The American journal of medicine
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Many individuals experience long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 infection. As microbiota can influence health, it may change with COVID-19. This study investigated differences in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. ⋯ There were distinct variations in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. Changes in oral microbiota may indicate long COVID.
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Previous studies have reported a greater risk of venous thromboembolism among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and those who received COVID-19 vaccination. Nevertheless, there is a lack of understanding regarding the interaction effect on the risk of venous thromboembolism occurrence between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. ⋯ A synergistic effect on the risk of venous thromboembolism was suggested when individuals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 within 90 days following COVID-19 vaccination.
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Hypertension is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, and the leading risk factor for loss of quality adjusted life years. Up to 50% of the cases of hypertension in the United States remain uncontrolled. Additionally, 8%-18% of the hypertensive population have resistant hypertension; uncontrolled pressure despite 3 different antihypertensive agents. ⋯ Initial randomized (non-sham) trials and registry analyses showed impressive benefit, but the first sham-controlled randomized controlled trial using monopolar radiofrequency ablation showed limited benefit. With refinement of techniques to include multipolar radiofrequency, ultrasound denervation, and direct ethanol injection, randomized controlled trials demonstrated significant blood pressure improvement, leading to US Food and Drug Administration approval of radiofrequency- and ultrasound-based denervation technologies. In this review article, we summarize the major randomized sham-controlled trials and societal guidelines regarding the efficacy and safety of renal artery denervation for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension.