Ionized Magnesium Correlates With Total Blood Magnesium in Pediatric Patients Following Kidney Transplant

Background@#Abnormal serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations are common and associated with worse mortality in kidney-transplant recipients. Many kidney and transplant-related factors affect Mg homeostasis. The concentration of the active form, ionized Mg (iMg), is not measured clinically, and total Mg (tMg) and iMg correlations have conflicted.We hypothesized that iMg and tMg concentrations show poor categorical agreement (i.e., low, normal, and high) in kidney-transplant recipients but that ionized calcium (iCa) correlates with iMg. @*Methods@#We retrospectively evaluated hypomagnesemia in kidney-transplant recipients over a 2-yr period. We prospectively collected blood at 0–28 days post-transplant to measure correlations between iMg and iCa/tMg. iMg and iCa concentrations in the reference ranges of 0.44–0.65 and 1.0–1.3 mmol/L, respectively, were considered normal. Fisher’s exact test and unweighted kappa statistics revealed category agreements. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and linear regression measured correlations. @*Results@#Among 58 retrospective kidney-transplant recipients, 54 (93%) had tMg < 0.66 mmol/L, 28/58 (48%) received Mg supplementation, and 20/28 (71%) had tacrolimus dose adjustments during supplementation. In 13 prospective transplant recipients (N = 43 samples), iMg and tMg showed strong category agreement (P = 0.0003) and correlation (r = 0.71, P < 0.001), whereas iMg and iCa did not (P = 0.7; r = –0.25, P = 0.103, respectively). @*Conclusions@#tMg and iMg exhibited strong correlation following kidney transplantation.However, iCa may not be an accurate surrogate for iMg. Determining the effect of Mg supplementation and the Mg concentration where supplementation is clinically necessary are important next steps.

Endovascular Therapy in the Extended Time Window for Large Vessel Occlusion in Patients With Pre-Stroke Disability / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose We compared the outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) in an extended time window in patients with large-vessel occlusion (LVO) between patients with and without pre-stroke disability. @*Methods@#In this prespecified analysis of the multinational CT for Late Endovascular Reperfusion study (66 participating sites, 10 countries between 2014 and 2022), we analyzed data from patients with acute ischemic stroke with a pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–4 and LVO who underwent EVT 6–24 hours from the time last seen well. The primary outcome was the composite of functional independence (FI; mRS score 0–2) or return to the pre-stroke mRS score (return of Rankin, RoR) at 90 days. Outcomes were compared between patients with pre-stroke disability (pre-stroke mRS score 2–4) and those without (mRS score 0–1). @*Results@#A total of 2,231 patients (median age, 72 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 16) were included in the present analysis. Of these, 564 (25%) had pre-stroke disability. The primary outcome (FI or RoR) was observed in 30.7% of patients with pre-stroke disability (FI, 16.5%; RoR, 30.7%) compared to 44.1% of patients without (FI, 44.1%; RoR, 13.0%) (P<0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting, pre-stroke disability was not associated with significantly lower odds of achieving FI or RoR (adjusted odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.43–1.25). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 6.3% of both groups (P=0.995). @*Conclusion@#A considerable proportion of patients with late-presenting LVO and pre-stroke disability regained pre-stroke mRS scores after EVT. EVT may be appropriate for patients with pre-stroke disability presenting in the extended time window.

Endovascular Thrombectomy Versus Intravenous Thrombolysis of Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Posterior cerebral artery occlusion (PCAo) can cause long-term disability, yet randomized controlled trials to guide optimal reperfusion strategy are lacking. We compared the outcomes of PCAo patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with or without intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to patients treated with IVT alone. @*Methods@#From the multicenter retrospective Posterior cerebraL ArTery Occlusion (PLATO) registry, we included patients with isolated PCAo treated with reperfusion therapy within 24 hours of onset between January 2015 and August 2022. The primary outcome was the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Other outcomes comprised 3-month excellent (mRS 0–1) and independent outcome (mRS 0–2), early neurological improvement (ENI), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). The treatments were compared using inverse probability weighted regression adjustment. @*Results@#Among 724 patients, 400 received EVT+/-IVT and 324 IVT alone (median age 74 years, 57.7% men). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 7, and the occluded segment was P1 (43.9%), P2 (48.3%), P3–P4 (6.1%), bilateral (1.0%), or fetal posterior cerebral artery (0.7%). Compared to IVT alone, EVT+/-IVT was not associated with improved functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–1.43). EVT increased the odds for ENI (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.49, 95% CI 1.05–2.12), sICH (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.23–6.72), and mortality (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.07–2.95). @*Conclusion@#Despite higher odds for early improvement, EVT+/-IVT did not affect functional outcome compared to IVT alone after PCAo. This may be driven by the increased risk of sICH and mortality after EVT.

