bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bevacizumab Eligibility in Patients with Metastatic and Recurrent Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Skelton William Paul , Castagno Jacqueline , Cardenas-Goicoechea Joel , Daily Karen , Yeung Anamaria , Markham Merry Jennifer 
Published: June 2018

Objective: Bevacizumab is approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic/recurrent cervical cancer (CC), with increased survival/response rates. However, use of bevacizumab is not always feasible or safe. The purpose of this study was to identify the percentage of metastatic/recurrent CC patients at our institution who would have been eligible to receive bevacizumab. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to identify metastatic/recurrent CC patients treated at UFHealth between 2006 and 2016. Chart review was performed to determine if the patient met bevacizumab eligibility criteria. Results: In total, 79 patients with metastatic/recurrent CC were identified; 85.5% would have been ineligible to receive bevacizumab, and 14.5% would have been eligible. The most common reason for exclusion was active bleeding (68.4%); 94% of which was vaginal. In all, 27.6% would be excluded due to poor renal function, and 23.7% due to poor performance status (PS). Conclusions: Despite improved survival, only 14.5% of metastatic/recurrent CC patients treated over a 10-year period would have been eligible to receive bevacizumab. Most patients would have been excluded due to active bleeding, most commonly vaginal bleeding, a common complication from their disease. Identifying novel therapies for metastatic/recurrent CC patients with improved safety profiles that would allow for their use in this challenging population is critical.
α-Linolenic acid is associated with MRI activity in a prospective cohort of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Bjornevik Kjetil , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Beiske Antonie , Bjerve Kristian S , Holmøy Trygve , Hovdal Harald , Midgard Rune , Riise Trond , Wergeland Stig , Torkildsen Øivind 
Published: June 2018

Background: The plant-based ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) has been associated with lower MS risk. It is currently unknown whether ALA affects disease activity. Objective: To investigate the association between ALA levels and disease activity. Methods: We conducted a cohort study including 87 multiple sclerosis (MS)-patients who originally participated in a randomized trial of ω-3 fatty acids (the OFAMS study). We measured serum levels of ALA during follow-up and used random intercept logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between ALA levels, new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and new relapses adjusting for age at inclusion, sex, and use of interferon beta-1a. Results: In continuous (per 1-SD increase) multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher ALA levels were significantly associated with lower odds of new T2-lesions (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.95) during follow-up. The effect estimates were similar for new T1Gd + lesions (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.48–1.11), EDSS-progression (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.34–1.16) and new relapses (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.22–1.10), but these estimates did not reach statistical significance. Further adjustment for vitamin D and tobacco use did not materially change the results. Conclusion: We found that higher levels of ALA were associated with lower disease activity in MS-patients.
Diversity Branding Strategy: Concealing Implicit Stereotypes and Biased Behaviors
Authors: Byrd Marilyn Y. 
Published: June 2018

The Problem From a business perspective, the expression valuing diversity is commonly used as a branding strategy to enhance an organization’s competitive advantage. The problem with diversity branding is its potential to decenter biased behaviors that could actually conceal the detrimental effects of unfair treatment under the banner of valuing difference. Presenting diversity as a utopian state without an ethical and moral concern for the people it represents is a misnomer and is in itself a misrepresentation of value. This article will argue for a more holistic philosophy of diversity that is concerned with the value of people as well as the value diversity brings to an organization’s financial success. The Solution Socially responsible leadership and the action efforts of those seated at the strategic planning table are key to reframing a more holistic philosophy for valuing diversity. Human resource development (HRD) professionals are strategically positioned in multiple roles within the organization to participate in matters of diversity and bringing about social change. Diversity intelligence will be discussed as an emerging model for guiding leaders and decision makers toward upholding an antidiscrimination commitment through the integration of business and social justice perspectives of valuing diversity. The Stakeholders HRD researchers, practitioners, and educators who are committed to social justice outcomes for marginalized groups in the workplace; and organizational leaders responsible for developing and implementing diversity strategy.
Pharmacists as immunizers, their pharmacies and immunization services: A survey of Ontario community pharmacists
Authors: Alsabbagh Mhd. Wasem , Wenger Lisa , Raman-Wilms Lalitha , Schneider Eric , Church Dana , Waite Nancy 
Published: June 2018

