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The nuclear dependence of the inclusive inelastic electron scattering cross section (the EMC effect) has been measured for the first time in B10 and B11. Previous measurements of the EMC effect in A≤12 nuclei showed an unexpected nuclear dependence; B10 and B11 were measured to explore the EMC effect in this region in more detail. Results are presented for Be9, B10, B11, and C12 at an incident beam energy of 10.6 GeV. The EMC effect in the boron isotopes was found to be similar to that for Be9 and C12, yielding almost no nuclear dependence in the EMC effect in the range A=4-12. This represents important new data supporting the hypothesis that the EMC effect depends primarily on the local nuclear environment due to the cluster structure of these nuclei.

We present new precision measurements of the elastic electron-proton scattering cross section for momentum transfer (Q^{2}) up to 15.75  (GeV/c)^{2}. Combined with existing data, these provide an improved extraction of the proton magnetic form factor at high Q^{2} and double the range over which a longitudinal or transverse separation of the cross section can be performed. The difference between our results and polarization data agrees with that observed at lower Q^{2} and attributed to hard two-photon exchange (TPE) effects, extending to 8  (GeV/c)^{2} the range of Q^{2} for which a discrepancy is established at >95% confidence. We use the discrepancy to quantify the size of TPE contributions needed to explain the cross section at high Q^{2}.

We present new precision measurements of the elastic electron-protonscattering cross section for momentum transfer (Q$^2$) up to 15.75~\gevsq.Combined with existing data, these provide an improved extraction of the protonmagnetic form factor at high Q$^2$ and double the range over which alongitudinal/transverse separation of the cross section can be performed. Thedifference between our results and polarization data agrees with that observedat lower Q$^2$ and attributed to hard two-photon exchange (TPE) effects,extending to 8~(GeV/c)$^2$ the range of Q$^2$ for which a discrepancy isestablished at $>$95\% confidence. We use the discrepancy to quantify the sizeof TPE contributions needed to explain the cross section at high Q$^2$.

Abstract Objective: To systematically assess efficacy and safety of buprenorphine patch versus fentanyl patch in patients with chronic moderate to severe pain. Methods: Fifteen databases were searched up to December 2010. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials assessing the efficacy in patients with chronic pain were included. Quantitative methods for data synthesis were used and two network meta-analyses were conducted. Results: Fourteen unique trials (17 publications) were included. No head-to-head randomised trials of buprenorphine patch compared with fentanyl patch were identified. Therefore, less robust evidence from indirect comparisons was used. Results from a network meta-analysis of non-enriched designs (eight trials), using trials versus placebo and trials versus morphine for indirect comparisons, indicated that transdermal fentanyl, in comparison with transdermal buprenorphine, showed significantly more nausea (odds ratio [OR] 4.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 20.39), a significantly higher number of treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (OR 5.94, 95% CI 1.78 to 19.87), and non-significant differences on all other outcomes, including pain measures. In comparison with morphine, transdermal buprenorphine had a significantly higher decrease of pain intensity (MD [mean difference] -16.20, 95% CI -28.92 to -3.48) while morphine caused more cases of constipation (OR 7.50, 95% CI 1.45 to 38.85) and a significantly higher number of treatment discontinuations due to adverse events (OR 5.80, 95% CI 1.68 to 20.11). All other outcomes showed non-significant differences between transdermal buprenorphine and morphine. The results were similar when also including six trials using enriched designs with the exception of more cases of vomiting for fentanyl (OR 17.32, 95% CI 4.43 to 67.71) and morphine (OR 15.85, 95% CI 3.92 to 64.13) compared to buprenorphine. Conclusions: The findings indicate comparability of transdermal buprenorphine and transdermal fentanyl for pain measures with significantly fewer adverse events (nausea and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events) caused by transdermal buprenorphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the impact of probiotics on outcomes related to caries in children and/or adolescents without underlying systemic diseases. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Searches were performed in Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science until March 2023 for RCTs assessing probiotics with a minimum intake duration of 0.2 months vs. control (no treatment or placebo) and reporting at least one primary or secondary outcome. Primary outcomes were number of carious, Streptococcus mutans count, and Lactobacillus count; secondary outcomes were bacterial plaque index, gingival index, salivary pH, and bleeding index. We performed meta-analyses with random effects models and the inverse variance method. Effects were described as mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The risk of bias was assessed with the RoB 2.0 tool. The GRADE methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence (QoE). Nineteen RCTs were included (n = 2622), with a follow-up range of 0.2 to 108 months. Probiotics had no effect on reduction of dental caries (MD -0.24 carious pieces, 95%CI -0.72 to 0.23; I2 = 52%, low QoE) or Lactobacillus count (MD -0.78 CFU/mL, 95%CI -1.65 to 0.09; I2= 52%, very low QoE) vs. control. However, probiotics probably reduced S. mutans count vs. control (MD -0.40 CFU/mL, 95%CI -0.57 to -0.24; I2 = 11%, moderate QoE). Probiotics had no effect on bacterial plaque index (MD 0.21 units of bacterial plaque, 95%CI -0. 