High-fat diet, microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, and anxiety-like behavior in male rats

Obesity, associated with the intake of a high-fat diet (HFD), and anxiety are common among those living in modern urban societies. Recent studies suggest a role of microbiome-gut-brain axis signaling, including a role for brain serotonergic systems in the relationship between HFD and anxiety. Evidence suggests the gut microbiome and the serotonergic brain system together may play an important role in this response. Here we conducted a nine-week HFD protocol in male rats, followed by an analysis of the gut microbiome diversity and community composition, brainstem serotonergic gene expression (tph2, htr1a, and slc6a4), and anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. We show that HFD intake decreased alpha diversity and altered the community composition of the gut microbiome in association with obesity, increased brainstem tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression, including in the caudal part of the dorsomedial dorsal raphe nucleus (cDRD), a subregion previously associated with stress- and anxiety-related behavioral responses, and, finally, increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses. The HFD increased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio relative to control diet, as well as higher relative abundances of Blautia, and decreases in Prevotella. We found that tph2, htr1a and slc6a4 mRNA expression were increased in subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus in the HFD, relative to control diet. Specific bacterial taxa were associated with increased serotonergic gene expression in the cDRD. Thus, we propose that HFD-induced obesity is associated with altered microbiome-gut-serotonergic brain axis signaling, leading to increased anxiety-related defensive behavioral responses in rats.

Artificial intelligence in inflammatory bowel disease: implications for clinical practice and future directions

Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and is characterized by uncontrolled, relapsing, and remitting course of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Artificial intelligence represents a new era within the field of gastroenterology, and the amount of research surrounding artificial intelligence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is on the rise. As clinical trial outcomes and treatment targets evolve in inflammatory bowel disease, artificial intelligence may prove as a valuable tool for providing accurate, consistent, and reproducible evaluations of endoscopic appearance and histologic activity, thereby optimizing the diagnosis process and identifying disease severity. Furthermore, as the applications of artificial intelligence for inflammatory bowel disease continue to expand, they may present an ideal opportunity for improving disease management by predicting treatment response to biologic therapies and for refining the standard of care by setting the basis for future treatment personalization and cost reduction. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the unmet needs in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in clinical practice and how artificial intelligence tools can address these gaps to transform patient care.

Tissue Clock Beyond Time Clock: Endovascular Thrombectomy for Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Beyond 24 Hours / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Randomized trials proved the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for select patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) within 24 hours of last-known-well (LKW). Recent data suggest that LVO patients may benefit from MT beyond 24 hours. This study reports the safety and outcomes of MT beyond 24 hours of LKW compared to standard medical therapy (SMT). @*Methods@#This is a retrospective analysis of LVO patients presented to 11 comprehensive stroke centers in the United States beyond 24 hours from LKW between January 2015 and December 2021. We assessed 90-day outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). @*Results@#Of 334 patients presented with LVO beyond 24 hours, 64% received MT and 36% received SMT only. Patients who received MT were older (67±15 vs. 64±15 years, P=0.047) and had a higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 16±7 vs.10±9, P<0.001). Successful recanalization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3) was achieved in 83%, and 5.6% had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared to 2.5% in the SMT group (P=0.19). MT was associated with mRS 0–2 at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.73, P=0.026), less mortality (34% vs. 63%, P<0.001), and better discharge NIHSS (P<0.001) compared to SMT in patients with baseline NIHSS ≥6. This treatment benefit remained after matching both groups. Age (aOR 0.94, P<0.001), baseline NIHSS (aOR 0.91, P=0.017), Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (ASPECTS) score ≥8 (aOR 3.06, P=0.041), and collaterals scores (aOR 1.41, P=0.027) were associated with 90-day functional independence. @*Conclusion@#In patients with salvageable brain tissue, MT for LVO beyond 24 hours appears to improve outcomes compared to SMT, especially in patients with severe strokes. Patients’ age, ASPECTS, collaterals, and baseline NIHSS score should be considered before discounting MT merely based on LKW.

