bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective and objective benefits of a novel opioid‐related disorders simulation learning experience for pharmacy students
Authors: Greer Daniel , Barta Les , Liu Mei T. , Andrews Liza Barbarello 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe subjective and objective benefits of an opioid‐related disorders simulation lab have not been well established in pharmacy student education. Opioid‐related disorders are extremely prevalent, and education of pharmacy students should develop as the role of the pharmacist progresses.ObjectiveTo enhance knowledge, affective skills, and empathy in the management of opioid‐related disorders for third professional‐year student pharmacists using simulation.MethodsThird‐year student pharmacists participated in a three‐part opioid‐related disorders activity. Students first completed a patient case in groups, then presented as the patient to a simulated retail pharmacy to obtain a buprenorphine‐naloxone prescription, and lastly, provided counseling to a simulated patient for naloxone nasal spray. Knowledge was assessed with a multiple‐choice survey, and affective skills and empathy were assessed with an opinion‐based survey. The surveys were administered pre‐class, post‐class, and 1 month following the class. The surveys were not validated but were based on curriculum goals. All of the surveys were completed online, and the pre‐class and post‐class surveys were completed on computers during class.ResultsA total of 150 students completed the pre‐class survey, 144 completed the post‐class survey, and 90 completed the survey 1 month later. The experience was reported as valuable by 100% of participants. Knowledge significantly improved from the pre‐class survey (85.6%) to the post‐class survey (94.3%) (p < 0.001) and remained improved 1 month following the activity (92.4%) (p = 0.002). Based on the opinion‐based survey, empathy toward patients with opioid‐related disorders was significantly improved for three survey items following the activity and 1 month after the activity.ConclusionThis three‐part simulation demonstrated improvement in empathy and knowledge in the ability to provide care for patients with opioid‐related disorders among student pharmacists.
An analysis of attitudes, knowledge, and willingness of Thai pharmacists as vaccinators: A nationwide survey study
Authors: Chumnumwat Supatat , Montakantikul Preecha , Wongpakwat Jangkanipa , Siriwannapha Napassorn , Pitaknitinun Kitti 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionDespite the diverse roles of pharmacists in immunization, the vaccinator role remains uncharted for Thai pharmacists. This survey assesses pharmacist attitudes, knowledge, and willingness as vaccinators, providing insights to enhance their pivotal contribution to vaccination outcomes in Thailand.MethodsThe survey encompassed three sections: respondent characteristics, attitudes toward the vaccinator role, and vaccination knowledge. Disseminated via the Pharmacy Council of Thailand (PCT)'s email system, it received 400 valid responses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, including logistic regression to identify factors affecting willingness to become vaccinators (p < 0.05).ResultsThe survey was conducted between January 19, 2023, and February 28, 2023. The respondents, with an average age of 39.8 ± 10.25 years, were predominantly female (54.5%) with bachelor's degrees (68%). Hospital (45%) and community (20.7%) pharmacists were prominent, primarily in the central region (51%). Notably, 12.3% received vaccination training from PCT. Of the respondents, 169 (42.25%) were willing to become vaccinators, while 231 (57.75%) were uncertain or uninterested. Factors driving willingness differed; knowledge and skills for vaccine administration (72.59%) were crucial for those not willing to become vaccinators, while public benefits (73.91%) influenced vaccinators. In multivariate analysis, longer experience (10–19 years) (odds ratio [OR] 2.317; p = 0.009) and vaccination training (OR = 1.926; p = 0.047) were significant factors supporting the decision to become vaccinators. Average vaccination knowledge scores were 5.68 ± 2.63 out of 12 points, slightly higher in the vaccinator group (6 ± 2.3) compared to non‐vaccinators (5.4 ± 2.8) with a significant difference (p = 0.034). Post‐vaccination counseling knowledge was high, but questions related to adverse events following immunization (AEFI) had low correct response rates (12.5%).ConclusionThe study underscores substantial willingness among Thai pharmacists to assume the vaccinator role, revealing influential factors and knowledge gaps. This insight can guide training enhancements and implementation strategies to seamlessly expand pharmacist contributions to vaccination efforts.