Background: To improve patient access to the influenza vaccine in Ontario, pharmacists have been authorized to administer the vaccine since 2012. A survey was conducted to describe pharmacist immunizers, their pharmacies and immunization services. Methods: Ontario community pharmacists completed an anonymous online survey regarding influenza immunization. Descriptive, comparative and multivariate statistics were used to analyze data on pharmacists’ personal demographics, current workplace characteristics, immunization certification status and past and anticipated experience vaccinating. Results: Of the 4307 community pharmacists contacted, 18.4% ( n = 780) completed the survey. Most (81.3%, n = 603) were certified to administer vaccines, with those practising in urban pharmacies twice as likely to be certified compared to pharmacists practising in rural pharmacies (odds ratio = 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 4.01, p = 0.04). In the past influenza season, 70% of pharmacists had administered over 50 vaccines and 37% worked at pharmacies that had administered more than 300 vaccines. Respondent-provided profiles of immunization services described partnerships with public health, a variety of approaches for in-pharmacy and external advertising and patient vaccine access mainly through walk-in. Discussion: Ontario community pharmacists demonstrate strong engagement with this expanded scope and there is further capacity for immunization service provision through engaging rural pharmacies, addition of other vaccines and leveraging the positive relationship with public health. Patients and the public benefit from easy access to the service and the additional in-store and external promotion of influenza vaccination that is provided by pharmacists and pharmacies. Conclusion: These provincial benchmarking data provide direction for maintaining and expanding community pharmacist-provided influenza immunization.
Expression of PD-L1/PD-L2 is associated with high proliferation index of Ki-67 but not with TP53 overexpression in chondrosarcoma
Authors: Yang Xiao , Zhu Guoxing , Yang Zhengjie , Zeng Ke , Liu Fengxiang , Sun Junying 
Published: June 2018

Purpose: Chondrosarcoma is a malignancy affecting cartilage and is chemo- and radio-resistant. Novel immune checkpoint inhibitors may play a role in treatment; however, expression of programmed cell death ligand 1/2 (PD-L1/PD-L2) in chondrosarcoma is unreported. Methods: Chondrosarcoma sections were collected and stained immunohistochemically for PD-L1, PD-L2, Ki-67, and TP53. Clinicopathological parameters were collected and analyzed statistically for associations and correlations. PD-L1/PD-L2 positivity was designated using 1% and 5% cutoffs, respectively. Results: A total of 59 chondrosarcoma samples excised between 1997 and 2017 were collected. There were 40 samples assessed as PD-L1-positive and 25 samples as PD-L2-positive. In univariate analysis, PD-L1 positivity was significantly associated with younger age ( P = .001), larger tumor ( P = .025), advanced tumor grade ( P < .001), and recurrence ( P < .001). PD-L1 positivity was not associated with gender, location, serum level of lactate dehydrogenase, or serum level of alkaline phosphatase. PD-L2 positivity was solely significantly associated with younger age ( P = .015). The associations were however insignificant in multivariate analysis. PD-L1 expression was significantly correlated with Ki-67 ( P < .001) and TP53 ( P = .02) expressions. PD-L2 expression was not correlated with either Ki-67 or TP53 expression. When grouped as combined expression (both negative vs. either positive), PD-L1/PD-L2 expression was associated with earlier recurrence ( P < .001), and was negatively correlated with expression of Ki-67 ( P < .001) but not with the expression of TP53. Conclusion: PD-L1/PD-L2 is positively expressed in chondrosarcoma and is associated with advanced clinical phenotype. PD-L1/PD-L2 expression is also associated with Ki-67 expression. Our results support the application of immune checkpoint blockade in chondrosarcoma.
Examination of Early Functional Recovery After ACL Reconstruction: Functional Milestone Achievement and Self-Reported Function
Authors: Obermeier Michael C. , Sikka Robby S. , Tompkins Marc , Nelson Bradley J. , Hamilton Abigail , Reams Megan , Chmielewski Terese L. 
Published: June 2018

Background: Few studies have documented early functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: To quantify the time to early functional milestone achievement and change in function over 12 weeks after ACL reconstruction and to identify demographic characteristic predictors of the outcomes. Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 182 patients (95 females, 87 males; mean ± SD age, 28 ± 12 years; mean ± SD body mass index [BMI], 25 ± 4 kg/m2) who received primary, unilateral, ACL reconstruction were included. Testing occurred before surgery as well as 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Outcomes included demographic characteristics, self-reported functional milestone achievements and responses on the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) questionnaire. Time to functional milestone achievement was calculated, and patients were categorized into “faster” or “prolonged” recovery groups based on the median value. Longitudinal change in SMFA subscale scores (daily activities and mobility) as well as demographic predictors of functional recovery group assignment and postsurgical change in SMFA subscale scores were examined. Results: Median time for discontinuing narcotic pain medication was 9 days, while that for discontinuing crutches was 15 days. Time to return to work occurred at a median of 11 days, return to school at 7 days, and return to driving at 11 days. Both SMFA subscale scores significantly decreased (improved) over time, with the greatest change occurring between 1 and 4 weeks postsurgery. The demographic predictor of faster functional recovery for discontinuation of narcotic pain medication was surgery with allograft; those for return to work were higher age, male sex, decreasing BMI, and sedentary/light occupational demand; and those for return to driving were higher age, male sex, and surgery on the left side of the body. Conclusion: Functional recovery occurs rapidly over the first month after ACL reconstruction for most patients. Nonmodifiable demographic characteristics may influence recovery time for specific functional milestones. Clinical Relevance: Results can be used to counsel patients on early functional recovery after ACL reconstruction.
Systemic Predictors of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ho Jacqueline , Hamizan Aneeza W. , Alvarado Raquel , Rimmer Janet , Sewell William A. , Harvey Richard J. 
Published: June 2018

