Healthcare expenditure trends among adult stroke patients in the United States, 2011-2020.

Background: In the US, between 2018 and 2019, approximately $57 billion were expended on stroke and related conditions. The aim of this study was to understand trends in direct healthcare expenditures among stroke patients using novel cost estimation methods and a nationally representative database.

Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of 193,003 adults, ≥18 years of age, using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey during 2009-2016.

The association of hyperhomocysteinemia with acute post-operative complications following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The influence of hyperhomocysteinemia on post-operative events, after coronary artery bypass surgery graft, is less studied.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine if hyperhomocysteinemia was associated with post-operative complications in patients < 50 years who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft for coronary artery disease.

Financial Burden and Catastrophic Health Expenditure Associated with COVID-19 Hospitalizations in Kerala, South India.

Introduction: Catastrophic health expenditure during COVID-19 hospitalization has altered the economic picture of households, especially in low resource settings with high rates of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to estimate the out of pocket (OOP) expenditure and the proportion of households that incurred catastrophic health expenditure due to COVID-19 hospitalization in Kerala, South India.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of 155 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Kottayam district over four months, using a pretested interview schedule.

The accuracy of anthropometric measurements of general and central obesity for the prediction of impaired glucose tolerance among the adult population of South India.

Background: The distribution of body fat and its variation is of great importance in determining the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Central obesity has been recognized as an independent risk factor for diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of various anthropometric measures of body fat in determining impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or prediabetes among South Indian population.

Possible Effects of Perchlorate Contamination of Drinking Water on Thyroid Health.

Background: Perchlorate is an anion that occurs as a contaminant in groundwater. It originates from the improper disposal of ammonium perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel. The objective of this study was to explore whether the exposure to perchlorate in drinking water had an impact on the thyroid function of the population residing near an ammonium perchlorate plant in Kerala.