The American journal of medicine
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Meta-analysis comparing Mediterranean to low-fat diets for modification of cardiovascular risk factors.
Evidence from individual trials comparing Mediterranean to low-fat diets to modify cardiovascular risk factors remains preliminary. ⋯ Mediterranean diets appear to be more effective than low-fat diets in inducing clinically relevant long-term changes in cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers.
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Atherosclerosis and venous thromboembolism share similar pathophysiology based on common inflammatory mediators. The dose-related effect of statin therapy in venous thromboembolism remains controversial. This study investigated whether the use of antiplatelet therapy and statins decrease the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients with atherosclerosis. ⋯ The use of statins and antiplatelet therapy is associated with a significant reduction in the occurrence of venous thromboembolism with a dose-related response of statins.
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Poor physician handoff can be a major contributor to suboptimal care and medical errors occurring in the hospital. Physician handoffs for intensive care unit (ICU)-to-ward patient transfer may face more communication hurdles. However, few studies have focused on physician handoffs in patient transfers from the ICU to the inpatient ward. ⋯ The overall levels of satisfaction with communication during ICU-to-ward patient transfer were reasonably high among the stakeholders. However, clear opportunities to improve the quality of physician communication exist in several areas, with potential benefits to quality of care and patient safety.
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Despite improvements in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) goal attainment remains poor. This study assessed providers' knowledge of, attitude toward, and practice regarding non-HDL-C. ⋯ Major gaps remain in providers' awareness regarding non-HDL-C definition, calculation, and goals. System-level interventions are needed across specialties to address these gaps.