Borderzone Infarcts and Recurrent Cerebrovascular Events in Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS)-related stroke occurs due to three primary mechanisms with distinct infarct patterns: (1) borderzone infarcts (BZI) due to impaired distal perfusion, (2) territorial infarcts due to distal plaque/thrombus embolization, and (3) plaque progression occluding perforators. The objective of the systematic review is to determine whether BZI secondary to ICAS is associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke or neurological deterioration. @*Methods@#As part of this registered systematic review (CRD42021265230), a comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant papers and conference abstracts (with ≥20 patients) reporting initial infarct patterns and recurrence rates in patients with symptomatic ICAS. Subgroup analyses were performed for studies including any BZI versus isolated BZI and those excluding posterior circulation stroke. The study outcome included neurological deterioration or recurrent stroke during follow-up. For all outcome events, corresponding risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. @*Results@#A literature search yielded 4,478 records with 32 selected during the title/abstract triage for full text; 11 met inclusion criteria and 8 studies were included in the analysis (n=1,219 patients; 341 with BZI). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the RR of outcome in the BZI group compared to the no BZI group was 2.10 (95% CI 1.52–2.90). Limiting the analysis to studies including any BZI, the RR was 2.10 (95% CI 1.38–3.18). For isolated BZI, RR was 2.59 (95% CI 1.24–5.41). RR was 2.96 (95% CI 1.71–5.12) for studies only including anterior circulation stroke patients. @*Conclusion@#This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the presence of BZI secondary to ICAS may be an imaging biomarker that predicts neurological deterioration and/or stroke recurrence.

Clinical and Safety Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy 6 to 24 Hours After Large Vessel Occlusion Ischemic Stroke With Tandem Lesions / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Effect of endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) patients with tandem lesions (TLs) within 6–24 hours after last known well (LKW) remains unclear. We evaluated the clinical and safety outcomes among TL-LVO patients treated within 6–24 hours. @*Methods@#This multicenter cohort was divided into two groups, based on LKW to puncture time: early window (<6 hours), and late window (6–24 hours). Primary clinical and safety outcomes were 90-day functional independence measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS: 0–2) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Secondary outcomes were successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), first-pass effect, early neurological improvement, ordinal mRS, and in-hospital and 90-day mortality. @*Results@#Of 579 patients (median age 68, 32.1% females), 268 (46.3%) were treated in the late window and 311 (53.7%) in the early window. Late window group had lower median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score, rates of intravenous thrombolysis, and higher rates for perfusion imaging. After adjusting for confounders, the odds of 90-day mRS 0–2 (47.7% vs. 45.0%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–1.02), favorable shift in mRS (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44–1.76), and sICH (3.7% vs. 5.2%, aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.20–1.56) were similar in both groups. There was no difference in secondary outcomes. Increased time from LKW to puncture did not predicted the probability of 90-day mRS 0–2 (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.96–1.01, for each hour delay) among patients presenting <24 hours. @*Conclusion@#EVT for acute TL-LVO treated within 6–24 hours after LKW was associated with similar rates of clinical and safety outcomes, compared to patients treated within 6 hours.

Comparison of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for cesarean section: a systematic review and network meta-analysis / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Cesarean section is associated with moderate to severe pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly employed. The optimal NSAID, however, has not been elucidated. In this network meta-analysis and systematic review, we compared the influence of control and individual NSAIDs on the indices of analgesia, side effects, and quality of recovery. @*Methods@#CDSR, CINAHL, CRCT, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing a specific NSAID to either control or another NSAID in elective or emergency cesarean section under general or neuraxial anesthesia. Network plots and league tables were constructed, and the quality of evidence was evaluated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis. @*Results@#We included 47 trials. Cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, the primary outcome, was examined in 1,228 patients and 18 trials, and control was found to be inferior to diclofenac, indomethacin, ketorolac, and tenoxicam (very low quality evidence owing to serious limitations, imprecision, and publication bias). Indomethacin was superior to celecoxib for pain score at rest at 8–12 h and celecoxib + parecoxib, diclofenac, and ketorolac for pain score on movement at 48 h. In regard to the need for and time to rescue analgesia COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib were inferior to other NSAIDs. @*Conclusions@#Our review suggests the presence of minimal differences among the NSAIDs studied. Nonselective NSAIDs may be more effective than selective NSAIDs, and some NSAIDs such as indomethacin might be preferable to other NSAIDs.