55-0.96; I2 = 80%, very low QoE), gingival index (MD 0.04 units of gingival index, 95%CI -0.18 to 0.27; I2= 0%, low QoE), and salivary pH (MD -0.12 pH units, 95%CI -0.72 to 0.48; I2 = 92%, very low QoE) vs. control. Probiotics were found to likely reduce S. mutans counts. However, no significant effect of probiotics was observed in reducing other outcomes compared to the control group., Competing Interests: Conflict interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Our systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 studies ( n = 3,905,559) identified gastric acid suppressants, recent hospitalization, antibiotic exposure, and certain comorbidities as independent predictors of healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (HA-CDI) among adult inpatients. Targeted antibiotic stewardship and judicious use of gastric acid suppressants can reduce the incidence of HA-CDI., Competing Interests: A.D. has received research support from Clorox and Seres Therapeutics not related to this study., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Background: Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), a surrogate marker of insulin resistance (IR), could be a potential prognostic marker in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated the effect of the TyG index on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)., Methods: This registry-based cohort study was conducted at Tehran Heart Center from 2015 to 2021 and the median follow-up duration was 378 days. The primary outcome was MACCE and the secondary outcomes were MACCE components: all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization, target lesion revascularization, and coronary artery bypass grafting. For comparison among TyG quartiles (Q), the log-rank test was used. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to describe the association between TyG quartiles and MACCE. A subgroup of euglycemic patients was also evaluated., Results: A total of 13,542 patients were included. Patients in the fourth TyG quartile (Q4) were younger, had higher mean BMI, and higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The adjusted Cox model showed that a 1-unit increment of the TyG index was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACCE (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.30, p < 0.001). Among TyG quartiles, there was a higher MACCE incidence in Q4 compared to Q1 (aHR 1.29, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.53, p = 0.005). In the euglycemic subgroup of the population, there was no significant association between MACCE incidence and a 1-unit increase in TyG or among TyG quartiles., Conclusion: Based on our findings, while higher TyG levels and quartiles were associated with higher rates of MACCE in ACS, there was no such effect in the euglycemic population. If confirmed in future studies, these results can be beneficial for clinicians to risk stratify these patients with an easy-to-use index and determine clinical plans based on their risk., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: We systematically assessed benefits and harms of the use of ivermectin in non-hospitalized patients with early COVID-19., Methods: Five databases were searched until October 17, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult patients with COVID-19 treated with ivermectin against standard of care (SoC), placebo, or active drug. Primary outcomes were hospitalization, all-cause mortality, and adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation (MV), clinical improvement, clinical worsening, viral clearance, and severe adverse events (SAEs). Random effects meta-analyses were performed, with quality of evidence (QoE) evaluated using GRADE methods. Pre-specified subgroup analyses (ivermectin dose, control type, risk of bias, follow-up, and country income) and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were performed., Results: Twelve RCTs (n = 7,035) were included. The controls were placebo in nine RCTs, SoC in two RCTs, and placebo or active drug in one RCT. Ivermectin did not reduce hospitalization (relative risk [RR], 0.81, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.64-1.03; 8 RCTs, low QoE), all-cause mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.73-1.33; 9 RCTs, low QoE), or AEs (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.07; 9 RCTs, very low QoE) vs. controls. Ivermectin did not reduce MV, clinical worsening, or SAEs and did not increase clinical improvement and viral clearance vs. controls (very low QoE for secondary outcomes). Subgroup analyses were mostly consistent with main analyses, and TSA-adjusted risk for hospitalization was similar to main analysis., Conclusions: In non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients, ivermectin did not have effect on clinical, non-clinical or safety outcomes versus controls. Ivermectin should not be recommended as treatment in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ketamine has been used in anesthesia, pain management, and major depressive disorder. It has recently been studied in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)., Objective: To determine the impact of ketamine on PTSD symptomatology and depression scores., Methods: We conducted a literature search of Medline 1960 to May 20, 2023, and found 6 randomized controlled trials that met our inclusion criteria. We