Autochthonous Thelazia callipaeda Infection in Dog, New York, USA, 2020.

We report a case of autochthonous infection of the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda in a dog in the northeastern United States. Integrated morphologic identification and molecular diagnosis confirmed the species. Phylogenetic analysis suggested introduction from Europe. The zoonotic potential of this parasite warrants broader surveillance and increased awareness among physicians and veterinarians.

Chris Cornell, the Black Hole Sun, and the Seasonality of Suicide.

PURPOSE: Seattle-inspired rock and roll superstar Chris Cornell died by suicide in May 2017. In the northern hemisphere, May represents the peak of the widely replicated but still unexplained seasonal spring rhythm in suicide. Years earlier, Cornell had suffered openly from recurrent bouts of severe depression, and his early musical lyrics do indeed suggest an enduring sensitivity to the vicissitudes of depressed and suicidal states. Cornell's most famous song, Black Hole Sun, suggests a mixed mood state, the incidence of which also peaks in the spring. The present work explores Cornell's May suicide from a chronobiologic perspective. METHODS: Review of Cornell's lyrics and literature on suicide. RESULTS: Cornell's lyrics contain clear indicators of mixed depressive and seasonal imagery, highlighting 3 fundamental axioms of suicidology: (1) the yearly suicide rhythm peaks in May in the northern hemisphere, (2) mixed depressive states are particularly lethal, and (3) the suicide risk increases dramatically when recovering from depression and mood turns mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Cornell, in his life and music, left us with a novel and important hypothesis about the spring seasonality of suicide, namely, that the yearly suicide risk becomes maximal when winter turns to spring and there emerges a deadly mixed mood state under a May photoperiod, i.e., the suicide risk is maximal when a Black Hole Sun occurs in May. It is hoped that Cornell's legacy and sensitive hypothesis inspire research into the etiology and treatment of the spring seasonality of suicide risk and mixed mood states. LIMITATIONS: The Cornell hypothesis was formulated based in part on several speculative inferences regarding the course of his functioning just prior to his suicide.

Regulatory Notes on Impact of Excipients on Drug Products and the Maillard Reaction.

In general, it is an important criterion that excipients remain inert throughout the shelf life of the formulated pharmaceutical product. However, depending on the functionality in chemical structure of active drug and excipients, they may undergo interaction. The well-known Maillard reaction occurs between a primary amine with lactose at high temperature to produce brown pigments. The reactivity of Maillard reaction may vary depending on the concentration as well as other conditions. Commercially, there are products where the active pharmaceutical ingredient is a primary amine and contains less than 75% lactose along with inactive excipients. This product does not show Maillard reaction during its shelf life of around 2 years at ambient conditions. However, when the same type of product contains more than 95 % lactose as an excipient, then there is a possibility of interactions though it is not visible in the initial year. Therefore, this regulatory note discusses involvement of different factors of a known drug-excipient interactions with case studies and provides an overview on how the concentration of lactose in the pharmaceutical product is important in addition to temperature and moisture in Maillard reaction.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Anesthesia Team Model.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have been providing safe anesthesia to their patients using the anesthesia team model; this has allowed access to care for patients that have significant anxiety. The AAOMS strives to maintain the excellent safety record of the anesthesia team model by creating simulation programs in anesthesia, regularly updating the office anesthesia evaluation program, convening anesthesia safety conferences and strengthening the standards in our training programs. Through these efforts, our delivery of anesthesia to our patients will remain safe and effective.

Evaluation of (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT for the detection of duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in patients with MEN1.

