Racial Disparities in Clinical Outcomes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2006 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of race on in-hospital outcomes of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy using the National Inpatient Sample. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a retrospective study using data from the National Inpatient Sample database 2006 to 2018. We focused on Takotsubo cardiomyopathy hospitalizations, excluding those with acute coronary syndrome as the primary diagnosis. Two study groups consisted of White patients or Black patients. Univariate and multivariable logistic models evaluated race's effect on death, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, length of stay, while adjusting for potential confounders. The Bayesian model averaging technique was used to further elucidate the factors influencing death within each racial group. Significant differences were observed between the 2 racial groups. Black patients presented at a younger age, had a higher proportion of men, a higher burden of comorbidities, and a lower median household income compared with their White counterparts. In the univariate model, the Black cohort showed an increased risk of cardiac arrest (odds ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.15-1.82]). However, the difference did not reach statistical significance in the multivariable model. Black patients also had a significantly longer hospital stay in both the univariate model (risk ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.22-1.31]) and the multivariable model (risk ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.04-1.07]). No significant difference in all-cause death was observed between the racial groups. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome differences between 2 racial groups in our study are likely influenced by racial disparities in demographics, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Individualized care based on racial group needs is crucial in clinical practice.

Stimulation of CGRP-expressing neurons in the medial cerebellar nucleus induces light and touch sensitivity in mice.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is considered a major player in migraine pathophysiology. However, the location and mechanisms of CGRP actions in migraine are not clearly elucidated. One important question yet to be answered is: Does central CGRP signaling play a role in migraine? One candidate site is the cerebellum, which serves as a sensory and motor integration center and is activated in migraine patients. The cerebellum has the most CGRP binding sites in the central nervous system and a deep cerebellar nucleus, the medial nucleus (MN), expresses CGRP (MNCGRP). A previous study demonstrated that CGRP delivery into the cerebellum induced migraine-like behaviors. We hypothesized that stimulation of MNCGRP neurons might induce migraine-like behaviors. To test the hypothesis, we used an optogenetic strategy using CalcaCre/+ mice to drive Cre-dependent expression of channelrhodopsin-2 selectively in CGRP neurons in the cerebellar MN. A battery of behavioral tests was done to assess preclinical behaviors that are surrogates of migraine symptoms, including light aversion, cutaneous allodynia, and spontaneous pain when MNCGRP neurons were optically stimulated. Motor functions were also assessed. Optical stimulation of MNCGRP neurons decreased the time spent in the light, which was coupled to increased time spent resting in the dark, but not the light. These changes were only significant in female mice. Plantar tactile sensitivity was increased in the ipsilateral paws of both sexes, but contralateral paw data were less clear. There was no significant increase in anxiety-like behavior, spontaneous pain (squint), or changes in gait. These discoveries reveal that MNCGRP neurons may contribute to migraine-like sensory hypersensitivity to light and touch.

CGRP Administration Into the Cerebellum Evokes Light Aversion, Tactile Hypersensitivity, and Nociceptive Squint in Mice.

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a major player in migraine pathophysiology. Previous preclinical studies demonstrated that intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP caused migraine-like behaviors in mice, but the sites of action in the brain remain unidentified. The cerebellum has the most CGRP binding sites in the central nervous system and is increasingly recognized as both a sensory and motor integration center. The objective of this study was to test whether the cerebellum, particularly the medial cerebellar nuclei (MN), might be a site of CGRP action. In this study, CGRP was directly injected into the right MN of C57BL/6J mice via a cannula. A battery of tests was done to assess preclinical behaviors that are surrogates of migraine-like symptoms. CGRP caused light aversion measured as decreased time in the light zone even with dim light. The mice also spent more time resting in the dark zone, but not the light, along with decreased rearing and transitions between zones. These behaviors were similar for both sexes. Moreover, significant responses to CGRP were seen in the open field assay, von Frey test, and automated squint assay, indicating anxiety, tactile hypersensitivity, and spontaneous pain, respectively. Interestingly, CGRP injection caused significant anxiety and spontaneous pain responses only in female mice, and a more robust tactile hypersensitivity in female mice. No detectable effect of CGRP on gait was observed in either sex. These results suggest that CGRP injection in the MN causes light aversion accompanied by increased anxiety, tactile hypersensitivity, and spontaneous pain. A caveat is that we cannot exclude contributions from other cerebellar regions in addition to the MN due to diffusion of the injected peptide. These results reveal the cerebellum as a new site of CGRP actions that may contribute to migraine-like hypersensitivity.

The pulmonary nodule following lung transplantation.

The clinical scenario of a pulmonary nodule following lung transplantation is one with limited experience and no supporting guidelines for the approach to diagnosis and management. Given the broad differential diagnosis for pulmonary nodules in this setting, most of which are life-threatening without appropriate treatment, aggressive evaluation is required. Here we present a case of a 70-year-old female with the development of a large pulmonary nodule in the native lung four years following a single lung transplant. She underwent bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound to achieve a tissue diagnosis which showed small cell lung carcinoma. The patient was started on chemotherapy and has shown clinical and radiographic improvement at most recent follow up seven months after the initial diagnosis. In this report we discuss the differential diagnosis and corresponding imaging findings for the pulmonary nodule following lung transplantation to aid in guiding clinicians navigate this challenging clinical situation.

Crime Scene Analysis Through DNA Testing of Canine Feces-A Case Report.

