140 research outputs found

    Minnesota Grape Production Statistics: 2013-2016

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    This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu

    Nighttime resident supervision and education: results of a national survey of internal medicine residency program directors

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    Over the past several years, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has issued new restrictions on resident duty hours while calling for increased supervision to ensure patient safety. To meet these requirements, some hospitals have hired overnight in-house hospitalist physicians, also called nocturnists, while others have continued a traditional model wherein a resident in-house can access a supervisor at home by phone as needed. This study examines the current state of internal medicine resident supervision and teaching at night.Christopher Bruti (Rush University Medical Center), Mathhew Tuck (Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Rebecca Harrison (Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine), Dustin Smith (Atlanta VA Medical Center), Michael Kisielewski (Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine), Jillian S. Catalanotti (The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences), Alfred Burger (Icahn School of Medicine)Includes bibliographical reference

    TBX3 promotes progression of pre-invasive breast cancer cells by inducing EMT and directly up-regulating SLUG

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    The acquisition of cellular invasiveness by breast epithelial cells and subsequent transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer is a critical step in breast cancer progression. Little is known about the molecular dynamics governing this transition. We have previously shown that overexpression of the transcriptional regulator TBX3 in DCIS-like cells increases survival, growth, and invasiveness. To explore this mechanism further and assess direct transcriptional targets of TBX3 in a high-resolution, isoform-specific context, we conducted genome-wide chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) arrays coupled with transcriptomic analysis. We show that TBX3 regulates several epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, including SLUG and TWIST1. Importantly, we demonstrate that TBX3 is a direct regulator of SLUG expression, and SLUG expression is required for TBX3-induced migration and invasion. Assessing TBX3 by immunohistochemistry in early-stage (stage 0 and stage I) breast cancers revealed high expression in low-grade lesions. Within a second independent early-stage non-high-grade cohort, we observed an association between TBX3 level in the DCIS and size of the invasive focus. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between TBX3 and SLUG, and TBX3 and TWIST1 in the invasive carcinoma. Pathway analysis revealed altered expression of several proteases and their inhibitors, consistent with the ability to degrade basement membrane in vivo. These findings strongly suggest the involvement of TBX3 in the promotion of invasiveness and progression of early-stage pre-invasive breast cancer to invasive carcinoma through the low-grade molecular pathway. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland

    Influence of age on the diagnosis of myocardial infarction

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    The 99th centile of cardiac troponin, derived from a healthy reference population, is recommended as the diagnostic threshold for myocardial infarction, but troponin concentrations are strongly influenced by age. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of cardiac troponin in older patients presenting with suspected myocardial infarction. METHODS: In a secondary analysis of a multicenter trial of consecutive patients with suspected myocardial infarction, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I at presentation for the diagnosis of type 1, type 2, or type 4b myocardial infarction across 3 age groups (<50, 50–74, and ≥75 years) using guideline-recommended sex-specific and age-adjusted 99th centile thresholds. RESULTS: In 46 435 consecutive patients aged 18 to 108 years (mean, 61±17 years), 5216 (11%) had a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. In patients <50 (n=12 379), 50 to 74 (n=22 380), and ≥75 (n=11 676) years, the sensitivity of the guideline-recommended threshold was similar at 79.2% (95% CI, 75.5–82.9), 80.6% (95% CI, 79.2–82.1), and 81.6% (95% CI, 79.8–83.2), respectively. The specificity decreased with advancing age from 98.3% (95% CI, 98.1–98.5) to 95.5% (95% CI, 95.2–95.8), and 82.6% (95% CI, 81.9–83.4). The use of age-adjusted 99th centile thresholds improved the specificity (91.3% [90.8%–91.9%] versus 82.6% [95% CI, 81.9%–83.4%]) and positive predictive value (59.3% [57.0%–61.5%] versus 51.5% [49.9%–53.3%]) for myocardial infarction in patients ≥75 years but failed to prevent the decrease in either parameter with increasing age and resulted in a marked reduction in sensitivity compared with the use of the guideline-recommended threshold (55.9% [53.6%–57.9%] versus 81.6% [79.8%–83.3%]. CONCLUSIONS: Age alters the diagnostic performance of cardiac troponin, with reduced specificity and positive predictive value in older patients when applying the guideline-recommended or age-adjusted 99th centiles. Individualized diagnostic approaches rather than the adjustment of binary thresholds are needed in an aging population