CONTEXT: Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy with (111)In-pentetreotide (SRS) is used to detect duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (dpNETs) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). However, SRS has limited sensitivity for this purpose. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC has a higher rate of sporadic dpNETs detection than SRS but there is little data for dpNETs detection in MEN1. PURPOSE: To compare the performances of (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT, SRS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) to diagnose dpNETs in MEN1. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-institution prospective comparative study PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen consecutive MEN1 patients (aged 47 ± 13 years) underwent (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT, SRS, and CE-CT within 2 months in random order. Blinded readings of images were performed separately by experienced physicians. Unblinded analysis of CE-CT, combined with additional magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic-ultrasound, (18)F-2-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) PET/CT or histopathology results served as reference standard for dpNETs diagnosis. RESULTS: The sensitivity of (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT, SRS, and CE-CT was 76, 20, and 60 %, respectively (p < 0.0001). All the true-positive lesions detected by SRS were also depicted on (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT. (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT detected lesions of smaller size than SRS (10.7 ± 7.6 and 15.2 ± 5.9 mm, respectively, p < 0.03). False negatives of (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT included small dpNETs (<10 mm) and (18)F-FDG PET/CT positive aggressive dpNETs. No false positives were recorded. In addition, whole-body mapping with (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT identified extra-abdominal MEN1-related tumors including one neuroendocrine thymic carcinoma identified by the three imaging procedures, one bronchial carcinoid undetected by CE-CT and three meningiomas undetected by SRS. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to higher diagnostic performance, (68)Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT (or alternative (68)Ga-labeled somatostatin analogues) should replace (111)In-pentetreotide in the investigation of MEN1 patients.

Cerebellum/liver index on baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT to improve prognostication in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: a multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Besides International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, baseline prognostic factors of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are poorly identified due to the rarity of the disease. New indexes derived from healthy organ uptake in baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT have been studied in immunocompetent lymphoma patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performances of the cerebellum-to-liver uptake ratio (denoted as CLIP) as a prognostic factor for PFS and OS. This retrospective multicenter study is based on patients with PTLD included in the K-VIROGREF cohort. The previously published threshold of 3.24 was used for CLIP in these analyses. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients was included with a majority of monomorphic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtype (78.3%). Both IPI score (≥ 3) and CLIP (< 3.24) were significant risk factors of PFS with corresponding hazard ratios of 2.0 (1.0-4.0) and 2.4 (1.3-4.5) respectively. For OS, CLIP was not significant and resulted in a hazard ratio of 2.6 (p = 0.059). Neither IPI score or Total Metabolic Tumor Volume reached significance for OS. CONCLUSION: CLIP is a promising predictor of PFS and perhaps OS in PTLD. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in adolescents, adults, and older adults: A report from the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania.

BACKGROUND: A panel convened by the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pennsylvania conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses and formulated evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain after simple and surgical tooth extraction(s) and for the temporary management (ie, definitive dental treatment not immediately available) of toothache associated with pulp and periapical diseases in adolescents, adults, and older adults. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The panel conducted 4 systematic reviews to determine the effect of opioid and nonopioid analgesics, local anesthetics, corticosteroids, and topical anesthetics on acute dental pain. The panel used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence-to-Decision Framework to formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The panel formulated recommendations and good practice statements using the best available evidence. There is a beneficial net balance favoring the use of nonopioid medications compared with opioid medications. In particular, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with acetaminophen likely provide superior pain relief with a more favorable safety profile than opioids. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonopioid medications are first-line therapy for managing acute dental pain after tooth extraction(s) and the temporary management of toothache. The use of opioids should be reserved for clinical situations when the first-line therapy is insufficient to reduce pain or there is contraindication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clinicians should avoid the routine use of just-in-case prescribing of opioids and should exert extreme caution when prescribing opioids to adolescents and young adults.

