bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perception on hematology/oncology pharmacy practice and education needs in Nigeria: A national survey
Authors: Abolarin Oluwabusayo , Oladipo Habeebullah Jayeola , Chan Dean , Olarewaju Modupe Lydia , Chan Alexandre 
Published: July 2024

Introduction Nigeria is a low-middle income country located in sub-Saharan Africa. Although cancer burden has continued to increase over time, there is a lack of pharmacists who specialize in oncology providing pharmaceutical care. The objectives of this study were to understand the perception of hematology/oncology pharmacy practice in Nigeria as well as the unmet education needs. Method This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in December 2023. Pharmacists who were active members of various pharmacy organizations in Nigeria were invited to complete the survey. The survey focused on the perceptions of training needs in oncology pharmacy, current challenges and opportunities, as well as resources and support needed. Descriptive statistics were utilized for the data analysis. Results Of the 263 responders, the largest group fell between 25 and 34 years old (35%), over half received a Bachelor of Pharmacy as their highest degree (53%), and majority did not receive any oncology pharmacy training as part of their education (73%). Many respondents strongly agreed that pharmacists in Nigeria need specialized training to better serve cancer patients (79%). Cancer therapeutics and chemotherapy pharmacology were more prioritized compared to other training needs (mean (SD): 2.63(1.95) and 2.69(1.64), respectively). The main challenge that respondents faced was a lack of relevant skills and knowledge in oncology pharmacy (mean (SD): 2.23(1.53)). More than a fourth of the respondents were aware about the board certification process (28.8%), citing overcoming the cost barrier as the main obstacle for taking the board examination (mean (SD): 1.92 (1.38)). Respondents preferred online courses and onsite specialty training (75%) as the mode of training to address unmet needs. Conclusion Despite the challenges and unmet education needs in hematology/oncology clinical practice, Nigerian pharmacists are very willing to expand their knowledge and improve their skills in patient care. The findings of this study can inform policy makers, healthcare administrators, and pharmacy educators in developing global partnerships among pharmacy organizations which employ targeted strategies like sponsorships to address such unmet needs.
Impact of pharmacist managed oral epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Ng Shirley , Baker Nicholas , Niu Fang , Katzel Jed A , Bergere Hanh T , Whang Moshi , McGary Eric , Liu Raymond , Le Kim , Hui Rita L 
Published: July 2024

Background Pharmacists are an integral part of medication management, with the positive impact of their clinical services in patient outcomes previously studied and reported in literature. The roles and responsibilities of pharmacists continue to expand, including optimizing patient medication and health outcomes related to complex oral anticancer drugs. Objective To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-managed oral chemotherapy clinic in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking oral epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi) regimens within an integrated healthcare delivery system. Methods This was an observational cohort study using data from Kaiser Permanente Northern and Southern California regions on adult patients who received oncology pharmacist-managed care compared to patients with usual care. Patients were newly initiated with EGFRi therapy to treat NSCLC between 2017 and 2019. The follow-up period was defined as the time from index date (first sold date of EGFRi) to December 2020 or end of membership or death, whichever occurred first. Primary outcome measures included adherence to EGFRi, frequency of imaging during drug exposure, and presence of imaging prior to treatment change. Outcomes were analyzed with Chi-square test for categorical variables, and Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables. Results There were 613 patients in the pharmacist-managed group and 714 patients in the usual care group. Overall, the mean age was 68.2 ± 11.3 years, and 65.1% were female. In the pharmacist-managed group, there was a significantly higher mean proportion of days covered (PDC) during the first three months of therapy (0.86 ± 0.24 vs 0.82 ± 0.36, p = 0.01) and a higher percentage of patients who were adherent to EGFRi therapy (with PDC ≥0.80) during the drug exposure period (95.8% vs 92.4%, p = 0.01). The rate of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during drug exposure was higher in the pharmacist-managed group compared to the usual care group (31.8% vs 20.7%, p < 0.01) with a higher number of mean scans completed per patient (1.15 ± 2.42 vs 0.62 ± 1.63, p < 0.01) and per patient-year (2.60 ± 7.27 vs 1.58 ± 5.95, p < 0.01). Overall, 66.2% of patients had a treatment change, with a higher percentage of patients in the pharmacist-managed group who completed a CT or MRI scan prior to treatment change (36.3% vs 26.3%, p < 0.01). Additionally, the median time between the scan and treatment change was shorter for patients with pharmacist-managed care (1.8 vs 4 months, p = 0.04). Conclusion Clinical pharmacy services contributed to improved adherence, higher rates of imaging, and shorter time between imaging and treatment changes in NSCLC patients who were taking EGFRi regimens.
Oncology pharmacy staffing survey across practice settings in the United States
Authors: Wechter Andrew , McDonnell Anne M. , Zimdars Emily , Sakamoto Leanne , Hamm Mark 
Published: July 2024

