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Introduction: Breast cancer is the most prevalent and fatal form of cancer worldwide. India stands first among other countries in breast cancer mortality. This study shed light on the subjective life experiences of women who were diagnosed with Breast cancer, the study reviews the different factors like personal, familial, social and financial affecting the lifestyle and management of disease as Breast cancer affects all the dimensions of health of an individual. Knowing the subjective feelings, experiences and expectation will help to highlight the importance of quality care and better coping to the disease.Objectives:1. To explore the lived in experiences of Breast cancer patients.2. To explore the various dimensions of the lived in experiences of Breast cancer patients.Materials and Methods: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study was conducted. Samples were selected by the Non probability purposive sampling method. The data got saturated with 10 samples. The researcher interviewed them by using semi structured open ended questions and tape recorded the conversations where investigator has attained at least 6 to 8 sitting lasted for about 30-40 minutes with each participants. The investigator used local language for the interview and recorded in mobile, the recordings were transcribed verbatim according to themes and subthemes.Results: Coalizzi’s data analysis framework was used to analyze the transcribed data and from the analysis seven themes extracted and they were; 1) lived time 2) lived body 3) lived treatment 4) lived relationship 5) lived economical 6) lived vocational 7) lived spiritual. It was found that participants acknowledge fear, anxiety and frustration with their diagnosis and body changes. Participants were not able to do their daily activity by their own throughout the treatment phase due to extreme weakness and tiredness. It provides evidences that Breast cancer has psychological damage to patient’s life they feel more anxious and depressed. Conclusion: The study attempted to explore the lived in experiences of Breast cancer patients and it was found that Breast cancer patients report that they continue to experience physical, disease related discomfort, but use multiple ways to improve coping. In terms of psychological dimension, they learn to improve strength with the help of spiritual beliefs. In terms of social dimensions, support from the family, friends and relatives was the keyto cope through their treatment. The findings highlight the need of nurse’s care and concern for the subjective aspects in women with breast cancer and also time for sharing the experiences and feelings in such dreadful illness which helps to bring ideas for improving the quality of life and better coping.

Objectives: To evaluate current trends in the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in various age groups of children in the United States. Methods: We conducted a serial cross-sectional study using primary AIS admissions in children ⩽ 17 years (weighted n = 2807) contained in the 2009–2019 KIDS Inpatient Database. Age-specific utilization frequency of IV-tPA and MT were calculated. Multivariable-adjusted models were used to evaluate demographic predictors of treatment. Results: From 2009 to 2019, there were 2807 AIS admissions in children in the KID of which 55.9% were in boys and 29.9% were 15–17 years old.128 (4.6%) received IV-tPA. IV-tPA utilization differed by age (5–9 years: 3.1%, 15–17 years 8.1% p value Conclusion: IV-tPA and MT utilization in pediatric AIS increased in the United States over the past decade mainly in older children 10–17 years. Utilization increased mainly in patients hospitalized in nonchildren’s hospitals. Usage in children’s hospitals did not change significantly over time.

The branch of thermal science is widely involved in refrigeration theory used at many places like Air Conditioners, Air Cooler, Refrigerator, etc. Refrigeration cycles and their concept were newly introduced in early 1834 and after that in 1913 refrigerators for possible to use for home applications and at various places. When it comes to cooling mainly the refrigeration process comes in mind for the solution, But Peltier effect which is reverse of seebeck effect is also well known for cooling as portable cooling in compact size is possible by TEC Module as Peltier devices generates heating at one side and cooling at other side when there is a voltage difference between two dissimilar metals. TEC Module of various ampere gives various ranges of temperature at different voltages and current. Different models of TEC Module (Peltier device) are mainly varied in terms of current as no. of P-N junctions remains same as voltage and current can be modified. The heat generated in at one side of Peltier device is extremely high and if that heat is not dissipating then TEC module will be damaged and won’t be possible to bring back in working conditions. So, in Heat Transfer the theory of extended surface is mainly important for heat dissipation. So different geometry of fins is being used such as rectangular fins, Annular fins, Trapezoidal fins, Inversely Trapezoidal fins, etc. The shape and thickness of fins are the most important factors affects heat dissipation. Another thing needed to be taken in account is analysis on material composition of fins which is affected by the term thermal conductivity of the materials. Keywords: Peltier Device, Thermoelectric Module, Heat Dissipation, Fins, Peltier Effect, Refrigeration, Heating, Portable cooling, and heating.

Introduction Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a known predictor of poor outcomes in critically ill patients. We sought to examine the role ARDS plays in outcomes in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Prior studies investigating the incidence of ARDS in SAH patients did not control for SAH severity. Hence, we sought to determine the incidence ARDS in patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH and investigate the predisposing risk factors and impact upon outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2008 to 2014. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors and outcome associated with developing ARDS in the setting of SAH. Results We identified 170,869 patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, of whom 6962 were diagnosed with ARDS and of those 4829 required mechanical ventilation. ARDS more frequently developed in high grade SAH patients (1.97 ± 0.05 vs. 1.15 ± 0.01; p Conclusion Patients with SAH who developed ARDS were less likely to be discharged home, more likely to need rehabilitation and had a significantly higher risk of mortality. The identification of risk factors contributing to ARDS is helpful for improving outcomes and resource utilization.

