Increases in amyloid-ß42 slow cognitive and clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease trials.

Positive effects of new anti-amyloid-ß (Aß) monoclonal antibodies in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been attributed to brain amyloid reduction. However, most anti-Aß antibodies also increase the CSF levels of the 42-amino acid isoform (Aß42). We evaluated the associations of changes in CSF Aß42 and brain Aß-PET with cognitive and clinical end points in randomized trials of anti-Aß drugs that lowered (ß- and γ-secretase inhibitors) or increased CSF Aß42 levels (anti-Aß monoclonal antibodies) to test the hypothesis that post-treatment increases in CSF Aß42 levels are independently associated with cognitive and clinical outcomes. From long-term (≥12 months) randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of anti-Aß drugs published until November 2023, we calculated the post-treatment versus baseline difference in ADAS-Cog (cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale) and CDR-SB (Clinical Dementia Rate-Sum of Boxes) and z-standardized changes in CSF Aß42 and Aß-PET Centiloids (CL). We estimated the effect size [regression coefficients (RCs) and confidence intervals (CIs)] and the heterogeneity (I2) of the associations between AD biomarkers and cognitive and clinical end points using random-effects meta-regression models. We included 25 966 subjects with AD from 24 trials. In random-effects analysis, increases in CSF Aß42 were associated with slower decline in ADAS-Cog (RC: -0.55; 95% CI: -0.89, -0.21, P = 0.003, I2 = 61.4%) and CDR-SB (RC: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.06, P = 0.002, I2 = 34.5%). Similarly, decreases in Aß-PET were associated with slower decline in ADAS-Cog (RC: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.89, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) and CDR-SB (RC: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.33, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. Higher CSF Aß42 levels after exposure to anti-Aß drugs are independently associated with slowing cognitive impairment and clinical decline. Increases in Aß42 may represent a mechanism of potential benefit of anti-Aß monoclonal antibodies in AD.

Association of heavy menstrual bleeding with cardiovascular disease in US female hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common menstrual disorder associated with multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. In addition, HMB is often present with irregular menstruation (IM) which is a risk factor for CVD outcomes. However, the relationship between HMB and CVD outcomes is unexplored in the presence or absence of IM. We determined the association of HMB with multiple CVD outcomes using a nationally representative sample of female hospitalizations in the US. METHODS: All hospitalizations of females with HMB diagnosis and normal menstrual cycles from ages of 18 to 70 years were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample Database, 2017. The HMB was defined using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 for excessive and frequent menstruation bleeding and included any current or history of HMB diagnosis. Outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF) or arrhythmia, myocardial infarction (MI), and diabetes (DM) were defined using ICD-10 codes. Adjusted logistic regression and prosperity scores-matched logistic regression analyses were conducted to summarize adjusted associations with an odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 2,430,851 hospitalizations, HMB was observed in 7762 (0.68%) females with age ≤ 40 years and 11,164 (0.86%) females with age > 40 years. Among hospitalizations with age ≤ 40 years, HMB was significantly associated with increased odds of CVD outcomes including MACE (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.08), CHD (OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.71), stroke (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.40), HF (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.03), and AF/arrhythmia (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.54). These associations were confirmed in multiple sensitivity analyses. In contrast, HMB was not robustly associated with CVD events among hospitalizations of women with age > 40 years. HMB without IM was strongly associated with DM, HF, AF, and MACE outcomes while HMB with IM was strongly associated with CHD and AF outcomes in hospitalizations of young women. CONCLUSIONS: HMB is associated with CVD events among US hospitalizations of young women. A routine investigation and screening of menstrual disorders, especially HMB, is useful for CVD risk stratification and management in young women.

An 11-Fold Higher Risk of Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment With Hispanic Ethnicity and Baseline Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) have been linked to cognitive decline. This study explored ethnic differences and the effects of baseline NPSs on incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among 386 Hispanic and non-Hispanic participants from the Texas Harris Alzheimer's Research Study. METHODS: Data on NPSs from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire were available for all participants. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the effect of ≥1 NPS at baseline and Hispanic ethnicity on incident MCI over a 7-year follow-up period. RESULTS: NPSs at baseline were associated with incident MCI for Hispanic participants but not non-Hispanic participants. Being Hispanic with at least one NPS at baseline had an 11-times higher risk of incident MCI. CONCLUSIONS: The Hispanic participants converted to MCI to a greater extent than the non-Hispanic participants. Only depressive symptoms increased the risk of MCI among non-Hispanics. Being of Hispanic ethnicity and having NPSs appeared to jointly increase the risk of progressing to MCI. To better understand the Alzheimer's disease continuum, further studies should explore other cultural, genetic, and medical risk factors influencing disease progression. Our findings strongly suggest the need to incorporate NPSs as outcomes of disease progression in future clinical trials involving Hispanic participants.