Purpose This study was developed to provide a resource for staffing model metrics for oncology pharmacies at healthcare organizations. Methods The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association Practice Outcomes and Professional Benchmarking Committee (POPBC) Oncology Pharmacy Staffing Model Task Force designed and distributed a survey to collect baseline data and staffing metrics for oncology pharmacies. The survey was first tested by four POPBC volunteers. The Staffing Model Survey was distributed in multiple phases between September 2021 and January 2022. The task force focused on several different domains including facilities, general metrics, outpatient infusion services, inpatient and outpatient services, informatics/technology, and training and residency programs. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data. Results A total of 67 responses were received from 68 surveys distributed (98.5%). Of the responders, the majority were from academic medical centers (AMCs) ( n = 37, 55%) and community-based centers (CBCs) ( n = 21, 31.3%). AMCs reported servicing more inpatient facilities than CBCs (2.1 vs 1.2). For all respondents, 20% tracked in-patient turn-around time compared with 39% of ambulatory sites. Patient education was tracked in all responding settings: 31% for inpatient and 27% for ambulatory. Most sites reported that pharmacy personnel were responsible for cleanroom cleaning (63%) or shared responsibility with an environmental service (37%). Of the 32 sites with ambulatory services, 19 sites were open on Saturday and 15 sites were open on Sundays. Sixty-eight percent of information technology respondents ( n = 28) indicated that they use Epic/Beacon (EPIC Oncology Module) as their electronic health record. For the respondents, 89% used closed-system-transfer devices when compounding, 15% used gravimetric technology, and 11% used robotic technology. Conclusion Oncology pharmacy operations and staffing models are unique to each pharmacy and practice setting. The results of the pharmacy staffing model survey provide an insight into operations across the country and highlight a need for staffing model benchmarking and metrics.
A systematic approach to the management of menses prophylaxis and suppression in pre-menopausal hematologic cancer patients
Authors: Collins Jennifer , Duvall Adam , Dworkin Emily , Castiel Mercedes 
Published: July 2024

Objective Hematologic malignancies in women of reproductive age carry significant additional morbidity due to menstrual bleeding in conjunction with disease and treatment-associated cytopenias. Several agents for menses prophylaxis and suppression exist, but there is a paucity of data comparing these therapies, particularly in the cancer setting. Data Sources A thorough literature review and evaluation of available data was conducted via PubMed search and combined with clinical expertise. Data Summary The goal of prophylaxis therapy is to induce amenorrhea until it is considered safe to resume menstrual cycles. GnRH agonists remain the management of choice in achieving menses control and amenorrhea. Suppression is more likely achieved when the therapy is initiated in the late luteal phase or with the concomitant use of oral contraceptives. The effective use of oral contraceptives is achievable in appropriately selected patients. Although attractive as prophylactic agents, GnRH agonists have a slow onset of amenorrhea and can be associated with an initial increase in bleeding, thus are of limited value in immediate menorrhagia management. We recommend prioritizing estrogen therapy given its documented efficacy, and adding tranexamic acid as a secondary agent for severe or refractory bleeding. Conclusions Thus far in the literature, this is the most comprehensive proposed pathway for the prevention and suppression of menorrhagia in hematologic cancer patients. Our protocol provides a step-wise approach for the management of menses prophylaxis and suppression to provide standardization amongst clinicians and adaptations for patient-specific needs.
Impact of COVID-19 on home care provision: A qualitative study
Authors: Darby Janet , Allen Fran , Logan Pip , Bennett Cate , Kasonde Chibeka 
Published: July 2024

