Sleep duration and long-term mortality after stroke: A nationwide analysis.

Background: Sleep duration is a key marker of ideal cardiovascular health in the American Heart Association's new Life's Essential 8 construct, but studies on outcomes in stroke survivors are scarce. We assessed the association between sleep duration and mortality among self-reported stroke survivors in a nationally representative U.S.

Predictors of thrombotic events in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Objectives: To identify predictors of thrombotic events in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of a large, longitudinal IIM cohort followed at a single academic centre. We used Poisson regression models to estimate incidence-rate ratios (IRR) of prospective arterial and venous thrombotic events (ATE and VTE respectively).

Age-related macular degeneration and risk of stroke and all-cause mortality.

Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common degenerative disorder of the retina and choroid. Retinal vascular diseases have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but an association between AMD and stroke has not been well established. We aimed to test the relationship between AMD, stroke, and age-adjusted mortality.

Biologic Mechanisms Underlying the Heterogeneous Response to Tight Glycemic Control among Differentially Inflamed Patients in the HALF-PINT Trial.

Tight glycemic control (TGC) with insulin has not consistently shown benefit in critically ill patients. We previously reported that the subset of children with a hyperinflammatory subphenotype benefited from TGC in the HALF-PINT (Heart and Lung Failure - Pediatric Insulin Titration) study of hyperglycemic children with heart and lung failure and the IIT-SBPP (Intensive Insulin Treatment - Severely Burned Pediatric Patients) study in severely burned pediatric patients. However, whether this effect was mediated through a reduction in inflammation or some other biologic process is not fully understood.

Plasma Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Has a Central Role in Biomarker Network Analysis and Is Associated With Poor Outcomes in Two Distinct Pediatric Cohorts of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Acute Respiratory Failure.

Objectives: Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a glycoprotein expressed on immune, endothelial, and epithelial cells. In the setting of inflammation, it becomes upregulated and spliced into a soluble form (soluble ICAM-1 [sICAM-1]). This study examined the association of sICAM-1 with clinical outcomes in two large pediatric cohorts with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute respiratory failure (ARF) and examined the relationships between sICAM-1 and other protein biomarkers utilizing network analysis to contextualize its role in ARDS pathophysiology.

A cross-sectional analysis of the association between self-employment, racial and ethnic minority status, sex and cardiovascular disease risk factors among a nationally representative sample.

Background: There is a body of evidence that suggest risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be linked with self-employment status. Work context varies across race, ethnicity and sex. The objective is to examine the association of self-employment status and CVD risk factors across racial and ethnic minority status as well as sex.

Occult multifocal and incidental hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis of long-term survival and risk factors at a single liver transplant center.

The clinical significance of occult HCC identified on explant pathology in liver transplantation (LT) remains unclear. Among recipients of LT, discordance between pre-LT radiographic assessment of HCC and explant tumor burden is common. Data regarding the association of incidental HCC (no pre-LT radiographic diagnosis) and occult multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (omHCC, pre-LT radiology underestimates a number of explant tumors) with outcomes are scarce.

Plasma levels of adhesion molecules are elevated in dermatomyositis-interstitial lung disease and associated with low paraoxonase-1 activity.

Objective: To evaluate circulating levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and DM associated interstitial lung disease (DM-ILD).

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in plasma samples from DM patients and matched healthy controls. Plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (CAM) levels were measured by ELISA.

Effects of Allostatic Load on Long-Term Survival After Stroke.

Background: Allostatic load index (ALI) is often utilized to quantify the physiological response to stress. This study assesses the relationship between ALI and its impact on all-cause, cardiovascular, and stroke mortality in individuals with a self-reported history of stroke and within the general National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey sampled population.

Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (III, 1988-1994) and the 2015 Linked Mortality File, we selected adults aged ≥25 years with self-reported stroke.

Relationship between high-resolution computed tomography quantitative imaging analysis and physiological and clinical features in antisynthetase syndrome-related interstitial lung disease.

Objectives: To explore the association between the extent of CT abnormalities by quantitative imaging analysis (QIA) and clinical/physiological disease parameters in patients with antisynthetase syndrome associated interstitial lung disease (ARS-ILD).

Methods: We analysed 20 patients with antisynthetase antibodies and active ILD enrolled in the Abatacept in Myositis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease study. High-resolution chest CT was obtained at weeks 0, 24 and 48 and QIA scored the extent of ground glass (quantitative score for ground glass), fibrosis (quantitative score for lung fibrosis, QLF) and total ILD (quantitative ILD, QILD).

Race/Ethnic Differences in In-Hospital Mortality after Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Introduction: Stroke mortality has declined, with differential changes by race; stroke is now the 5th leading cause of death overall, but 2nd leading cause of death in Black individuals. Little is known about recent race/ethnic and sex trends in in-hospital mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and whether system-level factors contribute to possible differences.

Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample, adults (≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of AIS from 2006 to 2017 (n = 643,912) were identified.

CIRCULATING HEPARAN SULFATE PROFILES IN PEDIATRIC ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME.