Validating Fractalkine receptor as a target and identifying candidates for drug discovery against type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yadav Madhu , Akhter Yusuf 
Published: December 2023

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases employing abnormal levels of insulin. Enhancing the insulin production is greatly aided by the regulatory mechanisms of the Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) system in islet β‐cell function. However, elements including a high‐fat diet, obesity, and ageing negatively impact the expression of CX3CR1 in islets. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 receptor−ligand complex is now recognized as a novel therapeutic target. It suggests that T2DM‐related β‐cell dysfunction may result from lower amount of these proteins. We analyzed the differential expression of CX3CR1 gene samples taken from persons with T2DM using data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Homology modeling enabled us to generate the three‐dimensional structure of CX3CR1 and a possible binding pocket. The optimized CX3CR1 structure was subjected to rigorous screening against a massive library of 693 million drug‐like molecules from the ZINC15 database. This screening process led to the identification of three compounds with strong binding affinity at the identified binding pocket of CX3CR1. To further evaluate the potential of these compounds, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted over a 50 ns time scale to assess the stability of the protein−ligand complexes. These simulations revealed that ZINC000032506419 emerged as the most promising drug‐like compound among the three potent molecules. The discovery of ZINC000032506419 holds exciting promise as a potential therapeutic agent for T2D and other related metabolic disorders. These findings pave the way for the development of effective medications to address the complexities of T2DM and its associated metabolic diseases.
The use of homework in emotion‐focused therapy for depression
Authors: Warwar Serine 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEmotion‐focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment of depression, and an integrative, transdiagnostic therapy approach focusing on transforming emotions that are the cause of a person's emotional pain and suffering. In‐session experiential work and two‐chair interventions are consolidated and expanded by between‐session homework which is viewed as a natural extension of in‐session work. As the focus on emotion in EFT necessitates the provision of a safe, attuned, empathic relationship and a good collaboration on the tasks and goals of therapy the use of homework is very well‐suited to this approach. An EFT case example is discussed to illustrate how homework can be an important ingredient to strengthen and facilitate change in treating a depressed client with a core underlying feeling of shame related to unresolved childhood trauma.
Treatment of long COVID complicated by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome—Case series research
Authors: Tsuchida Tomoya , Ishibashi Yuki , Inoue Yoko , Ishizuka Kosuke , Katayama Kohta , Hirose Masanori , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Akashi Yoshihiro , Otsubo Takehito , Matsuda Takahide , Ohira Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) sequelae, also known as long COVID, can present with various symptoms. Among these symptoms, autonomic dysregulation, particularly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), should be evaluated. However, previous studies on the treatment of POTS complicated by COVID‐19 are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the treatment course of long COVID complicated by POTS.MethodsThe medical records of patients who complained of fatigue and met the criteria for POTS diagnosis were reviewed. We evaluated the treatment days, methods and changes in fatigue score, changes in heart rate on the Schellong test, and social situation at the first and last visits.ResultsThirty‐two patients with long COVID complicated by POTS were followed up (16 males; median age: 28 years). The follow‐up period was 159 days, and the interval between COVID‐19 onset and initial hospital attendance was 97 days. Some patients responded to β‐blocker therapy. Many patients had psychiatric symptoms that required psychiatric intervention and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescription. Changes in heart rate, performance status, and employment/education status improved from the first to the last visit. These outcomes were believed to be because of the effects of various treatment interventions and spontaneous improvements.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the condition of 94% of patients with POTS complicated by long COVID will improve within 159 days. Therefore, POTS evaluation should be considered when patients with long COVID complain of fatigue, and attention should be paid to psychological symptoms and the social context.
