The utility of brief instruments for depression screening in dialysis patients.

Background: Depression is a frequent but often underdiagnosed comorbid disorder in dialysis patients. The Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) is a reliable and valid instrument for depression screening but is relatively long for repeated use in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare the BDI-II with the shorter questionnaires Beck Depression Inventory-FastScreen (BDI-FS), the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS-D), the Mental Health (MH) scale of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and two items of the MH ('So down in the dumps that nothing could cheer you up' and 'Downhearted and blue') to determine the most efficient instruments for screening depressive symptoms in dialysis patients.

Impact of Changes to In-hospital Drug Formularies on Out-of-hospital Prescription Rates and Cost: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: One of the main goals of an in-hospital drug formulary (in-HDF) is to modulate hospitalized patients' drug utilization. Theoretically, however, in-HDFs could also have an impact on out-of-hospital prescriptions in several ways, including discharged patients taking chronic medications that were initiated during hospitalization, hospital physicians prescribing to outpatients as if in-HDFs were equally applicable to the latter ("spillover effect"), and primary care physicians subsequently not changing such prescriptions ("induced prescription"). The aim of this study was thus to conduct a systematic review of papers that studied the impact of changes to in-HDF on out-of-hospital prescriptions.

The role of traditional NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors on COVID-19 outcomes: a real-world data study.

The relation between use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and severity of COVID-19 has been the subject to debate since the outbreak of the pandemic. Despite speculations about the possible harmful or protective effects, the position currently most supported by the scientific community is that there is no association between use of NSAIDs and COVID-19 outcomes. With the aim of contributing to increase the body of evidence on this issue, we conducted a case-control study using real-world data to investigate the association between prior use of NSAIDs, by active ingredient and type (traditional NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors), and important COVID-19-related outcomes, including susceptibility, PCR + patient progression, and hospitalisation.

The Many Faces of Cyclodextrins within Self-Assembling Polymer Nanovehicles: From Inclusion Complexes to Valuable Structural and Functional Elements.

Most chemotherapeutic agents are poorly soluble in water, have low selectivity, and cannot reach the tumor in the desired therapeutic concentration. On the other hand, sensitive hydrophilic therapeutics like nucleic acids and proteins suffer from poor bioavailability and cell internalization. To solve this problem, new types of controlled release systems based on nano-sized self-assemblies of cyclodextrins able to control the speed, timing, and location of therapeutic release are being developed.

Usability of APIMedOlder: A Web Application to Manage Potentially Inappropriate Medication in Older Adults.

Introduction: Considering the increase in the proportion of the older population worldwide, the demand for health system resources also arises. These tools optimize clinical decision-making, thus avoiding iatrogenesis and thus contributing to a better quality of life for the older population. In response, we created an online web application, the APIMedOlder, that provides access to healthcare professionals to allow healthcare professionals to access potentially inappropriate medication identification criteria through a useful tool with a simplified profile, allowing its applicability in clinical practice.

Potentially inappropriate anticholinergic drug use among older adults in primary healthcare: prevalence and determinants.

Background: Considering the vulnerability of older adults to adverse drug reactions, medications with strong anticholinergic properties are considered potentially inappropriate for this population. This study aims to characterize older adults' profile of anticholinergics use and to identify the factors associated with their potentially inappropriate use.

Research Design And Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 1200 older adults in primary health care centers of Portugal between April 2021 and August 2022.

Development and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded TPGS/F127/P123 Polymeric Micelles as a Potential Therapy for Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prominent cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer death. Poor outcomes and limitations of current treatments fuel the search for new therapeutic options. Curcumin (CUR) is often presented as a safer alternative for cancer treatment with a staggering number of molecular targets involved in tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.

Unmasking vaccine hesitancy and refusal: a deep dive into Anti-vaxxer perspectives on COVID-19 in Spain.

Background: At the time of the emergence of COVID-19, denialist and anti-vaccine groups have also emerged and are shaking public confidence in vaccination.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using online focus groups. Participants had not received any doses of vaccination against the disease.

Dentists' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antibiotic prescribing: A systematic review.

Objective: This study aims to explore dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding antibiotic use.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of dentists' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding antibiotic use, by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science for all original paper published from January 1990 to July 2023, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines.

Results: The review included 37 papers, (7 qualitative and 30 quantitative studies).

Outpatient glucocorticoid use and COVID-19 outcomes: a population-based study.

Introduction: Owing to controversy information surrounds effect of glucocorticoids on the evolution of COVID-19, we evaluate the effects of outpatient glucocorticoid use on the severity and progression of COVID-19 and risk of infection and analyse the effect of window of exposure and dose.

Methods: We conducted a population-based case - control study, involving 4 substudies: (i) Hospitalisation; (ii) Mortality, using subjects hospitalised with a PCR + as cases and subjects without a PCR + as controls; (iii) Progression, including subjects with a PCR + (hospitalised versus non-hospitalised); and (iv) Susceptibility, with all subjects with a PCR + and subjects without a PCR + . Adjusted odds ratios (ORa) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.

Impact of prior antihypertensive treatment on COVID-19 outcomes, by active ingredient.

Objectives: To assess the impact of prior chronic treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/ angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), both as a group and by active ingredient, on severity (risk of hospitalization and mortality), progression of and susceptibility to COVID-19.

Methods: We conducted a multiple population-based case-control study in Galicia (north-west Spain). The study data were sourced from medical, administrative and clinical databases.