Endovascular versus Medical Management of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trials / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose The optimal management of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) compared to medical management (MM) for acute BAO through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). @*Methods@#We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of patients with acute BAO. We analyzed the pooled effect of EVT compared to MM on the primary outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] of 0–3 at 3 months), secondary outcome (mRS 0–2 at 3 months), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and 3-month mortality rates. For each study, effect sizes were computed as odds ratios (ORs) with random effects and Mantel-Haenszel weighting. @*Results@#Four RCTs met inclusion criteria including 988 patients. There were higher odds of mRS of 0-3 at 90 days in the EVT versus MM group (45.1% vs. 29.1%, OR 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–3.80; P=0.04). Patients receiving EVT had a higher sICH compared to MM (5.4% vs. 0.8%, OR 7.89, 95% CI 4.10–15.19; P<0.01). Mortality was lower in the EVT group (35.5% vs. 45.1%, OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.99; P=0.05). In an analysis of two trials with BAO patients and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) <10, there was no difference in 90-day outcomes between EVT versus MM. @*Conclusion@#In this systematic review and meta-analysis, EVT was associated with favorable outcome and decreased mortality in patients with BAO up to 24 hours from stroke symptoms compared to MM. The treatment effect in BAO patients with NIHSS <10 was less certain. Further studies are of interest to evaluate the efficacy of EVT in basilar occlusion patients with milder symptoms.

Neuroimaging of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Multimodal Imaging Approach for Acute Endovascular Therapy / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Advances in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment have been contingent on innovations in neuroimaging. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and prognosis of ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion, enabling triage decisions in the emergent care of the stroke patient. Current imaging protocols for acute stroke are dependent on the available resources and clinicians’ preferences and experiences. In addition, differential application of neuroimaging in medical decision-making, and the rapidly growing evidence to support varying paradigms have outpaced guideline-based recommendations for selecting patients to receive intravenous or endovascular treatment. In this review, we aimed to discuss the various imaging modalities and approaches used in the diagnosis and treatment of AIS.

Safe duration of silicon catheter replacement in urological patients

Objectives: This study compared the infection rates, degree of encrustation, symptoms, and complications in patients regarding the duration of urethral catheterisation (three weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks). Design: A cross-sectional study with stratified simple random sampling Setting: Urology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Participants: One hundred and thirty-seven male patients with long-term urinary catheters Interventions: Participants were grouped into 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks duration of catheter replacementsPrimary outcomes measures: Symptoms due to the urinary catheters, urinalysis, urine and catheter tip cultures, sensitivity, and catheter encrustations were assessed. Results: Eighty-six patients had a primary diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 35 had urethral strictures,13 had prostate cancer, two had BPH and urethral strictures, and one participant had bladder cancer. There was no difference in the symptoms the participants in the different groups experienced due to the urinary catheters (p > 0.05). The frequency of occurrence of complications (pyuria, p = 0.784; blocked catheter, p=0.097; urethral bleeding, p=0.148; epididymo-orchitis, p=0.769 and bladder spasms, p=1.000) showed no differences in the three groups. There was no statistical difference in the urinalysis for the three groups (p>0.05) and the degree of encrustations (3 weeks: 0.03 ± 0.06, 6 weeks: 0.11±0.27 and eight weeks: 0.12 ±0.27) with p=0.065. Conclusions: In this study, the duration of urinary catheterisation using silicone Foley's catheters did not influence the complication and symptom rates; hence silicon catheters can be placed in situ for up to 8 weeks before replacement instead of the traditional three-weekly change.

