bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi‐institutional Evaluation of Radiologic Findings Associated With Pediatric Congenital Idiopathic Bilateral Vocal Fold Dysfunction
Authors: Ruda James , Dahl John , McClain Wade , Drake Amelia , Rubel Kolin , Onwuka Amanda , Krakovitz Paul , Anne Samantha 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveTo report brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography findings in pediatric patients with congenital idiopathic bilateral vocal fold dysfunction and analyze factors associated with its etiology and resolution.Study DesignCase series with retrospective review.SettingTertiary care multi‐institutional setting: Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Indiana University, University of North Carolina, and Cleveland Clinic.MethodsPediatric patients with congenital idiopathic bilateral vocal fold dysfunction were included in this review.ResultsCongenital idiopathic bilateral vocal fold dysfunction was identified in 74 patients from 2000 to 2018. Brain MRI scans were performed in all patients and ultrasonography in 30 (40.5%). Normal imaging results were most commonly found in patients born full‐term (P<. 0001) or via vaginal delivery (P<. 01). Abnormal brain MRI and ultrasound results were found in 38 of 74 (51.3%) and 16 of 30 (53.3%), respectively. Type I Chiari malformation was not identified in any patient. No specific brain MRI or ultrasound abnormality was associated with patients’ bilateral vocal fold dysfunction. Complete/incomplete bilateral vocal fold resolution occurred in 45 of 74 (60.8%) patients over the study interval and was not associated with brain MRI or ultrasound findings or birth complications but was associated with vaginal delivery (P=. 02). Resolution rates were highest for patients with bilateral vocal fold paramedian paralysis (P=. 05).ConclusionsIn this multi‐institutional study, no specific brain MRI or ultrasound abnormality was associated with patients’ bilateral vocal fold dysfunction or subsequent resolution rates. While imaging is often performed to detect and treat any reversible causes of bilateral vocal fold dysfunction, in this series, imaging findings were heterogeneous and did not identify any treatable causes, such as type I Chiari malformation.
Heat-killed Salmonella Typhimurium protects mice against carbon ion radiation
Authors: Liao Zebin , Liu Zhe , Gong Zhenyu , Hu Xuguang , Chen Yuanyuan , Cao Kun , Zhang Hong , Gan Lu , Chen Juxiang , Yang Yanyong , Cai Jianming 
Published: October 2020

Objective Patients receiving carbon-ion radiation therapy and astronauts exploring outer space are inevitably exposed to heavy ion radiation. The aim of this study was to develop radioprotectors to minimize the injuries induced by carbon ion radiation. Methods Heat-killed Salmonella Typhimurium (HKST) was administered to mice by gavage prior to irradiation with a 12C6+ heavy ion accelerator. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescence TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling staining were used to assess the radioprotective effect of HKST on organ damage and levels of apoptosis, respectively, in mice. To investigate the mechanism underlying the radioprotective effect of HKST, levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and caspase 3 as well as interferon-regulatory factor (IRF) 3/7 in the femur, testis and intestine were assessed using immunofluorescence. Results Injuries induced by carbon ion radiation were significantly eased by pretreatment with HKST. Both apoptosis and high expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins induced by heavy ion radiation were inhibited by HKST pretreatment. The radioprotective effect of HKST was associated with stimulation of Toll-like receptor signaling mediated by enhanced IRF3 and IRF7 signaling. Conclusion HKST was an effective radioprotector alleviating damage to multiple organs caused by heavy ion radiation.
Identification of the specific microRNAs and competitive endogenous RNA mechanisms in osteoporosis
Authors: Hong Junyi , Ye Fusheng , Yu Binjia , Gao Junwei , Qi Feicheng , Wang Wei 
Published: October 2020

Objective Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are metabolic skeletal disorders. This study aimed to identify specific networks of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in osteoporosis that differ from those in osteoarthritis. Methods The dataset GSE74209 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus, and differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in osteoporotic samples and osteoarthritic samples were identified. After predicting target genes and linked long noncoding (lnc)RNAs, ceRNA networks of DEmiRNAs were constructed. The nodes that overlapped between ceRNA networks and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database were selected as key candidates. Results Fifteen DEmiRNAs (including 2 downregulated and 13 upregulated miRNAs) were identified in osteoporotic samples versus osteoarthritic samples; these targeted 161 genes and linked to 60 lncRNAs. The ceRNA network consisted of 6 DEmiRNAs, 63 target genes, and 53 lncRNAs. After searching the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and mining the literature, 2 lncRNAs ( MALAT1 and NEAT1), 2 DEmiRNAs ( hsa- miR- 32-3p, downregulated; and hsa-miR-22-3p, upregulated) and 6 genes ( SP1, PTEN, ESR1, ERBB3, CSF1R, and CDK6) that relate to cell death, growth, and differentiation were identified as key candidates separating osteoporosis from osteoarthritis. Conclusions Two miRNA–ceRNA networks (including NEAT1/ MALAT1- hsa- miR- 32- 3p- SP1/ FZD6 and NEAT1/ MALAT1- hsa- miR- 22- 3p- PTEN/ ESR1/ ERBB3/ CSF1R/ CDK6) might have crucial and specific roles in osteoporosis.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles enriched collagen chitosan scaffold in skin wound healing (a rat model)
Authors: Abolgheit Salma , Abdelkader Sally , Aboushelib Moustafa , Omar Enas , Mehanna Radwa 
Published: October 2020

