Anabolic Steroid Induced Cardiomyopathy

Anabolic steroids including testosterone are commonly used as performance-enhancing agents. Its use is predominantly seen in young and middle-aged males. Endogenous testosterone is necessary for cardiac health; however, synthetic anabolic steroids are more potent and associated with adverse effects. These adverse effects include cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. The cardiomyopathy, however, can be reversible with discontinuation of the anabolic steroids. This case describes a middle-aged male who had new onset cardiomyopathy and ultimately went into cardiogenic shock secondary to anabolic steroid use

Cardiovascular Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, are now approved for weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Recent clinical trials suggest these agents may also offer direct cardiovascular benefits. Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in January 2025 using PubMed as the primary database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Embase. Clinical trials were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, requiring cardiovascular outcomes beyond weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Fifteen eligible studies were analyzed. Results: GLP-1 agonists demonstrated improvements in several cardiovascular domains, including reductions in NT-proBNP, CRP, and structural cardiac abnormalities, as well as enhanced functional status measured by NYHA class or KCCQ-CSS. Semaglutide showed the most consistent benefits across endpoints. A strong association was observed between greater weight loss (≥10%) and NT-proBNP reduction, suggesting a potential mechanistic link. Conclusion: GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially semaglutide, show promise as cardioprotective agents in non-diabetic adults with obesity. However, more dedicated trials with longer follow-up are needed to validate these benefits and optimize patient selection

Mechanisms Mediating the Protective Effects of Caffeine on Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Background: This review aims to examine the molecular mechanisms through which caffeine may exert neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: A literature review was done across PubMed and Embase to identify studies between 2000 and 2024, exploring the mechanism behind caffeine’s effects on AD. The criteria focused on peer-reviewed articles involving human or animal models. Information was gathered on study design, participant characteristics, caffeine consumption, proposed mechanisms, and effects on cognition. Results: The studies support caffeine\u27s potential as a therapeutic, neuromodulator against AD through six mechanisms: inhibition of adenosine A2A receptors, decreased amyloid-beta production and aggregation, promotion of amyloid beta clearance, prevention of aberrant tau phosphorylation, induction of hippocampal neurogenesis, downregulation of AD-associated genes, and upregulation of an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype. Discussion: We define six key neuroprotective mechanisms of caffeine against AD, which will allow us to understand the pathology of AD, and help us develop novel treatments. Future research on this topic should prioritize exploring these high-evidence mechanisms in human subjects studies

A Rare Case of Cardioversion-Induced Ventricular Fibrillation in a 62 Year Old Male Due to Inappropriate Timing: A Case Report

•Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrythmia of the heart due to the atria beating irregularly. AF has a national burden of over 30 million. AF is commonly managed in the outpatient clinic with pharmaceutical interventions. In a minority of cases, medications are unable to restore normal sinus rhythm of the heart, requiring further interventions such as cardiac ablation or trans-esophageal echocardiogram(TEE)/ cardioversion. This arrythmia can frequently leads to blood clots, stroke, and other cardiac complications. •This patient has recurrent paroxysmal AF for 3 years with resistance to multiple medication trials and presents for an outpatient TEE/cardioversion to restore normal sinus rhythm. Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a cardiac procedure to shock the heart to resolve arrythmias, but carries risks including skin irritation, stroke, heart damage, arrythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, and heart failure. This patient experienced an unsuccessful cardioversion, resulting in a new arrythmia of ventricular fibrillation following inappropriate timing of synchronized cardioversion. The purpose of this case report is to encourage awareness and further research on the complications of electric cardioversion. It is intended for others to learn the potential complications of a commonly performed procedure with a very low complication rate

LEADING THE WAY FOR BETTER STEM EDUCATION: PERCEIVED LEADERSHIP, SELF-EFFICACY, AND COMMITMENT AMONG STEM TEACHERS

This study investigated the relationships among leadership, self-efficacy, and commitment in STEM high school teachers. Grounded in social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and self-determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), the study was guided by three hypotheses: (1) STEM teachers perceived leadership is significantly related to self-efficacy; (2) STEM teachers perceived leadership is significantly related to commitment to teaching; and (3) self-efficacy mediates the relationship between STEM teachers perceived leadership and commitment. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research approach that specifically used descriptive correlational design to examine possible relationships among perceived leadership, self-efficacy, and commitment in STEM high school teachers using data collected from valid and reliable measures. Data were collected from 63 STEM educators from an urban district through an online survey. Results confirmed all three hypotheses: (1) a significant positive correlation between teacher leadership and self-efficacy, (2) a significant positive correlation between teacher leadership and commitment, and (3) a significant partial mediation of self-efficacy on the relationship between teacher leadership and commitment. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing leadership and self-efficacy among STEM high school teachers to improve professional commitment, student outcomes, and school culture among others

