Kellyklein2221
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common monogenic disorders caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene. This mutation results in polymerization of hemoglobin (Hb) under reduced oxygenation conditions, causing rigid sickle-shaped RBCs and hemolytic anemia. This clearly defined fundamental molecular mechanism makes SCD a prototypical target for precision therapy. Both the mutant β-globin protein and its downstream pathophysiology are pharmacological targets of intensive research. SCD also is a disease well-suited for biological interventions like gene therapy. Recent advances in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation and gene therapy platforms, like Lentiviral vectors and gene editing strategies, expand the potentially curative options for patients with SCD. This review discusses the recent advances in precision therapy for SCD and the preclinical and clinical advances in autologous HSC gene therapy for SCD.The global pandemic lockdown created a risk factor for increased alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder and relapse for those who were previously abstinent, with evidence suggesting that pre-lockdown abstinence status is not protective against lockdown-related relapse. We report a unique case of a middle-aged male with alcohol use disorder who experienced alcohol cravings and a fear of relapse due to exposure to disinfectants. A 54-year-old public transportation company worker, previously treated for an alcohol use disorder three times, and abstinent since his last treatment in 2017, reported anxiety, irritability, and constant fear of relapse due to increased exposure to sanitizers during the pandemic. He explained that while the diluted disinfectant made him think of alcohol, the now ever-present undiluted disinfectant makes him constantly crave alcohol and it makes it harder for him to work. Although he started group therapy treatment and had several follow-up visits, his poor performance at work and the fear of relapse resulted in him requesting a position change to work in open spaces and avoid the smell of disinfectant, which helped him remain abstinent. Disinfectants are a part of the "new normal," and their increased use is likely to be continued in the years to come, even after the pandemic resolves. Introducing a new behavioral pattern, such as the daily use of disinfectants in the general population, should prompt us to explore all possible consequences regarding its propagation.This study assesses the psychometric properties of Allen and Meyer's three-component model of organizational commitment focusing on physicians in Pakistan and explores the determinants of each form of commitment. The cross-sectional study implemented a self-reported questionnaire at a hospital in Pakistan. Data were collected from 478 permanently employed physicians. This study offers evidence for the generalizability of this model to the health sector, particularly for physicians. Age, experience, and qualification explained the higher commitment levels. This study suggests adjustments to the commitment scale for physicians. Hospital administrations should formulate effective strategies at individual levels to enhance commitment.Purpose Drug therapy problems impact about one-third of US adults, and these issues are likely to continue to worsen as the population of aging Americans increases. check details The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of a remotely delivered Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) for primary practice patients who are polypharmatic and at high risk for drug therapy problems.Methods Using medical and prescription claims data, a list of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries at high risk for drug therapy problems was identified. Participants were enrolled in a 6-month CMM program from February - November 2020. In the program, their existing drug therapy was assessed by a pharmacist, Drug therapy problems were identified and resolved. A Collaborative Practice Agreement allowed the pharmacists to make prescription changes as needed.Results Eighty-three percent (202) of contacted individuals agreed to participate in the study. All participants were on five medications or more, and 71% were on more than eight. A clinical pharmacist found that 86% of participants had a drug therapy problem according to classification criteria. Seventy-nine percent of all drug therapy problems identified were resolved upon completion of the study.Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that engagement of a remote clinical pharmacist can contribute to efficient resolution of most drug therapy problems identified in a primary care population. A service model using remote pharmacist services may be an effective means of improving team-based primary care medication management for this population.Patient safety, which includes adverse event reporting and routine collection of outcome measures, has become an increasingly important aspect of inpatient care worldwide. In the United States, the National Quality Forum leads the effort in developing such measures for use in payment and public reporting programs. However, choosing and prioritizing events to serve as patient safety indicators is difficult in a dynamically changing and complex healthcare environment. In this perspective, we propose that hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI), for example, contrast-induced and postoperative AKI, should be added to existing, more traditional measures, such as surgical site infections and patient falls. The article highlights the significance of HA-AKI as a common complication resulting from a multitude of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, how it lends itself well to measuring patient safety, and how reporting of this complication can contribute to further improvement of patient safety and overall quality of care.
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to study the association of IL28B, toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, cytomegalovirus and advanced liver disease.
Four groups were included; control (n=125, 25.9%), CHC (n=114, 23.6%), liver cirrhosis (n=120, 24.8%), and HCC (n=124, 25.7%).
In CHC group, patients were mainly F1 (60%) followed by F2. IL28B genotype CC percentage was higher in control group than the CHC and cirrhosis groups. CT and TT genotypes were higher in the CHC and cirrhosis groups than control group. The C allele was higher in the control group than the CHC, cirrhosis and HCC groups and the opposite with the T allele. Control and CHC had same TLR7 alleles. Cirrhosis patients and HCC had lower TLR 7 A allele and higher G allele than the control group. Both cirrhosis and HCC groups had statistically significant higher percentage of the AG and GG genotypes than the control group. Patients with HCC had higher cytomegalovirus infection percentage than cirrhosis and CHC group (38.