Enhancing CRC Screening in a Predominantly Hispanic Community: Effectiveness of 1-Day vs. 3-Day Stool-Based Testing Kits.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among U.S. Hispanics, with screening proven to decrease both incidence and mortality. Despite rising CRC screening rates in the U.S., Hispanic participation remains disproportionately low. Stool-based tests, particularly popular for reaching underserved populations, may enhance screening adherence. This study evaluates the performance of a 1-day versus a 3-day stool-based testing kit in improving screening completion rates and reducing the need for reminder calls in a Hispanic community along the U.S.-Mexico border. In our quasi-experimental observational study, participants aged 45-75 years who were uninsured or underinsured and overdue for CRC screening were recruited. They received colorectal cancer education and no-cost stool-based screening facilitated by promotoras. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 1-day or 3-day Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit. The promotoras swapped FIT kit distribution roles midway through the study period to mitigate performance bias. Our analysis covered 6,660 FITs-3,067 using the 3-day kit and 3,593 with the 1-day kit. Results indicated a higher return rate for the 1-day FIT kit (61.3% vs. 58.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.22, p < 0.001), fewer reminders needed (69.7% vs. 78.1%, aOR = 0.65, p < 0.001), and lower abnormal FIT results (5.3% vs. 8.1%, aOR = 0.61, p < 0.001). Conclusively, the 1-day FIT kit required fewer reminders and significantly improved return rates, suggesting it may be a more effective option for increasing CRC screening completion among hard-to-reach Hispanic populations.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Cardiovascular Disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It has been associated with metabolic, reproductive, and psychiatric disorders. Despite its association with insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the association between PCOS and CVD outcomes has been conflicting. This review reports the updated evidence between PCOS, insulin resistance, and CVD events. RECENT FINDINGS: IR is highly prevalent occurring in 50 to 95% of general and obese PCOS women. The etiology of PCOS involves IR and hyperandrogenism, which lead to CVD risk factors, subclinical CVD, and CVD outcomes. Multiple studies including meta-analysis confirmed a strong association between PCOS and CVD events including ischemic heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes, particularly among premenopausal women, and these associations were mediated by metabolic abnormalities. PCOS is highly familial and has substantial CVD risk and transgenerational effects regardless of obesity. A personalized approach to the CVD risk assessment and management of symptom manifestations should be conducted according to its phenotypes. Lifestyle modifications and reduction in environmental stressors should be encouraged for CVD prevention among PCOS women.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Large Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

CONTEXT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality; however, screening rates are suboptimal. The lowest rates are among those with no usual source of care and the uninsured. OBJECTIVE: We describe the implementation and evaluation of a community-based CRC screening program from 2012 to 2015 designed to increase screening within a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border population. METHODS: The multicomponent, evidence-based program provided in-person, bilingual, culturally tailored health education facilitated by community health workers, no-cost primarily stool-based testing and diagnostic colonoscopy, and navigation. We recruited uninsured individuals due for CRC screening from clinics and community sites. An extensive qualitative and quantitative program process and outcome evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 20 118 individuals were approached, 8361 were eligible for screening; 74.8% completed screening and 74.6% completed diagnostic testing; 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean age of participants was 56.8 years, and the majority were Hispanic, female, and of low socioeconomic status. The process evaluation gathered information that enabled effective program implementation and demonstrated effective staff training, compliance with processes, and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This program used a population-based approach focusing on uninsured individuals and proved successful at achieving high fecal immunochemical test kit return rates and colonoscopy completion rates. Key factors related to its success included tailoring the intervention to our priority population, strong partnerships with community-based sites and clinics, expertise in clinical CRC screening, and an active community advisory board. This program can serve as a model for similar populations along the border to increase CRC screening rates among the underserved.

