Therapeutic anticoagulation for splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis: A national survey and case-vignette study

BACKGROUND Splanchnic vein thrombosis(SVT)is a major complication of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis.There is no consensus on whether therapeutic anticoagulation should be started in patients with acute pancreatitis and SVT.AIM To gain insight into current opinions and clinical decision making of pancreatologists regarding SVT in acute pancreatitis.METHODS A total of 139 pancreatologists of the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group and Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group were approached to complete an online survey and case vignette survey.The threshold to assume group agreement was set at 75%.RESULTS The response rate was 67%(n=93).Seventy-one pancreatologists(77%)regularly prescribed therapeutic anticoagulation in case of SVT,and 12 pancreatologists(13%)for narrowing of splanchnic vein lumen.The most common reason to treat SVT was to avoid complications(87%).Acute thrombosis was the most important factor to prescribe therapeutic anticoagulation(90%).Portal vein thrombosis was chosen as the most preferred location to initiate therapeutic anticoagulation(76%)and splenic vein thrombosis as the least preferred location(86%).The preferred initial agent was low molecular weight heparin(LMWH;87%).In the case vignettes,therapeutic anticoagulation was prescribed for acute portal vein thrombosis,with or without suspected infected necrosis(82%and 90%),and thrombus progression(88%).Agreement was lacking regarding the selection and duration of long-term anticoagulation,the indication for thrombophilia testing and upper endoscopy,and about whether risk of bleeding is a major barrier for therapeutic anticoagulation.CONCLUSION In this national survey,the pancreatologists seemed to agree on the use of therapeutic anticoagulation,using LMWH in the acute phase,for acute portal thrombosis and in the case of thrombus progression,irrespective of the presence of infected necrosis.

Design,delivery and efficacy testing of therapeutic nucleic acids used to inhibit hepatitis C virus gene expression in vitro and in vivo

Despite major achievements in the treatment ofchronic hepatitis C with the combination ofinterferons and the nucleoside analog ribavirin themajority of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection cannot be treated effectively.Toimprove this response rate we used antisensetechnologies to inhibit HCV translation as possibleadditional option for experimental treatment.Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides(ODN) are

Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of <i>Aloe vera</i>: A Review

The plant Aloe vera is used in Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Allopathic streams of medicine, and not only tribal community but also most of the people for food and medicine. The plant leaves contains numerous vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helmenthic, antifungal, antiseptic and cosmetic values for health care. This plant has potential to cure sunburns, burns and minor cuts, and even skin cancer. The external use in cosmetic primarily acts as skin healer and prevents injury of epithelial tissues, cures acne and gives a youthful glow to skin, also acts as extremely powerful laxative.

Continuous Wear of Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Therapeutic Use

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and complications of continuous wear of etafilcon A for therapeutic use. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 228 eyes of 219 outpatients prescribed contact lens (CL) for one week of continuous therapeutic wear during 10 years. The reason for prescription of CLs, the primary disease, the duration of CL wear and the complications were assessed retrospectively. Results: The predominant reason for prescription of CLs was relief of pain or a foreign-body sensation (62.3%) and protection of the corneal epithelium (20.6%). The primary disease was post-penetrating keratoplasty (36.8%), followed by corneal epithelial erosion (14.5%), post-lamellar keratoplasty (14.0%) and bullous keratopathy (12.2%). The average duration of wearing single lens was 6.5 ± 3.2 days. The average duration of wearing CLs in total was 9.2 ± 10.7 months. The most frequent problem associated with continuous wear of CLs was their dropping out of CLs (12.3%). The complications associated with CLs included conjunctivitis with papillary hyperplasia, corneal erosion and superficial punctate keratitis, but corneal ulcer and corneal infiltrates were not found. Conclusion: Serious complications were not shown changing the lenses every week to keep to the prescribed time limit for continuous therapeutic wear, even if corneal epithelial barrier function is impaired.