Introduction: Sepsis-induced degradation of endothelial glycocalyx heparan sulfate (HS) contributes to the pulmonary microvascular endothelial injury characteristic of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathogenesis. Our objectives were to (1) examine relationships between plasma indices of HS degradation and protein biomarkers of endothelial injury and (2) identify patient subgroups characterized by distinct profiles of HS degradation in children with ARDS. Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected plasma (2018-2020) from a cohort of invasively mechanically ventilated children (aged >1 month to <18 years) with ARDS.

Association Between Abnormal Sleep Duration and Stroke in the United States.

Introduction: The new American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 construct of ideal cardiovascular health now includes sleep duration. Little is known, however, about sleep duration in individuals with prior stroke. Our objective was to compare sleep duration among individuals with and without prior stroke.

Associations between 6-minute walk distance and physiologic measures and clinical outcomes in myositis-associated interstitial lung disease.

Objective: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a simple test widely used to assess sub-maximal exercise capacity in chronic respiratory diseases. We explored the relationship of 6-min walk distance (6MWD) with measurements of physiological, clinical, radiographic measures in patients with myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MA-ILD).

Method: We analyzed data from the Abatacept in Myositis Associated Interstitial lung disease (Attack My-ILD) study, a 48-week multicentre randomized trial of patients with anti-synthetase antibodies and active MA-ILD.

Economic Burden of Endometrial Cancer Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged females, and women with PCOS are at increased risk for endometrial cancer (EndoCA), the most common gynecological malignancy.

Objective: Our study sought to assess the economic burden associated with EndoCA in PCOS.

Method: Using PRISMA systematic review guidelines, we evaluated studies on EndoCA rates in patients with PCOS.

The link between insurance and blood pressure control in U.S. stroke survivors.

Background: After a stroke, poorly controlled blood pressure (BP) is associated with a higher risk of recurrent vascular events. Despite the importance of controlling BP to avert recurrent vascular events, fewer than half of stroke survivors in the United States achieve BP control. It is unclear to what extent insurance status affects BP levels after stroke.

The Effect of Chronic Altitude Exposure on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outcomes in the SPIROMICS Cohort: An Observational Cohort Study.

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have airflow obstruction and maldistribution of ventilation. For those living at high altitude, any gas exchange abnormality is compounded by reduced partial pressures of inspired oxygen. Does residence at higher altitude exposure affect COPD outcomes, including lung function, imaging characteristics, symptoms, health status, functional exercise capacity, exacerbations, and mortality? From the SPIROMICS (Subpopulation and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study) cohort, we identified individuals with COPD living below 1,000 ft (305 m) elevation ( = 1,367) versus above 4,000 ft (1,219 m) elevation ( = 288).

Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Breast Radiologists' Wellness.

Objective: Assess the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being of breast radiologists nationwide two years after the start of the pandemic and compared to early in the pandemic.

Methods: A 27-question survey was distributed from December 2021 to January 2022 to physician members of the Society of Breast Imaging. Psychological distress and anxiety scores were calculated, and factors associated with them were identified with a multivariate logistic model.

The Role of Preoperative Antibiotics in Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Rate after Class I/Clean Gynaecologic Surgery at an Academic Safety Net Hospital.

Objectives: Examine whether preoperative antibiotics in class I/clean abdominal gynaecologic surgery decrease the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study at academic safety net hospital of patients undergoing class I laparoscopic or open gynaecologic surgery between November 2013 and September 2017. Performance improvement initiative to administer preoperative antibiotics to all surgical patients starting July 2016.

Whole blood transcriptomics identifies subclasses of pediatric septic shock.

Background: Sepsis is a highly heterogeneous syndrome, which has hindered the development of effective therapies. This has prompted investigators to develop a precision medicine approach aimed at identifying biologically homogenous subgroups of patients with septic shock and critical illnesses. Transcriptomic analysis can identify subclasses derived from differences in underlying pathophysiological processes that may provide the basis for new targeted therapies.

Applying the American Association of Endodontists and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology guidelines for cone-beam computed tomography prescription: Impact on endodontic clinical decisions.

Background: The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) developed guidelines for the prescription of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging. The impact of appropriately prescribed CBCT imaging on endodontic diagnosis and treatment (Tx) decisions was examined.

Methods: The clinical databases at the School of Dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, were queried to identify patients referred for CBCT imaging from the postgraduate endodontic clinic over a consecutive 36-month period.

Effects of System-Level Factors on Race/Ethnic Differences in In-Hospital Mortality after Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Introduction: Stroke mortality has declined, with differential changes by race; stroke is now the 5th leading cause of death overall, but 2nd leading cause of death in Black individuals. Little is known about recent race/ethnic and sex trends in in-hospital mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and whether system-level factors contribute to possible differences.

Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample, adults (≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of AIS from 2006 to 2017 (n=643,912) were identified.

Microbiota-Dependent Upregulation of Bitter Taste Receptor Subtypes in the Mouse Large Intestine in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

Bitter taste receptors (Tas2rs in mice) detect bitterness, a warning signal for toxins and poisons, and are expressed in enteroendocrine cells. We tested the hypothesis that Tas2r138 and Tas2r116 mRNAs are modulated by microbiota alterations induced by a long-term high-fat diet (HFD) and antibiotics (ABX) (ampicillin and neomycin) administered in drinking water. Cecum and colon specimens and luminal contents were collected from C57BL/6 female and male mice for qRT-PCR and microbial luminal 16S sequencing.