bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speckle tracking echocardiography in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease
Authors: Cianciulli Tomás Francisco , Albarracín Gerardo Ariel , Napoli Llobera Mariano , Prado Nilda Graciela , Saccheri María Cristina , Hernández Vásquez Yolanda María , Méndez Ricardo José , Beck Martín Alejandro , Baez Karina Giselle , Balletti Lorena Romina 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundChagas disease is one of the most common diseases in Latin‐America, and cardiac involvement is a significant cause of death. Assessment of myocardial strain may detect early myocardial damage.ObjectivesTo determine differences in longitudinal strain using speckle tracking to assess regional and global left ventricular function in patients with the indeterminate form of Chagas disease, in comparison with a control group.MethodsThis is a retrospective matched case–control study, conducted in a single center. We evaluated 45 adult patients with Chagas disease, diagnosed with 2 serological methods, without evidence of cardiac involvement, who were compared with 45 healthy control subjects, who were sex‐ and age‐matched. All patients underwent Doppler echocardiography and longitudinal strain with speckle tracking.ResultsMedian age was 59 years, and 60% were female. Echocardiographic parameters were similar in patients with Chagas and control subjects. In patients with Chagas, global strain differed significantly from that of control subjects (−17 vs −20.3, P < .001). Segmental strain showed 7 abnormal segments in patients with Chagas (P < .05).ConclusionsIn patients with the indeterminate form of Chagas disease, global and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain is reduced compared with healthy subjects, thus suggesting that it could be a sensitive technique to detect early myocardial damage. These findings could provide useful information regarding the pathophysiology of cardiac involvement and understand whether they might have prognostic usefulness or help develop strategies to modify the course and prognosis of patients with Chagas disease. A longitudinal prospective study would be necessary to validate our findings.
Increased frequency of proinflammatory CD4 T cells and pathological levels of serum neurofilament light chain in adult drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Ouédraogo Oumarou , Rébillard Rose‐Marie , Jamann Hélène , Mamane Victoria Hannah , Clénet Marie‐Laure , Daigneault Audrey , Lahav Boaz , Uphaus Timo , Steffen Falk , Bittner Stefan , Zipp Frauke , Bérubé Arline , Lapalme‐Remis Samuel , Cossette Patrick , Nguyen Dang Khoa , Arbour Nathalie , Keezer Mark R. , Larochelle Catherine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveAdult drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) is associated with significant morbidity. Infiltration of immune cells is observed in DRE epileptic foci; however, the relation between DRE and the peripheral immune cell compartment remains only partially understood. We aimed to investigate differences in immune cell populations, cytokines, and neurodegenerative biomarkers in the peripheral blood of subjects with epilepsy versus healthy controls, and in DRE compared to well‐controlled epilepsy (WCE).MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells and serum from >120 age‐ and sex‐matched adults suffering from focal onset epilepsy and controls were analyzed by multipanel flow cytometry, multiplex immunoassays, and ultrasensitive single molecule array.ResultsUsing a data‐driven analytical approach, we identified that CD4 T cells in the peripheral blood are present in a higher proportion in DRE patients. Moreover, we observed that the frequency of CD4 T cells expressing proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐22, tumor necrosis factor, interferon‐γ, and granulocyte‐macrophage colony–stimulating factor, but not anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and IL‐4, is elevated in the peripheral blood of DRE subjects compared to WCE. In parallel, we found that Th17‐related circulating proinflammatory cytokines are elevated, but Th2‐related cytokine IL‐4 is reduced, in the serum of epilepsy and DRE subjects. As Th17 cells can exert neurotoxicity, we measured levels of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), a marker of neuronal injury. We found significantly elevated levels of sNfL in DRE compared to controls, especially among older individuals.SignificanceOur data support that DRE is associated with an expansion of the CD4 Tcell subset in the peripheral blood and with a shift toward a proinflammatory Th17/Th1 CD4 Tcell immune profile. Our results further show that pathological levels of sNfL are more frequent in DRE, supporting a potential neurodegenerative component in adult DRE. With this work, we provide evidence for novel potential inflammatory and degenerative biomarkers in DRE.
