Current medical research and opinion
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Medication non-adherence is a complex phenomenon that requires tailored interventions to improve it. A new self-reported measure of medication non-adherence was previously reported based on the commonly reported reasons underlying non-adherence with the intention to match the items in the scale with tailored interventions. ⋯ The revised MAR-Scale demonstrates better psychometric properties than the original.
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This survey assessed the impact of symptoms of COPD on patients' ability to perform activities throughout the day and the extent to which physicians provided advice including how medications may help maintain quality of life. ⋯ Morning symptoms of COPD can severely compromise patients' ability to perform tasks throughout the day. Despite this, physicians are unlikely to discuss with patients how their ability to perform tasks might be improved.
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During the past two decades, professional associations, accrediting bodies, and payors have made post-surgical pain treatment a high priority. In light of the disappointing findings in previous surveys, a survey was conducted to assess patient perceptions and characterize patient experiences/levels of satisfaction with post-surgical pain management. ⋯ Despite heightened awareness and clinical advancements in pain management, there has been little improvement in post-surgical analgesia as measured by this survey of post-surgical patients.
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Breast cancer cells can develop resistance to standard hormonal treatment and chemotherapy with the activation of the mTOR pathway; this is supported by results of preclinical and clinical studies. In clinical trials, the addition of everolimus to hormonal treatment or anti-HER2 treatment improved the outcomes of breast cancer patients. The aim of this review is to discuss the efficacy and safety data of everolimus in all categories of breast cancer in recent published studies. ⋯ Recent trials have shown that everolimus has produced promising anti-tumor activity in combination with trastuzumab in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and in combination with exemestane in patients with hormone-receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer who had recurrence or progression while receiving a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. Results of ongoing studies with everolimus show evidence that using everolimus in earlier stages of the disease, namely in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, could be benefical.
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Review of the available data on the currently available single-tablet regimens (STRs), from the analysis of efficacy and safety to the key points of value in terms of adherence, quality of life and pharmacoeconomic evaluation. ⋯ The associated benefits of STRs provide a valid strategy for the treatment of HIV-infected patients.