Correcting misperceptions about very low nicotine cigarettes for cigarette-only smokers, dual/poly smokers, other tobacco users, and non-tobacco users.

Background: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the sale and marketing of two very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNC) as modified risk tobacco products. The misperception that VLNC are healthier than regular cigarettes is common. This study explores effective message strategies to inform the public about health risks associated with VLNC use, encourage cigarette smokers to try VLNC, and prevent other tobacco users and non-users from product initiation. Methods: Following the Reasoned Action approach, a VLNC educational message was developed based on the salient beliefs associated with behavioral intention. The message was tested in an online survey conducted in 2018, where 410 participants were randomly assigned to one of the two message conditions (no-message, VLNC message). Message effects were assessed across four tobacco-use groups (non-tobacco users, cigarette-only smokers, cigarette dual/poly smokers, other tobacco users). Results: Compared to the no-message control, the VLNC message condition showed lower nicotine risk perception for all participants, lower misbelief in VLNC safety for non-users and cigarette-only smokers, higher belief in VLNC carcinogenicity for other tobacco users, stronger belief in second-hand smoke harm for cigarette dual/poly smokers and other tobacco users, and higher VLNC intention for cigarette-only smokers. Conclusions: Different messages are needed for different types of tobacco users. Both cigarette smokers and other tobacco users could benefit from messages that acknowledge the non-addictiveness but emphasize the health risks of VLNC. Regulators could consider making physical harm statements a requirement for VLNC packaging and marketing. New strategies need to be explored to inform cigarette dual/poly smokers.

Natural history of spontaneous pancreatic portal vein fistulae: A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pancreatic portal vein fistula (PPVF) - a rare complication of pancreatic inflammation - varies widely in presentation and means of diagnosis but has been previously associated with bleeding complications and mortality. A systematic review of published literature was performed to assess the frequency of outcomes. METHODS: A search of electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, gray literature) resulted in 1667 relevant unique manuscripts; 52 met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 74 unique (male n = 47, 63.5 %) patients were included. Mean age was 53.5 (±11.9) years. History of alcohol use was reported in 55 (74.3 %). Underlying chronic pancreatitis (CP) was present in 49 (66.2 %). In cases where presenting symptoms were reported (n = 57, 77.4 %), the most frequent were abdominal pain (63.5 %), weight loss (14.9 %), rash (12.2 %), nausea/vomiting (12.2 %), and polyarthritis (9.5 %). Computed tomography was the most common imaging modality used to confirm the diagnosis (n = 20, 27.0 %), followed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (n = 14, 18.9 %). Portal vein thrombosis was reported in 57 (77.0 %), and bleeding events (luminal, variceal, or intra-pseudocyst) were reported in 13(17.6 %) patients. Younger age was associated with higher risk of bleeding events. Mortality was reported in 12 (16.2 %) patients at any time during follow up. Older age and polyarthritis at presentation were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PPVF is a rare and potentially fatal condition, though rates of bleeding complication and death were relatively low in this population. High-quality observational studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology and natural history of this diagnosis.

Psychosocial predictors of health behavior adherence in heart-failure patients with comorbid depression: a secondary analysis of the Hopeful Heart trial.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects 20-30% of individuals with heart failure (HF), and it is associated with worse health outcomes independent of disease severity. One potential explanation is the adverse impact of depression on HF patients' adherence to the health behaviors needed to self-manage their condition. The aim of this study is to identify characteristics associated with lower adherence in this population, which could help to recognize individuals at higher risk and eventually tailor health behavior interventions to their needs. METHODS: Using data from a randomized, controlled, collaborative care treatment trial in 629 patients with HF and comorbid depression, we performed mixed effects logistic regression analyses to examine the cross-sectional and prospective relationships between medical and psychosocial variables and health behavior adherence, including adherence to medications, a low-sodium diet, and physician appointments. RESULTS: In cross-sectional analyses, married marital status and higher physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were associated with greater overall adherence (compared to married, single Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.26-0.80; other OR = 0.60, CI = 0.38-0.94; p = .012. Physical HRQoL OR = 1.02, CI = 1.00-1.04, p = .047). Prospectively, greater levels of social support were associated with improved overall adherence one year later (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00-1.08, p = .037). Social support, HF symptom severity, race and ethnicity, and age were predictors of specific types of adherence. Neither depression nor optimism was significantly associated with adherence outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide important preliminary information about risk factors for poor adherence in patients with both HF and depression, which could, in turn, contribute to the development of interventions to promote adherence in this high-risk population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02044211 ; registered 1/21/2014.

