indus and the Bhagirathi river basins, the slope and intercept are close to the global meteoric water line and reported local meteoric water line of other regions in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. The two‐component end‐member mixing method using d‐excess as tracer were used to estimate the contribution from ISM and WD led precipitation to surface water in aforementioned river basins. The results suggest that the influence of the ISM on the water resources is high (>72% to annual river flow) in Teesta river basin (eastern Himalayas), while as the WDs led precipitation is dominantly contributing (>70% average annual river flow) to the surface waters in the Indus river basin (western Himalayas). The contribution of ISM and WD led precipitation in Bhagirathi river basin is 60% and 40%, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the unusual changes in the ISM and WD moisture dynamics have the potential to affect the economy and food security of the region, which is dependent on the availability of water resources. The obtained results are of assistance to policy makers/mangers to make use of the information for better understanding hydrologic response amid unusual behaviour of the dual monsoon system over the region.
Epstein‐Barr virus prevalence among subtypes of malignant lymphoma in Rwanda, 2012 to 2018
Authors: Mpunga Tharcisse , Clifford Gary M. , Morgan Elizabeth A. , Milner Danny A. , de Martel Catherine , Munyanshongore Cyprien , Muvugabigwi Gaspard , Combes Jean‐Damien
Published: October 2021

Few data exist on Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) prevalence across the full spectrum of lymphoma subtypes, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa. The objective of our study was to test the presence of EBV in a nationally representative sample of malignant lymphomas diagnosed in the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) in Rwanda. Of 102 Hodgkin (HL) and 378 non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) diagnosed in BCCOE between 2012 and 2018, 52 HL and 207 NHL were successfully tested by EBV‐encoding RNA in situ hybridization. EBV prevalence was 54% in HL, being detected in all classical HL subtypes: mixed‐cellularity (n = 3/8), nodular‐sclerosis (n = 7/17) and lymphocyte‐rich (n = 2/3). EBV prevalence was 9% in NHL, being 10% among 158 B‐cell NHL, 3% among 35 T‐cell NHL and the single NK‐cell NHL was EBV‐positive. Among B‐cell NHL, EBV was present in the majority of Burkitt (n = 8/13), and was also rarely detected in follicular (n = 1/4) and acute B‐cell lymphoblastic (n = 1/45) lymphomas. Five of the 45 (11%) diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) were EBV‐positive, including three out of five plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL). Of 39 HL and 163 NHL of known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, 2 (5%) and 14 (9%) were HIV‐positive, respectively, of which only four were also EBV‐positive (2 PBL, 2 HL). In summary, we report rare regional‐level data on the association of EBV with classical HL, Burkitt and DLBCLs, and report sporadic detection in other subtypes possibly related to EBV. Such data inform the burden of disease caused by EBV and can help guide application of future advances in EBV‐specific prevention and therapeutics.
Incorporating Nb into MoSe2 Nanoflowers for Overall Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Kuraganti Vasu , Siva Pamula , Bar‐Ziv Ronen , Bar Sadan Maya
Published: October 2021

Incorporating transition metals such as by doping has a significant effect on the properties of TMDs, and it is an appealing research strategy to provide structural and functional tunability of these prospective materials for energy and environmental applications. Here we report the effect of incorporating Nb into MoSe2 nanoflowers on the catalytic properties for electrochemical water‐splitting. Impressively, the Nb incorporation greatly improved the active surface area and the charge‐transfer kinetics of the catalyst resulting in significant enhancement of the HER and OER activity. The considerable enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of electronic regulation and surface modification induced by the Nb addition. The Nb‐modified MoSe2 comprise thin coverage of active Nb2O5 phase as evident from XPS. The niobium oxide is chemically stable under acidic and neutral conditions but degraded in strong alkaline media, thus our catalyst becomes a good candidate for water electrolysis under non‐alkaline conditions.
Gonadal tumor and malignancy in 118 patients with disorders of sex development with Y chromosome
Authors: Ouyang Yunwei , Tan Shiqiao , Yu Ya , Luo Bing , Yin Weiyao , Luo Li
Published: October 2021

Objective

To provide more information about tumor prevalence and malignant transformation among patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) for further guidance in prophylactic gonadectomies and surveillance.

Methods

SPSS software (version 20.0) was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

Phenotypically female DSD patients with a Y chromosome have a higher risk of gonadal malignancy.