Effect of behavioral intervention on medication adherence among elderly with select non‐communicable diseases (ENDORSE): Pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raj Jeffrey P , Mathews Betsy 
Published: November 2020

AimAdherence to medication is important in older patients with non‐communicable diseases, and there is a need to investigate various interventions to enhance adherence in our Indian setting. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed at testing the effectiveness of systematic education and behavioral intervention in enhancing medication adherence among older adults.MethodsIt was a single center, open label, parallel arm, randomized controlled trial carried out among older (age >60 years) inpatients of general medicine wards diagnosed with select non‐communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and coronary artery disease. Participants were randomized either to receive the usual standard of care or the intervention that comprises of systematic education, patient diary to mark daily medicine intake and periodic telephone reminders. Barriers to medication adherence were identified and interventions were tailored according to the identified barriers over a 6‐month follow‐up period. The primary end‐points were change in the reported pill count (RPC) within groups and between groups at the third and sixth month.ResultsThe RPC in control and intervention arms at the thrid month were 78.20% and 91.88% (P = 0.007), whereas at 6 months they were 68.64% and 83.08% (P = 0.003), respectively. Similarly, change in RPC in intervention arm between baseline and the third month (mean difference 24.08%, P = 0.001), and between baseline and the sixth month (mean difference 15.280%, P = 0.006) were statistically significant. However, the RPC between the third and sixth month showed a significant decline (mean difference 8.8%, P = 0.016).ConclusionIn this pilot study, we prove that behavioral interventions have improved medication adherence among older adults, and it is feasible to carry out such studies among older adults in India. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1079–1084.
Dermatologic manifestations of COVID‐19: a comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Mirza Fatima N. , Malik Amyn A. , Omer Saad B. , Sethi Aisha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRecent reports have suggested that there may be dermatologic manifestations of COVID‐19. We searched 12 databases for peer‐reviewed or pre‐print published studies until July 15, 2020, for this PRISMA‐compliant review (CRD42020182050). We used the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine Levels of Evidence to facilitate data synthesis. From 86 retrieved studies, we collated data on 2,560 patients with dermatologic manifestations of COVID‐19. The most common findings were chilblains/pernio‐like lesion (51.5%), erythematous maculopapular rashes (13.3%), and viral exanthem (7.7%). Average pediatric age was 12.9 years (SD 3.6) and adult was 34.2 years (SD 21.8). Average latency from time of upper respiratory illness symptoms to cutaneous findings was 1.5 days (SD 2.9) in children and 7.9 days (SD 10.7) in adults, ranging from −3 to 38 days. Roughly one‐tenth in both populations were otherwise asymptomatic or presented with only skin findings for the entirety of the disease course; 13.3% (pediatrics) and 5.3% (adults) presented with skin issues first. Dermatologic findings may play an important role in identifying cases early and serve as an important proxy to manage spread. Further prospective data collection with international prospective registries is needed.
Impact of EndoRings on colon adenoma detection rate: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Mohan Babu P , Crinò Stefano Francesco , Muscatiello Nicola 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and AimEvidence of a superior efficacy of EndoRings over standard colonoscopy in improving colon adenoma detection rate is lacking. We aimed to compare EndoRings and standard colonoscopy through a pairwise meta‐analysis of randomized trials.MethodsWe searched the PubMed/Medline and Embase database through July 2020 and identified five randomized controlled trials (recruiting 2751 patients). The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate; secondary outcomes included advanced and sessile serrated adenoma detection rate, mean adenoma per colonoscopy, cecal intubation rate, and time. We performed pairwise meta‐analysis through a random‐effects model and expressed data as risk ratio and 95% confidence interval.ResultsOverall, pooled adenoma detection rate was 53.9% (49–58.8%) with EndoRings and 49.1% (42–56.1%) with standard colonoscopy (risk ratio 1.05, 0.95–1.17). Advanced adenoma detection (risk ratio 0.91, 0.74–1.12), sessile serrated detection rate (risk ratio 1.10, 0.81–1.50), and polyp detection rate (risk ratio 1.06, 0.98–1.15) were similar between the two groups. Likewise, mean adenoma per colonoscopy (mean difference 0.17, −0.09 to 0.43), cecal intubation rate (risk ratio 1.00, 0.99–1.01), and cecal intubation time (mean difference 0.20 min, −0.34 to 0.74) did not differ between the two add‐on devices. No serious adverse event was observed.ConclusionEndoRings did not seem to significantly improve the diagnostic performance of colonoscopy. Further trials are needed to confirm these results.
Features associated with high‐risk sessile serrated polyps at index and follow‐up colonoscopy
Authors: Anwar Shahzaib , Cock Charles , Young Joanne , Young Graeme P , Meng Rosie , Simpson Kalindra , Coats Michelle , Huang Junming , Bampton Peter , Fraser Robert , Symonds Erin L 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground and AimClinically significant serrated polyps are precursors of colorectal cancers, with features considered high risk including size ≥10 mm, dysplasia, and presence of synchronous conventional adenoma. While these features have been described in cohorts undergoing screening colonoscopy, there is little information regarding the prevalence and patient characteristics associated with high‐risk sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) in those undergoing surveillance colonoscopy.MethodsPolyp pathology at the index and first follow‐up colonoscopy performed between 2004 and 2019 were examined in patients enrolled in a surveillance program because of an index finding of adenoma and/or SSP. Demographics and pathology features for SSP were compared between the colonoscopies.ResultsOf 6297 patients undergoing index colonoscopy, 2035 underwent follow‐up colonoscopy after 3.3 years (interquartile range 2.1–4.8 years). The proportion with SSP decreased from 7.6% at index to 5.0% at follow‐up (P < 0.001); however, the proportion of SSPs that were considered high risk was not different between the colonoscopies (62.8% vs 62.4%). Female gender was associated with the presence of high‐risk SSP at index colonoscopy (odds ratio [OR] 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.06), while age ≥75 years (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.67–6.81) and previous high‐risk SSP (OR 9.40, 95% CI 4.23–20.88) were independently associated with high‐risk SSP at follow‐up.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SSP falls by one‐third at first follow‐up colonoscopy although the proportion of SSP with high‐risk features remains the same. While females were more likely to have a high‐risk SSP at the index colonoscopy, those at greatest risk for high‐risk SSP at follow‐up colonoscopy were age >75 years and an index high‐risk SSP.