Summary The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions caused an unprecedented impact on long-term care services in the United Kingdom (UK). A qualitative study was conducted in the East Midlands, UK, to explore how home care provision was perceived and experienced, by those organizing, commissioning, or providing care, and those receiving care, during the pandemic. Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between September to December 2020 with people who organize, commission, or provide home care ( n = 9), recipients of home care ( n = 3), and their informal carers ( n = 6). Findings Three broad themes were constructed through a thematic analysis: (1) positive about home care; (2) fear of infection; and (3) social isolation. In addition to these overarching themes, specific group themes were identified amongst group one: those organizing, commissioning, or providing care, and group two: those in receipt of the care and informal carers. Those in group one spoke about the pandemic creating stressful working conditions, regardless of whether organizing, commissioning, or providing care. Despite working throughout the pandemic, they felt a forgotten part of the essential workforce, when compared to those employed in the National Health Service and institutional care. Those in group two experienced a loss of control with visits cancelled or frequently occurring outside of scheduled times. Dissatisfaction with the visits was directed at the management level, rather than at the staff visiting the homes. Applications Awareness and understanding of the experiences of home care will provide useful knowledge when commissioning future services.
Which chronic diseases contribute the most to healthy life years lost in Algeria?
Authors: Chinoune Meryem , Flici Farid 
Published: July 2024

Objectives Chronic diseases contribute significantly to healthy years lost (HYLs). It is critical to investigate which are the most contributing diseases to enable enhancing health programs’ effectiveness in improving health expectancy. This paper investigates disease-specific contributions to years lived with chronic diseases in Algeria and examines their recent evolution. Methods We used morbidity data from the last three waves of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys of 2006, 2012–13, and 2018–19. The studied chronic diseases included hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), joint diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes. We calculated disease-specific contributions using the cause-deleted health expectancy approach. Then, we analyzed time changes and gender-based differences in contributions. Results The leading cause of HYLs in women is hypertension, followed by diabetes, joint diseases, CVDs, and respiratory diseases. The same ranking applies to men, with joint diseases coming last. The time evolution of relative disease-specific contributions shows an increase in CVDs for women and diabetes for both genders, against a decrease for the other diseases. Discussion To improve chronic disease-free life expectancy in Algeria, effective prevention programs must be implemented, with an emphasis on hypertension and diabetes. Further investigation into the risk factors affecting the prevalence and incidence of these diseases is also required.
Recent Development of a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Stixis suaveolens (Roxb.) Pierre: Its Botany, Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology
Authors: Chen Tran Van , Nghia Nguyen Trong , Thi Thu Hien Nguyen 
Published: July 2024

