Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy After Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: Insights From the CONNECT-HF.

Background: Significant gap remains in the implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure after a hospitalization. We aimed to evaluate the use and titration of GDMT at discharge and over a 12-month period after hospital discharge and to identify factors associated with GDMT use and titration.

Methods And Results: The CONNECT-HF (Care Optimization Through Patient and Hospital Engagement Clinical Trial for Heart Failure) trial evaluated the effect of a hospital and postdischarge quality improvement intervention in participants with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cardiovascular Imaging and Diagnosis: Current Insights and Future Directions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of mortality worldwide, emphasizing the critical need for timely and accurate diagnosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become revolutionary tools in the healthcare system with significant potential for cardiovascular diagnosis and imaging. AI and ML techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning, logistic regression, deep learning models, neural networks, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have significantly advanced cardiovascular imaging.

Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Treating Plantar Fasciitis.

Introduction Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, is often treated conservatively. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a promising treatment option. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous PRP injections for plantar fasciitis.

Outcomes and Complications of Mitral and Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-edge Repair.

In the realm of innovative medical procedures, TEER (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair) has emerged as a promising field, showcasing significant growth and advancements. Mitral TEER has been performed for the last two decades; in contrast, tricuspid TEER is newer, with long-term outcomes pending. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature, with a primary focus on outcomes and potential complications associated with both procedures.

Contrasting the role of historic factors in phylogeograpic patterns in the native Johnny darter () and invasive round goby () in lower michigan.

Round goby () is an invasive fish present in all five Great Lakes and is becoming increasingly common in their tributaries. Johnny darter () is a native species that often coexists with . In this work, historic factors are addressed as a source of genomic variation in study populations of these species.

Bioactive Potential of the Sulfated Exopolysaccharides From the Brown Microalga sp.: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiapoptotic Profiles.

This study aims to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of the exopolysaccharides (EPS) extracted from the microalgae species sp., as well as to evaluate their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-apoptotic activities. The crude extracellular polysaccharides from the halophilic diatom sp.

Electrodiagnostic Confirmation of Lumbar Radiculopathy and Its Association With Lumbar Central Canal Stenosis and Neuroforaminal Stenosis.

Introduction: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar neuroforaminal stenosis (LNS) are common diagnoses that plague patients with low back pain. Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) can be used as an adjunct to investigate lower extremity radicular nerve pain and/or neurogenic claudication. However, there are only limited studies discussing the association of these diagnostic tools with radiculopathy.

In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Background: Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains controversial.

Objective: This study aims to examine outcomes in ARDS patients treated with or without ECMO.

Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, all ARDS patients including those who were treated with ECMO were included in the analysis.

Identifying Lower Extremity Deformities in the Coronal Plane: Lessons From Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AO Foundation, an orthopedic education organization, had to transition its live education programs to an online format. Skills that were previously evaluated and corrected in person by educators were now assessed through online lectures and discussion groups. Our goal was to evaluate an online course designed to teach the skill of "leg length and coronal deformity measurement" and to assess participants' ability to demonstrate this skill using online software.

Spatially Varying Frequencies Reveal the Invasion Origin of an Agricultural Pest Recently Introduced From Europe to North America.

The introduction of non-native species across the world represents a major global challenge. Retracing invasion origin is an important first step in understanding the invasion process, often requiring detailed sampling within the native range. Insect species frequently host , a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates host reproduction to increase infected female fitness.

Impact of Gender-Affirming Hormonal Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Transgender Health: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Background: Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is common among transgender individuals, but its impact on lipid profile and cardiovascular health is not well studied.

Objectives: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature to assess the impact of GAHT on lipid profiles and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in transgender individuals.

Methods: Online databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central registry were searched to find studies on lipid profile changes in women who are transgender, also referred to as transfeminine (TF), and men who are transgender, also referred to as transmasculine (TM) before and after GAHT.

Incidence and predictors of acute coronary syndrome after transcatheter mitral valve repair.

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) post-transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) carries high mortality. We aim to study the incidence and predictors of ACS in patients who underwent TMVR.

Research Design And Methods: We queried the U.

Protracted Course of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Septic Arthritis in Native Knee Joint.

is a coagulase-negative bacteria of the Staphylococcus family. It is a highly invasive organism with similar virulence to . It is commonly associated with bacteremia and infections of the skin, soft tissues, joints, and bones.

