Acute kidney injury: the experience of a tertiary center of Pediatric Nephrology / Insuficiência renal aguda: experiência de um centro terciário de Nefrologia Pediátrica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an abrupt deterioration of kidney function. The incidence of pediatric AKI is increasing worldwide, both in critically and non-critically ill settings. We aimed to characterize the presentation, etiology, evolution, and outcome of AKI in pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary care center. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational single-center study of patients aged 29 days to 17 years and 365 days admitted to our Pediatric Nephrology Unit from January 2012 to December 2021, with the diagnosis of AKI. AKI severity was categorized according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. The outcomes considered were death or sequelae (proteinuria, hypertension, or changes in renal function at 3 to 6 months follow-up assessments). Results: Forty-six patients with a median age of 13.0 (3.5-15.5) years were included. About half of the patients (n = 24, 52.2%) had an identifiable risk factor for the development of AKI. Thirteen patients (28.3%) were anuric, and all of those were categorized as AKI KDIGO stage 3 (p < 0.001). Almost one quarter (n = 10, 21.7%) of patients required renal replacement therapy. Approximately 60% of patients (n = 26) had at least one sequelae, with proteinuria being the most common (n = 15, 38.5%; median (P25-75) urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio 0.30 (0.27-0.44) mg/mg), followed by reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (n = 11, 27.5%; median (P25-75) GFR 75 (62-83) mL/min/1.73 m2). Conclusions: Pediatric AKI is associated with substantial morbidity, with potential for proteinuria development and renal function impairment and a relevant impact on long-term prognosis.

RESUMO Introdução: Insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) é uma deterioração abrupta da função renal. A incidência de IRA pediátrica está aumentando em todo o mundo, em ambientes críticos e não críticos. Nosso objetivo foi caracterizar apresentação, etiologia, evolução e desfechos da IRA em pacientes pediátricos internados em um centro de atendimento terciário. Métodos: Realizamos estudo retrospectivo observacional de centro único de pacientes com idade entre 29 dias a 17 anos e 365 dias internados em nossa Unidade de Nefrologia Pediátrica, de janeiro de 2012 a dezembro de 2021, com diagnóstico de IRA. A gravidade da IRA foi categorizada de acordo com os critérios do Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Os desfechos considerados foram óbito ou sequelas (proteinúria, hipertensão ou alterações na função renal em avaliações de acompanhamento de 3 a 6 meses). Resultados: Incluímos 46 pacientes com idade mediana de 13,0 (3,5-15,5) anos. Cerca de metade (n = 24; 52,2%) apresentou um fator de risco identificável para o desenvolvimento de IRA. Treze pacientes (28,3%) eram anúricos; todos foram classificados como IRA KDIGO 3 (p < 0,001). Quase um quarto (n = 10; 21,7%) dos pacientes necessitaram de terapia renal substitutiva. Aproximadamente 60% (n = 26) apresentou pelo menos uma sequela, sendo proteinúria a mais comum (n = 15; 38,5%; mediana (P25-75) da relação proteína/creatinina urinária 0,30 (0,27-0,44) mg/mg), seguida de taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) reduzida (n = 11; 27,5%; mediana (P25-75) da TFG 75 (62-83) mL/min/1,73 m2). Conclusões: A IRA pediátrica está associada à morbidade substancial, com potencial para desenvolvimento de proteinúria e comprometimento da função renal e impacto relevante no prognóstico de longo prazo.

Acute kidney injury in nonagenarians: clinical characteristics and mortality / Injúria renal aguda em nonagenários: características clínicas e mortalidade

Abstract Introduction: Nonagenarians constitute a rising percentage of inpatients, with acute kidney injury (AKI) being frequent in this population. Thus, it is important to analyze the clinical characteristics of this demographic and their impact on mortality. Methods: Retrospective study of nonagenarian patients with AKI at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2022. Only the latest hospital admission was considered, and patients with incomplete data were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to define risk factors for mortality. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 150 patients were included, with a median age of 93.0 years (91.2-95.0), and males accounting for 42.7% of the sample. Sepsis was the most common cause of AKI (53.3%), followed by dehydration/hypovolemia (17.7%), and heart failure (17.7%). ICU admission occurred in 39.3% of patients, mechanical ventilation in 14.7%, vasopressors use in 22.7% and renal replacement therapy (RRT) in 6.7%. Death occurred in 56.7% of patients. Dehydration/hypovolemia as an etiology of AKI was associated with a lower risk of mortality (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.77, p = 0.020). KDIGO stage 3 (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.17-8.47, p = 0.023), ICU admission (OR 12.27; 95% CI 3.03-49.74, p < 0.001), and oliguria (OR 5.77; 95% CI 1.98-16.85, p = 0.001) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: AKI nonagenarians had a high mortality rate, with AKI KDIGO stage 3, oliguria, and ICU admission being associated with death.

