HFP-SAM: Hierarchical Frequency Prompted SAM for Efficient Marine Animal Segmentation
Pingping Zhang, Tianyu Yan, Yuhao Wang
et al.
Marine Animal Segmentation (MAS) aims at identifying and segmenting marine animals from complex marine environments. Most of previous deep learning-based MAS methods struggle with the long-distance modeling issue. Recently, Segment Anything Model (SAM) has gained popularity in general image segmentation. However, it lacks of perceiving fine-grained details and frequency information. To this end, we propose a novel learning framework, named Hierarchical Frequency Prompted SAM (HFP-SAM) for high-performance MAS. First, we design a Frequency Guided Adapter (FGA) to efficiently inject marine scene information into the frozen SAM backbone through frequency domain prior masks. Additionally, we introduce a Frequency-aware Point Selection (FPS) to generate highlighted regions through frequency analysis. These regions are combined with the coarse predictions of SAM to generate point prompts and integrate into SAM's decoder for fine predictions. Finally, to obtain comprehensive segmentation masks, we introduce a Full-View Mamba (FVM) to efficiently extract spatial and channel contextual information with linear computational complexity. Extensive experiments on four public datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our approach. The source code is publicly available at https://github.com/Drchip61/TIP-HFP-SAM.
How Instructional Sequence and Personalized Support Impact Diagnostic Strategy Learning
Fatma Betül Güreş, Tanya Nazaretsky, Bahar Radmehr
et al.
Supporting students in developing effective diagnostic reasoning is a key challenge in various educational domains. Novices often struggle with cognitive biases such as premature closure and over-reliance on heuristics. Scenario-based learning (SBL) can address these challenges by offering realistic case experiences and iterative practice, but the optimal sequencing of instruction and problem-solving activities remains unclear. This study examines how personalized support can be incorporated into different instructional sequences and whether providing explicit diagnostic strategy instruction before (I-PS) or after problem-solving (PS-I) improves learning and its transfer. We employ a between-groups design in an online SBL environment called PharmaSim, which simulates real-world client interactions for pharmacy technician apprentices. Results indicate that while both instruction types are beneficial, PS-I leads to significantly higher performance in transfer tasks.
Interfacial and bulk switching MoS2 memristors for an all-2D reservoir computing framework
Asmita S. Thool, Sourodeep Roy, Prahalad Kanti Barman
et al.
In this study, we design a reservoir computing (RC) network by exploiting short- and long-term memory dynamics in Au/Ti/MoS$_2$/Au memristive devices. The temporal dynamics is engineered by controlling the thickness of the Chemical Vapor Deposited (CVD) MoS$_2$ films. Devices with a monolayer (1L)-MoS$_2$ film exhibit volatile (short-term memory) switching dynamics. We also report non-volatile resistance switching with excellent uniformity and analog behavior in conductance tuning for the multilayer (ML) MoS$_2$ memristive devices. We correlate this performance with trap-assisted space-charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanism, leading to a bulk-limited resistance switching behavior. Four-bit reservoir states are generated using volatile memristors. The readout layer is implemented with an array of nonvolatile synapses. This small RC network achieves 89.56\% precision in a spoken-digit recognition task and is also used to analyze a nonlinear time series equation.
From Passive to Proactive: A Hierarchical Multi-Agent Framework for Automated Medical Pre-Consultation
ChengZhang Yu, YingRu He, Hongyan Cheng
et al.
The post-pandemic surge in healthcare demand, coupled with critical nursing shortages, has placed unprecedented pressure on medical triage systems, necessitating innovative AI-driven solutions. We present a multi-agent interactive intelligent system for medical triage that addresses three fundamental challenges in current AI-based triage systems: inadequate medical specialization leading to misclassification, heterogeneous department structures across healthcare institutions, and inefficient detail-oriented questioning that impedes rapid triage decisions. Our system employs three specialized agents--RecipientAgent, InquirerAgent, and DepartmentAgent--that collaborate through Inquiry Guidance mechanism and Classification Guidance Mechanism to transform unstructured patient symptoms into accurate department recommendations. To ensure robust evaluation, we constructed a comprehensive Chinese medical triage dataset from "Ai Ai Yi Medical Network", comprising 3,360 real-world cases spanning 9 primary departments and 62 secondary departments. Experimental results demonstrate that our multi-agent system achieves 89.6% accuracy in primary department classification and 74.3% accuracy in secondary department classification after four rounds of patient interaction. The system's dynamic matching based guidance mechanisms enable efficient adaptation to diverse hospital configurations while maintaining high triage accuracy. We successfully developed this multi-agent triage system that not only adapts to organizational heterogeneity across healthcare institutions but also ensures clinically sound decision-making.