Introduction The Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial published in 2010 showed aggressive medical therapy is superior to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Following the pivotal positive mechanical thrombectomy (MT) trials in 2015, MT utilization in the United States (US) has increased. Rescue ICAD stenting may be needed in MT patients with underlying ICAD but it remains uncertain whether PTAS use for ICAD has changed over this time. The aim of this study is to describe national trends in the utilization of PTAS for ICAD in the US before and after SAMMPRIS and following the pivotal MT trials. Methods We used a constellation of International Classification of Diseases ninth and tenth revision diagnostic/procedural codes to identify all elective and non‐elective adult (> = 18 years) ICAD admissions with or without infarction containing concomitant codes for PTAS in the 2007–2019 National Inpatient Sample. Admissions containing codes for subarachnoid hemorrhage, unruptured intracranial aneurysms or benign intracranial hypertension were excluded. We combined weighted counts of PTAS admissions with annual US adult census data to obtain prevalence of PTAS. We used joinpoint regression to evaluate trends in PTAS use over time. Results Across the study period, there were 16,477 weighted admissions for ICAD undergoing PTAS in the US. 52.4% of these admissions were in patients 60–79years and 43.2% were in women. 74.3% of these admissions were non‐elective and this proportion increased over time (P = 0.019). 26.5% of all admissions had concurrent codes for MT but this proportion increased by almost ten‐fold over time from 4.3% in 2007 to 40.0% in 2019. On join point regression, PTAS utilization increased but insignificantly from 3.0/million population in 2007 to 5.7/million population in 2010 (Annualized percentage change, APC 11.2%, 95%CI ‐11.8 to 40.3, p = 0.290), declined also insignificantly from 2010–2013 (APC ‐13.2, 95%CI ‐48.4 to 45.8, p = 0.514) and increased significantly from 3.55/million in 2013 to 3.80/million in 2014 and exponentially across the rest of the period to 8.4 cases/million in 2019 (APC 15.4, 95%CI 9.2 to 22.0, p = 0.001). Upon stratification by admission type, most of the increase across the period 2013/2014 to 2019 occurred in non‐elective admissions (Figure 1). Utilization in elective admissions varied from 0.92 to 1.96 cases per million population but this did not change significantly across the study period. Conclusions PTAS utilization for ICAD declined in the US after SAMMPRIS but has increased following publication of pivotal MT trials mainly in non‐elective admissions. PTAS utilization increased significantly following publication of pivotal MT trials likely in ICAD patients who required rescue stenting.. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine the long‐term outcomes of concurrent PTAS and MT as this is not a group of patients that was studied in SAMMPRIS.

Introduction Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical diagnoses with a high recurrence rate in the aging population. The primary pathologic process is repeated micro bleeding from fragile neo‐vessels supplied by peripheral branches of the middle meningeal artery (MMA). MMA embolization is an efficacious minimally invasive neuroendovascular technique for the management of chronic subdural hematoma. It has demonstrated reduced incidence of re‐bleeding and recurrence of cSDH in elderly patients. Particle and liquid embolic materials are commonly used to devascularize the MMA however studies comparing the safety and outcomes between these two materials are limited. Our objective was to perform a descriptive analysis to investigate differences and outcomes among two most frequently employed materials for MMA embolization. Methods We performed a single center retrospective review of patients ≥ 18 years who had MMA embolization for cSDH between July 2020 and May 2022. The primary safety, radiation dosage, fluoroscopy time, radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between particle and liquid embolization. A descriptive analysis for continuous and categorical variables was performed using SAS 9.4 version. Results In a cohort of 116, 48 (41.38%) were treated with liquid embolic material and 68 (58.62%) were treated with particle. The median age of the cohort was 73 years in particle group and 73.5 years in liquid embolic group. There was no significant difference in radiation dose or duration among both groups. There was no reported mortality associated to procedure. One patient experienced non‐disabling ischemic stroke in the particle group. Based on imaging follow‐up, three patients in particle group and one in liquid embolic group had asymptomatic recurrence. One patient in each group had symptomatic recurrence requiring hematoma evacuation. Index median size of hematoma was 12 mm in particle group and 11 mm in liquid embolic group. At approximately one month follow up, the median size of hematoma reduced to 6 mm in both groups. Conclusions Our series demonstrates that liquid embolic and particle embolization are equally safe and effective among patients undergoing MMA embolization for management of cSDH.

Background and Purpose: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a well-established cause of stroke, but its demographics and outcomes have not been well delineated. Methods: Analysis of the United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2016–2017) to characterize the frequency of hospitalizations for RCVS, demographic features, inpatient mortality, and discharge outcomes. Results: During the 2-year study period, 2020 patients with RCVS were admitted to Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospitals, representing 0.02 cases per 100 000 national hospitalizations. The mean age at admission was 47.6 years, with 85% under 65 years of age, and 75.5% women. Concomitant neurological diagnoses during hospitalization included ischemic stroke (17.1%), intracerebral hemorrhage (11.0%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (32.7%), seizure disorders (6.7%), and reversible brain edema (13.6%). Overall, 70% of patients were discharged home, 29.7% discharged to a rehabilitation facility or nursing home and 0.3% died before discharge. Patient features independently associated with the poor outcome of discharge to another facility or death were advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.03–1.04]), being a woman (OR, 2.45 [1.82–3.34]), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR, 2.91 [1.96–4.31]), ischemic stroke (OR, 5.72 [4.32–7.58]), seizure disorders (OR, 2.61 [1.70–4.00]), reversible brain edema (OR, 6.26 [4.41–8.89]), atrial fibrillation (OR, 2.97 [1.83–4.81]), and chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.43 [2.19–5.36]). Conclusions: Projected to the entire US population, >1000 patients with RCVS are hospitalized each year, with the majority being middle-aged women, and about 300 required at least some rehabilitation or nursing home care after discharge. RCVS-related inpatient mortality is rare.

Introduction Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a rare event associated with significant pregnancy-associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The optimal treatment strategy and clinical outcome of aSAH in pregnancy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the treatment utilizations and outcomes of aSAH in pregnant people. Methods Using the 2010–2018 National Inpatient Sample, we identified all birth hospitalizations of women between ages of 18 to 45 associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm treatment were included. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the effect of pregnancy state, mode of treatment of aneurysms, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage on mortality and discharge destination of this cohort. Trends in mode of treatment utilized for aneurysmal treatment in this time interval was evaluated. Results 13,351 aSAH with treatment were identified, of which 440 were associated with pregnancy. There was no significant difference in mortality or rate of discharge to home in pregnancy related hospitalization. Worse aSAH severity, chronic hypertension, and smaller hospital size was associated with significantly higher rate of mortality from aSAH during pregnancy. Worse aSAH severity was associated with lower rate of discharge to home. Like the non-pregnant cohort, the treatment of ruptured aneurysms in pregnancy are increasingly through endovascular approaches. The mode of treatment does not change the mortality or discharge destination. Conclusions Pregnancy does not alter mortality or the discharge destination for aSAH. Ruptured aneurysms during pregnancy are increasingly treated endovascularly. Mode of aneurysm treatment does not affect mortality or discharge destination in pregnancy.

