Association of Cardiovascular Health in Young Adulthood with Long-Term Blood Pressure Trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular health (CVH) in young adulthood (YA) has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes in older age. However, little is known about the relationship between YA CVH and mid-life BP trajectories. METHODS: Baseline CVH (defined by 7 of AHA's Life's Essential 8 [LE8] metrics, excluding BP) was measured in YA with individual metrics scored and averaged as a composite LE8 score. Categorical CVH status was defined as high, moderate, and low. Latent class analysis was used to identify trajectories of mid-BP (mean of SBP and DBP) from average ages 35 to 55 years. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the association of YA CVH status (continuously and categorically) with mid-life BP trajectory group membership. RESULTS: There were 3,688 participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study in YA with follow-up data for mid-life BP trajectories. We observed 3 BP trajectory groups, labeled as Persistently-Low, Middle, and High-Increasing. On average, each 10-points higher baseline LE8 score (mean [SD] of 73.5 [13.1]) in YA was associated with adjusted odds ratios of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.72-0.84) for membership in the Middle and 0.65 (0.57-0.73) for membership in the High-Increasing trajectory groups. Compared with categorical low CVH status at baseline, those with high CVH were significantly less likely to be in the Middle and High-Increasing BP trajectory groups. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or low CVH status in YA is associated with elevated mid-life BP trajectory. These data suggest that young adult CVH promotion may be important for primordial prevention of hypertension.

Predictive Value of Relative Apical Sparing of Longitudinal Strain on Echocardiography for Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Relative apical longitudinal sparing (RALS) on echocardiography has become an increasingly used tool to evaluate for cardiac amyloidosis (CA), but the predictive value of this finding remains unclear. This is a retrospective analysis at a single tertiary care center across 3 years. Patients were included if they had RALS, defined by strain ratio ≥2.0 on echocardiography, and sufficient laboratory, imaging, or histopathologic workup to indicate their likelihood of CA. Patients were stratified by their likelihood of CA, and contributions of other co-morbidities previously shown to be associated with RALS. Of the 220 patients who had adequate workup to determine their likelihood of having CA, 50 (22.7%) had confirmed CA, 35 (15.9%) had suspicious CA, 83 (37.7%) had unlikely CA, and 52 (23.7%) had ruled-out CA. The positive predictive value of RALS for CA was 38.6% for confirmed or suspicious CA. The remaining 61.4% of patients who were unlikely or ruled out for CA had other co-morbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, malignancy, or aortic stenosis, 17.0% of this group had none of these co-morbidities. In our tertiary care cohort of patients with RALS pattern on echocardiography, we found that fewer than half of patients with RALS were likely to have CA. Given the increasing use of strain technology, further studies are warranted to determine the optimal strategy for assessing CA in a patient with RALS.

The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence in Valvular Heart Disease.

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a morbid condition in which timely identification and evidence-based treatments can lead to improved outcomes. Artificial intelligence broadly refers to the ability for computers to perform tasks and problem solve like the human mind. Studies applying AI to VHD have used a variety of structured (eg, sociodemographic, clinical) and unstructured (eg, electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and echocardiograms) and machine learning modeling approaches. Additional researches in diverse populations, including prospective clinical trials, are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and value of AI-enabled medical technologies in clinical care for patients with VHD.

Impact of Specimen Type and Specimen Number on HER2 Status in Gastroesophageal Junction and Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is expressed in some gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas. There were two goals: assess the impact of specimen type on HER2 status and evaluate HER2 concordance with multiple specimens. METHODS: All cases were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for HER2 and interpreted using established criteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on a subset. RESULTS: Of 460 specimens, 83.9% were IHC negative, 5.4% were equivocal, and 10.7% were IHC positive. Of those with FISH testing, 78.5% were FISH negative, and 21.5% were FISH positive. IHC-FISH concordance for biopsy specimens, resections, and metastases was 82%, 84%, and 86%, respectively. With one vs two vs three or more specimens, the HER2-positive rate increased from 10.5% to 18.1% to 24.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HER2 testing may be performed on biopsy specimens with a relatively high concordance rate with resection specimens, and if multiple samples are analyzed from a single patient, the HER2-positive rate increases over twofold.

