HIV-1 Transmission among Injecting Drug Users is Principally Derived from Local Circulating Strains in Guangxi, China

Objective The mode of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) transmission via injection drug use(IDU)still exists, and the recent shift in IDU-related transmission of HIV infection is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal sources and dynamics of HIV-1 transmission through IDU in Guangxi.Methods We performed a molecular epidemiological investigation of infections across Guangxi from2009 to 2019. Phylogenetic and Bayesian time-geographic analyses of HIV-1 sequences were performed to confirm the characteristics of transmission between IDUs in combination with epidemiological data.Results Among the 535 subjects, CRF08_BC(57.4%), CRF01_AE(28.4%), and CRF07_BC(10.7%) were the top 3 HIV strains;72.6% of infections were linked to other provinces in the transmission network;93.6% of sequence-transmitted strains were locally endemic, with the rest coming from other provinces,predominantly Guangdong and Yunnan;92.1% of the HIV transmission among people who inject drugs tended to be transmitted between HIV-positive IDUs.Conclusion HIV recombinants were high diversity, and circulating local strains were the transmission sources among IDUs in Guangxi. However, there were still cases of IDUs linked to other provinces.Coverage of traditional prevention strategies should be expanded, and inter-provincial collaboration between Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guangdong provinces should be strengthened.

Present situation of rational drug use in plateau area

Plateau is characterized by low oxygen,low pressure,strong radiation,cold and dryness,among which low oxygen is the main factor that affects the normal life activities of human body.Altitude hypoxia leads to significant changes in the metabolic characteristics of drugs in vivo,which in turn affects the efficacy and adverse actions of drugs.This paper summarizes the present situation of rational drug use in plateau area and pinpoints the existing problems.Meanwhile,we posit the strategies and measures for realizing rational and precise pharmacotherapy of plateau residents.First,we need to acquire a panoramic view of differential and relative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in between plateau area and plain area by carrying out comparative studies on drug metabolisms and on comprehensive drug efficacies and mechanisms.Second,we must apply the findings from basic research to clinical practice and formulate guidelines and recommendations of drug use for plateau habitants.Finally,we should eventually achieve precise and individualized drug use for plateau habitants based on their characteristic etiology and pathogenesis.

Injection drug use and HIV/AIDS transmission in China

After nearly three decades of being virtually drug free, use of heroin and other illicit drugs has re-emerged in China as a major public health problem. One result is that drug abuse, particularly heroin injection, has come to play a predomi- nant role in fueling China’s AIDS epidemic. The first outbreak of HIV among China’s IDUs was reported in the border area of Yunnan province between China and Myanmar where drug trafficking is heavy. Since then drug-related HIV has spread to all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. This paper provides an overview to HIV/AIDS transmission through injection drug use in China. It begins with a brief history of the illicit drug trade in China, followed by a discussion of the emergence of drug related AIDS, and a profile of drug users and their sexual partners who have contracted the virus or who are vulnerable to infection. It ends by summarizing three national strategies being used by China to address both drug use and AIDS as major health threats.

Association between Maternal Drug Use and Cytochrome P450 Genetic Polymorphisms and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects in Offspring

Objective This study aimed to assess the associations between maternal drug use,cytochrome P450(CYP450)genetic polymorphisms,and their interactions with the risk of congenital heart defects(CHDs)in offspring.Methods A case-control study involving 569 mothers of CHD cases and 652 controls was conducted from November 2017 to January 2020.Results After adjusting for potential confounding factors,the results show that mothers who used ovulatory drugs(adjusted odds ratio[a OR]=2.12;95% confidence interval[CI]:1.08-4.16),antidepressants(a OR=2.56;95%CI:1.36-4.82),antiabortifacients(a OR=1.55;95%CI:1.00-2.40),or traditional Chinese drugs(a OR=1.97;95%CI:1.26-3.09)during pregnancy were at a significantly higher risk of CHDs in offspring.Maternal CYP450 genetic polymorphisms at rs1065852(A/T vs.A/A:OR=1.53,95%CI:1.10-2.14;T/T vs.A/A:OR=1.57,95%CI:1.07-2.31)and rs16947(G/G vs.C/C:OR=3.41,95%CI:1.82-6.39)were also significantly associated with the risk of CHDs in offspring.Additionally,significant interactions were observed between the CYP450 genetic variants and drug use on the development of CHDs.Conclusions In those of Chinese descent,ovulatory drugs,antidepressants,antiabortifacients,and traditional Chinese medicines may be associated with the risk of CHDs in offspring.Maternal CYP450 genes may regulate the effects of maternal drug exposure on fetal heart development.