Introduction Hospital quality improvement and hospital performance are commonly evaluated using parameters such as average length of stay (LOS), patient safety measures and rates of hospital readmission. Thirty-day readmission (30-DR) rates are widely used as a quality indicator and a quantifiable metric for hospitals since patients are often readmitted for the exacerbation of conditions from index admission. The quality of patient education and postdischarge care can influence readmission rates. We report the 30-DR rates of patients with asthma using a national dataset for the year 2013. Objectives The aim of our study was to assess the 30- day readmission (30-DR) rate as well as, the causes and predictors of readmissions. Study designs/methods Using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) (2013), we identified primary discharge diagnoses of asthma by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code ‘493’. Categorical and continuous variables were assessed by a χ2 test and a Student's t-test, respectively. The independent predictors of unplanned 30-DR were detected by multivariate analysis. We used sampling weights, which are provided in the NRD, to generate the national estimates. Results There were 130 490 (weighted N=311 173) inpatient asthma admissions during 2013. The overall 30-DR for asthma was 11.9%. The associated factors for 30-DR were age 45–84 years (40.32% vs 29.05%; p Conclusions We found that the overall 30-DR rate for asthma was 11.9% all-cause readmission. Major causes of 30-DR were asthma exacerbation (36.74%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11.47%), respiratory failure (6.46%), non-specific pneumonia (6.19%), septicaemia (3.61%) and congestive heart failure (3.32%). One-fourth of the revisits occurred in the first week, while half of the revisits took place in the first 2 weeks. Education regarding illness and the importance of medicine compliance could play a significant role in preventing asthma-related readmission.

Purpose: Studies on outcomes related to endovascular treatment (EVT) in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among hospitalizations with acute limb ischemia (ALI) are limited. Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was quarried from October 2015 to December 2017 to identify the hospitalizations with ALI and undergoing EVT. The study population was subdivided into 3 groups based on their CKD stages: group 1 (No CKD, stage I, stage II), group 2 (CKD stage III, stage IV), and group 3 (CKD stage V and ESRD). The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 51 995 hospitalizations with ALI undergoing EVT were identified. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 2 (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.04 – 1.32, p=0.009) and group 3 (OR = 3.18; 95% CI 2.74–3.69, pConclusion: Advanced CKD stages and ESRD are associated with higher mortality, worse in-hospital outcomes and higher resource utilization among ALI hospitalizations undergoing EVT. Clinical Impact Current guidelines are not clear for the optimum first line treatment of acute limb ischemia, especially in patients with advanced kidney disease as compared to normal/mild kidney disease patients. We found that advanced kidney disease is a significant risk factor for worse in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, patients with acute limb ischemia and advanced kidney disease is associated with significantly higher resource utilization as compared to patients with normal/mild kidney disease. This study suggests shared decision making between treating physician and patients when considering endovascular therapy for the treatment of acute limb ischemia in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Although health care delivery is becoming increasingly digitized, driven by the pursuit of improved access, equity, efficiency, and effectiveness, progress does not appear to be equally distributed across therapeutic areas. Oncology is renowned for leading innovation in research and in care; digital pathology, digital radiology, real-world data, next-generation sequencing, patient-reported outcomes, and precision approaches driven by complex data and biomarkers are hallmarks of the field. However, remote patient monitoring, decentralized approaches to care and research, “hospital at home,” and machine learning techniques have yet to be broadly deployed to improve cancer care. In response, the Digital Medicine Society and Moffitt Cancer Center convened a multistakeholder roundtable discussion to bring together leading experts in cancer care and digital innovation. This viewpoint highlights the findings from these discussions, in which experts agreed that digital innovation is lagging in oncology relative to other therapeutic areas. It reports that this lag is most likely attributed to poor articulation of the challenges in cancer care and research best suited to digital solutions, lack of incentives and support, and missing standardized infrastructure to implement digital innovations. It concludes with suggestions for actions needed to bring the promise of digitization to cancer care to improve lives.

Background and Purpose: IV tPA (intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) utilization increased in acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations in the United States over the last decade. It is uncertain whether this increase occurred equally across all age, sex, and racial groups. Methods: Adult acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations (weighted n=4 442 657) contained in the 2008 to 2017 National Inpatient Sample were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes. Proportions of hospitalizations with IV tPA and MT were computed according to age, sex, and race. Joinpoint and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate trends over time. Results: Across this period, 32.4% of all hospitalizations were in patients ≥80 years, and 64.7% of these were women. IV tPA and MT use differed by age with highest proportion of utilization of both treatments in patients aged 18 to 39 years (IV tPA, 12.3%) and lowest percentage in patients aged ≥90 years (IV tPA, 7.9%). Utilization of both procedures increased over time in all age groups, but the pace of increase was faster in patients ≥90 years compared with patients aged 18 to 39 years (MT: odds ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.20–1.35] per unit increase in year, P interaction 10% in all demographic subgroups except in Black patients 60 to 79 years and Black patients ≥80 years. Analysis of race-by-time interaction revealed the Black-vs-White treatment gaps for IV tPA (odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.03]) and MT (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI,1.05–1.12]) declined over time (both P interaction Conclusions: Age- and sex-related treatment gaps in IV tPA and MT reduced over the last decade. Racial disparity in IV tPA and MT utilization persists with particularly lower frequency of usage of both acute stroke treatments in Black patients compared with White patients, but race-associated treatment gaps also declined over time.

