COVID-19 Vaccination Response in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Ofatumumab in the United States: A Medical Record Review.

Introduction: Real-world data are required to provide a greater understanding of the impact of ofatumumab on the ability to mount an effective immune response following the receipt of approved COVID-19 vaccinations. This retrospective real-world analysis aimed to describe the humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccination during ofatumumab treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Data from patients with MS treated with ofatumumab who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 infection were abstracted from medical charts at four clinical sites in the USA.

Patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes among black and white patients with multiple myeloma initiating daratumumab: A real-world chart review study.

Background: Daratumumab was approved for multiple myeloma (MM) in 2015. While its safety and efficacy are well documented, there is limited real-world information on its use and outcomes in patients of different races.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients with MM initiating daratumumab in any line of therapy (LOT) between November 2015 and May 2020.

Treatment patterns and effectiveness of patients with multiple myeloma initiating Daratumumab across different lines of therapy: a real-world chart review study.

Background: Daratumumab, a CD38 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated efficacy as monotherapy and combination therapy across several indications, both among newly-diagnosed and refractory patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is limited evidence on treatment patterns and effectiveness of daratumumab in the real-world setting, particularly in first line (1 L). This study aimed to describe real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes among patients initiating daratumumab across different lines of therapy.

Statin dose titration patterns and subsequent major cardiovascular events in very high-risk patients: estimates from Swedish population-based registry data.

Aims: Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of intensive statin therapy in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) events. Our objective was to examine statin titration patterns and the association between titration patterns and subsequent CV events in very high-risk patients.

Methods And Results: Using Swedish national population-based registry data, we identified 192 435 patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic CV disease initiated on moderate-intensity statin therapy between 2006 and 2013.

Treatment and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Management in Patients Diagnosed With Clinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Alberta.

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important indicator in the development and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Herein, we describe the management of LDL-C with lipid-lowering therapy, among patients diagnosed with clinical ASCVD in Alberta, Canada.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by linking multiple health system databases to examine clinical characteristics, treatments, and LDL-C assessments.

Comparison of Recommendations and Use of Cardiovascular Risk Equations by Health Technology Assessment Agencies and Clinical Guidelines.

Objectives: To identify risk equations for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in primary and secondary prevention settings that are used or recommended by health technology assessment (HTA) organizations and in clinical guidelines (CGs).

Methods: A targeted literature review was conducted using a two-stage search strategy. First, HTA reviews of manufacturers' drug submissions, reports from established HTA organizations (Europe, Canada, and Australia), and CGs from countries with and without HTA organizations, including the United States, were identified.

Cardiovascular event rates in a high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk population: estimates from Swedish population-based register data.

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the rate of cardiovascular (CV) events in the real world in patients at high risk of recurrent CV events similar to the FOURIER trial population.

Methods And Results: A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using Swedish national registers from 1 July 2001 to 31 December 2015. Patients in the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevalent cohort met the FOURIER-like inclusion criteria, including treatment with high/moderate-intensity statins, on 1 July 2006.

Treatment patterns and healthcare resource utilization among patients with hereditary angioedema in the United States.

Background: Real-world data on usage and associated outcomes with hereditary angioedema (HAE)-specific medications introduced to the United States (US) market since 2009 are very limited. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate real-world treatment patterns of HAE-specific medications in the US and to assess their impact on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU). This analysis used IMS PharMetrics PlusTM database records (2006-2014) of patients with HAE, ≥1 insurance claim for an HAE-specific medication, and continuous insurance enrollment for ≥3 months following the first HAE prescription claim.

Real-world treatment patterns of PCSK9 inhibitors among patients with dyslipidemia in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Objective: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 antibody inhibitors (PCSK9i) are approved as adjuncts to maximal tolerated statin therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This study describes real-world use, characteristics of PCSK9i users and non-users, and factors influencing treatment choice.

Methods: A physician and patient survey was conducted in Germany, Spain, and the UK from December 2016 to April 2017 through the Adelphi Dyslipidemia Disease Specific Program.

Impact of a Care Management Entity on Use of Psychiatric Services Among Youths With Severe Mental or Behavioral Disorders.

Objective: Care management entity models have a positive impact on functioning and symptom control among youths with serious emotional and behavioral disorders. However, little is known about whether treatment benefits are sustained after discharge. The study objective was to examine the association between enrollment in a care management entity and mental health outcomes during the year after discharge.

Quality-Adjusted Survival With nab-Paclitaxel Versus Standard Paclitaxel in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Q-TWiST Analysis.