    A randomised, feasibility trial of an Exercise and Nutrition-based Rehabilitation programme (ENeRgy) in people with cancer

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    From Wiley via Jisc Publications RouterErna Haraldsdottir - ORCID: 0000-0003-4891-0743 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4891-0743Background: Despite rehabilitation being increasingly advocated for people living with incurable cancer, there is limited evidence supporting efficacy or component parts. The progressive decline in function and nutritional in this population would support an approach that targets these factors. This trial aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise and nutrition based rehabilitation programme in people with incurable cancer. Methods: We randomized community dwelling adults with incurable cancer to either a personalized exercise and nutrition based programme (experimental arm) or standard care (control arm) for 8 weeks. Endpoints included feasibility, quality of life, physical activity (step count), and body weight. Qualitative and health economic analyses were also included. Results: Forty‐five patients were recruited (23 experimental arm, 22 control arm). There were 26 men (58%), and the median age was 78 years (IQR 69–84). At baseline, the median BMI was 26 kg/m2 (IQR: 22–29), and median weight loss in the previous 6 months was 5% (IQR: −12% to 0%). Adherence to the experimental arm was >80% in 16/21 (76%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the following between trial arms: step count − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental −18.5% [IQR: −61 to 65], control 5% [IQR: −32 to 50], P = 0.548); weight − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental 1%[IQR: −3 to 3], control −0.5% [IQR: −3 to 1], P = 0.184); overall quality of life − median % change from baseline to endpoint, per trial arm (experimental 0% [IQR: −20 to 19], control 0% [IQR: −23 to 33], P = 0.846). Qualitative findings observed themes of capability, opportunity, and motivation amongst patients in the experimental arm. The mean incremental cost of the experimental arm versus control was £‐319.51 [CI −7593.53 to 6581.91], suggesting the experimental arm was less costly. Conclusions: An exercise and nutritional rehabilitation intervention is feasible and has potential benefits for people with incurable cancer. A larger trial is now warranted to test the efficacy of this approach.12pubpub

    Implementation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin and risk of myocardial infarction or death at 5 years: stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial

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    AbstractObjective: To evaluate the impact of implementing a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay on long-term outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromeDesign: Secondary observational analysis of a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial.Setting: Ten secondary and tertiary care centresParticipants: Consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (n=48,282; 47% women) were included in this trial. Myocardial injury was defined as any high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I concentration &gt;99th centile of 16 ng/L in women and 34 ng/L in men.Intervention: Hospital sites were randomly allocated to early (n=5 hospitals) or late (n=5 hospitals) implementation of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay with sex-specific diagnostic thresholds.Main Outcome Measures: Subsequent myocardial infarction or death at 5 years.Results: Overall, 10,360 patients had cardiac troponin concentrations greater than the 99th centile of whom 1,771 (17%) were reclassified by the high-sensitivity assay. The 5-year incidence of subsequent myocardial infarction or death before and after implementation of the high-sensitivity assay was 29% (5,588/18,978) versus 26% (7,591/29,304), respectively, in all patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.97 [95% CI 0.93 to 1.01]), and 63% (456/720) versus 54% (567/1,051) in those reclassified by the high-sensitivity assay (aHR 0.82 [0.72-0.94]). Following implementation, a reduction in subsequent myocardial infarction or death was observed in patients with non-ischemic myocardial injury (aHR 0·83 [0·75-0·91]), but not in those with type 1 or type 2 myocardial infarction (aHR 0·92 [0·83-1·01] and 0·98 [0·84-1·14]).Conclusions: In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, implementation of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assay reduced the risk of subsequent myocardial infarction or death at 5 years in those reclassified by the high-sensitivity assay. Improvements in outcome were greatest in patients with non-ischemic myocardial injury suggesting a broader benefit beyond the identification of myocardial infarction.<br/

