Malnutrition and risks of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation.

Background: Recent data showed an association between malnutrition and increased all-cause mortality and thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of malnutrition on the clinical outcomes for patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF is still debated. Our study aimed to examine this relationship using all existing available data.

Vitamin D as a predictor of clinical response among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Introduction: Cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities have been recognized as predictors of clinical response in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, data on vitamin D as a predictor of CRT response are conflicting.

Method: We identified studies from MEDLINE and Embase databases, searching from inception to May 2024, to investigate the association between 25-OH vitamin D levels before CRT implantation and outcomes.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement among heart transplant recipients with donor aortic valve diseases: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Despite high surgical risk among heart transplant (HTx) recipients, who develop aortic valve diseases (AVD), transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been scarcely reported as a viable option in this patient population.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies reporting the outcomes of HTx recipients who developed AVD of the donor heart and underwent TAVR. Studies were eligible if they provided individual-level data for HTx recipients, who underwent TAVR on the donor heart.

Patterns of Medical Cannabis Use among Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: To survey the pattern and benefits of medical cannabis use (MCU) in a cross section of persons with multiple sclerosis (PWMS).

Methods: One hundred and fifteen subjects completed a 36-question survey online or on paper which queried aspects of their use of cannabis, including frequency of use, effect on symptoms, and changes in their use of prescription medications, as well asa number of key demographic variables such as age, gender, disease duration and clinical course, etc. All subjects were treated at a multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic in Connecticut and enrolled in the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program (CTMMP).

Differential response to rituximab in anti-AChR and anti-MuSK positive myasthenia gravis patients: a single-center retrospective study.

Background: B-cell targeted therapy with rituximab has shown durable response in treating refractory myasthenia gravis (MG). This study compares the response to rituximab between patients with acetylcholine receptor autoantibody positive (AChR+) and muscle-specific kinase autoantibody positive (MuSK+) MG.

Methods: This retrospective study included 33 patients with either AChR+ or MuSK+ MG who were treated with rituximab from 05/31/2003 to 05/31/2017.

The Resulting Variation in Nutrient Intake With the Inclusion of Walnuts in the Diets of Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial.

Purpose: We previously demonstrated that including walnuts in the diets of adults at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) led to improved overall diet quality. This report examines the specific changes in their nutrient intake.

Design: This was a randomized, controlled, modified Latin square parallel design trial with 2 treatment arms.

Inclusion of walnut in the diets of adults at risk for type 2 diabetes and their dietary pattern changes: a randomized, controlled, cross-over trial.

Background: In our recently published study, including walnuts in the diets of adults with prediabetes led to overall improvement in diet quality. This report adds to those study findings by examining the food groups displaced during walnut inclusion in the diets of those adults with prediabetes.

Methods: Randomized, controlled, modified Latin square parallel design with 2 treatment arms.

Walnut ingestion in adults at risk for diabetes: effects on body composition, diet quality, and cardiac risk measures.

Background: Despite their energy density, walnuts can be included in the diet without adverse effects on weight or body composition. The effect of habitual walnut intake on total calorie intake is not well studied. Effects on overall diet quality have not been reported.