Introduction Traditionally, spontaneous cervical artery dissections have been associated with violent, sudden neck movements. These events are a significant cause of stroke related morbidity, particularly in young people. Only a handful of cases of golf-induced vertebral artery dissection (VAD) have been described, and the discussion has primarily focused on middle-aged men. Despite the discussion focused on this demographic, women are participating in golf at higher rates than ever before, and have a higher risk for developing VAD. Case report A 41-year-old woman presented to our hospital with sharp neck pain, dizziness, and ptosis after swinging a driver during a morning round of golf. Imaging demonstrated a right V3/V4 VAD and subsequent ischemic infarction. After administration of tissue plasminogen activator she had abrupt change in mental status with seizure-like activity. She underwent angiogram and mechanical thrombectomy, and was started in heparin 24 hours post-tissue plasminogen activator. This was subsequently changed to low-dose aspirin following thalamic petechial hemorrhage. She was discharged from the hospital after a few days with only minor deficits. We will discuss mechanism, treatment, and outcomes of VAD in context of this case. Conclusion This patient is the first woman in the literature to suffer from VAD as a result of playing golf. The twisting motion of the head and neck in a golf swing may be a risk factor for dissection and subsequent development of stroke. As a result of increased female participation in golf, we expect to see increased incidence of women presenting with "golfer's stroke" in coming years.

Modern-day lifestyle is hugely dependent on the computers as most of the work is directly or indirectly controlled by them. Such machines are reducing the efforts of human beings and improving the human lifestyle by enhancing comfort in doing the work. This enhanced comfort however is making the humans inactive as they tend to sit in one place for many hours. The sitting posture plays a very important role in avoiding the injuries to spine and joints. It gets difficult for the person to know the correct posture while sitting on a chair. In the proposed work, a cloud-based IoT-enabled smart chair is proposed that continuously monitors the seating posture of a person and notifies the person about the wrong sitting position while simultaneously storing the data on the cloud. The database stored in the cloud helps medical doctors to analyze the root cause of the problem related to the spinal or joint. The proposed work equipped with sensors, microcontroller, and cloud-enabled technology offers seamless connectivity and notification thus making the system suitable for any kind of environment.

Adolescence is a critical time of social learning in which both the quantity and quality of social interactions shape adult behavior and social function. During adolescence, social instability such as disrupting or limiting social interactions can lead to negative life-long effects on mental health and well-being in humans. Animal models on social instability are critically important in understanding those underlying neurobiological mechanisms. However, studies in rats using these models have produced partly inconsistent results and can be difficult to generalize. Here we assessed in a sex and age consistent manner the long-term behavioural consequences of social instability stress (SIS - 1-hr daily isolation and change in cage mate between postnatal day (PD30-45)) in Wistar rats. Female and male rats underwent a battery of tests for anxiety-like, exploratory, and social behaviour over five days beginning either in adolescence (PD46) or in adulthood (PD70). Social instability led to reduced anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze in both sexes in adolescence and in adulthood. Social interactions were also reduced in rats that underwent SIS - an effect that was independent of sex and age when tested. SIS improved social recognition memory in both sexes whereas a sex-dependent effect was seen in the social novelty preference test where male rats that underwent SIS spent more time in social approach toward a novel peer than toward their cage mate. In comparison, control male and female groups did not differ in this test, in time spent with novel versus the cage mate. Thus, overall, social instability stress in Wistar rats altered the behavioural repertoire, with enduring alterations in social behaviour, enhanced exploratory behaviour, and reduced anxiety-like behaviour. In conclusion, the social instability stress paradigm may better be interpreted as a form of enrichment in Wistar rats than as a stressor.

BackgroundTrans-radial access (TRA) for MMA embolization has grown due to lower access site complications and greater patient satisfaction. Here, we describe the feasibility of utilizing a 6F Envoy Simmons 2 (6F-SIM2) as a guide catheter with TRA and compare outcomes with trans-femoral approach (TFA) in a single center case series.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent MMA embolization for management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). TRA was performed by utilizing a combination of 6F 90cm Envoy (Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., Rayham, MA) Simmons 2 guide catheter and 5F 125cm Sofia (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) intermediate catheter. Outcomes measured are Modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days, inpatient mortality, post-embolization recurrence, fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure.ResultsA total of 71 patients underwent 97 MMA embolization overall with 65 (67%) in trans-femoral access group, 11 (11.3%) in trans-radial access without use of Simmons 2 Guide catheter group and 21 (21.6%) in trans-radial access with use of Simmons 2 Guide catheter group. There were no direct access-related complications in either group. One patient had thromboembolic stroke in trans-femoral group. There was no difference in average procedure-related total fluro time or radiation dose among all three groups.ConclusionTrans-radial approach using 6F-SIM2 guide catheter coupled with 5F Sofia intermediate catheter is safe and effective. It provides an alternative approach to access distal branches of bilateral anterior circulation in elderly patients with difficult anatomy undergoing MMA embolization.

The present work focuses on comparative properties of β-naphthol based trifunctional epoxy resin and commercial epoxy resin. Reaction of β-naphthol, formaldehyde and epichlorohydrin forms trifunctional epoxy resin. β-Naphthol based trifunctional epoxy resin characterized by FT-IR, elemental analysis (C, H, N, O analyzer), epoxy equivalent weight (EEW), weight average molecular weight [Formula: see text], viscosity, rise in viscosity, hydrolysable chlorine content and volatile content. β-Naphthol based trifunctional epoxy resin cured by five different hardeners and used as matrix material for carbon reinforced composites. Composites were characterized by their mechanical properties, chemical resistance and thermal properties. Results showed excellent chemical and thermal resistance. All results were compared against commercially available epoxy resin (Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A based epoxy resin having EEW of 400). Results showed that β-naphthol based trifunctional epoxy resin was superior than commercial epoxy resin.

Renewable energy sector projects like development and implementation of solar power plants are given preference and boost in India to meet the target for generation of green and clean energy. Like ...

