Genome-wide association study of varenicline-aided smoking cessation.

Introduction: Varenicline is an α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist with the highest therapeutic efficacy of any pharmacological smoking cessation aid and a 12-month cessation rate of 26%. Genetic variation may be associated with varenicline response, but to date no genome-wide association studies of varenicline response have been published.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the genetic contribution to varenicline effectiveness using two electronic health record-derived phenotypes.

Complexity of Patient Encounters within a Clinically Integrated Community Pharmacy Network Medicaid Payer Program.

Background: Community pharmacists frequently care for patients with complex medical and social needs; however, specific evidence on pharmacist perceptions of what makes a patient encounter complex has not been clearly characterized. There is a need to better understand specific factors that contribute to patient encounter complexity and demonstrate how pharmacists in community settings care for these individuals.

Objectives: The objectives of this programmatic case study were to: (1) elucidate factors that contributed to patient encounter complexity as a part of a Medicaid Managed Care Organization comprehensive medication management payer program in community pharmacies; and (2) curate a series of patient case vignettes that provide evidence of pharmacists care for patients with complex medical and social needs within community pharmacies.

Act for the Future of Community Pharmacy.

Community pharmacies serve as a vital gateway to primary care and public health, offering face-to-face pharmacist expert care to assure safe and effective medication use. However, they are disappearing at an alarming rate, with 20-30% of all community pharmacy locations projected to close within the next year. The objective of this commentary is to highlight the critical need for systemic reforms and collective action within our profession to address the unique challenges faced by community pharmacies, ensuring their sustainability and continued role in providing essential healthcare services for patients.

Characterising the genetic architecture of changes in adiposity during adulthood using electronic health records.

Obesity is a heritable disease, characterised by excess adiposity that is measured by body mass index (BMI). While over 1,000 genetic loci are associated with BMI, less is known about the genetic contribution to adiposity trajectories over adulthood. We derive adiposity-change phenotypes from 24.

The Novel Use of Bipolar Radiofrequency Microneedling in the Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus.

Introduction: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic, distressing, inflammatory process that has a huge impact on quality of life in women. Uncontrolled vulvar LS can lead to chronic symptoms of itching and pain and can lead to anatomic changes, scarring, and elevated risk of cancer. First-line therapy with corticosteroids is often not successful in controlling symptoms, especially over the long term.