Echocardiographic screening for heart failure and optimization of the care pathway for individuals with pacemakers: a randomized controlled trial.

Individuals with pacemakers are at increased risk of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Whether screening for and optimizing the medical management of LVSD in these individuals can improve clinical outcomes is unknown. In the present study, in a multicenter controlled trial (OPT-PACE), we randomized 1,201 patients (717 men) with a pacemaker to echocardiography screening or usual care.

Characterisation of a microelectrochemical biosensor for real-time detection of brain extracellular d-serine.

A modified development protocol and concomitant characterisation of a first generation biosensor for the detection of brain extracellular d-serine is reported. Functional parameters important for neurochemical monitoring, including sensor sensitivity, O interference, selectivity, shelf-life and biocompatibility were examined. Construction and development involved the enzyme d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO), utilising a dip-coating immobilisation method employing a new extended drying approach.

A physiatrist's role in managing unique challenges in pregnancy and delivery in a patient with incomplete lumbar SCI: a case report.

Introduction: Women of childbearing age make up around 5-10% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and may face unique medical and functional complications during pregnancy, including prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of early rehospitalization due to falls.

Case Presentation: Here, we discuss a case of a young ambulatory woman with a lumbar motor incomplete spinal cord injury who underwent successful delivery via cesarean section and the role of the physiatrist in the management of the patient's antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum complications. The patient faced significant antepartum challenges secondary to her neurogenic bladder and pelvic floor weakness, resulting in increased use of her manual wheelchair.

Oncologic Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ With a Clinically Resolved Biopsy Site Managed by Watchful Waiting.

Background: Treatment option decisions for low-risk squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) are hampered by a paucity of management-type-specific outcomes data.

Objective: Describe SCCIS tumor outcomes managed by watchful waiting and risk factors associated with poor cancer outcomes.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective cohort study.

Diabetes mellitus does not alter mortality or hospitalisation risk in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Time to rethink pathophysiological models of disease progression.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a common and adverse prognostic co-morbidity for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The effect of diabetes on long-term outcomes for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is less established.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of patients referred to a regional HF clinic with newly diagnosed with HFrEF and HFpEF according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

The Impacts of Burn Severity and Frequency on Erosion in Western Arnhem Land, Australia.

Wildfires are pivotal to the functioning of many ecosystems globally, including the magnitude of surface erosion rates. This study aims to investigate the relationships between surface erosion rates and wildfire intensity in the tropical north savanna of Australia. The occurrence of fires in western Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia was determined with remotely sensed digital datasets as well as analogue erosion measurement methods.

Recovery-oriented practice in a hospital mental health service.

As part of mental health reform in Australia, new policies were introduced to support recovery-oriented practice; however, little has changed in hospital settings focused on managing risk and remediating acute symptoms. Previous studies have indicated that patients' experiences of personal recovery, during a hospital admission, may not mirror that of people living in the community, with patients being more likely to experience disconnection, hopelessness and disempowerment. Using a Participatory Health Research approach, eight mental health professionals, a patient advocate and an external researcher formed a research partnership to answer the question: How can staff enhance recovery-oriented practice in a hospital-based mental health service? The COREQ checklist was used for reporting the methods, analysis and findings.

Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia.

Background: Vitex agnus castus (VAC), also known as chaste tree, is a plant from the Mediterranean area, Crimea, and central Asia. Its fruit has been used for more than 2500 years as phytotherapic agent. In the last century, VAC has been mostly used for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual irregularities, fertility disorders, and symptoms of menopause.

A T cell receptor β chain-directed antibody fusion molecule activates and expands subsets of T cells to promote antitumor activity.

Despite the success of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) inhibitors in treating solid tumors, only a proportion of patients respond. Here, we describe a first-in-class bifunctional therapeutic molecule, STAR0602, that comprises an antibody targeting germline Vβ6 and Vβ10 T cell receptors (TCRs) fused to human interleukin-2 (IL-2) and simultaneously engages a nonclonal mode of TCR activation with costimulation to promote activation and expansion of αβ T cell subsets expressing distinct variable β (Vβ) TCR chains. In solution, STAR0602 binds IL-2 receptors in cis with Vβ6/Vβ10 TCRs on the same T cell, promoting expansion of human Vβ6 and Vβ10 CD4 and CD8 T cells that acquire an atypical central memory phenotype.

Hyperthermia elevates brain temperature and improves behavioural signs in animal models of autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are predominantly neurodevelopmental and largely genetically determined. However, there are human data supporting the idea that fever can improve symptoms in some individuals, but those data are limited and there are almost no data to support this from animal models. We aimed to test the hypothesis that elevated body temperature would improve function in two animal models of ASD.