ObjectiveTo study 30-day readmission (30-DR) rate and predictors for readmission among elderly patients with delirium.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥65 years with discharge diagnosis of delirium identified from the Nationwide Readmission Database using common International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification codes linked to delirium diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for stratified cluster design to identify patient/system-specific factors associated with 30-DR.ResultsOverall, the 30-DR rate was 17% (7,140 of 42,655 weighted index admissions). The common causes of readmission were systemic diseases (43%), infections (27%), and neurologic diseases (18%). Compared with initial hospitalization, readmission costs were higher ($11,442 vs $10,350, p < 0.0001) with a longer length of stay (6.6 vs 6.1 days, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of readmission included discharge against medical advice (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, p < 0.0034), length of stay (OR 1.3, p < 0.0001), and chronic systemic diseases (anemia, OR 2.4, p < 0.0001, chronic renal failure OR 1.4, p < 0.0001, congestive heart failure OR 1.3, p < 0.0001, lung disease OR 1.2, p < 0.0004, and liver disease OR 1.2, p < 0.03). Private insurance was associated with a lower risk of readmission (OR 0.78, p < 0.02).ConclusionsThe main predictors of readmission were chronic systemic diseases and discharge against medical advice. These data may help design directed clinical care pathways to optimize medical management and postdischarge care to reduce readmission rates.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by recurrent thunderclap headaches associated with segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, which may result in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). There is a lack of contemporary data available regarding the ICH burden in RCVS cohort. Our aim of the study is to assess the ICH burden, associated risk factors, and discharge outcome of ICH in patients with RCVS.All patients diagnosed with RCVS in the 2016 Nationwide Readmission Database were identified using ICD-10 code after excluding patients with the concurrent diagnosis of primary angiitis. ICH was defined as both intraparenchymal (IPH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and subdural hematoma (SDH). Categorical and continuous variables were assessed by the Rao-Scott Chi-square test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test respectively. We used a multivariable survey-weighted logistic model to determine the association between ICH and RCVS patient-level characteristics.A total of 799 patients were identified with RCVS. Total hospitalization of ICH was 43.4% [(95% CI 36.4-50.4%); (n = 346)] including SAH 35.9% [(95% CI 29.7-42.1%); (n = 287)], IPH 13.1% [(95% CI 9.5-16.7%); (n = 105)] and SDH 3.6% [(95% CI 1.5-5.6%); (n = 28)]. Patients with hemorrhagic RCVS (H-RCVS) had a mean age (years ± SE) of 47.4 ± 1.1 vs. 45.5 ± 1.2 years in R-RCVS (p = 0.247); and were predominantly female (84.0% vs. 68.8%; p = 0.001); with longer inpatient stays (10.9 vs. 6.8 days; p = 0.016); and a higher inpatient cost ($44,300 vs. $21,350; p 0.001). On multivariable analyses, higher odds of ICH were female sex 2.57 (95% CI 1.45-4.55; p = 0.001), middle age-group (45-64 years) 1.87 (CI: 1.11-3.15; p = 0.018) and older age group ( 64 years) 3.72 (CI: 1.15-12.03; p = 0.029). About 67.0% of all H-RCVS patients were discharged home, with no observed inpatient mortality.Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most common vascular complication in hospitalized RCVS patients, resulting in longer hospitalizations with more invasive procedures and higher healthcare expenditure. However, overall outcomes are excellent regardless of types of ICH, with no inpatient mortality observed in patients with hemorrhagic RCVS. Female sex and middle to older age-group are associated with higher odds of ICH.

As hospitals rapidly implement mechanical thrombectomy (MT) into stroke protocols following the pivotal trials in 2015, access to and outcomes from MT may be poorer for weekend-admitted patients. We sought to investigate whether a "weekend effect" influences MT outcomes nationally.We identified stroke patients from 2010-2014 (pre-trials) to 2015-2017 (posttrials) using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. On multivariate analyses, we determined factors independently associated with receiving MT. Among MT patients, we then determined whether weekend admission was independently associated with inpatient mortality and unfavorable discharge.We identified 2,121,462 patients from 2010 to 2014, of whom 1.11% of weekday-admitted and 1.08% of weekend-admitted patients underwent MT. Of the 1,286,501 patients identified from 2015 to 2017, MT was performed in 2.82% and 2.91%, respectively. In the earlier cohort, weekend admission was independently associated with reduced odds of MT (odds ratio [OR] = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-0.95,While nationwide access to MT has improved for weekend-admitted patients, the elderly and those at smaller, nonteaching hospitals remain underserved. Although we found no effect of weekend admission on inpatient mortality, since the major shift in practice, an emerging "weekend effect" may influence discharge outcomes. Data suggest that some hospitals are being challenged to provide this new standard of care efficiently and equitably.

Background Limited literature exists on the morbidity and mortality of AVM associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) compared with non-AVM ICH. Objective We examine morbidity and mortality in cAVM in a large nationwide inpatient sample to create a prognostic inpatient ruptured AVM mortality score. Methods This retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2014 compares outcomes in cAVM related hemorrhages and ICH utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database. Diagnostic codes for ICH and AVM underlying ICH were identified. We compared case fatality according to medical complications. Multivariate analysis was used to derive hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to assess odds of mortality. Results We identified 6496 patients with ruptured AVMs comparing them to 627,185 admitted with ICH. Mortality was lower for ruptured AVMs (11%) compared to ICH (22%) [ p 60 (=1), Black race (=1), chronic liver failure (=1) diabetes mellitus (=1), pneumonia (=1), alcohol abuse (=1) and cerebral edema (=1). Mortality increased with score. No patient with 5 or more points survived. Conclusion The Ruptured AVM Mortality Score allows for risk stratification on patients with ICH due to ruptured AVM. This scale could prove useful in prognostication and patient education.

Poor aqueous solubility besides extensive hepatic first effect significantly decreases the oral absorption of levosulpiride, which in turn minimizes its therapeutic effectiveness. Niosomes have been extensively investigated as a transdermal vesicular nanocarrier to increase the delivery of low permeable compounds into and across the skin. This research work was to design, develop and optimize levosulpiride-loaded niosomal gel and to evaluate its prospects for transdermal delivery. The Box-Behnken design was used to optimize niosomes by analyzing the impact of three factors (cholesterol; X1, Span 40; X2, and sonication time; X3) on the responses (particle size, Y1, and entrapment efficiency, Y2). Optimized formulation (NC) was incorporated into gel and evaluated for pharmaceutical properties, drug release study, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo absorption. The design experiment data suggest that all three independent variables influence both response variables significantly (p < 0.01). Pharmaceutical characteristics of NC vesicles showed the absence of drug excipient interaction, nanosize (~102.2 nm), narrow distribution (~0.218), adequate zeta potential (−49.9 mV), and spherical shape, which are suitable for transdermal therapy. The levosulpiride release rates varied significantly (p < 0.01) between niosomal gel formulation and control. Greater flux (p < 0.01) was observed with levosulpiride-loaded niosomal gel than with control gel formulation. Indeed, the drug plasma profile of niosomal gel was significantly higher (p < 0.005), with ~3 folds higher Cmax and greater bioavailability (~500% higher; p < 0.0001) than its counterpart. Overall, these findings imply that the use of an optimized niosomal gel formulation can increase the therapeutic efficacy of levosulpiride and may represent a promising alternative to conventional therapy.