Conclusion

Bilateral gonadal resection is recommended as soon as diagnosis is made for phenotypically female patients with disorders of sex development with a Y chromosome.
Comparison of nitrogen assimilation components among Agrostis species and cultivars
Authors: DaCosta Michelle , Ebdon Jeffrey Scott , Chappell Lindsey Hoffman
Published: October 2021

Enhanced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in turfgrass systems comprises several factors, including more efficient uptake and assimilation of applied nitrogen (N), as well as reduced N losses to the environment. The objectives of the current research were to evaluate the inter‐ and intraspecific variation in N use parameters in two Agrostis species, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) and velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.), under field and controlled environmental conditions. Measurements included leaf NUE (g dry matter mg–1 N), leaf N content (mg g–1 dry matter), leaf and root nitrate reductase activity (NRA)(μmol NO2– g–1 fresh weight h–1), and root nitrate uptake rate (NUR). Velvet bentgrass cultivars exhibited higher leaf N content and therefore lower leaf NUE than creeping bentgrass cultivars in the field and in a nutrient solution. Differences in leaf NRA were only observed in Agrostis species and cultivars in the field, with higher NRA observed in creeping bentgrass. Velvet bentgrass cultivars grown in a nutrient solution exhibited a 50% higher root NUR than creeping bentgrass, with leaf NRA and N content increasing and leaf NUE decreasing in Agrostis under higher NO3– supply.
Research and scholarly methods: Semi‐structured interviews
Authors: Adeoye‐Olatunde Omolola A. , Olenik Nicole L.
Published: October 2021

The popularity and value of qualitative research has increasingly been recognized in health and pharmacy services research. Although there is certainly an appropriate place in qualitative research for other data collection methods, a primary benefit of the semi‐structured interview is that it permits interviews to be focused while still giving the investigator the autonomy to explore pertinent ideas that may come up in the course of the interview, which can further enhance understanding of the pharmacy service being assessed. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize methodological considerations and procedures for conducting semi‐structured interviews in pharmacy services research. In this article, we propose the Seven Steps to Conducting, Analyzing, and Reporting Semi‐Structured Interview Data (7S CARS‐SID) for Pharmacy Services Research. While many of the proposed steps can be applied to various qualitative methods and types of research, this narrative review intentionally focuses discussion on semi‐structured interviews and pharmacy services research. These seven steps along with the cited resources and applicable examples provide novice qualitative researchers with a step‐by‐step introductory guide to conducting qualitative pharmacy services research using semi‐structured interview methods. Finally, the 7S CARS‐SID for Pharmacy Services Research is intended to be a tool for assisting readers, reviewers, and editors of the Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy to better understand the methodology behind qualitative research papers using semi‐structured interview methods.
Strategies for the integration of foundational and clinical sciences in doctor of pharmacy programs
Authors: Malhotra Ashim , Reddy Indra K. , Fulford Michael , Khasawneh Fadi T. , Tiwari Amit K. , Feng Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Enhancing the integration of foundational and pharmaceutical sciences with the clinical pharmacy curriculum will develop practitioner‐scholar pharmacists. However, implementing and assessing integration is challenging. Hindrance factors include limited pragmatic approaches, the lack of a “how‐to” blueprint, faculty and student resistance to change, compression of pharmaceutical science teaching, and a paucity of assessment strategies.

Methods

This study examined the history, theory, and practice of integration and utilization of the 2013 Center for Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Outcomes to achieve integration in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. For this, 252 faculty members across the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutics, and Chemistry sections were surveyed to assess faculty perception regarding (1) the importance of integrating foundational and clinical sciences, (2) the extent, and (3) intentionality of incorporation of the 2013 CAPE Outcomes in the foundational sciences. The 2013 CAPE Outcomes perceived to be challenging to incorporate into the foundational sciences were identified. Subsequently, strategies for integration and assessment grounded in educational theories were developed.

Results

Patient advocacy (CAPE 3.3), cultural sensitivity (CAPE 3.5), innovation and entrepreneurship (CAPE 4.3), medication use management (CAPE 2.2), self‐awareness (CAPE 4.1), and leadership (CAPE 4.2) received scores suggesting limited incorporation in foundational sciences. To address this, examples of integration strategies were shown based on these 2013 CAPE Outcomes to enhance foundational science bridging with clinical and practice pharmacy education. Curricular models such as the McMaster method, H and Z stack approaches, and the Harden's Ladder as an assessment tool to measure curricular integration are examined in the context of the 2013 CAPE Outcomes, grounded in educational theory.

