Spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage is linked to a higher risk of thromboembolic events and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Cardioversion, a rhythm control treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), requires ruling out cardiac embolic sources, often originating from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is used for LAA evaluation, but it is invasive and not widely available. This study aimed to identify cardiovascular risk factors linked to LAA abnormalities and predictors of thromboembolic events and all-cause mortality.

GameRank: R package for feature selection and construction.

Motivation: Building calibrated and discriminating predictive models can be developed through the direct optimization of model performance metrics with combinatorial search algorithms. Often, predictive algorithms are desired in clinical settings to identify patients that may be high and low risk. However, due to the large combinatorial search space, these algorithms are slow and do not guarantee the global optimality of their selection.

TRAIL Score: A Simple Model to Predict Immunochemotherapy Tolerability in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Purpose: Rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP) represents the standard of care for first-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, many patients are unable to tolerate R-CHOP and have inferior outcomes. This study aimed to develop a practical tool to help physicians identify patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL unlikely to tolerate a full course of R-CHOP.

Sex-specific bimodal clustering of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with acute heart failure.

Aims: There is an ongoing discussion whether the categorization of patients with heart failure according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is scientifically justified and clinically relevant. Major efforts are directed towards the identification of appropriate cut-off values to correctly allocate heart failure-specific pharmacotherapy. Alternatively, an LVEF continuum without definite subgroups is discussed.

Dynamics of Left Ventricular Myocardial Work in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure.

Background: The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the most commonly used measure describing pumping efficiency, but it is heavily dependent on loading conditions and therefore not well-suited to study pathophysiologic changes. The novel concept of echocardiography-derived myocardial work (MyW) overcomes this disadvantage as it is based on LV pressure-strain loops. We tracked the in-hospital changes of indices of MyW in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF) in relation to their recompensation status and explored the prognostic utility of MyW indices METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 126 patients admitted for AHF (mean 73 ± 12 years, 37% female, 40% with a reduced LVEF [<40%]), providing pairs of echocardiograms obtained both on hospital admission and prior to discharge.

Temporal changes in total and hippocampal brain volume and cognitive function in patients with chronic heart failure-the COGNITION.MATTERS-HF cohort study.

Aims: We quantified the concurring dynamics affecting total and hippocampal brain volume and cognitive function in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) over a period of three years.

Methods And Results: A total of 148 patients with mild stable HF entered this monocentric prospective cohort study: mean age 64.5 (10.

A 24-week multicentre, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study comparing the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab vs. fumaric acid esters and methotrexate in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis naive to systemic treatment.

Background: Interleukin-17 antagonists have received a first-line label for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives: We conducted the first head-to-head trial between the two most commonly used first-line therapies in Germany, fumaric acid esters (FAEs) and methotrexate, and the interleukin-17A antagonist, ixekizumab.

Methods: Systemic-naive patients were randomized in this parallel-group, active-comparator, open-label, rater-blinded trial (each group n = 54).

Impact of Ixekizumab Treatment on Itch and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: An Integrated Analysis of Two Phase III Randomized Studies.

Introduction: We evaluated baseline itch and its impact on the efficacy of ixekizumab (IXE) in clearing psoriasis and improving quality-of-life measures, and we explored the relationship between itch and psoriatic skin improvement.

Methods: Data were analyzed from two double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III studies (UNCOVER-2/3) comparing etanercept (ETN), IXE, and placebo (PBO) in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Long-term analysis included UNCOVER-3 data from week 0 to week 156.

Ixekizumab provides superior efficacy compared with ustekinumab over 52 weeks of treatment: Results from IXORA-S, a phase 3 study.

Background: Biologics targeting interleukin 17A (IL-17A) allow for rapid clearance of psoriatic plaques, with a clinically favorable safety profile.

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of ixekizumab, an IL-17A antagonist, with the safety and efficacy of the IL-12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab through 52 weeks of treatment in the head-to-head trial IXORA-S.

Methods: Patients were randomized to ixekizumab (n = 136) or ustekinumab (n = 166) and dosed per the approved labels.

Prevalence of genital psoriasis in patients with psoriasis.

