Disparate therapeutic goals.

Author(s):  
Jeanne C. Watson ◽  
Rhonda N. Goldman ◽  
Leslie S. Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
2020 ◽  
pp. 191-198

Background: Binocular and accommodative vision problems are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Traditionally, the management of visual dysfunctions following mTBI included in-office vision rehabilitation with a trained eye care provider. The concept of providing telehealth for remote vision rehabilitation in mTBI patients is a relatively novel practice that has not been widely utilized until the recent outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Case Report: We describe the implementation of telehealth for remote vision rehabilitation during COVID-19 within the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) system in an adult patient with multiple confirmed histories of mTBI. Conclusion: Our telehealth remote vision rehabilitation was successfully implemented utilizing established VHA’s web-based videoconferencing tools. Therapeutic goals identified prior to COVID 19 were addressed without any challenges. The delivery of vision rehabilitation intervention via telehealth allowed for the continuance of services within the home setting that led to improvements in functional vision, decreased perception of performance challenges, and improved quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 665-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Mohammady ◽  
Seyed I. Ghetmiri ◽  
Mahtab Baharizade ◽  
Mohammad H. Morowvat ◽  
Susan Torabi

Background:One of the most prevalent cancers befell to women is considered to be breast cancer (BC). It is also the deadliest among the female population after lung cancer. Additionally, several studies have demonstrated that there is an association between microRNA34-a and breast cancer.Method:We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to December 2018. Those studies which have been studied miR-34a and its tumor-suppressing capabilities were considered as the most important topics. Moreover, we extracted articles which were solely focused on microRNA-34a in breast cancer therapy. Finally, 80 articles were included.Results:In comparison with the normal tissues, down-regulation of miR-34a expression is shown considerably in tumor cells. Overexpression of miR-34a acts as a tumor suppressor by transcriptional regulating one of the signaling pathways (TP53), NOTCH, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Bcl- 2 and SIRT1genes, HDAC1 and HDAC7, Fra-1, TPD52, TLR Via CXCL10. Moreover, drug resistance declines which lead to the apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and senescence. As a result, the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of the tumor are suppressed. The Mrx34 drug contains miR-34a mimic and a lipid vector. MiR-34a as the active ingredient portrays the role of a tumor suppressor. This drug has recently entered the clinical trials studies.Conclusion:These findings suggest a robust cause for developing miR-34a as a therapeutic agent to target BC. In that scenario, miR-34a is strongly useful to introduce new therapeutic goals for BC. Moreover, this review aims to confirm the signal pathways, therapeutic and diagnostic values of miR- 34a in BC and beyond.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
Shanshan Lu ◽  
Fuming Yang ◽  
Yi Guo ◽  
Zelin Chen ◽  
...  

AbstractAcupuncture is used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases. However, the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory action are complex and have not been systematically investigated. Macrophages are key components of the innate immune system, thus, balancing the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and modulating cytokine levels in the inflammatory environment may be desirable therapeutic goals. Evidence has shown that acupuncture has anti-inflammatory actions that affect multiple body systems, including the immune, locomotory, endocrine, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, by downregulating pro-inflammatory M1 and upregulating anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, as well as by modulating associated cytokine secretion. Macrophage polarization is controlled by the interlocking pathways of extrinsic factors, the local tissue microenvironment, and the neural-endocrine-immune systems. It has been suggested that polarization of T lymphocytes and cytokine secretions resulting in modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, may be upstream mechanisms of acupuncture-induced macrophage polarization. We further propose that macrophage polarization could be the principal pathway involved in acupuncture immune regulation and provide the scientific basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in inflammatory conditions.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 648
Author(s):  
Michela Pugliese ◽  
Vito Biondi ◽  
Enrico Gugliandolo ◽  
Patrizia Licata ◽  
Alessio Filippo Peritore ◽  
...  

Chelant agents are the mainstay of treatment in copper-associated hepatitis in humans, where D-penicillamine is the chelant agent of first choice. In veterinary medicine, the use of D-penicillamine has increased with the recent recognition of copper-associated hepatopathies that occur in several breeds of dogs. Although the different regulatory authorities in the world (United States Food and Drugs Administration—U.S. FDA, European Medicines Agency—EMEA, etc.) do not approve D-penicillamine for use in dogs, it has been used to treat copper-associated hepatitis in dogs since the 1970s, and is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug to treat this disease and alleviate suffering. The present study aims to: (a) address the pharmacological features; (b) outline the clinical scenario underlying the increased interest in D-penicillamine by overviewing the evolution of its main therapeutic goals in humans and dogs; and finally, (c) provide a discussion on its use and prescription in veterinary medicine from a regulatory perspective.


Toxicon ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 190 ◽  
pp. S25
Author(s):  
Eduardo Freitas Ferreira ◽  
Ana Filipa Neves ◽  
Diogo Portugal ◽  
Nuno Silva ◽  
Catarina Peixoto ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S667-S668
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Idusuyi ◽  
Maureen Campion ◽  
Kathleen Belusko

