Evidence-Based Application of Natriuretic Peptides in the Evaluation of Chronic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in the Ambulatory Outpatient Setting.

Background: Plasma NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) is commonly used to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but its diagnostic performance in the ambulatory/outpatient setting is unknown because previous studies lacked objective reference standards.

Methods: Among patients with chronic dyspnea, diagnosis of HFpEF or noncardiac dyspnea was determined conclusively by exercise catheterization in a derivation cohort (n=414), multicenter validation cohort 1 (n=560), validation cohort 2 (n=207), and a nonobese Japanese validation cohort 3 (n=77). Optimal NT-proBNP cut points for HFpEF rule out (optimizing sensitivity) and rule in (optimizing specificity) were derived and tested, stratified by obesity and atrial fibrillation.

Photosensitizable ZIF-8 BioMOF for Stimuli-Responsive Antimicrobial Phototherapy.

Resistant pathogens are increasingly posing a heightened risk to healthcare systems, leading to a growing concern due to the lack of effective antimicrobial treatments. This has prompted the adoption of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), which eradicates microorganisms by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the utilization of a photosensitizer, photons, and molecular oxygen. However, a challenge arises from the inherent characteristics of photosensitizers, including photobleaching, aggregation, and self-quenching.

Deep brain stimulation - A primer for psychiatrists.

Deep Brain Stimulation is a form of neurostimulation where electrical stimulation is delivered via intracranial electrodes over specific subcortical targets. It has been increasingly used as an alternative to ablative procedures for psychiatric disorders refractory to standard treatments. This review describes the common psychiatric indications for DBS, the current evidence base, putative mechanisms, and future directions.

Renal Function as a Predictor of Mortality and Functional Outcomes in Acute Stroke: A Prospective Study.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and understanding modifiable predictors of stroke outcomes is crucial. This study explores the relationship between renal function, assessed via estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine, and stroke mortality and functional outcomes in a cohort of acute stroke patients in India.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from February 2021 to October 2022, including 104 acute stroke patients from MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, India.