Regiospecific synthesis of novel spiro‐pyrimidobarbiturates with promising antibacterial activities
Authors: Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Moustafa Amr H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this work, a novel series of 9‐amino‐7‐aryl‐11‐imino‐2,4,8,10‐tetraazaspiro[5.5]undeca‐7,9‐diene‐1,3,5‐triones 3a‐l was synthesized via the treatment of cyanoguanidine 1 with respective arylidene barbituric acids 2a‐l in dry pyridine. The products were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (+G), Staphylococcus aureus (+G), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (−G) and Escherichia coli (−G). The results showed that some of the tested products are promising antibacterial drugs.
Quantitative brain morphometry identifies cerebellar, cortical, and subcortical gray and white matter atrophy in late‐onset Tay‐Sachs disease
Authors: Májovská Jitka , Nestrašil Igor , Ahmed Alia , Bondy Monica T. , Klempíř Jiří , Jahnová Helena , Schneider Susanne A. , Horáková Dana , Krásenský Jan , Ješina Pavel , Vaneckova Manuela , Nascene David R. , Whitley Chester B. , Jarnes Jeanine R. , Magner Martin , Dušek Petr 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCerebellar atrophy is a characteristic sign of late‐onset Tay‐Sachs disease (LOTS). Other structural neuroimaging abnormalities are inconsistently reported. Our study aimed to perform a detailed whole‐brain analysis and quantitatively characterize morphometric changes in LOTS patients. Fourteen patients (8 M/6F) with LOTS from three centers were included in this retrospective study. For morphometric brain analyses, we used deformation‐based morphometry, voxel‐based morphometry, surface‐based morphometry, and spatially unbiased cerebellar atlas template. The quantitative whole‐brain morphometric analysis confirmed the finding of profound pontocerebellar atrophy with most affected cerebellar lobules V and VI in LOTS patients. Additionally, the atrophy of structures mainly involved in motor control, including bilateral ventral and lateral thalamic nuclei, primary motor and sensory cortex, supplementary motor area, and white matter regions containing corticospinal tract, was present. The atrophy of the right amygdala, hippocampus, and regions of occipital, parietal and temporal white matter was also observed in LOTS patients in contrast with controls (p < 0.05, FWE corrected). Patients with dysarthria and those initially presenting with ataxia had more severe cerebellar atrophy. Our results show predominant impairment of cerebellar regions responsible for speech and hand motor function in LOTS patients. Widespread morphological changes of motor cortical and subcortical regions and tracts in white matter indicate abnormalities in central motor circuits likely coresponsible for impaired speech and motor function.
Fixation strength of swelling copolymeric anchors in artificial bone
Authors: Taghvaei Moein , Taheri Mehrangiz , Sadighi Amirreza , Zegarski Ryan , Schaer Thomas P. , Palmese Giuseppe R. , Najafi Ahmad R. , Siegler Sorin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFixation with suture anchors and metallic hardware for osteosynthesis is common in orthopedic surgeries. Most metallic commercial bone anchors achieve their fixation to bone through shear of the bone located between the threads. They have several deficiencies, including stress‐shielding due to mechanical properties mismatch, generation of acidic by‐products, poor osteointegration, low mechanical strength and catastrophic failure often associated with large bone defects that may be difficult to repair. To overcome these deficiencies, a swelling porous copolymeric material, to be used as bone anchors with osteointegration potential, was introduced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fixation strength of these porous, swelling copolymeric bone anchors in artificial bone of various densities. The pull‐out and subsidence studies indicate an effective fixation mechanism based on friction including re‐fixation capabilities, and minimization of damage following complete failure. The study suggests that this swelling porous structure may provide an effective alternative to conventional bone anchors, particularly in low‐density bone.