Conclusion

This work summarizes the recommendations of the AACP Biological Sciences Section Task Force for examples of methods for achieving, augmenting, and assessing the integration of pharmaceutical and foundational sciences with clinical practice in PharmD programs.
Pharmacist‐prescribed hormonal contraception services: A systematic review of implementation studies
Authors: Newlon Jenny L. , Reed Jason B. , Stone Rebecca H. , Satterfield Kennedi G. , Meredith Ashley H.
Published: October 2021

As of July 2021, 16 states and Washington DC permit pharmacist prescribing of hormonal contraceptives. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the impact of pharmacist prescribing on hormonal contraceptive access in the United States (U.S.). Using a protocol based on PRISMA guidelines, a librarian performed the literature search for articles published between January 1, 2013 and January 15, 2021. Studies were excluded if they were incomplete (ie, without results) or the full text was not available. Studies that took place outside of the U.S., within the U.S. but in a state that had not implemented pharmacist contraception prescribing at the time the research was initiated, or not written in English, as well as those that were not primary literature (ie, reviews, editorials, opinion papers, etc.) were also excluded from this review. Articles were categorized based on whether the outcomes evaluated (a) uptake of pharmacist‐prescribed hormonal contraceptive services, (b) implementation of pharmacist‐prescribed hormonal contraceptive services, or (c) impact of pharmacist‐prescribed hormonal contraceptive services on patients' access to hormonal contraception. Of 2056 identified articles, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The majority (n = 16) assessed uptake of the service, whereas eight examined implementation and three evaluated impact of the service on patients' access. More research is warranted on the impact of pharmacist prescribing on patients' access to hormonal contraceptives.
Confronting opioid use disorder through virtual interprofessional education
Authors: Fusco Nicholas M. , Ohtake Patricia J.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice (IPCP) are requirements of most health professions education curricula and may be an important method to promote an interprofessional approach to treating opioid use disorder (OUD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of a large‐scale, virtual IPE Forum on the topic of OUD and its impact on student pharmacists' assessment of their interprofessional behaviors.

Methods

Students completed a virtual IPE Forum which consisted of asynchronous online pre‐work and a live, virtual small‐group case‐based discussion activity. Within 2 weeks after participating in the activity, students completed a survey that included a program evaluation and a self‐assessment of IPCP behaviors (Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Scale [ICCAS]). Paired sample t tests determined differences between pre‐ and post‐Forum ICCAS assessments. Additionally, faculty facilitators of the small‐group activity completed a post‐program evaluation.

Results

There were 105 third‐year student pharmacists that participated in the virtual IPE Forum. A total of 103 (98%) students completed the ICCAS instrument. There were statistically significant increases in each item on the ICCAS, as well as a total mean ICCAS score, from pre‐ to post‐activity. Most students (>86%) reported they gained new knowledge related to OUD. Most faculties (93%) reported the Forum was an effective way to teach students about OUD and IPCP. Both students and faculty rated the program highly, with most (64%) students preferring the virtual forum compared with previously offered in‐person experiences.

Discussion

A virtual IPE Forum focused on OUD was successful at improving students' self‐assessed interprofessional collaborative behaviors. Additionally, student pharmacists reported they gained new knowledge related to OUD. Incorporating virtual IPE related to OUD into student pharmacists' training is beneficial and may be preferable to in‐person experiences. Future studies should compare educational outcomes of in‐person vs virtual IPE experiences and the impact such experiences have on student knowledge.
Impact of a pharmacy‐led nursing education on discharge opioid prescribing after kidney transplant
Authors: Benken Jamie , Lichvar Alicia , Reticker Anesia , Benedetti Enrico , Votta Velis Effrossyni , Campara Maya
Published: October 2021