Background/Objective Plant-based products and their isolated compounds have been utilized in traditional medicine since early times. In folk medicine, Stixis suaveolens (Roxb.) Pierre has been used to treat painful tendons and bones, rheumatism, eye infections, cough, malaria, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to summarize up-to-date botany, ethnomedicine, phytochemical components, pharmacological effects, and toxicology. Methods Information on S. suaveolens was collected from databases such as the Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and others. Results S. suaveolens has been demonstrated to possess various pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antihemolytic, and thrombolytic activities. Phytochemical studies of this species have revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, including lignans, phenolics, alkaloids, and volatile components. Conclusion The pharmacological effects of the extracts and bioactive compounds resulting from the experimental studies in the review support the traditional uses of S. suaveolens. They could be useful in developing novel pharmacological applications in the treatment of various acute and chronic human ailments. The efficacy, safety, and toxicity of S. suaveolens plant in enhancing therapeutic efficacy should be investigated widely in further studies.
Modified Weaver Dunn Versus Ligamentous Reconstruction Grafts in Chronic Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Daher Mohammad , Ghoul Ali , Farhat Charbel , Boufadel Peter , Fares Mohamad Y , El Hassan Bassem , Abboud Joseph A 
Published: July 2024

Background Acromioclavicular (AC) joint trauma is a frequent sports injury. Modified Weaver Dunn (MWD) is a commonly used technique to address this injury. However, tendinous grafts (Autogenous Palmaris Longus or Semitendinosus tendons) are increasingly being used due to the biologic weakness of MWD. Methods Three search was done until January 2024 with data extraction consisting of adverse events (infections and failures), Constant-Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance. Results Four studies were included in this metaanalysis. Tendinous graft was shown to have statistically better ASES and Constant-Murley scores. Furthermore, there were no difference in adverse events, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance. Conclusion The tendinous graft showed no differences in adverse events, and postoperative coracoclavicular distance when compared to modified Weaver Dunn. However, it showed higher postoperative ASES and Constant-Murley score without analysis of the minimal clinical important difference making the difference solely statistical. Level of evidence 3.
Clinical outcomes after idecabtagene vicleucel in older patients with multiple myeloma: a multicenter real-world experience
Authors: Kalariya Nilesh M. , Hildebrandt Michelle A. T. , Hansen Doris K. , Sidana Surbhi , Khouri Jack , Ferreri Christopher J. , Doyle William N. , Castaneda-Puglianini Omar , Freeman Ciara L. , Hovanky Vanna , Hosoya Hitomi , Shune Leyla O. , Patel Krina K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The safety and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy is not well described in older patients, a population that has higher frailty and comorbidities. In this multicenter retrospective study, we evaluated clinical outcomes along with frailty and geriatric characteristics such as comorbidities, polypharmacy, falls, neuropathy, organ dysfunction, and performance status in younger (aged &lt;65 years) vs older (aged ≥65 years) patients who received commercial idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel). A total of 156 patients (n = 75, aged ≥65 years) were infused with ide-cel by data cutoff. In older patients (median age: 69 years; range, 65-83; 66.7% frail; 77.3% did not meet KarMMa eligibility criteria), with a median follow-up duration of 14.2 months, best overall response rate (ORR) was 86.7%, which was comparable with pivotal KarMMa study results (ORR: 73%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival in older patients were 9.1 months and 26.5 months, respectively. Grade ≥3 cytokine-release syndrome and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome were observed in 1% and 4% of older patients, respectively. Compared with younger patients, the older patients had significantly higher prevalence of frailty, geriatric characteristics such as polypharmacy (≥5 drugs; 97%), ≥4 comorbidities (69%), and organ dysfunction (35%; P &lt; .05). The safety and efficacy of ide-cel therapy were similar in younger and older patients. Frailty and geriatric characteristics such as polypharmacy, comorbidities, and organ dysfunction in older patients did not confer an inferior overall outcome.
Remaining Useful Life for Heavy-Duty Railway Cast Steel Knuckles Based on Crack Growth Behavior with Hypothetical Distributions
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu Tao , Yang Bing , Xiao Shoune , Yang Guangwu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe current research on the integrity of critical structures of rail vehicles mainly focuses on the design stage, which needs an effective method for assessing the service state. This paper proposes a framework for predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of in-service structures with and without visible cracks. The hypothetical distribution and delay time models were used to apply the equivalent crack growth life data of heavy-duty railway cast steel knuckles, which revealed the evolution characteristics of the crack length and life scores of the knuckle under different fracture failure modes. The results indicate that the method effectively predicts the RUL of service knuckles in different failure modes based on the cumulative failure probability curves for different locations and surface crack lengths. This study proposes an RUL prediction framework that supports the dynamic overhaul and state maintenance of knuckle fatigue cracks.
Elevated cytokine levels in the central nervous system of cluster headache patients in bout and in remission
Authors: Ran Caroline , Olofsgård Felicia Jennysdotter , Wellfelt Katrin , Steinberg Anna , Belin Andrea Carmine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Cluster headache is characterized by activation of the trigeminovascular pathway with subsequent pain signalling in the meningeal vessels, and inflammation has been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology. To further investigate inflammation in cluster headache, inflammatory markers were analysed in patients with cluster headache and controls.

