Clinical and CSF single-cell profiling of post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment.

Natural history and mechanisms for persistent cognitive symptoms ("brain fog") following acute and often mild COVID-19 are unknown. In a large prospective cohort of people who underwent testing a median of 9 months after acute COVID-19 in the New York City/New Jersey area, we found that cognitive dysfunction is common; is not influenced by mood, fatigue, or sleepiness; and is correlated with MRI changes in very few people. In a subgroup that underwent cerebrospinal fluid analysis, there are no changes related to Alzheimer's disease or neurodegeneration. Single-cell gene expression analysis in the cerebrospinal fluid shows findings consistent with monocyte recruitment, chemokine signaling, cellular stress, and suppressed interferon response-especially in myeloid cells. Longitudinal analysis shows slow recovery accompanied by key alterations in inflammatory genes and increased protein levels of CXCL8, CCL3L1, and sTREM2. These findings suggest that the prognosis for brain fog following COVID-19 correlates with myeloid-related chemokine and interferon-responsive genes.

Factors associated with attitudes toward research MRI in older Asian Americans.

INTRODUCTION: South Asian (SA) and East Asian (EA) older adults represent the fastest-growing racial/ethnic groups of Americans at risk for dementia. While recruiting older SA adults into a brain health study, we encountered unexpected hesitancy toward structural brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis and stigmatizing attitudes related to internal locus of control (LoC) for future dementia risks. We hypothesized that support for MRI-related research was influenced by these attitudes as well as personal MRI experience, perceived MRI safety, and concerns for personal risk for future dementia/stroke. METHODS: We developed a brief cross-sectional survey to assess older adults' MRI experiences and perceptions, desire to learn of six incidental findings of increasing impact on health, and attitudes related to dementia (including LoC) and research participation. We recruited a convenience sample of 256 respondents (74% reporting as 50+) from the New Jersey/New York City area to complete the survey (offered in English, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish) and modeled the proportional odds (PO) for favorable attitudes toward research activities. RESULTS: Seventy-seven SA and 84 EA respondents were analyzed alongside 95 White, Black, or Hispanic adults. White (PO = 2.54, p = 0.013) and EA (PO = 2.14, p = 0.019) respondents were both more likely than SA respondents to endorse healthy volunteers' participation in research, and the difference between White and SA respondents was mediated by the latter's greater internal LoC for dementia risks. EA respondents had more worries for future dementia/stroke than SA respondents (p = 0.006) but still shared SA respondents' lower wish (measured by proportion of total) to learn of incidental MRI findings. DISCUSSION: SA-and EA compared to SA-older adults had low desire to learn of incidental MRI findings but had different attitudes toward future dementia/stroke risks. A culturally appropriate protocol to disclose incidental MRI findings may improve SA and EA participation in brain health research. Highlights: Older Asian Americans have limited interest in incidental findings on research MRISouth Asians are most likely to attribute dementia to people's own behaviorsSouth Asians' attitudes mediate lower support for healthy volunteers in researchSouth and East Asians differ in dementia worries and research-related attitudes.

Surgical experience in cardiac myxomas at a tertiary hospital / Experiencia quirúrgica en mixomas cardiacos en un hospital de tercer nivel

Introduction Cardiac myxomas account for 50% of all benign cardiac tumors. Their clinical presentation varies from embolisms to fever. Our objective was to describe the surgical experience in the resection of cardiac myxomas during an 8-year period.MethodsThis is a retrospective, descriptive study of a series of cases with cardiac myxomas diagnosed from 2014 to 2022 at a tertiary care center. Descriptive statistics were used to define the populational and surgical characteristics. We used Pearson’s correlation to study the relationship between postoperative complications and age, tumor size and affected cardiac chamber.Results31 patients were included, with a predominance of females (1:2 ratio). The prevalence was 0.44%, which was calculated based on the number of cardiac surgeries performed in our unit over the 8-year period. The main clinical manifestation was dyspnea (85%, n = 23), followed by cerebrovascular event (CVE) (18%, n = 5). Atriotomy and resection of the pedicle were performed with preservation of the interatrial septum. Mortality was 3.2%. The postoperative evolution was uneventful in 77%. Tumor recurrence occurred in 2 patients (7%), both debuting with embolic phenomena. No association was observed between postoperative complications or recurrence and tumor size, nor aortic clamping and extracorporeal circulation times with regard to age.ConclusionsFour atrial myxoma resections are performed in our unit per year, with an estimated prevalence of 0.44%. The tumor characteristics described coincide with the previous literature. A relationship between embolisms and recurrences cannot be ruled out. Wide surgical resection of the pedicle and base of tumor implantation may influence tumor recurrence, although further studies are needed. (AU)

