Vestibular rehabilitation with mobile posturography as a "low-cost" alternative to vestibular rehabilitation with computerized dynamic posturography, in old people with imbalance: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular rehabilitation (VR), specifically, VR with dynamic computerized posturography (CDP) has proven to be useful to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling in old patients. Its major handicap is probably its cost, which has hindered its generalisation. One solution to reduce this cost is performing VR with mobile posturography systems, which allow assessment of stability at the center of body mass in daily-life conditions. Also, rehabilitation with vibrotactile neurofeedback training could be used in dynamic tasks. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether two different protocols of vestibular rehabilitation (using CDP and the Vertiguard system) show significant differences in the improvement of balance among older persons with imbalance METHODS: A clinical trial comparing VR with CDP exercises and VR with mobile posturography (Vertiguard) exercises, was designed. The participants were people over 65 years, with imbalance. The composite (average balance) in the sensory organization test (SOT) of the CDP was the main outcome measure; it was compared before and 3 weeks after VR, and between both intervention groups. RESULTS: 40 patients were included in the study (19 in the CDP-VR group and 21 in the Vertiguard-VR group). Average balance was significantly improved in both intervention groups (51% pre-VR vs 60% post-VR, p = 0.002, CDP-VR group; 49% pre-VR vs 57% post-VR, p = 0.008, Vertiguard-VR group); no significant differences in this improvement were found comparing both groups (p = 0.580). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: VR using mobile posturography is useful to improve stability in old people with instability, showing similar improvement rates to those of VR using CDP. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT03034655 www.clinicaltrials.gov Registered on 25 January 2017.

Effect of whitening dentifrices on color, surface roughness and microhardness of dental enamel in vitro.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the color, surface roughness and microhardness of human dental enamel subjected to brushing with whitening dentifrices. METHODS: The enamel samples (4 x 4 x 2 mm) were darkened using 0.2% chlorhexidine and black tea, and were randomly divided into seven groups (n= 15) for brushing cycles with only water; control; conventional dentifrice (Colgate Maximum Anticaries Protection); dentifrice containing 2% hydrogen peroxide (Colgate Luminous White Advanced); dentifrice containing sodium tripolyphosphate (Sensodyne True White); dentifrice containing activated charcoal (Black is White); and dentifrice containing blue covarine (Close Up White Now). The samples were submitted to 1,000 and 30,000 brushing cycles. The color values (CIE L*a*b*), surface roughness (Ra) and microhardness (Knoop) were recorded at four time points: baseline, after staining, after 1,000 and after 30,000 brushing cycles. The data were submitted to statistical analyses using paired t-test, ANOVA and Tukey. RESULTS: The color analysis, roughness and microhardness results showed interaction between the effect of the dentifrices and the time point (P< 0.001). The bleaching dentifrices brought about color changes (ΔE) significantly greater than those obtained with conventional dentifrices and the control; however, there were no significant color changes among the bleaching dentifrices. When the color coordinates were evaluated individually, the L* values increased and the a* and b* values decreased throughout the experiment. The conventional toothpaste and the toothpastes containing blue covarine, activated charcoal or hydrogen peroxide promoted a statistically significant increase in the surface roughness of the samples after the last brushing cycle. The sodium tripolyphosphate dentifrice caused a progressive reduction in roughness. The microhardness increased statistically after 30,000 cycles for the conventional toothpaste, blue covarine and hydrogen peroxide. It was concluded that the whitening dentifrices lightened the samples, which evidenced greater luminosity and reduction in reddish and yellow tones. Moreover, they did not have deleterious effects on microhardness, and caused acceptable changes in surface roughness. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentifrices with different whitening strategies changed the color of the samples, resulting in samples with greater luminosity and reduced reddish and yellowish tones. They also caused changes in surface roughness within the acceptable clinical limit and did not have a deleterious effect on the microhardness of dental enamel.

Does patient environment have any influence on balance?