Effects of a 12-hour shift on mood states and sleepiness of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a 12-hour shift on mood states and sleepiness at the beginning and end of the shift. METHOD: Quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study.It was conducted with 70 neonatal intensive care unit nurses. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), and a socio-demographic profile questionnaire were administered. RESULTS: When the KSS and BRUMS scores were compared at the beginning of the shift associations were found with previous sleep quality (p ≤ 0.01), and quality of life (p ≤ 0.05). Statistical significant effects on BRUMS scores were also associated with previous sleep quality, quality of life, liquid ingestion, healthy diet, marital status, and shift work stress. When the beginning and end of the shift were compared, different KSS scores were seen in the group of all nurses and in the night shift one. Significant vigor and fatigue scores were observed within shift groups. CONCLUSION: A good night's sleep has positive effects on the individual`s mood states both at the beginning and the end of the shift. The self-perception of a good quality of life also positively influenced KSS and BRUMS scores at the beginning and end of the shift. Proper liquid ingestion led to better KSS and BRUMS scores. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de un turno de 12 horas en estados de ánimo y somnolencia al principio y al final del turno. MÉTODO: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal y descriptivo.Se realizó con 70 enfermeras de unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales. Se administró la Escala de Humor Brunel (BRUMS), la Escala de Somnolencia de Karolinska (KSS) y un cuestionario de perfil sociodemográfico. RESULTADOS: Cuando se compararon las puntuaciones de KSS y BRUMS al comienzo del turno se encontraron asociaciones con calidad de sueño previa (p ≤ 0,01) y calidad de vida (p ≤ 0,05). Los efectos estadísticos significativos en las puntuaciones de BRUMS también se asociaron con la calidad previa del sueño, la calidad de vida, la ingestión de líquidos, la dieta saludable, el estado civil y el estrés laboral por turnos. Cuando se compararon el comienzo y el final del turno, se observaron diferentes puntuaciones de KSS en el grupo de todos los enfermeros y en el turno de noche. Se observaron puntuaciones significativas de vigor y fatiga dentro de los grupos de turnos. CONCLUSIÓN: Dormir bien de noche tiene efectos positivos en los estados de ánimo del individuo tanto al principio como al final del turno. La autopercepción de una buena calidad de vida también influyó positivamente en las puntuaciones KSS y BRUMS al inicio y al final del turno. La ingesta de líquidos adecuada condujo a mejores puntuaciones KSS y BRUMS.

Effects of a 12-hour shift on mood states and sleepiness of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses / Efeitos de um Turno de 12 Horas nos Estados de humor e na Sonolência de Enfermeiros de Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo Neonatal / Efectos de un turno de 12 horas en los estados de ánimo y somnolencia de las enfermeras de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a 12-hour shift on mood states and sleepiness at the beginning and end of the shift. METHOD Quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study.It was conducted with 70 neonatal intensive care unit nurses. The Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), and a socio-demographic profile questionnaire were administered. RESULTS When the KSS and BRUMS scores were compared at the beginning of the shift associations were found with previous sleep quality (p ≤ 0.01), and quality of life (p ≤ 0.05). Statistical significant effects on BRUMS scores were also associated with previous sleep quality, quality of life, liquid ingestion, healthy diet, marital status, and shift work stress. When the beginning and end of the shift were compared, different KSS scores were seen in the group of all nurses and in the night shift one. Significant vigor and fatigue scores were observed within shift groups. CONCLUSION A good night’s sleep has positive effects on the individual`s mood states both at the beginning and the end of the shift. The self-perception of a good quality of life also positively influenced KSS and BRUMS scores at the beginning and end of the shift. Proper liquid ingestion led to better KSS and BRUMS scores.

Resumo OBJETIVO Avaliar o efeito de um turno de 12 horas nos estados de humor e na sonolência ao início e ao final do turno. MÉTODO Estudo quantitativo, transversal e descritivo. O estudo foi realizado com 70 profissionais de enfermagem de unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal. A Escala de Humor de Brunel (BRUMS), a Escala de Sonolência de Karolinska (KSS) e oQuestionário Perfil Sociodemográfico foram aplicados. RESULTADOS Quando os escores da KSS e da BRUMS foram comparados no início do plantão, associações foram encontradas entrea qualidade do último sono (p ≤ 0,01) e a qualidade de vida (p ≤ 0,05). Efeitos significativamente estatísticos nos escores da BRUMS também foram associados às variáveis:qualidade do sono, qualidade de vida, ingestão de líquido, dieta saudável, estado civil e estresse no plantão. Quando o início e o fim do turno foram comparados, diferentes escores para sonolência foram vistos no grupo de todos os enfermeiros e no turno da noite. Escores significativos de vigor e de fadiga foram observados intergrupos. CONCLUSÃO Uma boa noite de sono tem efeitos positivos sobre os estados de humor tanto no início quanto ao final do turno. A autopercepção de uma boa qualidade de vida também influenciou positivamente os escores da KSS e da BRUMS no início e ao final do turno. A ingestão adequada de líquidos levou a melhorespontuaçõesKSS e BRUMS.

