Current medical research and opinion
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Observational Study
Real world utilization of 91-day extended levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptives in Europe: a multinational database study.
As part of the risk management plan in Europe, this study was conducted to characterize drug utilization patterns of Seasonique, a 91 day extended levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptive (COCLNG). ⋯ Findings indicate that 91 day COCLNG was prescribed for relatively short durations and predominantly as indicated for contraception. Most results were comparable across all participating countries. KEY POINTSFindings from this drug utilization study in European databases across general practitioners and French gynecologists confirmed that 91 day extended levonorgestrel-containing combined oral contraceptive (COCLNG) was prescribed for relatively short durations (median 3-6 months); predominantly for the intended indication of contraception.Combined oral contraceptive use during the 6 months prior to 91 day COCLNG initiation, and switching from 91 day COCLNG to combined hormonal contraceptives or other contraceptives, were generally low (14% or less).These findings were mostly consistent across participating countries.
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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global epidemic. According to international guidelines, the management protocol of T2DM includes lowering of blood glucose, along with preventing disease-related complications and maintaining optimal quality of life. Further, the guidelines recommend the use of a patient-centric approaches for the management of T2DM; however, Asian population is underrepresented in landmark cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs). ⋯ Modern SUs as a class of OADs that have demonstrated optimal glucodynamics in terms of glucoconfidence, glucosafety, and gluconomics. Hence, modern SUs are most suitable second line drug after metformin for developing countries. Based on the current evidence, we recommend a glucocratic approach for the treatment of T2DM, where an individualized treatment plan with phenotype, lifestyle, environmental, social, and cultural factors should be considered for persons with T2DM in the South Asian, Middle Eastern and African regions.
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To investigate the predictive factors associated with physical impairment among older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Japan and to examine the potential impact of physical impairment on patient-reported health outcomes in this population. ⋯ Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2020.1846170.
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The Prescription Opioid Misuse and Abuse Questionnaire was developed to identify prescription opioid abuse and misuse among patients with chronic pain, however, evidence of construct validity and reproducibility is needed. ⋯ Results suggest that the Prescription Opioid Misuse and Abuse Questionnaire is a valid and reproducible tool that can be used to assess the presence of prescription opioid misuse and abuse among patients with chronic pain.
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Adenylosuccinic acid (ASA) modifies Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) progression in dystrophic mdx mice and human DMD patients. Despite an established role for ASA in augmenting metabolism and cellular energy homeostasis, our previous data suggests an undiscovered ulterior mode of action capable of modifying DMD disease course. Here, we identify ASA as a novel inducer of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), master regulator of the antioxidant and cytoprotective response to cell stress.