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  • Ewing Forrest posted an update 1 week, 6 days ago

    This study sought to develop DL models capable of comprehensively quantifying left and right ventricular dysfunction from ECG data in a large, diverse population.

    Rapid evaluation of left and right ventricular function using deep learning (DL) on electrocardiograms (ECGs) can assist diagnostic workflow. However, DL tools to estimate right- ventricular (RV) function do not exist, whereas those to estimate left ventricular (LV) function are restricted to quantification of very low LV function only.

    A multicenter study was conducted with data from 5 New York City hospitals 4 for internal testing and 1serving as external validation. We created novel DL models to classify left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) into categories derived from the latest universal definition of heart failure, estimate LVEF through regression, and predict a composite outcome of either RV systolic dysfunction or RV dilation.

    We obtained echocardiogram LVEF estimates for 147,636 patients paired to 715,890 ECGs. We used natural ventions for either sided failure progressing to biventricular disease.

    DL on ECG data can be used to create inexpensive screening, diagnostic, and predictive tools for both LV and RV dysfunction. Such tools may bridge the applicability of ECGs and echocardiography and enable prioritization of patients for further interventions for either sided failure progressing to biventricular disease.

    This study aimed to evaluate the ability of coronary artery calcium (CAC) as an initial diagnostic tool to rule out obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in a very large registry of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain (CP) who were at low to intermediate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

    It is not yet well established whether CAC can be used to rule out obstructive CAD in the ED setting.

    We included patients from the Baptist Health South Florida Chest Pain Registry presenting to the ED with CP at low to intermediate risk for ACS (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk score≤2, normal/nondiagnostic electrocardiography, and troponin levels) who underwent CAC and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) procedures for evaluation of ACS. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of CAC testing to diagnose obstructive CAD and identify the need for coronary revascularization during hospitalization, we estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive vs by identifying individuals who can safely defer additional testing and more invasive procedures.

    In a large population presenting to ED with CP at low to intermediate risk, CAC = 0 was common. CAC = 0 ruled out obstructive CAD and revascularization in more than 99% of the patients, and less then 5% with CAC = 0 had any CAD. Integrating CAC testing very early in CP evaluation may be effective in appropriate triage of patients by identifying individuals who can safely defer additional testing and more invasive procedures.

    The impact of climate change on health and the necessity to reduce emissions in the health sector is becoming an increasingly discussed topic. Little is known about medical doctors’ (MDs) attitude towards climate protection measures in outpatient practices.

    Between October 2020 and February 2021, a survey was conducted among MDs in German practices. 1,683 participants answered 39 questions on energy use, transportation, disposable materials, budget and patient counselling. Data were collected on status, motivation, obstacles and needs regarding climate protection in practices.

    83% considered climate change an urgent problem requiring immediate action. A majority reported climate effects on their patients’ health. Most MDs felt responsible for climate protection in their practices, showing a high degree of willingness to implement climate-friendly measures. Obstacles reported include lack of information and institutional support as well as the expected financial burden. A majority of MDs called on professional associations and politics to develop climate-friendly strategies.

    In view of national climate targets and the willingness of outpatient MDs to contribute to climate protection, support from medical associations is required, e. g. through practical recommendations and financial help, in order to transform the health sector in accordance with the idea of Planetary Health. Accompanying studies should provide further evidence on effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in practices.

    In view of national climate targets and the willingness of outpatient MDs to contribute to climate protection, support from medical associations is required, e. g. through practical recommendations and financial help, in order to transform the health sector in accordance with the idea of Planetary Health. Accompanying studies should provide further evidence on effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in practices.Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a basic tool in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension (HT). Validity is based on the number of readings taken and their duration. Our aim was to study in our 48-hour ABPM series whether extending the duration of ABPM to 48 hours is justified.

    Retrospective analysis of a case series comprising 81 patients with 48-hour ABPM over a 5-year period (2013 to 2018). We analysed the differences between the first and second day.

    Eighty-one patients, 44 men, mean age of 52 years (± 18). The mean blood pressure (BP) was higher on the first day (132/77 mmHg vs. 130/76 mmHg, p ≤ .01) and there was also a greater proportion of patients with HT on the first day (59 vs. 50%; p ≤ .05). The patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 33) had higher systolic BP (SBP) on the second night (p ≤ .05), a circadian rhythm of higher risk on the second day (dipper 13.6 vs. 86.4%, non-dipper 60.7 vs. 41.7%, and riser 30.3 vs. 18.8%; p ≤ .05), more diabetes (39%, p ≤ .01) and more left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (74%, p ≤ .05).