Background Over the past ten years, regenerative medicine has focused on the regeneration and the reconstruction of damaged, diseased, or lost tissues and organs. Skin, being the largest organ in the human body, had attained a good attraction in this field. Delayed wound healing is one of the most challenging clinical medicine complications. This study aimed to evaluate the collagen chitosan scaffold’s effect alone, or enriched with either bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) on the duration and quality of skin wound healing. Methods A full-thickness skin wound was induced on the back of 32 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The wounds were either covered with collagen chitosan scaffolds alone, scaffolds enriched with stem cells, or extracellular vesicles. Unprotected wounds were used as control. Healing duration, collagen deposition and alignment, CD 68+ macrophage count, and functional tensile strength of healed skin were assessed (α = 0.05, n = 8). Results The rate of skin healing was significantly accelerated in all treated groups compared to the control. Immuno-histochemical assessment of CD68+ macrophages showed enhanced macrophages count, in addition to higher collagen deposition and better collagen alignment in EVs and BM-MSCs treated groups compared to the control group. Higher tensile strength values reflected the better collagen deposition and alignment for these groups. EVs showed higher amounts of collagen deposition and better alignment compared to MSCs treated group. Conclusion The collagen chitosan scaffolds enriched with MSCs or their EVs improved wound healing and improved the quantity and remodeling of collagen with a better assignment to EVs.
Thermographic assessment of skin and soft tissue tumors in cats
Authors: Nitrini Andressa Gianotti Campos , Cogliati Bruno , Matera Julia Maria 
Published: October 2020

Objectives This study set out to determine the average temperature of skin and soft tissue tumors in cats using infrared thermography and to investigate correlations between thermographic findings and tumor type. Correlations between thermographic findings, histologic subtype and tumor grade were also investigated in cases of feline injection site sarcoma (FISS). Methods Thermographic images of normal skin and skin overlying neoplastic lesions were prospectively obtained. Following thermographic assessment, tumors were resected and submitted to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. Mean temperatures detected in tumoral areas were compared between different tumor types and between FISSs of different histologic subtypes and grades. Results Thermograms obtained from 11 healthy cats and 31 cats presenting with skin and soft tissue tumors (eight benign and 23 malignant tumors, including 21 FISSs) were evaluated in this study. Thermal behavior varied widely in normal skin, as well as in skin overlying neoplastic lesions. Mean temperatures were significantly higher in malignant compared with benign tumors (35.4 ± 1.8ºC and 34.5 ± 1.7ºC respectively; P = 0.01), with a temperature above 34.7ºC being associated with malignancy (sensitivity 76%, specificity 80%; P = 0.01). Temperatures detected in FISS did not differ significantly according to histologic subtype ( P = 0.91) or tumor grade ( P = 0.46), or between primary and recurring tumors ( P = 0.25). Conclusions and relevance Infrared thermography proved to be a sensitive and effective method for detection of temperature differences between malignant and benign skin and soft tissue tumors in cats. Thermographic assessment may contribute to diagnosis and prognostic estimation in feline oncologic patients.
Drug content on receipt and over time for compounded formulations of famciclovir
Authors: Johnson Lynelle R , Weaver Phoebe G , Forsythe Lauren E , Thomasy Sara M , Knych Heather K 
Published: October 2020