Comparison of long-lasting therapeutic effects between succimer and penicillamine on hepatolenticular degeneration

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Functional dyspepsia of ulcer-dysmotility type:clinical incidence and therapeutic strategy

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Rate of anticoagulant use, and factors associated with not prescribing anticoagulant in older Thai adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A multicenter registry

Objectives To investigate the rate of anticoagulant use,the reasons for not prescribing anticoagulant,and the factors associated with non-prescription of anticoagulant in older Thai adults with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.Methods A multicenter registry of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation was conducted during 2014 to 2017 in Thailand.Demographic,medical history,antithrombotic medication,non-antithrombotic medication,and laboratory data were collected and analyzed.Data were compared between the older adult (≥ 65 years) and younger adult (< 65 years) groups.The reasons why anticoagulant was not prescribed were collected,and predictive factors were identified.Results A total of 3218 patients (1873 males) with an average age of 67.3 ± 11.3 years were included.Almost two-thirds (61.0%) of patients were in the older adult group.Anticoagulant was prescribed in 2422 patients (75.3%): 81.4% in the older adult group and 65.7% in the younger adult group.The three main reasons for not prescribing anticoagulant were already taking antiplatelets,patient refusal,and bleeding risk.These reasons were more common in older adults as compared to younger adults.Multivariate analysis revealed current use of antiplatelets to be the most important factor that predict the non-prescription of anticoagulant in older population.Conclusions The prevalence of anticoagulant prescription among older Thai adults with atrial fibrillation is 81.4%.Taking antiplatelet drugs was found to be the strongest reason that predicts the non-prescription of anticoagulant in this patient population.A guideline should be developed to optimize the use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet in older adults.

Therapeutic role of template-based lymphadenectomy in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Lymphadenectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract has attracted the attention of physicians. The mapping study of lymphatic spread has shown that a relatively wide area should comprise the regional nodes for tumors of the right renal pelvis or the right upper two-thirds of the ureter. A prospective study showed that an anatomical templatebased lymphadenectomy significantly improved patient survival in tumors of the renal pelvis. This benefit was more evident for patients with p T2 stage tumors or higher. The risk of regional node recurrence is significant reduced by template-based lymphadenectomy,which is likely to be associated with improved patient survival. The removal of lymph node micrometastases is assumed to be the reason for therapeutic benefit following lymphadenectomy. The number of resected lymph nodes can be used to assess the quality of lymphadenectomy,but not to determine the extent of lymphadenectomy. The guidelines currently recommend lymphadenectomy for patients with muscle-invasive disease,even though the current recommendation grades are still low. The present limitation of lymphadenectomy is the lack of standardization of the extent of lymphadenectomy and the randomized trials. Further studies are warranted to collect the evidence to support lymphadenectomy.

Patients’time in therapeutic range on warfarin among atrial fibrillation patients in Warfarin Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic

BACKGROUND The quality of warfarin therapy can be determined by the time in the therapeutic range(TTR)of international normalized ratio(INR).The estimated minimum TTR needed to achieve a benefit from warfarin therapy is≥60%.AIM To determine TTR and the predictors of poor TTR among atrial fibrillation patients who receive warfarin therapy.METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted at a cardiology referral center in Selangor,Malaysia.A total of 420 patients with atrial fibrillation and under follow-up at the pharmacist led Warfarin Medication Therapeutic Adherence Clinic between January 2014 and December 2018 were included.Patients’clinical data,information related to warfarin therapy,and INR readings were traced through electronic Hospital Information system.A data collection form was used for data collection.The percentage of days when INR was within range was calculated using the Rosendaal method.The poor INR control category was defined as a TTR<60%.Predictors for poor TTR were further determined by using logistic regression.RESULTS A total of 420 patients[54.0%male;mean age 65.7(10.9)years]were included.The calculated mean and median TTR were 60.6%±20.6%and 64%(interquartile range 48%-75%),respectively.Of the included patients,57.6%(n=242)were in the good control category and 42.4%(n=178)were in the poor control category.The annual calculated mean TTR between the year 2014 and 2018 ranged from 59.7%and 67.3%.A high HAS-BLED score of≥3 was associated with poor TTR(adjusted odds ratio,2.525;95%confidence interval:1.6-3.9,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In our population,a high HAS-BLED score was associated with poor TTR.This could provide an important insight when initiating an oral anticoagulant for these patients.Patients with a high HAS-BLED score may obtain less benefit from warfarin therapy and should be considered for other available oral anticoagulants for maximum benefit.

