Evaluation of the impact of nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant on left ventricular assist device infections.

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the predictive value of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) nasal swabs for the development of MRSA infections in patients with left ventricular assist devices. In 106 patients, the MRSA nasal swab had a negative predictive value of 92.9% demonstrating a potential role in antibiotic de-escalation.

Evaluation of aspirin platelet inhibition in left ventricular assist device population.

Introduction: Aspirin therapy is recommended in durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients to prevent thromboembolic complications. Up to 30% of patients treated with aspirin may demonstrate aspirin resistance, which has been related to thrombotic complications. However, it is unknown whether individual patients exhibit temporal alterations in aspirin sensitivity during LVAD support.

Effect of Phenylephrine Push Before Continuous Infusion Norepinephrine in Patients With Septic Shock.

Background: IV pushes of phenylephrine may be used for patients with septic shock with the intent of rapidly achieving mean arterial pressure (MAP) goals. However, the clinical effectiveness and safety of this approach are unclear.

Research Question: In patients with septic shock, is administration of a phenylephrine push before norepinephrine initiation associated with a higher incidence of hemodynamic stability?

Methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included adult patients with septic shock initiated on norepinephrine.

Effectiveness, Safety, and Economic Comparison of Inhaled Epoprostenol Brands, Flolan and Veletri, in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

No previous studies exist examining 2 inhaled epoprostenol formulations in an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patient population. The study aim was to evaluate a formulary conversion from inhaled Flolan to Veletri to determine the impact on effectiveness, safety, and cost in patients with ARDS. This was a single-center, retrospective, matched cohort observational study at a tertiary care academic medical center.

Effectiveness, safety, and Economic Comparison of Two Inhaled Epoprostentol Products (Flolan and Veletri) in Cardiothoracic Surgery Patients.

Background: No previous studies exist examining two inhaled epoprosternol formulations (Flolan compared with Veletri) in a homogenous cardiothoracic surgery patient population.

Objective: To compare the impact of inhaled Flolan and inhaled Veletri on the effectiveness, safety, or cost in cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective, noninferiority study comparing inhaled Flolan and inhaled Veletri in cardiothoracic surgery patients.

Reconstitution of KCNE1 into lipid bilayers: comparing the structural, dynamic, and activity differences in micelle and vesicle environments.

KCNE1 (minK), found in the human heart and cochlea, is a transmembrane protein that modulates the voltage-gated potassium KCNQ1 channel. While KCNE1 has previously been the subject of extensive structural studies in lyso-phospholipid detergent micelles, key observations have yet to be confirmed and refined in lipid bilayers. In this study, a reliable method for reconstituting KCNE1 into lipid bilayer vesicles composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho(1'-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt) (POPG) was developed.