extracted data on the Clinician-Administered PTSD (CAPS), PTSD Checklist (PCL), or Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating (MADRS) scales., Results: The use of ketamine significantly reduced CAPS scores (n = 5, MD: -10.63 [95% CI -14.95 to -6.32]), PCL scores (n = 3, MD: -6.13 [95% CI -8.61 to -3.64]), and MADRS scores (n = 3, MD: -6.33 [95% CI -8.97 to -3.69]) at the maximal follow-up times versus control. Significant benefits were found at day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 4 for CAPS and PCL scores as well as MADRS scores at day 1, week 1, and week 4 for ketamine versus control. The time to PTSD relapse was prolonged in the patients receiving ketamine versus control (n = 2, 15.74 days [95% CI 3.57 to 29.91 days]). More dry mouth (n = 2, OR 5.85 [95% CI 1.32 to 25.95]), dizziness (n = 2, OR 3.83 [95% CI 1.28 to 11.41]), and blurred vision (n = 2, OR 7.57 [1.00 to 57.10]) occurred with ketamine than control therapy., Conclusions and Relevance: Ketamine modestly reduced PTSD and depression scores as early as 1 day of therapy, but the longevity of effect needs to be determined. Given similar magnitude of benefit with SSRIs and venlafaxine, ketamine would not supplant these traditional options for chronic use., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) defines a disturbed defecation process frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women that substantially compromises quality of life. Conservative management offers limited relief and a surgical intervention may be required. This is characterized by individual approaches. AIM OF THE STUDY: This retrospective single center study evaluated the surgical and clinical short-term outcome of a novel interdisciplinary laparoscopic resection rectopexy (L-RRP) with mesh- sacrocolpopexy (L-SCP) for women suffering from ODS and POP., Methods: The study participants underwent surgery in an interdisciplinary laparoscopic approach. Safety was the primary endpoint, assessed via postoperative morbidity classified by Clavien-Dindo scale. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of bowel function, fecal and urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse status at 12 months follow-up. Additionally, a biological mesh (BM) was offered to women, who asked for an alternative to synthetic mesh material (SM)., Results: Of the 44 consecutive patients requiring surgery for ODS and POP, 36 patients underwent the interdisciplinary surgical approach; 28 patients with SM and 8 patients with BM. In total 5 complications occurred, four of them were classified as minor. One minor complication was observed in the BM group. One anastomotic leakage occurred in the SM group. The two ODS scores, the bowel dysfunction score, and the incontinence score improved significantly (p = 0.006, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p = 0.0035, respectively). Pelvic floor anatomy was fully restored (POP-Q 0) for 29 (80%) patients after surgery. 17 patients (47%) suffered from urinary incontinence before surgery, which was restored in 13 patients (76.5%)., Conclusions: The interdisciplinary approach with L-RRP and L-SCP and the use of a BM in a small subgroup were technically feasible, safe, and effective in this single center setting. The study's retrospective design, the small sample size and the lack of comparators limit the generalizability of the findings requiring future randomized trials., Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov, trial number NCT05910021, date of registration 06/10/2023., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Data are limited that examine potential sex-based disparities in the utilization and complications of septal reduction therapy (SRT) in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our aim was to assess the use and in-hospital outcomes of SRT, according to sex. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the 2017-2019 National Inpatient Sample database. Adult patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were identified., Methods: We assessed the use of SRT (surgical septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation), according to sex. In those who underwent SRT, rates of in-hospital mortality, pacemaker implantation, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and pericardial complication were assessed. All outcomes were compared between groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), adjusting for demographics, comorbidity burden, and hospital characteristics., Results: In total, 72,680 weighted hospitalizations (median age: 67 years [range: 57-77]; 61% female patients) were included, and only 5.9% of patients underwent SRT. After IPTW adjustment, female patients were more likely to undergo SRT (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03-1.36) and alcohol septal ablation (aRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04-1.83). Likewise, female patients received pacemaker implantation more often (aRR 1.96, 95% CI 1.10-3.50) and ICD implantation (aRR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.99) less frequently, compared with male patients. No differences were present in rates of surgical septal myectomy, in-hospital mortality, ischemic stroke, major bleeding, and pericardial complication between groups., Conclusions: Our results suggest that female patients were slightly more likely to undergo SRT, especially alcohol septal ablation. In-hospital mortality and postprocedural complications were similar between the sexes, but women received more pacemaker implantation and less ICD implantation., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Previous meta-analyses assessed andexanet alfa (AA) or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) products for the treatment of Factor Xa inhibitor (FXaI)-associated major bleeding. However, they did not include recent studies or assess the impact of the risk of bias. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on the effectiveness of AA versus PCC products for FXaI-associated major bleeding, inclusive of the studies' risk of bias. PubMed and Embase were searched for comparative studies assessing major bleeding in patients using FXaI who received AA or PCC. We used the Methodological Index for NOn-Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist and one question from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal of Case Series tool to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to provide a pooled estimate for the effect of AA versus PCC products on hemostatic efficacy, in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and thrombotic events. Low-moderate risk of bias studies were meta-analyzed separately, as well as combined with high risk of bias studies. Eighteen comparative evaluations of AA versus PCC were identified. Twenty-eight percent of the studies (n = 5) had low-moderate risk and 72% (n = 13) had a high risk of bias. Studies with low-moderate risk of bias suggested improvements in hemostatic efficacy [Odds Ratio (OR) 2.72 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.15-6.44); one study], lower in-hospital mortality [OR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.38-0.61); three studies], and reduced 30-day mortality [OR 0.49 (95% CI: 0.30-0.80); two studies] when AA was used versus PCC products. When studies were included regardless of the risk of bias, pooled effects showed improvements in hemostatic efficacy [OR 1.36 (95% CI: 1.01-1.84); 12 studies] and reductions in 30-day mortality [OR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37-0.76); six studies] for AA versus PCC. The difference in thrombotic events with AA versus PCC was not statistically significant in the low-moderate, high, or combined risk of bias groups. The evidence from low-moderate quality real-world studies suggests that AA is superior to PCC in enhancing hemostatic efficacy and reducing in-hospital and 30-day mortality. When studies are assessed regardless of the risk of bias, the pooled hemostatic efficacy and 30-day mortality risk remain significantly better with AA versus PCC., (© 2024 The Authors. Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.)

Background: Unlike diabetes, the effect of prediabetes on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not much investigated. We investigated the association between fasting glycemic status and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with ACS undergoing PCI and had mid to long-term follow-up after coronary stenting., Methods: Registry-based retrospective cohort study included ACS patients who underwent PCI at the Tehran Heart Center from 2015 to 2021 with a median follow-up of 378 days. Patients were allocated into normoglycemic, prediabetic, and diabetic groups. The primary and secondary outcomes were MACCE and its components, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox models were used to evaluate the association between glycemic status and outcomes., Results: Among 13 682 patients, 3151 (23%) were prediabetic, and 5834 (42.6%) were diabetic. MACCE risk was significantly higher for diabetic versus normoglycemic (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-1.41), but nonsignificantly higher for prediabetic versus normoglycemic (aHR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.78-1.10). All-cause mortality risk was significantly higher in diabetic versus normoglycemic (aHR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08-1.86), but nonsignificantly higher for prediabetic versus normoglycemic (aHR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.84-1.59). Among other components of MACCE, only coronary artery bypass grafting was significantly higher in diabetic patients, and not prediabetic, compared with normoglycemic., Conclusions: Prediabetic ACS patients undergoing PCI, unlike diabetics, are not at increased risk of MACCE and all-cause mortality. While prediabetic patients could be regarded as having the same risk as nondiabetics, careful consideration to provide more intensive pre- and post-PCI care in diabetic patients is mandatory., (© 2024 The Authors. Clinical Cardiology published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of scheduled second-look endoscopy in patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB)., Materials and Methods: We systematically search in four databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the usefulness of scheduled second-look endoscopy vs. single endoscopy in patients with PUB. Our primary outcome was rebleeding. Secondary outcomes were surgery, mortality, and the number of units of blood transfused (NUBT). All meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, and the quality of evidence (QoE) was rated with the GRADE approach., Results: Eight full-text RCTs and two RCT abstracts were included (n=1513). We did not find differences in rebleeding (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.53-1.14, moderate QoE), surgery (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.29-1.15, moderate QoE), mortality (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.46-1.71, moderate QoE) or NUBT (MD, -0.01 units; 95% CI, -0.3 to 0.28, low QoE) between second-look and single endoscopy. Sensitivity analyses had similar results to the main analyses., Conclusions: Routine second-look endoscopy was not more efficacious than single endoscopy in patients with PUB.