Methods
We performed a case–control study, collecting cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples from healthy controls, cluster headache patients in remission, active bout, and during an attack to cover the dynamic range of the cluster headache phenotype. Inflammatory markers were quantified using Target 48 OLINK cytokine panels.

Results
Altered levels of several cytokines were found in patients with cluster headache compared to controls. CCL8, CCL13, CCL11, CXCL10, CXCL11, HGF, MMP1, TNFSF10 and TNFSF12 levels in cerebrospinal fluid were comparable in active bout and remission, though significantly higher than in controls. In serum samples, CCL11 and CXCL11 displayed decreased levels in patients. Only one cytokine, IL-13 was differentially expressed in serum during attacks.

Conclusion and interpretation
Our data shows signs of possible neuroinflammation occurring in biological samples from cluster headache patients. Increased cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels are detectable in active bout and during remission, indicating neuroinflammation could be considered a marker for cluster headache and is unrelated to the different phases of the disorder.
Transcription factor binding specificities of the oomycete Phytophthora infestans reflect conserved and divergent evolutionary patterns and predict function
Authors: Vo Nguyen N. T. , Yang Ally , Leesutthiphonchai Wiphawee , Liu Yulong , Hughes Timothy R. , Judelson Howard S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Identifying the DNA-binding specificities of transcription factors (TF) is central to understanding gene networks that regulate growth and development. Such knowledge is lacking in oomycetes, a microbial eukaryotic lineage within the stramenopile group. Oomycetes include many important plant and animal pathogens such as the potato and tomato blight agent Phytophthora infestans, which is a tractable model for studying life-stage differentiation within the group.

Results
Mining of the P. infestans genome identified 197 genes encoding proteins belonging to 22 TF families. Their chromosomal distribution was consistent with family expansions through unequal crossing-over, which were likely ancient since each family had similar sizes in most oomycetes. Most TFs exhibited dynamic changes in RNA levels through the P. infestans life cycle. The DNA-binding preferences of 123 proteins were assayed using protein-binding oligonucleotide microarrays, which succeeded with 73 proteins from 14 families. Binding sites predicted for representatives of the families were validated by electrophoretic mobility shift or chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Consistent with the substantial evolutionary distance of oomycetes from traditional model organisms, only a subset of the DNA-binding preferences resembled those of human or plant orthologs. Phylogenetic analyses of the TF families within P. infestans often discriminated clades with canonical and novel DNA targets. Paralogs with similar binding preferences frequently had distinct patterns of expression suggestive of functional divergence. TFs were predicted to either drive life stage-specific expression or serve as general activators based on the representation of their binding sites within total or developmentally-regulated promoters. This projection was confirmed for one TF using synthetic and mutated promoters fused to reporter genes in vivo.

Conclusions
We established a large dataset of binding specificities for P. infestans TFs, representing the first in the stramenopile group. This resource provides a basis for understanding transcriptional regulation by linking TFs with their targets, which should help delineate the molecular components of processes such as sporulation and host infection. Our work also yielded insight into TF evolution during the eukaryotic radiation, revealing both functional conservation as well as diversification across kingdoms.