The American journal of medicine
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Black pleural effusions are extremely rare and have been reported in patients with infection, malignancy, and hemorrhage. However, no review articles appear to have focused on this rare clinical presentation. ⋯ Black pleural effusions can be divided into 4 major categories based on the underlying pathophysiological conditions.
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Obesity is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation and may impact atrial fibrillation-related outcomes. To date, no anthropometric measure is included in any risk stratification scheme for stroke and death in atrial fibrillation patients. ⋯ Overweight and obesity are risk factors for "ischemic stroke, thromboembolism or death" in patients with atrial fibrillation, even after adjustment for CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores. The association between BMI and outcomes among atrial fibrillation patients may be modified by sex.
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Despite recent studies that suggested statins' beneficial effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes, the impact, if any, of statins on COPD exacerbations remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the association between statin use and risk of hospitalized COPD exacerbation, and to assess whether the association varied by statin initiation, dose, or duration of use. ⋯ Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of COPD exacerbation, with a further risk reduction for statins prescribed more recently or at high doses.
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Historical Article
Crooked path made straight: the rise and fall of the southern governors' plan to educate black physicians.
In 1945, a wave of GI-Bill-supported African American students, qualified for admission to medical schools, returned from their service in World War II. The possibility that their acceptance would integrate all-white medical schools was a problem for the southern governors. The governors responded with a carefully considered plan to shunt these African American applicants to historically black medical colleges by joining in a Compact and attempting to purchase Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. This untold story of American medicine and its connection to our present shortage of African American physicians in the South needs to be remembered and passed on to future generations.
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Cigarette smoking is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor and its impact on cardiovascular disease is even greater among people with diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence and determinants of smoking among US adults with diabetes or impaired fasting glucose, and those without diabetes or impaired fasting glucose. ⋯ In the US, smoking prevalence among people with diabetes and impaired fasting glucose has not changed and is comparable with the nondiabetic population. Tobacco control efforts should be intensified among this population at high risk for complications and mortality.