BACKGROUND: Although patient environment is a factor to consider when planning a vestibular rehabilitation program, there are no studies correlating this factor to outcomes of balance assessment. AIM: To evaluate whether there are differences in objective evaluation of balance in elderly patients at risk of falls according to the environment in which they live (urban or rural) and their lifestyle (considering cardiovascular risk factors). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a sample of 139 elderly patients with high risk of falls assessed with objective outcome measures: Computer Dynamic Posturography (CDP), and the modified Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test; and subjective outcome measures: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (short FES-I). Rural or urban environment was defined according to administrative and legal criteria. RESULTS: Elderly patients at risk of fall living in rural environment show better composite results in SOT with better scores in Condition 6 and fewer falls during the CDP. They also require fewer steps to perform the TUG test. DISCUSSION: The present study provides evidence that patient environment has an influence in balance. CONCLUSION: Patient environment should be considered when analyze tests evaluating static and dynamic balance.

Prognostic factors that modify outcomes of vestibular rehabilitation in elderly patients with falls.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study has shown that vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is an effective technique to reduce falls in elderly patients. It would be interesting to establish patients' clinical characteristics in which vestibular rehabilitation is expected to be more effective. AIMS: Evaluate factors that could modify rehabilitation outcomes in elderly patients with previous falls. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients randomized to one of the intervention group (computerized dynamic posturography-CDP-training, optokinetic stimulus or exercise at home) and with previous falls were analyzed. Patients were assessed with objective outcome measures (sensorial organization test and limits of stability-LOS-of CDP, modified timed up and go test-TUG-and number of falls) and with subjective outcome measures (dizziness handicap inventory and Short falls efficacy scale-international-Short FES-I) during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: In the logistic regression model, a worse score in the maximum excursion (MXM), and a shorter time in the TUG significantly associated with a reduction > 50% of falls. Also, association with a higher score in the Short FES-I was close to a statistical significance. There was no statistical significance association with other covariables. DISCUSSION: In patients with reduced limits of stability, VR seems to be more effective and they should be encouraged to perform it. But on the other hand, patients with longer time in the TUG show worse outcomes and may benefit more with gait training. CONCLUSIONS: VR in elderly people with previous falls is effective regardless of their age and gender.

Optimising costs in reducing rate of falls in older people with the improvement of balance by means of vestibular rehabilitation (ReFOVeRe study): a randomized controlled trial comparing computerised dynamic posturography vs mobile vibrotactile posturography system.

BACKGROUND: Accidental falls, especially for the elderly, are a major health issue. Balance disorders are one of their main causes. Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) has proven to be useful in improving balance of elderly patients with instability. Its major handicap is probably its cost, which has prevented its generalisation. So, we have designed a clinical trial with posturographic VR, to assess the optimum number of sessions necessary for a substantial improvement and to compare computerised dynamic posturography (CDP) (visual feedback) and mobile posturography (vibrotactile feedback). METHODS: Design: randomized controlled trial. It is an experimental study, single-center, open, randomized (balanced blocks of patients) in four branches in parallel, in 220 elderly patients with high risk of falls; follow-up period: twelve months. SETTING: Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary referral hospital. PARTICIPANTS: people over 65 years, fulfilling two or more of the following requirements: a) at least one fall in the last twelve months. b) take at least 16 s or require some support in perform the "timed up and go" test. c) a percentage of average balance in the sensory organization test (SOT) of the CDP < 68%. d) at least one fall in any of the conditions in SOT-CDP. e) a score in Vertiguard's gSBDT > 60%. INTERVENTION: Four differents protocols of vestibular rehabilitation (randomization of the patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The percentage of average balance in the SOT-CDP. Secondary measures: time and supports in the "timed up and go" test, scores of the CDP and Vertiguard, and rate of falls. DISCUSSION: Posturographic VR has been proven to be useful for improving balance and reducing the number of falls among the aged. However, its elevated cost has limited its use. It is possible to implement two strategies that improve the cost-benefit of posturography. The first involves optimising the number of rehabilitation sessions; the second is based on the use of cheaper posturography systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03034655. Registered on 25 January 2017.