Baseline 18F-FDG Metabolic Tumor Volume Predicts Response to Rituximab Induction in Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders: A Multi-institutional Retrospective Study.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication of immunosuppression. Sequential treatment is commonly proposed, combining induction with rituximab (R-induction) followed by either continuation of treatment or addition of chemotherapy depending on response. Response to R-induction, often assessed by CT scan, is a major predictor of overall survival (OS). The aim of the study was to analyze predictive factors of R-induction response, including total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), and investigate the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in response assessment. This retrospective multicenter study is based on patients with PTLD included in the K-VIROGREF cohort. Only patients treated by R-induction with a baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. Response to R-induction was assessed by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The optimal threshold of TMTV for rituximab response was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify predictive factors of response. A total of 67 patients were included. Survival characteristics were similar to those previously reported: the complete response rate to R-induction was 30%, the 3-year OS estimate was 66%, and the treatment-related mortality was 4%. The optimal threshold for TMTV to predict R-induction response was 135 cm3. The response rate to R-induction was 38% in the 21 patients with TMTV ≥ 135 cm3 and 72% in the 46 patients with TMTV < 135 cm3. TMTV was a significant predictor of response, both at univariate and multivariate analyses (odd ratios = 3.71, P = 0.022). Baseline TMTV is predictive of response to R-induction. Early assessment of patient response is feasible with 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Enhancing oral delivery of plant-derived vesicles for colitis.

Plant-derived vesicles (PDVs) are attractive for therapeutic applications, including as potential nanocarriers. However, a concern with oral delivery of PDVs is whether they would remain intact in the gastrointestinal tract. We found that 82% of cabbage PDVs were destroyed under conditions mimicking the upper digestive tract. To overcome this limitation, we developed a delivery method whereby lyophilized Eudragit S100-coated cabbage PDVs were packaged into a capsule (Cap-cPDVs). Lyophilization and suspension of PDVs did not have an appreciable impact on PDV structure, number, or therapeutic effect. Additionally, packaging the lyophilized Eudragit S100-coated PDVs into capsules allowed them to pass through the upper gastrointestinal tract for delivery into the colon better than did suspension of PDVs in phosphate-buffered saline. Cap-cPDVs showed robust therapeutic effect in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model. These findings could have broad implications for the use of PDVs as orally delivered nanocarriers of natural therapeutic plant compounds or other therapeutics.

Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in children: A report from the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania.

BACKGROUND: A guideline panel convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, American Dental Association Science and Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses and formulated evidence-based recommendations for the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain after 1 or more simple and surgical tooth extractions and the temporary management of toothache (that is, when definitive dental treatment not immediately available) associated with pulp and furcation or periapical diseases in children (< 12 years). TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of analgesics and corticosteroids in managing acute dental pain. They used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty of the evidence and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence to Decision framework to formulate recommendations. RESULTS: The panel formulated 7 recommendations and 5 good practice statements across conditions. There is a small beneficial net balance favoring the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone or in combination with acetaminophen compared with not providing analgesic therapy. There is no available evidence regarding the effect of corticosteroids on acute pain after surgical tooth extractions in children. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonopioid medications, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen alone or in combination with acetaminophen, are recommended for managing acute dental pain after 1 or more tooth extractions (that is, simple and surgical) and the temporary management of toothache in children (conditional recommendation, very low certainty). According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the use of codeine and tramadol in children for managing acute pain is contraindicated.

Goiter with vascular anomalies in a litter of Polish Lowland sheepdogs.

At approximately 4-5 mo of age, three Polish Lowland sheepdog puppies from a single litter of eight puppies presented to their respective primary veterinarians with bilateral subcutaneous masses in their ventral cervical regions. Evaluation, including thyroid function testing, surgical exploration with resection, computed tomography, and angiography, identified the masses as enlarged thyroid glands with severely dilated and abnormal vasculature in the regions of the glands. The dogs were also found to have serum concentrations of thyroid hormones that were below the reference ranges. None of the three dogs showed clinical signs of hypothyroidism, except for the presence of goiter. One dog also had a patent ductus arteriosus that was surgically repaired. All dogs were clinically normal at 2 yr of age. This is the first report of major vascular anomalies associated with goiter in any species. The mechanism is unknown.

ACE-Inhibitor or ARB-Induced Refractory Hypotension Treated With Vasopressin in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia for Dentistry: Two Case Reports.

