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Wittine L, Ketchum J, Silva MA, Hammond F, Chung JS, Loyo K, Lezama J, Nakase-Richardson R. Mortality among Veterans following Traumatic Brain Injury: A VA Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38959125 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2024.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Few studies have examined long-term mortality following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a military population. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective, longitudinal study that examines long-term mortality (up to 10 years) post-TBI, including analyses of life expectancy, causes of death and risk factors for death in service members and veterans (SM/V) who survived the acute TBI and inpatient rehabilitation. Among 922 participants in the study, the mortality rate was 8.3% following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The mean age of death was 54.5 years, with death occurring on average 3.2 years after injury, and with an average 7-year life expectancy reduction. SM/V with TBI were nearly 4 times more likely to die compared with the US general population. Leading causes of death were external causes of injury, circulatory disease, and respiratory disorders. Also notable were deaths due to late effects of TBI itself and suicide. Falls were a significant mechanism of injury for those who died. Those who died were also more likely to be older at injury, unemployed, non-active duty status, not currently married, and had longer post-traumatic amnesia, longer rehabilitation stays, worse independence and disability scores at rehabilitation discharge, and a history of mental health issues prior to injury. These findings indicate that higher disability and less social supportive infrastructure are associated with higher mortality. Our investigation into the vulnerabilities underlying premature mortality and into the major causes of death may help target future prevention, surveillance, and monitoring interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Wittine
- James A Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612-4745
- AdventHealth West Florida, 3100 E. Fletcher Ave, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33613;
| | | | - Marc A Silva
- James A Haley Veterans Hospital, MHBSS, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Psychology 116-B, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612
- University of South Florida, Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Tampa, Florida, United States;
| | | | - Joyce S Chung
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Polytrauma, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304;
| | - Karina Loyo
- VA James A Haley Hospital, Tampa, Florida, United States;
| | - Jose Lezama
- VA James A Haley Hospital, Tampa, Florida, United States;
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, MHBS, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, 116B, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612;
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Ahmed A, Das A, Ming T, Krishnan K, Lartigue S, Patel R, Abbate Z, Pandit M, Etienne M. Diversity trends in traumatic brain injury clinical trials in the United States. Brain Inj 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38757524 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2355591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to understand the demographic representation of patients in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) clinical trials by evaluating the proportions of patients from various demographic categories amongst completed TBI clinical trials in the United States. METHODS ClinicalTrials.gov was queried for active TBI clinical trials. One hundred and eight completed trials in the United States were selected based on inclusion criteria, and information regarding intervention, setting, age, sex, race, and ethnicity was extracted. 2002-2006 TBI incidence data was obtained from the CDC. Chi-squared testing was applied to analyze the relationship between distributions of race and sex in the collected clinical trials and the national TBI data, and logistic regression was conducted to identify variables that may predict reporting of race or ethnicity. RESULTS About 53.7% of selected clinical trials reported racial data and 34.3% reported ethnicity data. Logistic regression identified that clinical trials in defined phases were more likely to report racial data (p = 0.047 [1.015, 9.603]). CONCLUSION Current TBI trials do not consistently report race or ethnicity data. Future efforts to ensure equitable representation in clinical trials may involve reform of recruitment processes and accountability measures implemented within the grant application process to ensure proper racial and ethnicity data reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Ahmed
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Ankita Das
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Tiffany Ming
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Karishma Krishnan
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Schan Lartigue
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Rohan Patel
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Zachary Abbate
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Maya Pandit
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Mill Etienne
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern, New York, USA
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Borja AJ, Karsalia R, Chauhan D, Gallagher RS, Malhotra EG, Punchak MA, Na J, McClintock SD, Marcotte PJ, Yoon JW, Ali ZS, Malhotra NR. Association Between Race and Short-Term Outcomes Across 3988 Consecutive Single-Level Spinal Fusions. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01046. [PMID: 38334372 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Race has implications for access to medical care. However, the impact of race, after access to care has been attained, remains poorly understood. The objective of this study was to isolate the relationship between race and short-term outcomes across patients undergoing a single, common neurosurgical procedure. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, 3988 consecutive patients undergoing single-level, posterior-only open lumbar fusion at a single, multihospital, academic medical center were enrolled over a 6-year period. Among them, 3406 patients self-identified as White, and 582 patients self-identified as Black. Outcome disparities between all White patients vs all Black patients were estimated using logistic regression. Subsequently, coarsened exact matching controlled for outcome-mitigating factors; White and Black patients were exact-matched 1:1 on key demographic and health characteristics (matched n = 1018). Primary outcomes included 30-day and 90-day hospital readmissions, emergency department (ED) visits, reoperations, mortality, discharge disposition, and intraoperative complication. RESULTS Before matching, Black patients experienced increased rate of nonhome discharge, readmissions, ED visits, and reoperations (all P < .001). After exact matching, Black patients were less likely to be discharged to home (odds ratio [OR] 2.68, P < .001) and had higher risk of 30-day and 90-day readmissions (OR 2.24, P < .001; OR 1.91, P < .001; respectively) and ED visits (OR 1.79, P = .017; OR 2.09, P < .001). Black patients did not experience greater risk of intraoperative complication (unintentional durotomy). CONCLUSION Between otherwise homogenous spinal fusion cohorts, Black patients experienced unfavorable short-term outcomes. These disparities were not explained by differences in intraoperative complications. Further investigation must characterize and mitigate institutional and societal factors that contribute to outcome disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Borja