Background Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (eCRS) is linked with skewed T-helper 2 or immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic responses, with differing diagnosis, prognosis, and management to non-eCRS. Objective The association between biomarkers and eCRS was investigated to assess the predictors of eCRS. Methods A cross-sectional study of adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery was conducted. eCRS was defined by histopathological assessment showing >10 eosinophils/high-power field on sinus mucosal biopsy. Blood tests were performed preoperatively and assessed for a full blood count including eosinophils and a white cell count (WCC) as well as biochemical markers of inflammation and atopy including Immunoglobulin E (IgE), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and ImmunoCAP testing for serum-specific IgE. Comparisons between eCRS and non-eCRS patients were performed. Results 345 patients (48.1% female, age 48.72 ± 15.06 years) were recruited, with 206 (59.7%) identified as eCRS, 41% with asthma and 47% CRS with nasal polyps. eCRS patients were more likely to have asthma ( P < .01) and nasal polyps ( P < .01). Blood eosinophils were significantly elevated in eCRS (0.42±0.34 vs 0.17±0.13 × 109/L, P < .01) as were eosinophils as a ratio of WCC (6.21 ± 4.48 vs 2.55 ± 1.84, P < .01). ESR was decreased when compared with non-eCRS (8.1±7.87 vs 10.65±11.91, P = .03). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis predicted high tissue eosinophilia at blood eosinophil levels above 0.24 × 109/L (sensitivity 70.9%, specificity 78.4%, area under the curve [AUC]: 0.792, P < .01). eCRS was predicted at eosinophil above 4.27% of total WCC (sensitivity 64.1%, specificity 88.5%, AUC 0.797; P < .01; positive predictive value 89.2%, negative predictive value 62.4%, positive likelihood ratio 5.57, and diagnostic odds ratio 13.71). There was no significant association among WCC, CRP, IgE, or ImmunoCAP testing. Conclusion eCRS is associated with elevated blood eosinophils (>0.24 × 109/L), eosinophil ratio (>4.27% of total WCC), and lower ESR when compared with non-eCRS.
Tolerability and clinical efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in patients with group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Enderby Cher Y. , Burger Charles 
Published: June 2018

Background: Treprostinil is a prostacyclin analogue that directly vasodilates pulmonary and systemic arterial vascular beds. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved inhaled treprostinil in July 2009 for the treatment of group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension. Inhaled treprostinil avoids issues with continuous infusion prostanoids. This study describes a single institutional experience with inhaled treprostinil. Methods: This was a retrospective review of group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients receiving inhaled treprostinil from July 2009 through September 2015. Patient demographics, vital signs, prognostic indicators, pulmonary arterial hypertension assessments, treprostinil dosing, pulmonary arterial hypertension medications, and physician assessment were collected. Prognostic indicators and the physician assessment were used to assess treatment response. A modified Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-term Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Disease Management (REVEAL) risk score was calculated prior to and after initiation of inhaled treprostinil. Results: The mean time on inhaled treprostinil for the 16 patients was 21 ± 17 months. A total of 31% discontinued treatment. The New York Heart Association Functional Class, right ventricular size, and right ventricular function improved after inhaled treprostinil. Directional improvement in B-type natriuretic peptide, 6-minute walk distance, right arterial pressure and mean pulmonary artery pressure were also observed. The mean modified REVEAL risk score (RRS) was 7 ± 3 at baseline. The RRS decreased in 7 of the 11 patients that improved and remained stable in 2 patients. Conclusion: The majority of patients in this consecutive series receiving inhaled treprostinil tolerated treatment. Most patients remained on therapy for over 12 months. Clinical assessments of disease severity all changed directionally toward improvement and the overall risk assessment was improved or stable in 56% by the RRS.
The clinical significance of hyperglycemia in nondiabetic critically ill multiple trauma patients
Authors: Koyfman Leonid , Brotfain Evgeni , Frank Dmitry , Bichovsky Yoav , Kovalenko Inna , Benjamin Yair , Borer Abraham , Friger Michael , Klein Moti 
Published: June 2018