Vestibular rehabilitation in elderly patients with postural instability: reducing the number of falls-a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study had shown the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in improving balance in elderly patients, assessed immediately afterwards. AIMS: The main goal of the present study is to consider whether this improvement in balance assessment turns out in a reduction of the number of falls. METHODS: 139 elderly patients with high risk of falls were included and randomized to one of the following study arms: computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) training, optokinetic stimulus, exercises at home or control group. Patients were assessed with objective outcome measures (sensorial organization test and limits of stability of CDP, number of falls and number of hospital admissions due to falls) and subjective outcome measures (dizziness handicap inventory and short falls efficacy scale-international) during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Average number of falls significantly declined from 10.96 (before VR) to 3.03 (12-month follow-up) in the intervention group (p < 0.001); meanwhile, in the control group, the average number of falls changed from 3.36 to 2.61 during a 12-month follow-up period (p = 0.166). DISCUSSION: The present study provides evidence that VR can decisively improve balance in elderly patients with instability, which can lead in turn to a significant reduction of falls. CONCLUSION: We recommend performing VR in any older person with high risk of falls.

Short-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation in elderly patients with postural instability: a randomized clinical trial.

Balance becomes more precarious with age, and even without pathological disorders, the physiological decline in balance that occurs with age is a factor that also favors falls. So the aim of the present study is to assess the short-term effectiveness of three different methods of vestibular rehabilitation, compared to a control group, in improving balance in elderly patients with postural instability. 139 elderly patients with high risk of falls were included and randomized to one of the following study arms: computer dynamic posturography (CDP) training, optokinetic stimulus, exercises at home, or control group. Patients were assessed with objective and subjective outcome measures. The individuals that trained using CDP improved significantly more than the control group on the average balance score (p < 0.001) and reducing the number of falls in the sensorial organization test (p < 0.001). In addition, the analysis showed a statistically significant effect in the limits of stability only with the CDP training in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001). In our present study, supervised and customized exercises with CDP were more effective than the control group in the posturographic short-term assessment. An increased age did not affect the potential for improvement after training. So we conclude that elderly patients with high risk of falling should begin vestibular rehabilitation as soon as possible in order to avoid the potential harm of falls, mainly injuries and psychological consequences due to fear of falling again.

Impact of obesity in elderly patients with postural instability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess whether obesity affects balance in elderly patients with postural instability. STUDY DESIGN: It is a case-control study, with cases defined by BMI ≥30 kg/m(2), and developed in a third level university hospital. METHODS: We included 135 patients aged 65 years old or more who presented postural instability. Balance assessment was through the sensory organisation test (SOT), limits of stability (LOS) and rhythmic weight shift (RWS) of computerised dynamic posturography (CDP) and the modified timed up-and-go (TUG) test. The patients also completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and short Falls Efficacy Scale-International questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with obesity took longer to perform the modified TUG and required more steps. Also these patients had poorer scores in the subjective tests. In the CDP there were no significant differences in the SOT nor the LOS, and only there was a statistical significant difference in the anterior-posterior directional control of the RWS. Obese patients have a higher risk of fallings compared to non-obese patients. CONCLUSION: In essence, our results indicate that obesity interferes in the balance of elderly patients with postural instability, putting them at a greater risk of fallings, performing worse dynamic tasks and feeling more disabled. Although continued education on training balance may be useful in older population, since the obese group shows more rate of fallers, rehabilitation programmes focus on dynamic tasks in these patients could be useful to reduce their fall risk and improve their quality of life.

Reduction of falls in older people by improving balance with vestibular rehabilitation (ReFOVeRe study): design and methods.

MAIN OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) to improve the balance in older people, assessed immediately afterwards. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: (a) To verify the maintenance of improvement of the balance achieved in the medium term (6-12 months). (b) To consider whether this improvement results in a reduction in the number of falls. (c) To compare among themselves the effectiveness of three different methods of VR in improving balance and to explore whether there are differences to achieve a reduction in the number of falls. DESIGN: Experimental study, single-centre, open, randomised (balanced blocks of patients) in four branches in parallel, in 220 elderly patients (over 64 years) with high risk of falls and a follow-up period of 12 months. SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology of the University Hospital of Santiago. PARTICIPANTS: People over 64 years, fulfilling one of the following requirements: (a) At least one fall in the last year. (b) Take at least 16 s or require some support in perform the test "timed up and go". (c) A percentage of average balance in the sensory organisation test (SOT) in the dynamic posturography (CDP) <68%. (d) At least one fall in any of the conditions in the SOT of CDP. INTERVENTION: Three different protocols of VR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The percentage of average balance in the SOT in CDP. Secondary measures: time and supports in the test of "timed up and go", scores of the dynamic posturography and SwayStar system, and rate of falls.