Abstract Background The new ASHP/IDSA consensus guidelines recommend area under the curve (AUC) monitoring to optimize vancomycin therapy. Little is known about the ability to implement this recommendation in a real-world setting. At UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC), an AUC pharmacy to dose protocol was created to manage infectious diseases (ID) consult patients on vancomycin. The service was piloted by the pharmacy residents and 2 clinical pharmacists. The purpose of this study was to determine if a pharmacy to dose AUC protocol can safely and effectively be implemented. Methods A first-order kinetics calculator was built into the electronic medical record and live education was provided to pharmacists. Pharmacists ordered levels, wrote progress notes, and communicated to teams regarding dose adjustments. Patients were included based upon ID consult and need for vancomycin. After a 3-month implementation period, a retrospective chart review was completed. Patients in the pre-implementation group were admitted 3 months prior to AUC pharmacy to dose, had an ID consult and were monitored by trough (TR) levels. The AUC group was monitored with a steady state peak and trough level to calculate AUC. The primary outcome evaluated time to goal AUC vs. time to goal TR. Secondary outcomes included number of dose adjustments made, total daily dose of vancomycin, and incidence of nephrotoxicity. Results A total of 64 patients met inclusion criteria, with 37 patients monitored by TR and 27 patients monitored by AUC. Baseline characteristics were similar except for weight in kilograms (TR 80.0 ±25.4 vs AUC 92.0 ±26.7; p=0.049). The average time to goal AUC was 4.13 (±2.08) days, and the average time to goal TR was 4.19 (±2.30) days (p=0.982). More dose adjustments occurred in the TR group compared to the AUC (1 vs 2; p=0.037). There was no difference between the two groups in dosing (TR 15.8 mg/kg vs AUC 16.4 mg/kg; p=0.788). Acute kidney injury occurred in 5 patients in the AUC group and 11 patients in the TR group (p=0.765). Conclusion Fewer dose adjustments and less nephrotoxicity was seen utilizing an AUC based protocol. Our small pilot has shown that AUC pharmacy to dose can be safely implemented. Larger studies are needed to evaluate reduction in time to therapeutic goals. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2529
Author(s):  
Amin Javadifar ◽  
Sahar Rastgoo ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Tannaz Jamialahmadi ◽  
Thomas P. Johnston ◽  
...  

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of human cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality around the world. Various physiological and pathological processes are involved, including chronic inflammation, dysregulation of lipid metabolism, development of an environment characterized by oxidative stress and improper immune responses. Accordingly, the expansion of novel targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis is necessary. In this study, we focus on the role of foam cells in the development of atherosclerosis. The specific therapeutic goals associated with each stage in the formation of foam cells and the development of atherosclerosis will be considered. Processing and metabolism of cholesterol in the macrophage is one of the main steps in foam cell formation. Cholesterol processing involves lipid uptake, cholesterol esterification and cholesterol efflux, which ultimately leads to cholesterol equilibrium in the macrophage. Recently, many preclinical studies have appeared concerning the role of non-encoding RNAs in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Non-encoding RNAs, especially microRNAs, are considered regulators of lipid metabolism by affecting the expression of genes involved in the uptake (e.g., CD36 and LOX1) esterification (ACAT1) and efflux (ABCA1, ABCG1) of cholesterol. They are also able to regulate inflammatory pathways, produce cytokines and mediate foam cell apoptosis. We have reviewed important preclinical evidence of their therapeutic targeting in atherosclerosis, with a special focus on foam cell formation.


Author(s):  
Thomas Brijoux ◽  
Cristiane Woopen ◽  
Susanne Zank

Abstract Background High prevalence diseases, such as high blood pressure, dementia and depression in old age can lead to multimorbidity, which is often defined as the presence of more than one health condition in an individual. Multimorbidity has negative consequences on health-related quality of life and healthcare utilization. As many age-associated diseases are not curable, therapeutic goals like preservation of autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction become more important in old age patients. Objective The prevalence of multimorbidity dementia and depressive symptoms and the consequences of multimorbidity on autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction among the oldest old were examined. Material and methods In personal computer-assisted interviews, participants of the representative study NRW80+ were asked for which health issues they received medical treatment. Results On average, people above the age of 80 years were treated for 3.62 diseases and 31.4% of older people received medical treatment for 5 or more diseases. A connection between multimorbidity and age group could not be shown. Autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction are reduced in association with multimorbidity. Conclusion Multimorbidity is a frequent phenomenon among old people. A lack of diagnostic procedures and medical treatment can be a reason for the missing age trends. The results illustrate the importance of multimorbidity for patient-relevant outcomes and reveal the need to identify patients with multimorbidity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiago Torres ◽  
Eduarda Osório Ferreira ◽  
Margarida Gonçalo ◽  
Pedro Mendes-Bastos ◽  
Manuela Selores ◽  
...  

With an increasing prevalence during the past decades, atopic dermatitis has become a global health issue. A literature search following a targeted approach was undertaken to perform this non-systematic review, which intends to provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, comorbidities, and current therapies for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. In sum, this is a heterogeneous skin disorder associated with variable morphology, distribution, and disease course. Although not completely understood, its pathogenesis is complex and seems to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that induce skin barrier dysfunction, cutaneous and systemic immune dysregulation, skin microbiota dysbiosis, and a strong genetic influence. Diagnosis is based on specific criteria that consider patient and family history and clinical manifestations. Overall disease severity must be determined by evaluating both objective signs and subjective symptoms. Therapeutic goals require a multistep approach, focusing on reducing pruritus and establishing disease control. Patients should be advised on basic skin care and avoidance of triggers. Topical anti-inflammatory agents should be considered in disease flares or chronic/recurrent lesions. In case of inadequate response, phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants and, more recently, dupilumab, should be added. Nevertheless, the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis remains challenging and novel, efficacious, safe and targeted treatments are urgently needed. In conclusion, although the last few years have seen important improvement in the understanding of the disease, future research in atopic dermatitis will continue exploring gene-environment interactions and how it affects pathophysiology, disease severity, and treatment outcomes.


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