A major contributor to the opioid epidemic is prescribing in the postoperative setting. There remains the need for opioid stewardship both postoperatively and upon discharge in kidney transplant recipients. In October 2017, pharmacist‐led education was given to all transplant nursing staff at a single center with the goal of optimizing postoperative pain control through education and empowerment of nurses. Furthermore, the education focus was to advance nursing knowledge, enhance patient assessment, and reform patient education. Clinical pharmacists continued to work with the transplant team to base a patient's discharge analgesia on inpatient analgesia use. This study assessed the impact of the nursing education on discharge analgesic prescribing patterns after kidney transplant admission. Opioid prescribing on transplant discharge was significantly lower after the education (pre 68.3% vs post 11.1%, P <.001). Transplant admission was shortened by 1 day (6 vs 5 days, P = .03). Over time, a significant downtrend in opioid prescribing was observed on discharge from 86.1% in 2015 to 49.6% in 2017 and 8.5% in 2018 (P <.001). If opioid therapy was required on discharge in the posteducation group, tramadol was predominantly prescribed (7/13 opioid prescriptions, 53.9%). Thus, opioid minimization and pain management using nonopioid analgesic prescribing on discharge are feasible in an adult kidney transplant population with proper nursing collaboration and education.
Toward allogenizing a xenograft: Xenogeneic cardiac scaffolds recellularized with human‐induced pluripotent stem cells do not activate human naïve neutrophils
Authors: Al‐Hejailan Reem S. , Bakheet Razan H. , Al‐Saud Mashael M. , Al‐Jufan Mansour B. , Al‐Hindas Hussain M. , Al‐Qattan Somaya M. , Al‐Muhanna Muhanna K. , Parhar Ranjit S. , Conca Walter , Hansmann Jan , Collison Kate S. , Walles Heike , Al‐Mohanna Futwan A.
Published: October 2021

The limited availability of human donor organs suitable for transplantation has resulted in ever‐increasing patient waiting lists globally. Xenotransplantation is considered a potential option, but is yet to reach clinical practice. Although remarkable progress has been made in overcoming immunological rejection, issues with functionality are still to be resolved. Bioengineering approaches have been used to create cardiac tissues with optimized functions. The use of decellularized xenogeneic cardiac tissues seeded with donor‐derived cardiac cells may prove to be a viable strategy as supporting structures of the native tissue such as vasculature can be utilized. Here we used sequential perfusion to decellularize adult rat hearts. The acellular scaffolds were reseeded with human endothelial cells, human fibroblasts, human mesenchymal stem cells, and cardiac cells derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells. The ability of the resultant recellularized rat scaffolds to activate human naïve neutrophils in vitro was investigated to measure xenogeneic recognition. Our results demonstrate that in contrast to cadaveric xenogeneic hearts, acellular and recellularized xenogeneic scaffolds did not activate human naïve neutrophils and suggest that decellularization removes the xenogeneic antigens that lead to human naïve neutrophil activation thus allowing human cells to populate the now “allogenized” xenogeneic scaffolds.
Functional differences between Hsp105/110 family proteins in cell proliferation, cell division, and drug sensitivity
Authors: Teshima Hiroko , Watanabe Hiroko , Yasutake Ryuji , Ikeda Yuki , Yonezu Yukiko , Okamoto Namiko , Kakihana Ayana , Yuki Ryuzaburo , Nakayama Yuji , Saito Youhei
Published: October 2021

The mammalian HSP105/110 family consists of four members, including Hsp105 and Apg‐1, which function as molecular chaperones. Recently, we reported that Hsp105 knockdown increases sensitivity to the DNA‐damaging agent Adriamycin but decreases sensitivity to the microtubule‐targeting agent paclitaxel. However, whether the other Hsp105/110 family proteins have the same functional property is unknown. Here, we show that Apg‐1 has different roles from Hsp105 in cell proliferation, cell division, and drug sensitivity. We generated the Apg‐1‐knockdown HeLa S3 cells by lentiviral expression of Apg‐1‐targeting short hairpin RNA. Knockdown of Apg‐1 but not Hsp105 decreased cell proliferation. Apg‐1 knockdown increased cell death upon Adriamycin treatment without affecting paclitaxel sensitivity. The cell synchronization experiment suggests that Apg‐1 functions in mitotic progression at a different mitotic subphase from Hsp105, which cause difference in paclitaxel sensitivity. Since Apg‐1 is overexpressed in certain types of tumors, Apg‐1 may become a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment without causing resistance to the microtubule‐targeting agents.
Reference values of urine protein/creatinine ratio in healthy Dalian adults
Authors: Liu Tong , Xue Bang‐Lu , Du Bin , Cui Tong , Gao Xin , Wang Yue‐Ying , Wang Bo , Wei Jin‐Long
Published: October 2021

Background

The urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) is commonly used in current clinical practice. However, there are only few published clinical data on UPCR from large cohorts of Chinese adults. This study aimed to determine the overall and age‐ and sex‐specific UPCR reference values for healthy Dalian adults.

