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New tool can predict risk of death, hospitalization for patients awaiting cardiac surgery; New series on artificial intelligence in medicine

Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 30, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Trial does not support early coronary angiography in cardiac arrest without ST elevation

The study found that immediate coronary angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation is not superior to a delayed/selective approach. The composite secondary endpoint of all-cause death or severe neurological deficit at 30 days occurred more frequently in the immediate angiography group.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

Alcohol can cause immediate risk of atrial fibrillation

A new study by the University of California, San Francisco found that consuming even one alcoholic drink can significantly increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. The research involved tracking 100 patients with documented AF and found that those who consumed more alcohol had higher odds of experiencing an AF episode.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 30, 2021

Ablation and biventricular pacing boosts survival in selected atrial fibrillation patients

The APAF-CRT trial shows that ablation plus cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in severely symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with narrow QRS. The therapy is superior to pharmacological rate control, supporting it as a first-line t...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2021

Artificial Intelligence approach helps to identify patients with heart failure that respond to beta-blocker treatment

A new AI approach has been developed to identify patients with heart failure who will benefit from beta-blocker treatment. The study found that the AI method could accurately predict response to beta-blockers in both normal heart rhythm and atrial fibrillation patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Screening for atrial fibrillation could reduce risk of stroke

Atrial fibrillation screening in 75- and 76-year-olds may significantly reduce the risk of stroke, severe bleeding, and death. The study, published in The Lancet, found that at least 2,300 cases of stroke or death could be avoided per year with national screening.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2021

Drones delivered defibrillators to patients with suspected cardiac arrests

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully deployed drones to deliver defibrillators to patients with suspected cardiac arrests, with the drones arriving on target ahead of ambulances in most cases. The pilot study showed a median response time benefit of 1 minute and 52 seconds, improving survival rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 26, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Amputation rates higher for people with PAD who are poor or Black; other health gaps noted in special issue

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 25, 2021

Stem cells and mathematical models: The future of medical research

Researchers at Masonic Medical Research Institute are using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create scientific models for studying cardiac arrhythmias and testing therapeutics. The integration of mathematical modeling tools enables the prediction of drug efficacy with minimal adverse effects.

SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateAug 25, 2021

Eight predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Latinos' beliefs about social status may affect their cardiovascular health, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Hispanic and Latino adults who perceive themselves as having higher social status are more likely to have ideal markers of cardiovascular health. The study suggests that subjective markers of social status may have stronger effects on the cardiovascular h...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 19, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Night shift work is linked to increased risk of heart problems

Research found that longer and more frequent night shifts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Genetic predisposition did not affect the link between night shifts and AF risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Women underrepresented in CV clinical trials despite inclusivity requirements

Despite guidelines and legal requirements, women remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, limiting treatment data on cardiovascular disease. Research shows that women respond differently to drugs than men, highlighting the need for sex-specific data in optimal care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 9, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Lab-grown beating heart cells identify potential drug to prevent COVID-19-related heart damage

A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has developed a lab-grown model of heart cells that mimic the behavior of real heart cells and are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers showed that an experimental peptide drug, DX600, can prevent the virus from entering the heart cells and reduce levels of infection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Heart Age Test a ‘wake up call’ for those at risk

A new study by Staffordshire University found that users of the Heart Age Test (HAT) were more likely to make healthy lifestyle changes. The test aims to provide early warning signs of cardiovascular disease, encouraging users to reduce their heart age through diet and exercise.

SourceStaffordshire University·TypeSurvey·DateAug 5, 2021

Lifestyle adjustments can boost vascular health in seniors with obesity

A recent study published in Circulation found that eliminating 200 calories and exercising four days a week significantly improved aortic stiffness in older adults with obesity. The results suggest that moderate caloric reduction and aerobic activity are more effective than restrictive dieting for improving vascular health.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCirculation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 2, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

ACC issues clinical guidance on ASCVD risk reduction in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia

The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Large-scale study finds greater sedentary hours increases risk of obstructive sleep apnea

A large-scale study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of physical activity and lower levels of sedentary behavior are associated with a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The study suggests that promoting an active lifestyle may have substantial benefits for both prevention and treatment of OSA.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 21, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Heart problems resolve in majority of kids with COVID inflammatory syndrome