Outpatient Antipsychotic Use and Severe COVID-19: Avoiding the Impact of Age in a Real-World Data Study.

Background: The association between use of antipsychotics and COVID-19 outcomes is inconsistent, which may be linked to use of these drugs in age-related diseases. Furthermore, there is little evidence regarding their effect in the nongeriatric population. We aim to assess the association between antipsychotic use and risk of disease progression and hospitalization due to COVID-19 among the general population, stratifying by age.

Dipsticks and point-of-care Microscopy to reduce antibiotic use in women with an uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (MicUTI): protocol of a randomised controlled pilot trial in primary care.

Introduction: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in women are common infections encountered in primary care. Evidence suggests that rapid point-of-care tests (POCTs) to detect bacteria and erythrocytes in urine at presentation may help primary care clinicians to identify women with uUTIs in whom antibiotics can be withheld without influencing clinical outcomes. This pilot study aims to provide preliminary evidence on whether a POCT informed management of uUTI in women can safely reduce antibiotic use.

Comparing AGS Beers 2019, STOPP version 2, and EU(7)-PIM list in Portuguese older adults in primary health care.

Purpose: This study aims to identify PIM prevalence in older adults according to the 2019 Beers criteria, Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions version 2 (STOPP v2) criteria, and the Portuguese EU(7)-PIM list and also to analyze the concordance between these criteria.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 1200 Portuguese older adults (≥ 65 years old), users of primary health care. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacological data were collected concerning the period between April 2021 and August 2022.

Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications.

Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging.

Barriers and facilitators of health professionals in adopting digital health-related tools for medication appropriateness: A systematic review.

Objective: Digital health is described as the use and development of all types of digital technologies to improve health outcomes. It could be used to prevent medication errors, a priority for health systems worldwide. However, the adoption of such tools remains slow.

Formulations for Transdermal Delivery: From Hydrogels to Emulsions.

Topical formulations of L. leaf and the optimization of the release of their active compounds and their topical bioavailability were investigated for the first time. In vitro, the release of active compounds from three formulations-an oil-in-water cream and two hydrogels (Carbopol 940 and Pluronic F-127)-was determined using Franz diffusion cells.

Impact of prior use of antiplatelets on COVID-19 susceptibility, progression, and severity: a population-based study.

Introduction And Objectives: Hypercoagulability and thromboembolism are processes that arise from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and are responsible for a high degree of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related morbidity and mortality. This study sought to assess the effect of antiplatelet drugs on COVID-19 severity (risk of hospitalization and mortality), susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, and progression to severe COVID-19.

Methods: We conducted a population-based case-control study in a northwestern region of Spain in 2020.

Magnitude and Determinants of Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Among Portuguese Older Adults in Primary Health Care.

Purpose: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with several adverse effects of particular concern in older populations. Their use for a period longer than 8 weeks is not recommended for older adults. Strategies to discontinue PPIs have been offered; however, their use remains high.

Understanding vaccination hesitation among health professionals: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Objectives: In terms of vaccination, people trust healthcare professionals (HCPs) more than any other source of information. They are the cornerstone of vaccination as they can move undecided populations not only towards vaccination but also towards non-vaccination. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and barriers associated with own vaccination and patient recommendation in HCPs.

Pediatric Drug Development: Reviewing Challenges and Opportunities by Tracking Innovative Therapies.

The paradigm of pediatric drug development has been evolving in a "carrot-and-stick"-based tactic to address population-specific issues. However, the off-label prescription of adult medicines to pediatric patients remains a feature of clinical practice, which may compromise the age-appropriate evaluation of treatments. Therefore, the United States and the European Pediatric Formulation Initiative have recommended applying nanotechnology-based delivery systems to tackle some of these challenges, particularly applying inorganic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanoparticles.

Colorectal cancer cell exosome and cytoplasmic membrane for homotypic delivery of therapeutic molecules.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The multi-drug resistance, especially in metastatic colorectal cancer, drives the development of new strategies that secure a positive outcome and reduce undesirable side effects. Nanotechnology has made an impact in addressing some pharmacokinetic and safety issues related to administration of free therapeutic agents.

Effect of dapagliflozin on COVID-19 infection and risk of hospitalization.

Background: Dapagliflozin has been proposed as a potential treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by reducing cytokine production and inflammation. However, there are limited data on its effectiveness. We aimed to evaluate the impact of dapagliflozin on COVID-19 severity (including hospitalization risk, ICU admission, in-hospital death and progression to severe COVID-19) and its potential on susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.

Outpatient atorvastatin use and severe COVID-19 outcomes: A population-based study.

Evidence of the effect of statins on patients with coronavirus disease (2019) COVID-19 is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between chronic use of statins-both overall and by active ingredient-and severe outcomes of COVID-19 (risk of hospitalization and mortality), progression to severe outcomes, and susceptibility to the virus. We conducted a population-based case-control study with data from electronic records to assess the risk of (1) hospitalization: cases were patients admitted due to COVID-19 and controls were subjects without COVID-19; (2) mortality: cases were hospitalized patients who died due to COVID-19 and controls were subjects without COVID-19; (3) progression: cases were hospitalized COVID-19 subjects and controls were nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients; and (4) susceptibility: cases were patients with COVID-19 (both hospitalized and nonhospitalized) and controls were subjects without COVID-19.