Association of active oxygen‐releasing gel and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Cláudio Marina M. , Garcia Valdir G. , Freitas Rubens M. , Rodrigues João Victor S. , Wainwright Mark , Casarin Renato C. V. , Duque Cristiane , Theodoro Leticia H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active oxygen‐releasing gel as an adjuvant, with and without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), in the treatment of residual pockets in periodontal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).MethodsPatients with residual pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were divided into the following groups: SI (n = 17)—subgingival instrumentation in a single session; BM (n = 17)—SI followed by local application of active oxygen‐releasing gel inside the periodontal pocket for 3 min; BM + aPDT (n = 17)—SI followed by application of BM for 3 min and pocket irrigation with methylene blue, and 660‐nm diode laser irradiation at 100 mW for 50 s. The periodontal clinical parameters, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, and immunological analysis of crevicular fluid were evaluated. All data were submitted to statistical analysis (α = 5%).ResultsA significant reduction in BOP was verified at 90 and 180 days in the BM + aPDT group. The percentage of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm was significantly reduced at 90 days in BM + aPDT and BM, whereas after 180 days only BM showed a significant reduction. In the BM + aPDT group, there was a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor α levels at 90 days. There were no differences between the treatments.ConclusionThe use of adjuvant active oxygen‐releasing gel, with or without aPDT, resulted in the same clinical benefits as SI in the treatment of residual pockets in poorly controlled DM2 patients.
Dermatology quality of life in renal transplant recipients in the West of Ireland
Authors: Griffin Laoise , Kehoe Holly , Murphy Marcus , Griffin Matthew , Laing Mary Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundRenal transplant recipients (RTRs) experience cutaneous symptoms, some due to immunosuppressive medications, which can affect their quality of life (QOL). Previous studies noted a higher impact on QOL of younger female recipients.ObjectivesWe sought to examine current trends in dermatology QOL in Irish RTRs.MethodsDermatology life quality index (DLQI) and dermatology conditions, past and present, were analysed in a cohort of RTRs in a single centre in the West of Ireland. Medical records were cross referenced.ResultsSixty‐six RTRs participated, 70% male with a mean age 55 years ± SD13.6. Most participants (80%) described the presence of a skin condition. Despite this, many (71%) reported ‘no effect’ on their quality of life. Skin cancer, experienced by 26%, was associated with a small but significant effect on QOL. Biopsy proven actinic keratoses, on the other hand, was not. Cutaneous infections (bacterial and fungal) of the lower limb had the largest effect on QOL. Although not significant, male RTRs were more likely to report skin issues when asked and less likely to have seen dermatology for them. Unlike previous studies age or gender did not significant effect on QOL.ConclusionsThe findings of our study demonstrate a shift in trends of cutaneous complications of RTRs and highlights a need to consider foot care in this patient population. We illustrate a difference in health seeking behaviour of RTRs of different genders and a need for a focussed proactive skin cancer surveillance programme that targets not only early detection but also prevention in male organ recipients.
Association Between Smoking and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tan Claire Jing‐Wen , Leow Bryan Hao Wei , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Tan Sean Fong‐Jun , Teo Neville Wei Yang , Charn Tze Choong 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the upper airway. The impact of smoking on CRS has not been clearly established. We aim to clarify the association between first‐hand cigarette smoking and the prevalence and prognoses of CRS.Review MethodsPubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until May 15, 2022. Three blinded reviewers selected relevant studies, extracted data, and evaluated study bias following a PROSPERO‐registered protocol (CRD42022345585). We used random‐effects meta‐analyses to pool the prevalence of smoking in CRS, association between smoking status and CRS, and association of smoking with quality of life (QOL) before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We also performed descriptive analyses of olfactory function, CT scores, and endoscopy scores before and after FESS.ResultsWe included 23 cross‐sectional studies, 19 cohort studies, two case–control studies, and one prospective clinical trial. The pooled prevalence of ever‐smokers was 40% (95% CI = 0.30–0.51) and 33% (95% CI = 0.25–0.43) in patients with and without CRS. Compared to never‐smokers, active smokers and past smokers had 1.35 (95% CI = 1.18–1.55) and 1.23 (95% CI = 1.17–1.29) higher odds of having CRS. Among patients with CRS, non‐smokers reported higher initial QOL than smokers (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.11–0.35), although post‐FESS QOL was similar (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI = −0.30–0.51). Descriptive analysis found no significant correlations between smoking and post‐FESS olfactory function and endoscopy scores.ConclusionsCigarette smoking is associated with higher prevalence and odds of CRS. Clinicians should be aware that smoking predisposes to CRS, but does not negatively impact the rhinologic outcomes of FESS. Laryngoscope, 134:2513–2524, 2024
