Current medical research and opinion
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The therapeutic management of psychiatric disorders is currently confronted with a critical need to find new therapeutic interventions due to the high rates of non-responsivity or low responsivity in the key pathologies, e.g. schizophrenia spectrum disorders, alcohol use disorders, or major depressive disorder. The modulation of intestinal microbiota has been explored in various organic and psychiatric dysfunctions, with different degrees of success. However, this type of intervention may represent a helpful add-on at a conceptual level since it does not associate negative pharmacokinetics interactions, significant adverse events, or risk for non-adherence in the long term. ⋯ Based on the current status of research, FMT may be considered a helpful intervention in specific psychiatric pathologies. Still, this review showed that most of the information is derived from entirely preclinical studies. Therefore, clinical trials with sound methodology and more participants are needed to clarify FMT's benefits and risks in psychiatric disorders.
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To assess treatment patterns and initial and maintenance dosing of biologics over 3 years in pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD), utilizing data from the ImproveCareNow registry. ⋯ The use of corticosteroids was common at the initial visit in patients. Anti-TNFs remain the most used class of biologics, however, reported doses in our study were substantially higher than the standard dosing guidelines.
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It is well-established that social determinants of health contribute to health and well-being. Among the social determinants of health, health-related social needs (HRSNs) are unmet needs that can be identified by the health care system and addressed through referral to community services. Despite the importance of identifying patients with HRSNs, none of the few screening tools for HRSNs available internationally have received a comprehensive psychometric validation. This study aims to conduct a qualitative validation of the Social Determinants of Health Screening Tool (SDoHST). ⋯ The SDoHST is the first validated tool to measure social determinants of health (and specifically HRSNs) in Australia, receiving a comprehensive qualitative validation. The instrument is readily available and future studies will further investigate its psychometric properties with quantitative methods.
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To investigate and describe the protocolized perioperative management in patient using Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in Dutch hospitals. ⋯ This study provides an overview of the current state of the perioperative protocols in the Netherlands in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants. Protocols are often not complete and show important and unwanted variation. We have found that national guidelines do not provide unambiguous advice on all points (urgent procedures) and are therefore often elaborated at a local level. The results of this research can help in improving and harmonizing the perioperative protocols on a national level.
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To investigate and describe the protocolized treatment of DOAC-related bleeds in all Dutch hospitals. ⋯ This study provides an overview of the current state of protocols for management of DOAC-related bleeding in The Netherlands. Protocols vary in the content of information provided and often do not include information, especially for diagnostic criteria and criteria for establishing the effectiveness of the intervention. The results of this study can assist in improving and harmonizing the protocols.