Sensor Insoles: A Review
Bastian Latsch, Felix Herbst, Mark Suppelt
et al.
Plantar pressure measurement, or pedobarography, is an essential tool for analyzing human motion in healthy individuals and patients. Across the reviewed literature, sensor insoles are motivated as wearable, mobile solutions for assessing pressure distribution in applications including diabetic foot monitoring, rehabilitation guidance, assistive device control, and sports performance analysis. This review evaluates the current state of the art with particular attention to sensor technologies, sensor quantity and placement, participant cohorts, and reference standards. The focus lies on original works with innovative designs, preferably supported by ambulation experiments. The modalities covered include resistive, capacitive, inductive, piezoelectric, triboelectric, and optical sensing approaches. We identify a lack of proper sensor calibration, gait-based verification, and human study validation, and propose a gold standard based on testing machines and instrumented treadmills to ensure comparability across studies. The bidirectional interaction between insole insertion and foot-sole mechanics is examined, with tissue stiffness identified as a key source of uncertainty in sensor signals. Guidelines are provided for sensor dimensions and unobtrusive insole designs to foster natural gait. Finally, future directions include the development of multimodal sensors to compensate for the limitations of individual modalities and the emerging trend of multiaxial sensing for capturing shear components in pressure distributions.
Using role-play and Hierarchical Task Analysis for designing human-robot interaction
Mattias Wingren, Sören Andersson, Sara Rosenberg
et al.
We present the use of two methods we believe warrant more use than they currently have in the field of human-robot interaction: role-play and Hierarchical Task Analysis. Some of its potential is showcased through our use of them in an ongoing research project which entails developing a robot application meant to assist at a community pharmacy. The two methods have provided us with several advantages. The role-playing provided a controlled and adjustable environment for understanding the customers' needs where pharmacists could act as models for the robot's behavior; and the Hierarchical Task Analysis ensured the behavior displayed was modelled correctly and aided development through facilitating co-design. Future research could focus on developing task analysis methods especially suited for social robot interaction.
Investigation of the antianemic activity of phyllanthus reticulatus poir. In 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats
Tayo Ibukun Famojuro, Oluwatoyin Bola Famojuro, Uduak Peter Ise
et al.
Growing concerns regarding the side effects of conventional drugs have heightened interest in medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic agents. Phyllanthus reticulatus, widely used in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa, is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the potential antianemic effects of P. reticulatus in anemic rats. Fresh leaves of P. reticulatus were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted using methanol. The extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis and assessed for antianemic activity in 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-induced anemic rats at doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight, with folic acid serving as the positive control. Hematological parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides. Among the tested doses, P. reticulatus at 250 mg/kg demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly increasing RBC count, Hb levels, and PCV, with effects comparable to those of the positive control. However, its influence on WBC count, MCHC, and MCV was comparatively lower. In conclusion, P. reticulatus exhibited promising antianemic potential by increasing RBC count, Hb levels, and PCV, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for anemia.
Pharmacy and materia medica
A micro review on the role of recently emerged Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and algorithms in microbiome-gut-brain-axis associated disease therapy via psychobiotics
Leonard Whye Kit Lim
The microbiome-gut-brain axis involves the bidirectional connection between the gastrointestinal tract, gut microbiome, and central nervous system, and it is pivotal for mental well-being. Imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can disrupt neurotransmitter synthesis, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Recent researches highlight psychobiotics as effective treatments for mental health conditions like depression. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and large datasets, psychobiotic research has accelerated. AI tools are increasingly used for the prediction, identification, and diagnosis of gut microbiome compositions, enabling faster and more accurate discovery of therapeutic candidates. This review explores the role of AI in enhancing microbiome-gut-brain-axis-related disease therapies through psychobiotics and discusses future directions for this rapidly evolving research field.