Introduction : Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition with a high recurrence rate. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been shown to reduce the incidence of re‐bleeding and prevent recurrence of cSDH by devascularizing the subdural membranes and shifting the balance from continued leakage and accumulation of blood and proteinaceous material to reabsorption. We report our single center experience of MMA embolization for treatment of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma. Methods : We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients ≥18 years who underwent MMA embolization between 01/01/2020‐03/01/2021 for cSDH. We looked at the outcomes, rate of recurrence and possible complications after MMA embolization. A descriptive analysis for continuous and categorical variables was performed using SAS 9.4 version. Results : A total of 41 MMA embolizations were performed on 32 patients with a median age of 75 (Q1‐Q3 70–83). Median hematoma thickness was 12 mm. Among them, 52% patients underwent particle embolization while 48% underwent liquid embolization. One patient had recurrence on follow up imaging and required drainage with burr hole. Three patients underwent hematoma evacuation after MMA embolization without evidence of recurrence on imaging. Three cases were aborted due to high risk or difficult access. There were no procedure related complications in the whole study population. 65% patient achieved mRS 0–2 on 90 day follow up visit. There was no significant difference between particles and liquid embolizations. Conclusions : Middle meningeal artery embolization could be used as a safe and effective intervention for prevention of recurrence and improving outcomes of subacute or chronic subdural hematoma.

Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy is widely prescribed without a history of exacerbations and consensus guidelines suggest withdrawal of ICS in these patients would reduce the risk of side effects and promote cost-effective prescribing. The study describes the prescribing behaviour in the United Kingdom (UK) in relation to ICS withdrawal and identifies clinical outcomes following withdrawal using primary and secondary care electronic health records between January 2012 and December 2017. Patients with a history ≥12 months’ exposure who withdrew ICS for ≥6 months were identified into two cohorts; those prescribed a long-acting bronchodilator maintenance therapy and those that were not prescribed any maintenance therapy. The duration of withdrawal, predictors of restarting ICS, and clinical outcomes were compared between both patient cohorts. Among 76,808 patients that had ≥1 prescription of ICS in the study period, 11,093 patients (14%) withdrew ICS therapy at least once during the study period. The median time without ICS was 9 months (IQR 7–14), with the majority (71%) receiving subsequent ICS prescriptions after withdrawal. Patients receiving maintenance therapy with a COPD review at withdrawal were 28% less likely to restart ICS (HR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.61, 0.85). Overall, 69% and 89% of patients that withdrew ICS had no recorded exacerbation event or COPD hospitalisation, respectively, during the withdrawal. This study provides evidence that most patients withdrawing from ICS do not experience COPD exacerbations and withdrawal success can be achieved by carefully planning routine COPD reviews whilst optimising the use of available maintenance therapies.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). The increasing rates of VTE in the US resulted in the surgeon general issuing a call to action to reduce VTE in 2008. The objective of our study was to analyze the national trends of inpatient VTE in the US from 2004 to 2013 (5 years before and after 2008). We used the dataset National Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and measured trends of inpatient VTE by annual % change using joinpoint regression software. From 2004 to 2013 the National Inpatient Sample contained data on 78 million hospitalizations (weighted n = 385 million). In these 1.6 million had a diagnosis of VTE (2.0%, weighted n = 7.7 million) including 1.2 million with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (1.53%, weighted n = 5.9 million) and 588,878 with pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.74%, weighted n = 2.8 million). Joinpoint regression analysis showed that rates of DVT and PE are increasing consistently from 2004 to 2013(1.27% to 1.80% for DVT and 0.52% to 0.92% for PE). The increasing rates of DVT and PE were consistent in all subgroups except few exceptions. In conclusion inpatient VTE rates continue to rise even after 5 years from the surgeon general's a call to action except in certain high-risk patients. Further research is needed to curb the VTE in patients especially among those perceived to be at lower risk of VTE.

Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) and lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (LGIH) are 2 of the most common reasons for hospital admissions across the United States. The 30-day readmission after index admission poses a major burden on the health care infrastructure, and thus, it is important to assess the causes of 30-day readmission for patients with UGIH and LGIH.The study cohort was derived from the 2013 National Readmission Database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) Volume 3 diagnosis codes were utilized to identify UGIH and LGIH patients from this data set. Patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days within the same calendar year were further analyzed. Categorical variables and continuous variables were assessed by the χ test and the student t test, respectively. The independent predictors of unplanned 30-day readmissions were recognized by multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for stratified cluster design of National Readmission Database. SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was used for data analysis.The number of index admissions identified from the National Readmission Data 2013 were 82,290 for UGIH and 133,114 for LGIH. All-cause 30-day readmission rate for UGIH versus LGIH was 14.6% (readmitted N=12,046; 56.64% age 65 y and above) versus 14.4% (readmitted N=19,128; 70.21% age 65 y and above and 49.61% men). Gastrointestinal causes were most common (33.9% vs. 39.6%), followed by cardiac (13.3% vs. 15.3%), infectious (10.4% vs. 9.1%), and respiratory causes (7.8% vs. 7.1%) for 30-day readmission for UGIH and LGIH. Significant predictors of increased 30-day readmission (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, P-value) included metastatic disease (2.15, 1.75-2.64, P0.001), discharge against medical advice (1.85, 1.55-2.22, P0.001), and length of stay3 days (1.50, 1.38-1.63, P0.001). Predictors for 30-day readmission for LGIH included metastatic disease (1.75, 1.48-2.06, P0.001), liver disease (1.59, 1.49-1.71, P0.001), and drug abuse (1.38, 1.21-1.58, P0.001).Most common reason for UGIH and LGIH readmission was related to gastrointestinal disease, followed by cardiac, infectious, and respiratory etiologies. By addressing these etiologies for readmission, it may be possible to reduce adverse outcomes.

