Publications by authors named "A Dorfman"
Previous studies indicate differences in experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic but are constricted by limited timeframes and absence of key risk factors. This study explores temporal and inter-individual variations of loneliness in Canadians over the pandemic's first year (April 2020-2021), by identifying loneliness trajectories. It then seeks to provide information about groups overrepresented in high and persistent loneliness trajectories by examining their associations with risk factors: social isolation indicators (living alone, adherence to health measures limiting in-person contacts, and online contacts), young adultood, and the interactions between these factors.
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- Patients with congenital heart disease, particularly those who have undergone the Fontan procedure for single ventricle issues, face a high risk of sudden cardiac events (SCE) and early mortality, highlighting the importance of identifying risk factors.
- In a study involving 3,132 Fontan patients, 3.5% experienced SCE over an average follow-up of 4 years, with 36% of those cases resulting in death.
- Key risk factors for SCE included higher NYHA functional class, history of protein-losing enteropathy or plastic bronchitis, large end-diastolic volume index, and reduced ejection fraction, all of which can help in predicting and preventing such events.
Article Synopsis
- - The study utilized data from the FORCE registry to analyze cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) metrics in healthier Fontan patients, aiming to create Fontan-specific z-scores that consider different ventricular morphologies.
- - The "healthier" cohort consisted of 885 patients, primarily children, who were assessed for ventricular size and function against those with adverse outcomes, revealing that those with left ventricle morphology had better metrics.
- - Comparisons showed adults had lower blood flow in the ascending aorta than children, and patients with adverse outcomes tended to have higher heart volumes and mass, which suggests a link between ventricular morphology and patient prognosis post-Fontan surgery.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to understand adolescents' expectations and preferences before starting dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents (DBT-A), using a specially developed survey called the Adolescent Expectancies for Therapy Scale (AETS).
- Participants included 21 adolescents aged 13-18 from diverse backgrounds, who completed the AETS and a Preferences Rating Form to express their treatment preferences.
- Results showed that adolescents had moderate expectations for DBT-A outcomes, with many preferring some separation from parents during group sessions and suggesting the addition of weekly teen-only support groups, highlighting the importance of tailoring treatment to their preferences for better engagement.