Development and validation of the fall risk perception questionnaire for patients in acute care hospitals
Authors: Choi Jieun , Choi Se Min , Lee Jeong Sin , Seo Soon Seok , Kim Ja Yeon , Kim Hye Young , Kim Sung Reul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesThis study aimed to develop a fall risk perception questionnaire for patients admitted to acute care hospitals and to establish its reliability and validity.BackgroundTo prevent falls during patients’ hospitalisation, it is essential for them to accurately perceive their risk of falling.DesignThis methodological study was performed to develop a fall risk perception questionnaire.MethodsAfter generating a preliminary questionnaire, two rounds of content validity testing were performed with nine experts. Following a pilot test, a convenience sample of 236 participants was recruited from an acute care hospital between 2 May 2018 and 15 December 2019. Construct, convergent and known‐group validity of the questionnaire was evaluated, and reliability was estimated by calculating the internal consistency reliability coefficients. The study adhered to STROBE guidelines.ResultsExploratory factor analysis yielded a three‐factor solution with 27 items. The questionnaire showed statistically significant positive correlation with the Korean Falls Efficacy Scale‐International and the Morse Fall Scale, thus establishing convergent validity. For known‐group comparison, Morse Fall Scale scores were categorised into two groups by cut‐off score. The risk for falls group had a significantly higher perceived fall risk than the no risk for falls group, thus establishing known‐group validity. Cronbach's alpha values indicated good to excellent reliability for the overall questionnaire with 27 items and for each of the three subfactors.ConclusionsThe fall risk perception questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity in an acute care hospital setting.Relevance to clinical practiceBecause understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk is essential for preventing falls, it is necessary to regularly assess patients’ fall risk perception using tools with established reliability and validity.
Parental Responses to Coming out by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Pansexual, or Two‐Spirited People across Three Age Cohorts
Authors: van Bergen Diana D. , Wilson Bianca D.M. , Russell Stephen T. , Gordon Allegra G. , Rothblum Esther D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to better understand the complexities of parental responses to coming out in the narratives from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Pansexual, or Two‐Spirited (LGBQ+) individuals, and to examine whether those from recent cohorts experience a different parental response than those in older cohorts.BackgroundSexual minorities come out at younger ages today than in past decades, and coming out to parents is a major part of the identification process.MethodInterview excerpts of 155 US lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, or two‐spirited (LGBQ+) respondents were analyzed with a qualitative thematic analysis and with basic quantitative methods. The sample consisted of 61 interviewees in a young cohort (ages 18–25), 65 in a middle cohort (ages 35–42), and 29 in an older cohort (ages 52–59), in six ethnic/racial groups.ResultsThemes based on LGBQ+ people's accounts indicated that parental responses varied with the degree of their a priori knowledge of respondents' sexual identities (ranging from suspicion or certainty to surprise). Parental appraisal was either lacking, negative, mixed, or positive with accompanying silent, invalidating, ambivalent, and validating responses, respectively. Validating responses from parents were more often found in the youngest cohort, but invalidating responses were frequent across all cohorts. LGBQ+ people in the oldest cohort were more inclined to accept their parents being noncommunicative about sexuality in general and also about sexual diversity.ConclusionIt is too early to state that coming out to parents has become easier. Harmony in the parent–child relationship after coming out and open communication about sexual identities is regarded as desirable and yet it remains elusive for many LGBQ+ people.
Does the Marriage Tax Differential Influence Same‐Sex Couples' Marriage Decisions?