Is there a relationship between objective and subjective assessment of balance in elderly patients with instability?

To assess whether a subjective questionnaire that measures the disability caused by balance disorders in daily life activities is correlated to objective assessment of balance in elderly patients with age-related instability. We included 37 subjects aged 65 years or more who presented balance disorders induced solely by age. Balance assessment was through the sensory organisation test and limits of stability of computerised dynamic posturography, the SwayStar system and the modified timed up and go test. The patients also completed the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) questionnaire. The SwayStar balance control index (BCI) was most significantly correlated to the DHI score and the score of its different scales. When we divided the patients into subgroups according to DHI score, we only found statistically significant differences in the BCI and number of falls. In our population of elderly patients with instability, there is practically no correlation between the DHI and the static balance assessment. However, there is greater correlation with the BCI, which could show that dynamic balance is perceived as more disabling for these patients. In this case, when designing a rehabilitation protocol we should focus more on dynamic activities such as gait.

Anti-malarial activity of indole alkaloids isolated from Aspidosperma olivaceum.

BACKGROUND: Several species of Aspidosperma (Apocynaceae) are used as treatments for human diseases in the tropics. Aspidosperma olivaceum, which is used to treat fevers in some regions of Brazil, contains the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) aspidoscarpine, uleine, apparicine, and N-methyl-tetrahydrolivacine. Using bio-guided fractionation and cytotoxicity testing in a human hepatoma cell line, several plant fractions and compounds purified from the bark and leaves of the plant were characterized for specific therapeutic activity (and selectivity index, SI) in vitro against the blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS: The activity of A. olivaceum extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds was evaluated against chloroquine (CQ)-resistant P. falciparum blood parasites by in vitro testing with radiolabelled [3H]-hypoxanthine and a monoclonal anti-histidine-rich protein (HRPII) antibody. The cytotoxicity of these fractions and compounds was evaluated in a human hepatoma cell line using a 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the SI was calculated as the ratio between the toxicity and activity. Two leaf fractions were tested in mice with Plasmodium berghei. RESULTS: All six fractions from the bark and leaf extracts were active in vitro at low doses (IC50 < 5.0 µg/mL) using the anti-HRPII test, and only two (the neutral and basic bark fractions) were toxic to a human cell line (HepG2). The most promising fractions were the crude leaf extract and its basic residue, which had SIs above 50. Among the four pure compounds evaluated, aspidoscarpine in the bark and leaf extracts showed the highest SI at 56; this compound, therefore, represents a possible anti-malarial drug that requires further study. The acidic leaf fraction administered by gavage to mice with blood-induced malaria was also active. CONCLUSION: Using a bio-monitoring approach, it was possible to attribute the anti-P. falciparum activity of A. olivaceum to aspidoscarpine and, to a lesser extent, N-methyl-tetrahydrolivacine; other isolated MIA molecules were active but had lower SIs due to their higher toxicities. These results stood in contrast to previous work in which the anti-malarial activity of other Aspidosperma species was attributed to uleine.

Blood shizonticidal activities of phenazines and naphthoquinoidal compounds against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and in mice malaria studies.

Due to the recent advances of atovaquone, a naphthoquinone, through clinical trials as treatment for malarial infection, 19 quinone derivatives with previously reported structures were also evaluated for blood schizonticide activity against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. These compounds include 2-hydroxy-3-methylamino naphthoquinones (2-9), lapachol (10), nor-lapachol (11), iso-lapachol (12), phthiocol (13) and phenazines (12-20). Their cytotoxicities were also evaluated against human hepatoma and normal monkey kidney cell lines. Compounds 2 and 5 showed the highest activity against P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant blood-stage parasites (clone W2), indicated by their low inhibitory concentration for 50% (IC50) of parasite growth. The therapeutic potential of the active compounds was evaluated according to the selectivity index, which is a ratio of the cytotoxicity minimum lethal dose which eliminates 50% of cells and the in vitro IC50. Naphthoquinones 2 and 5, with activities similar to the reference antimalarial chloroquine, were also active against malaria in mice and suppressed parasitaemia by more than 60% in contrast to compound 11 which was inactive. Based on their in vitro and in vivo activities, compounds 2 and 5 are considered promising molecules for antimalarial treatment and warrant further study.

