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The article outlines the practices for pharmacy services that specialize in transitions of care, focusing on optimizing medication management across different healthcare settings. Topics include the role of pharmacists in preventing medication errors, the importance of interprofessional collaboration in transitions of care, and the evidence supporting pharmacist-led interventions to reduce hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.

Knowledge of how to treat chronic tendinopathy has advanced in recent years, but the treatment of early tendinopathy is not well understood. The main purpose of this prospective observational study was to investigate if changes occur in clinical and imaging outcomes over 12 weeks in elite athletes with recent debut of tendinopathy. Sixty‐five elite adult athletes (24 ± 5 years) with early Achilles or patellar tendinopathy (symptoms < 3 months) were examined at baseline and after 12 weeks. Patients were divided into groups based on the duration of symptoms at the time of inclusion: (T1): 0–1 month, (T2): 1–2 months, or (T3): 2–3 months. Pain‐guided activity modification was the only intervention. We assessed the following clinical outcomes: Questionnaires (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment (VISA)) and pain scores (0–10 numeric rating scale, NRS), structural outcomes from ultrasonography: Thickness, echogenicity, and Doppler flow, and from magnetic resonance imaging: Cross‐sectional area (CSA), thickness and length. Tendinopathic Achilles and patellar tendons displayed no significant differences on imaging tendon structural outcomes between T1 (n = 19), T2 (n = 23), and T3 (n = 20) at baseline or after 12 weeks, with one exception: Patellar tendons in T1 were thicker than T2 and T3 at baseline. Although athletes improved clinically on VISA and most NRS scores after 12 weeks, affected tendons with greater thickness, CSA and Doppler flow than contralateral tendons at baseline remained unchanged after 12 weeks. In conclusion, these data suggest that early tendinopathy in elite athletes can improve clinically after 12 weeks while morphology remains unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two‐dimensional mixed convective MHD flow with heat and mass transfer is investigated for its behavior with Dufour and Soret mechanisms over the porous sheet. The copper–alumina (Cu–Al2O3) hybrid nanoparticles are used in the base fluid water. The governing system of partial differential equations is converted into a system of ordinary differential equations via similarity transformations, obtaining the solution for velocity, temperature, and concentration fields in exponential form. The problem is demonstrated in the Darcy–Brinkman model, the impact of included parameters such as Richardson number, magnetic field, and Dufour numbers are studied for the obtained solution with the help of graphs. Increasing the magnetic field decreases both transverse and axial velocity profiles. Increasing the magnetic field and Richardson's number decreases the solution (Al2O3–H2O). Increasing the values magnetic field and Richardson's number decreases both transverse and axial velocity profiles. Increasing the values of the Dufour effect increases the axial and transverse velocity boundary layer. The magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow over porous media works efficiently in liquid cooling and, therefore, has significant applications in industrial heating and cooling systems, solar energy, magnetohydrodynamic flow meters and pumps, manufacturing, regenerative heat exchange, thermal energy storage, solar power collectors, geothermal recovery, and chemical catalytic reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey article provides insights regarding the future of affirmative action by analyzing the implementation methods and the empirical evidence on the use of placement quotas in the Brazilian higher education system. All federal universities have required income and racial‐based quotas in Brazil since 2012. Affirmative action in federal universities is uniformly applied across the country, which makes evaluating its effects particularly valuable. Affirmative action improves the outcomes of targeted students. Specifically, race‐based quotas raise the share of Black students in federal universities, an effect not observed with income‐based quotas alone. Affirmative action has downstream positive consequences for labor market outcomes. The results suggest that income and race‐based quotas beneficiaries experience substantial long‐term welfare benefits. There is no evidence of mismatching or negative consequences for targeted students' peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the gender disparities in emergency medicine research funding and the need for strategies to support women in this field. It focuses on the efforts of the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine (AWAEM) in promoting research activities and supporting women clinician-investigators. AWAEM offers various initiatives, such as funding opportunities, research committees, professional development awards, and recognition programs, to address gender equity in emergency medicine research. The organization aims to increase the number of independent investigators and reduce the gender gap in this field. [Extracted from the article]