Resumo Introdução: Nonagenários constituem um percentual de pacientes internados em ascensão, sendo a injúria renal aguda (IRA) frequente nesses pacientes. Sendo assim, é importante analisar as características clínicas dessa população e seu impacto na mortalidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes nonagenários com IRA entre 2013 e 2022 em um hospital terciário. Apenas o último internamento foi considerado e pacientes com dados incompletos foram excluídos. Uma análise por regressão logística foi realizada para definir fatores de risco para mortalidade. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 150 pacientes com mediana de idade 93,0 anos (91,2-95,0) e sexo masculino em 42,7%. Sepse foi a causa mais comum de IRA (53,3%), seguida de desidratação/hipovolemia (17,7%) e insuficiência cardíaca (17,7%). Admissão na UTI ocorreu em 39,3% dos pacientes, ventilação mecânica em 14,7%, uso de vasopressores em 22,7% e realização de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) em 6,7%. Óbito ocorreu em 56,7% dos pacientes. Desidratação/hipovolemia como etiologia da IRA foi associado a menor risco de mortalidade (OR 0,18; IC 95% 0,04-0,77, p = 0,020). Estágio KDIGO 3 (OR 3,15; IC 95% 1,17-8,47, p = 0,023), admissão na UTI (OR 12,27; IC 95% 3,03-49,74, p < 0,001) e oligúria (OR 5,77; IC 95% 1,98-16,85, p = 0,001) foram associados à mortalidade. Conclusão: Nonagenários com IRA apresentaram alta mortalidade e IRA KDIGO 3, oligúria e admissão na UTI foram associadas ao óbito.

Comorbidity in spinal cord injury in Iran: A narrative review.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide each year. In Iran, an estimated 9 out of every 100,000 individuals experience traumatic SCI occurrences. Long-term disabilities and comorbidities stemming from SCI often necessitate multiple therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the morbidity in Iranian SCI patients. In this study, a four-step process was used to select, extract, analyze, and synthesize relevant literature. The search covered 750 records from five databases, resulting in 25 articles included in the review. These articles, published between 2000 and 2023, utilized cross-sectional, qualitative, or cohort designs. The findings explored the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of comorbidities associated with SCI, categorized into four themes: physical, sexual, psychological, and metabolic morbidity. Physical morbidity refers to medical conditions or complications affecting body functions or structures in SCI patients. The most frequently reported cases include pressure ulcers, pain, osteoporosis, fractures, impaired pulmonary function, renal failure, and obesity. Metabolic morbidity includes conditions such as vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic risk factors. Psychological morbidity encompasses depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Sexual morbidity refers to conditions or complications affecting the sexual function or satisfaction of SCI patients. This narrative literature review offers a comprehensive examination of various aspects of SCI in Iranian patients. The review identifies numerous challenges and difficulties faced by SCI patients while also highlighting protective factors that can improve their well-being. Additionally, the review acknowledges gaps and limitations within the current literature and suggests possible avenues for future research.