Background: Information is inconsistent regarding the clinical role of acute elevations of blood glucose level secondary to hospital-acquired infections in nondiabetic critically ill patients during an intensive care unit stay. In this study we investigated the clinical significance of hyperglycemia related to new episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia in nondiabetic critically ill multiple trauma intensive care unit patients. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the clinical data of 202 critically ill multiple trauma patients with no history of previous diabetes who developed a new ventilator-associated pneumonia episode during their intensive care unit stay. We used a time-from-event analysis method to assess whether acute changes in blood glucose levels that occurred prior to the onset of ventilator-associated pneumonia episodes had a different prognostic significance from those that occurred during such episodes. Glucose levels and other laboratory data were recorded for up to 5 days before ventilator-associated pneumonia events and for 5 days following these events. Results: Patients who required insulin therapy for persistent hyperglycemia related to a new ventilator-associated pneumonia event had a longer period of intensive care unit stay and a higher intensive care unit mortality rate than patients who did not require insulin for blood glucose control ( p < 0.008 and <0.001 respectively). In addition, older age, administration of parenteral nutrition, and elevated mean blood glucose level parameters on the day following the day of diagnosis of a new ventilator-associated pneumonia episode were found to be independent risk factors for intensive care unit mortality. Conclusion: Our study suggests that persistent hyperglycemia in nondiabetic critically ill patients, even treated by early insulin therapy, is an adverse prognostic factor of considerable clinical significance.
Individual and combined impact of lifestyle factors on atrial fibrillation in apparently healthy men and women: The EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study
Authors: Di Benedetto Laura , Michels Guido , Luben Robert , Khaw Kay-Tee , Pfister Roman 
Published: June 2018

Background Lifestyle factors are important targets for prevention. The cumulative impact of healthy lifestyle on atrial fibrillation in the population has not been quantified. Design Prospective population-based cohort study. Methods Four lifestyle factors (normal weight, currently not smoking, no or moderate alcohol intake, and physically not inactive) were assessed in apparently healthy 21,499 men and women aged 39–79 years participating in the EPIC study in Norfolk, UK. The age and sex-adjusted hazard (95% confidence interval) of hospital admission with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation during an average follow-up of 17.1 years was examined for each factor separately and for a health score comprising factors with significant impact. Results Normal weight, currently not smoking and low alcohol intake were associated with a significantly lower risk of atrial fibrillation, whereas not being physically inactive showed no significant association. We used a score of one point each for not smoking, low alcohol intake and body mass index 25 to 27.5 kg/m2, and two points for body mass index < 25 kg/m2. Compared with men and women with four health points, hazard ratios of atrial fibrillation were 1.25 (1.11–1.41), 1.56 (1.39–1.75), 1.83 (1.56–2.16) and 2.82 (1.85–4.29) for participants with three, two, one and no health points, respectively ( p < 0.0001 for trend). Results were consistent by sex, age, education level, social class and after excluding participants with hypertension and diabetes. Conclusion Three lifestyle factors combined predict an almost 2.8-fold difference in the risk of atrial fibrillation in men and women.
Efficacy of different faecal microbiota transplantation protocols for Clostridium difficile infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ianiro Gianluca , Maida Marcello , Burisch Johan , Simonelli Claudia , Hold Georgina , Ventimiglia Marco , Gasbarrini Antonio , Cammarota Giovanni 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundProtocols for treating recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) through faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) are still not standardised. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of different FMT protocols for rCDI according to routes, number of infusions and infused material.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched through 31 May 2017. Studies offering multiple infusions if a single infusion failed to cure rCDI were included. Data were combined through a random effects meta‐analysis.ResultsFifteen studies (1150 subjects) were analysed. Multiple infusions increased efficacy rates overall (76% versus 93%) and in each route of delivery (duodenal delivery: 73% with single infusion versus 81% with multiple infusions; capsule: 80% versus 92%; colonoscopy: 78% versus 98% and enema: 56% versus 92%). Duodenal delivery and colonoscopy were associated, respectively, with lower efficacy rates (p = 0.039) and higher efficacy rates (p = 0.006) overall. Faecal amount ≤ 50 g (p = 0.006) and enema (p = 0.019) were associated with lower efficacy rates after a single infusion. The use of fresh or frozen faeces did not influence outcomes.ConclusionsRoutes, number of infusions and faecal dosage may influence efficacy rates of FMT for rCDI. These findings could help to optimise FMT protocols in clinical practice.