Background and Objectives: Despite the common occurrence of neurologic complications during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, data on long-term neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive, and functional outcomes are sparse. We aimed to determine the prevalence of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive and functional impairment, and favorable neurologic outcomes in adult patients who receive ECMO., Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for text related to ECMO and neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive, and functional outcomes from inception to May 3, 2023. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (pain/discomfort, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and sleep disturbance) at long-term (≥6 months) follow-up. Our secondary outcomes were the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (memory, attention, and reasoning), functional impairment (daily activities, physical activity/mobility, and personal/self-care), and favorable neurologic outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category ≤2, modified Rankin scale ≤3, or Glasgow Outcome Scale ≥4). This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023420565)., Results: We included 59 studies with 3,280 patients (median age 54 years, 69% male). The cohort consisted of 86% venoarterial (VA)-ECMO (n = 2,819) and 14% venovenous (VV)-ECMO (n = 461) patients. More than 10 tools were used to assess neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive outcomes, indicating a lack of standardization in assessment methodologies. The overall prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 41% (95% CI 33%-49%): pain/discomfort (52%, 95% CI 42%-63%), sleep disturbance (37%, 95% CI 0%-98%), anxiety (36%, 95% CI 27%-46%), depression (31%, 95% CI 22%-40%), and PTSD (18%, 95% CI 9%-29%). The prevalence of neurocognitive impairment was 38% (95% CI 13%-65%). The prevalence of functional impairment was 52% (95% CI 40%-64%): daily activities (54%, 95% CI 41%-66%), mobility (41%, 95% CI 28%-54%), and self-care (21%, 95% CI 13%-31%). The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in VV-ECMO patients was higher than that in VA-ECMO patients (55% [95% CI 34%-75%] vs 32% [95% CI 23%-41%], p = 0.01), though the prevalence of neurocognitive and functional impairment was not different between the groups. The prevalence of favorable neurologic outcomes was not different at various follow-ups: 3 months (23%, 95% CI 12%-36%), 6 months (25%, 95% CI 16%-35%), and ≥1 year (28%, 95% CI 21%-36%, p = 0.68)., Discussion: A substantial proportion of ECMO patients seemed to experience neuropsychiatric symptoms and neurocognitive and functional impairments at long-term follow-up. Considerable heterogeneity in methodology for gauging these outcomes exists, warranting the need for standardization. Multicenter prospective observational studies are indicated to further investigate risk factors for these outcomes in ECMO-supported patients.

Background and Objectives: Falls in a person with Parkinson disease (PwP) are frequent, consequential, and only partially prevented by current therapeutic options. Notably, most falls in PwPs occur in the home or its immediate surroundings; however, our current strategies for fall prevention are clinic-centered. The primary objective of this nonrandomized pilot trial was to investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the novel implementation of home-based PD telerehabilitation (tele-physical/occupational therapy) focusing on fall risk reduction and home-safety modification., Methods: Persons with mild-to-moderate PD who were identified as being at risk of falls by their movement disorders neurologist were recruited from a tertiary movement disorders clinic. After an initial in-person evaluation by the study physical and occupational therapists, 15 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 2 (n = 8) and Stage 3 (n = 7)) participated in 4 biweekly PT/OT televisits with care partner supervision over the course of 10 weeks. The Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) was implemented to assess progress toward individualized PT/OT goals established at baseline. Outcomes were assessed at the end of the intervention at 10 weeks and at a six-month follow-up., Results: Participants completed all 120 protocol-defined televisits without dropouts and adverse events. At 10 weeks, mean composite PT and OT-GAS scores showed significant improvement from baseline (PT: p < 0.001, OT: p < 0.008), which continued at 6 months (PT: p < 0.0005, OT: p < 0.0005). Home-modification recommendations made through novel virtual home-safety tours were cumulatively met by participants at 87% at 10 weeks