Does Head Tremor Predict Postural Instability After Bilateral Thalamic Stimulation in Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor (ET) may present with head tremor (HT), of presumed cerebellar nature. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the ventral intermediate (Vim) nucleus of the thalamus is a highly effective therapy for medication-refractory ET. However, stimulation-related side effects may include cerebellar abnormalities, such as postural instability. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the risk of post-Vim DBS postural instability (primary outcome measure) in patients with versus without head tremor (HT vs. nHT). The primary outcome measure, namely post-DBS postural instability, was assessed in both groups using a Wilcoxon rank sum t-test. The time to postural instability was determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusted for age and sex. Out of 30 patients analyzed during the follow up period, there was similar postural instability detected in HT (9/14, 64%) and nHT patients (11/16, 69%) at 24 months post-Vim DBS (p=0.82), adjusted hazard ratio[aHR]=0.82, p=0.69). These data suggest that the presence or absence of HT does not have an impact on postural instability after bilateral Vim DBS in patients with ET.

A phase 1 open-label trial evaluating focused ultrasound unilateral anterior thalamotomy for focal onset epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Focused ultrasound ablation (FUSA) is an emerging treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases. We describe the initial experience from a pilot, open-label, single-center clinical trial of unilateral anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) FUSA in patients with treatment-refractory epilepsy. METHODS: Two adult subjects with treatment-refractory, focal onset epilepsy were recruited. The subjects received ANT FUSA using the Exablate Neuro (Insightec) system. We determined the safety and feasibility (primary outcomes), and changes in seizure frequency (secondary outcome) at 3, 6, and 12 months. Safety was assessed by the absence of side effects, that is, new onset neurological deficits or performance deterioration on neuropsychological testing. Feasibility was defined as the ability to create a lesion within the anterior nucleus. The monthly seizure frequency was compared between baseline and postthalamotomy. RESULTS: The patients tolerated the procedure well, without neurological deficits or serious adverse events. One patient experienced a decline in verbal fluency, attention/working memory, and immediate verbal memory. Seizure frequency reduced significantly in both patients; one patient was seizure-free at 12 months, and in the second patient, the frequency reduced from 90-100 seizures per month to 3-6 seizures per month. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first known clinical trial to assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of ANT FUSA in adult patients with treatment-refractory focal onset epilepsy.

Effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) Intervention among Hispanic Women.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among females and remains the second leading cause of cancer death. In addition, breast cancer is most likely diagnosed at an advanced stage among Hispanic females in the United States due to lower mammogram utilization. AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a multilevel, multicomponent community-based breast cancer screening intervention called the Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) program. The primary outcome was the completion of a screening mammogram 4 months post-intervention. METHOD: We used a pragmatic approach for evaluation, utilizing a quasi-experimental delayed intervention design. We recruited women from the community aged between 50 and 75, uninsured or underinsured, and overdue for screening. RESULTS: Six hundred participants were recruited (300 intervention and 300 control). Among completers, the screening rate was 97% in the intervention group and 4.4% in the control group (RR = 22.2, 95% CI: 12.5-39.7, p < .001). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 (RR = 1.29, p = .047), perceived benefits (RR = 1.04, p = .026), curability (RR = 1.24, p < .001), subjective norms (RR = 1.14, p = .014), and fatalism (RR = .96, p = .004) remained significantly associated with screening outcome. CONCLUSION: A multicomponent, bilingual, and culturally tailored intervention effectively facilitated breast cancer screening completion in an underserved population of Hispanic women. Individuals with improved screening outcomes were more likely to have higher positive beliefs. Our study has important implications regarding using multicomponent interventions in increasing breast cancer screening completion in poorly screened populations. It also highlights differences in health belief motivation for breast cancer screening completion.

Mediators of screening uptake in a colorectal cancer screening intervention among Hispanics.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Although a number of CRC screening tests have been established as being effective for CRC prevention and early detection, rates of CRC screening test completion in the US population remain suboptimal, especially among the uninsured, recent immigrants and Hispanics. In this study, we used a structural equation modelling approach to identify factors influencing screening test completion in a successful CRC screening program that was implemented in an uninsured Hispanic population. This information will enhance our understanding of influences on CRC screening among historically underscreened populations. METHODS: We used generalized structural equation models (SEM) utilizing participant reported information collected through a series of surveys. We identified direct and indirect pathways through which cofactors, CRC knowledge and individual Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, fatalism and self-efficacy) and a latent psychosocial health construct mediated screening in an effective prospective randomized CRC screening intervention that was tailored for uninsured Hispanic Americans. RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-three participants were eligible for inclusion; mean age was 56 years, 79.7% were female, and 98.9% were Hispanic. The total intervention effect was comparable in both models, with both having a direct and indirect effect on screening completion (n = 715, Model 1: RC = 2.46 [95% CI: 2.20, 2.71, p < 0.001]; n = 699, Model 2 RC =2.45, [95% CI: 2.18, 2.72, p < 0.001]. In Model 1, 32% of the overall effect was mediated by the latent psychosocial health construct (RC = 0.79, p < 0.001) that was in turn mainly influenced by self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism. In Model 2, the most important individual mediators were self-efficacy (RC = 0.24, p = 0.013), and fatalism (RC = 0.07, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of mediators of CRC screening and suggests that targeting self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism could maximize the effectiveness of CRC screening interventions particularly in Hispanic populations.