Impact of subject's position and acoustic stimulus type on vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in normal subjects.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are currently considered a diagnostic tool for studying the vestibular system, specifically the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve. This prospective study aimed at evaluating the impact of patient position and type of acoustic stimulus on VEMPs results using 60 healthy subjects who underwent otoscopy, pure tone audiometry and VEMPs in different conditions affecting their position and the type of acoustic stimulus. Corrected amplitude is significantly greater when the patient is seated and latency difference and amplitude asymmetry do not change with either patient position or type of stimulus. The results obtained in different test conditions are not comparable. Being seated is the most appropriate position for the test.

Advances in analytical methods to study cholesterol metabolism: the determination of serum noncholesterol sterols.

Cholesterol biosynthesis precursors and plant sterols are noncholesterol sterols currently used as relative surrogate markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, respectively. Its determination in serum samples is a way of diagnosing inherited disorders and also a tool for health evaluation during lipid-lowering lifestyle/drug therapy monitoring. This approach is the only one that can be used for large-scale clinical trials or population based studies, but, nevertheless, there is no reference method for the quantification of noncholesterol sterols in human serum samples and only analysis by GC-FID and GC-MS has been reported to be completely validated. Although there has been a wider use of noncholesterol sterols for the measurement and characterization of cholesterol metabolism, there is a lack of harmonization of measurements and of standardization of the methodology, which is essential for routine measurements of diagnostic utility. New recent advances in analytical methods for the determination of serum noncholesterol sterols are highlighted, focusing on the sample preparation, separation and detection techniques, which will enhance the range of applications in clinical practice.

Correlation between bithermal caloric test results and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in normal subjects.

UNLABELLED: Bithermal caloric testing and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are both diagnostic tools for the study of the vestibular system. The first tests the horizontal semicircular canal and the second evaluates the saccule and lower vestibular nerve. The results of these two tests can therefore be expected to be correlated. The aim of this study was to compare bithermal caloric test results with VEMP records in normal subjects to verify whether they are correlated. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was conducted in 60 healthy subjects (30 men and 30 women) who underwent otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, bithermal caloric testing and VEMPs. From the caloric test, we assessed the presence of possible vestibular hypofunction, whether there was directional preponderance and reflectivity of each ear (all based on both slow phase velocity and nystagmus frequency). The analysed VEMPs variables were: p1 and n1 latency, corrected amplitude, interaural p1 latency difference and p1 interaural amplitude asymmetry. We compared the reflectivity, hypofunction and directional preponderance of the caloric tests with the corrected amplitudes and amplitude asymmetries of the VEMPs. No correlations were found in the different comparisons between bithermal caloric testing results and VEMPs except for a weak correlation (p = 0.039) when comparing preponderance based on the number of nystagmus in the caloric test and amplitude asymmetry with 99 dB tone burst in the VEMPs test. The results indicate that the two diagnostic tests are not comparable, so one of them cannot replace the other, but the use of both increases diagnostic success in some conditions.

What could posturography tell us about balance in essential tremor?

BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by action tremor. Balance impairments in ET patients were formerly considered to be uncommon and simply age-related. However quantitative assessment with posturography has revealed impairments in control of both static and dynamic balance. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of the present study is to assess postural stability with different posturographic techniques in ET patients. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in two University Hospitals. Eleven patients diagnosed with essential tremor and twelve healthy controls were included. Balance assessment were performed with: sensory organization test (SOT) and limits of stability (LOS) of the computer dynamic posturography (CDP), results of free-field body sway analysis with mobile posturography (Vertiguard®), modified timed up and go test (TUG), Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC). RESULTS: Patients with ET showed poorer scores in the SOT than controls for composite balance and somatosensory input. They also performed worse in LOS tests and Vertiguard® device indicated a higher risk of falling. There were no differences in the modified TUG. The mean score of DHI was 15.64 and 85.16 for ABC. SIGNIFICANCE: Posturography assessment (CDP and Vertiguard®) is more accurate in showing balance impairment in ET patients than clinical evaluation (modified TUG). Balance impairment involves deteriorated processing of somatosensory input which could be explained by cerebellar dysfunction. Balance deficits could be included into future diagnostic criteria.