    Implementation of a high sensitivity cardiac troponin i assay and risk of myocardial infarction or death at five years:Observational analysis of a stepped wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial

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    Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the impact of implementing a high sensitivity assay for cardiac troponin I on long term outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Design: Secondary observational analysis of a stepped wedge, cluster randomised controlled trial. Setting: 10 secondary and tertiary care centres in Scotland, UK. Participants: 48 282 consecutive patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. Myocardial injury was defined as any high sensitivity assay result for cardiac troponin I &gt;99th centile of 16 ng/L in women and 34 ng/L in men. Intervention: Hospital sites were randomly allocated to either early (n=5 hospitals) or late (n=5 hospitals) implementation of a high sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay with sex specific diagnostic thresholds. Main outcome measure: The main outcome was myocardial infarction or death at five years. Results: 10 360 patients had cardiac troponin concentrations greater than the 99th centile, of whom 1771 (17.1%) were reclassified by the high sensitivity assay. The five year incidence of subsequent myocardial infarction or death before and after implementation of the high sensitivity assay was 29.4% (5588/18 978) v 25.9% (7591/29 304), respectively, in all patients (adjusted hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.01), and 63.0% (456/720) v 53.9% (567/1051), respectively, in those reclassified by the high sensitivity assay (0.82, 0.72 to 0.94). After implementation of the high sensitivity assay, a reduction in subsequent myocardial infarction or death was observed in patients with non-ischaemic myocardial injury (0.83, 0.75 to 0.91) but not in those with type 1 or type 2 myocardial infarction (0.92, 0.83 to 1.01 and 0.98, 0.84 to 1.14). Conclusions: Implementation of a high sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay in the assessment of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome was associated with a reduced risk of subsequent myocardial infarction or death at five years in those reclassified by the high sensitivity assay. Improvements in outcome were greatest in patients with non-ischaemic myocardial injury, suggesting a broader benefit beyond the identification of myocardial infarction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01852123.</p

    Troponin in Acute chest pain to Risk stratify and Guide EffecTive use of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (TARGET-CTCA):A randomised controlled trial

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    Background: The majority of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome presenting to the emergency department will be discharged once myocardial infarction has been ruled out, although a proportion will have unrecognised coronary artery disease. In this setting, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin identifies those at increased risk of future cardiac events. In patients with intermediate cardiac troponin concentrations in whom myocardial infarction has been ruled out, this trial aims to investigate whether outpatient computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) reduces subsequent myocardial infarction or cardiac death. Methods: TARGET-CTCA is a multicentre prospective randomised open label with blinded endpoint parallel group event driven trial. After myocardial infarction and clear alternative diagnoses have been ruled out, participants with intermediate cardiac troponin concentrations (5 ng/L to 99th centile upper reference limit) will be randomised 1:1 to outpatient CTCA plus standard of care or standard of care alone. The primary endpoint is myocardial infarction or cardiac death. Secondary endpoints include clinical, patient-centred, process and cost-effectiveness. Recruitment of 2270 patients will give 90% power with a two-sided P value of 0.05 to detect a 40% relative risk reduction in the primary endpoint. Follow-up will continue until 97 primary outcome events have been accrued in the standard care arm with an estimated median follow-up of 36 months. Discussion: This randomised controlled trial will determine whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-guided CTCA can improve outcomes and reduce subsequent major adverse cardiac events in patients presenting to the emergency department who do not have myocardial infarction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03952351. Registered on May 16, 2019
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