A mimic of soft tissue infection: intra-arterial injection drug use producing hand swelling and digital ischemia

BACKGROUND: Inadvertent intra-arterial injection of illicit substances is a known complication of injection drug use and can lead to severe complications, including infection, ischemia and compartment syndrome. Identifying complications of intra-arterial injection can be difficult, as clinical manifestations overlap with other more common conditions such as cellulitis and soft tissue infection, and a history of injection drug use is frequently not disclosed.METHODS: A 37-year-old male patient presented with 24 hours of right hand pain, erythema and swelling. Despite classic "track marks", he denied a history of injection drug use, and vascular insults were not initially considered. After failing to respond to three days of aggressive treatment for suspected deep-space infection, an arteriogram demonstrated findings consistent with digital ischemia of embolic etiology.RESULTS: As a result of the delay in diagnosis, the lesion was not amenable to reperfusion and the patient required amputation of the distal digit.CONCLUSION: Practitioners should be alert to the possibility of intra-arterial injection and resulting complications when evaluating unusual extremity infections or unexplained ischemic symptoms, even in the absence of a definite history of injection drug use.

Problem-Based Learning of Drug Use and Abuse during COVID-19 Contingency

Introduction: Nursing students’ experiences during the pandemic provoked social isolation, the way to learn and every context increasing their stress and anxiety leading to drug use and abuse, among others. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogic strategy to strengthen significant learning;then the objective was to establish PBL influence in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during COVID-19 contingency. Methods: Qualitative, phenomenological and descriptive paradigm, 12 female and male nursing students aged 20 - 24 years old from the 5th and 6th semesters participated. Information collection was through semi-structured interview and a deep one in four cases. A guide of questions about: How the pandemic impacted your life? How did you face it? And what did you learn during this process? Those questions were used. Qualitative data analysis was based on De Souza Minayo, and signed informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: Students’ experiences allowed four categories to emerge, with six sub-categories. Category I. Students’ experiences on drug use and abuse facing the sanitary contingency;Category II. Students’ skills development to identify a problem and design of appropriate solutions;Category III. Developing skills to favor interpersonal relationships;Category IV. Influence of PBL in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during the COVID-19 contingency. Conclusion: PBL favored analysis and thoughts in nursing students’ experiences on drug use and abuse during the COVID-19 contingency, they worked collaboratively, developed resilience to daily life situations, and implemented stress coping strategies with their significant learning, which diminished their risk behavior.

Analysis and Dynamics of Illicit Drug Use Described by Fractional Derivative with Mittag-Leffler Kernel

Illicit drug use is a significant problem that causes great material and moral losses and threatens the future of the society.For this reason,illicit drug use and related crimes are the most significant criminal cases examined by scientists.This paper aims at modeling the illegal drug use using the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative with Mittag-Leffler kernel.Also,in this work,the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the fractional-order Illicit drug use model are discussed via Picard-Lindelöf theorem which provides successive approximations using a convergent sequence.Then the stability analysis for both disease-free and endemic equilibrium states is conducted.A numerical scheme based on the known Adams-Bashforth method is designed in fractional form to approximate the novel Atangana-Baleanu fractional operator of order 0<a≤1.Finally,numerical simulation results based on different values of fractional order,which also serve as control parameter,are presented to justify the theoretical findings.

Alcohol and drug use disorders in adult attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder:Prevalence and associations with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and emotional dysregulation

BACKGROUND High risk of alcohol and drug use disorders in people with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)calls for exploratory research of relationships with clinical features of ADHD.AIM To estimate prevalence of alcohol/drug use disorders and associations with ADHD symptom severity and emotional dysregulation,in adults with ADHD.METHODS This observational cross-sectional clinical study consisted of patients admitted to a private psychiatric outpatient clinic in Oslo,Norway(2014-2018).Five-hundred and fifty-eight eligible patients diagnosed with ADHD(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)criteria)agreed to participate.Alcohol and drug use disorders were diagnosed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI).Dependence and abuse were merged into“use”disorder as in MINI version 7.0/DSM-5.Questions were related both to lifetime and the past 12-mo.ADHD severity was assessed by the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale(ASRS).Subdivisions of the ASRS questionnaire as inattentive items and hyperactive/impulsivity items were recorded separately.Emotional dysregulation was assessed by the eight-item version of Barkley’s Current Behavior Scale-Self Report.RESULTS The 12-mo prevalence was 5.3%for alcohol use disorder and 13.7%for drug use disorder.The lifetime prevalence was 12.0%for alcohol use disorder and 27.7%for drug use disorder.Men had higher rates of both alcohol use disorder and drug use disorder compared to women.The prevalence of drug use disorder was more than twice that of alcohol use disorder for both sexes.The drugs most participants reported having used were(in descending order):Amphetamine(19.1%),cannabis(17.1%),cocaine or ecstasy(7.4%),benzodiazepines(7.4%),and heroin or other opioids(2.9%).Lifetime drug use disorder was significantly associated with both hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and emotional dysregulation symptom severity.Lifetime alcohol use disorder,on the other hand,was not significantly associated with ADHD symptoms or emotional dysregulation when adjusted for gender and age.CONCLUSION Patients with ADHD have a high lifetime prevalence of drug use disorder,which is associated with higher levels of hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and emotional dysregulation.