Visual patterns of breast attenuation artifacts in women and men with an upright and supine cadmiun-zinc-telluride camera.

BACKGROUND: Breast attenuation artifacts occurring with upright cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) cardiac imaging systems have not been well characterized. METHODS: 216 consecutive patients with Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography myocardial perfusion imaging and no angiographically significant obstructive coronary artery disease were identified. All upright and supine SPECT images as well as coronary angiograms were reviewed and analyzed in blinded fashion. RESULTS: In women imaged upright, more visual false positive defects were noted in the inferior wall compared to the anterior wall (26 vs. 10 at rest, p = 0.006, and 33 vs. 13 at stress, p < 0.001). Visual inferior wall defects were more common in the upright than supine position at stress (33 vs. 23, p = 0.018) and rest (26 vs. 14, p = 0.011), and most apparent in non-obese women (13 vs. 8, at stress, p = 0.059 and 11 vs. 5, at rest, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: With upright CZT myocardial perfusion imaging, women often have visible inferior wall attenuation artifact defects, likely from pendant breast tissue. These inferior wall attenuation artifacts may be seen in non-obese female patients.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for generalized anxiety and panic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive modality for treating major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Earlier studies evaluating therapeutic effects of rTMS on symptom scores of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) have yielded inconsistent findings. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies assessing the effect of rTMS on symptom scores in patients with GAD or PD with or without psychiatric comorbidities using studies published up to April 2021. We used DerSimonian-Laird random effects models to obtain pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies consisting of 677 participants (404 treated with rTMS and 273 without rTMS) were included in this meta-analysis. In GAD patients with or without any comorbidities, rTMS therapy demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety (SMD = 1.45; P < .001) and depression (SMD = 1.65; P < .001) scores regardless of rTMS parameters. Overall anxiety (SMD = 0.24; P = .48) and panic severity (SMD = 1.19; P = .054) scores did not significantly improve after rTMS therapy in patients with PD. CONCLUSIONS: rTMS is safe and improves anxiety and depression scores only in GAD patients, regardless of underlying comorbidities or rTMS parameters.

Fine Needle Biopsies of Solid Pancreatic Lesions: Tissue Acquisition Technique and Needle Design Do Not Impact Specimen Adequacy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Data on adequacy of EUS guided biopsies using different tissue acquisition techniques and fine needle aspiration needle designs have been inconclusive. Data on newer fine needle biopsy (FNB) needles are scarce. This study compared the performance of 3 acquisition techniques and 2 fine needle biopsy designs in solid pancreatic lesions. METHODS: Single-center, randomized, pilot clinical trial (Trial registration number NCT03264092). Patients undergoing EUS biopsy of pancreatic lesions were randomized to 1 of 3 acquisition techniques (dry suction, wet suction, slow pull) and 1 of 2 22G FNB needle designs. The primary outcome was specimen cellularity. Secondary outcomes included blood contamination and number of passes needed for diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 52 (35.3%), 49 (33.3%) and 46 (31.3%) specimens were obtained with slow pull, dry suction and wet suction, respectively. A total of 56 (38%) and 91 (62%) specimens were obtained with each needle, respectively. No difference in cellularity scores was identified by technique (3.28 vs 3.55 vs 2.94; p = 0.081) or needle type (3.45 vs 3.15; p = 0.19). The same was true for blood contamination and diagnostic pass. A diagnosis was reached after 3 passes in 51 patients (93%). Histological diagnosis was possible in 45 specimens (82%). No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Cellularity of pancreatic specimens obtained with FNB needles via EUS was not influenced by technique and needle design. Three passes were enough to obtain a histological diagnosis in most patients. Larger clinical trials are required to validate the results of this study.