Authors: Cheng Christine , Crumbley D. Larry , Enis Charles , Yurko Amy J. N. , Yurko Joseph P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis article evaluates whether the federal marriage tax penalty (penalty) or federal marriage bonus (bonus) affects the marriage decisions of same‐sex couples (SSCs).BackgroundExtant studies provide limited, mixed evidence that the penalty has a nominal economic effect on different‐sex couples' marriage decisions. No evidence exists indicating that the marriage bonus impacts couples' marriage decisions. We use the 2013 federal recognition of same‐sex marriage (SSM) to explore whether the penalty or bonus influences SSCs' marriage decisions.MethodTo examine the penalty or bonus influence, a difference‐in‐differences regression compares how the 2013 federal recognition of SSM (which imposes the penalty on SSCs) influenced the marriage–penalty and marriage–bonus relation for SSCs. We obtain household level data for 2012–2016 from American Community Survey's Public Use Microdata Sample and use the National Bureau of Economic Research tax simulation model to estimate each household's penalty or bonus.ResultsOur evidence indicates that the penalty is negatively related to SSCs' marriage decisions only after 2013. Overall, a 1% increase in the penalty as a percentage of household income reduces the odds of marriage by up to 6.41%. In contrast, we do not find consistent evidence that the bonus effectively encourages marriage.ConclusionOur results indicate that only the marriage tax penalty has an economically significant effect on SSCs' marriage decisions.
Mechanical Thrombectomy using Distal Access Catheters: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Nayak Sanjeev 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEMechanical Thrombectomy (MT) using modern devices has proved to be efficacious in re‐establishing intracranial circulation and reduced procedural times. We outline a number of endovascular techniques utilizing the distal access catheter, the circumstances where they are applicable, and the outcomes achieved.METHODSIn this review, we describe a variety of endovascular techniques with distal access catheter, deployed with and without the stent retriever device gained from our experience of performing over 700 procedures in 10 years of providing a 24/7 service within the national framework of a hyperacute stroke centre.RESULTSWe used distal access catheter techniques for intracranial support during a stent‐retriever thrombectomy or thrombo‐suction on its own. When used as a sole suction device, or combined with a stent‐retriever, we have been able to provide a rapid route to successful reperfusion, with minimal complications related to our endovascular procedures. We can report distal access catheter techniques works well when access to thrombi involves navigation through tortuous vessel anatomy, notably when convoluted loops in the cervical internal carotid artery are encountered. We suggest use of the distal access catheter techniques in thrombectomy procedures for steep‐angle Middle Cerebral Artery occlusions, M2/M3 occlusion, and for basilar occlusion, where thrombectomy via suction alone proved to be adequate.CONCLUSIONIn this pictorial review, we have demonstrated techniques where distal access catheter when used as a sole suction device, or combined with a stent‐retriever, has been able to provide a rapid route to successful reperfusion, with minimal complications related to our endovascular procedures.
Incentive and welfare effects of correlated returns
Authors: Courbage Christophe , Peter Richard , Rey Béatrice 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe provide a microeconomic analysis of the incentive and welfare effects of correlated returns. While most of the existing literature has focused on risky returns as an aggregate shock, we introduce a correlation between returns and the individual's nonfinancial endowment. Using a simple consumption‐saving model with two periods, time‐separable utility, and two states allow us to rewrite the correlated return in terms of a transfer rate that measures the spread between the return in the good and the bad state. We find that a critical level of the transfer rate separates savers from borrowers. We also identify restrictions on the individual's risk preferences for a larger transfer rate to raise optimal savings. We analyze the welfare effects of correlated returns by characterizing the transfer rate that maximizes intertemporal expected utility. The welfare benefits of correlated returns derive from their insurance effects.
Hepatitis C testing and treatment uptake among young people who use opioids in New York City: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kapadia Shashi N. , Katzman Caroline , Fong Chunki , Eckhardt Benjamin J. , Guarino Honoria , Mateu‐Gelabert Pedro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractYoung people who use drugs have a rising hepatitis C (HCV) incidence in the United States, but they may face barriers to testing and treatment adoption due to stigma. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of New York City residents aged 18‐29 years who reported non‐medical prescription opioid and/or heroin use in the past 30 days. Participants were recruited from the community between 2014‐2016 via respondent‐driven sampling. Participants completed an in‐person structured survey that included questions about HCV testing and treatment and received HCV antibody testing. There were 539 respondents: 353 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 186 non‐PWID. For PWID, median age was 25 years, 65% were male and 73% non‐Hispanic White. For non‐PWID, median age was 23 years, 73% were male and 39% non‐Hispanic White. 20% of PWID and 54% of non‐PWID had never been tested for HCV (P < .001). Years since first injection (aOR 1.16, CI: 1.02‐1.32, P = .02) and history of substance use treatment (aOR 3.17, CI: 1.53‐6.61, P = .02) were associated with prior testing among PWID. The seroprevalence of HCV among PWID was 25%, adjusted for sampling weights. Of the 75 who were aware of their HCV‐positive status, 53% had received HCV‐related medical care, and 28% had initiated treatment. HCV prevalence among young PWID is high, and many have never been tested. Injection experience and treatment engagement is associated with testing. Interventions to increase testing earlier in injection careers, and to improve linkage to HCV treatment, will be critical for young PWID.