Active surveillance pharmacovigilance for Clostridioides difficile infection and gastrointestinal bleeding: an analytic framework based on case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Active surveillance pharmacovigilance is an emerging approach to identify medications with unanticipated effects. We previously developed a framework called pharmacopeia-wide association studies (PharmWAS) that limits false positive medication associations through high-dimensional confounding adjustment and set enrichment. We aimed to assess the transportability and generalizability of the PharmWAS framework by using medical claims data to reproduce known medication associations with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) or gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). METHODS: We conducted case-control studies using Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database of individuals enrolled in large commercial and Medicare Advantage health plans in the United States. Individuals with CDI (from 2010 to 2015) or GIB (from 2010 to 2021) were matched to controls by age and sex. We identified all medications utilized prior to diagnosis and analysed the association of each with CDI or GIB using conditional logistic regression adjusted for risk factors for the outcome and a high-dimensional propensity score. FINDINGS: For the CDI study, we identified 55,137 cases, 220,543 controls, and 290 medications to analyse. Antibiotics with Gram-negative spectrum, including ciprofloxacin (aOR 2.83), ceftriaxone (aOR 2.65), and levofloxacin (aOR 1.60), were strongly associated. For the GIB study, we identified 450,315 cases, 1,801,260 controls, and 354 medications to analyse. Antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ticagrelor (aOR 2.81), naproxen (aOR 1.87), and rivaroxaban (aOR 1.31), were strongly associated. INTERPRETATION: These studies demonstrate the generalizability and transportability of the PharmWAS pharmacovigilance framework. With additional validation, PharmWAS could complement traditional passive surveillance systems to identify medications that unexpectedly provoke or prevent high-impact conditions. FUNDING: U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Clinical diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidities, performance of screening tests and pattern of psychotropic medication use in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric comorbidity measured by screening instruments is common in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) but whether this accurately reflects clinical diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity is unknown and the prevalence of psychotropic medication prescription in CP remains largely unexplored. METHODS: Adult patients (≥18 years) with definite CP were enrolled and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Demographics, clinical characteristics and medications were retrieved from case report forms and the electronic health record (EHR). Clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety was determined by presence of ICD-10 code or inclusion in the patient's EHR problem list or treatment plan. Comparisons were made between patients with and without clinical psychiatric comorbidity. RESULTS: Total of 81 patients (48, 59.3% male; mean age 57.6 ± 14.3 years) were included. Clinical diagnoses of anxiety and depression were each noted in 47 (58%) patients, with overlap in 42 (51.9%). Compared to clinical diagnoses, the sensitivity and specificity of a positive screen for anxiety (HADS >7) were 76.6% and 91.2%; for depression 55.3% and 88.2%. Patients with anxiety and/or depression were more frequently female (51.9% v 20.7%), younger (53.6 v 64.9 years), and had alcohol etiology (51.9% v 27.6%) (all p < 0.01). In those with psychiatric comorbidity, 42 (80.8%) were prescribed psychotropic medication, most commonly gabapentinoid (24, 57.1%), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (n = 22, 52.4%) or benzodiazepine (n = 20, 47.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric comorbidities are common among CP patients and many receive psychotropic medications. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of these medications on CP symptoms.