Parathyroidectomy Versus Cinacalcet for the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis is associated with bone pain and fractures in addition to cardiovascular morbidity. Cinacalcet is the most commonly used drug to treat such patients, but it has never been compared to surgery. The goal of this study is to compare the long-term outcomes and survival between cinacalcet and parathyroidectomy in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Adult patients on hemodialysis who were treated with cinacalcet or parathyroidectomy in the United States Renal Data System were included. Patients treated with surgery (n = 2023) were compared using 1:1 propensity score matching ratio to a cohort of patients treated with cinacalcet. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to compare the overall mortality. RESULTS: The propensity score matching successfully created two groups with similar demographics. Patients in the surgery group had a higher mean peak PTH level prior to therapy (2066.8 vs 1425.4, P < 0.001). No difference was observed in the development of new-onset coronary artery disease (7.7% vs 7.9%, P = 0.8) or cerebrovascular disease (7% vs 6.7%, P = 0.8). Surgical patients had a higher rate of pathologic fractures (27.8% vs 24.9%, P = 0.04). Survival analysis showed that patients undergoing surgery had a better 5-year survival (65.6% vs 57.8%) and were less likely to die within the study period (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.7-0.85, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients on dialysis undergoing parathyroidectomy for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism have a better overall survival than those treated with cinacalcet.

Associations of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load with Cardiovascular Disease: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis and Cohort Studies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diet and lifestyle patterns are considered major contributory factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. In particular, consuming a diet higher in carbohydrates (not inclusive of fruits and vegetables, but more processed carbohydrates) has been associated with metabolic abnormalities that subsequently may increase the risk of CVD and related mortality. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are values given to foods based on how fast the body converts carbohydrates into glucose also referred to as the glycemic burden of carbohydrates from foods. Conflicting associations of how high GI and GL influence CVDs have been observed even in high-quality meta-analysis studies. We synthesize and report the associations of high GI and GL with various CVDs by sex, obesity, and geographical locations using an updated review of meta-analysis and observational studies. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified high GI or high GL is associated with an increased risk of CVD events including diabetes (DM), metabolic syndrome (MS), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and stroke mortality in the general population, and the risk of CVD outcomes appears to be stratified by sex, obesity status, and preexisting CVD. Both high GI and GL are associated with DM and CHD in the general population. However, high GI is strongly associated with DM/MS, while high GL is strongly associated with an increased risk of CHD in females. In addition, high GL is also associated with incident stroke, and appears to be associated with CVD mortality in subjects with preexisting CVD or high BMI and all-cause mortality in non-obese DM subjects. However, high GI appears to be associated with CVD or all-cause mortality only in females without CVD. High GI/GL is an important risk factor for CVD outcomes in the general population. High GI seems to be markedly associated with DM/MS, and it may enhance the risk of CVD or all-cause mortality in both sexes and predominately females. Although both high GI and high GL are risk factors for CHD in females, high GL is associated with CVD outcomes in at-risk populations for CVD. These data suggest that while high GI increases the propensity of CVD risk factors and mortality in healthy individuals, high GL contributes to the risk of severe heart diseases including CVD or all-cause mortality, particularly in at-risk populations. These data indicate dietary interventions designed for focusing carbohydrate quality by lowering both GI and GL are recommended for preventing CVD outcomes across all populations.

Air Pollution and the Heart: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis Studies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although environmental exposure such as air pollution is detrimental to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of different air pollutants on different CVD endpoints produced variable findings. We provide updated evidence between air pollutants and CVD outcomes including mitigation strategies with meta-analytic evidence. RECENT FINDINGS: An increased exposure to any class of air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), gas, toxic metals, and disruptive chemicals has been associated with CVD events. Exposure to PM < 2.5 µm has been consistently associated with most heart diseases and stroke as well as CVDs among at-risk individuals. Despite this, there is no clinical approach available for systemic evaluation of air pollution exposure and management. A large number of epidemiological evidence clearly suggests the importance of air pollution prevention and control for reducing the risk of CVDs and mortality. Cost-effective and feasible strategies for air pollution monitoring, screening, and necessary interventions are urgently required among at-risk populations and those living or working, or frequently commuting in polluted areas.