Controversies regarding transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have tantalized regenerative medicine with their therapeutic potential,yet a cloud of controversies looms over their clinical tran-splantation.This comprehensive review navigates the intricate landscape of MSC controversies,drawing upon 15 years of clinical experience and research.We delve into the fundamental properties of MSCs,exploring their unique immuno-modulatory capabilities and surface markers.The heart of our inquiry lies in the controversial applications of MSC transplantation,including the perennial debate between autologous and allogeneic sources,concerns about efficacy,and lingering safety apprehensions.Moreover,we unravel the enigmatic mechanisms surro-unding MSC transplantation,such as homing,integration,and the delicate balance between differentiation and paracrine effects.We also assess the current status of clinical trials and the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.As we peer into the future,we examine emerging trends,envisioning personalized medicine and innovative delivery methods.Our review provides a balanced and informed perspective on the controversies,offering readers a clear understanding of the complexities,challenges,and potential solutions in MSC transplantation.

人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林抗凝质量影响因素分析及预测模型构建

目的 研究人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林抗凝质量的影响因素,构建华法林抗凝质量预测模型,甄别低/中水平华法林抗凝质量人群,提高其抗凝质量。方法 回顾性调取2020年1月—2023年5月至某院就诊的人工心脏瓣膜患者,以治疗范围内时间百分比为指标,评价华法林的抗凝质量,采用Logistic回归方程分析华法林抗凝质量的影响因素,构建人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林抗凝质量列线图预测模型,并对该模型进行内部验证。结果 共纳入236例患者,其中高抗凝质量组60例,低/中抗凝质量组176例,Logistic回归分析结果提示:合并心肌梗死/缺血性脑卒中病史[Exp(B)=0.14,95%CI:0.02~0.87,P=0.04]、焦虑/抑郁状态[Exp(B)=0.06,95%CI:0.08~0.89,P=0.01]是人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林高抗凝质量的危险因素;高白蛋白水平[Exp(B)=1.13,95%CI:1.02~1.26,P=0.02]、高INR监测频率[Exp(B)=10.92,95%CI:5.11~23.32,P<0.01]是人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林高抗凝质量的保护因素,以此构建的列线图预测模型C-index 指数为0.940。结论 构建的人工心脏瓣膜患者华法林抗凝质量列线图预测模型的区分度及一致性良好,具有较高的临床应用价值,可甄别低/中水平华法林抗凝质量,有针对性地开展药学监护,提高患者抗凝质量。

Clinacanthus nutans:a review of the medicinal uses,pharmacology and phytochemistry

Clinacanthus nutans Lindau is known as snake grass belonging to the Acanlhaceae family.This plant has diverse and potential medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine for treating skin rashes,insects and snake bites,lesions caused by herpes simplex virus,diabetes,and gout in Malaysia.Indonesia.Thailand and China.Phylochemieal investigations documented the varied contents of bioaclive compounds from litis plant namely flavonoids,glycosides,glycoglyeerolipids.cerebrosides and monoacylmonogalatosylglycerol.The pharmacological experiment proved that various types of extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibited a broad range of biological properties such as anti-inflammatory,antiviral,antioxidant,and anti-diabetic activities.The lindings of toxicity study showed that extracts from this plant did not show any toxicity thus it can be used as strong therapeutic agents for specific diseased conditions.However,further experiments on chemical components and their mode of action showing biological activities are required to elucidate the complete phytochemical profile and assess to confirm their suitability tor future drugs.This review summarizes the medicinal uses,phytochemistry and pharmacology of this plant in order to explore its therapeutic potential and gaps necessitating for prospected research work.

