The Role of Exosomes in Medical Dermatology: Literature Review and Update.

Background: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, composed of a phospholipid bilayer, that are primarily derived from stem cells. The contents of exosomes can be incorporated into the tissue in which they are introduced, which presents a unique therapeutic option.

Aims: Exosomes have been investigated as a treatment for a number of medical ailments, but the literature supporting these indications is inconclusive.

Exosomes: Historical Evolution and Emerging Roles in Dermatology.

Background: Exosomes are a nanoscale extracellular vesicles derived from different cell types that have been investigated for various clinical applications, including functioning as biomarkers and use as direct therapeutics. Given the role of exosomes in multiple pathophysiologic pathways and potential practical applications, they have garnered significant interest in the scientific community but much is still unknown about their development and use.

Aims: This literature review covers the background, mechanisms of action, use as biomarkers, methods of application, and direct therapeutic applications of exosomes.

Exosomes for Aesthetic Dermatology: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Update.

Background: Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles derived from various cell types and tissues that have many potential applications, generating great interest from researchers. One particularly intriguing application of exosomes is their use as a direct therapeutic for aesthetic indications. Several studies and case reports have explored the impact of exosomes for numerous cosmetic concerns but a consensus on the outcomes of these studies has not been established.

Cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab as an adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma post-nephrectomy in Switzerland.

Aims: Pembrolizumab has demonstrated significantly prolonged disease-free survival and overall survival (OS) among adult patients post-nephrectomy who have an intermediate-high risk, high-risk, or M1 stage with no evidence of disease (M1 NED) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with clear cell component. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab for patients with RCC post-nephrectomy versus observation in Switzerland.

Materials And Methods: A previously published Markov model was adapted for the Swiss setting to estimate the cost-effectiveness of adjuvant pembrolizumab versus observation from the Swiss statutory health insurance perspective.

Correction: Poison to promise: The resurgence of organophosphorus fluoride chemistry.

[This corrects the article PMC11212144.].

Poison to Promise: The Resurgence of Organophosphorus Fluoride Chemistry.

Organophosphorus(V) fluorides have a long and tumultuous history, with early applications as toxins and nerve agents reflecting their poisonous past. Behind these very real safety considerations, there is also growing potential in a wide range of fields, from chemical biology to drug development. The recent inclusion of organophosphorus(V) fluorides in click chemistry exemplifies the promise these compounds possess and brings these molecules to the brink of a resurgence.

Use of metamizole and other non-opioid analgesics in Switzerland between 2014 and 2019: an observational study using a large health insurance claims database.

Objective: To investigate claims patterns for metamizole and other non-opioid analgesics in Switzerland. To characterise users of these non-opioid analgesics regarding sex, age, comedications and canton of residence.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using administrative claims data of outpatient prescribed non-opioid analgesics of the Swiss health insurance company Helsana between January 2014 and December 2019.

The Itchy Truth About Scabies: A Case of Asymptomatic Carrier Transmission and Treatment Failure.

Scabies, a common and highly contagious skin infestation, is caused by the mite var. . Identifying individuals with scabies often poses a diagnostic challenge, as its clinical features resemble other dermatologic conditions such as drug reactions, atopic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.

Bullous Pemphigoid and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DQA1: A Systematic Review.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease that mainly affects the elderly. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is believed to be one of the genetic factors involved in the development of BP. The connection between major histocompatibility complex class II, specifically HLA-DQA1, and BP remains inconclusive.

Cost-effectiveness of a structured medication review approach for multimorbid older adults: Within-trial analysis of the OPERAM study.

Background: Inappropriate polypharmacy has been linked with adverse outcomes in older, multimorbid adults. OPERAM is a European cluster-randomized trial aimed at testing the effect of a structured pharmacotherapy optimization intervention on preventable drug-related hospital admissions in multimorbid adults with polypharmacy aged 70 years or older. Clinical results of the trial showed a pattern of reduced drug-related hospital admissions, but without statistical significance.

Utilisation patterns and costs of lipid-lowering drugs in Switzerland 2013-2019.

Objective: To analyse utilisation patterns of lipid-lowering drugs and the related costs in Switzerland between the years 2013 and 2019.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using administrative claims data of persons aged ≥18 years enrolled with the health insurance company Helsana. To enable statements at the Swiss population level, results were extrapolated according to age, sex and canton of residence.

Cost Effectiveness and Budget Impact of Siponimod Compared to Interferon Beta-1a in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis with Active Disease in Switzerland.

Objective: The study aim was to evaluate the cost effectiveness and budget impact of siponimod compared to interferon beta-1a for adult patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) with active disease, from a Swiss health insurance perspective.

Methods: We conducted an analysis using a Markov cohort model with a cycle length of 1 year, life-long time horizon, and discount rate of 3% for cost and health outcomes. We used a matching-adjusted indirect comparison to estimate clinical outcomes using data from the EXPAND randomised controlled trial of siponimod vs placebo and the Nordic SPMS randomised controlled trial of interferon beta-1a vs placebo as the basis for estimates of disability progression and relapse outcomes.

Coverage rates and timeliness of nationally recommended vaccinations in Swiss preschool children: A descriptive analysis using claims data.

Background: Low vaccination coverage as well as incomplete and delayed vaccinations pose a risk for the individual and population protection from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Aim: To describe vaccination patterns for nationally recommended basic and supplementary vaccinations in Swiss preschool children.

Methods: We performed a descriptive study based on administrative claims data from a large Swiss health insurer (Helsana), in cohorts of children born between January 2010 and December 2016.