Pharmacy and materia medica
Clopidogrel sticking issue: a systematic review on factors and formulation assessment
Hiba Hani Mohammed Ali
Since the expiry of the originator’s patent related to clopidogrel in 2012, generic drugs have been extensively manufactured worldwide. However, numerous operational concerns have started to emerge within many pharmaceutical industries. One major concern commonly reported is the problem of tablet formulations adhering to punches and dies during compression. This defect has directed substantial research efforts toward addressing the issue, ranging from root cause analysis to full implementation of solutions. A systematic review was therefore an essential prerequisite to identify, from the literature, the most critical attributes contributing to this defect in order to achieve sticking-free tableting. Data were extracted from patents and reputed scientific articles. Records were assessed based on scientific knowledge, whereby recommendations for future research were subsequently provided.
Pharmacy and materia medica
High capacity NbS2-based anodes for Li-ion batteries
Alexandra Carvalho, Vivek Nair, Sergio G. Echeverrigaray
et al.
We have investigated the lithium capacity of the 2H phase of niobium sulphide (NbS2) using density functional theory calculations and experiments. Theoretically, this material is found to allow the intercalation of a double layer of Li in between each NbS2 layer when in equilibrium with metal Li. The resulting specific capacity (340.8 mAh/g for the pristine material, 681.6 mAh/g for oxidized material) can reach more than double the specific capacity of graphite anodes. The presence of various defects leads to an even higher capacity with a partially reversible conversion of the material, indicating that the performance of the anodes is robust with respect to the presence of defects. Experiments in battery prototypes with NbS2-based anodes find a first specific capacity of about 1,130 mAh/g, exceeding the theoretical predictions.
Formulation of the Balm Aromatherapy Combination Using the Essential Oils Ocimum basilicum L. and Cymbopogon citratus DC
Putu Lakustini Cahyaningrum, Ida Bagus Putra Suta, I Putu Sudiartawan
et al.
This study aimed to analyze the formulation of an aromatherapy balm composed of the essential oils O. basilicum L. and C. citratus DC. Experimental research design involving the compilation of five balm formulations at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%. For four months, balm formulations were made, and physical, chemical, and microbiological tests were carried out, which were further analyzed descriptively. The findings showed that the yield of essential oils obtained from distillation reached 0.19% w/v (O. basilicum L.) and 0.24% w/v (C. citratus DC). All formulations at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% passed the organoleptic tests for topical dosage balms. This means that they were semisolid, smelled like essential oils, and were yellowish-brown based on the raw materials. The balm is completely homogeneous; there are no granules, and the color is evenly spread throughout the smear. The pH for the topical preparations ranged from 6–7, the dispersion power ranged from 5.02–6.10, and the adhesion ratio ranged from 2–6 depending on the concentration. Microbiological testing revealed that the aromatherapy balm was free of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria.
Pharmacy and materia medica, Chemistry
First constraint on the dissipative tidal deformability of neutron stars
Justin L. Ripley, Abhishek Hegade K. R., Rohit S. Chandramouli
et al.
The gravitational waves (GWs) emitted by neutron star binaries probe the physics of matter at supra nuclear densities. During the late inspiral, tidal deformations raised on each star by the gravitational field of its companion depend crucially on the star's internal properties. The misalignment of a star's tidal bulge with its companion's gravitational field encodes the strength of internal dissipative processes, which imprint onto the phase of the gravitational waves emitted. We here analyze GW data from the GW170817 (binary neutron star) event detected by LIGO and Virgo and find the first constraint on the dissipative tidal deformability of a neutron star. From this constraint, \emph{assuming} a temperature profile for each star in the binary, we obtain an order of magnitude bound on the averaged bulk ($ζ$) and shear ($η$) viscosity of each star during the inspiral.: $ζ\lesssim 10^{31} \mathrm{g}\;\mathrm{cm}^{-1}\mathrm{s}^{-1}$ and $η\lesssim 10^{28} \mathrm{g}\;\mathrm{cm}^{-1}\mathrm{s}^{-1} $. We forecast that these bounds could be improved by two orders of magnitude with third-generation detectors, like Cosmic Explorer, using inspiral data. These constraints already inform nuclear physics models and motivate further theoretical work to better understand the interplay between viscosity and temperature in the late inspiral of neutron stars.
Automatically detecting activities of daily living from in-home sensors as indicators of routine behaviour in an older population
Claire M. Timon, Pamela Hussey, Hyowon Lee
et al.