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine famciclovir content (strength) in compounded formulations and to determine if potency changed over time. Methods Four concentrations of oral oil suspension in three distinct flavors, three concentrations of oral paste, three chew treats and 62.5 mg tablets from one compounding pharmacy were evaluated for famciclovir content. Specific sample preparation procedures were used for each drug formulation prior to determination of famciclovir content through mass spectrometry tandem liquid chromatography. Analysis was performed on arrival from the compounder and on days 7, 14, 28, 56 and 120. Samples were run in triplicate and concentration determined by comparison with a standard curve. Content was considered appropriate if within 90–110% of the labeled concentration. Results On arrival from the compounding pharmacy, 5/12 oral oil suspensions of varying concentrations were <90% of the labeled concentration and 3/3 oral pastes were >110%. Famciclovir content in oil suspensions ranged from 72% to 118% of the label value while oral pastes ranged from 95% to 202% of the label concentration over the 120 study days, and all concentrations varied in an unpredictable fashion. Tablets contained 90–110% of the labeled value throughout the study period. Chew treats could not be successfully analyzed. Conclusions and relevance This study found substantial variation in famciclovir content in the compounded products evaluated, which, in turn, raises concerns that substandard dosing could result in lack of efficacy or a failed treatment trial. Drug toxicity might also be encountered. Veterinarians must be aware that while compounded medications can improve compliance, they might not deliver the drug dose expected.
Safe use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters for chemotherapy of solid malignancies in adult patients: A 1-year monocentric, prospectively-assessed, unselected cohort of 482 patients
Authors: Piredda Alessio , Radice Davide , Zencovich Claudia , Cerri Martina , Aventino Lucia , Naccarato Francesco , Magon Giorgio , Biffi Roberto 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Aim of this study was to analyze the overall complication and failure rates of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs), in a 1-year consecutive unselected cohort of 482 adult patients, affected by non-hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Adult outpatients (aged 18–75 years), with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–2, bearing solid tumors and candidates for intravenous chemotherapy were eligible for the study. Exclusion criteria were active infections, coagulopathy (defined as platelet count <50,000/μL and/or prothrombin time more than 18 s), life expectancy <6 months, or inability to give written informed consent. Devices were all implanted in an outpatients’ hospital facility, following predefined evidence-based institutional guidelines and protocols by a PICC-dedicated team at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy, during the 12-month period from January 1 to December 31, 2019. Results: Five-hundred PICCs were implanted in a cohort of 482 patients during the time interval of this study. Thirty devices were overall removed (6.2%), 23 as a consequence of a complication occurred, and seven inadvertently. The inserted PICCs accounted for a total of 49,718 catheter days in situ, median duration was 85.5 days [interquartile range (IQR): 56–146]. Overall there were 42 (8.7%) complications, corresponding to 0.84 catheter-adverse events (CAE)/1000 PICC-days (95% CI: 0.61–1.14). There were N = 13 (2.7%) thromboses, N = 11 (2.3%) irreversible occlusions, N = 7 (1.5%) accidental removals, N = 5 (1.0%) infections [two Catheter Related Blood Stream Infection (CRBSI) and three exit site/local infection], N = 3 (0.6%) ruptures and N = 3 (0.6%) primary or secondary malpositions. Conclusion: This large prospective study supports the increasing use of PICCs in adult oncology outpatients treated in specialized centers with chemotherapy for non-hematological malignancies. In this clinical setting, PICC failure occurred in 6% only of the inserted devices.
Localization and function of a Plasmodium falciparum protein (PF3D7_1459400) during erythrocyte invasion
Authors: Amlabu Emmanuel , Nyarko Prince B , Opoku Grace , Ibrahim-Dey Damata , Ilani Philip , Mensah-Brown Henrietta , Akporh Grace A , Akuh Ojo-Ajogu , Ayugane Evelyn A , Amoh-Boateng David , Kusi Kwadwo A , Awandare Gordon A 
Published: October 2020

Nearly 60% of Plasmodium falciparum proteins are still uncharacterized and their functions are unknown. In this report, we carried out the functional characterization of a 45 kDa protein (PF3D7_1459400) and showed its potential as a target for blood stage malaria vaccine development. Analysis of protein subcellular localization, native protein expression profile, and erythrocyte invasion inhibition of both clinical and laboratory parasite strains by peptide antibodies suggest a functional role of PF3D7_1459400 protein during erythrocyte invasion. Also, immunoreactivity screens using synthetic peptides of the protein showed that adults resident in malaria endemic regions in Ghana have naturally acquired plasma antibodies against PF3D7_1459400 protein. Altogether, this study presents PF3D7_1459400 protein as a potential target for the development of peptide-based vaccine for blood-stage malaria. Impact statement Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a global health problem. Erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum merozoites appears to be a promising target to curb malaria. We have identified and characterized a novel protein that is involved in erythrocyte invasion. Our data on protein subcellular localization, stage-specific protein expression pattern, and merozoite invasion inhibition by α-peptide antibodies suggest a role for PF3D7_1459400 protein during P. falciparum erythrocyte invasion. Even more, the human immunoepidemiology data present PF3D7_1459400 protein as an immunogenic antigen which could be further exploited for the development of new anti-infective therapy against malaria.
Exploring influenza vaccine hesitancy in community pharmacies: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Pullagura Gokul Raj , Violette Richard , Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Waite Nancy M. 
Published: October 2020