Methods

According to the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute EP28‐A3c guidelines, 1321 healthy Dalian adults (646 men and 675 women) aged 20–69 years were enrolled. Urine protein and creatinine levels were analyzed in the random morning spot urine samples, and UPCR was calculated. The 95th percentile of the UPCR was used as the normal upper limit. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to test differences among groups.

Results

The UPCR reference value was 141.7 mg/g for the entire cohort, 128.7 mg/g for men, and 150.8 mg/g for women. In addition, women had relatively higher UPCR values than men in the same age group. We also compared the UPCR reference values between different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) groups and found that women had significantly higher UPCR values than men in the normal eGFR groups.

Conclusions

This study provides the overall and age‐ and sex‐specific UPCR reference values for healthy Dalian adults.
Changes in systemic GDF15 across the adult lifespan and their impact on maximal muscle power: the Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Frandsen Ulrik , Prokhorova Tatyana , Kamper Rikke S. , Haddock Bryan , Aagaard Per , Suetta Charlotte
Published: October 2021

Background

Although growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is known to increase with disease and is associated with low physical performance, the role of GDF15 in normal ageing is still not fully understood. Specifically, the influence of circulating GDF15 on impairments in maximal muscle power (a major contributor to functional limitations) and the underlying components has not been investigated.

Methods

Data from 1305 healthy women and men aged 20 to 93 years from The Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study were analysed. Circulating levels of GDF15 and markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein) were measured by ELISA (R&D Systems) and multiplex bead‐based immunoassays (Bio‐Rad). Relative (normalized to body mass), allometric (normalized to height squared), and specific (normalized to leg muscle mass) muscle power were assessed by the Nottingham power rig [leg extension power (LEP)] and the 30 s sit‐to‐stand (STS) muscle power test. Total body fat, visceral fat, and leg lean mass were assessed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Leg skeletal muscle index was measured as leg lean mass normalized to body height squared.

Results

Systemic levels of GDF15 increased progressively as a function of age in women (1.1 ± 0.4 pg·mL−1·year−1) and men (3.3 ± 0.6 pg·mL−1·year−1) (both P < 0.05). Notably, GDF15 increased at a faster rate from the age of 65 years in women (11.5 ± 1.2 pg·mL−1·year−1, P < 0.05) and 70 years in men (19.3 ± 2.3 pg·mL−1·year−1, P < 0.05), resulting in higher GDF15 levels in men compared with women above the age of 65 years (P < 0.05). Independently of age and circulatory markers of inflammation, GDF15 was negatively correlated to relative STS power (P < 0.05) but not LEP, in both women and men. These findings were mainly explained by negative associations of GDF15 with specific STS power in women and men (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A J‐shaped relationship between age and systemic GDF15 was observed, with men at older age showing steeper increases and elevated GDF15 levels compared with women. Importantly, circulating GDF15 was independently and negatively associated with relative STS power, supporting the potential role of GDF15 as a sensitive biomarker of frailty in older people.
Kinetıc analysıs of Cr(VI) transport wıth electromembrane processes
Authors: Çalık Gamze , Kaya Ahmet , Onac Canan , Aytaç Aylin , Alpoguz Hamza Korkmaz
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In this study, the transport of Cr (VI) ions was investigated with electroanalytical approach, called electro‐membrane extraction (EME), by using a supported liquid membrane (SLM).

RESULTS

Aliquat 336 and Celgrad 2500 were used as a carrier and support material, respectively. Chromium (VI) ions were transferred from sample solution containing target analyte to extractant solution at low potential values (10–50 V) and with different current values (0.1–0.4 A).

CONCLUSION

The following parameters such as carrier change, carrier concentration effects, solvent change effect were investigated and Cr(VI) transport was achieved with 54.73% recovery in 100 min at optimum conditions. In the EME‐SLM process, Danesi mass transfer model was used to calculate the kinetic data, rate constant, flux, permeability, and recovery, for each parameter examined. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Lactic acid production from food waste using the lactogenic Escherichia coli strain JU15: optimization of reducing sugar recovery
Authors: Santos‐Corona Anaid M , Lázaro‐Mixteco Pedro E , Vargas‐Tah Ana Alejandra , Castro‐Montoya Agustín J
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

d‐Lactic acid (DLA) has numerous industrial applications, including production of biodegradable polylactic acid, which is one of the most promising biodegradable polymers. Looking for alternative feedstocks is a high priority and recent focus has been on its biological synthesis and biotechnological valorization from food waste (FW) materials. In this study, a response surface methodology (RSM) approach and central composite design (CCD) were performed to hydrolyze FW, obtaining released reducing sugars (RRS) for DLA production using the lactogenic Escherichia coli strain JU15.