Predictors of Use and Drop Out From a Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program and Health Community for Depression and Anxiety in Primary Care Patients: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: A previously reported study examined the treatment of primary care patients with at least moderate severity depressive or anxiety symptoms via an evidence-based computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) program (Beating the Blues) and an online health community (OHC) that included a moderated internet support group. The 2 treatment arms proved to be equally successful at 6-month follow-up. OBJECTIVE: Although highly promising, e-mental health treatment programs have encountered high rates of noninitiation, poor adherence, and discontinuation. Identifying ways to counter these tendencies is critical for their success. To further explore these issues, this study identified the primary care patient characteristics that increased the chances patients would not initiate the use of an intervention, (ie, not try it even once), initiate use, and go on to discontinue or continue to use an intervention. METHODS: The study had 3 arms: one received access to CCBT (n=301); another received CCBT plus OHC (n=302), which included a moderated internet support group; and the third received usual care (n=101). Participants in the 2 active intervention arms of the study were grouped together for analyses of CCBT use (n=603) because both arms had access to CCBT, and there were no differences in outcomes between the 2 arms. Analyses of OHC use were based on 302 participants who were randomized to that arm. RESULTS: Several baseline patient characteristics were associated with failure to initiate the use of CCBT, including having worse physical health (measured by the Short Form Health Survey Physical Components Score, P=.01), more interference from pain (by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference score, P=.048), less formal education (P=.02), and being African American or another US minority group (P=.006). Characteristics associated with failure to initiate use of the OHC were better mental health (by the Short Form Health Survey Mental Components Score, P=.04), lower use of the internet (P=.005), and less formal education (P=.001). Those who initiated the use of the CCBT program but went on to complete less of the program had less formal education (P=.01) and lower severity of anxiety symptoms (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that several patient characteristics predicted whether a patient was likely to not initiate use or discontinue the use of CCBT or OHC. These findings have clear implications for actionable areas that can be targeted during initial and ongoing engagement activities designed to increase patient buy-in, as well as increase subsequent use and the resulting success of eHealth programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01482806; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01482806.

Efficacy and Safety of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prefusion F Protein Vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) in Older Adults Over 2 RSV Seasons.

BACKGROUND: The adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) was efficacious against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD) in ≥60-years-olds over 1 RSV season. We evaluated efficacy and safety of 1 RSVPreF3 OA dose and of 2 RSVPreF3 OA doses given 1 year apart against RSV-LRTD over 2 RSV seasons post-dose 1. METHODS: In this phase 3, blinded trial, ≥60-year-olds were randomized (1:1) to receive RSVPreF3 OA or placebo pre-season 1. RSVPreF3 OA recipients were re-randomized (1:1) to receive a second RSVPreF3 OA dose (RSV_revaccination group) or placebo (RSV_1dose group) pre-season 2; participants who received placebo pre-season 1 received placebo pre-season 2 (placebo group). Efficacy of both vaccine regimens against RSV-LRTD was evaluated over 2 seasons combined (confirmatory secondary objective, success criterion: lower limits of 2-sided CIs around efficacy estimates >20%). RESULTS: The efficacy analysis comprised 24 967 participants (RSV_1dose: 6227; RSV_revaccination: 6242; placebo: 12 498). Median efficacy follow-up was 17.8 months. Efficacy over 2 seasons of 1 RSVPreF3 OA dose was 67.2% (97.5% CI: 48.2-80.0%) against RSV-LRTD and 78.8% (95% CI: 52.6-92.0%) against severe RSV-LRTD. Efficacy over 2 seasons of a first dose followed by revaccination was 67.1% (97.5% CI: 48.1-80.0%) against RSV-LRTD and 78.8% (95% CI: 52.5-92.0%) against severe RSV-LRTD. Reactogenicity/safety of the revaccination dose were similar to dose 1. CONCLUSIONS: One RSVPreF3 OA dose was efficacious against RSV-LRTD over 2 RSV seasons in ≥60-year-olds. Revaccination 1 year post-dose 1 was well tolerated but did not seem to provide additional efficacy benefit in the overall study population. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04886596.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine Is Efficacious in Older Adults With Underlying Medical Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Older adults with chronic cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions are at increased risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related acute respiratory illness (RSV-ARI) and severe respiratory disease. In an ongoing, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicountry, phase 3 trial in ≥60-year-old participants, an AS01E-adjuvanted RSV prefusion F protein-based vaccine (RSVPreF3 OA) was efficacious against RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (RSV-LRTD), severe RSV-LRTD, and RSV-ARI. We evaluated efficacy and immunogenicity among participants with coexisting cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions that increase the risk of severe RSV disease ("conditions of interest"). METHODS: Medically stable ≥60-year-old participants received 1 dose of RSVPreF3 OA or placebo. Efficacy against first RSV-LRTD and RSV-ARI episodes was assessed in subgroups with/without coexisting cardiorespiratory or endocrine/metabolic conditions of interest. Immunogenicity was analyzed post hoc in these subgroups. RESULTS: In total, 12 467 participants received RSVPreF3 OA and 12 499 received placebo. Of these, 39.6% (RSVPreF3 OA) and 38.9% (placebo) had ≥1 coexisting condition of interest. The median efficacy follow-up was 6.7 months. Efficacy against RSV-LRTD was high in participants with ≥1 condition of interest (94.6%), ≥1 cardiorespiratory (92.1%), ≥1 endocrine/metabolic (100%), and ≥2 conditions of interest (92.0%). Efficacy against RSV-ARI was 81.0% in participants with ≥1 condition of interest (88.1% for cardiorespiratory, 79.4% for endocrine/metabolic conditions) and 88.0% in participants with ≥2 conditions of interest. Postvaccination neutralizing titers were at least as high in participants with ≥1 condition of interest as in those without. CONCLUSIONS: RSVPreF3 OA was efficacious against RSV-LRTD and RSV-ARI in older adults with coexisting medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe RSV disease. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04886596.