Background: Psoriatic lesions in the genital area (GenPs) can cause considerable physical and emotional distress. To increase physician awareness, we estimated the GenPs prevalence among patients with psoriasis.

Methods: An English language literature search was performed.

[Alzheimer dementia: course and burden on caregivers : Data over 18 months from German participants of the GERAS study].

The GERAS study is an international observational study with dementia patients of the Alzheimer type (AD) and their caregivers in everyday care. The 18-month data recorded in Germany are presented. Disease progression, medical and psychosocial consequences for both patients and caregivers were recorded using commonly used tests in clinical care: the mini mental status examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale (ADAS-Cog14), Alzheimer's disease cooperative study activities of daily living inventory (ADCS-ADL), neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI-12), resource utilization in dementia (RUD) and the Zarit burden interview (ZBI).

Comparison of ixekizumab with ustekinumab in moderate-to-severe psoriasis: 24-week results from IXORA-S, a phase III study.

Background: It has been shown that the interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis is critical in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Objectives: To present the primary end point (week 12) and safety and efficacy data up to week 24 from a head-to-head trial (IXORA-S) of the IL-17A inhibitor ixekizumab (IXE) vs. the IL-12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab (UST).

Use of Structural Equation Modeling to Demonstrate the Differential Impact of Storage and Voiding Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Symptom Bother and Quality of Life during Treatment for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Purpose: Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia typically respond well to medical therapy. While changes in total I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) are generally accepted as measurement for treatment response, I-PSS storage and voiding subscores may not accurately reflect the influence of symptom improvement on patient bother and quality of life.

Materials And Methods: Structural equation modeling was done to evaluate physiological interrelationships measured by I-PSS storage vs voiding subscore questions and measure the magnitude of effects on bother using BII (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index) and quality of life on I-PSS quality of life questions.

Describing the Sequence of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Results from an Observational Study.

Background: Improved understanding of the pattern of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) would be useful to assist primary care physicians in explaining AD progression to patients and caregivers.

Objective: To identify the sequence in which cognitive abilities decline in community-dwelling patients with AD.

Methods: Baseline data were analyzed from 1,495 patients diagnosed with probable AD and a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≤ 26 enrolled in the 18-month observational GERAS study.

Effects of Tadalafil Once-Daily or On-Demand vs Placebo on Return to Baseline Erectile Function After Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy--Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial (REACTT).

Introduction And Aim: The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled REACTT trial suggested that treatment with tadalafil once daily (OaD) started early after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) for prostate cancer may contribute to erectile function (EF)-recovery, which was predefined as achieving an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF score ≥22. Here, we report descriptive post-hoc analyses, using the more strict definition for EF-recovery of returning back to the pre-surgery IIEF-EF-level ("back-to-baseline analysis").

Methods: REACTT included 422 men <68 years with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and preoperative IIEF-EF ≥22 who underwent nsRP at 50 centers from 9 European countries and Canada.

Exploratory Decision-Tree Modeling of Data from the Randomized REACTT Trial of Tadalafil Versus Placebo to Predict Recovery of Erectile Function After Bilateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy.

Background: Understanding predictors for the recovery of erectile function (EF) after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP) might help clinicians and patients in preoperative counseling and expectation management of EF rehabilitation strategies.

Objective: To describe the effect of potential predictors on EF recovery after nsRP by post hoc decision-tree modeling of data from A Study of Tadalafil After Radical Prostatectomy (REACTT).

Design, Setting, And Participants: Randomized double-blind double-dummy placebo-controlled trial in 423 men aged <68 yr with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason ≤7, normal preoperative EF) who underwent nsRP at 50 centers from nine European countries and Canada.

Tadalafil 5 mg once daily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction during a 6-month observational study (EDATE): impact of patient characteristics and comorbidities.

Background: To explore the impact of patient-characteristics and relevant comorbidities on treatment continuation rates, effectiveness, and satisfaction in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who started or switched to tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) at baseline.

Methods: In the EDATE observational study, phosphodiesterase-type-5 (PDE5)-inhibitor pretreated or naïve ED patients who started or switched to TAD-OaD were prospectively followed for 6 months. Time to discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method at Months 2, 4, and 6 in subgroups stratified by age (18 - 65 years and >65 years), PDE5-inhibitor pretreatment, ED-severity (mild, moderate, severe), and presence or absence of relevant comorbidities (BPH, diabetes, CVD, hypertension, dyslipidemia).