Sonographic features of pelvic pain among adults in a Nigerian population

Background:Pelvic pain is abdominal pain located below the level of umbilicus, including frequent lower back pain with or without radiation to the thighs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the common ultrasound findings in subjects with pelvic pain. Methods:Itwas a retrospective study and involved collection of information from the folders of the subjects. A total of 820 folders were used for this study. Information collected from these folders included; the age, sex, provisional diagnosis and ultrasound findings. Data collected was arranged and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used and results arranged in frequency tables and percentages. Results:The result showed that males were 160 (20%) and females were 660 (80%). The age ranged from < 20years to 70 years and above. The mean age of the subjects was 35.66�.82 years. The mean age of the male is 51.83�.56 years and that of the females is 31.77�.02 years. Normal scan was the predominant ultrasound finding. The most common pathological finding was uterine fibroid (21.3%) and followed by pelvic inflammatory disease (15.2%).Conclusions:Ultrasound is an essential tool in the diagnosis of pelvic pain in males and females. Uterine fibroid was the most common pathological finding in females while benign prostate hypertrophy was the most common in males.

Global Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Mortality / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Background@#and Purpose Recent studies suggested an increased incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the volume of CVT hospitalization and in-hospital mortality during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the preceding year. @*Methods@#We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study of 171 stroke centers from 49 countries. We recorded COVID-19 admission volumes, CVT hospitalization, and CVT in-hospital mortality from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2021. CVT diagnoses were identified by International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) codes or stroke databases. We additionally sought to compare the same metrics in the first 5 months of 2021 compared to the corresponding months in 2019 and 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04934020). @*Results@#There were 2,313 CVT admissions across the 1-year pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic year (2020); no differences in CVT volume or CVT mortality were observed. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT volumes compared to 2019 (27.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.2 to 32.0; P<0.0001) and 2020 (41.4%; 95% CI, 37.0 to 46.0; P<0.0001). A COVID-19 diagnosis was present in 7.6% (132/1,738) of CVT hospitalizations. CVT was present in 0.04% (103/292,080) of COVID-19 hospitalizations. During the first pandemic year, CVT mortality was higher in patients who were COVID positive compared to COVID negative patients (8/53 [15.0%] vs. 41/910 [4.5%], P=0.004). There was an increase in CVT mortality during the first 5 months of pandemic years 2020 and 2021 compared to the first 5 months of the pre-pandemic year 2019 (2019 vs. 2020: 2.26% vs. 4.74%, P=0.05; 2019 vs. 2021: 2.26% vs. 4.99%, P=0.03). In the first 5 months of 2021, there were 26 cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), resulting in six deaths. @*Conclusions@#During the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic, CVT hospitalization volume and CVT in-hospital mortality did not change compared to the prior year. COVID-19 diagnosis was associated with higher CVT in-hospital mortality. During the first 5 months of 2021, there was an increase in CVT hospitalization volume and increase in CVT-related mortality, partially attributable to VITT.

Therapeutic Trends of Cerebrovascular Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Future Perspectives / 대한뇌졸중학회지

As of May 2022, there have been more than 400 million cases (including re-infections) of the systemic acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and nearly 5 million deaths worldwide. Not only has the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic been responsible for diagnosis and treatment delays of a wide variety of conditions, and overwhelmed the allocation of healthcare resources, it has impacted the epidemiology and management of cerebrovascular disease. In this narrative review, we summarize the changing paradigms and latest data regarding the complex relationship between COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease. Paradoxically, although SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with many thrombotic complications—including ischemic stroke—there have been global declines in ischemic stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. These epidemiologic shifts may be attributed to patient avoidance of healthcare institutions due to fear of contracting the novel human coronavirus, and also related to declines in other transmissible infectious illnesses which may trigger ischemic stroke. Despite the association between SARS-CoV-2 and thrombotic events, there are inconsistent data regarding targeted antithrombotics to prevent venous and arterial events. In addition, we provide recommendations for the conduct of stroke research and clinical trial planning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for future healthcare crises.

The ongoing value of first few X studies for COVID-19 in the Western Pacific Region

@#First few ‘X’ (FFX) studies for COVID-19 involve data collection from confirmed cases and their close contacts. They remain relevant especially as many remain susceptible to infection, and as they can provide detailed insight into vaccine effectiveness and the epidemiology of variants of concern, helping to inform a proportionate health response.

