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Fraud Allegations Involving Alzheimer’s Disease Study Raise Concerns
In a paper published in 2006, the authors provided evidence indicating accumulation of a specific form of beta-amyloid protein was a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent accusations suggest images allegedly were altered, raising doubts about the initial conclusions. Regardless of what happened, this case has jumpstarted a conversation about instituting more preventive measures, conducting faster investigations into fraud allegations, and levying more severe consequences for researchers found guilty of misconduct.
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Importance of Discordant Grading of Moderate Aortic Stenosis
A study of patients with moderate aortic stenosis by Doppler echocardiographic calculated valve area revealed 40% exhibit discordant measures, where pressure gradient is lower than expected. These patients died more often than those with concordant measurements, especially those where the discrepancy was caused by low flow.
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Statins Plus Ezetimibe vs. Statins Alone
A comparison of rosuvastatin 10 mg/day plus ezetimibe (10 mg/day) to 20 mg/day of rosuvastatin alone showed non-inferiority in three-year major cardiovascular outcomes, with lower LDL cholesterol levels and fewer episodes of drug discontinuation or dose reductions in the combination therapy group.
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REVIVED Shows No PCI Benefit for Patients with Coronary Disease, Reduced EF
Researchers randomly assigned patients with an ejection fraction ≤ 35% and severe coronary disease to percutaneous coronary intervention or optimal medical therapy alone. After 3.4 years median follow-up, researchers noted no significant differences between groups in terms of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization.
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Hot Trials from the European Society of Cardiology Annual Congress
Below are some highlights from four key studies presented in Barcelona, Spain, between Aug. 26 and Aug. 29, 2022, along with Dr. Crawford’s personal commentary on each.
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Betibeglogene Autotemcel Suspension (Zynteglo)
The FDA has approved the first cell-based gene therapy to treat adult and pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia who require regular blood transfusions.
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Predicting the Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Advanced Heart Failure
An analysis of the sacubitril/valsartan run-in period for chronic, advanced heart failure patients showed 18% could not tolerate the lowest dose, usually because of hypotension or renal dysfunction. Investigators identified six predictors of non-tolerance, which may help clinicians choose the best candidates.
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An Unhealthy Gut Microbiome May Cause Colorectal Cancer
An E. coli variant found in the Western diet was associated with a higher incidence of colorectal cancer.
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Treatment of Acute Vertigo
Treating acute vertigo with an antihistamine was more effective than benzodiazepines for acute symptoms. However, there was no difference between the two medications in terms of resolution within one week or one month.
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Research Shows Pharmacists Can Easily Dispense Medication Abortion
The results of a recent study support allowing pharmacists to dispense mifepristone directly to people — like any other medication.