Elevated risk for developmental disabilities in children with congenital heart defects.

Background: This study examined risk for developmental disabilities in preschool-aged children with a congenital heart defect (CHD) at the population level.

Methods: Statewide birth, birth defects, and preschool developmental disability records were integrated. The final sample included 1,966,585 children (51.

Review of New Zealand Coastal Talitroids with description of three new genera (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Senticaudata).

A generic revision is provided for the New Zealand coastal talitroids, which reports two families, seven genera and thirteen species. Three new genera are described: Aotearorchestia gen. nov.

Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and superspreading in Salt Lake County, Utah, March-May 2020.

Background: Understanding the drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission can inform the development of interventions. We evaluated transmission identified by contact tracing investigations between March-May 2020 in Salt Lake County, Utah, to quantify the impact of this intervention and identify risk factors for transmission.

Methods: RT-PCR positive and untested symptomatic contacts were classified as confirmed and probable secondary case-patients, respectively.

Evaluation of Administrative Data for Identifying Maternal Opioid Use at Delivery in Florida.

Objectives: Studies have shown significant increases in the prevalence of maternal opioid use. Most prevalence estimates are based on unverified ICD-10-CM diagnoses. This study determined the accuracy of ICD-10-CM opioid-related diagnosis codes documented during delivery and examined potential associations between maternal/hospital characteristics and diagnosis with an opioid-related code.

Nipah Virus Bangladesh Infection Elicits Organ-Specific Innate and Inflammatory Responses in the Marmoset Model.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is increasingly recognized as an ideal nonhuman primate (NHP) at high biocontainment due to its smaller size and relative ease of handling. Here, we evaluated the susceptibility and pathogenesis of Nipah virus Bangladesh strain (NiVB) infection in marmosets at biosafety level 4. Infection via the intranasal and intratracheal route resulted in fatal disease in all 4 infected marmosets.

"Maybe in a few years I'll be able to look at it": a preliminary study of documentary issues in the Ukrainian refugee experience.

Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, millions of refugees have fled Ukraine for safety in neighbouring countries, including Poland. This movement of people has been facilitated by, and has produced, documentation that will have significant afterlives as evidence and memory. The records refugees have carried with them, the records they have made during flight, and the records created in their encounters with states and communities beyond their homeland, will be important in the prosecution of war crimes, the reconstruction of events, the reconstitution of communities and the protection of rights and entitlements.

Design optimisation and characterisation of an amperometric glutamate oxidase-based composite biosensor for neurotransmitter l-glutamic acid.

A polymer/enzyme composite biosensor for monitoring neurochemical glutamate was performance optimised in vitro for sensitivity, selectivity and stability. This first generation Pt/glutamate oxidase-based sensor displayed appropriate sensitivity (90.4 ± 2.

Atrial fibrillation and risk of progressive heart failure in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure.

Aims: Understanding of the pathophysiology of progressive heart failure (HF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is incomplete. We sought to identify factors differentially associated with risk of progressive HF death and hospitalization in patients with HFpEF compared with patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods And Results: Prospective cohort study of patients newly referred to secondary care with suspicion of HF, based on symptoms and signs of HF and elevated natriuretic peptides (NP), followed up for a minimum of 6 years.

Guideline-directed medical therapy is similarly effective in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction.

Aims: Current guidelines recommend that disease-modifying pharmacological therapies may be considered for patients who have heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). We aimed to describe the characteristics, outcomes, provision of pharmacological therapies and dose-related associations with mortality risk in HFmrEF.

Methods And Results: We explored data from two prospective observational studies, which permitted the examination of the effects of pharmacological therapies across a broad spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

A Rare Cause of a Rare Disorder: -Induced Purpura Fulminans Secondary to Urinary Tract Infection.

Purpura fulminans is a devastating thrombotic disorder infrequently encountered in medical practice and amongst the medical literature. It is a hematologic emergency in which prompt recognition and initiation of treatment are critical to mitigate its significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical evaluation is commonly required, since the debilitating skin and soft tissue necrosis often degenerate into necrotizing fasciitis, critical limb ischemia, warranting surgical interventions in either a staged or single-step approach.

Platorchestiinae subfam. nov. (Amphipoda, Senticaudata, Talitridae) with the description of three new genera and four new species.

A new subfamily, Platorchestiinae, is established for fifteen genera of talitrid amphipods of which three: Cocorchestia gen. nov.; Demaorchestia gen.