Effects of exercise on sleep in children with overweight/obesity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Torres‐Lopez Lucia V. , Migueles Jairo H. , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Bendtsen Marcus , Henriksson Pontus , Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Löf Marie , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Ortega Francisco B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the chronic effects of a 20‐week exercise training program on device‐assessed sleep and sleep‐disordered breathing; and to determine whether participating in a session of the exercise program had effects on device‐assessed sleep the subsequent night in children with overweight/obesity.MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 2014 to June 2016. A total of 109 children (age 8–11 years) with overweight/obesity were randomized into an exercise training or control group. The exercise program included aerobic and resistance training 3 to 5 days/week. The control group participants continued their usual lifestyle. Device‐assessed sleep outcomes were measured using wrist‐worn actigraphy at baseline, in the middle of the exercise program (10th week), and at postintervention for seven consecutive days (24 h/day), and sleep‐disordered breathing was measured via the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire.ResultsThe exercise training program had a statistically significant effect on wake after sleep onset time (−10.8 min/day, −0.5 SDs, p = 0.040). No other chronic or acute effects (i.e., the subsequent night of attending a session of the exercise training program) were observed on the remaining sleep outcomes.ConclusionsA 20‐week exercise training program reduced wake after sleep onset time in children with overweight/obesity. Future randomized trials that include a sample of children with poor sleep health at baseline are needed to better appreciate the role of exercise in sleep health.
Predicting risk of suicidal behavior from insurance claims data vs. linked data from insurance claims and electronic health records
Authors: Simon Gregory E. , Shortreed Susan M. , Johnson Eric , Yaseen Zimri S. , Stone Marc , Mosholder Andrew D. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Coleman Karen J. , Coley R. Yates , Penfold Robert B. , Toh Sengwee 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeObservational studies assessing effects of medical products on suicidal behavior often rely on health record data to account for pre‐existing risk. We assess whether high‐dimensional models predicting suicide risk using data derived from insurance claims and electronic health records (EHRs) are superior to models using data from insurance claims alone.MethodsData were from seven large health systems identified outpatient mental health visits by patients aged 11 or older between 1/1/2009 and 9/30/2017. Data for the 5 years prior to each visit identified potential predictors of suicidal behavior typically available from insurance claims (e.g., mental health diagnoses, procedure codes, medication dispensings) and additional potential predictors available from EHRs (self‐reported race and ethnicity, responses to Patient Health Questionnaire or PHQ‐9 depression questionnaires). Nonfatal self‐harm events following each visit were identified from insurance claims data and fatal self‐harm events were identified by linkage to state mortality records. Random forest models predicting nonfatal or fatal self‐harm over 90 days following each visit were developed in a 70% random sample of visits and validated in a held‐out sample of 30%. Performance of models using linked claims and EHR data was compared to models using claims data only.ResultsAmong 15 845 047 encounters by 1 574 612 patients, 99 098 (0.6%) were followed by a self‐harm event within 90 days. Overall classification performance did not differ between the best‐fitting model using all data (area under the receiver operating curve or AUC = 0.846, 95% CI 0.839–0.854) and the best‐fitting model limited to data available from insurance claims (AUC = 0.846, 95% CI 0.838–0.853). Competing models showed similar classification performance across a range of cut‐points and similar calibration performance across a range of risk strata. Results were similar when the sample was limited to health systems and time periods where PHQ‐9 depression questionnaires were recorded more frequently.ConclusionInvestigators using health record data to account for pre‐existing risk in observational studies of suicidal behavior need not limit that research to databases including linked EHR data.