The Relationship Between Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis Patients and Coagulation Dysfunction and Prognosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between ARF and coagulopathy in patients with sepsis and to explore the prognostic value of these conditions. Patients and Methods: The data of 271 patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy admitted from June 2021 to June 2022 were reviewed. The patients were divided into a survival group and a nonsurviving group according to patient prognosis. Independent sample t tests were utilized to compare laboratory parameters within 24 hours of admission, as well as the APACHE II and SOFA scores, between the two patient groups. According to the sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC) grading criteria for grading, Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between blood creatinine and SAC grading and assignment scores, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Cox's proportional risk regression model were used to explore the factors affecting the prognosis of SAC patients. Results: Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong associations between serum creatinine (Scr) concentration, SAC classification, and SAC score, with coefficients above 0.7. SAC classification outcomes varied significantly with severity: mild severity had a 77.6% survival rate versus 22.4% mortality; moderate severity had 21.5% survival versus 78.5% mortality; and severe cases had a 0.7% survival rate versus 99.3% mortality (P<0.01 for all). Multivariate analysis revealed significant predictors of outcome, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with an OR of 2.070 (P=0.019); the SOFA score (OR=1.200, P<0.01); the international normalized ratio (INR) (OR=0.72, P=0.013); and the Scr level (OR=0.995, P<0.01). The areas under the ROC curves for the SOFA score, APACHE II score, and SAC classification were >0.8, all P < 0.05. Conclusion: In patients with sepsis, SAC grade 3 or a SAC score of 4 or higher is associated with poorer prognosis, and the interaction of acute kidney injury exacerbates the degree of SAC, consequently affecting prognosis.

To investigate the relationship between acute renal dysfunction and coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis and to explore the prognostic value of these conditions. We collected information and laboratory indicators from 271 patients, classified these two groups of patients according to the grading criteria for sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC), and compared the differences between them. We utilized Spearman correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between blood creatinine and the severity of sepsis-associated coagulation dysfunction (SAC). Additionally, we employed a Cox proportional hazards regression model to study the factors influencing the prognosis of SAC patients. This study revealed a significant positive correlation between blood creatinine levels and SAC grade. Furthermore, the presence of MODS, INR, blood creatinine, and SOFA score can serve as independent predictive factors for mortality. We can infer that there is a significant correlation between coagulation function parameters and blood creatinine levels, which play a crucial role in the diagnosis and prognostic analysis of sepsis. In patients with sepsis, a higher grade of SAC or an SAC score of 4 or higher indicates a poorer prognosis. Additionally, the interaction with acute kidney injury exacerbates the severity of SAC, thereby impacting patient prognosis.

Local Delivery of Dual Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Using an Electrospun Nanofibrous Platform for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury poses serious physical, psychosocial, and economic threats. Although systemic administration of stem cell-derived exosomes has recently been proven to be a promising modality for traumatic brain injury treatment, they come with distinct drawbacks. Luckily, various biomaterials have been developed to assist local delivery of exosomes to improve the targeting of organs, minimize nonspecific accumulation in vital organs, and ensure the protection and release of exosomes. In this study, we developed an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold to provide sustained delivery of dual exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells for traumatic brain injury treatment. The electrospun nanofibrous scaffold employed a functionalized layer of polydopamine on electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers, thereby enhancing the efficient incorporation of exosomes through a synergistic interplay of adhesive forces, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. First, the mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and the neural stem cell-derived exosomes were found to modulate microglial polarization toward M2 phenotype, play an important role in the modulation of inflammatory responses, and augment axonal outgrowth and neural repair in PC12 cells. Second, the nanofibrous scaffold loaded with dual stem cell-derived exosomes (Duo-Exo@NF) accelerated functional recovery in a murine traumatic brain injury model, as it mitigated the presence of reactive astrocytes and microglia while elevating the levels of growth associated protein-43 and doublecortin. Additionally, multiomics analysis provided mechanistic insights into how dual stem cell-derived exosomes exerted its therapeutic effects. These findings collectively suggest that our novel Duo-Exo@NF system could function as an effective treatment modality for traumatic brain injury using sustained local delivery of dual exosomes from stem cells.

Upconverting Nanoparticle-based Enhanced Luminescence Lateral-Flow Assay for Urinary Biomarker Monitoring.

