Publications by authors named "Chad T Blackshear"

Article Synopsis
  • The study examined the effects of a new pediatric heart allocation policy on ventricular assist device (VAD) use and survival rates among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and non-CHD patients before and after the policy was implemented.
  • A review of the UNOS database revealed an increase in both temporary and durable VAD usage, as well as improved waitlist survival for CHD patients, while non-CHD patients experienced a decrease in waitlist duration.
  • Despite improvements in waitlist survival for CHD patients, the overall one-year survival rates post-heart transplant were comparable between the CHD and non-CHD groups before and after the policy change, indicating no significant long-term survival benefit.
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Background: While enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been successfully applied for cardiac surgery, there has been limited research directly comparing ERAS protocols to ad hoc narcotic use after surgery. We hypothesized that a standardized ERAS protocol would provide similar pain management and psychoemotional outcomes while decreasing the use of opioids in the hospital and after discharge.

Methods: As part of a 7-month quality improvement project, cardiac surgery patients on a fast-tracked to extubate pathway were assigned pro re nata (PRN) narcotic pain management for 3 months (n = 49).

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The role of brain cholesterol metabolism in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Peripheral and brain cholesterol levels are largely independent due to the impermeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), highlighting the importance of studying the role of brain cholesterol homeostasis in AD. We first tested whether metabolite markers of brain cholesterol biosynthesis and catabolism were altered in AD and associated with AD pathology using linear mixed-effects models in two brain autopsy samples from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Religious Orders Study (ROS).

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Background: There is growing evidence that Alzheimer disease (AD) is a pervasive metabolic disorder with dysregulation in multiple biochemical pathways underlying its pathogenesis. Understanding how perturbations in metabolism are related to AD is critical to identifying novel targets for disease-modifying therapies. In this study, we test whether AD pathogenesis is associated with dysregulation in brain transmethylation and polyamine pathways.

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Background: Emerging data suggest that neck circumference (NC) is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Limited research is available regarding the association between NC and cardiovascular outcomes in African Americans.

Methods: Using data from the Jackson Heart Study, we included participants with recorded NC measurements at baseline (2000-2004).

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Introduction: Financial hardship is associated with coronary heart disease risk factors, and may disproportionately affect some African American groups. This study examines whether stress because of financial hardship is associated with incident coronary heart disease in African Americans.

Methods: The Jackson Heart Study is a longitudinal cohort study of cardiovascular disease risks in African Americans in the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan statistical area.

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Introduction: The epidemiology of American Heart Association ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics has not been fully examined in African Americans. This study examines the associations of CVH metrics with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Jackson Heart Study, a longitudinal cohort study of CVD in African Americans.

Methods: Jackson Heart Study participants without CVD (n=4,702) were followed prospectively between 2000 and 2011.

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Introduction. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effect of pterostilbene on metabolic parameters. Methods.

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