and 91% at 6 months., Discussion: Home-based telerehabilitation is a promising new strategy toward fall prevention in PD. The GAS has the potential to serve as an effective and patient-driven primary outcome variable for rehabilitation interventions for heterogeneous PwPs to assess progress toward personalized goals., Trial Registration Information: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT04600011., Competing Interests: M. Afshari has received grant support from the Rush University Department of Neurological Sciences and the Consolidated Anti-Aging Foundation (Chicago, IL) to support this work. M. Afshari has received grant support from the Parkinson Study Group and Parkinson's Foundation, and consulting and speaker honoraria from Abbott, Inc., outside of the scope of the submitted work; A.V. Hernandez reports no disclosures; K.L. Trenkle reports no disclosures; A.W. Hauptschein reports no disclosures; G.T. Stebbins has received grant support from Critical Path Institute, Department of Defense, Dystonia Coalition, Cure Huntington's Disease Initiative, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, consulting and advisory board membership honoraria from Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Cure Huntington's Disease, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Huntington Study Group, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., and Tools-4-Patients, and faculty and speaker honoraria from Alzheimer's Association, Critical Path Institute, International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, and Michael J. Fox Foundation, outside of the scope of the submitted work; C.G. Goetz has received grant support from the NIH, US Department of Defense, and Michael J. Fox Foundation outside the submitted work, faculty and speaker honoraria from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, Charlotte County Medical Society, and Oruen Ltdk London, United Kingdom, and publishing royalties from Elsevier Publishers, Wolters Kluwer Publishers, and Oxford University Press, outside of the scope of the submitted work. Full disclosure form information provided by the authors is available with the full text of this article at Neurology.org/cp. TAKE-HOME POINTS → This pilot study investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of virtual or tele-physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) targeting fall prevention in a 10-week program for persons with Parkinson disease (PwPs).→ This sample of 15 PwP and CP dyads were able to successfully complete 120 televisits where they participated in virtual PT/OT, including novel virtual home-safety tours using a tablet stand on wheels, with zero dropouts and adverse events.→ Although this was a nonrandomized sample and assessments were unblinded, both short-term (10 weeks) and long-term (6 months) progress was seen toward personalized goals using the Goal Attainment Scale following the program.→ Adequately powered randomized trials of virtually delivered fall prevention programs like this one, with consideration of effect on fall and near-fall frequency, are warranted and being developed by the authors., (© 2024 American Academy of Neurology.)

Objectives: Critique the available systematic review and de novo assessment of the role of psychedelics in the treatment of alcohol use disorder., Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed was completed from 1960 to 9/9/2023. We pooled randomized controlled trials comparing psychedelics to control therapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder., Results: At the first recorded follow-up, LSD [ n  = 3, Odds Ratio (OR) 1.99 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.10 to 3.61)] and any psychedelic [ n  = 4, OR 2.16 (95%CI: 1.26 to 3.69)] enhanced the odds of patients achieving abstinence or a substantial reduction in drinking alcohol versus placebo in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. When the inclusion criteria were relaxed to include controlled trials without double-blinding or placebo control, LSD [ n  = 5, OR 1.79 (95%CI: 1.36 to 2.34)] and any psychedelic therapy [ n  = 6, OR 1.89 (95%CI: 1.42 to 2.50)] still enhanced the odds of patients achieving abstinence or a substantial reduction in drinking alcohol. Four of 6 trials had high risk of bias and other methodological issues. One trial found an instance of suicidal ideation as well as transient increases in blood pressure that requires further exploration before the balance of benefits to harms can be determined., Conclusions: The use of psychedelics to treat alcohol use disorder is promising, but the weaknesses in the literature base preclude making definitive statements about its value. Future trials with greater methodological rigor are needed.

