Racial and Ethnic Differences in Antiseizure Medications Among People With Epilepsy on Medicaid: A Case of Potential Inequities.

Background And Objectives: Being on a newer, second-, and third-generation antiseizure medication (ASM) may represent an important marker of quality of care for people with epilepsy. We sought to examine whether there were racial/ethnic differences in their use.

Methods: Using Medicaid claims data, we identified the type and number of ASMs, as well as the adherence, for people with epilepsy over a 5-year period (2010-2014).

Myeloperoxidase is Independently Associated with Incident Heart Failure in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high cardiovascular risk and mortality. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) has been linked to adverse events in patients with mild-moderate CKD. We sought to investigate whether MPO levels are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with CKD.

ICD-10 Z-Code Health-Related Social Needs and Increased Healthcare Utilization.

Introduction: Health-related social needs are known drivers of health and health outcomes, yet work to date to examine health-related social needs using ICD-10 Z-codes remains limited. This study seeks to evaluate the differences in the prevalence of conditions as well as utilization and cost between patients with and without health-related social needs.

Methods: Using the 2017 Florida State Emergency Department and State Inpatient Databases, this study identified patients with documented health-related social needs using ICD-10 Z-codes.

Burden of Chronic and Acute Conditions and Symptoms in People With Epilepsy.

Background And Objectives: People with epilepsy, one-third of whom in the United States are on Medicaid, experience a wide range of chronic and physical comorbidities that influence their care and outcomes. In this study, we examine the burden and racial/ethnic disparities of chronic and acute conditions, injuries, and symptoms in a large and diverse group of people with epilepsy on Medicaid.

Methods: Using 5 years of Medicaid claims data, we identified adults with epilepsy and used all available claims and diagnoses to identify each person's Clinical Classification Codes groups diagnosed during the study period.

Heart healthy cities: genetics loads the gun but the environment pulls the trigger.

The world's population is estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050 and 75% of this population will live in cities. Two-third of the European population already live in urban areas and this proportion continues to grow. Between 60% and 80% of the global energy use is consumed by urban areas, with 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions produced within urban areas.

Markers of Quality Care for Newly Diagnosed People With Epilepsy on Medicaid.

Background: For newly diagnosed people with epilepsy (PWE), proper treatment is important to improve outcomes, yet limited data exist on markers of quality care.

Objective: Examine markers of quality care for newly diagnosed PWE.

Methods: Using Medicaid claims data (2010-2014) for 15 states we identified adults 18-64 years of age diagnosed with incident epilepsy in 2012 or 2013.

Endothelin-1 and peak oxygen consumption in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Background: Mechanisms of exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not well understood. Pulmonary hypertension, a common accompaniment in patients with HFpEF, is associated with poor outcomes. While Endothelin -1 (ET-1) plays a mechanistic role in pulmonary hypertension, its role in exercise intolerance in HFpEF is not well established.

Ambient Air Pollution and Atherosclerosis: Insights Into Dose, Time, and Mechanisms.

Ambient air pollution due to particulate matter ≤2.5 μ is the leading environmental risk factor contributing to global mortality, with a preponderant majority of these deaths attributable to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) causes such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Epidemiological studies in humans have provided refined estimates of exposure risk, with evidence suggesting that risk association with particulate matter ≤2.

Effect of Topical Brimonidine on Alcohol-Induced Flushing in Asian Individuals: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Alcohol flushing syndrome (AFS, also known as Asian glow and Asian flush) affects 20% to 47% of East Asians and causes significant psychosocial distress. There are no approved treatments for this condition.

Objective: To determine whether brimonidine gel, 0.