Forensic DNA testing can play a critical role in homicide investigations. Selecting the appropriate evidence on which to perform DNA testing requires foresight and reasoning based on experience and science. Although successful DNA testing can occur using many substrates, including blood, hair, and sweat/epithelial cells, positive results can also result from testing various unorthodox samples. The authors report on a triple-murder investigation where DNA testing of dog feces at the crime scene matched DNA testing of feces found on the shoe of a suspect resulting in successful prosecution of the case.

Death due to atypical urinothorax following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Urinothorax is a cause of pleural effusion that is often missed due to its perceived rarity. Here, we present a case of urinothorax secondary to percutaneous nephrolithotomy resulting in lung collapse and death. This case highlights urinothorax as a cause of death, its biochemical profile, and diagnostic features on autopsy. A 39-year-old female presented to the ED with low back pain and dysuria. Abdominal and pelvic CT showed a large staghorn calculus in the right kidney which was then treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy. On post-operative day (POD) 1, the patient was febrile, had decreased breath sounds, and complained of pain with deep inspiration. Chest x-ray revealed increased right pleural fluid. On POD 3, the patient continued to have difficulty breathing and was eventually found apneic. Resuscitation was unsuccessful. Autopsy revealed a collapsed right lung associated with a 1200 mL pleural effusion, which was cloudy, yellow, and smelled like urine. The cause of death was listed as complications of percutaneous nephrolitotomy, with urinothorax and collapse of lung. While rare, urinothoraces must be considered as a cause of pleural effusion due to risk of respiratory failure and death. Diagnosis relies on pleural fluid analysis and history, especially with regard to genitourinary obstruction and surgeries.

Interactive Mobile Doctor (iMD) to Promote Patient-Provider Discussion on Tobacco Use among Asian American Patients in Primary Care: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an interactive "Mobile Doctor" intervention (iMD) for Korean and Vietnamese American men, population groups with high smoking prevalence rates. METHODS: The iMD delivers 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) via tailored in-language video messages on a mobile tablet to Korean and Vietnamese male daily smokers right before a health care visit. A single-group trial was conducted with Korean- and Vietnamese-speaking patients at a federally qualified health center. Outcomes were assessed by self-reported surveys obtained postvisit and 3-month follow-up, and by examining electronic health record (EHR) progress notes from 3 consecutive primary care visits to evaluate impacts. RESULTS: Among 47 male daily smokers (87% participation rate), 98% were limited English proficient and 53% had no intent to quit smoking within 6 months. On average, iMD took 12.9 minutes to complete. All participants reported discussing smoking with their providers during the visit, and more than 90% thought iMD was at least somewhat helpful in their decision about quitting and in communicating with their providers. EHR-documented 5As were significantly higher at the iMD visit for Assess (38.3%), Assist (59.6%), and Arrange (36.2%) compared with other visits without iMD. At 3 months, 51% made at least 1 24-hour quit attempt since the intervention. The self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence was 19%. CONCLUSIONS: iMD is feasible and acceptable to Korean and Vietnamese male smokers, including those who were not intending to quit smoking. It is a promising tool for increasing patient-provider discussion of tobacco use and possibly smoking cessation among Asian American male smokers.

Understanding Falls Risk and Impacts in Chinese American Older Patients at a Community Health Center.

While falls are highly prevalent and costly for older adults, little is known about falls for Asian Americans. Using a custom, evidence-based, bilingual fall risk assessment and management tool, our study examined the prevalence of falls among older Chinese-speaking patients at a community health center. We identified the risks for falls and explored an association of fall risk with emergency room (ER) and hospital use in this population. The setting was at a community health center in Oakland, CA. Participants included 839 older Asian American adults (ages 65-80 years) who spoke Cantonese/Mandarin. Primary care clinic staff administered a fall risk assessment and management tool at the time of clinic visits to assess patients' risk factors for falls. Of the total, 173 (20.6%) reported having fallen in the past year, with women comprising a majority (71.7%). 362 patients in the cohort (43.1%) reported fear of falling. For the subset of Medicaid managed care patients (n = 455, 54.3% of total) for whom we were able to obtain ER and hospital utilization data, 31 patients (14.5%) who reported a fall risk had an ER/hospital episode compared to 15 (6.2%) of those who did not self-report fall risks (statistically significant, p < 0.05). A targeted fall risk assessment and management tool designed by community-based primary care practitioners and utilized with linguistic and cultural competence to focus on Asian American older adults, can help establish the prevalence of falls in this understudied population and effectively identify those at higher risk for falls and subsequent ER/hospital utilization. More research is needed to understand the risk and impacts of falls in understudied populations and identify ways to prevent these costly falls.

The Affordable Care Act and integrated behavioral health programs in community health centers to promote utilization of mental health services among Asian Americans.

The Affordable Care Act has greatly expanded health care coverage and recognizes mental health as a major priority. However, individuals suffering from mental health disorders still face layered barriers to receiving health care, especially Asian Americans. Integration of behavioral health services within primary care is a viable way of addressing underutilization of mental health services. This paper provides insight into a comprehensive care approach integrating behavioral health services into primary care to address underutilization of mental health services in the Asian American population. True integration of behavioral health services into primary care will require financial support and payment reform to address multi-disciplinary care needs and optimize care coordination, as well as training and workforce development early in medical and mental health training programs to develop the skills that aid prevention, early identification, and intervention. Funding research on evidence-based practice oriented to the Asian American population needs to continue.