This special issue of the Journal Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences on the topic of Modelling, Analysis, and Applications is devoted to the development of mathematical modelling, analysis, and applications, from theoretical and numerical perspectives, involving different applied sciences and engineering. It collects invited contributions, from selected quality full papers submitted to the International Conference on Mathematical Analysis and Applications in Science and Engineering (ICMA2SC2022). The conference took place in Porto, Portugal in 27–29 June 2022 (https://www.isep.ipp.pt/Page/ViewPage/ICMASC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition to the reduction in of arterial thrombotic events, statins may prevent venous thrombosis including among patients with cancer. As previous registry‐ and claims‐based studies revealed that the use of statins may improve the survival of patients with various malignancies we evaluated their impact on outcomes of older adults with PV and ET. Methods: We identified 4010 older adults (aged 66–99 years at diagnosis) with PV (n = 1809) and ET (n = 2201) in a population‐based cohort study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare database with median follow‐up of 3.92 (interquartile range: 2.58–5.75) years. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approaches were utilized to assess potential association between statins and overall survival. Multivariable competing risk models with death as a competing risk were used to evaluate possible relationship between statins and the incidence of thrombosis. Results: 55.8% of the patients used statins within the first year after PV/ET diagnosis, and statin use was associated with a 22% reduction in all‐cause mortality (PSM: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.98, p = 0.03; IPTW: HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.97, p = 0.03). Statins also reduced the risk of thrombosis in this patient population (PSM: HR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51–0.78, p < 0.01; IPTW: HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.49–0.66, p < 0.01) as well as in PV and ET subgroups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that it may be important to incorporate statins into the therapeutic strategy for older adults with PV and ET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to classify preschool children into subtypes based on motor skills and to characterize the activities of daily living for each subtype. The subjects were 45 preschool children whose scores on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) and the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were measured. The fine score and gross score were calculated from the MABC-2, and a cluster analysis was performed. The difference between the fine score and the gross score was evaluated for each subtype, and multiple comparisons among subtypes were performed for the fine, gross, and WeeFIM scores. Subtype analysis showed that the fine score was significantly lower than the gross score for subtype I (p < 0.001), and the gross score was significantly lower than the fine score for subtype III (p = 0.018). Subtype II had a significantly lower score than subtype I and subtype III (p < 0.001). Children with subtype II had more difficulty dressing movements and less communication skills than subtype III (p < 0.05). Classification into three subtypes according to motor ability and some of the characteristics of ADLs were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study compared the dimensional changes between computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) milled complete denture bases (CDBs) and three‐dimensional (3D) printed CDBs. Materials and methods: One maxillary completely edentulous stone model was fabricated with three reference points at the incisive papilla, right molar, and left molar areas marked as X, Y, and Z, respectively. It was scanned to produce a standard tessellation language (STL) file, which was imported to a metal milling machine software to produce the metal model. This metal model was used to fabricate 30 CDBs for analysis. The CDBs were divided into three groups (n = 10 each) according to the fabrication method used as follows: Group 1, CAD‐CAM milled CDBs; Group 2, 3D printed CDBs; and Group 3, conventional compression molded CDBs. The CDBs of all groups were scanned after fabrication, and the dimensional changes in each were evaluated by two methods. The first was the two‐dimensional evaluation method that involved linear measurement of the distances between the reference points (X‐Y, X‐Z, and Y‐Z) of the scanned reference cast and dentures. The second method was the 3D evaluation method that involved the superimposition of the STL files of the dentures on the STL file of the reference cast. Data were calculated and were statistically analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's pairwise post hoc tests. Results: There was a significant difference in the dimensional accuracy between the CAD‐CAM milled, 3D printed, and conventional compression molded CDBs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The dimensional accuracy of the CAD‐CAM milling system in complete denture fabrication is superior to that of the compression molding and 3D printing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address a one‐dimensional quasi‐linear hyperbolic system of equations describing blood flow through compliant axi‐symmetric vessels. From the symmetry analysis, we derive symmetry group of transformations and the corresponding symmetry generators by analyzing the parameters. Next, with the help of symmetry generators and invariant functions, we construct and classify the optimal system of subalgebras. Further, we obtained the similarity variables and similarity forms for each subalgebra leading to the reduction of the given governing coupled PDEs to the system of ODEs. Moreover, we studied the nature of blood flow velocity as well as the cross‐sectional area of the arteries under the influence of arterial stiffness s$$ s $$ graphically. Finally, the evolutionary behavior of weak discontinuity in the blood flow pattern is discussed with respect to aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we concern about the Riemann problem for compressible no‐slip drift‐flux model which represents a system of quasi‐linear partial differential equations derived by averaging the mass and momentum