RESULTS

After an optimized sulfuric acid‐based pretreatment methodology using RSM and CCD, FW was utilized to obtain the maximum concentration of RRS, obtaining liquors containing glucose (85.59%), fructose (5.48%) and arabinose (8.92%) with an efficiency of ∼98% total sugar conversion from hydrolysis of FW. As the total sugar sources obtained titers of 26.85 ± 1.28 g L−1 (DNS) and DLA production was 22.66 ± 1.01g L−1, the DLA yield was 0.99 g g −1 total sugar. While arabinose was discretely consumed, with a remaining concentration of 0.36 ± 0.02 g L−1 after culture, the production of DLA through bacterial fermentation of the FW hydrolysates by the JU15 strain showed total depletion of glucose and fructose, achieving a maximum DLA production of 22.66 g L−1, with a maximum volumetric productivity of 0.73 g L−1 h−1 at 36 h.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an experimental optimization of a pretreatment to obtain released reducing sugars to lactic acid production from food waste as feedstock using the lactogenic E. coli strain JU15. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The effect of different cleaning agents and resin cement materials on the bond strength of contaminated zirconia
Authors: Cinel Sahin Sezgi , Celik Ersan
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different cleaning methods and resin cements on the shear bond strength (SBS) of contaminated zirconia. A total of 92 disc‐shaped zirconia specimens were contaminated with different procedures. Then, the specimens were grouped according to cleaning methods and resin cements: no cleaning + Variolink Esthetic DC (CNV), no cleaning + Panavia V5 (CNP), sandblasted + Variolink Esthetic DC (SBV), sandblasted + Panavia V5 (SBP), Ivoclean + Variolink Esthetic DC (ICV), Ivoclean + Panavia V5 (ICP), Katana Cleaner + Variolink Esthetic DC (KCV), and Katana Cleaner + Panavia V5 (KCP). Following an aging protocol in a 37°C for 1 week, SBS analysis was performed with a universal test machine. For the surface topography and elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used. Significance was evaluated as p < .05 and p < .01. The highest SBS results were found in the SBP group, showing a statistically significant difference from all other groups (p < .05). For the same cleaning method, Panavia V5 showed statistically significantly higher SBS values than Variolink Esthetic DC (p < .01), except the CNP–CNV (p = .880) and KCP–KCV (p = .082) groups. The most detected surface elements by EDS were Zr, O, C, and N, respectively. The contaminated zirconia surfaces must be cleaned for successful adhesion. The use of phosphate‐containing adhesives in combination with sandblasting will increase the adhesion strength, and universal cleaning agents can be a good alternative to sandblasting.
Randomized control trial on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in live liver donors: Are three doses enough?
Authors: Gupta Sahil , Sinha Piyush Kumar , Patil Nilesh Sadashiv , Mohapatra Nihar , Sindwani Gaurav , Garg Neha , Khillan Vikas , Pamecha Viniyendra
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis following live liver donor hepatectomy (LDH) is not known.

Methods

This is a double‐blind equivalence trial. All consecutive LDH were randomized into: group A (three doses) and group B (nine doses) of perioperative antibiotics (piperacillin + tazobactam − 4.5 g intravenous) at fixed 8 hourly intervals. Primary end point was incidence of infective complications as per CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) criteria. Secondary end points were liver function tests, total leukocyte count, international normalized ratio, hospital stay, morbidity, and cost analysis.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six LDHs were enrolled. A total of 19.8% (n = 25) experienced postoperative complications, 11 (17.7%) in group A and 14 (21.9%) in group B (P = .561). Infective complications were seen in 11 donors (8.1%), five in group A and six in group B (P = .79). A total of 8.1% of donors required continuation/up‐gradation of antibiotics in group A and 9.4% in group B. Return to soft diet was delayed in group B (P = .039). Median hospital stay and cost were similar.

Conclusion

Three doses of perioperative antibiotic are equally effective in preventing infective complications.