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that heart problems in children hospitalized with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) mostly resolved within a few months. The study, which followed 45 patients, showed that most cardiac and immunologic abnormalities returned to normal within weeks after hospital discharge.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 15, 2021

New spray could someday help heal damage after a heart attack

Scientists have developed a minimally invasive exosome spray that helped repair rat hearts after myocardial infarction, outperforming traditional injection methods. The spray lasted longer and healed injuries better than injected exosomes, with promising results for heart repair

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 14, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Leading cardiovascular organizations issue joint opinion on improving clinician well-being worldwide

Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2021

Athletes may have more than twice the risk of irregular heart rhythm

Younger athletes are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation than older athletes, with a 3.6 times higher likelihood. Mixed sports athletes also have a higher risk compared to endurance sport athletes. The study suggests that athletes face significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

AI predicts diabetes risk by measuring fat around the heart

A new AI tool automatically measures fat around the heart from MRI scan images, linking it to increased diabetes risk. The tool was tested on over 45,000 people and accurately calculated their risk of developing diabetes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJul 7, 2021

Pumped to assist the heart with an artificial aorta

The EPFL engineers have successfully implanted their first artificial tubular muscle in a pig, achieving 24,000 pulsations with the cardiac assist device. The device maintains blood flow while minimizing invasive procedures.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateJun 30, 2021

Midlife change in wealth, later risk of cardiovascular events

A recent study investigated the association between midlife changes in wealth and the risk of cardiovascular events after age 65. Researchers found that individuals experiencing a decline in wealth during midlife were at increased risk of cardiovascular events later in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 30, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sudden cardiac death more likely to fell persons with HIV infection

A new study by UC San Francisco finds that individuals with HIV are more than twice as likely to die from sudden cardiac death due to fibrosis in the heart. The study also reveals that one-third of sudden deaths initially attributed to cardiac causes were actually caused by drug overdoses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2021

Clinical trial shows cell therapy improves clinical outcomes in heart failure

A clinical trial conducted at the University of Louisville showed that cell therapy using cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow and heart improved quality of life and reduced major adverse cardiac events. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations and improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateJun 14, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Improving heart health may reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease

A study published in European Heart Journal found that patients with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to experience severe outcomes from COVID-19. The research highlights the potential benefits of promoting heart health as a strategy to improve COVID-19 outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes·DateJun 9, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

People who eat a healthy diet including whole fruits may be less likely to develop diabetes

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming two servings of whole fruits per day significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,700 participants, suggests that a healthy diet and lifestyle, including frui...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 2, 2021

Global cardiovascular organizations release joint opinion on achieving the 'tobacco endgame'

Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 26, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Disease of the smallest heart blood vessels is important global health problem

A global health problem has been identified as microvascular angina, a disease affecting the smallest heart blood vessels. The study found that patients with MVA experience chest pains similar to those of a heart attack, yet are often misdiagnosed due to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMay 26, 2021

Stress from 2016 US presidential election associated with increase in cardiac events

A study found that exposure to the 2016 US presidential election was associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening cardiac events. The research, conducted in North Carolina, showed a 77% rise in the risk of arrhythmias during the election period compared to control periods.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 20, 2021

Taking more steps daily may lead to a longer life

Preliminary research suggests that taking more daily steps can lead to a longer life, even if it's done in short spurts or as part of regular activities. The study found that women who took 2,000 additional steps per day during bouts had further benefits for longevity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 20, 2021

Cardioids -- heartbeat, heartbreak and recovery in a dish

Researchers developed cardioids, human self-organizing cardiac organoids that recapitulate heart chamber formation and function. The model reveals how signaling and transcription factors control cardioid chamber formation and triggers an in vivo-like accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins after injury.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Self-organizing human heart organoids

Researchers have successfully grown sesame-seed-sized heart models using human pluripotent stem cells, which spontaneously self-organize into a hollow chamber without experimental scaffolds. The cardioids' wall-like tissue contracts rhythmically to squeeze liquid around the inside cavity, mimicking natural development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 20, 2021