Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
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The Cochrane Collaboration has developed in response to the call for systematic, up-to-date reviews of all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of health care. Both evidence-based medicine (EBM) and the Cochrane Collaboration have been gaining attention of healthcare professionals in Japan recently. ⋯ Establishment of Japan Cochrane Center will integrate and promote the related activities. Furthermore, the positive recognitions for the Cochrane Collaboration and EBM among Japanese people can improve environments for conducting clinical trials and epidemiological studies in Japan.
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Progress in the field of pharmacogenetics has revealed that the phenotypically different responses of patients to drugs are genetically determined by the polymorphisms in the genes involved in their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Information on genetic polymorphisms, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, found in the genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, drug receptors, and so on, are now applicable to tailor-made(individualized) drug therapy. This report presents the current status of pharmacogenetic approaches to the individualized therapy.
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Pneumonia is more frequent in the elderly and results in higher mortality. Primary viral pneumonia is not so common but important in severe cases. Chest X-ray shows grand-glass appearance or linear shadow in pure viral pneumonia cases. ⋯ We can try to decrease pneumonia and influenza mortality, if we prevent influenza infections by vaccination and treat by anti-influenza drugs. Secondary bacterial pneumonias are more common, caused by such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis. Gram staining and the culture of purulent sputum was useful for treatment by antibiotics.