conservation laws with modified Chaplygin two‐phase flows. We obtain the exact solution of Riemann problem by elaborately analyzing characteristic fields and discuss the elementary waves namely, shock wave, rarefaction wave and contact discontinuity wave. By employing the equality of pressure and velocity across the middle characteristic field, two nonlinear algebraic equations with two unknowns as gas density ahead and behind the middle wave are formed. The Newton–Raphson method of two variables is applied to find the unknowns with a series of initial data from the literature. Finally, the exact solution for the physical quantities such as gas density, liquid density, velocity, and pressure are illustrated graphically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TP53‐altered myelodysplastic syndrome with excess blasts and TP53‐altered acute myeloid leukemia should be considered under one unifying classification term for their study in clinical trials. Ultimately, such a unification would simplify the screening processes for clinical trials and allow a focus on treating the patient for a genetically defined disorder rather than one based on an arbitrary blast threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the flexural strength of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) milled denture base resin (DBR), 3D‐printed DBR, polyamide, and conventional compression‐molded DBR. Materials and Methods: Six denture base resins were used, one conventional heat‐polymerized (Vertex), two milled CAD‐CAM (AvaDent and Polident), two 3D‐printed (Harz and NextDent), and one flexible polyamide (Polyamide). According to ISO 20795‐1:2013, 60 specimens (65×10×3 mm) were constructed and divided into six groups (n = 10), according to DBR type. The flexural strength was measured using a universal testing machine and three‐point loading test. Data were collected and analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's pair‐wise post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: One‐way ANOVA results showed significant differences in flexural strengths between the tested DBRs (p˂0.001). Milled denture base resins (AvaDent and Polident) had significantly higher flexural strength values than the other groups (p˂0.001) and were followed by Vertex and NextDent, while Polyamide and Harz had the lowest values. Polyamide and Harz denture base resins had significantly lower flexural strength values than conventional denture base resin (p˂0.001). Conclusion: CAD‐CAM milled DBRs showed the highest flexural strength when compared with conventional compression‐molded or 3D‐printed DBRs, while 3D‐printed DBRs and polyamide showed the lowest flexural strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, removing almost 50 years of precedent and enabling the imposition of a wide range of state‐level restrictions on abortion access. Historical data from the United States and internationally demonstrate that the removal of safe abortion options will increase complications and the health risks to pregnant patients. Because the emergency department is a critical access point for reproductive health care, emergency clinicians must be prepared for the policy, clinical, educational, and legal implications of this change. The goal of this paper, therefore, is to describe the impact of the reversal of Roe v. Wade on health equity and reproductive justice, the provision of emergency care education and training, and the specific legal and reproductive consequences for emergency clinicians. Finally, we conclude with specific recommended policy and advocacy responses for emergency medicine clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigating climate change effects requires investors (and their proxies, fund managers) to shift their business‐as‐usual strategies. This article analyzes Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing behavior through more than 13,000 messages exchanged by finance professionals from 2017 to 2020. There is a consensus that low and high ESG firms' discrimination is a necessary but not sufficient condition for ESG investing. Moreover, it is one thing for fund managers to claim that they are integrating ESG factors in their portfolios and another to do it properly. The restriction of the strategy space, internal and external transaction costs, and data quality are still viewed as overwhelming obstacles for seamlessly integrating ESG into financial portfolios. Sentiment analysis indicates that asset managers hold a negative view of ESG investing, surprising as ethical investing is becoming increasingly common. Unlocking the potential positive externalities from ESG investing may require regulators and investors' actions to improve the quality of information disclosure and pressure fund managers into incorporating nonfinancial criteria in their investment models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gender and sexual harassment in emergency medicine (EM) is persistent in the workplace but remains underreported. Barriers to reporting in EM are largely unknown. This study explored barriers to reporting gender and sexual harassment among EM faculty and residents and potential improvements to reporting systems. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with EM faculty and residents across the United States, utilizing purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two independent investigators. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation and prominent themes were identified from coded data. Results: A total of 32 interviews were completed with women and men faculty and residents. Prominent themes were identified representing compounding barriers to reporting. Participants described confusion over what constitutes a reportable definition of gender and sexual harassment, unfamiliarity with reporting processes, and multiple avenues (both informal and formal through departmental, hospital, and institutional systems) for reporting. Participants expressed limited confidence in formal reporting systems and related several perceived and actual negative outcomes of reporting. A number of improvements were recommended centering around creating reporting systems that supported, empowered, and protected survivors; improving transparency about reporting processes; and ensuring accountability at a departmental and institutional level. Conclusions: Significant barriers to reporting exist and deter individuals from reporting. Given the negative consequences of ongoing gender and sexual harassment, emergency departments and institutions must take responsibility to reduce barriers and support individuals throughout the reporting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore the weak shock wave interactions in isentropic Cargo‐LeRoux model of flux perturbation which describes strictly hyperbolic quasilinear system of conservation laws. For the Riemann problem, we provide a global existence and uniqueness result of exact solution. Further, we establish the exact solution explicitly in terms of one parameter family of elementary wave curves. We devise a necessary and sufficient condition on initial data for which the solution of the Riemann problem consists of either a shock wave or a simple wave according to one and three family of characteristic curves. Lastly, we analyze the Von Neumann result related to collision of weak shock waves of same family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Existing curricula and recommendations on the incorporation of structural competency and vulnerability into medical education have not provided clear guidance on how best to do so within emergency medicine (EM). The goal of this scoping review and consensus building process was to provide a comprehensive overview of structural competency, link structural competency to educational and patient care outcomes, and identify existing gaps in the literature to inform curricular implementation and future research in EM. Methods: A scoping review focused on structural competency and vulnerability following Arksey and O'Malley's six‐step framework was performed in concurrence with a multistep consensus process culminating in the 2021 SAEM Consensus Conference. Feedback was incorporated in developing a framework for a national structural competency curriculum in EM. Results: A literature search identified 291 articles that underwent initial screening. Of these, 51 were determined to be relevant to EM education. The papers consistently conceptualized structural competency as an interdisciplinary framework that requires learners and educators to consider historical power and privilege to develop a professional commitment to justice. However, the papers varied in their operationalization, and no consensus existed on how to observe or measure the effects of structural competency on learners or patients. None of the studies examined the structural constraints of the learners studied. Conclusions: Findings emphasize the need for training structurally competent physicians via national structural competency curricula focusing on standardized core competency proficiencies. Moreover, the findings highlight the need to assess the impact of such curricula on patient outcomes and learners' knowledge, attitudes, and clinical care delivery. The framework aims to standardize EM education while highlighting the need for further research in how structural competency interventions would translate to an ED setting and affect patient outcomes and experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence estimates of autism are essential for informing public policy, raising awareness, and developing research priorities. Using a systematic review, we synthesized estimates of the prevalence of autism worldwide. We examined factors accounting for variability in estimates and critically reviewed evidence relevant for hypotheses about biological or social determinants (viz., biological sex, sociodemographic status, ethnicity/race, and nativity) potentially modifying prevalence estimates of autism. We performed the search in November 2021 within Medline for studies estimating autism prevalence, published since our last systematic review in 2012. Data were extracted by two independent researchers. Since 2012, 99 estimates from 71 studies were published indicating a global autism prevalence that ranges within and across regions, with a median prevalence of 100/10,000 (range: 1.09/10,000 to 436.0/10,000). The median male‐to‐female ratio was 4.2. The median percentage of autism cases with co‐occurring intellectual disability was 33.0%. Estimates varied, likely reflecting complex and dynamic interactions between patterns of community awareness, service capacity, help seeking, and sociodemographic factors. A limitation of this review is that synthesizing methodological features precludes a quality appraisal of studies. Our findings reveal an increase in measured autism prevalence globally, reflecting the combined effects of multiple factors including the increase in community awareness and public health response globally, progress in case identification and definition, and an increase in community capacity. Hypotheses linking factors that increase the likelihood of developing autism with variations in prevalence will require research with large, representative samples and comparable autism diagnostic criteria and case‐finding methods in diverse world regions over time. Lay Summary: We reviewed studies of the prevalence of autism worldwide, considering the impact of geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors on prevalence estimates. Approximately 1/100 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder around the world. Prevalence estimates increased over time and varied greatly within and across sociodemographic groups. These findings reflect changes in the definition of autism and differences in the