Development of efficient portable sensors for accurately detecting biomarkers is crucial for early disease diagnosis, yet remains a significant challenge. To address this need, we introduce the enhanced luminescence lateral-flow assay, which leverages highly luminescent upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) alongside a portable reader and a smartphone app. The sensor's efficiency and versatility were shown for kidney health monitoring as a proof of concept. We engineered Er3+- and Tm3+-doped UCNPs coated with multiple layers, including an undoped inert matrix shell, a mesoporous silica shell, and an outer layer of gold (UCNP@mSiO2@Au). These coatings synergistically enhance emission by over 40-fold and facilitate biomolecule conjugation, rendering UCNP@mSiO2@Au easy to use and suitable for a broad range of bioapplications. Employing these optimized nanoparticles in lateral-flow assays, we successfully detected two acute kidney injury-related biomarkers─kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)─in urine samples. Using our sensor platform, KIM-1 and NGAL can be accurately detected and quantified within the range of 0.1 to 20 ng/mL, boasting impressively low limits of detection at 0.28 and 0.23 ng/mL, respectively. Validating our approach, we analyzed clinical urine samples, achieving biomarker concentrations that closely correlated with results obtained via ELISA. Importantly, our system enables biomarker quantification in less than 15 min, underscoring the performance of our novel UCNP-based approach and its potential as reliable, rapid, and user-friendly diagnostics.

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a multitude of impairments to physical, cognitive, communicative, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Music interventions are emerging as a valuable form of intervention in the rehabilitation of children with ABI, stimulating brain functions involved in movement, cognition, speech, emotions, and sensory perceptions. To date, the literature detailing the impact of music and music therapy interventions on functional outcomes in children with ABI has not been reviewed systematically. To address this, Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage integrative review framework was employed, which includes (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and synthesis, and (e) presentation of the findings. A total of 388 articles were retrieved, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in 3 overarching themes: outcomes of using music therapy in pediatric ABI, music therapy as a motivator in pediatric ABI rehabilitation, and collaboration. The review highlights the pivotal role of music as a motivational catalyst that promotes adherence to rehabilitative intervention. Nevertheless, it underscores a significant gap in empirical research within the field, emphasizing the necessity for larger, more rigorous studies.

Exploring the care coordination experiences of professionals and caregivers of youth with acquired brain injuries in rural areas.

PURPOSE: Acquired brain injuries (ABIs) can have devastating effects on children and their families. Families living in rural communities experience unique barriers to receiving and coordinating care for complex medical needs, but little research has examined those barriers for rural youth with ABIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study explored the experiences of rural adults caring for children with ABIs through interviews with six caregivers, three school staff members, and three medical professionals who had treated at least one child with an ABI. RESULTS: Themes in their accounts include difficulty navigating complex situations, support from small communities, isolation and loneliness, the need for more professional education about ABI, and feelings of hope. Barriers to quality care coordination include navigating complex situations, access to transportation, and a lack of communication and education from healthcare agencies. Facilitators of rural care coordination include support from small communities and interagency communication. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the need for more comprehensive coordination among rural agencies involved in ABI care. Suggestions for care improvement include providing flexibility due to transportation barriers, capitalizing on the benefits of a small and caring community, and providing healthcare and education professionals with more education about ABI interventions.

Practitioners should implement tailored support systems that include initiatives to facilitate direct communication between rural medical agencies and schools.Expanding the role of care coordinators to bridge gaps across healthcare, education, and community services could enhance care coordination for children with acquired brain injuries in rural areas.Schools in rural areas should develop formal reintegration programs tailored to the needs of children with mild acquired brain injuries, leveraging existing sports protocols for non-sports-related injuries.Collaborative efforts between schools, medical teams, and community agencies can provide comprehensive education programs tailored to the rural context.The development of online options for follow-up appointments would be particularly beneficial in rural areas, where transportation barriers are more pronounced.

Sevoflurane impedes neuropathic pain by maintaining endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress homeostasis through inhibiting the activation of the PLCγ/CaMKII/IP3R signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sevoflurane on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve in mice, and to elucidate its mechanism by animal experiments. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-two C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham group, Model group, Control group and Sevoflurane group. First, a mouse model of neuropathic pain was established. Then, the mice in each group were killed on Day 14 after operation to harvest the enlarged lumbosacral spinal cord. In contrast with the Model group, the Sevoflurane group displayed a significantly increased paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and significantly prolonged paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) from Day 5 after operation. The morphological changes of lumbosacral spinal cord were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy. Pathological results showed that sevoflurane reduced nuclear pyknosis in lumbosacral spinal cord tissue, with a large number of mitochondrial crista disappearance and mitochondrial swelling. The results of Western blotting showed that sevoflurane significantly decreased the protein expressions of phosphorylated phospholipase Cγ (p-PLCγ), phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII) and phosphorylated inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (p-IP3R), and reduced the protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and GRP94, oxidative stress-related proteins P22 and P47 and inflammatory factors nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1 ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane inhibits neuropathic pain by maintaining ER stress and oxidative stress homeostasis through inhibiting the activation of the PLCγ/CaMKII/IP3R signaling pathway.

