Expression and Copy Number Alterations Predict Unfavorable Tumor Features and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Breast Cancer.

The role of BRAF in breast cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study is aimed at evaluating the impact of BRAF gene expression and copy number alterations (CNAs) on clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in patients with breast cancer. The Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset was obtained from the cBioPortal public domain.

Suppression of GNAI2 message in ovarian cancer.

Background: Understanding the integration of hormone signaling and how it impacts oncogenesis is critical for improved cancer treatments. Here we elucidate GNAI2 message alterations in ovarian cancer (OvCa). GNAI2 is a heterotrimeric G protein which couples cell surface hormone receptors to intracellular enzymes, and is best characterized for its direct role in regulating cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) function by decreasing intracellular cAMP through inhibiting adenylyl cyclase.

Daptomycin dosing strategies in patients receiving thrice-weekly intermittent hemodialysis.

Objective: To determine the optimal dosing regimen of daptomycin in patients receiving thrice-weekly hemodialysis.

Data Sources: Literature was accessed via PubMed using the terms daptomycin and hemodialysis through July 2013. Reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

An academician preparation program for pharmacy residents.

Objective: To assess the evolution and effectiveness of the Academician Preparation Program to provide knowledge and skills in teaching and evaluating to pharmacy residents, as well as generate interest in academic careers.

Design: Participants attended seminars and participated in additional teaching, precepting, facilitating, and evaluating activities. Residents maintained a teaching portfolio and met with a faculty mentor quarterly to review their progress toward completion of the requirements for the Academician Preparation Program certificate.

Strategies for transitioning therapy to aripiprazole from other antipsychotics in schizophrenia.

Objective: To determine the optimal approach for transitioning therapy to aripiprazole from other antipsychotics in schizophrenia and to describe these strategies.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (January 2000-March 2012) and PubMed (January 2000-March 2012) searches were conducted using the search terms aripiprazole, switch, and switching. Citations from references were reviewed to identify additional primary literature.

Rufinamide: a new antiepileptic medication for the treatment of seizures associated with lennox-gastaut syndrome.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of rufinamide in the treatment of epileptic seizures and describe its potential place in therapy.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (1966-January 2010) and PubMed (1966-January 2010) literature searches were conducted to identify primary literature investigating rufinamide. References from selected publications discussing rufinamide, as well as the package insert, were reviewed.

Prevalence of anemia in clinic patients with heart failure and cost analysis of epoetin treatment.

Study Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia in an outpatient heart failure clinic, describe the type of anemia in patients treated there, and evaluate the potential costs associated with epoetin therapy in this cohort.

Design: Single-center, retrospective cohort analysis (part 1) and a literature-based economic decision analysis (part 2).

Data Source: Medical records from a multidisciplinary, outpatient, heart failure clinic, and published hospitalization and drug-use data.

The effects of pharmacist interventions on patients with polypharmacy.

Polypharmacy, the state of being prescribed or taking more medications than clinically appropriate, can result in a variety of negative outcomes for both patients and healthcare facilities. These include negative outcomes such as adverse drug effects, hospitalizations, and poor patient health, as well as economic outcomes such as increased drug cost and costs associated with increased utilization of health services. Available data suggests pharmacists have the potential to have a large effect in combating this problem through a variety of interventions such as reducing the number of medications taken, reducing the number of doses taken, increasing patient adherence, preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs), improving patient quality of life and decreasing facility and drug costs.