methodology and contexts of prevalence studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increasing entry of women into medicine, a traditionally male‐gendered institution, has revealed much about the gendered politics of medical practice. Women are required to negotiate conflicting gender‐normative roles and expectations as they develop their professional identities. Relatively little is known with regard to the study of gender identity and professional development in emergency medicine (EM), with even fewer studies specifically examining women EM residents. Methods: This was a qualitative, semistructured interview study conducted at the Emory University Emergency Medicine Residency. Women residents in their first, second, and third years of training were recruited for participation through residency listservs. Interviews were completed using a virtual platform until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded by two study investigators. The study team met throughout the process to identify codes and themes from the interviews. Results: A total of 11 interviews were completed. Participants self‐identified as Black (five), White (two), biracial (two). and South Asian (two) and represented all levels of training. Participants identified challenges to providing clinical care and conveying their competency related to their gender and role as physicians in training. Common challenges included role confusion and questioning of their decisions by both patients and colleagues. They identified other aspects of their identity as facilitators for care delivery, specifically race as a facilitator when caring for race‐concordant patients. Participants described strategies developed to navigate gender‐specific challenges including routinely providing justification for their clinical decisions. Participants also described a need for interventions at the departmental and institutional levels to improve allyship and bystander behaviors. Conclusion: Women residents actively negotiate tensions between their gender and role as physicians and develop multifaceted strategies to address challenges in care delivery. Because residency training is a challenging yet formative time in developing one's professional identity, it is important to consider interventions that support women residents and the unique challenges they face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camel milk has been considered as an important source of nutrients and is commercialized in many countries of the world including the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate the presence of mycotoxins in camel feed and milk samples in comparison with the cow milk. Fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEN) were detected in 14%, 39%, and 39% of the tested camel feed samples, respectively. Among the tested camel feed samples, 8.3% and 5.6% were co‐contaminated with OTA+FUM and FUM+ZEN, respectively. In the case of milk samples, 46.15% of camel and 63.63% of cow were found contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). In total, 16.2% and 8.1% of the milk samples were simultaneously contaminated with two and three mycotoxins, respectively. Although the levels of individual mycotoxins in the camel feed and milk samples were within the European Union (EU) permissible limits, their co‐occurrence may pose severe risk to human and animal health due to possible additive and/or synergistic toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with metastatic breast cancer are usually considered incurable. Recent advances have resulted in significant improvements in survival for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Due to the lack of randomised trials and heterogeneous disease biology, treatment decisions for patients with oligometastatic breast cancer vary widely. Some patients are treated similar to those with widespread disease while others are treated more aggressively. We conducted a review of the evidence for treatment options in oligometastatic breast cancer and consulted ClinicalTrials.gov to explore currently accruing or studies in development aimed at investigating oligometastatic disease in breast cancer. Surgery to the primary tumour in patients with metastatic breast cancer has failed to show any advantage over systemic therapy. However, there may be a benefit in women with controlled systemic disease who are hormone receptor positive with bone‐predominant metastasis. Stereotactic radiotherapy has gained increased interest in this setting due to its excellent efficacy and lower rates of associated toxicity. A significant challenge remains in identifying the patient population who would benefit from such an approach, and to do so, we need to understand the distinct biology of oligometastatic breast cancer. Unique miRNA expression and low levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in the immune micro‐environment have been described in tumour tissues in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer. There is ongoing research aimed to better characterise these tumours, thus, allowing the selection of patients who would truly benefit from multi‐modality treatment in an attempt for long‐term survival and cure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) receive red cell transfusions to relieve symptoms associated with anemia, with transfusions triggered by hemoglobin level. It is not known if patients' quality of life (QOL) improves after transfusion, nor if peri‐transfusion QOL assessment (PTQA) can guide future transfusion decisions. Study Design and Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study of adults with MDS at three centers. Participants, who had to have hemoglobin ≥7.5, completed an MDS‐specific measure of QOL (the Quality of Life in Myelodysplasia Scale, [QUALMS]) 1 day before and 7 days after red cell transfusion. A report was sent to each patient and provider before the next transfusion opportunity, indicating