[Cervical stenosis-Diagnostics and treatment of symptomatic spinal canal stenosis and neuroforaminal stenosis]. / Zervikale Stenose ­ Diagnostik und Therapie der symptomatischen Spinalkanalstenose und Neuroforamenstenose.

Cervical stenosis is a clinical picture that is regularly encountered by both hospital physicians and orthopedic surgeons in the daily clinical practice. While advanced cervical spinal canal stenosis may lead to myelopathic symptoms in cases of sufficient manifestation and spinal cord injury, neuroforaminal stenosis leads to radicular symptoms due to compression of the nerve roots. The clinical examination can provide initial clues as to the suspected cause of the patient's symptoms; however, reliable diagnostics are based only on sectional imaging of the cervical spine. Depending on the extent of the symptoms, the treatment options vary between nonsurgical treatment for moderate symptoms without neurological deficits and surgical decompression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. The surgical treatment can be performed from anterior or posterior depending on the findings. Surgery can lead to an improvement of the neurological symptoms; however, the primary aim of surgical treatment is to avoid deterioration of the neurological deficits.

Relationship between childhood trauma and non-suicidal self-injury in high school students: the mediating role of the stress perception and the moderating role of teacher-student relationship.

This study delves into the correlation between childhood trauma and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors among high school students. Additionally, it examines the mediating role of stress perception and the moderating role of the teacher-student relationship in this association. A questionnaire survey was administered to 1,329 high school students in Yunnan Province to assess childhood trauma, NSSI behaviors, and stress perception. Firstly, the survey revealed a 12% prevalence of NSSI, with girls exhibiting a higher occurrence compared to boys (OR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.280-0.609). Secondly, childhood trauma emerged as a significant predictor of NSSI behavior, irrespective of gender or whether the individual was an only child (r = 0.17, P < 0.01). Thirdly, stress perception functioned as a mediator in the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI among high school students (t = 4.65, P < 0.01). The mediation effect occupies 26.56% of the total effect. Furthermore, the teacher-student relationship moderated the mediating effect of stress perception on the link between childhood trauma and NSSI (ß = 0.0736, P < 0.01). Notably, individuals with strong teacher-student relationships exhibited a significant elevation in stress perception upon exposure to childhood trauma. The findings of this study support a moderated mediation model in the association between childhood trauma and NSSI, suggesting profound implications for the development of targeted interventions and prevention strategies among high school students.

The roles of neural stem cells in myelin regeneration and repair therapy after spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury that results in a wide range of physical deficits, including permanent or progressive disabilities of sensory, motor and autonomic functions. To date, limitations in current clinical treatment options can leave SCI patients with lifelong disabilities. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for reconstructing the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restoring connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons and neuroglia, including oligodendrocytes, which are cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath and the regeneration of demyelinated axons. For these properties, NSCs are considered to be a promising cell source for rebuilding damaged neural circuits and promoting myelin regeneration. Over the past decade, transplantation of NSCs has been extensively tested in a variety of preclinical models of SCI. This review aims to highlight the pathophysiology of SCI and promote the understanding of the role of NSCs in SCI repair therapy and the current advances in pathological mechanism, pre-clinical studies, as well as clinical trials of SCI via NSC transplantation therapeutic strategy. Understanding and mastering these frontier updates will pave the way for establishing novel therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of recovery from SCI.