Introducción Los mixomas cardíacos representan el 50% de los tumores cardíacos benignos. La presentación clínica varía desde embolismos hasta fiebre. El objetivo fue describir la experiencia quirúrgica en la resección de mixomas cardíacos durante 8 años.MétodosEstudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de serie de casos de mixomas cardíacos diagnosticados entre 2014 y 2022 en un centro de tercer nivel. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para definir las características poblacionales y quirúrgicas. Mediante la correlación de Pearson se estudió la relación entre las complicaciones postoperatorias y la edad, el tamaño del tumor y la cavidad cardiaca afectada.ResultadosSe incluyeron 31 pacientes, predominantemente mujeres (1:2). La prevalencia fue 0.44%, calculada en base a las cirugías cardíacas realizadas en nuestra unidad durante 8 años. La principal manifestación fue disnea (85%, n = 23), seguida de EVC (18%, n = 5). Se realizó atriotomía y resección del pedículo con preservación del tabique interauricular. La mortalidad fue del 3.2%. La evolución posquirúrgica fue adecuada en el 77%. La recidiva ocurrió en 2 pacientes (7%), debutando ambos con embolismos. No se observó asociación entre las complicaciones postoperatorias o recurrencia y el tamaño tumoral; ni en pinzamiento aórtico y los tiempos de circulación extracorpórea con respecto a la edad.ConclusionesEn nuestra unidad se realizan cuatro resecciones de mixoma auricular anuales (prevalencia de 0.44%). Las características tumorales descritas coinciden con la literatura previa. No se descarta relación entre embolismos y recurrencias. La resección amplia del pedículo y base del tumor puede influir en la recurrencia tumoral, aunque, se requieren más estudios. (AU)

Surgical experience in cardiac myxomas at a tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac myxomas account for 50% of all benign cardiac tumors. Their clinical presentation varies from embolisms to fever. Our objective was to describe the surgical experience in the resection of cardiac myxomas during an 8-year period. METHODS: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of a series of cases with cardiac myxomas diagnosed from 2014 to 2022 at a tertiary care center. Descriptive statistics were used to define the populational and surgical characteristics. We used Pearson's correlation to study the relationship between postoperative complications and age, tumor size and affected cardiac chamber. RESULTS: 31 patients were included, with a predominance of females (1:2 ratio). The prevalence was 0.44%, which was calculated based on the number of cardiac surgeries performed in our unit over the 8-year period. The main clinical manifestation was dyspnea (85%, n = 23), followed by cerebrovascular event (CVE) (18%, n = 5). Atriotomy and resection of the pedicle were performed with preservation of the interatrial septum. Mortality was 3.2%. The postoperative evolution was uneventful in 77%. Tumor recurrence occurred in 2 patients (7%), both debuting with embolic phenomena. No association was observed between postoperative complications or recurrence and tumor size, nor aortic clamping and extracorporeal circulation times with regard to age. CONCLUSIONS: Four atrial myxoma resections are performed in our unit per year, with an estimated prevalence of 0.44%. The tumor characteristics described coincide with the previous literature. A relationship between embolisms and recurrences cannot be ruled out. Wide surgical resection of the pedicle and base of tumor implantation may influence tumor recurrence, although further studies are needed.

Too much information? Asian Americans' preferences for incidental brain MRI findings.

INTRODUCTION: South Asian (SA) and East Asian (EA) older adults represent the fastest growing group of Americans at risk for dementia, but their participation in aging and dementia research has been limited. While recruiting healthy SA older adults into a brain health study, we encountered unexpected hesitancy towards structural brain MRI analysis along with some stigmatizing attitudes related to internal locus of control (LoC) for future dementia risks. We hypothesized that support for MRI-related research was influenced by these attitudes as well as one's own MRI experience, perceived MRI safety, and concerns for one's own risks for future dementia/stroke. METHODS: We developed a brief cross-sectional survey to assess older adults' MRI experiences and perceptions, desire to learn of six incidental findings of increasing health implications, and attitudes related to dementia as well as research participation. We recruited a convenience sample of 256 respondents (74% reporting as 50+) from the New Jersey/New York City area to complete the survey, and modeled the proportional odds (P.O.) for pro-research attitudes. RESULTS: 77 SA and 84 EA respondents were analyzed with 95 non-Asian adults. White (P.O.=2.54, p=0.013) and EA (P.O.=2.14, p=0.019) respondents were both more likely than SA respondents to endorse healthy volunteers' participation in research, and the difference between White and SA respondents was mediated by the latter's greater internal LoC for dementia risks. EA respondents had more worries for future dementia/stroke than SA respondents (p=0.006), but still shared SA respondents' low desire to learn of incidental MRI findings. DISCUSSION: SA and EA older adults had different attitudes towards future dementia/stroke risks, but shared a low desire to learn of incidental MRI findings. A culturally-appropriate protocol to disclose incidental MRI findings may improve SA and EA participation in brain health research.