HEARTS in the Americas: innovations for improving hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk management in primary care / HEARTS en las Américas: innovaciones para mejorar el manejo del riesgo de hipertensión y enfermedades cardiovasculares en la atención primaria / HEARTS nas Américas: inovações para melhorar a gestão do risco de hipertensão e de doenças cardiovasculares na atenção primária

Abstract Global Hearts is the flagship initiative of the World Health Organization to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. HEARTS in the Americas Initiative is the regional adaptation that envisions HEARTS as the model for cardiovascular disease risk management, including hypertension and diabetes, in primary health care in the Americas by 2025. This initiative is entering its sixth year of implementation and now includes 22 countries and 1 380 primary health care centers. The objectives of this report are three-fold. First, it describes the emergence and the main elements of HEARTS in the Americas. Secondly, it summarizes the main innovations developed to catalyze and sustain implementation of the initiative. These innovations include: a) introduction of hypertension control drivers; b) development of a comprehensive and practical clinical pathway; c) development of a strategy to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement; d) creation of a monitoring and evaluation platform; and e) development of a standardized set of training and education resources. Thirdly, this report discusses future priorities of the initiative. The goal of implementing these innovative and pragmatic solutions is to create a more effective health system and shift the focus of cardiovascular and hypertension programs from the highly specialized care level to primary health care. In addition, HEARTS in the Americas can serve as a model for more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable noncommunicable disease prevention and treatment practices.

RESUMEN Global Hearts es la iniciativa emblemática de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para reducir la carga de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en todo el mundo. La iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas es la adaptación regional que propone HEARTS como modelo para el manejo del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, incluida la hipertensión, y la diabetes en la atención primaria de salud en la Región de las Américas para el año 2025. Esta iniciativa está iniciando su sexto año de aplicación y ya incluye a 22 países y 1 380 centros de atención primaria de salud. Son tres los objetivos de este informe. En primer lugar, describir cómo surgió la iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas y cuáles son sus principales elementos. En segundo lugar, resumir las principales innovaciones logradas para catalizar la iniciativa y mantener su aplicación. Entre estas innovaciones se encuentran: a) la introducción de factores impulsores del control de la hipertensión; b) el desarrollo de una vía clínica integral y práctica; c) la elaboración de una estrategia para mejorar la precisión de la medición de la presión arterial; d) la creación de un marco de seguimiento y evaluación; y e) la elaboración de un conjunto estandarizado de recursos de capacitación y formación. En tercer lugar, en este informe se examinan las futuras prioridades de la iniciativa. El objetivo de poner en marcha estas soluciones innovadoras y pragmáticas es crear un sistema de salud más efectivo y trasladar el enfoque de los programas cardiovasculares y de hipertensión del nivel de atención altamente especializada a la atención primaria de salud. Además, HEARTS en las Américas puede servir como modelo para unas prácticas más integrales, efectivas y sostenibles en la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles.

RESUMO Global Hearts é a iniciativa mais importante da Organização Mundial da Saúde para reduzir a carga de doenças cardiovasculares, que são a principal causa de morte e incapacidade em todo o mundo. A iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional que pressupõe a HEARTS como o modelo para a gestão do risco de doenças cardiovasculares, incluindo hipertensão e diabetes, na atenção primária à saúde nas Américas até 2025. Essa iniciativa está entrando em seu sexto ano de implementação e agora inclui 22 países e 1 380 centros de atenção primária à saúde. Os objetivos deste relatório são três. Primeiramente, ele descreve o surgimento e os principais elementos da iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas. Em segundo lugar, resume as principais inovações desenvolvidas para catalisar e sustentar a implementação da iniciativa. Essas inovações incluem: a) introdução de fatores impulsionadores de controle da hipertensão; b) desenvolvimento de um caminho clínico abrangente e prático; c) desenvolvimento de uma estratégia para melhorar a exatidão da aferição da pressão arterial; d) criação de uma plataforma de monitoramento e avaliação; e e) desenvolvimento de um conjunto padronizado de recursos para treinamento e educação. Em terceiro lugar, este relatório discute as futuras prioridades da iniciativa. O objetivo de implementar essas soluções inovadoras e pragmáticas é criar um sistema de saúde mais eficaz e mudar o foco dos programas cardiovasculares e de hipertensão do nível de atendimento altamente especializado para a atenção primária à saúde. Além disso, a iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas pode servir de modelo para práticas mais abrangentes, efetivas e sustentáveis de prevenção e tratamento de doenças não transmissíveis.

