Sequence-Dependent Repolarization Is Modulated by Endogenous Action Potential Duration Gradients Rather Than Electrical Coupling in Ventricular Myocardium.

Background: Previous studies suggest the relationship between activation time (AT) and action potential duration (APD) in the heart is dependent on electrotonic coupling, but this has not been directly tested. This study assessed whether acute changes in electrical coupling, or other determinants of conduction or repolarization, modulate APD heterogeneity.

Methods And Results: Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts were epicardially paced and optically mapped after treatment with the gap junction uncoupler carbenoxolone, ephaptic uncoupler mannitol, ephaptic enhancer dextran 2MDa, sodium channel inhibitor flecainide, or rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium channel inhibitor E4031.

Associations of early life per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure with body mass index and risk of overweight or obesity at age 2-18 years: Mixture analysis in the prospective Boston Birth Cohort.

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widespread persistent chemicals, which may have obesogenic effects during the fetal period. This study investigated the long-term association of maternal plasma PFAS concentrations at delivery and their mixture with child body mass index (BMI) and the risk of Overweight or Obesity (OWO) at the age of 2-18 years.

Methods: The study included 1189 mother-child dyads from the prospective Boston Birth Cohort.

Implementation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) in Geisinger Health System.

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is an imaging modality with many inherent benefits, such as increased patient satisfaction, cost savings, and elimination of delays in diagnosis. The popularity of this bedside imaging technique has increased in recent years, and its scope of use for diagnostics and procedures has expanded in many specialties. Research question Can increased implementation of PoCUS within the Geisinger Health System (GHS) reduce the need for other more expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful imaging techniques? Methods Investigations were carried out on the uses of PoCUS established in the literature as a bedside diagnostic tool for specific pathologies such as pneumonia, nephrolithiasis, and various fractures.