Resumen OBJETIVO Evaluar el efecto de un turno de 12 horas en estados de ánimo y somnolencia al principio y al final del turno. MÉTODO Estudio cuantitativo, transversal y descriptivo.Se realizó con 70 enfermeras de unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales. Se administró la Escala de Humor Brunel (BRUMS), la Escala de Somnolencia de Karolinska (KSS) y un cuestionario de perfil sociodemográfico. RESULTADOS Cuando se compararon las puntuaciones de KSS y BRUMS al comienzo del turno se encontraron asociaciones con calidad de sueño previa (p ≤ 0,01) y calidad de vida (p ≤ 0,05). Los efectos estadísticos significativos en las puntuaciones de BRUMS también se asociaron con la calidad previa del sueño, la calidad de vida, la ingestión de líquidos, la dieta saludable, el estado civil y el estrés laboral por turnos. Cuando se compararon el comienzo y el final del turno, se observaron diferentes puntuaciones de KSS en el grupo de todos los enfermeros y en el turno de noche. Se observaron puntuaciones significativas de vigor y fatiga dentro de los grupos de turnos. CONCLUSIÓN Dormir bien de noche tiene efectos positivos en los estados de ánimo del individuo tanto al principio como al final del turno. La autopercepción de una buena calidad de vida también influyó positivamente en las puntuaciones KSS y BRUMS al inicio y al final del turno. La ingesta de líquidos adecuada condujo a mejores puntuaciones KSS y BRUMS.

A 6-month comparison of quality of life and mood states between physically active and sedentary college students / Uma comparação durante seis meses da qualidade de vida e estados de humor entre universitários fisicamente ativos e sedentários

Physical inactivity has been described as one of the major public health problems of the 21st century. Physical activity plays an important role in reducing the prevalence of sedentarism, improving the quality of life and improving individuals’ mental health. Objective: This study aimed to perform a 6-month comparison of quality of life (QOL) and mood states(MS) between physically active and sedentary college students. Methods: A sample of 32 individuals completed questionnaires to assess their level of physical activity, quality of life and mood states. They were separated into two groups: sedentary (n=15) and physically active (n=17). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used for assessing PA levels, the WHO Quality of Life-BREF for QOL and the Brazilian Mood Scale for MS. We used factorial analysis of variance with repeated measures and post-hoc Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05) for QOL and MS inferential analysis. Results: QOL was significantly higher for the physically active group in Environment and Social Relationships domains. Similarly, MS showed increased scores in Vigor dimension for the physically activegroup after six months. Conclusions: These results suggest PA can positively influence aspects of an individuals‘ quality of life. However, our data did not show a significant influence of PA on mood states.

A inatividade física tem sido descrita como um dos principais problemas de saúde pública do século XXI. Neste contexto, a atividade física desempenha um papel importante na redução da prevalência de sedentarismo, melhorando a qualidade de vida e a saúde mental dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a influência de seis meses de atividade física (AF) na qualidade de vida (QV) e estados de humor (EH) de adultos jovens. Métodos: Uma amostra de 32 indivíduos completou uma bateria de questionários para avaliar o seu nível de atividade física, qualidade de vida e estados de humor. Eles foram separados em dois grupos: sedentários (n = 15) e fisicamente ativos (n = 17). O International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) foi utilizado para avaliar os níveis de AF, o WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL_Bref) para QV ea Escala Brasileira de Humor (BRAMS) para os EH. Foi realizada análise fatorial de variância com medidas repetidas e teste post-hoc de Tukey (p ≤ 0,05) para QV e análise inferencial para os EH. Resultados: Escores de QV foram significantemente maiores para o grupo fisicamente ativo nos domínios ambiental e social. Da mesma forma, EH apresentaram maiores escores na dimensão Vigor para o grupo fisicamente ativo depois de seis meses, sem contudo, atingir os níveis de significância estatística.Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que AF pode influenciar positivamente aspectos na qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Contudo, os dados não evidenciam uma influência significativa da AF nos estados de humor.

Stromal vascular fraction: A regenerative reality? Part 1: Current concepts and review of the literature.

Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) is a heterogeneous collection of cells contained within adipose tissue that is traditionally isolated using enzymes such as collagenase. With the removal of adipose cells, connective tissue and blood from lipoaspirate, comes the SVF, a mix including mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial precursor cells, T regulatory cells, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, pericytes and preadipocytes. In part 1 of our 2-part series, we review the literature with regards to the intensifying interest that has shifted toward this mixture of cells, particularly due to its component synergy and translational potential. Trials assessing the regenerative potential of cultured Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and SVF demonstrate that SVF is comparably effective in treating conditions ranging from radiation injuries, burn wounds and diabetes, amongst others. Aside from their use in chronic conditions, SVF enrichment of fat grafts has proven a major advance in maintaining fat graft volume and viability. Many SVF studies are currently in preclinical phases or are moving to human trials. Overall, regenerative cell therapy based on SVF is at an early investigative stage but its potential for clinical application is enormous.

Stromal vascular fraction: A regenerative reality? Part 2: Mechanisms of regenerative action.

Adipose tissue is a rich source of cells with emerging promise for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF), in particular, is an eclectic composite of cells with progenitor activity that includes preadipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, pericytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages. SVF has enormous potential for therapeutic application and is being investigated for multiple clinical indications including lipotransfer, diabetes-related complications, nerve regeneration, burn wounds and numerous others. In Part 2 of our review, we explore the basic science behind the regenerative success of the SVF and discuss significant mechanisms that are at play. The existing literature suggests that angiogenesis, immunomodulation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix secretion are the main avenues through which regeneration and healing is achieved by the stromal vascular fraction.