Analysis on the Problems of Rational Drug Use Carrying Out by Hospital Pharmacists in China

Pharmacists are the implementers of clinical drug management, and they play an irreplaceable role in promoting the improvement of rational drug use. However, the current role of pharmacists in the supervision and protection of rational drug use has not been fully exerted. This article is aimed to investigate the current situation of pharmacists’ work of rational drug use from the perspectives of pharmacists, physicians, and patients. It is found that the professional value of pharmacists in the rational drug use has not been valued by medical institutions, physicians, and patients. Pharmacists face problems such as workload, working conditions, and doctor-patient cooperation in the rational drug use. Suggestions are made for further exerting the professional value of pharmacists in promoting the level of rational drug use. Relevant managers should pay full attention to the professional value of pharmacists, and provide corresponding system and facility guarantees for pharmacists to carry out rational drug use.

Assessing Drug Use Indicators in Health Insurance Facilities, Gezira State, Sudan, 2017-2018

Background: Inappropriate use of medicines is a global concern with serious consequences related to prescribing, dispensing, and use. WHO estimated that 50% of medicines are not used correctly on their journey from the facility to home. Objective: To assess medicines use using WHO drug core indicators regarding prescribing, patient, and facilities. Setting: Outpatients, Health centers in Wadmadani locality (Urban area) in Gezira State, Sudan. Method: A cross-sectional, prospective, analytical study was conducted in 30 health centers and 60 patients from each center were selected using a simple random sampling technique. WHO indicators form was used to collect data containing different variables. T-test at a level of confidence of 95% was used to test differences between indicators. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Results: The main prescribing indicators were 2.5 ± 0.6 for drugs per encounter, 44.1% ± 14.2%. Generic 54 ± 18.0 antibiotics, 12.0% ± 9.3% injectable, and 95.2% ± 11.5% of drugs were prescribed according to the NHIF-EML. The main patient’s indicators were, 2.9 ± 0.8 minutes for consultation time, 99.5 ± 36.8 seconds for dispensing time, and 72.5% ± 16.0% for medicines actually dispensed, 49.0% ± 18.0% for medicines adequately labeled, and 22.5% ± 7.3% of the patient’s knowledge about the correct dose. The Facility specific indicators were 66.7% for the availability of a copy of EML, while the percentage of key drugs in the stock was 75.3% ± 11.6%. No statistically significant differences were found between direct and indirect facilities except in generic prescribing. Main Outcome Measure: • Interventions to improve Generic and antibiotics prescribing indicators. • The patient-to-physician ratio should be revised to optimize consultation time. • The availability of key drugs should be improved to make sure effective treatment. • The pharmacy cadre should be oriented and trained to improve patients’ compliance. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was irrational use of medicines when investigated by WHO drug core indicators. So, the study recommended interventions to improve the rationale prescribing, dispensing, and use of medicines.

The Guiding Role of Pharmaceutical Care in the Rational Drug Use of Bronchial Asthma

Objective:To investigate the guiding role of pharmaceutical care in the treatment of bronchial asthma.Methods:Eighty patients with bronchial disease admitted to our hospital from November 2008 to December 1818 were enrolled in this research.The computer program was used to generate random numbers.The method was divided into two groups:control group and observation group,40 cases respectively.40 patients in the control group were treated with normal medication according to the doctor’s advice;40 patients in the observation group were enrolled in the pharmacological care on the basis of the control group,and the rational drug use was compared between the two groups.Results:The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group and the control group were 5.00%and 17.50%,respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the incidence of medication error events in the observation group was 7.50%,which was significantly lower than that of the control group,which was 25.00%,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The medication errors mainly include improper administration,incorrect dosage,and unscientific administration.Conclusion:The guiding role of pharmaceutical care in bronchial asthma rational drug use can reduce medication error events and ensure rational drug use,which is worthy of popularization in clinical practice.