Positive Predictive Value of Cirrhosis and Chronic Pancreatitis Diagnoses in Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Although accuracy of diagnosis codes for cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis (CP) has been evaluated in multiple studies, none have focused on patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD). We evaluated the positive predictive value (PPV) for a verified diagnosis of cirrhosis and CP in AUD patients treated at a tertiary care center. METHODS: We performed a detailed review of electronic health records for AUD patients assigned ICD-9 or 10 codes for alcoholic cirrhosis (ALC) (n = 199), CP (n = 200), or both (n = 200). We calculated PPV for a verified diagnosis of cirrhosis and CP and performed multivariable regression analysis to assess the impact of relevant factors on PPV for a verified diagnosis. RESULTS: PPV of cirrhosis was 81.2% (95% CI 77.0 to 84.9%) which increased to 87.5% (95% CI 83.8 to 90.6%) if the definition was relaxed to include alcohol-related hepatitis. PPV of CP was 54.5% (95% CI 49.5 to 59.5%) which increased to 78% (95% CI 73.6 to 82.0%) when recurrent acute pancreatitis was included in the definition. In multivariable analyses, the odds of a verified diagnosis were significantly higher in individuals aged 65+ years for both cirrhosis (OR 12.23, 95% CI 2.19 to 68.42) and CP (OR 8.84, 95% CI 2.7 to 28.93) and in ever smokers for CP (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.65). CONCLUSION: PPV for diagnosis codes in AUD patients is high for a verified diagnosis of cirrhosis but only modest for CP. While administrative datasets can provide reliable information for cirrhosis, future studies should focus on ways to boost the diagnostic validity of administrative datasets for CP.

Bleeding and Ischemic Risk Prediction in Patients With High Bleeding Risk (an EVOLVE Short DAPT Analysis).

The EVOLVE Short DAPT study demonstrated the safety of truncated dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with a high bleeding risk (HBR) treated with SYNERGY stent(s) (Boston Scientific Company, Marlborough, Massachusetts). In this population, bleeding and ischemic risk prediction may further inform DAPT decisions. This post hoc analysis of the EVOLVE Short DAPT study identified predictors of ischemic and bleeding events up to 15 months using Cox proportional hazard models. The predicted probabilities of bleeding were calculated using the Breslow method. Of 2,009 enrolled patients, 96.9% of the patients met at least 1 HBR criteria. At 15 months, the cumulative incidences of bleeding and ischemic events were 6.3% and 6.0%, respectively. The risk of bleeding was increased in patients who received oral anticoagulants (hazard ratio [HR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50 to 3.36, p <0.001) or had peripheral vascular disease (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.56, p = 0.045). The risk of ischemic events was increased in patients with diabetes (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.78, p <0.01) or congestive heart failure (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.04, p <0.001). Renal insufficiency/failure was associated with both endpoints. There was a strong positive correlation between the predicted probability of ischemic and bleeding events (R = 0.77, p <0.001). In 617 patients with a predicted bleeding risk <4%, ischemic events predominated, and the ischemic and bleeding rates were higher in patients with a predicted bleeding risk ≥4%. Within an HBR cohort, specific characteristics identify patients at a higher risk for ischemic and separately, bleeding events. Increased bleeding risk is tied to increased ischemic risk. In conclusion, standardized risk models are needed to inform DAPT decisions in patients with a higher risk. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02605447.