Two case reports present the use of vasopressin for treating refractory hypotension associated with continued angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy prior to general anesthesia for oral surgery. Both patients were treated in an ambulatory dental surgery clinic and took either their ACEI or ARB medication for hypertension within 24 hours prior to undergoing an intubated general anesthetic. Persistent profound hypotension was encountered intraoperatively that was refractory to treatment with traditional methods. However, the ACEI- or ARB-induced refractory hypotension was successfully managed with the administration of vasopressin.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Defining the Appropriate Preoperative Imaging Algorithm.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common and potentially debilitating endocrine disorder for which surgery is the only curative treatment. Preoperative imaging is always recommended, even in cases of conventional bilateral neck exploration, with a recognized role for 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy in depicting ectopic parathyroid lesions. Scintigraphy can also play a major role in guiding a targeted, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. However, the ability to recognize multiple-gland disease (MGD) varies greatly depending on the imaging protocol used. Preoperative diagnosis of MGD is important to reduce the risks of conversion to bilateral surgery or failure. In this article we discuss imaging strategies before first surgery as well as in the case of repeat surgery for persistent or recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism. We describe a preferred algorithm and alternative options. Dual-tracer 99mTc-sestamibi/123I subtraction scanning plus neck ultrasound is the preferred first-line option. This approach should improve MGD detection and patient selection for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Second-line imaging procedures in case of negative or discordant first-line imaging results are presented. High detection rates can be obtained with 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT or with 4-dimensional CT. The risk of false-positive results should be kept in mind, however. Adding a contrast-enhanced arterial-phase CT acquisition to conventional 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT can be a way to improve accuracy. We also briefly discuss other localization procedures, including 11C-methionine PET/CT, MRI, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, and selective venous sampling for parathyroid hormone measurement.

Intermittent versus continuous administration of pazopanib in progressive radioiodine refractory thyroid carcinoma: Final results of the randomised, multicenter, open-label phase II trial PAZOTHYR.

INTRODUCTION: Multikinase inhibitor (MKI) treatments have shown efficacy in progressive radioiodine refractory thyroid cancers (RAIR-TC), but most patients experienced substantial adverse effects. This randomised multicentric study investigated intermittent versus continuous pazopanib administration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PAZOTHYR study included RAIR-TC patients with progressive disease in the last 12 months, who may have received one prior MKI. RAIR-TC patients received pazopanib for 6 months, and patients with stable disease or tumour response were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive continuous (CP) or intermittent (IP) pazopanib until progression. The primary end-point was time to treatment failure (TTF) defined as the time from randomisation to permanent discontinuation of pazopanib, due to any cause. One hundred randomised patients were needed to demonstrate an increase from 50% (CP) to 70% (IP) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.515, 80% power) in the rate of patients still under treatment 6 months (6m-SuT) post-randomisation. Secondary end-points included the overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) under pazopanib and safety. RESULTS: RAIR-TC patients (168) enrolled from June 18, 2013 to January 16, 2018, received 6-month pazopanib treatment and showed 35.6% (95% CI 28.2-43.6) best response rate and 89.4% (83.5-93.7) disease control rate. One hundred patients were randomised (IP:50; CP:50). With a median follow-up of 31.3 months, median TTF was not statistically different between arms (IP:14.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.3-17.4; CP:11.9, 95% CI 7.5-15.6) months (HR 0.79, 0.49-1.27). 6m-SuT rates were similar (IP:80% 66.0-88.7%; CP:78% 63.8-87.2%). Median PFS under pazopanib were not statistically different (IP:5.7 4.8-7.8; CP: 9.2 7.3-11.1) months (HR 1.36, 0.88-2.12). Pazopanib-related adverse events grade 3-4 occurred in 36 (IP: 19, 38%; CP: 17, 34%) randomised patients. Seven pazopanib-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent administration of pazopanib did not demonstrate significant superiority in efficacy or tolerance compared with continuous treatment. An intermittent administration scheme cannot be recommended outside clinical trials. This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov, number NCT01813136.