A Multi-Omics Approach to Defining Target Organ Injury in Youth with Primary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Primary hypertension in childhood tracks into adulthood and may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Studies conducted in children and adolescents provide an opportunity to explore the early cardiovascular target organ injury (CV-TOI) in a population free from many of the comorbid cardiovascular disease risk factors that confound studies in adults. METHODS: Youths (n=132, mean age 15.8 years) were stratified by blood pressure (BP) as low, elevated, and high-BP and by left ventricular mass index (LVMI) as low- and high-LVMI. Systemic circulating RNA, miRNA, and methylation profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and deep proteome profiles in serum were determined using high-throughput sequencing techniques. RESULTS: VASH1 gene expression was elevated in youths with high-BP with and without high-LVMI. VASH1 expression levels positively correlated with systolic BP (r=0.3143, p=0.0034). The expression of hsa-miR-335-5p, one of the VASH1-predicted miRNAs, was downregulated in high-BP with high-LVMI youths and was inversely correlated with systolic BP (r=-0.1891, p=0.0489). GSE1 hypermethylation, circulating PROZ upregulation (log2FC=0.61, p=0.0049 and log2FC=0.62, p=0.0064), and SOD3 downregulation (log2FC=-0.70, p=0.0042 and log2FC=-0.64, p=0.010) were observed in youths with elevated BP and high-BP with high-LVMI. Comparing the transcriptomic and proteomic profiles revealed elevated HYAL1 levels in youths displaying high-BP and high-LVMI. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are compatible with a novel blood pressure-associated mechanism that may occur through impaired angiogenesis and extracellular matrix degradation through dysregulation of Vasohibin-1 and Hyaluronidase1 was identified as a possible mediator of CV-TOI in youth with high-BP and suggests strategies for ameliorating TOI in adult-onset primary hypertension.

Traumatic brain injury and cognitive change over 30 years among community-dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited evidence regarding the rate of long-term cognitive decline after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among older adults. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, time-varying TBI was defined by self-report and International Classification of Disease diagnostic codes. Cognitive testing was performed at five visits over 30 years and scores were combined into a global cognition factor score. Adjusted linear mixed-effects models estimated the association of TBI with cognitive change. RESULTS: A total of 11,701 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants (mean baseline age 58 years, 58% female, 25% Black) without TBI at baseline were included. Over follow-up, 18% experienced TBI. The adjusted average decline in cognition per decade (standard deviation units) was more than twice as fast among individuals with ≥ 2 incident TBIs (𝛽 = -0.158, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.253,-0.063), but not among individuals with 1 TBI (𝛽 = -0.052, 95% CI = -0.107, 0.002), compared to without TBI (𝛽 = -0.057, 95% CI = -0.095, -0.020). DISCUSSION: This study provides robust evidence that TBIs fundamentally alter the trajectories of cognitive decline. HIGHLIGHTS: The adjusted average decline in cognition per decade (standard deviation units) was more than twice as fast among individuals with ≥ 2 incident traumatic brain injuries (TBIs; 𝛽 = -0.158, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.253, -0.063), but not with 1 TBI (𝛽 = -0.052, 95% CI = -0.107, 0.002), compared to without TBI (𝛽 = -0.057, 95% CI = -0.095, -0.020). Over a period of 30 years, this difference in cognitive decline is equivalent to individuals with ≥ 2 TBIs being 9.7 years older at baseline. Associations of TBI were stronger among individuals with one or two apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 alleles than among individuals with zero APOE ε4 alleles (P interaction = 0.007).

The Unhoused Burn Population: An Alarming Increase of Leaving Against Medical Advice.

Unhoused burn patients (UBP) have historically been more likely to leave against medical advice (AMA) and suffer worse health outcomes than the general population. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created a major strain on the healthcare system, resulting in worse overall health outcomes for burn patients. We sought to investigate how COVID-19 impacted treatment for UBP, specifically the rate of leaving AMA. We conducted a retrospective chart analysis of patients admitted to a regional burn center between June 2015 and January 2023. March 1, 2020, was used as a cut point to separate the cohorts into patients seen pre-COVID-19 (p-CV) and during COVID-19 (CV). Outcomes included leaving treatment AMA and readmission within 30 days. 385 patients met criteria for being unhoused and were included in our analytic sample, of which 199 were in the p-CV cohort and 186 in the CV cohort. UBP were significantly more likely to leave AMA during CV compared to p-CV (22.6% vs. 7.5%, p<0.001). Housed burn patients did not experience an increase in discharges AMA during this time period. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in discharges AMA among unhoused patients only. While the etiology is unclear, our findings suggest that this vulnerable patient population is receiving inadequate care post-COVID. Future research should determine the driving force behind these increases and identify early interventions to mitigate them.