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Blood Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

In this population-based study of patients in Sweden with cognitive complaints, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, the use of blood biomarkers, specifically, phosphorylated tau 217 and amyloid-beta 42/40 ratios, improved the diagnostic accuracy for pathological Alzheimer’s disease in primary care patients as well as patients seen by dementia specialists.

Treatment Direction After Unsuccessful Attempts at Smoking Cessation

This randomized trial found that, for patients unable to stop smoking after six weeks of treatment, increasing the dose of either varenicline or combination nicotine replacement therapy (CNRT) or switching from CNRT to varenicline, leads to an increased likelihood of success.

Diagnostic Uncertainty in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

A national retrospective cohort study from the Veterans Administration found a high rate of diagnostic discordance for patients admitted and discharged for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Improvement in the diagnosis of CAP is needed.

Look for the Pattern

How would you interpret the two-lead rhythm strip shown in the figure? Hint: Is there a pattern?

Nalmefene Injection (Zurnal) and Intranasal Nalmefene HCl (Opvee)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first nalmefene autoinjector for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose. Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and an analog of naltrexone. It was granted a priority review and accelerated approval with a breakthrough therapy designation. It is distributed by Purdue Pharma L.P. as Zurnal.

A Review of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis is a tool for preventing HIV, especially among high-risk populations. Three medication options are available. Regular screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections is required, and adherence is crucial for effectiveness. PrEP is underused but increasingly covered by insurance, offering an important preventive option in sexual healthcare.

Clarifying the Risk of Aortic Aneurysm Development

A large, cross-sectional study of adults by aortic computed tomography angiography has shown that aortic aneurysms (AAs) are more frequent in men than women. While increasing age and body surface area were common risk factors for AA, hypertension was associated with thoracic AA, and hypercholesterolemia and smoking were risk factors for abdominal AA.

Poor Diabetes Control Associated with Poorer Coronary Stent Outcomes

In this large, observational study of diabetic patients with coronary stents, poorer glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c was associated with stepwise hazard for stent failure over a period of more than six years, primarily driven by in-stent restenosis.

Does Semaglutide Protect Against Adverse Effects from COVID-19?

Semaglutide recipients who developed COVID-19 had significant protection against the occurrence of adverse outcomes, including death.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies to Decrease HPV Infection

Data from a large-scale national health and nutrition survey from 2003-2016 were used to examine the risk of genital human papillomavirus infection in 10,543 women ages 18-59 years.