Predictors of Individual Response to Placebo or Tadalafil 5mg among Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Integrated Clinical Data Mining Analysis.

Background: A significant percentage of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) achieve clinically meaningful improvement when receiving placebo or tadalafil 5mg once daily. However, individual patient characteristics associated with treatment response are unknown.

Methods: This integrated clinical data mining analysis was designed to identify factors associated with a clinically meaningful response to placebo or tadalafil 5mg once daily in an individual patient with LUTS-BPH.

Effects of tadalafil treatment after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: quality of life, psychosocial outcomes, and treatment satisfaction results from a randomized, placebo-controlled phase IV study.

Background: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial primarily evaluated the efficacy of tadalafil once-daily (OaD) or on-demand ("pro-re-nata"; PRN) treatment, started early post-nsRP. Secondary outcome-measures on quality-of-life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction are reported.

Methods: Patients, aged <68 yrs, with adenocarcinoma of the prostate (Gleason ≤ 7, normal preoperative erectile function [EF]) were randomized post-nsRP 1:1:1 to 9-month treatment with tadalafil 5 mg OaD, tadalafil 20 mg PRN, or placebo, followed by 6-week drug-free washout and 3-month open-label tadalafil OaD treatment (OLT).

Treatment satisfaction and clinically meaningful symptom improvement in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: Secondary results from a 6-month, randomized, double-blind study comparing finasteride plus tadalafil with finasteride plus placebo.

Objectives: To report the secondary analyses of treatment satisfaction and clinically meaningful improvements in a randomized study comparing coadministration of tadalafil 5 mg with finasteride 5 mg versus finasteride alone in men with prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods: An international, randomized, double-blind, parallel study was carried out in men aged ≥45 years who were 5-alpha reductase inhibitor naïve, and had an International Prostate Symptom Score ≥13 and prostate volume ≥30 mL; 350 men received placebo/finasteride and 345 received tadalafil/finasteride over 26 weeks. Treatment satisfaction was assessed per protocol using the Treatment Satisfaction Scale-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Effect of Tadalafil Once Daily on Penile Length Loss and Morning Erections in Patients After Bilateral Nerve-sparing Radical Prostatectomy: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To report penile integrity measures, including stretched penile length (SPL), from a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial evaluating treatment with tadalafil initiated after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP).

Methods: Patients aged ≤ 68 years were randomized after nsRP 1:1:1 to 9-month double-blind treatment (DBT) with tadalafil 5 mg once daily (OaD), 20-mg tadalafil on-demand ("pro-re-nata"; PRN), or placebo, followed by 6-week drug-free washout and 3-month open-label OaD treatment. Secondary outcome measures included the change in SPL from pre-nsRP to the end of DBT (analysis of covariance adjusting for treatment, country, baseline, age, and nerve-sparing score), responses to Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 1-3 (mixed models for repeated measures adjusting for treatment, country, visit, visit-treatment-interaction, age), and Standardized Morning Erection Question (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test adjusted for age and country).

Sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of tadalafil coadministered with finasteride.

Introduction: Tadalafil (TAD) 5 mg coadministered with finasteride (FIN) 5 mg significantly improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic enlargement. However, its effects on erectile/sexual function have yet to be fully described.

Aim: Assess the effects of TAD/FIN coadministration (compared with placebo [PBO]/FIN) on erectile and sexual function in sexually active men with LUTS and prostatic enlargement secondary to BPH with or without baseline comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED).

Effect of tadalafil on male lower urinary tract symptoms: an integrated analysis of storage and voiding international prostate symptom subscores from four randomised controlled trials.

Background: The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) evaluates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with suspected benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); the total score does not differentiate between storage and voiding and is unevenly weighted (four questions [57%] on voiding, three questions [43%] on storage).

Objective: To evaluate the relative contributions of storage and voiding IPSS subscores to total IPSS at baseline and in response to treatment with tadalafil.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Integrated analysis of data from four placebo-controlled, 12-wk studies of tadalafil (5mg once daily) in 1499 men with LUTS/BPH.