Literature Review: Prazosin Used for PTSD in Pregnancy

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects 3–4% of pregnant and postpartum individuals and is associated with complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression. Pharmacologic treatment options during pregnancy are limited by concerns about fetal safety. Methods: A literature review was conducted focusing on studies reporting maternal or neonatal outcomes following prazosin exposure in pregnancy. Results: One observational study of 11 pregnancies found 54.5% had uneventful outcomes, with rates of preterm birth, miscarriage, and preeclampsia similar to the general population. Hypotension and limited lactation data remain concerns. Conclusion: Early evidence suggests prazosin may be a relatively safe and effective adjunct for PTSD in pregnancy. Further research is needed to confirm safety and assess alternatives like Doxazosin

The Importance of How and When in Measuring Epicardial Adipose Tissue

Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) is drawing increasing attention. As a quantifiable, modifiable, and potentially new cardiovascular therapeutic target, its accurate measurement is particularly relevant. In Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) different methods can be used to assess EAT burden. We take advantage of CMR-studies of EMPATROPISM trial to assess EAT through three different methods, evaluate the effect of Empagliflozin and look for significant difference in the ability to detect changes in serial measurements. In some settings such as treatment-induced changes or patient follow-up, multi-slice method of EAT evaluation provides higher accuracy to detect significant differences, otherwise unnoticed by single-slice approaches

Mental Rotation: Psychometric Analysis of the Online Purdue Spatial Visualization Test: Rotations and Relationships Between Mental Rotation Skill and Engineering Undergraduate Success

“Literature shows that spatial skills, and in particular, mental rotation skills, are predictors of success in STEM. Students who have strong spatial visualization skills are more likely to demonstrate better academic performance and higher graduation rates in STEM. Several instruments are used to measure mental rotation skills, most of which are paper-based… To measure the range of skills typically seen in undergraduate engineering students, the PSVT:R has been historically preferred for its use of a variety of 3-dimensional shapes, which are appropriately challenging to visualize, and for its established reliability and validity [using classical test theory]. An [online] version of the test, [here deemed the O-PSVT:R,] offers several advantages over the paper-based test; however, its reliability and validity must be established*” [2]. I then studied the relationships between student success metrics (graduation rate & course grades) and their O-PSVT:R score, while accounting for variance attributed to past experiences known to correlate with spatial skills, as well as students’ demographic groups. This resulted in a conceptual framework for undergraduate engineering student success relative to O-PSVT:R score. * - © 2023 American Society for Engineering Educatio

Examining The Relationship Between Sleep Habits And Caffeine Consumption

Sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, immune defense, and metabolic health. Despite widespread caffeine use, its impact on sleep remains debated. It was initially hypothesized that higher caffeine consumption would correlate with greater sleep disturbances. This study explored the relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep habits in a general adult population using a Qualtrics-based self-report survey. Participants (n=93) reported average hours slept per night, time to fall asleep, and number of nighttime awakenings. Caffeine consumption was calculated based on reported intake and categorized into four dosage groups. Sleep outcomes were statistically compared using ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlation. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between caffeine intake and sleep duration (p=0.82), time to fall asleep (p=0.823), or frequency of nocturnal awakenings (p=0.49). Weak positive correlations were observed between higher caffeine intake and increased sleep latency (r=0.092) and number of awakenings (r=0.16), though neither reached statistical significance. While trends suggested greater caffeine consumption might be associated with poorer sleep quality, findings were inconclusive. This pilot study suggests that caffeine consumption, as self-reported, does not significantly affect sleep metrics in a small, heterogeneous population. Larger sample sizes and future studies that control for confounders (e.g., other types of stimulant use, timing of intake, comorbidities) are needed to clarify the relationship

Child Sex Trafficking in Pediatrics: From Screening to Comprehensive Care

Child sex trafficking is a significant issue in New Jersey, with minors making up 22% of trafficking victims in 2023. While screening tools exist to identify at-risk youth, there is a major gap in understanding the steps healthcare providers should take after identification to ensure appropriate care, support, and referrals. Current research highlights the lack of data on the use of trafficking screening tools and the absence of standardized post-screening protocols. Most pediatricians rely on referrals to social services or law enforcement, yet limited coordination between healthcare providers and these agencies complicates effective care. The shortage of child abuse pediatric specialists, inadequate training, and the lack of organizational policies further hinder healthcare providers’ ability to respond effectively. To address these gaps, recommendations include implementing trauma-informed approaches, training all staff on appropriate language to reduce retraumatization, and fostering partnerships with local agencies for seamless referrals. Developing comprehensive protocols and providing ongoing education for healthcare professionals is essential to improving the care and support available to trafficking victims