Background Hospital readmission rate is an important indicator of the quality of care, healthcare economic burden, and post-discharge care. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially progressive neurological disease predominantly affecting young women. The natural history of the disease involves intermittent relapses and/or accrued baseline disability overtime especially in older patients contributing to frequent hospitalizations. The readmission metrics for patients with MS have not been studied. Objective To estimate nationwide 30-day readmission (30-DR) rate among patients hospitalized with MS and to study the predictors of readmission based on age and gender. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients hospitalized with primary discharge diagnosis of MS using 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). The cases were identified by ICD 9-CM code (340) linked to MS diagnosis. We used patient unique identifiers 'NRD visit link' to identify MS index hospitalizations and readmissions. Age ( 40 years) and gender-based analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting co-variables to identify the patient/system-specific factors associated with 30-DR. Results The overall 30-day readmission rate (30-DRR) was 10.2%. No gender difference was seen in the readmission rates (men 10.7% vs. women 10.1%, p = 0.56); higher readmission rates were observed in older patients (11.2% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.0055). However, readmission cost was higher in younger age group (≈ $ 12,586 vs. ≈$ 11,827; p = 0.62) and among women (≈$ 12,217 vs. ≈$ 11,746; p = 0.75). The common causes of 30-DR were MS exacerbation (42.5%), sepsis (13.7%) and respiratory complications (7.3%). The predictors of higher 30-DRR in younger patients were diabetes (OR 1.87, p = 0.02), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use (OR 3.64, p = 0.016), and discharge to a nursing facility (OR 1.66, p = 0.03), whereas in older age group, higher Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Index (CCI) (OR 1.15, p = 0.0057), and plasma exchange (PLEX) (OR 2.38, p = 0.03) were predictive of higher readmission rate. The longer length of stay (LOS) during index admission (OR 1.81, p = 0.03) in men and higher CCI (OR 1.15, p = 0.007) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use (OR 2.27, p = 0.04) in women increased the odds of readmission. Conclusion The overall 30-day readmission rate among patients following hospitalization for MS was 10.2%. The readmission rate was higher in older (>40 years) patients. The common causes of readmission were MS exacerbation, respiratory complications, and sepsis. A higher systemic disease burden, longer length of stay, and treatment with IVIG and PLEX were associated with higher risk of readmission. The readmissions were associated with higher cost of care and longer LOS compared to index admissions highlighting the economic impact of readmissions. Future strategies to lower the risk of readmissions in patients with MS should focus on optimal management of medical co-morbidities and infections.

BackgroundTo help mitigate the burden of health care on US economy, public policymakers and health care legislation have been focusing on reducing hospital readmissions. Respiratory complications have been identified among the commonest of adverse events in neurologic patients. The goal of our study was to better understand respiratory complications and their contribution to rehospitalizations in patients with seizures.MethodsWe used the 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database to analyze unplanned 30-day readmission rate (30RR). The study population comprised of patients with index hospital discharge diagnosis of generalized convulsive epilepsy and status epilepticus. Patients under 18 years of age, who died during hospitalization or who had missing demographic data, were excluded. Patients hospitalized in December were also excluded due to lack of 30-day follow-up. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day readmission. The causes of readmission were determined by corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes.ResultsThe 30RR was highest in patients with index hospitalization discharge diagnosis of status epilepticus, followed by generalized convulsive epilepsy (intractable), followed by generalized convulsive epilepsy (nonintractable). While seizure was the most common reason for readmission, contribution of respiratory complications to readmissions was 7.85%, 12.39%, and 6.93%, respectively. Pneumonia/aspiration pneumonitis and respiratory insufficiency accounted for the majority of the readmissions in all subgroups.ConclusionsRespiratory complications are the leading nonseizure cause of 30-day unplanned readmissions in patients with generalized convulsive epilepsy and status epilepticus. Further research on identifying appropriate interventions to reduce readmissions from respiratory causes may improve outcomes for patients in these epilepsy subgroups.

In 2019, Germany passed the Digital Healthcare Act, which, among other things, created a "Fast-Track" regulatory and reimbursement pathway for digital health applications in the German market. The pathway explicitly provides for flexibility in how researchers can present evidence for new digital products, including the use of real-world data and real-world evidence. Against this backdrop, the Digital Medicine Society and the Health Innovation Hub of the German Federal Ministry of Health convened a set of roundtable discussions to bring together international experts in evidence generation for digital medicine products. This Viewpoint highlights findings from these discussions with the aims of (1) accelerating and stimulating innovative approaches to digital medical product evaluation, and (2) promoting international harmonisation of best evidentiary practices. Advancing these topics and fostering international agreement on evaluation approaches will be vital to the safe, effective, and evidence-based deployment and acceptance of digital health applications globally.

