American Pharmacists Association

About: American Pharmacists Association is a other organization based out in Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Pharmacist & Pharmacy. The organization has 2413 authors who have published 1969 publications receiving 30470 citations. The organization is also known as: APhA & American Pharmaceutical Association.

Instagram and Clinical Infectious Diseases

Abstract: TO THE EDITOR—We read the article by Goff et al [1] with great interest regarding the relevance of social media (SM) platform Twitter to infectious diseases clinicians. We concur with the authors regarding the relevance of SM tools to infectious diseases practice and wish to call attention to the photograph-based SM platform, Instagram, as an emerging site of interest. Instagram is a free SM platform launched in October of 2010 that has been a part of Facebook, Inc., since April 2012 [2]. The platform reports a community of 300 million users as of December 2014. Each day users from around the world (>70% are outside the US) register >2.5 billion “likes” and share >70 million photos. Data from an American survey in September 2014 indicate 26% of online adults use Instagram, and half of Internet users age 18 to 29 years of age use Instagram [3]. Beyond the large number of engaged adults (particularly young adults), it is notable that about half of all Instagram users access the site at least once daily. Posts on Instagram are shared as an image, which may be paired with a text of up to 2200 characters, including up to 30 hashtags. Similar to Twitter, Instagram does not require users to mutually connect; users may listen (view posts) or talk (share content) and users may “like” posts (similar to a “favorite” on Twitter). Privacy settings may be modified to allow open access to posted content (even persons without an Instagram account) or access only to those granted permission. Once a user elects to “follow” another’s account, that account’s posts will appear in the user’s feed (similar to the news feed of Facebook or the home stream of Twitter). An Instagram account can be linked to other SM accounts (eg, Twitter, Facebook) to enable simultaneous crosspublishing of Instagram posts, thus extending the reach of Instagram content to non-Instagram users. This is particularly relevant for connecting with themost commonly used SM platform, Facebook [3]. SM is identified as an emerging field of research in medical education [4]; however, for Instagram a dearth of literature and policy statements exist describing its role in this regard. One publication from the field of dermatology recognizes Instagram as a unique mechanism for reaching younger demographic populations (particular females), noting its potential to provide educational content [5]. Although hard data are lacking, numerous Instagram profiles exist today that are relevant to healthcare and infectious diseases. Table 1 provides a nonexhaustive list of Instagram accounts that may be of interest to the infectious diseases community. With its current user demographics, growing popularity and frequent user engagement, Instagram has great potential to be utilized as a mechanism for raising awareness, establishing inter-professional collaborations, and providing education to (1) future healthcare providers, (2) current healthcare providers, and (3) the general public. In this era of technological advancement and antimicrobial resistance we encourage infectious diseases clinicians to not only engage on SM platforms but also diversify their engagement.

The Role of Statin Therapy in Sepsis

Abstract: Objective:To systematically review the evidence evaluating the role of statin therapy in sepsis.Data Sources:MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched (1980–January 2007) for English-language clinical trials that evaluated the use of statins and the development and treatment of sepsis in human subjects. Search terms included statin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, bacteremia, sepsis, septic shock, septicemia, and severe sepsis. In addition, pertinent references from identified articles were obtained.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Only clinical trials with primary efficacy outcomes of mortality, incidence of sepsis, and severe sepsis were included.Data Synthesis:Seven retrospective and 2 prospective cohort studies were included in this review. One was excluded because the patient population was not experiencing sepsis. Three studies demonstrated a reduced mortality with statin use while 2 other studies did not demonstrate this mortality benefit. One study suggested increased mortality with statin use in ...

Effect of resin-modified glass ionomer containing bioactive glass on the flexural strength and morphology of demineralized dentin

Abstract: Clinical Relevance Flexural strength of the human dentin decreases after it is demineralized in vitro. This in vitro study demonstrates that resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) containing bioactive glass (BAG) can compensate for this loss of strength. RMGI without BAG does not restore the strength of such demineralized dentin.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Penetration of High-Dose Daptomycin in Suspected Staphylococcus aureus Meningitis

Abstract: Objective:To report a case of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia with suspected MSSA meningitis treated with high-dose daptomycin assessed with concurrent serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations.Case Summary:A 54-year-old male presented to the emergency department with generalized weakness and presumed health-care–associated pneumonia shown on chest radiograph. Treatment was empirically initiated with vancomycin, levofloxacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Blood cultures revealed S. aureus susceptible to oxacillin. Empiric antibiotic treatment was narrowed to nafcillin on day 4. On day 8, the patient developed acute renal failure (serum creatinine 1.9 mg/dL, increased from 1.2 mg/dL the previous day and 0.8 mg/dL on admission). The patient's Glasgow Coma Score was 3, with normal findings shown on computed tomography scan of the head 72 hours following an episode of cardiac arrest on day 10. The patient experienced relapsing MSSA bacteremia on day 9, increasing the susp...

Colchicine-Induced Rhabdomyolysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To report a case of rhabdomyolysis occurring during treatment with colchicine.CASE SUMMARY:A 44-year-old African American man was admitted to the hospital due to persistent diarrhea, vomiting, and diffuse weakness. Past medical history was significant for renal failure requiring peritoneal dialysis, gout, and a new skin lesion. Approximately 2 months prior to admission, he had been started on colchicine and allopurinol. Creatine kinase concentration on admission was >14 000 U/L. Liver function tests were elevated 5 × the upper limit of normal. Colchicine was discontinued on admission. Creatine kinase concentrations decreased significantly, and strength and ambulation improved throughout hospitalization.DISCUSSION:Colchicine was thought to be the causative factor for rhabdomyolysis in conjunction with chronic renal failure and elevated liver function tests. After discontinuation of colchicine, creatinine kinase concentrations declined and the patient's ability to walk improved. Limited case repor...