Surface roughness evaluation and shade changes of a nanofilled resin composite after bleaching and immersion in staining solutions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of bleaching and staining solutions on roughness and shade changes in a nanofilled resin composite [Filtek Supreme (FS)]. METHODS: FS specimens (n = 135) were light cured and separated into groups (n = 45) that were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) agent or 16% or 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). In the first two groups the bleaching gel was used for 4 hours a day, during 14 days, and for the third group in three sessions of 45 minutes. Each group was subdivided (n = 15) and immersed in coffee, red wine or distilled water for 3 hours a day during 40 days. The roughness values (Ra) and shade (parameter CLELab) were evaluated at baseline, after bleaching and after staining. The data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test or Kruskal Wallis. RESULTS: The effects on specimens varied depending on the bleaching product and staining solution. FS after bleaching and after staining presented higher roughness. In the evaluation of shade changes after bleaching, it was observed that resin color changed and that 35% hydrogen peroxide bleached the resin more than the others. After staining in three solutions, all specimens changed color and wine showed the higher staining capacity.

Prognostic significance of computed tomography-assessed right ventricular enlargement in low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For patients with acute low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), determined by a validated clinical prognostic score, the additive prognostic significance of computed tomography (CT)-assessed right ventricular (RV) enlargement is uncertain. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that enrolled patients with acute low-risk PE to assess the prognostic value of concomitant CT-assessed RV enlargement for 30-day all-cause mortality and PE-related death. We conducted unrestricted searches of PubMed and Embase through December 2019. We used a random-effects model to pool study results; Begg rank correlation method to evaluate for publication bias; and I2 testing to assess for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Of the 7 cohorts with 2197 participants who had low-risk PE and provided results on the primary outcome, 743 (34%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32-36%) patients had concomitant RV enlargement. Six of 743 (0.8%; 95% CI, 0.3-1.8%) patients with concomitant RV enlargement died 30-days after the diagnosis of PE compared with 3 of 1454 (0.2%, 95% CI, 0-0.6%) without RV enlargement. CT-assessed RV enlargement did not have a significant association with 30-day all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% CI, 0.7-9.4; I2 = 0%; P = 0.15) or PE-related mortality (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 0.7-12.1; I2 = 0%; P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: CT-assessed RV enlargement occurs in a third of PE patients identified as low-risk by clinical scores. Mortality rate in these patients is low, and CT-assessed RV enlargement was not associated with a significantly increased risk of death within 30 days of PE diagnosis.

Opposing contributions of psychologically distinct components of empathy to empathic accuracy.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Journal of Experimental Psychology: General on Jul 23 2020 (see record 2020-54558-001). In the original article, significance levels indicated by the asterisks in Table 2 are incorrect. The corrected Table 2 is given in erratum. All versions of this article have been corrected.] What is it that provides us an accurate window into the thoughts and feelings of others? Although, intuitively, it might seem as though trait empathy would enhance this ability, research has produced decidedly mixed results, ultimately failing to uncover robust, systematic relationships between the two. Recent research has suggested, however, that different facets of empathy-emotional contagion, on the one hand, and empathic concern, on the other-are psychologically distinct and result in different behavioral tendencies (Jordan, Amir, & Bloom, 2016). In 5 preregistered studies involving nearly 2,600 participants, we assessed the opposing contributions of these distinct facets of empathy to empathic accuracy. We found that whereas trait concern is beneficial to empathic accuracy, trait contagion is, paradoxically, detrimental. These patterns emerged across 4 different measures of empathic accuracy that involve emotional and mental states communicated through the eyes (Study 1), paralinguistic cues in the voice (Study 2), facial expressions (Studies 2 and 4), and cues presented during a mock interview (Study 3). Moreover, in Study 4, we identified rational thinking style as a mechanism for these opposing effects. Whereas those who exhibit contagion tend to be less rational, those who exhibit concern tend to be more rational. These differences in cognitive style mediate the opposing relationships of contagion and concern with interpersonal accuracy. Our studies thus highlight the value of empirically separating psychologically distinct facets of empathy to more accurately characterize their independent contributions to interpersonal processes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).