The American journal of medicine
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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading worldwide cause of mortality. There has been increased awareness of the impact of psychological health on cardiovascular disease. In particular, major depression has been linked to increased all-cause mortality, development of cardiovascular disease, and worse outcomes in those with existing cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Depression has a significant negative impact on development of cardiovascular disease and on cardiovascular disease outcomes. Further efforts to understand and mitigate these impacts are prudent.
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Multicenter Study
Use of the HEAR Score for 30-Day Risk-Stratification in Emergency Department Patients.
The 2021 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association chest pain guidelines recommend risk scores such as HEAR (History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors) for short-term risk stratification, yet limited data exist integrating them with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). ⋯ HEAR scores are of limited value in those with baseline hs-cTnT
99th percentile to define short-term prognosis. In those with baseline quantifiable hs-cTnT within the reference range (<99th percentile), a higher risk (>1%) for 30-day MACE exists even in those with low HEAR scores. With serial hs-cTnT measurements, HEAR scores overestimate risk when hs-cTnT remains <99th percentile. -
Bloodstream infections may occur as a complication of colorectal cancer or be a marker for its occult presence. The objectives of this study were to quantify the overall and etiology-specific risks for incident colorectal cancer-associated bloodstream infection. ⋯ Although much attention has been afforded to S. bovis group over the past decades, there are many other isolates associated with higher risk for colorectal cancer-associated bloodstream infections.
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Imported fire ants aggressively sting humans, leading to a variety of local and systemic effects. Fire ants display a behavioral adaptation to survive flooding, called "rafting," bringing humans into even more contact with fire ants. ⋯ These results confirm that fire ant rafts formed during flooding present a potential hazard to persons walking, wading, or boating in those areas. We suggest that these rafts are an under-appreciated health hazard. It is reasonable to assume that people in flooded areas occasionally contact these floating rafts and are stung multiple times. We provide preliminary prevention/protection recommendations for health professionals, to be shared with their patients and the general public.