Background: In this analysis we compared quality-adjusted survival outcomes between nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) and standard paclitaxel (Pac) using data from the nab-P phase III registration trial in metastatic breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: Quality-adjusted overall survival was estimated using the quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q-TWiST) approach. Overall survival was partitioned into time without progression/Grade ≥ 3 adverse events (AEs) toxicity (TWiST), time with Grade ≥ 3 AE toxicity (TOX), and time after relapse (REL).

Psychotropic Polypharmacy Among Youths With Serious Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Receiving Coordinated Care Services.

Objective: The study examined differences in psychotropic polypharmacy among youths with serious emotional and behavioral disorders who received coordinated care services (CCS) that used a wraparound model and a matched sample of youths who received traditional services.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design compared psychotropic polypharmacy one year before and one year after discharge from CCS. The cohort was youths with serious emotional and behavioral disorders who were enrolled in CCS from December 2009 through May 2014.

Treatment patterns and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients receiving high- or moderate-intensity statins.

Background: European clinical guidelines recommend a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of < 70 mg/dL. Statin use varies and past studies suggest low rates of real-world goal attainment. This study describes LDL-C goal attainment among atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) patients with various utilization patterns of moderate- or high-intensity statins in routine care.

Impact of Coordinated Behavioral Health Management on Quality Measures of Antipsychotic Use.

A state Care Management Entity (CME) using the wraparound practice model provided intensive care coordination for youth with severe mental illness, those most likely to receive antipsychotics. The model has led to improved clinical/functional outcomes, but little is known about the impact on antipsychotic prescribing and safety monitoring. A pre-post study was conducted to evaluate antipsychotic dosing, concomitant antipsychotic use, and metabolic monitoring among CME-enrolled and non-CME-enrolled comparison groups.

A National Survey of State Medicaid Psychotropic-Monitoring Programs Targeting Youths.

Objective: This study aimed to describe state Medicaid psychotropic-monitoring programs targeting youths.

Methods: Key informants from each state Medicaid administration and the District of Columbia were invited to participate in a telephone-administered survey designed to assess the implementation strategies of the state psychotropic-monitoring program. Data were collected from August 2011 through December 2012.

The Prognostic Value of Platelet Count in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Thrombocytopenia has been acknowledged to be a crucial risk factor for cirrhosis formation and hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic liver diseases. However, to date, the association between platelet count (PLT) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains inconsistent and controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine whether PLT could be used as a useful predictor of survival in patients with HCC.

Thrombocytopenia for prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: To investigate the association between thrombocytopenia and relapse after treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases to obtain eligible studies. The hazard ratios (HRs) values and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled by random effects model.

Overexpression of PSF1 is correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Background: PSF1 is a subunit of the GINS complex which is essential for establishment of DNA replication forks, and the progression of the replisome. Previous studies have shown a close relationship between PSF1 and cell cycle in the proliferation of immature cells as well as tumors. The purpose of this study was to measure PSF1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, and determine the effects of down-regulation of PSF1 expression on growth of cancer cells, the cell cycle, apoptosis and cell invasiveness.

Age-related trends in psychotropic medication use among very young children in foster care.

Objectives: The specific objectives were to investigate changes in the prevalence of psychotropic medication use for each year increase in age from three to six years old among children in foster care and to examine time-varying odds of longer duration of use by each year of age.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of data on mental health and pharmacy services was conducted for 1,491 children age six and younger who were in foster care in 2010 and had at least 365 days in foster care during 2009-2011. A total of 178 children received at least one psychotropic medication from 2009 through 2011.

Protective role of hydrogen-rich water on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats.

Aim: To investigate the role of the hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in the prevention of aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats.

Methods: Forty male rats were allocated into four groups: normal control group, HRW group, aspirin group, and HRW plus aspirin group. The protective efficacy was tested by determining the gastric mucosal damage score.

Emodin induces human T cell apoptosis in vitro by ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Aim: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects of emodin isolated from Rheum palmatum L.

Methods: Human T cells were isolated from the peripheral venous blood of 10 healthy adult donors. Cell viability was analyzed with MTT assay.

Potential therapeutic targets for the primary gallbladder carcinoma: estrogen receptors.

Gallbladder carcinoma, the most frequent malignant neoplasm of the biliary tract system, has always been considered to feature late clinical presentation and diagnosis, limited treatment options and an extremely poor prognosis. In recent years, while the incidence of gallbladder cancer has appeared to be on the increase, the available treatment methods have not greatly improved survival of the affected patients. Thus, exploring new therapeutic targets for this devastating disease is an urgent matter at present.