Sauchinone preserves cardiac function in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Background: Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) is characterized by severe myocardial damage that can progress to dilated cardiomyopathy and potentially lead to heart failure. No effective prevention or treatment strategies are available for DIC. Sauchinone, a diastereomeric lignan isolated from Saururus chinensis, is known for its notable anti-inflammatory effects.

NFAT5 exacerbates β-cell ferroptosis by suppressing the transcription of PRDX2 in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pancreatic β-cell damage is a critical pathological mechanism in the progression of obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. We established an obese T2DM mouse model via high-fat diet feeding.

ISG15 increases the apoptosis of β cells in type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by hyperglycemia caused by the destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Viral infection is an important environmental factor which is associated with the islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals. Loss of β-cells and triggering of insulitis following viral infection could result from several non-exclusive mechanisms.

Exogenous Spermidine Alleviated Low-Temperature Damage by Affecting Polyamine Metabolism and Antioxidant Levels in Apples.

Low-temperature stress significantly limits the growth, development, and geographical distribution of apple cultivation. Spermidine (Spd), a known plant growth regulator, plays a vital role in the plant's response to abiotic stress. Yet, the mechanisms by which exogenous Spd enhances cold resistance in apples remain poorly understood.

Screening of Tnfaip1-Interacting Proteins in Zebrafish Embryonic cDNA Libraries Using a Yeast Two-Hybrid System.

TNFAIP1 regulates cellular biological functions, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell cycle, by binding to target proteins. Identification of Tnfaip1-interacting proteins contributes to the understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms of their biological functions. In this study, 48 hpf, 72 hpf, and 96 hpf wild-type zebrafish embryo mRNAs were used to construct yeast cDNA library.

Comparison of the molecular mechanisms of Fuzi Lizhong Pill and Huangqin decoction in the treatment of the cold and heat syndromes of ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology.

Objective: The aim of this study was to illuminate the similarities and differences of two prescriptions as "cold" and "heat" drugs for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) with the simultaneous occurrence of heat and cold syndrome via network pharmacology.

Methods: (1) Active compounds of Fuzi-Lizhong Pill (FLP) and Huangqin Decoction (HQT) were retrieved from the TCMSP database, and their common active compounds were compared using the Venn diagram. (2) Potential proteins targeted to three sets of compounds either (i) shared by FLP and HQT, (ii) unique to FLP or (iii) unique to HQT were screened from the STP, STITCH and TCMSP databases, and three corresponding core compound sets were identified in Herb-Compound-Target (H-C-T) networks.

COVID-19 pandemic and trends in new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: A nationwide analysis of claims data.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a five-fold increased risk of stroke and a two-fold increased risk of death. We aimed to quantify changes in new diagnoses of AF following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigating changes in new diagnoses of AF is of relevance because delayed diagnosis interferes with timely treatment to prevent stroke, heart failure, and death.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Drug Solubilization Behavior in Surfactant and Cosolvent Injections.

Surfactants and cosolvents are often combined to solubilize insoluble drugs in commercially available intravenous formulations to achieve better solubilization. In this study, six marketed parenteral formulations with surfactants and cosolvents were investigated on the aggregation processes of micelles, the structural characterization of micelles, and the properties of solvent using molecular dynamics simulations. The addition of cosolvents resulted in better hydration of the core and palisade regions of micelles and an increase in both radius of gyration (R) and the solvent accessible surface area (SASA), causing a rise in critical micelle concentration (CMC), which hindered the phase separation of micelles.

Association of Research and Development Investments With Treatment Costs for New Drugs Approved From 2009 to 2018.

Importance: Drug companies frequently claim that high prices are needed to recoup spending on research and development. If high research and development costs justified high drug prices, then an association between these 2 measures would be expected.

Objective: To examine the association between treatment costs and research and development investments for new therapeutic agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2009 to 2018.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on adversity in individuals receiving anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation: A nationally representative administrative health claims analysis.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with clinical adversity, including increased hospitalization and bleeding and stroke events. We examined the effect of the SARS-2 Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on such events in individuals with AF receiving oral anticoagulation.

Methods: We employed medical and pharmacy claims spanning 2018-2020 from a nationally representative U.

COVID-19 and Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation: An Analysis of US Nationwide Pharmacy Claims Data.

Background Adherence to oral anticoagulation (OAC) is critical for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted access to such therapy. We hypothesized that our analysis of a US nationally representative pharmacy claims database would identify increased incidence of lapses in OAC refills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety concerns reported by consumers, manufacturers and healthcare professionals: A detailed evaluation of opioid-related adverse drug reactions in the FDA database over 15 years.

