Publications by authors named "K T Vu"

Objectives: To compare disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use between people living with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) who resided in rural vs urban areas.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used population-level individually linked administrative data to identify pwMS on April 1, 2019 (index date), in Alberta, Canada. DMT use was compared between pwMS who resided in rural vs urban areas during a 1-year postindex period.

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In this work, we propose and assess the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for facilitating public engagement around potential clean energy sources. Such an application could increase energy literacy-an awareness of low-carbon energy sources among the public therefore leading to increased participation in decision-making about the future of energy systems. We explore the use of generative AI to communicate technical information about low-carbon energy sources to the general public, specifically in the realm of nuclear energy.

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Article Synopsis
  • A retrospective cohort study analyzed post-stroke spasticity (PSS) treatment data from Alberta, Canada, focusing on patients who started PSS treatment between 2012 and 2019.
  • The most common treatment was oral baclofen, prescribed mainly by primary care physicians, with a median start time of 348 days after the stroke.
  • The study highlighted issues such as over-reliance on oral baclofen (which has side effects) and underutilization of focal botulinum toxin injections, indicating a need for better alignment with treatment guidelines to improve patient outcomes.
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Transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic studies with agitated saline, also known as "bubble studies" (BSs), are used to diagnose patent foramen ovales (PFOs) in cryptogenic strokes (CSs). Guidelines limit PFO closure recommendations to CS patients ≤ 60 but BSs are often performed as part of standard order sets, leading to inappropriate studies in older patients with already-established stroke etiologies. This retrospective single-center study included acute ischemic stroke patients between January 2021 and June 2022 and assessed the stroke etiology and number of the echocardiographic studies performed.

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Spinal epidural hematoma (SEDH) is a rare but serious complication associated with spinal anesthesia (SA). We present an unusual case of cervical SEDH occurring 24 h after a lumbar puncture for a cesarean section. The patient, who was on low-dose aspirin due to preeclampsia, initially exhibited neurological symptoms resembling a stroke.

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