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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges in the delivery of acute stroke care. In this study, we analyze the characteristics, evaluation, treatment, and in-hospital outcomes of patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19.
Get With The Guidelines-Stroke is a national registry of adults with stroke in the United States. Using this registry, we identified patients with a diagnosis of AIS before (n=39 113; November 1, 2019-February 3, 2020) and after (n=41 971; February 4, 2020-June 29, 2020) the first reported case of COVID-19 in the registry. Characteristics, treatment patterns, quality metrics, and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.
Stroke presentations decreased by an average of 15.3% per week in the during COVID-19 time period when compared with similar months in 2019. Compared with patients with AIS in the pre-COVID-19 era, patients in the COVID-19 time period had similar rates of intravenous alteplase and ebust during the COVID-19 pandemic.[Figure see text].[Figure see text].
Management of stroke risk factors might reduce later dementia. In ASCOT (Anglo-Scandinavian Outcome Trial), we determined whether dementia or stroke were associated with different blood pressure (BP)-lowering regimens; atorvastatin or placebo; and mean BP, BP variability, and mean cholesterol levels.
Participants with hypertension and ≥3 cardiovascular disease risk factors were randomly allocated to amlodipine- or atenolol-based BP-lowering regimen targeting BP <140/90 mm Hg for 5.5 years. Participants with total cholesterol ≤6.5 mmol/L were also randomly allocated to atorvastatin 10 mg or placebo for 3.3 years. Mean and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, BP, and SD of BP were calculated from 6 months to end of trial. UK participants were linked to electronic health records to ascertain deaths and hospitalization in general and mental health hospitals. Dementia and stroke were ascertained by validated code lists and within-trial ascertainment.
Of 8580 UK participants, 7300 were followed up togher BP variability was associated with a higher incidence of later dementia and stroke.
An amlodipine-based BP regimen reduced the long-term incidence of stroke compared with an atenolol-based regimen but had no measurable effect on dementia. Atorvastatin had no effect on either stroke or dementia. https://www.selleckchem.com/ Higher BP variability was associated with a higher incidence of later dementia and stroke.Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are highly prevalent, aggravate each other, and account for substantial mortality. Both conditions are characterized by activation of the innate immune system. The alarmin IL-1α is expressed in a variety of cell types promoting (sterile) systemic inflammation. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of IL-1α in mediating inflammation in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and CKD. Methods We assessed the expression of IL-1α on the surface of monocytes from patients with AMI and patients with CKD and determined its association with atherosclerotic CVD events during follow-up in an explorative clinical study. Furthermore, we assessed the inflammatory effects of IL-1α in several organ injury models in Il1a-/- and Il1b-/- mice and investigated the underlying mechanisms in vitro in monocytes and endothelial cells. Results IL-1α is strongly expressed on the surface of monocytes from patients with AMI and CKD comparedepresents a key mediator of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and inflammation in AMI and CKD. Inhibition of IL-1α may serve as a novel anti-inflammatory treatment strategy.
Recently, the decision was made to transition the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 score from a three-digit numerical score to a pass/fail system. Historically, Step 1 scores have been important for otolaryngology resident applicant selection. The purpose of this study was to understand and evaluate otolaryngology residency program directors' (OPDs) opinions on the impact following the change in Step 1 score reporting.
A 22-question survey administered through Qualtrics was sent to 113 academic otolaryngology residency program directors in April 2020. Information about demographics, impressions on the new Step 1 score format, anticipated changes in applicant selection, impact on mental health, and importance of various other factors in selecting applicants were queried. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey results.
A total of 41 out of 113 (36.3%) OPDs completed this survey. A majority of surveyed OPDs (80.5%) do not support the decision to change Step 1 to a pass/fail system. In the absence of a three digit numeric USMLE Step 1 score, OPDs indicated prioritization of away rotations, letters of recommendation (LORs), personal prior knowledge of the applicant, grades in required clerkship, and class ranking or quartile. 53.7% of OPDs anticipate requiring USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge for interview consideration following this change.
OPDs believe a pass/fail Step 1 score will decrease the importance of this exam and that this change will lead to the implementation and evaluation of additional metrics such as a required Step 2 CK score.
OPDs believe a pass/fail Step 1 score will decrease the importance of this exam and that this change will lead to the implementation and evaluation of additional metrics such as a required Step 2 CK score.Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have comparable efficacy, but ARBs have a preferential safety profile with particular regard to cough and angioedema. Although guidelines have historically advocated for ACE inhibitor use before ARBs simply because of earlier market entry, data accumulation, and generic availability, updated verbiage advises an "ACE inhibitor or ARB" recommendation, as opposed to the classic "ACE inhibitor then ARB" approach. Despite these updates, clinical inertia in favor of ACE inhibitor use before ARBs overwhelmingly remains. Prescribers and educators should consider an "ARBs only" mentality, especially in high angioedema-risk groups such as black patients.