To perform an in-depth analysis of opioid-related ADRs reported by consumers, manufacturers and healthcare professionals. Delving into the depth and breadth of reported opioid-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) provides an opportunity to strategize better clinical management and alleviate safety concerns. Retrospective pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis for opioid-related ADRs in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database was performed.

Comparison of Oral Anticoagulant Use and Stroke Risk Among Older Adults Newly-Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation Living in Urban-Versus-Rural Areas.

We aimed to assess the association between urban/rural residence and the risk of ischemic stroke in individuals with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF), and to quantify the role of oral anticoagulation (OAC) initiation in the variation in stroke risk between urban and rural residents with AF. Using 5% random samples of Medicare claims, we identified fee-for-service beneficiaries who were diagnosed with AF between January 2014 and December 2015. Beneficiaries were followed for 1 year since their AF diagnosis, and were categorized according to their initiation of OAC within the year.

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Events in Patients on Antidementia Medications.

Objective: To identify characteristics associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) and treated with antidementia medications.

Methods: Demographics, diagnoses, and medication usage of 30 433 Medicare patients were analyzed using 2006 to 2013 claims data and a combined model of screening, ranking and stepwise logistic regressions to evaluate factors associated with composite outcomes of 6 cardiovascular events.

Results: Incidence rate of at least 1 cardiovascular event was 25.

Impact of deprescribing AChEIs on aggressive behaviors and antipsychotic prescribing.

Introduction: We evaluated the impact of deprescribing acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) on aggressive behaviors and incident antipsychotic use in nursing home (NH) residents with severe dementia.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of Medicare claims, Part D, Minimum Data Set for NH residents aged 65+ with severe dementia receiving AChEIs in 2016. Aggressive behaviors were measured using the aggressive behavior scale (ABS; n = 30,788).

Continuing education for systematic reviews: a prospective longitudinal assessment of a workshop for librarians.

Objective: This prospective, longitudinal study explored the impact of a continuing education class on librarians' knowledge levels about and professional involvement with systematic reviews. Barriers to systematic review participation and the presence of formal systematic review services in libraries were also measured.

Methods: Participants completed web-based surveys at three points in time: pre-class, post-class, and six-months' follow-up.

Effectiveness and Safety of Restarting Oral Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation after an Intracranial Hemorrhage: Analysis of Medicare Part D Claims Data from 2010-2016.

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who survive an anticoagulant-related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), the benefits of restarting oral anticoagulation (OAC) remain unclear.

Objective: In this study, we sought to determine the effectiveness and safety associated with resumption of OAC in atrial fibrillation patients who survive an ICH.

Methods: Using 2010-2016 Medicare claims data, we identified patients with non-valvular AF who experienced an OAC-related ICH and survived at least 6 weeks after the ICH (n = 1502).

Risk for Health Events After Deprescribing Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Nursing Home Residents With Severe Dementia.

Background/objective: Reevaluation of the appropriateness of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) is recommended in older adults with severe dementia, given the lack of strong evidence to support their continued effectiveness and risk for medication-induced adverse events. We sought to evaluate the impact of deprescribing AChEIs on risk of all-cause events (hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and mortality) and serious falls or fractures in older nursing home (NH) residents with severe dementia.

Design: Analysis of 2015 to 2016 data from Medicare claims, Part D prescriptions, Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 3.

Adherence to Anticoagulation and Risk of Stroke Among Medicare Beneficiaries Newly Diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) with adherent use of oral anticoagulation (OAC), non-adherent use, and non-use of OAC.

Methods: Using 2013-2016 Medicare claims data, we identified patients newly diagnosed with AF in 2014-2015 and collected prescriptions filled for OAC in the 12 months after AF diagnosis (n = 39,272). We categorized participants each day into three time-dependent exposures: adherent use (≥ 80% of the previous 30 days covered with OAC), non-adherent use (0-80% covered with OAC), and non-use (0%).

Number of manufacturers and generic drug pricing from 2005 to 2017.

Objectives: To evaluate how changes in generic drug prices and the incidence of abrupt price increases varied with the number of manufacturers supplying each drug.

Study Design: Analysis of 2005 to 2016 monthly wholesale acquisition costs (WACs) and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan counts of pharmacy claims for National Drug Codes (NDCs) for generic drugs.

Methods: Each year, NDCs were categorized according to the number of manufacturers offering each combination of active ingredient and dosage form: 1 to 3, 4 to 7, and more than 7.