The High Cost of the Legal Route in Public Health: The Impact of the Judicialization of Medicines in the Municipal Unified Health System in Campinas.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the costs and factors associated with the judicialization of medicines for the municipal Unified Health System in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, from 2017 to 2021.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used data provided by the Municipal Health Department of Campinas and the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo.

Results: The sample comprised 506 medicines (322 active substances) and 493 legal cases.

Artificial intelligence applied in human health technology assessment: a scoping review protocol.

Objective: This scoping review aims to map studies that applied artificial intelligence (AI) tools to perform health technology assessment tasks in human health care. The review also aims to understand specific processes in which the AI tools were applied and to comprehend the technical characteristics of these tools.

Introduction: Health technology assessment is a complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive endeavor.

Evaluation of drug litigation against the Campinas municipal health system from 2017 to 2021.

In Brazil, the judicialization of public health for access to medications has resulted in significant challenges to the management of public policies, especially at the municipal level. To evaluate the profile of drug litigations against the Campinas municipal health system from 2017 to 2021, this study analyzed the characteristics of litigants, medicine dispensation, and the timing of court decisions. A quantitative, analytical, and comparative cross-sectional study was conducted using data on the dispensation of 506 types of medications and 493 court cases.

A scoping review of pharmacists' clinical activities and impact on the care of patients with multiple myeloma.

Background: Treating multiple myeloma is complex, and providing supportive care through an interdisciplinary approach is essential.

Aim: To report and synthesize pharmacists' clinical activities and impact on the care of patients with multiple myeloma.

Method: This was a scoping review that followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting recommendations.

Resident pharmacist participation in shared medical appointments in palliative care in São Paulo, Brazil: experience and contributions.

Objective: To describe the resident pharmacist's participation in Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) in palliative care.

Methods: The resident pharmacist participated in face-to-face SMA with the attending physician, medical and gerontology students, and a nurse.

Key Findings: The resident pharmacist supported interdisciplinary discussions and performed pharmaceutical interventions.

Genetic Variants in the and Gene Drug Transporters Involved in Gefitinib-Associated Adverse Reaction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to verify the association between the genetic variants of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 () and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 () genes and the presence and severity of gefitinib-associated adverse reactions. We systematically searched PubMed, Virtual Health Library/Bireme, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published up to February 2024. In total, five studies were included in the review.

Lenalidomide or Thalidomide for Transplant-Ineligible Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma? An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Objectives: To present an overview of evidence of efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life of lenalidomide or thalidomide for transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma.

Methods: A literature search was performed in 5 databases until July 2022. We included systematic reviews with network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on the use of lenalidomide compared with thalidomide for transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma.

Key performance indicators for pharmaceutical services: A systematic review.

Background: Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a set of indicators that improve the quality of services provided by pharmacists. They enable the monitoring and evaluation of result progress and optimize decision-making for stakeholders. Currently, there is no systematic review regarding KPIs for pharmaceutical services.

Toward inclusive health care: Pharmacists' perceptions on academic preparedness and health care provision for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Background: The community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities (LGBTQIA+), comprising sexual and gender minorities, frequently encounters violence, discrimination, and numerous obstacles in accessing health care services. Pharmacists have the potential to significantly contribute to the health care provision for this community.

Objective: To assess pharmacists' perceptions regarding academic preparedness and health care provision for the LGBTQIA+ community in Brazil.

Role of pharmacist in the management of Hansen's Disease: A scoping review.

Background: Stakeholders and healthcare professionals have an essential role in the elimination of Hansen's Disease. Of these, pharmacists provide core services that assist the management of these patients with the supply of medicines and clinical actions.

Objectives: To summarize evidence on the role of pharmacist in the management of Hansen's Disease.

Prevalence and incidence of depressive symptoms in pharmacy students: A systematic review.

Background: Pharmacy students are at high risk of developing depressive symptoms that can adversely influence their professional future. However, there are no summarized data on the subject.

Objective: To summarize the prevalence and incidence of depressive symptoms in pharmacy students.

Assessment of Renal Function in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Cisplatin: Different Biomarkers and Acute Kidney Injury Classifications.

Cisplatin is associated with dose-limiting nephrotoxicity, and the timely detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) can affect morbimortality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the tools for monitoring renal function in AKI. This was a retrospective, cohort study.

Influence of Genetic Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Trazodone Hydrochloride: A Scoping Review and Future Perspective.

