The American journal of the medical sciences
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a growing problem in the United States, contributing to a range of liver disease as well as cardiovascular disease. ALT is the most widely used liver chemistry for NAFLD evaluation. We hypothesized that the normal range many laboratories use was too high, missing many patients with clinically important steatosis and/or fibrosis. ⋯ Our study revealed that ALT is an inaccurate marker for NAFLD as measured by FibroScan® with CAP greater than or equal to 300 dB/m. Accuracy improved specific risk factors were considered. These data also showed that ALT was a poor marker for liver fibrosis. We conclude that there is no single ALT level that accurately predicts hepatic steatosis or fibrosis.
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The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in kidney care has seen a significant rise in recent years. This study specifically analyzed AI and ML research publications related to kidney care to identify leading authors, institutions, and countries in this area. It aimed to examine publication trends and patterns, and to explore the impact of collaborative efforts on citation metrics. ⋯ The findings underscore the importance of AI and ML in enhancing kidney care, offering a roadmap for future research and implementation in this expanding field.
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Traditionally, red blood cells (RBCs) have been perceived as passive entities within the fibrin network, without any significant role in the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This review explores the involvement of RBCs in the VTE process, summarizing previous study findings and providing a comprehensive review of the latest theories. At first, it explores the influence of abnormal RBC counts (as seen in polycythemia vera and with erythropoietin use) and the exposure of RBCs to phosphatidylserine (Ptd-L-Ser) in the pathophysiology of VTE. ⋯ Additionally, we investigate the effect of RBCs on thrombin activation through two pathways, namely, the FXIIa-FXI-FIX pathway and the prekallikrein-dependent pathway. Lastly, we discuss the impact of RBCs on clot volume. In conclusion, we propose several potential methods aimed at unraveling the role of RBCs and their interaction with other components in the vascular system in the pathogenesis of VTE.
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Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) infection remains common worldwide despite recent vaccine efforts. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is the most severe form of Spn infection. Known individual risk factors for IPD include male gender and African American race. However, area-level socioeconomic factors have not been assessed. We examined the association of neighborhood-level disadvantages and risk of IPD in a tertiary medical center located in a socioeconomic diverse urban area in the Southeastern United States. ⋯ ADI is a risk factor for IPD in younger adults. Community-level socioeconomic risk factors should be considered when developing prevention strategies such as increasing vaccine uptake in high risk population to reduce the disease burden of IPD.
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Observational Study
Mortality of Patients Presented with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction According to the Status of Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) remain well-established elements of assessing cardiovascular risk scores. However, there is growing evidence that patients presented without known SMuRFs at admission demonstrate worse post-myocardial outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of the SMuRF status on short- and long-term mortality rates in patients with first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). ⋯ SMuRF-less individuals presented with STEMI are at an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with at least one SMuRF. Consequently, further investigations regarding the recognition and treatment of risk factors, irrespective of SMuRF status, are indicated.