Practice of Perioperative Rational Use of Antibacterial Drugs Based on Drug Pathway

[Objectives]To establish a new management model for rational use of perioperative antibacterial drugs in surgical departments.[Methods]Based on evidence-based medicine,the department s drug pathway was formulated,and the new mode of rational drug use control was established by using fine pharmaceutical technology intervention,and the intervention effect was evaluated by the intensity of antibacterial drug use,per capita drug costs and the proportion of drugs.[Results]After adopting drug pathway in departments,the intensity of antibacterial drug use,per capita drug costs and the proportion of drugs decreased significantly,and the effect of rational drug use control was remarkable.[Conclusions]The drug pathway provides a new management and control mode for the rational use of perioperative antibacterial drugs in surgical departments of hospitals.Thus,it is worthy of popularization and application.

The Level of Knowledge, Behaviors, and Attitudes on Rational Use of Drugs of Patients Who Applied to the Family Health Center in Istanbul, Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients who applied to a family health center about the rational use of drugs. Irrational use of drugs is a major problem worldwide. WHO reports that half of the patients do not use their drugs correctly. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 October 2017 and 30 November 2018 at Istanbul Fatih Family Health Center No 7. The sample size was determined as 301 people selected by systematic sampling method from patients aged 18 and older. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53.8% ± 16.8%, 59.8% were female, 62.5% were married, and 52.5% were primary school graduates. 63.9% of the participants knew the names of the drugs they used, and 79.9% of them knew the indication for use. 89% of individuals check the expiry date of the drugs before using them, and 83.1% read the drug prospectus. 84% of the participants support the prohibition of using over-the-counter drugs. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the participants about the rational use of drugs is above the societal average. However, some issues need more awareness. The high level of rational use of drugs awareness of physicians and pharmacists will also strengthen the rational use of drugs and indirectly increase the awareness of the public.

A quantitative analysis of socioeconomics of illicit drug use for improving targeted interventions in Hong Kong

Illicit drug use is a critical and challenging issue globally,but there is a lack of thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms of drug use,which is essential for policy interventions,in many threatened places.This study aims to explore the socioeconomic determinants of drug use to support policy design in Hong Kong and other regions with similar issues.Multiple linear regression models and fixed-effects models are employed to examine the socioeconomic determinants of drug use based on the most comprehensive data on drug use and population in Hong Kong from 1991 to 2016.The estimates show that demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are important predictors of illicit drug use.The highest rate of drug use is observed for people aged between 20 and 30,as well as for those with primary education.Compared with males,the female drug use rate is 15(or 46)per 10,000 people lower for the newly(or previously)addicted cases.A 10%increase in monthly income is associated with a 14%drop in drug use rate at the district level.The average annual expenditure on drug use is USD 32.6 million in Hong Kong.Drug policies shall pay more attention to these at-risk groups,and shall consider more financial support to lower the drug use rates.

Problem drug use

A 24 year old man asks you for help with his heroin problem. He has been taking the drug for about a year and is spending at least ￡60 ( = 90; $110) a day on it. Abstract: What issues you should cover You should do a full assessment before deciding on any action; this is likely to take more than one consultation. An empathic and non-judgmental approach will engage him and help him to begin the process of change. You need to clarify why he has come to you now and what he wants-often, but not always, this is a prescription. All GPs should be able to gather the information they need for an appropriate referral and to provide general care. Current drug use-Ask about all illicit drugs he has taken in the past month (including cannabis). Record quantity and frequency of use, together with route of administration. Also note his smoking and drinking habits. Past drug history and treatment experience-Ask about onset of drug use and when it first became a problem. What do drugs do for him? Has he tried stopping previously?

Hands-On Parenting May Curb Teen Drug Use

我的儿子10多岁了,因为工作紧张,丈夫又常年在外,我们基本上是属于Hand-off parent。在网上读到此文,不禁心里一跳！父母对子女是handoff,还是hand on,对孩子的影响实在太大了！本文堪称儿童心理研究的佳作！虽然我们的孩子还没有美国青少年所面临的吸毒问题,但是,影响孩子健康成长的问题并不少！初读此文,我曾经为文中反复出现的substance abuse所烦,词典也帮不了忙,后来反复读了两遍,我便确信,文中的substance abuse就是druguse,就是marijuana use。读者朋友,你是否认为这是一种新的euphemism呢?此外,hand-off parent和hand-on parent用得何等简洁明了！我试将它们直译成“放手”/“不放手”父母,不知是否能得到读者的认可。