Economic evaluation of a novel genetic screening test for risk of venous thromboembolism compared with standard of care in women considering combined hormonal contraception in Switzerland.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of the Pill Protect (PP) genetic screening test for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk compared with standard of care (SoC), for women considering combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in Switzerland.

Methods: A two-part microsimulation model was developed to estimate VTE events, costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with the PP and SoC strategies. In the first portion of the model, a cohort of 1 million Swiss first-time seekers of a CHC were simulated.

Drug prescription patterns, polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication in Swiss nursing homes: a descriptive analysis based on claims data.

Background: To date, comprehensive data on drug utilisation in Swiss nursing homes are lacking.

Objective: To describe drug prescription patterns, polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in Swiss nursing home residents (NHR).

Methods: Using administrative claims data provided by the Swiss health insurance company Helsana, we assessed drug claims and drug costs in 2016 in individuals aged ≥65 years and insured with Helsana, who were either NHR or living in the community (reference group, RG).

A scoping review shows that several nonvalidated budget planning tools for randomized trials are available.

Objectives: We aimed to provide a systematic overview of freely available tools which may help plan or monitor costs for randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Study Design And Setting: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EconLit and conducted internet searches via Google (last search, October 2018). We included all freely available tools and determined their specific purpose, which parts of clinical trial projects and which types of costs they covered, and if they were user-tested or validated in any form.

Resource use, costs, and approval times for planning and preparing a randomized clinical trial before and after the implementation of the new Swiss human research legislation.

Background: The preparation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) requires substantial resources and the administrative processes can be burdensome. To facilitate the conduct of RCTs it is important to better understand cost drivers. In January 2014 the enactment of the new Swiss Legislation on Human Research (LHR) considerably changed the regulatory framework in Switzerland.

A longitudinal review of national HIV policy and progress made in health facility implementation in Eastern Zimbabwe.

Background: In recent years, WHO has made major changes to its guidance on the provision of HIV care and treatment services. We conducted a longitudinal study from 2013 to 2015 to establish how these changes have been translated into national policy in Zimbabwe and to measure progress in implementation within local health facilities.

Methods: National HIV programme policy guidelines published between 2003 and 2013 (n = 9) and 2014 and 2015 (n = 5) were reviewed to assess adoption of WHO recommendations on HIV testing services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, and provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Cost-effectiveness of everolimus-eluting versus bare-metal stents in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: An analysis from the EXAMINATION randomized controlled trial.

Background: Use of everolimus-eluting stents (EES) has proven to be clinically effective and safe in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction but it remains unclear whether it is cost-effective compared to bare-metal stents (BMS) in the long-term. We sought to assess the cost-effectiveness of EES versus BMS based on the 5-year results of the EXAMINATION trial, from a Spanish health service perspective.

Methods: Decision analysis of the use of EES versus BMS was based on the patient-level clinical outcome data of the EXAMINATION trial.

Retrospective assessment of resource use and costs in two investigator-initiated randomized trials exemplified a comprehensive cost item list.

Objectives: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are costly and published information on resource requirements for their conduct is limited. To identify key factors for making RCTs more sustainable, empirical data on resource use and associated costs are needed. We aimed to retrospectively assess resource use and detailed costs of two academic, investigator-initiated RCTs using a comprehensive list of cost items.

Systematic review on costs and resource use of randomized clinical trials shows a lack of transparent and comprehensive data.

Objectives: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are costly. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the available evidence on resource use and costs for RCTs to support budget planning.

Study Design And Setting: We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and HealthSTAR from inception until November 30, 2016 without language restrictions.

Spatial patterns of HIV prevalence and service use in East Zimbabwe: implications for future targeting of interventions.

Introduction: Focusing resources for HIV control on geographic areas of greatest need in countries with generalized epidemics has been recommended to increase cost-effectiveness. However, socioeconomic inequalities between areas of high and low prevalence could raise equity concerns and have been largely overlooked. We describe spatial patterns in HIV prevalence in east Zimbabwe and test for inequalities in accessibility and uptake of HIV services prior to the introduction of spatially-targeted programmes.

Prevalence and Associations of Psychological Distress, HIV Infection and HIV Care Service Utilization in East Zimbabwe.

The correlation between mental health and sexual risk behaviours for HIV infection remains largely unknown in low and middle income settings. The present study determined the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) in a sub-Saharan African population with a generalized HIV epidemic, and investigated associations with HIV acquisition risk and uptake of HIV services using data from a cross-sectional survey of 13,252 adults. PD was measured using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire.

The relationship between parental education and children's schooling in a time of economic turmoil: The case of East Zimbabwe, 2001 to 2011.

Using data collected from 1998 to 2011 in a general population cohort study in eastern Zimbabwe, we describe education trends and the relationship between parental education and children's schooling during the Zimbabwean economic collapse of the 2000s. During this period, the previously-rising trend in education stalled, with girls suffering disproportionately; however, female enrolment increased as the economy began to recover. Throughout the period, children with more educated parents continued to have better outcomes such that, at the population level, an underlying increase in the proportion of children with more educated parents may have helped to maintain the upwards education trend.

Rising Levels of HIV Infection in Older Adults in Eastern Zimbabwe.

Background: With the scale-up of antiretroviral treatment across Africa, many people are living longer with HIV. Understanding the ageing of the HIV cohort and sexual behaviour among older adults are important for appropriately responding to the changing demographics of people living with HIV.

Methods: We used data from a large population-based open cohort in eastern Zimbabwe to examine HIV prevalence trends and incidence among those aged 45 years and older.