Objective: The NEX project has developed an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) system coupled with data analytics to offer unobtrusive health and wellness monitoring supporting older adults living independently at home. Monitoring {currently} involves visualising a set of automatically detected activities of daily living (ADLs) for each participant. The detection of ADLs is achieved {} to allow the incorporation of additional participants whose ADLs are detected without re-training the system. Methods: Following an extensive User Needs and Requirements study involving 426 participants, a pilot trial and a friendly trial of the deployment, an Action Research Cycle (ARC) trial was completed. This involved 23 participants over a 10-week period each with c.20 IoT sensors in their homes. During the ARC trial, participants each took part in two data-informed briefings which presented visualisations of their own in-home activities. The briefings also gathered training data on the accuracy of detected activities. Association rule mining was then used on the combination of data from sensors and participant feedback to improve the automatic detection of ADLs. Results: Association rule mining was used to detect a range of ADLs for each participant independently of others and was then used to detect ADLs across participants using a single set of rules {for each ADL}. This allows additional participants to be added without the necessity of them providing training data. Conclusions: Additional participants can be added to the NEX system without the necessity to re-train the system for automatic detection of the set of their activities of daily living.
Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Patients with Coexistent Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Dyslipidemia: A Retrospective Study from India
Jamshed Dalal, Praveen Chandra, Rajeev Chawla
et al.
Abstract Background Coexisting hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia (triple disease) can lead to greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present study sought to comprehend the prevalence, demographic traits, clinical traits, and treatment patterns in Indian patients with these coexisting conditions. Methods An electronic medical record (EMR)-based, retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected for patients who were diagnosed with coexistent hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia. Baseline patient variables evaluated were the percentage of patients with triple comorbidity, demographic characteristics, diagnostic laboratory parameters, and treatment pattern details. Results Data from 4793 centers (clinics) were included, with a total of 6,722,173 patients. Of these, 427,835 (6.36%) patients were found to have coexistent hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia. Most of the patients belonged to the 40–64 year age group (62.10%) and were males (57.00%), while 27.40% patients had a body mass index (BMI) within normal limits, 43.30% patients were pre-obese, and 20.90% patients were class 1 obese. Further, 3402 patients (0.80%) had a recorded history of smoking. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the patients included in the study was 8.35 ± 1.96 g%. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 138.81 ± 19.59 mm Hg, while mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 82.17 ± 10.35 mm Hg; 27.60% cases had SBP < 130 mm Hg, while 28.37% cases had DBP < 80 mm Hg. The mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in mg/dl were 98.38 ± 40.39, 174.75 ± 46.73, and 44.5 ± 10.05, respectively. Of the enrolled cases, 55.64% had serum LDL below 100 mg/dl, 72.03% cases had serum cholesterol below 200 mg/dl, and 44.15% males and 71.77% females had serum HDL below the normal prescribed range. The most common monotherapy used for managing hypertension was angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (24.80%), followed by beta-blockers (24.30%). The most common combinations administered for management of hypertension were antihypertensives with diuretics (14.30%), followed by ARB plus calcium channel blockers (CCB) (13.30%). For dyslipidemia, the majority of patients (56.60%) received lipid-lowering medication in combination with drugs for other comorbidities. The most common antidiabetic agents prescribed were biguanides (74.60%). Conclusions Coexistence of triple disease is not uncommon in the Indian population, with middle-aged patients diagnosed as pre-obese and obese being affected more commonly and receiving treatment for the same. The present study highlights that, though there are medications against the three chronic conditions, the rate of uncontrolled cases of hypertension, T2DM, and dyslipidemia remains high. Coexistence of triple disease increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, which need to be closely monitored and effectively treated.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica
Recombinant Human Interleukin-2 Corrects NK Cell Phenotype and Functional Activity in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome
Andrei A. Savchenko, Igor V. Kudryavtsev, Dmitry V. Isakov
et al.