    48-hour ABPM could determine BP readings and circadian rhythm better than 24-hour ABPM, especially in patients with CKD and diabetes, both diseases carrying high cardiovascular risk.

    48-hour ABPM could determine BP readings and circadian rhythm better than 24-hour ABPM, especially in patients with CKD and diabetes, both diseases carrying high cardiovascular risk.Arterial hypertension is generally classified as primary or essential (90%), and secondary (10%). Infrequent causes of the latter include Cushing’s syndrome, classified as ACTH-dependent and independent. A small percentage of ACTH-independent cases are due to ectopic ACTH secretion, generally due to neoplasia, and can present as arterial hypertension and hyperglycaemia that are refractory to pharmacological measures, metabolic alkalosis and hypokalaemia that are difficult to control, but which help guide the initial diagnosis. We present two clinical cases with a diagnosis of ectopic ACTH secretion secondary to small cell lung carcinoma, in which one of the debut manifestations was unknown, difficult to control arterial hypertension.

    Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially severe food allergy caused by the presence of alpha-gal-specific IgE. The aim of this study is to describe our series of 13 patients.

    This work is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed in 2016 and 2017. Skin tests were performed with commercial extract and gelaspan as well as specific IgE determination for alpha-gal and different types of meat.

    Thirteen patients diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome were analyzed; 9 of them had anaphylaxis, 6of whom had been diagnosed with idiopathic anaphylaxis. All had a positive skin test with gelaspan, though this was not true with the commercial extracts, whose results were less conclusive.

    We believe that a diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis may prevent the identification of patients with alpha-gal syndrome. The gelaspan skin test is more useful than commercial extracts.

    We believe that a diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis may prevent the identification of patients with alpha-gal syndrome. The gelaspan skin test is more useful than commercial extracts.Providing adequate and appropriate nutrition to children with medical complexity (CMC) is often a challenging task. These patients are a diverse group whose varying nutritional needs must be carefully assessed and monitored. Optimal feeding and nutrition strategies in CMC require an individual approach and may include oral, enteral (gastric or jejunal), or parenteral provision of nutrients. Complications of enteral feeding, including those associated with medical devices such as feeding tubes, are common, and provider familiarity with some of the more common complaints is helpful. We provide here a summary of different feeding approaches, with exploration of the rationale for each, as well as discussion of common complications and some practical troubleshooting tips.The term “children with medical complexity” (CMC) describes a population of heterogeneous genetic and metabolic disorders with multi-system involvement, with shared common abnormalities within the musculoskeletal system. Disorders that affect the central nervous system (CNS) result in abnormal muscular tone, ranging from dystonia and spasticity, to hypotonia, to combinations of both (axial hypotonia with appendicular hypertonia). Abnormal tone can impair movement and function and contribute to development of contractures, progressive scoliosis and hip dislocation. click here Impaired mobility, chronic illness and polypharmacy can result in fragile bones and increased risk of fracture, which can be difficult to diagnose and associated with pain. Additionally, CMC with impaired ability to communicate, total dependence on caregivers and frequent use of support devices can develop unintended skin injuries. There are a variety of treatments available for CMC with musculoskeletal disorders ranging from physical supports to pharmacologic treatments to surgeries. Medical and surgical treatments can promote changes in tone and support bone health to improve comfort, hygiene and proper positioning. These therapies may also carry significant risk in medically fragile patients. It is important for CMC to have a care team with a good understanding of the patient’s overall health and goals of care and that can advocate for the patient to balance optimization of function and reduction of pain while also minimizing risk.

    To explain student biology teachers’ intention to teach sustainable nutrition (SN) in classes using an extended model of the theory of planned behavior.

    Germany-wide online questionnaire study in November/December 2019.

    A total of 621 student biology teachers (mean age, 23.3 years; SD, 3.9 years; 77% female).

    Intention to teach SN.

    Theory of planned behavior variables (attitudes toward teaching, subjective norms, self-efficacy), intention to eat sustainably, attitudes toward SN, knowledge about SN, prior university education for sustainable development experiences.

    Descriptive statistics, bivariate Spearman correlations, and a path model are reported.

    The extended TPB model provided a moderate-to-high explanation of the intention to teach SN (R² = 0.50; P < 0.001). Respondents with a higher intention to eat sustainably in their daily lives reported more positive attitudes toward teaching, higher self-efficacy, and a higher teaching intention. Prior university education for sustainable development experiences also predicted the intention to teach.