Background: Trazodone hydrochloride is an antidepressant used in clinical practice. As a substrate of cytochrome P450 enzymes that is vulnerable to P-glycoprotein transport, several factors can alter its plasma concentration, and hence, dose adjustment may be required. The aim of this scoping review was to identify genetic polymorphisms that influence the pharmacokinetics of trazodone hydrochloride.

BCG vaccine safety in COVID-19 convalescent adults: BATTLE a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The safety of BCG revaccination is uncertain and there is no data on its use in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: COVID-19 convalescent adults confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in South-America were 1:1 randomized in the first 14 days of symptoms to BCG intradermal vaccine or placebo and evaluated for adverse events on days 7, 14, 21, and beyond 40 days.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04369794.

Use of cannabis in the treatment of animals: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

Cannabis is used in the treatment of several human conditions; however, its use is still less explored in veterinary medicine. This systematic review aims to summarize the evidence of efficacy and safety of the use of cannabis for the treatment of animal disease. A literature search was performed for studies published until 16 March 2021 in five databases.

Contribution of MicroRNAs in Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in the Top Five Deadliest Cancer: An Updated Review.

Cisplatin (DDP) is a well-known anticancer drug used for the treatment of numerous human cancers in solid organs, including bladder, breast, cervical, head and neck squamous cell, ovarian, among others. Its most important mode of action is the DNA-platinum adducts formation, inducing DNA damage response, silencing or activating several genes to induce apoptosis; these mechanisms result in genetics and epigenetics modifications. The ability of DDP to induce tumor cell death is often challenged by the presence of anti-apoptotic regulators, leading to chemoresistance, wherein many patients who have or will develop DDP-resistance.

Off-Label Use of Ceftazidime-Avibactam in a Premature Infant With Multidrug-Resistant Infection: A Case Report.

PurposeThe emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a major public health threat. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) provides a new option for treating infections caused by most beta-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in infants older than three months. However, treatment options are extremely limited, with no safety data available for preterm neonates.

Differentially expressed plasmatic microRNAs in Brazilian patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): preliminary results.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is known that host microRNAs (miRNAs) can be modulated to favor viral infection or to protect the host. Herein, we report preliminary results of a study aiming at identifying differentially expressed plasmatic miRNAs in Brazilian patients with COVID-19.

Role of clinical pharmacist in the palliative care of adults and elderly patients with cancer: A scoping review.

Objective: We conducted this scoping review to map and summarize scientific evidence on the role of clinical pharmacists in the palliative care of adults and elderly patients with cancer.

Data Sources: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed Central, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and BVS/BIREME for studies published until November 22nd, 2020. Studies that reported work experiences adopted by clinical pharmacists in the palliative care of adults and elderly patients with cancer were included.

Dysregulated MicroRNAs as Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets in Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to map out and summarize scientific evidence on dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) that can be possible biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cisplatin nephrotoxicity and have already been tested in humans, animals, or cells. In addition, an in silico analysis of the two miRNAs found to be dysregulated in the majority of studies was performed. A literature search was performed using eight databases for studies published up to 4 July 2021.

Role of miRNAs as biomarkers of COVID-19: a scoping review of the status and future directions for research in this field.

miRNAs are potential biomarkers of several diseases. This review aimed to identify the miRNAs that could serve as biomarkers of COVID-19. A literature search of nine databases was carried out for studies published before 13 June 2021 that described dysregulated miRNAs in cells or animals infected by SARS-CoV-2 or in patients with COVID-19.

Use of ketamine and esketamine for depression: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analyses.

Purpose: To summarize the evidence of efficacy and safety of the use of ketamine and esketamine for depression.

Methods: A literature search was performed in Medline, the Cochrane Library, LILACS, and CRD until November 2020. We included systematic reviews with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on the use of ketamine and esketamine in adult patients with depression.

Adverse reactions and adherence to capecitabine: A prospective study in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Introduction: Capecitabine is an oral anticancer drug which can cause some adverse reactions and the great challenge for its use is to ensure the medication adherence. The aim of this study was to analyze adverse reactions and adherence to capecitabine in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods: A prospective study was performed in a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil.

Role of pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.

Background: Since the start of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in December 2019, pharmacists worldwide are playing a key role adopting innovative strategies to minimize the adverse impact of the pandemic.

Objectives: To identify and describe core services provided by the pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS for studies published between December 1st, 2019 and May 20th, 2020 without language restriction.