The 2008 global financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic: How safe are the safe haven assets?

We compare the performance of safe-haven assets during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 pandemic. First, regarding the GFC, we find, intermediate (weak) safe haven evidence for US dollar, Swiss franc and T-bonds (Gold, Silver and T-bills). Second, with regard to COVID, we find gold is very risky in some settings, while silver has become extremely risky. Collectively, our findings suggest that the character of safe-haven assets has changed between the crises. Therefore, investors should exercise extreme care when investing in potential safe-haven assets during times of market stress.

LMNA Gene Mutation Presenting with Ventricular Tachycardia in the Absence of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Genetic mutations can present with cardiomyopathies and ventricular arrhythmias in young population in the absence of other cardiac risk factors. LMNA genetic mutation is one of the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which can present with conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. We present a case of LMNA genetic mutation in an African American male who presented with ventricular tachycardia in the absence of dilated cardiomyopathy initially mimicking cardiac sarcoidosis. Diagnostic challenges included initial impression of cardiac sarcoidosis as suggested by cardiac MRI, but negative tissue pathology on endomyocardial biopsy and negative activity on FDG PET scan. Treatment involved initiation of beta blocker and an implantable cardiac defibrillator placement for secondary prevention.

Sarcoid-like reaction associated with renal cell carcinoma - A case report.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a highly vascular tumor, which may spread to the lungs and other organs. It often presents with localized or systemic manifestation, including paraneoplastic syndromes. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas that typically afflicts the respiratory system. In the absence of any evidence of systemic sarcoidosis they are referred to as sarcoid-like reactions. Non-caseating epithelioid granulomas, also regarded to sarcoid-like granulomas have been described in association with certain malignancies such as carcinomas of the breast, colon, seminoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, sarcoid like reaction associated with renal cell carcinoma is uncommon. Herein we present a rare case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma with mediastinal lymphadenopathy initially thought to metastatic disease, though revealed a sarcoid-like reaction with review of literature.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms due to giant cell aortitis.

We present three cases of thoracic aortic aneurysms caused by giant cell aortitis. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are common and usually related to hypertension, a bicuspid aortic valve or connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome. Our report serves as a reminder that giant cell aortitis is an unusual yet very important cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Slow right prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for medication-resistant depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Over the past decade, efforts have been made to assess the positive therapeutic effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) by altering the excitability of the brain. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of right prefrontal slow repetitive TMS in patients with treatment refractory major depression. This pilot study supports the therapeutic potential of rTMS in the low-frequency range of 1 Hz on right prefrontal cortex for the treatment of refractory major depression. Additional studies will be necessary to assess the efficacy of rTMS with different indices (frequency, intensity, and stimulation site) for major depression and other psychiatric diseases.