High-intensity focused ultrasound extracorporeal ablation of liver tissuesin rabbits

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Pharmacist-Managed Anticoagulation Services for Warfarin Management in Tertiary Hospitals:The Egyptian Experience

Background:Warfarin is widely regarded as the main anticoagulant in lowering the risk of thromboembolism.This study used indicators to compare pharmacist-managed anticoagulation services,using a well-prepared protocol,with physician-managed anticoagulation services・Methods:A retrospective prospective pilot study was conducted to compare patient outcomes before and after transitioning patients to phannacist-managed anticoagulation services,comparing the proportion of those with therapeutic international normalized ratio(INK),subtherapeutic INK,and supratherapeutic INR,as well as their bleeding occurrences as indicators of assuring quality care.Results:A significant improvement in anticoagulation management was noted in the transition to pharmacist-managed anticoagulation services.The proportion of those with subtherapeutic INR decreased from 61.8%to 11.8%(p<0.001),those with supratherapeutic INR decreased from 20.6%to 2.9%(p<0.001),those with therapeutic INR increased from 17.6%to 85.3%(p<0.001),and the occurrence of bleeding decreased from 11.8%to 0.0%,without significant difference in warfarin doses(median from 4 before the transition to 5 after);in addition,the time to reach therapeutic INR decreased from 12-24 weeks to 2-8 weeks after transitioning to pharmacist-managed anticoagulation services.Conclusion:Pharmacist-managed anticoagulation services are considered safer and more effective than physician-managed anticoagulation services alone in terms of patientsJ adherence and satisfaction,which provide an excellent opportunity for quality assurance care.

华法林抗凝质量影响因素的Meta分析与预测模型

目的 通过构建华法林抗凝质量预测模型,提高华法林抗凝效果。方法 计算机检索国内外数据库,对建库之初至2022年5月1日之间的所有关于华法林抗凝质量影响因素的研究进行Meta分析,筛选影响因素,构建华法林抗凝质量的预测模型。结果 共获得3390篇文献,最终纳入文献17篇,包含66 119名患者,Meta分析结果显示:年龄、糖尿病、心力衰竭、慢性阻塞性肺疾病、肝脏疾病、肾脏疾病是治疗范围内时间百分比(TTR)达标的影响因素。以此构建的华法林抗凝质量预测模型为Logit(P)=-0.819+0.015X_(年龄)-0.146X_(糖尿病)-0.180X_(心衰)-0.209X_(慢阻肺)-0.511X_(肝脏疾病)-0.464X_(肾脏疾病),ROC曲线下面积为0.807,95%置信区间为(0.715,0.900),最佳临界值为Logit(P)=-1.238、敏感性为0.829、特异性为0.714。结论 基于Meta分析构建的华法林抗凝质量预测模型能有效预测患者TTR是否达标,预测效能中等,但仍需大量数据验证。

血小板分布宽度对短期内房颤患者华法林抗凝治疗稳定性达标的预测价值

目的探讨血小板分布宽度(PDW)对短期内(治疗6个月后)房颤患者使用华法林抗凝治疗稳定性达标[达标时间百分比(TTR)]的预测价值。方法选取174例使用华法林抗凝治疗的持续性房颤患者作为研究对象,按TTR值分为达标组(TTR≥65%)54例与未达标组120例(TTR<65%),比较2组的年龄、性别、合并疾病、合并用药、血液学检查参数,同时采用Pearson相关分析检验PDW水平与TTR之间的相关性。结果2组患者合并冠心病、使用抗血小板药物、PDW异常构成比比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);随着PDW的升高,TTR呈下降趋势,二者呈显著负相关(r=-0.843、P<0.001)。结论PDW异常可能影响房颤患者使用华法林抗凝治疗稳定性达标,且随着PDW的升高TTR呈下降趋势。

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.