Protocol for an embedded pragmatic clinical trial to test the effectiveness of Aliviado Dementia Care in improving quality of life for persons living with dementia and their informal caregivers.

INTRODUCTION: Persons living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) frequently experience pain and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) which decrease quality of life (QOL) and influence caregiver burden. Home healthcare professionals however may underrecognize or lack the ability to manage BPSD. INTERVENTION: This protocol describes an ADRD palliative quality assurance performance improvement program for home healthcare, Aliviado Dementia Care-Home Health Edition. It includes training, mentoring, and a toolbox containing intervention strategies. METHODS: This embedded pragmatic clinical trial will utilize a multi-site, cluster randomized control design. Recruitment will occur from three home healthcare agencies located in New Jersey, Utah, and Florida. At each agency, care teams will be randomized as clusters and assigned to either the Aliviado Dementia Care program or usual care. We plan to enroll 345 persons living with ADRD and their informal caregiver dyads. The primary outcome will be to measure QOL in both the person living with ADRD and their informal caregiver, and emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Secondary outcomes in the person living with ADRD will include the examination of pain, BPSD, antipsychotic and analgesic use. Secondary outcomes in caregivers include burden, depressive symptoms, functional health and wellbeing, and healthcare utilization. CONCLUSION: This study will be the first large-scale embedded pragmatic clinical trial in home healthcare focused on care quality and outcomes in addressing QOL in ADRD. If proven successful, the intervention can then be disseminated to agencies throughout the country to improve the quality of care for this vulnerable, underserved population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov: NCT03255967.

Características clínicas y microbiológicas de infecciones por Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de carbapenemasa MBL, tipo NDM, Hospital Geriátrico San Isidro Labrador EsSalud, 2018 / Clinical and microbiological characteristics of New Delhi MBL (NDM)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infections at the Hospital Geriátrico San Isidro Labrador EsSalud, 2018

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar las características clínico-microbiológicas de 7 casos de infección nosocomial por Klebsiella pneumoniae productora de carbapenemasa MBL, tipo NDM, en el Hospital Geriátrico San Isidro Labrador (HG SIL) en el periodo de febrero a mayo de 2018. Materiales y métodos Es un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo realizado en adultos mayores con infecciones urinarias, neumonías, úlceras sacras e infecciones de herida operatoria que recibieron terapia antibiótica múltiple no protocolizada. El método usado para detectar la MBL fue el de doble disco con ácido fenilborónico (APB) y ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) en los aislados de Klebsiella pneumoniae con sensibilidad disminuida a carbapenémicos. La identificación del gen NDM se realizó en el Instituto Nacional de Salud mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Resultados En total, fueron 7 casos positivos para el gen NDM y todos resistentes al meropenem lo que confirmó el brote epidémico. La mortalidad fue 28,6 % (2 de 7 pacientes) pero, debido a la existencia de comorbilidades en todos los casos, no se pudo determinar la mortalidad atribuible. Conclusiones Destacan el rol clave inicial del laboratorio para detectar y tipificar las carbapenemasas y las medidas de control integral de las infecciones. Además, son los primeros casos reportados en nuestra red asistencial.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the clinical and microbiological characteristics of seven (7) cases of New Delhi MBL (NDM)- producing Klebsiella pneumoniae nosocomial infections at the Hospital Geriátrico San Isidro Labrador (HG SIL) from February to May 2018. Materials and methods A descriptive and retrospective study conducted in elderly people with urinary infections, pneumonia, sacral ulcers and surgical wound infection who received multiple non-protocolized antibiotic therapy. The methods used to detect MBLs in the Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that showed decreased sensitivity to carbapenems were the phenylboronic acid-based (PBA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-based (EDTA) double disk tests. The identification of the NDM gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction at the Instituto Nacional de Salud. Results In total, the seven cases were positive for the NDM gene and resistant to meropenem, which confirmed the epidemic outbreak. Mortality accounted for 28.6 % (2 of 7 patients) of the cases. However, due to the presence of comorbidities in all cases, the attributable mortality could not be determined. Conclusions Labs have a key initial role for detecting and classifying the carbapenemases and the measures of comprehensive control of infections. The aforementioned cases are the first ones reported in our healthcare network.