Dispensary Staff Perceptions About the Benefits, Risks, and Safety of Cannabis for Medical Purposes.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic use of cannabis is common in the United States (up to 18.7% of Americans aged ≥12), and dispensaries in the US are proliferating rapidly. However, the efficacy profile of medical cannabis is unclear, and customers often rely on dispensary staff for purchasing decisions. The objective was to describe cannabis dispensary staff perceptions of medical cannabis benefits and risks, as well as its safety in high-risk populations. METHODS: Online Survey study conducted using Qualtrics from February 13, 2020 to October 2, 2020 with a national sample of dispensary staff who reportedinteracting with customers in a cannabis dispensary selling tetrahydrocannabinol-containing products. Participants were queried about benefits ("helpfulness") and risks ("worry") about cannabis for a variety of medical conditions, and safety in older adults and pregnant women on a five-point Likert scale. These results were then collapsed into three categories including "neutral" (3/5). "I don't know" (uncertainty) was a response option for helpfulness and safety. RESULTS: Participants (n = 434) were from 29 states and included patient-facing dispensary staff (40%); managers (32%); pharmacists (13%); and physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants (5%). Over 80% of participants perceived cannabis as helpful for post-traumatic stress disorder (88.7%), epilepsy (85.3%) and cancer (83.4%). Generally, participants were not concerned about potential cannabis risks, including increased use of illicit drugs (76.3%), decreases in intelligence (74.4%), disrupted sleep (71.7%), and new/worsening health problems from medical cannabis use (70.7%). Cannabis was considered safe in older adults by 81.3% of participants, though there was much less consensus on safety in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Cannabis dispensary staff generally view medical cannabis as beneficial and low-risk. However, improvements in dispensary staff training, an increased role for certifying clinicians, and interventions to reduce dispensary staff concerns (e.g., cost, judgment) may improve evidence-based staff recommendations to patients seeking medical cannabis.

mRNA vaccine quality analysis using RNA sequencing.

The success of mRNA vaccines has been realised, in part, by advances in manufacturing that enabled billions of doses to be produced at sufficient quality and safety. However, mRNA vaccines must be rigorously analysed to measure their integrity and detect contaminants that reduce their effectiveness and induce side-effects. Currently, mRNA vaccines and therapies are analysed using a range of time-consuming and costly methods. Here we describe a streamlined method to analyse mRNA vaccines and therapies using long-read nanopore sequencing. Compared to other industry-standard techniques, VAX-seq can comprehensively measure key mRNA vaccine quality attributes, including sequence, length, integrity, and purity. We also show how direct RNA sequencing can analyse mRNA chemistry, including the detection of nucleoside modifications. To support this approach, we provide supporting software to automatically report on mRNA and plasmid template quality and integrity. Given these advantages, we anticipate that RNA sequencing methods, such as VAX-seq, will become central to the development and manufacture of mRNA drugs.

Postoperative Complications of True Dropless Cataract Surgery versus Standard Topical Drops.

Purpose Compare postoperative outcomes in cataract surgery between eyes with standard drop regimen versus dropless protocol by residents. Design Retrospective cohort study between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2020. Methods The study was performed at Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital in Houston, Harris County, Texas. A total of 547 eyes (234 dropless vs. 313 standard) with phacoemulsification cataract surgery and minimum of 1-month follow-up with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were included. Dropless received 40 mg sub-Tenon's triamcinolone and intracameral moxifloxacin. Patients were followed at postoperative day 1 (POD1), week 1 (POW1), and month 1 (POM1). Postoperative rate of BCVA better than 20/40 (Good vision) and rate of complications were compared between groups. Results Good vision on POM1 in dropless (77.8%) was noninferior to standard (75.1%, p = 0.80). Complication rate in dropless (28.6%) was noninferior to standard (24.0%, p = 0.13). Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation on POD1 ( p = 0.041) and anterior chamber (AC) cells on POW1 and POM1 ( p < 0.001) were more frequent in dropless. Mean spherical equivalent at POM1 was better in dropless (-0.37 D [±0.81 D]) compared with standard (-0.61D [±0.77 D], p = 0.001). Early posterior capsular opacification (early PCO) was more frequent in dropless ( p = 0.042). Conclusions Postoperative rate of BCVA better than 20/40 and rate of postoperative complications were noninferior, although dropless had higher rates of AC inflammation, IOP elevation, and early PCO.

Cannabis dispensary staff approaches to counseling on potential contraindications to cannabis use: insights from a national self-report survey.