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ritesh Karsalia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daksh Chauhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan S Gallagher
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emelia G Malhotra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria A Punchak
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianbo Na
- McKenna EpiLog Fellowship in Population Health at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott D McClintock
- Department of Mathematics, The West Chester Statistical Institute, West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul J Marcotte
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jang W Yoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zarina S Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neil R Malhotra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- McKenna EpiLog Fellowship in Population Health at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Johnson LW, Diaz I. Exploring the Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050707. [PMID: 37239178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health concern, that can leave lasting physical, cognitive, and/or behavioral changes for many who sustain this type of injury. Because of the heterogeneity of this population, development of appropriate intervention tools can be difficult. Social determinants of health (SDoH) are factors that may impact TBI incidence, recovery, and outcome. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the existing literature regarding the prevailing SDoH and health disparities (HDs) associated with TBI in adults. A scoping review, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to explore three electronic databases-PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL. Searches identified peer-reviewed empirical literature addressing aspects of SDoH and HDs related to TBI. A total of 123 records were identified and reduced to 27 studies based on inclusion criteria. Results revealed race/ethnicity was the most commonly reported SDoH impacting TBI, followed by an individual's insurance status. Health disparities were noted to occur across the continuum of TBI, including TBI risk, acute hospitalization, rehabilitation, and recovery. The most frequently reported HD was that Whites are more likely to be discharged to inpatient rehabilitation compared to racial/ethnic minorities. Health disparities associated with TBI are most commonly associated with the race/ethnicity SDoH, though insurance status and socioeconomic status commonly influence health inequities as well. The additional need for evidence related to the impact of other, lesser researched, SDoH is discussed, as well as clinical implications that can be used to target intervention for at-risk groups using an individual's known SDoH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie W Johnson
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Isabella Diaz
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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Maldonado J, Huang JH, Childs EW, Tharakan B. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Traumatic Brain Injury: Pathophysiology, Outcomes, and Future Directions. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:502-513. [PMID: 36029219 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, exacting a debilitating physical, social, and financial strain. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the impact of TBI on medically underserved communities in the U.S. The purpose of the current study was to review the literature on TBI for evidence of racial/ethnic differences in the U.S. Results of the review showed significant racial/ethnic disparities in TBI outcome and several notable differences in other TBI variables. American Indian/Alaska Natives have the highest rate and number of TBI-related deaths compared with all other racial/ethnic groups; Blacks/African Americans are significantly more likely to incur a TBI from violence when compared with Non-Hispanic Whites; and minorities are significantly more likely to have worse functional outcome compared with Non-Hispanic Whites, particularly among measures of community integration. We were unable to identify any studies that looked directly at underlying racial/ethnic biological variations associated with different TBI outcomes. In the absence of studies on racial/ethnic differences in TBI pathobiology, taking an indirect approach, we looked for studies examining racial/ethnic differences in oxidative stress and inflammation outside the scope of TBI as they are known to heavily influence TBI pathobiology. The literature indicates that Blacks/African Americans have greater inflammation and oxidative stress compared with Non-Hispanic Whites. We propose that future studies investigate the possibility of racial/ethnic differences in inflammation and oxidative stress within the context of TBI to determine whether there is any relationship or impact on TBI outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Maldonado
- Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health and Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
| | - Ed W Childs
- Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Binu Tharakan
- Department of Surgery, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Starosta AJ, Mata-Greve F, Humbert A, Zheng Z, Prado MG, Au MA, Mollis B, Stephens KA, Hoffman JM. Intersectionality of Systemic Disadvantage on Mortality and Care Following TBI. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2023; 38:137-146. [PMID: 36883896 PMCID: PMC10783126 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People of color (POC), especially those who also hold social identities associated with disadvantage (non-English-speaking, female, older, lower socioeconomic level), continue to be underserved in the health system, which can result in poorer care and worsened health outcomes. Most disparity research in traumatic brain injury (TBI) focuses on the impact of single factors, which misses the compounding effect of belonging to multiple historically marginalized groups. OBJECTIVE To examine the intersectional impact of multiple social identities vulnerable to systemic disadvantage following TBI on mortality, opioid usage during acute hospitalization, and discharge location. METHODS Retrospective observational design utilizing electronic health records merged with local trauma registry data. Patient groups were defined by race and ethnicity (POC or non-Hispanic White), age, sex, type of insurance, and primary language (English-speaking vs non-English-speaking). Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify clusters of systemic disadvantage. Outcome measures were then assessed across latent classes and tested for differences. RESULTS Over an 8-year period, 10 809 admissions with TBI occurred (37% POC). LCA identified a 4-class model. Groups with more systemic disadvantage had higher rates of mortality. Classes with older populations had lower rates of opioid administration and were less likely to discharge to inpatient rehabilitation following acute care. Sensitivity analyses examining additional indicators of TBI severity demonstrated that the younger group with more systemic disadvantage had more severe TBI. Controlling for more indicators of TBI severity changed statistical significance in mortality for younger groups. CONCLUSION Results demonstrate significant health inequities in the mortality and access to inpatient rehabilitation following TBI along with higher rates of severe injury in younger patients with more social disadvantages. While many inequities may be related to systemic racism, our findings suggested an additive, deleterious effect for patients who belonged to multiple historically disadvantaged groups. Further research is needed to understand the role of systemic disadvantage for individuals with TBI within the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Starosta
- Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine (Drs Starosta, Humbert, and Hoffman) and Family Medicine (Mss Zheng, Prado, Au, and Mollis and Dr Stephens), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle; and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington (Dr Mata-Greve)
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Liou-Johnson V, Merced K, Klyce DW, Agtarap S, Finn JA, Chung JS, Campbell T, Harris OA, Perrin PB. Exploring racial/ethnic disparities in rehabilitation outcomes after TBI: A veterans affairs model systems study. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 52:451-462. [PMID: 36806517 DOI: 10.3233/nre-220225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Almost one-third of the U.S. military population is comprised of service members and veterans (SMVs) of color. Research suggests poorer functional and psychosocial outcomes among Black and Hispanic/Latine vs. White civilians following traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE This study examined racial/ethnic differences in 5-year functional independence and life satisfaction trajectories among SMVs who had undergone acute rehabilitation at one of five VA TBI Model Systems (TBIMS) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs). METHODS Differences in demographic and injury-related factors were assessed during acute rehabilitation among White (n = 663), Black (n = 89) and Hispanic/Latine (n = 124) groups. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Motor, FIM Cognitive, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) scores were collected at 1, 2, and 5 years after injury. Racial/ethnic comparisons in these outcome trajectories were made using hierarchical linear modeling. RESULTS Black SMVs were less likely than White and Hispanic/Latine SMVs to have been deployed to a combat zone; there were no other racial/ethnic differences in any demographic or injury-related variable assessed. In terms of outcomes, no racial/ethnic differences emerged in FIM Motor, FIM cognitive, or SWLS trajectories. CONCLUSION The absence of observable racial/ethnic differences in 5-year outcome trajectories after TBI among SMVs from VA TBIMS PRCs contrasts sharply with previous research identifying disparities in these same outcomes and throughout the larger VA health care system. Individuals enrolled in VA PRCs are likely homogenized on key social determinants of health that would otherwise contribute to racial/ethnic disparities in outcome trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Liou-Johnson
- Polytrauma Department, VA Palo Alto Healthcare Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kritzia Merced
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Daniel W Klyce
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Common wealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Sheltering Arms Institute, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Jacob A Finn
- Rehabilitation and Extended Care, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joyce S Chung
- Rehabilitation Department, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Campbell
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Odette A Harris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Rehabilitation Department, Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, PaloAlto, CA, USA
| | - Paul B Perrin
- Central Virginia Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Psychology, School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Racial Disparity in Placement of Intracranial Pressure Monitoring: A TQIP Analysis. J Am Coll Surg 2023; 236:81-92. [PMID: 36519911 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Brain Trauma Foundation recommends intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Race is associated with worse outcomes after TBI. The reasons for racial disparities in clinical decision-making around ICP monitor placement remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN We queried the TQIP database from 2017 to 2019 and included patients 16 years or older, with blunt severe TBI, defined as a head abbreviated injury score 3 or greater. Exclusion criteria were missing race, those without signs of life on admission, length of stay 1 day or less, and AIS of 6 in any body region. The primary outcome was ICP monitor placement, which was calculated using a Poisson regression model with robust SEs while adjusting for confounders. RESULTS A total of 260,814 patients were included: 218,939 White, 29,873 Black, 8,322 Asian, 2,884 American Indian, and 796 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. Asian and American Indian patients had the highest rates of midline shift (16.5% and 16.9%). Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders had the highest rates of neurosurgical intervention (19.3%) and ICP monitor placement (6.5%). Asian patients were found to be 19% more likely to receive ICP monitoring (adjusted incident rate ratio 1.19; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.33; p = 0.003], and American Indian patients were 38% less likely (adjusted incident rate ratio 0.62; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.79; p < 0.001), compared with White patients, respectively. No differences were detected between White and Black patients. CONCLUSIONS ICP monitoring use differs by race. Further work is needed to elucidate modifiable causes of this difference in the management of severe TBI.
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Barrie U, Williams M, Nguyen M, Kenfack YJ, Mason H, Ata A, Aoun SG, Pilitsis JG. Characteristics of graduating medical students interested in neurosurgery with intention to practice in underserved areas: Implications for residency programs. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 218:107293. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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