Rifabutin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient With Uncontrolled HIV: A Case Report.

Uncontrolled HIV is associated with a wide range of hematologic abnormalities through direct suppressive effects, opportunistic infections, tumor marrow infiltration, or antiretroviral, antimicrobial, or antitumor therapy. We present a patient with a history of uncontrolled HIV presenting with acute severe thrombocytopenia shortly after starting treatment for disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). While the thrombocytopenia was resistant to transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), it mildly improved with dexamethasone after holding home medications.

Highly stereoselective synthesis of α-glycosylated carboxylic acids by phenanthroline catalysis.

Carbohydrate molecules with an α-glycosylated carboxylic acid motif provide access to biologically relevant chemical space but are difficult to synthesize with high selectivity. To address this challenge, we report a mild and operationally simple protocol to synthesize a wide range of functionally and structurally diverse α-glycosylated carboxylic acids in good yields with high diastereoselectivity. Although there is no apparent correlation between reaction conversion and p of carboxylic acids, we found that carboxylic acids with a p of 4-5 provide high selectivity while those of a p of 2.

Baclofen-induced excessive perspiration: A case report and review of literature.

This report highlights an unexpected baclofen side effect, a medication known for its safety profile. The rarity of excessive perspiration as a side effect distinguishes this case from typical baclofen adverse reactions. Documenting uncommon reactions is vital for physicians to broaden their awareness of baclofen's side effects and improve care.

Hospital readmission for acute kidney injury is independently associated with de novo end-stage renal disease after liver transplantation.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The consequences of hospitalizations for post-LT acute kidney injury (AKI) are poorly understood. Using linked Medicare claims and transplant registry data, we analyzed adult liver alone recipients not receiving pre-transplant dialysis between 1/1/2007-12/31/2016.

A Rare Case of Pseudo-Mirizzi Syndrome Presenting With Acute-on-Chronic Cholecystitis and Hepatic Abscesses.

Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is an uncommon cause of gallstone disease caused by calculous cholecystitis resulting in extrinsic obstruction of the common bile duct, causing concurrent obstructive jaundice. An acalculous variant of MS, at times referred to as pseudo-MS, occurs even more rarely. We present the case of a patient who was found to have pseudo-MS complicated by several hepatic microabscesses.

The Effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Gender and Medical School Diversity in Gastroenterology Fellowship Matching.

Background And Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes to the medical field, including the gastroenterology (GI) fellowship application process. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on GI fellowship applications, with a focus on applicants' gender and medical school training type.

Methods: Data from the GI match results for 2018-2022 were collected, including the number and percentage of matched applicants per year, categorized by gender, US medical graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs).

Hypertension Prevalence, Treatment, and Control 90 Days After Acute Stroke Among Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Adults.

Background: High blood pressure (BP) increases recurrent stroke risk.

Methods And Results: We assessed hypertension prevalence, treatment, control, medication adherence, and predictors of uncontrolled BP 90 days after ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke among 561 Mexican American and non-Hispanic White (NHW) survivors of stroke from the BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi) cohort from 2011 to 2014. Uncontrolled BP was defined as average BP ≥140/90 mm Hg at 90 days poststroke.

Giant left main stem aneurysm in a patient with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia: A case report.

It is important to maintain a vigilant approach towards incidental, rare findings like coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) presenting with arrhythmia, particularly in patients with a history of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular risk factors. Diagnosis needs thorough evaluation. Tailoring management strategies to individual patient characteristics is crucial for optimizing outcomes.

The Puzzling Coexistence of Eosinophilic Pneumonia With Sjogren's Syndrome: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

We present a case where a patient with no significant pulmonary nor autoimmune medical history presents with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and a dry cough that's made worse when conversing. She gets diagnosed with eosinophilic pneumonia after bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed 70% eosinophils while also having labs highly suggestive of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) with an anti-SSA titer of 111.3 U/mL and anti-SSA 52 kD Ab, immunoglobulin (Ig)G >200 U.

A case of COVID-19-associated C-ANCA vasculitis, was successfully treated with rituximab therapy.

Both C-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and P-ANCA vasculitis were reported to be associated with COVID-19 infection. The ideal management of COVID-19-associated ANCA vasculitis is unclear, as the experiences were limited to case reports. We presented a case of COVID-19-associated C-ANCA vasculitis, successfully treated with steroids and rituximab therapy without any significant adverse reactions.