BACKGROUND: Legal cannabis is available in more than half of the United States. Health care professionals (HCPs) rarely give recommendations on dosing or safety of cannabis due to limits imposed by policy and lack of knowledge. Customer-facing cannabis dispensary staff, including clinicians (pharmacists, nurses, physician's assistants), communicate these recommendations in the absence of HCP recommendations. Little is known about how dispensary staff approach individuals with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities. Using responses from a national survey, we describe how cannabis dispensary staff counsel customers with medical and psychiatric comorbidities on cannabis use and examine whether state-specific cannabis policy is associated with advice given to customers. METHODS: National, cross-sectional online survey study from February 13, 2020 to October 2, 2020 of dispensary staff at dispensaries that sell delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol containing products. Measures include responses to survey questions about how they approach customers with medical and psychiatric comorbidities; state medicalization score (scale 0-100; higher score indicates more similarity to regulation of traditional pharmacies); legalized adult-use cannabis (yes/no). We conducted multiple mixed effects multivariable logistic regression analyses to understand relationships between state medicalization and dispensary employees' perspectives. RESULTS: Of 434 eligible respondents, most were budtenders (40%) or managers (32%), and a minority were clinicians (18%). State medicalization score was not associated with responses to most survey questions. It was associated with increased odds of encouraging customers with medical comorbidities to inform their traditional HCP of cannabis use (Odds ratio [OR]=1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.4, p=0.03) and reduced odds of recommending cannabis for individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) (OR=0.8, 95% CI 0.7-1.0, p=0.04). Working in a state with legalized adult-use cannabis was associated with recommending traditional health care instead of cannabis in those with serious mental illness (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.7, p=0.04). Less than half of respondents believed they had encountered CUD (49%), and over a quarter did not believe cannabis is addictive (26%). CONCLUSIONS: When managing cannabis dosing and safety in customers with medical and psychiatric comorbidity, dispensary staff preferred involving individuals' traditional HCPs. Dispensary staff were skeptical of cannabis being addictive. While state regulations of dispensaries may impact the products individuals have access to, they were not associated with recommendations that dispensary staff gave to customers. Alternative explanations for dispensary recommendations may include regional or store-level variation not captured in this analysis.

Evaluation of Out-of-Pocket Costs and Treatment Intensification With an SGLT2 Inhibitor or GLP-1 RA in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

Importance: The latest guidelines continue to recommend sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and established cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite this, overall use of these 2 drug classes has been suboptimal. Objective: To assess the association of high out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and the initiation of an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 RA among adults with T2D and established CVD who are treated with metformin-treated. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used 2017 to 2021 data from the Optum deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database. Each individual in the cohort was categorized into quartiles of OOP costs for a 1-month supply of SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 RA based on their health plan assignment. Data were analyzed from April 2021 to October 2022. Exposures: OOP cost for SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RA. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was treatment intensification, defined as a new dispensing (ie, initiation) of either an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 RA, among patients with T2D previously treated with metformin monotherapy. For each drug class separately, Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for demographic, clinical, plan, clinician, and laboratory characteristics to estimate the hazard ratios of treatment intensification comparing the highest vs the lowest quartile of OOP costs. Results: Our cohort included 80 807 adult patients (mean [SD] age, 72 [9.5] years, 45 129 [55.8%] male; 71 128 [88%] were insured with Medicare Advantage) with T2D and established CVD on metformin monotherapy. Patients were followed for a median (IQR) of 1080 days (528 to 1337). The mean (SD) of OOP costs in the highest vs lowest quartile was $118 [32] vs $25 [12] for GLP-1 RA, and $91 [25] vs $23 [9] for SGLT2 inhibitors. Compared with patients in plans with the lowest quartile (Q1) of OOP costs, patients in plans with the highest quartile (Q4) of costs were less likely to initiate a GLP-1 RA (adjusted HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.97]) or an SGLT2 inhibitor (adjusted HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.73 to 0.88]). The median (IQR) number of days to initiating a GLP-1 RA was 481 (207-820) days in Q1 and 556 (237-917) days in Q4 of OOP costs and 520 (193-876) days in Q1 vs 685 (309-1017) days in Q4 for SGLT2 inhibitors. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of more than 80 000 older adults with T2D and established CVD covered by Medicare Advantage and commercial plans, those in the highest quartile of OOP cost were 13% and 20% less likely to initiate a GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 inhibitor, respectively, when compared with those in the lowest quartile of OOP costs.