Post-COVID syndrome develops in 10–20% of people who have recovered from COVID-19 and it is characterized by impaired function of the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Previously, it was found that patients who recovered from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a decrease in the number and functional activity of NK cells. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) administered to correct NK cell phenotype and functional activity in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Patients were examined after 3 months for acute COVID-19 of varying severity. The phenotype of the peripheral blood NK cells was studied by flow cytometry. It was found that disturbances in the cell subset composition in patients with post-COVID syndrome were characterized by low levels of mature (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and cytotoxic NK cells (<i>p</i> = 0.013), with increased release of immature NK cells (<i>p</i> = 0.023). Functional deficiency of NK cells in post-COVID syndrome was characterized by lowered cytotoxic activity due to the decreased count of CD57<sup>+</sup> (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and CD8<sup>+</sup> (<i>p</i> < 0.001) NK cells. In the treatment of patients with post-COVID syndrome with recombinant IL-2, peripheral blood NK cell count and functional potential were restored. In general, the effectiveness of using rhIL-2 in treatment of post-COVID syndrome has been proven in patients with low levels of NK cells.
Medicine, Pharmacy and materia medica
Regulations on combating epidemic threats in Poland and COVID-19 pandemic – review and assessment of implemented solutions
Klaudia Aneta Alcer, Anita Błachut, Piotr Romaniuk
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the functioning of the entire world, and the consequences of this event are still visible in various aspects of the functioning of countries. As a countermeasure against such a crisis, Poland implemented regulations to help combat the negative effects or minimize them. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-epidemic regulations and their changes during the pandemic. The acts were reviewed by means of the Internet System of Legal Acts (Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych – ISAP) and the Public Information Bulletin (Biuletyn Informacji Publicznej – BIP) database. The anti-epidemic regulations in Poland propose solutions that may help in counteracting a pandemic both in the sphere directly related to medical aspects, as well as social and entrepreneurial or economic aspects. However, the analysis of relevant regulations and literature revealed a large mismatch between the existing regulations and the actual needs related to real epidemiological phenomena. The first weeks of the pandemic, especially in the area of applying these standards, revealed a great deal of chaos. The standards introduced during the pandemic were also characterised by a number of inaccuracies and ambiguities. An attempt should be made to create a more coordinated plan for an eventual subsequent pandemic and an evaluation of the rules for other emergencies should be undertaken to avoid the mistakes and chaos witnessed in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pharmacy and materia medica, Dentistry
Evaluation of safety profile of ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 Coronavirus (Covisheild) Vaccine among health care professionals in a tertiary care hospital: 6 months follow-up observation
Indushree Thippeswamy, Narasimha Murthy K M, S K D Swathi Ramella
et al.
Background: As there were no vaccines available for any strains of coronaviruses, it was inevitable to develop safe and effective vaccines for the prevention of infection. There were limited data on the safety of the vaccine in the real-world environment, so the present study is undertaken to assess the safety of the vaccine.
Aim and Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety profile of ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 Coronavirus Vaccine (Covishield) among health care professionals.
Materials and Methods: This is 6 months follow-up observation of vaccinated individuals, 545 health care workers have taken Covishield Vaccine for a duration of 1 month in a tertiary care hospital in two doses with 28 days apart. Demographic data such as age, gender, and comorbidities were noted. They were given a World Health Organization-based Adverse Event Following Immunization form to fill if they have any of the symptoms. Their phone numbers were collected to check for any adverse reactions every week after the first dose till the next dose and every month for another 6 months.
Results: Adverse reactions were reported by 147 out of 297 vaccinated individuals after the first dose, 40 members out of 248 individuals after the second dose 24 h after vaccination. Pain at the site of infection and body ache/myalgia was seen in 27% of individuals. Reactions were mild in most of the individuals which resolved in a day without medication.
Conclusions: Although the frequency of adverse reactions was observed in more individuals, they were mostly mild and self-limiting. This may show that vaccine has an acceptable safety profile in our observation among health care professionals. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 12(2.000): 187-190]
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica
Evaluation of 3-Borono-<span style="font-variant: small-caps">l</span>-Phenylalanine as a Water-Soluble Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Agent
Naoya Kondo, Fuko Hirano, Takashi Temma
Although 4-borono-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">l</span>-phenylalanine (4-BPA) is currently the only marketed agent available for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), its low water solubility raises concerns. In this study, we synthesized 3-borono-<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">l</span>-phenylalanine (3-BPA), a positional isomer of 4-BPA, with improved water solubility. We further evaluated its physicochemical properties, tumor accumulation, and biodistribution. The water solubility of 3-BPA was 125 g/L, which is more than 100 times higher than that of 4-BPA. Due to the high water solubility, we prepared the administration solution of 3-BPA without a solubilizer sugar, which is inevitably added to 4-BPA preparation and has adverse effects. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, boron accumulation in cancers after administration was statistically equivalent in both sugar-complexed 3-BPA and 4-BPA. Furthermore, the biodistribution of 3-BPA was comparable with that of sugar-complexed 3-BPA. Since 3-BPA has high water solubility and tumor targetability equivalent to 4-BPA, 3-BPA can replace 4-BPA in future BNCT.