The role of drug utilization evaluation in medical sciences

Background:Drug utilization evaluation(DUE)is defined by the World Health Organization(WHO)and focuses on the medical,social,and economic consequences of pharmaceutical marketing,distribution,prescribing,and usage in society.The WHO recommends a physician to every 1000 people.According to the recent data from the Health Ministry in 2019,in which 1.16 million doctors are of active population with just 80%,or 0.9 million,practicing.As a result,a ratio of 0.68 doctors for every 1000 people,which is much below as per the WHO reports.This article describes history,types,WHO guidelines,need and purpose of DUE.Objective:The main aim of this paper is to provide information about the rational use of medication in outpa­tient and inpatient department with special emphasis of DUEs.It also provides awareness directly to healthcare professionals,researchers,academicians,pharmacist and nurses to reduce the irrationality of medicines.Methods:The method used to compile this review information gathered from websites,Google scholar,PubMed,Research gate,and studies published on DUE from July 20 to Oct 22 were included as source of information.Results:We studied more than 35 published study on DUE,that reveals most of the physicians prescribed branded drugs not generic drugs,but WHO prescribing indicator allows to prescribe generic drugs in the hospital pharmacy to maintain better inventory control.It may also help to prevent pharmacist misunderstanding during dispensing.Conclusion:The use of generic prescription names avoids the possibility of medication product duplication and lowers patient costs.It is important to remember that incorrect medication prescriptions have impact on both patients and their family members.WHO indicators identify irrational prescribing behaviours to make therapy more rational and cost-effective.

Clinical Analysis of Common Irrational Gastroenterology Medication Problems in The Gastroenterology Department

Objective: To investigate and analyze the irrational problems of common gastroenterology medications applied to gastroenterology patients during treatment, and to develop and implement countermeasures. Methods: This study included 60 patients admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology from January 2021 to December 2023 who were randomly divided into a control group (conventional drug management) and an observation group (targeted drug treatment), of 30 cases each. After the implementation of different management methods, the occurrence of irrational drug use and the incidence of adverse reactions between both groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: The incidence of irrational medication in the observation group (13.33%) was lower than that in the control group (40.00%) (P < 0.05). The occurrence of adverse reactions in the observation group (10.00%) was lower than that of the control group (36.67%) after treatment (P < 0.05). The observation group had a higher level of satisfaction after treatment (90.00%) as compared to the control group (66.67%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementation of targeted drug treatment for gastroenterology patients reduced the incidence of irrational medication use, reduced adverse reactions, and improved patient satisfaction.

Off-label use of targeted therapies in oncology

Off-label use is defined by the prescription of a marketed drug outside the conditions described in the summary of product characteristics.In oncology,off-label prescribing of targeted therapies may occur in patients with other tumor types expressing the same target.Agents associated to phenotypic approaches such as therapies against the tumoral vasculature(anti-angiogenic drugs) and new immunotherapies(checkpoint inhibitors) also carry the potential of alternative indications or combinations.Off-label use of targeted therapies is little documented and appears to be in the same range than that regarding older drugs with wide variations among agents.When compared with older agents,off-label use of targeted therapies is probably more rational through tumoral genotyping but is faced with a limited clinical support,reimbursement challenges related to the very high pricing and the cost of genotyping or molecular profiling,when applicable.

药品集中带量采购对抗菌药物使用的影响分析:以阿莫西林为例

目的分析抗菌药物集中带量采购(以下简称“集采”)后使用变化,为完善我国带量采购政策和促进合理用药提供参考。方法采用描述性统计分析和间断时间序列分析方法,将第二批和第三批药品集采政策落地时间设为政策干预点,分析2019年1月—2021年12月全国医药企业阿莫西林销售量和销售金额在集采前后的变化情况。结果阿莫西林胶囊剂和颗粒剂在集采后销售量大幅上升,非中选的胶囊剂和颗粒剂销售量也有所上升,但涨幅低于市场整体增长率。非集采剂型中的阿莫西林片剂和混悬剂销售量和销售金额均出现降低,口服剂型中选能有效降低同为口服剂型的其他非集采品规销售量,阿莫西林注射剂销售量和销售金额在集采后短期内明显增长,通过模型预测阿莫西林注射剂长期的销售量和销售金额呈下降趋势。结论药品带量采购能够实现药价降低且达成以量换价的目标,中选药品使用量显著增长,但需要关注同通用名下非集采剂型的使用量情况,减少不同剂型间替代使用的情况;应该进一步扩大抗菌药物集采范围,将更多临床具体替代关系的药物纳入采购范畴,加强对临床抗菌药物的使用监测,保障临床抗菌药物合理使用。