Ethnic and border differences on blood cancer presentation and outcomes: A Texas population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The Texas/Chihuahua (US/Mexico) border is a medically underserved region with many reported barriers for health care access. Although Hispanic ethnicity is associated with health disparities for many different diseases, the population-based estimates of incidence and survival for patients with blood cancer along the border are unknown. The authors hypothesized that Hispanic ethnicity and border proximity is associated with poor blood cancer outcomes. METHODS: Data from the Texas Cancer Registry (1995-2016) were used to investigate the primary exposures of patient ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) and geographic location (border vs non-border). Other confounders and covariates included sex, age, year of diagnosis, rurality, insurance status, poverty indicators, and comorbidities. The Mantel-Haenszel method and Cox regression analyses were used to determine adjusted effects of ethnicity and border proximity on the relative risk (RR) and survival of patients with different blood cancer types. RESULTS: Hispanic patients were diagnosed at a younger age than non-Hispanic patients and presented with increased comorbidities. Whereas non-Hispanics had a higher incidence of developing blood cancer compared with Hispanics overall, Hispanics demonstrated a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (RR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.79-2.08; P < .001) with worse outcomes. Hispanics from the Texas/Chihuahua border demonstrated a higher incidence of chronic myeloid leukemia (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.51; P = .02) and acute myeloid leukemia (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33; P = .0009) compared with Hispanics living elsewhere in Texas. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic ethnicity and border proximity were associated with a poor presentation and an adverse prognosis despite the younger age of diagnosis. Future studies should explore differences in disease biology and treatment strategies that could drive these regional disparities.

Tremor-Dominant Cervical Dystonia: a Cerebellar Syndrome.

The objective of this study is to examine the role of the cerebellum in the tremor-dominant subtype of cervical dystonia (CD). CD patients with head tremor at onset (Tr-CD) were age- and sex-matched to CD patients without head tremor at onset (nTr-CD). All patients were evaluated for cerebellar disability using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), gait variability using ProtoKinetics Zeno Walkway, and cerebellar volume analysis extracted from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a semiquantitative scale. Compared to nTr-CD (n = 10, median age, 70.5 years), Tr-CD patients (n = 10, 71.5 years) exhibited higher median SARA scores (9 vs 7.5, p = 0.03) and greater median gait variability index (131 vs 124, p = 0.03). SARA scores inversely correlated with cerebellar volume in all patients (- 0.4, p = 0.04). Tr-CD patients exhibited greater superior vermian atrophy than nTr-CD patients (p = 0.01). Head tremor at onset heralds a CD subtype with prominent axial cerebellar disability and atrophy of the superior vermis of the cerebellum.

Effects of gender and defect reversibility on detection of coronary disease with an upright and supine cadmium-zinc-telluride camera.

BACKGROUND: Limited data address the roles of gender, perfusion defect reversibility, and imaging position in interpretation of images acquired on an upright/supine cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) cardiac imaging system. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a consecutive cohort of patients imaged on an upright/supine CZT camera, 260 patients with coronary angiograms were studied. Multivariable models identified gender as a significant effect modifier for imaging variables of CAD. For males, a supine summed stress score (SSS) ≥ 3 provided high accuracy (sensitivity 70.7%, specificity 72.2%), and highest contribution to multivariable models. In females, supine SSS ≥ 2 provided the best cut-off for defect size and severity (sensitivity 90%, specificity 35.9%), but specificity was improved substantially to 53.3% with decrease in sensitivity to 80% by also requiring quantitative identification of perfusion defect reversibility in the supine position. Eight variables, accurate for predicting coronary disease, were more accurate with supine than upright imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion defect reversibility improved specificity in female patients for detection of coronary disease compared to perfusion defect size and extent alone. Supine images provided superior accuracy for detection of coronary disease compared to upright images.

Ethnic Differences Between Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Predict Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The aim of the study is to ascertain the neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) subtypes significantly influencing progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by ethnicity. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 386 cognitively normal individuals participating in the longitudinal Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium between February 2007 and August 2014. The primary outcome was time to incident MCI. Data driven NPS subtypes at baseline were identified and the effects of these subtypes on the outcome were obtained for Hispanic and non-Hispanic ethnic cohorts and summarized with a hazard ratio (HR). Three NPS subtypes were identified and internally validated: psychomotor apathy factor (including agitation, irritability, apathy), affective mood factor (including depression, anxiety), and physical behavior factor (including nighttime behavior, eating/appetite disturbances). In adjusted analysis, a psychomotor apathy score of NPS was the best predictor for MCI (HR = 2.19, p = 0.037) among non-Hispanics whereas physical behavior score was the most predictive of MCI (HR = 2.55, p = 0.029) among Hispanics. A high score of affective mood factor also tended to increase the risk of MCI (HR = 2.09, p = 0.06) in Hispanics. Progression from normal cognition to MCI was differentially predicted by NPS subtypes in Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. These data may inform the allocation of efforts for monitoring individuals at-risk of MCI.