Pharmacy and materia medica
Comparison of efficacy and safety of vildagliptin 50 mg tablet twice daily and vildagliptin 100 mg sustained release once daily tablet on top of metformin in Indian patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, open label, Phase IV parallel group, clinical trial
Rudra Paul, Arijit Ghosh, Nilanjan Sengupta
et al.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is mainly due to multifactorial of which insulin resistance and deficiency in the incretion are two important pathophysiological factors. Vildagliptin, an oral hypoglycemic agent, acts by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme, often uses as a first line drug along with metformin to enhance outcome.
Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin 50 mg twice daily dose with vildagliptin 100 mg sustained release tablet (SR) once daily in Type 2 DM patients and uncontrolled with metformin monotherapy.
Materials and Methods: Adult patients with Type 2 DM fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized in two groups. Group 1 patient received metformin 1000 mg/day in two divided dose and tablet vildagliptin 50 mg 2 times daily, while Group 2 patients received metformin 1000 mg/day in two divided dose along with vildagliptin 100 mg SR once daily. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), were measured at baseline, on week 4, week 8, and week 12 visits. Liver function test (SGOT), SGPT, Serum Bilirubin), kidney function test electrolytes, serum urea, serum creatinine), and body weight also measured in first visit and in 12th week.
Results: HbA1C, FPG, and PPPG all three decreased equally at 12 week from their respective baseline values (P < 0.05) in both groups. There is no statistically significant alteration of liver enzymes and in serum bilirubin level from baseline to 12th week in both groups.
Conclusion: Vildagliptin 100 mg SR once daily dose is equally effective and safe as 50 mg twice daily dose in terms of reducing HbA1C, FPG, and PPPG when it is used along with metformin 1000 mg. [Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 12(8.000): 1229-1232]
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica
Cost-effectiveness analysis of olanzapine in four-drug antiemetic therapy in Japanese patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy
Yu Kondo, Tomoya Tachi, Takayoshi Sakakibara
et al.
Abstract Background Olanzapine has been shown to have an additive effect on the three-drug antiemetic therapy consisting of aprepitant, palonosetron, and dexamethasone, in a highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. Although olanzapine may be more economical than aprepitant or palonosetron, an adequate cost-efficacy analysis has not been conducted. Methods We conducted a cost-utility analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of olanzapine use in four-drug antiemetic therapy among Japanese patients. We simulated model patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and developed a decision-analytical model of patients receiving triple antiemetic therapy with or without olanzapine in an inpatient setting. The cost and probabilities of each treatment were calculated from the perspective of the Japanese healthcare payer. The probabilities, utility value, and other costs were obtained from published sources. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the influence of each parameter on the model and the robustness of a base-case analysis. Threshold analysis was conducted to determine the cost of olanzapine that would make the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) equivalent to the threshold ICER). The threshold incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was set at 5 million Japanese Yen (JPY) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Results The cost was 10,238 JPY in the olanzapine regimen and 9719 JPY in the non-olanzapine regimen. The QALY gained were 0.01065 QALYs and 0.01029 QALYs in the olanzapine and non-olanzapine regimen, respectively. The incremental cost of the olanzapine regimen relative to the non-olanzapine regimen was 519 JPY, and the incremental QALYs were 0.00036 QALY, resulting in an ICER of 1,428,675 JPY per QALY gained. In the one-way sensitivity analysis, the results were most sensitive to the utility value of incomplete control. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis revealed the probability that the ICER was below the willingness-to-pay, and the incremental QALYs was positive was 96.2%. The calculated cost of olanzapine per 5 mg that would make the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio equivalent to the threshold incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated to be 475 JPY. Conclusions Olanzapine was cost-effective in the four-drug antiemetic therapy for Japanese patients treated with highly emetogenic cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.
Therapeutics. Pharmacology, Pharmacy and materia medica