The optimal anticoagulation strategy for COVID-19,prophylactic or therapeutic?:a meta-analysis,trial sequential analysis,and meta-regression of more than 27,000 participants

Background:Anticoagulants are promising regimens for treating coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,whether prophylactic or intermediate-to-therapeutic dosage is optimal remains under active discussion.Methods:We comprehensively searched PubMed,Embase,Scopus,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,ClinicalTrials,and MedRxiv databases on April 26,2022.Two independent researchers conducted literature selection and data extraction separately according to predetermined criteria.Notably,this is the first meta-analysis on COVID-19,taking serious consideration regarding the dosage overlap between the 2 comparison groups of prophylactic anticoagulation(PA)and intermediate-to-therapeutic anticoagulation(I-TA).Results:We included 11 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and 36 cohort studies with 27,051 COVID-19 patients.By analyzing all the RCTs,there was no significant difference in mortality between the PA and I-TA groups,which was further confirmed by trial sequential analysis(TSA)(odds ratio[OR]:0.93;95%confidence interval[CI]:0.71–1.22;P=0.61;TSA adjusted CI:0.71–1.26).The rate of major bleeding was remarkably higher in the I-TA group than in the PA group,despite adjusting for TSA(OR:1.73;95%CI:1.15–2.60;P=0.009;TSA adjusted CI:1.09–2.58).RCTs have supported the beneficial effect of I-TA in reducing thrombotic events.After including all studies,mortality in the I-TA group was significantly higher than in the PA group(OR:1.38;95%CI:1.15–1.66;P=0.0005).The rate of major bleeding was similar to the analysis from RCTs(OR:2.24;95%CI:1.86–2.69;P<0.00001).There was no distinct difference in the rate of thrombotic events between the 2 regimen groups.In addition,in both critical and noncritical subgroups,I-TA failed to reduce mortality but increased major bleeding rate compared with PA,as shown in meta-analysis of all studies,as well as RCTs only.Meta-regression of all studies suggested that there was no relationship between the treatment effect and the overall risk of mortality or major bleeding(P=0.14,P=0.09,respectively).Conclusion:I-TA is not superior to PA for treating COVID-19 because it fails to lower the mortality rate but increases the major bleeding rate in both critical and noncritical patients.

USE OF CELL-BASED BIOASSAY FOR THE QUALITY CONTROL OF BOTANICAL THERAPEUTICS

The single most important factor in modernization efforts of traditional oriental medicines is the limited understanding of active compounds responsible for claimed therapeutic effects.Indeed,the unknown identity of biologically active molecules generates major difficulties associated with botanical therapeutics in general.This includes management of raw materials,poor understanding of

我院服用华法林患者抗凝治疗质量评价

目的:评价服用华法林患者的抗凝治疗质量,为加强服用华法林患者的管理提供数据支持。方法:回顾性分析符合纳入标准的214例服用华法林患者的相关临床资料。结果:所有患者服用华法林的平均时间为(321.64±189.50)d,非住院期间于我院检测国际标准化比值(INR)的平均次数为(12.01±7.03)次;抗凝治疗期间INR<2.0的占51.96%,2.0≤INR≤3.0的占39.13%,INR>3.0的占8.91%;INR目标值≤2.0的占45.33%,INR目标值=2.5的占38.32%,INR目标值≥3.0的占0.93%;平均目标范围内的时间百分比(TTR)为(50.80±22.32)%;不同年龄及不同疾病患者的TTR比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:部分服用华法林患者抗凝治疗质量较差,需加强抗凝治疗质量的管理,使抗凝安全、有效。