Objective: To systematically review the methodology, performance, and generalizability of diagnostic models for predicting the risk of healthcare-facility-onset (HO) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adult hospital inpatients (aged ≥18 years)., Background: CDI is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. Prediction models that identify inpatients at risk of HO-CDI have been published; however, the quality and utility of these models remain uncertain., Methods: Two independent reviewers evaluated articles describing the development and/or validation of multivariable HO-CDI diagnostic models in an inpatient setting. All publication dates, languages, and study designs were considered. Model details (eg, sample size and source, outcome, and performance) were extracted from the selected studies based on the CHARMS checklist. The risk of bias was further assessed using PROBAST., Results: Of the 3,030 records evaluated, 11 were eligible for final analysis, which described 12 diagnostic models. Most studies clearly identified the predictors and outcomes but did not report how missing data were handled. The most frequent predictors across all models were advanced age, receipt of high-risk antibiotics, history of hospitalization, and history of CDI. All studies reported the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) as a measure of discriminatory ability. However, only 3 studies reported the model calibration results, and only 2 studies were externally validated. All of the studies had a high risk of bias., Conclusion: The studies varied in their ability to predict the risk of HO-CDI. Future models will benefit from the validation on a prospective external cohort to maximize external validity.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) poses an additional risk for the development of coronary artery disease and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). In this study, we investigated the association between MetS and its components and MACCE after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The presence of MetS was calculated at baseline using the NCEP-ATP III criteria. The primary outcome was MACCE and its components were secondary outcomes. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox Regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between MetS or its components and MACCE and its components. A total of 13,459 ACS patients who underwent PCI (MetS: 7939 and non-MetS: 5520) with a mean age of 62.7 ± 11.0 years (male: 72.5%) were included and median follow-up time was 378 days. Patients with MetS had significantly higher MACCE risk (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.39). The only component of MACCE that exhibited a significantly higher incidence in MetS patients was myocardial infarction (aHR 1.43, 95% CI 1.15-1.76). MetS components that were significantly associated with a higher incidence of MACCE were hypertension and impaired fasting glucose. Having three MetS components did not increase MACCE (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 0.96-1.30) while having four (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.55) or five (aHR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15-1.75) MetS components was associated with a higher incidence of MACCE. MetS was associated with a higher risk of MACCE in ACS patients undergoing PCI. Among MACCE components, myocardial infarction was significantly higher in patients with MetS. Impaired fasting glucose and hypertension were associated with a higher risk of MACCE. Identifying these patterns can guide clinicians in choosing appropriate preventive measures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Monoclonal antibody Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). We assessed the ability of berberine, a natural PCSK9 inhibitor, to reduce lipid concentrations either alone or combined with other nutraceuticals. We searched PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE from inception to September 30 th , 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing 8-18 wk of berberine therapy on. A total of 41 RCTs with 4,838 patients met our inclusion criteria. Berberine containing products significantly reduced TC (MD -17.42 mg/dL [95%CI: -22.91 to -11.93]), LDL (MD -14.98 mg/dL [95%CI: -20.67 to -9.28]), and TG (MD -18.67 mg/dL [95%CI: -25.82 to -11.51]) while raising HDL (MD 1.97 mg/dL [95%CI: 1.16 to 2.78]) versus control (I 2 > 72% for all analyses). Products with berberine alone had less robust effects on TC (MD -12.08 mg/dL [95%CI: -21.79 to -2.37]), LDL (MD -9.26 mg/dL [95%CI: -20.31 to 1.78]), and HDL (MD 1.38 mg/dL [95%CI: -1.27 to 4.03]) but TG effects were similar (MD -17.40 mg/dL [95%CI: -32.57 to -2.23]). Berberine along with red yeast rice reduced TC (MD -19.62 mg/dL [95%CI: -28.56 to -10.68]) and LDL (MD -18.79 mg/dL [95%CI: -28.03 to -9.54]) as did combination therapy with Silybum maranium for TC (MD -31.81 mg/dL [95%CI: -59.88 to -3.73]) and LDL (MD -30.82 mg/dL [95%CI: -56.48 to -5.16]). Berberine, alone or with other nutraceuticals, can provide a modest positive impact on lipid concentrations.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on periodontal regeneration defects., Materials and Methods: Four databases were searched until October 2021. Experimental animal studies evaluating the efficacy of EMD were used. The primary outcomes were bone formation (BF) and cementum formation (CF). The secondary outcomes were junctional epithelium (JE), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Measures of effect were mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random-effects model were used for all meta-analyses. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation tool was used to assess the risk of bias., Results: Seven experimental animal studies ( n = 40) used with a maximum follow-up period of 3 months. Compared to control, EMD did not significantly reduce BF (MD 0.02 mm; 95% CI - 1.91-1.96; I 2 = 89%). However, it increased CF (MD 1.38 mm; 95% CI 0.01-2.74; I 2 = 55%). For secondary outcomes it was found that compared to control, EMD only significantly reduced JE (MD - 0.54 mm; 95% CI - 1.06 to - 0.02; I 2 = 55%). However, the other secondary outcomes were not significant as in the case of GR (MD - 3. 88 mm; 95% CI - 68.29-60.53; I 2 = 82%), and in CAL (MD 0.02 mm; 95% CI - 0.29-0.39; I 2 = 38%). Finally, according to the risk of bias assessment, all included studies had a high risk of bias., Conclusion: EMD had no effect on BF values while it did not reduce CF. Otherwise, in the secondary outcomes, EMD only significantly reduced JE values and had no effect on GR and CAL., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Contemporary Clinical Dentistry.)

