Potential microemboli formation risk and its management during the heated saline-enhanced radiofrequency needle-tip catheter ablation.

Background: The potential risk of embolic events during ablation in the left ventricle (LV) with a heated saline-enhanced radiofrequency (SERF) needle-tip ablation catheter has not been characterized.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the formation of microemboli or other untoward events during SERF ablation.

Methods: Ninety-three radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedures were performed in the LV of 14 pigs by using a SERF catheter (35 W, 70 seconds, and 60°C; normal or degassed saline [NS or DS] irrigation with a flow rate of 10 mL/min) vs a standard irrigated-tip radiofrequency (S-RF) catheter (30 or 50 W, 30 seconds, and 17 mL/min).

Staged Versus Concomitant TAVI and PCI for the Treatment of Coexisting Aortic Stenosis and Coronary Artery Disease.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular pathologies. Severe coronary artery disease (CAD) often coexists with AS. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been established as alternatives to open surgical interventions.

Lead Extraction and Baffle Stenting in a Patient with Transposition of the Great Arteries.

This case report discusses a 42-year-old male with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) status post Mustard repair and sick sinus syndrome status post dual-chamber pacemaker implant, who developed symptomatic superior vena cava (SVC) baffle stenosis. He was treated with a combined pacemaker extraction and subsequent SVC baffle stenting. The case highlights the complexities of treating SVC baffle stenosis in the presence of cardiac implantable devices and demonstrates the efficacy of this combined approach.

Safety and immunogenicity of Vi-diphtheria toxoid typhoid conjugate vaccine among children below 2 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The Vi-diphtheria toxoid typhoid conjugate vaccine (Vi-DT) has shown promising results in preventing typhoid fever in children under 2 years of age. However, a thorough assessment of its safety and immunogenicity is required to inform vaccination strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety and immunogenicity of Vi-DT in children below 2 years.

Noninvasive Ventilation in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Over the last several decades, the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) has seen an increase in the complexity of the patient population and etiologies requiring CICU admission. Currently, respiratory failure is the most common reason for admission to the contemporary CICU. As a result, noninvasive ventilation (NIV), including noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula, has been increasingly utilized in the management of patients admitted to the CICU.

Digital roots: harnessing digital platforms in advancing traditional and complementary medicine for cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The rise in cancer rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), combined with limited access to Western pharmaceuticals, has sparked growing adoption of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) for cancer treatment in the region. However, many challenges exist, including the lack of reliable evidence-based research on these products, scarcity of standardized documentation as part of cancer registries, limited physician expertise, and negative effects on mortality. Nonetheless, herbal medicines also present opportunities for further research, development, and stakeholder education, potentially benefiting the regional healthcare systems in SSA countries and global health as whole.

The effect of HIV and mpox co-infection on clinical outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Co-infection with HIV and mpox is a significant issue for public health because of the potential combined impact on clinical outcomes. However, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to provide insight into the impact of HIV and mpox co-infection on clinical outcomes.

Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Candidacy Decision-Making: Lessons and Hypotheses From a Single-Center Observational Analysis.

Background: Use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasing, but candidacy selection processes are variable and subject to bias.

Research Question: What are the reasons behind venovenous ECMO candidacy decisions, and are decisions made consistently across patients?

Study Design And Methods: Prospective observational study of all patients, admitted or outside hospital referrals, considered for venovenous ECMO at a tertiary referral center. Relevant clinical data and reasons for candidacy determination were cross-referenced with other noncandidates and candidates and were assessed qualitatively.

Family Perceptions of Virtual Family-Centered Rounds in a Quaternary Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Family-centered rounds (FCR) reduce the risk of psychological comorbidities of family members and improve the quality of communication between providers and families. We conducted a pilot quality improvement study analyzing family perceptions of virtual FCR. Family members of previously admitted cardiac ICU patients who participated in at least one session of virtual FCR between April 2020 and June 2021 at Massachusetts General Hospital were surveyed post-ICU discharge.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Combined Digital Platform and Community Health Worker Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Interventions focused on remote monitoring and social needs care have shown promise in improving clinical outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF). However, patient willingness to use technology as well as concerns about access in underresourced settings have limited digital platform implementation and adoption. There is little research in HF populations examining the effect of a combined digital and social needs care intervention that could enhance patient engagement in digital platform use while closing gaps in care related to social determinants of health.

Embedding viral hepatitis into primary healthcare: results of a strategic landscape analysis in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Chronic viral hepatitis is a significant public health concern in the Western Pacific, including in Vietnam and the Philippines. To accelerate progress toward meeting the 2030 elimination goals, the World Health Organization (WHO) encourages countries to adopt an integrated, people-centered health sector response to hepatitis, grounded in Primary Health Care (PHC). A review of the academic and grey literature, along with policy documents, was conducted to describe the national health system and PHC response to hepatitis B and C in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Environmental detection and spreading of mpox in healthcare settings: a narrative review.

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), which causes Monkeypox (Mpox), has recently been found outside its usual geographic distribution and has spread to 117 different nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Humans are at risk from MPXV's spread, which has raised concerns, particularly in the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.