Background: Vaccine hesitancy (VH) remains a prime contributor to poor influenza vaccine uptake. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes and practices of community pharmacists toward influenza VH, including their personal influenza immunization attitudes and behaviours. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey questionnaire was administered to community pharmacists practising in Ontario, Canada. A 38-question survey tool explored 5 domains, including pharmacists’ personal attitudes and behaviour toward influenza immunization, their self-reported knowledge of influenza, its vaccine and vaccine hesitancy, and their attitudes, practices and experiences with influenza VH at the community pharmacy. The data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 5530 survey invitations were e-mailed, and 885 responses were collected (response rate 16%). Two-thirds ( n = 568, 65.7%) of the respondents reported receiving the influenza vaccine in the preceding season. The most frequent reasons for personal influenza immunization were prevention of disease transmission to patients, friends and family, and contribution to herd immunity. In addition to their confidence and perceived ability to identify and address influenza VH, respondents’ self-reported knowledge across a 15-item Likert questionnaire was high. Respondents reported coming across an average of 16 (SD 28) individuals hesitant to receive the influenza vaccine each week. Regular workload ( n = 419, 65.6%) and insufficient time ( n = 406, 65.3%) were reported as the most limiting barriers to engagement in influenza vaccine conversations. Conclusion: Facilitating optimal practice scope for pharmacists, and capitalizing on the convenience and accessibility of the community pharmacy setting, presents a promising means to address influenza VH. However, barriers to pharmacist-initiated engagement on influenza vaccine must be explored and addressed. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2020;153:xx-xx.
Pharmacy Students Perceptions of Their Distance Online Learning Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Shawaqfeh Mohammad S , Al Bekairy Abdulkareem M , Al-Azayzih Ahmad , Alkatheri Abdulmalik A , Qandil Amjad M , Obaidat Aiman A , Al Harbi Shemylan , Muflih Suhaib M 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed dramatic changes on educational practices worldwide. Many universities and schools have moved into the delivery of their courses and educational programs utilizing fully electronic online modes. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacy student distance online learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilized where a 3-domain survey questionnaire focused on preparedness, attitude and barriers was distributed to students at the time of conclusion of the semester. Each domain consists of multiple questions that made up a score that reflects their preparedness, attitude as well as barriers relevant to distance online learning experience. The survey was voluntarily, and all data were collected and recorded via google forms with maintaining anonymity. Results: The response rate was about 75% (n = 309). The results’ analysis revealed no gender differences in any of these domains. However, there were some variable responses among different educational levels. The average preparedness score was 32.8 ± 7.2 (Max 45), the average attitude score was 66.8 ± 16.6 (Max 105), and the average barrier score was 43.6 ± 12.0 (Max 75). There was statistical significance difference in both preparedness score and attitude scores between different professional years ( P-value <.05). However, there was no difference in barrier scores among all professional years. The results indicated that about 61.4% of the students agreed on that college of pharmacy was well-prepared and ready for the online education during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic with complete transition into online education. The results also indicated that 49.2% of the students showed positive attitude toward the provided online learning. The results indicated that about 34% of the students identify some barriers toward the provided online learning. Finally, there were strong association between the need for training on how to receive online courses and preparedness and barriers scores. Discussion and conclusion: E-learning experience pose challenges and presents opportunities during emergency situations. The need for training for students and faculty was highly associated with the preparedness and barriers domains rather than the infrastructure or computer literacy, so the school can improve their experience by addressing these needs.
The Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale predicts overall survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Solh Melhem M. , Speckhart Dawn , Solomon Scott R. , Bashey Asad , Morris Lawrence E. , Zhang Xu , Holland H. Kent 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
To evaluate the impact of psychosocial risks on post–hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) outcomes, we prospectively conducted psychosocial assessment of 556 consecutive allogeneic HSCT patients who received their first allogeneic transplant at our center between 2003 and 2017. The Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS) score was prospectively assessed by a psychologist before transplantation, and patients were categorized as low, intermediate, or high risk based on their TERS score. Patients in the high-risk TERS group had significantly longer hospital stays during the first 180 days and 1 year post–allogeneic HSCT compared with the low-risk group (16 vs 13 and 21 vs 16 days; P = .05 and .02, respectively). The survival estimates for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk TERS groups at 3 year were as follows: overall survival (OS), 73%, 60%, and 65%; disease-free survival (DFS), 63%, 55%, and 60%; nonrelapse mortality (NRM), 11%, 20%, and 17%; and relapse, 26%, 25%, and 23%, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, intermediate- and high-risk TERS scores predicted for inferior OS, similar DFS, and higher NRM compared with low-risk TERS score. In a subset analysis of patients with low/intermediate risk per Disease Risk Index, multivariable analysis showed that high- and intermediate-risk TERS scores predicted for significantly worse OS, worse DFS, higher NRM, and similar relapse rates compared with low-risk TERS score. Our findings show that psychosocial factors as measured by TERS score are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality after HSCT among patients with low/intermediate disease risk.