HEARTS en las Américas: un ejemplo mundial del uso de dispositivos automatizados de medición de la presión arterial validados clínicamente en la prevención y el manejo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares en entornos de atención primaria de salud

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Glenoid Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability: Superiority of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography over Two-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Established Methodology

Background@#Recent literature suggests that three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) can replace 3D computed tomography (3D CT) when evaluating glenoid bone loss in patients with shoulder instability. We aimed to examine if 2D MRI in conjunction with a validated predictive formula for assessment of glenoid height is equivalent to the gold standard 3D CT scans for patients with recurrent glenohumeral instability. @*Methods@#Patients with recurrent shoulder instability and available imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Glenoid height on 3D CT and 2D MRI was measured by two blinded raters. Difference and equivalence testing were performed using a paired t-test and two one-sided tests, respectively. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test for interrater reliability, and percent agreement between the measurements of one reviewer was used to assess intrarater reliability. @*Results@#Using an equivalence margin of 1 mm, 3D CT and 2D MRI were found to be different (p = 0.123). The mean glenoid height was significantly different when measured on 2D MRI (39.09 ± 2.93 mm) compared to 3D CT (38.71 ± 2.89 mm) (p = 0.032). The mean glenoid width was significantly different between 3D CT (30.13 ± 2.43 mm) and 2D MRI (27.45 ± 1.72 mm) (p < 0.001). The 3D CT measurements had better interrater agreement (ICC, 0.91) than 2D MRI measurements (ICC, 0.8). intrarater agreement was also higher on CT. @*Conclusions@#Measurements of glenoid height using 3D CT and 2D MRI with subsequent calculation of the glenoid width using a validated methodology were not equivalent, and 3D CT was superior. Based on the validated methods for the measurement of glenoid bone loss on advanced imaging studies, 3D CT study must be preferred over 2D MRI in order to estimate the amount of glenoid bone loss in candidates for shoulder stabilization surgery and to assist in surgical decision-making.

Glenoid Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability: Superiority of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography over Two-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Established Methodology

Background@#Recent literature suggests that three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI) can replace 3D computed tomography (3D CT) when evaluating glenoid bone loss in patients with shoulder instability. We aimed to examine if 2D MRI in conjunction with a validated predictive formula for assessment of glenoid height is equivalent to the gold standard 3D CT scans for patients with recurrent glenohumeral instability. @*Methods@#Patients with recurrent shoulder instability and available imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Glenoid height on 3D CT and 2D MRI was measured by two blinded raters. Difference and equivalence testing were performed using a paired t-test and two one-sided tests, respectively. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test for interrater reliability, and percent agreement between the measurements of one reviewer was used to assess intrarater reliability. @*Results@#Using an equivalence margin of 1 mm, 3D CT and 2D MRI were found to be different (p = 0.123). The mean glenoid height was significantly different when measured on 2D MRI (39.09 ± 2.93 mm) compared to 3D CT (38.71 ± 2.89 mm) (p = 0.032). The mean glenoid width was significantly different between 3D CT (30.13 ± 2.43 mm) and 2D MRI (27.45 ± 1.72 mm) (p < 0.001). The 3D CT measurements had better interrater agreement (ICC, 0.91) than 2D MRI measurements (ICC, 0.8). intrarater agreement was also higher on CT. @*Conclusions@#Measurements of glenoid height using 3D CT and 2D MRI with subsequent calculation of the glenoid width using a validated methodology were not equivalent, and 3D CT was superior. Based on the validated methods for the measurement of glenoid bone loss on advanced imaging studies, 3D CT study must be preferred over 2D MRI in order to estimate the amount of glenoid bone loss in candidates for shoulder stabilization surgery and to assist in surgical decision-making.