Introduction Early evidence suggests that MMA (Middle Meningeal Artery) embolization for prevention of cSDH (chronic subdural hematoma) is safe and efficacious. A significant number of cSDH patients are elderly with higher likelihood of relatively difficult aortic arch anatomy. Trans-radial approach for intracranial embolization has been associated with lower access site complications, lower cost, and higher patient satisfaction. However, catheterizing the left MMA via trans-radial approach can be challenging and could be associated with higher risk of guide catheter herniation into the aortic arch. In this single center retrospective review, we compare the outcomes of trans-radial approach utilizing reverse angle guide catheter with trans-femoral approach. Method We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent left MMA embolization between 01/01/2020 - 03/01/2021 for cSDH. For all trans-radial approach cases, we used a 6 F 90 cm Envoy (Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., Rayham, MA) Simmons 2 shape guide catheter keeping its distal tip in the left common carotid artery. Also, in all trans-radial cases we used a 5F 125 cm Sofia (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) intermediate catheter to mitigate any possibility of embolic material embolizing to the left internal carotid artery while pulling back the microcathter. All trans-femoral cases were performed using a 5F 90 cm Enovy angled tip Guide catheter or 5F 120 cm Penumbra Select (Penumbra, Alameda, CA) angled tip catheter. Variables including age, gender, access site complications, total fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, initial size of subdural at first follow up, midline shift size before embolization, and reduction in SDH size on initial follow up head CT. Results A total of 20 patients who underwent left MMA embolization with 7 trans-radial and 13 trans-femoral cases during the specified time period. There were no access site related complications in either group. Proceduralists were able to obtain adequate access in all cases without requiring to switch the route from trans-radial to trans-femoral or vice versa. There was no significant difference in mean patient age for trans-radial versus trans- femoral groups (72.7 years vs. 74.6 years, p=0.7). The mean fluoroscopy time for trans-radial vs trans-femoral approach of left MMA embolization was 24.75 vs 43.12 (P=0.012). The mean radiation dose of trans-radial vs trans-femoral was 14973.2 vs 22670.6 mcGym2 (P=0.072). Conclusion Use of 6F reverse angle guide catheter (Simmons 2 shape) may represent a relatively safe and proficient approach to embolizing left MMA with trans-radial approach in elderly patients with complex and tortuous aortic arch anatomy. Disclosures M. Fayad: None. S. Patel: None. A. Elmashad: None. J. Lima: None. M. Ollenschleger: None. C. Bruno: None. I. Kureshi: None. T. Mehta: None.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is activated in aortic valve disease, yet little is understood about how it affects the acute functional response of valve interstitial cells (VICs). Herein, we developed a gelatin-based valve thin film (vTF) platform to investigate whether the contractile response of VICs can be regulated via RAS mediators and inhibitors. First, the impact of culture medium (quiescent, activated, and osteogenic medium) on VIC phenotype and function was assessed. Contractility of VICs was measured upon treatment with angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) inhibitor. Anisotropic cell alignment on gelatin vTF was achieved independent of culture conditions. Cells cultured in activated and osteogenic conditions were found to be more elongated than in quiescent medium. Increased α-SMA expression was observed in activated medium and no RUNX2 expression were observed in cells. VIC contractile stress increased with increasing concentrations (from 10-10 to 10-6 M) of Ang I and Ang II. Moreover, cell contraction was significantly reduced in all ACE and AT1R inhibitor-treated groups. Together, these findings suggest that local RAS is active in VICs, and our vTF may provide a powerful platform for valve drug screening and development.

Background and Purpose: Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas (PAVFs) are a treatable cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), not mentioned in current American Heart/Stroke Association guidelines. PAVFs are recognized as an important complication of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Methods: The prevalence of PAVF and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia among patients admitted with AIS in the United States (2005–2014) was retrospectively studied, utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Clinical factors, morbidity, mortality, and management were compared in AIS patients with and without PAVF/hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Results: Of 4 271 910 patients admitted with AIS, 822 (0.02%) were diagnosed with PAVF. Among them, 106 of 822 (12.9%) were diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The prevalence of PAVF per million AIS admissions rose from 197 in 2005 to 368 in 2014 ( P trend , 0.026). Patients with PAVF were younger than AIS patients without PAVF (median age, 57.5 versus 72.5 years), had lower age-adjusted inpatient morbidity (defined as any discharge other than home; 39.6% versus 46.9%), and had lower in-hospital case fatality rates (1.8% versus 5.1%). Multivariate analyses identified the following as independent risk markers (odds ratio [95% CI]) for AIS in patients with PAVF: hypoxemia (8.4 [6.3–11.2]), pulmonary hemorrhage (7.9 [4.1–15.1]), pulmonary hypertension (4.3 [4.1–15.1]), patent foramen ovale (4.2 [3.5–5.1]), epistaxis (3.7 [2.1–6.8]), venous thrombosis (2.6 [1.9–3.6]), and iron deficiency anemia (2 [1.5–2.7]). Patients with and without PAVF received intravenous thrombolytics at a similar rate (5.9% versus 5.8%), but those with PAVF did not receive mechanical thrombectomy (0% versus 0.7%). Conclusions: Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula–related ischemic stroke represents an important younger demographic with a unique set of stroke risk markers, including treatable conditions such as causal PAVFs and iron deficiency anemia.

Introduction Acute symptomatic seizures (ASS) are seen in one-third of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) cases either as the presenting symptom or shortly after diagnosis in the acute phase. The goal of our study was to assess the trends in recognition of ASS in CVT over the years and to determine factors predictive of ASS in the patients with CVT for early identification of candidates who would benefit from anti-seizure medications (ASM). Materials and methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was accessed to identify adult inpatient admissions with a primary or secondary diagnosis of CVT. Comorbidities, complications, risk factors, and procedures pertaining to these hospitalizations were compared between CVT patients with and without ASS. Results A total of 53,710 CVT-related hospitalizations were identified, of which 18.1% of patients had a burden of ASS at presentation or subsequently during hospitalization. CVT patients with ASS had a longer average duration of hospitalization and higher overall morbidity and mortality. Conclusions Our study showed ~one in five patients (18.1%) with CVT had ASS. ASS patients had higher odds of mortality and disability at discharge, requiring post-discharge rehabilitation care. It is crucial to identify risk factors of ASS in the CVT population to avoid future preventable revisit related to seizures. Additional research is required for risk stratification of patients with CVT for primary and secondary seizure prophylaxis and determining the appropriate choice and duration of ASM in these patients.

Background: Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is characterized by acute and reversible left ventricular dysfunction with apical ballooning arising during acute stress situations. Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) is one of the known triggers to TTS, however, the impact of TTS on in-hospital outcomes of AIS remains unexplored. Methods: We utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample (2007-2014) and using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes to identify admissions for AIS with TTS and evaluated the temporal trends, baseline characteristics, in-hospital complications, length of stay (LOS) and all-cause mortality. Survey multivariable logistic regression was used to compute adjusted Odds Ratios (OR and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: An estimated 2,242 (0.4%) TTS cases were identified among AIS hospitalizations (N=43,92,471). The frequency of TTS was higher in elderly, whites and females (82.2%). After adjustment for confounders, TTS incidence in AIS was associated with higher odds of in-hospital complications including cardiogenic shock (OR8.84, CI:4.07-19.17, p