whether there were clinically significant changes in QOL. We assessed the proportion of patients experiencing changes in QOL, and with a follow‐up questionnaire, whether they perceived their PTQA data were used for future transfusion decisions. Results: From 2018 to 2020, 62 patients enrolled (mean age 73 years) and 37 completed both pre‐ and post‐transfusion QOL assessments. Of these, 35% experienced a clinically significant increase in QUALMS score 7 days after transfusion; 46% no change; and 19% a decrease. Among those completing the follow‐up questionnaire, 23% reported that PTQA results were discussed by their provider when considering repeat transfusion. Conclusions: These data suggest PTQA is feasible for patients with MDS. Moreover, while helpful for some, for many others, red cell transfusion may not achieve its intended goal of improving QOL. PTQA offers a strategy to inform shared decision‐making regarding red cell transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD), often treated with immunosuppressive therapies, are still unknown. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study among all French expert centers for neuromyelitis optica and related disorders. Patients with NMOSD or MOGAD included in the study received a confirmed or highly suspected diagnosis of COVID‐19 between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Main outcome was COVID‐19 severity score assessed on a seven‐point ordinal scale ranging from 1 (not hospitalized with no limitations on activities) to 7 (death). Results: Fifteen cases (mean [SD] age: 39.3 [14.3] years, 11 female) were included. Five patients (33.3%) were hospitalized, all receiving rituximab. A 24‐year‐old patient with positive aquaporine‐4 antibody, with obesity as comorbidity, needed mechanical ventilation. Outpatients were receiving anti‐CD20 (5), mycophenolate mofetil (3) or azathioprine (3). They were younger (mean [SD] age: 37.0 [13.4] years), with a longer disease duration (mean [SD]: 8.3 [6.3] years) and had a lower expanded disability severity score (EDSS) score (median [range] EDSS: 2.5 [0–4]) relative to patients requiring hospitalization (mean [SD] age: 44.0 [16.4] years, mean [SD] disease duration: 5.8 [5.5] years, median [range] EDSS: 4 [0–6.5]). Conclusions: COVID‐19 outcome was overall favorable in this cohort. Larger international studies are needed to identify risk factors of severe COVID‐19; however, we recommend personal protective measures to reduce risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in this immunocompromised population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematics is a common and widespread language that is not spoken very well in different parts of the world. Math Methods Appl Sci. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/mma.5967 30 Li C, Li M-M, Sun X. Finite difference/Galerkin finite element methods for a fractional heat conduction-transfer equation. Math Methods Appl Sci. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/mma.6011 33 Seba D, Habani S, Benaissa A, Rebai H. The Henstock-Kurzweil-Pettis integral and multiorders fractional differential equations with impulses and multipoint fractional integral boundary conditions in Banach spaces. However, it is possible to proffer a thematic special issue to bring together diverse fields of mathematics as well as a range of researchers from different parts of the world to represent a valued panel that addresses the different aspects and methods of mathematics, from pure, applied mathematics to fractional calculus. [Extracted from the article]

The Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is a very powerful technique to solve both linear and nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). It is a purely algebraic manipulation approach to compute solutions without a priori information of the geometry and physical meaning related to such equations. In this paper, we provide a synthesis toward understanding ADM to resolve the Riemann problem, which is a specific piecewise initial value problem. Issues related to the drawback of ADM application to the Riemann problem are examined broadly and brought under the perspective of their mathematical and physical sources. We emphasize on the connection between ADM's weakness and approaches of characteristic curves choice to overcome this limitation. This combination is capable to deal with first‐order PDEs, linear and quasi‐linear, with nonsmooth or piecewise initial and boundary conditions. A validation of this combination is performed numerically. The ability of such combination is verified by investigating different Riemann problems. Results are demonstrated graphically, which reveals the effectiveness and convenience of this new approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor‐derived (DD) herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is extremely uncommon but carries a high mortality rate. The diagnosis is challenging due to the non‐specific presentation and lack of clinical suspicion. We report a case of DDHSV hepatitis in a HSV2 pre‐transplant seronegative kidney recipient who received the organ from a HSV2 seropositive donor. The case is highlighted by a few unusual features, namely severe thrombocytopenia and the development of cutaneous, oral and esophageal HSV lesions several weeks after symptom onset while recovering on appropriate treatment. A review of nine proven and probable DDHSV hepatitis cases (including eight previously published ones) showed that fever is a common presenting feature while gastrointestinal symptoms and cutaneous manifestations are uncommon. The symptoms almost always occurred within 2 weeks of transplant. Six out of the nine DDHSV hepatitis patients, including five patients who were on appropriate treatment, died within a month after transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invariant solutions for the modified Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov (KZK) equation are obtained by using classical Lie symmetries. The complete set of local point symmetries is established for modified KZK equation governing the propagation of finite amplitude. An optimal set of two‐dimensional inequivalent subalgebras of the maximal Lie invariance algebra is constructed. The optimality among the subalgebras of Lie algebra is proved in a constructive manner by using rank of coefficient matrix of general two‐dimensional element and successive application of adjoint actions. On the basis of these subalgebras, we carry out group invariant reductions and compute exact solutions for different classes of subalgebras in an optimal system. Mathematical and physical behaviors of different invariant solutions are shown graphically demonstrating that classical Lie symmetries are capable of solving the modified KZK equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Validate the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and evaluate factors associated with emotion regulation among Lebanese adults. Methods: A proportionate random sample of 811 participants was chosen from all Lebanese governorates in this cross‐sectional study. Findings: The principal component analysis of the ERQ items yielded two factors (αCronbach = 0.764 and 0.658 for the Cognitive Reappraisal and Expressive Suppression facets, respectively). Higher secure attachment style was linked to higher cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Higher anxious attachment style and anxiety were associated with lower cognitive reappraisal. Practical Implications: The Arabic version of the ERQ is a suitable tool for the assessment of emotion regulation tendencies in clinical practice and research. The study came up with results similar to the ones given by many international studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Ambulatory care pharmacists have been shown to significantly improve health outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, it is unclear which patients are most likely to benefit from these services. The primary objective of this study was to describe clinical response to pharmacist‐led diabetes care and identify baseline and interventional variables that are independently predictive of clinical response. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with T2DM referred for ambulatory care pharmacist diabetes management at one of two health systems in San Antonio, Texas from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. Data were collected at baseline and during 6 months of follow‐up. Clinical response was defined as hemoglobin A1C (A1C) reduction from baseline ≥1% or meeting the documented A1C goal. Predictors of clinical response were identified using multivariable logistic regression, including 25 patient and clinical intervention covariates. Results: A total of 180 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (63%) and obese (58%) with a T2DM duration ≥10 years (67%). The median (interquartile range) change in A1C from baseline for responders and non‐responders was −2.2% (−3.7 to 1.3) and 0.4% (−0.4 to 1.05) (P <.001), respectively. Significant predictors of response included baseline A1C (odds ratio [OR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08‐1.85), number of completed visits with the pharmacist (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.03‐2.64), and medication frequency reduction (OR 10.7; 95% CI 1.04‐109.9). Number of primary care provider visits was a negative predictor of response (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49‐0.96). Conclusion: Pharmacist‐led diabetes management was associated with reduced A1C levels in patients with T2DM. Higher patient baseline A1C, more visits with the pharmacist, and medication frequency reduction were predictive of clinical response and should be considered in future patient referral and management protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Real‐time magnetic resonance guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) uses 2D cine imaging for target tracking. This work evaluates the percent image uniformity (PIU) and spatial integrity of cine images in the presence of multileaf collimator (MLC) and gantry motion in order to simulate sliding window and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) conditions. Methods: Percent image uniformity and spatial integrity of cine images were measured (1) during MLC motion, (2) as a function of static gantry position, and (3) during gantry rotation. PIU was calculated according to the ACR MRI Quality Control Manual. Spatial integrity was evaluated by measuring the geometric distortion of 16 measured marker positions (10 cm or 15.225 cm from isocenter). Results: The PIU of cine images did not vary by more than 1% from static linac conditions during MLC motion and did not vary by more than 3% during gantry rotation. Banding artifacts were present during gantry rotation. The geometric distortion in the cine images was less than 0.88 mm for all points measured throughout MLC motion. For all static gantry positions, the geometric distortion was less than 0.88 mm at 10 cm from isocenter and less than 1.4 mm at 15.225 cm from isocenter. During gantry rotation, the geometric distortion remained less than 0.92 mm at 10 cm from isocenter and less than 1.60 mm at 15.225 cm from isocenter. Conclusion: During MLC motion, cine images maintained adequate PIU, and the geometric distortion of points within 15.225 cm from isocenter was less than the 1 mm threshold necessary for real‐time target tracking and gating. During gantry rotation, PIU was negatively affected by banding artifacts, and spatial integrity was only maintained within 10 cm from isocenter. Future work should investigate the effects imaging artifacts have on real‐time target tracking during MRgRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple randomized studies have shown that combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) leads to better response rates and survival as compared to chemotherapy alone in the advanced stage of NSCLC. Data suggesting a benefit to using ICIs in the neoadjuvant therapy of patients with early stage NSCLC are emerging. Eligible subjects were treatment naïve patients with stage IB, II, and resectable IIIA NSCLC. Patients received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with four doses of avelumab every 2 weeks. Patients with squamous cell cancer received cisplatin or carboplatin on day 1 and gemcitabine on days 1 and 8 of each cycle of chemotherapy. Patients with nonsquamous histology received cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed on day 1 of each cycle. Patients then proceeded to their planned surgery. Out of 15 patients accrued as part of stage 1 of the study, four had a radiologic response (1 complete response), lower than the minimum of six responses needed to continue to phase 2 of the study. The study was therefore terminated. Majority had adenocarcinoma histology and stage IIIA disease. The treatment was well tolerated with no unexpected side effects. Four patients (26.7%) had grade III/IV CTCAE toxicity. This study confirms that the preoperative administration of chemotherapy and avelumab is safe. There was no indication of increased surgical complications. The benefit of adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy did not appear to enhance the overall response rate of patients in the neoadjuvant setting in patients with resectable NSCLC because this study failed to meet its primary endpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trial participation among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes is low even for those treated at large academic centers. Efforts to enhance clinical trial enrollment are warranted and include changes to ensure the generalizability of results and to advance patient safety and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Up to 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) present with hyperleukocytosis, usually defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count greater than 100 × 109 /L. Given the high early mortality rate, emergent cytoreduction with either leukapheresis, hydroxyurea, or chemotherapy is indicated, but the optimal strategy is unknown.Study Design and Methods: For this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science from inception through March 2020 for multiarm studies comparing early mortality rates of patients with AML treated with leukapheresis and those who were not. The risk ratio (RR) of early death for patients who received leukapheresis vs patients who did not was estimated using a sum of the log-ratio of individual study estimates weighted by sample size.Results: Among 13 two-arm, retrospective studies with 1743 patients (486 leukapheresis and 1257 nonleukapheresis patients), leukapheresis did not improve the primary outcome of early mortality compared to treatment strategies in which leukapheresis was not used (RR, 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-1.13; P = .321) without statistically significant heterogeneity between studies (Cochran's Q, 18; P = .115; I2 , 33.4%). Patients presenting with clinical leukostasis tended to be more likely to undergo leukapheresis (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 0.99-4.08; P = .052).Conclusion: As we did not find evidence of a short-term mortality benefit and considering the associated complications and logistic burden, our results argue against the routine use of leukapheresis for hyperleukocytosis among patients with AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is largely unknown. We assessed potential associations between lifestyle factors and MPN risk in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study. In this prospective cohort with 463,049 participants aged 50–71 years at baseline (1995–1996) and a median follow‐up of 15.5 years, we identified 490 MPN cases, including 190 with polycythemia vera (PV) and 146 with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Smoking was not associated with MPN risk in the overall cohort, but analyses stratified by sex suggested that smoking increased the risk of MPN in women (former smoker vs. nonsmokers, HR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.03–2.00, p = 0.03; current smokers vs. nonsmokers, HR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.08–2.71, p = 0.02). Coffee consumption was inversely associated with the risk of PV (high vs. low intake, HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33–0.84, p‐trend < 0.01), but not the risk of ET or MPN overall. Further analysis revealed an inverse association between the amount of caffeine intake and PV risk (high vs. low intake, HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39–0.79, p‐trend < 0.01). While the consumption of caffeinated coffee appeared to confer a protective effect against PV, the consumption of decaffeinated coffee did not. This large prospective study identified smoking as a risk factor for MPN in women and suggests that caffeine intake is associated with a lower risk of PV. What's new? Risk of Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is associated with various environmental and familial factors. These factors, however, remain understudied, resulting in significant gaps in knowledge of MPN pathogenesis. In this investigation, drawing on data from the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study, the authors elaborate on specific factors linked to MPN risk in men and women. In particular, coffee consumption and caffeine intake were found to be inversely associated with the development of polycythemia vera, one of three major MPN types. MPN risk was elevated among women who smoked and among men with a familial cancer history in first‐degree relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]