Background: It is unknown whether vegetarian diets (VDs) may improve outcomes in people with overweight and obesity., Objective: To systematically assess the effects of VDs vs. omnivore diets on anthropometric, metabolic, and blood pressure outcomes in people with overweight and obesity., Methods: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until February 2, 2022. Primary outcomes were anthropometric risk factors (weight, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], and body fat percentage). Secondary outcomes were metabolic risk factors (fasting serum glucose, HbA1c, insulin levels) and blood pressure (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP]). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed and effects were expressed as mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE methods., Results: Nine RCTs (n = 1628) were included. VDs decreased weight (MD -3.60 kg, 95%CI -4.75 to -2.46) and glucose (MD -10.64 mg/dL, 95%CI -15.77 to -5.51), but did not decrease WC (MD -3.00 cm, 95%CI -6.20 to 0.20), BMI (MD -0.87 kg/m2, 95%CI -1.80 to 0.06), or HC (MD: -0.86 cm, 95%CI -3.46 to 1.74). VDs did not decrease HbA1c (MD -0.40%, 95%CI -0.89 to 0.10), insulin (MD -3.83 mU/L, 95%CI -8.06 to 0.40), SBP (MD -0.25 mmHg, 95%CI -2.58 to 2.07), or DBP (MD -1.57 mmHg, 95%CI -3.93 to 0.78). Subgroup analyses by type of VD (four RCTs evaluated lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets and five RCTs vegan diets) showed similar results to the main analyses. QoE was very low for most of the outcomes., Conclusions: In comparison to an omnivorous diet, VDs may reduce weight and glucose, but not blood pressure or other metabolic or anthropometric outcomes. However, the QoE was mostly very low. Larger RCTs are still needed to evaluate the effects of VD on anthropometric, metabolic factors, and blood pressure in people with overweight and obesity., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

This study aimed to assess the association between frailty and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo catheter ablation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2017 to 2019. Adult patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of AF who underwent catheter ablation were included. Frailty was assessed using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score. The primary outcome was the presence of any complication (vascular, cardiac, respiratory, neurologic, or infectious), and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and hospital charges. A total of 21,075 weighted hospitalizations were included, and 14% were classified as intermediate or great risk of frailty. Patients with intermediate (adjusted relative risk 2.86, 95% confidence interval 2.24 to 3.67) and great (adjusted relative risk 6.68, 95% confidence interval 3.77 to 11.84) risk of frailty were associated with a greater risk of any complication than that of the group at less risk. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher among patients at intermediate risk than among those at less risk of frailty (2.6% vs 0.1%, p <0.001). Patients with great and intermediate risk had significantly longer hospital stays than did the group with less risk (median 14 vs 5 vs 2 days, p <0.001), in addition to greater total charges (median $189,072 vs $161,598 vs $130,672, p <0.001), respectively. In conclusion, frailty was associated with a greater risk of poor short-term outcomes in patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score is a useful tool for identifying patients at increased risk of adverse events and could aid in preoperative optimization and postoperative management., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The use of combined immunotherapy could increase non-severe and severe cardiac events in patients with cancer. To examine the occurrence of severe cardiac adverse events of combined immunotherapy compared to single immunotherapy, we analysed 4 electronic databases from inception to August 2021., Material and Methods: We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing combined versus single immunotherapy, for the treatment of melanoma, oesophagogastric cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. Pre-defined combined immunotherapy included monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1 inhibitors) plus against cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4 inhibitors) or against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1 inhibitors) plus CTLA-4 inhibitors. The pooled risk ratios (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects model., Results: Four RCTs involving 1581 patients were included, with a follow-up time between 18 and 39 months. The use of combined immunotherapy in comparison with single immunotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of severe cardiac adverse events: acute coronary syndromes (RR = 1.76, 95% CI: 0.29-10.83, very low certainty of evidence (CoE)), myocardial infarction (RR = 3.93, 95% CI: 0.44-35.39, very low CoE), heart failure (RR = 2.99, 95% CI: 0.61-14.79, very low CoE), and atrial fibrillation (RR = 2.26, 95% CI: 0.62-8.16, very low CoE)., Conclusions: Our meta-analysis shows that the risk of severe cardiac adverse events with combined immunotherapy seems similar to single immunotherapy, but the evidence is very uncertain. Therefore, more RCTs with longer follow-ups and adequately powered to assess cardiac adverse events are needed to confirm these findings., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Termedia & Banach.)