Recombinant von Willebrand factor and tranexamic acid for heavy menstrual bleeding in patients with mild and moderate von Willebrand disease in the USA (VWDMin): a phase 3, open-label, randomised, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Heavy menstrual bleeding occurs in 80% of women with von Willebrand disease and is associated with iron deficiency and poor response to current therapies. International guidelines indicate low certainty regarding effectiveness of hormonal therapy and tranexamic acid. Although von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate is approved for bleeds, no prospective trials guide its use in heavy menstrual bleeding. We aimed to compare recombinant VWF with tranexamic acid for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in patients with von Willebrand disease. METHODS: VWDMin, a phase 3, open-label, randomised crossover trial, was done in 13 haemophilia treatment centres in the USA. Female patients aged 13-45 years with mild or moderate von Willebrand disease, defined as VWF ristocetin cofactor less than 0·50 IU/mL, and heavy menstrual bleeding, defined as a pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) score more than 100 in one of the past two cycles were eligible for enrolment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to two consecutive cycles each of intravenous recombinant VWF, 40 IU/kg over 5-10 min on day 1, and oral tranexamic acid 1300 mg three times daily on days 1-5, the order determined by randomisation. The primary outcome was a 40-point reduction in PBAC score by day 5 after two cycles of treatment. Efficacy and safety were analysed in all patients with any post-baseline PBAC scores. The trial was stopped early due to slow recruitment on Feb 15, 2022, by a data safety monitoring board request, and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02606045. FINDINGS: Between Feb 12, 2019, and Nov 16, 2021, 39 patients were enrolled, 36 of whom completed the trial (17 received recombinant VWF then tranexamic acid and 19 received tranexamic acid then recombinant VWF). At the time of this unplanned interim analysis (data cutoff Jan 27, 2022), median follow-up was 23·97 weeks (IQR 21·81-28·14). The primary endpoint was not met, neither treatment corrected PBAC score to the normal range. Median PBAC score was significantly lower after two cycles with tranexamic acid than with recombinant VWF (146 [95% CI 117-199] vs 213 [152-298]; adjusted mean treatment difference 46 [95% CI 2-90]; p=0·039). There were no serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths and no grade 3-4 adverse events. The most common grade 1-2 adverse events were mucosal bleeding (four [6%] patients during tranexamic acid treatment vs zero during recombinant VWF treatment) and other bleeding (four [6%] vs two [3%]). INTERPRETATION: These interim data suggest that recombinant VWF is not superior to tranexamic acid in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in patients with mild or moderate von Willebrand disease. These findings support discussion of treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding with patients based on their preferences and lived experience. FUNDING: National Heart Lung Blood Institute (National Institutes of Health).

Radiation Injuries: Acute Radiation Syndrome in Children.

The conflict in Ukraine has raised the specter of radiological and nuclear incidents, including fighting at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest nuclear powerplant in Europe; concerns that a radiological dispersion device ("dirty bomb") may be used; and threats to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. Children are more susceptible than adults to immediate and delayed radiation health effects. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrome. Although definitive treatment of radiation injuries should involve consultation with specialists, nonspecialists should learn to recognize the distinctive signs of radiation injury and make an initial assessment of severity of exposure. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(6):e231-e237.].

Course of Impulse Control Disorder Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: Deep Brain Stimulation Versus Medications.

Background: The effect of surgery on impulse control disorders (ICDs) remains unclear in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS). Objective: To examine changes in ICD symptoms in PD patients undergoing DBS compared to a medication-only control group. Methods: The study was a 2-center, 12-month, prospective, observational investigation of PD patients undergoing DBS and a control group matched on age, sex, dopamine agonist use, and baseline presence of ICDs. Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) and total levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed-effects models assessed changes in mean QUIP-RS score (sum of buying, eating, gambling, and hypersexuality items). Results: The cohort included 54 participants (DBS = 26, controls = 28), mean (SD) age 64.3 (8.1) and PD duration 8.0 (5.2) years. Mean baseline QUIP-RS was higher in the DBS group at baseline (8.6 (10.7) vs. 5.3 (6.9), P = 0.18). However, scores at 12 months follow-up were nearly identical (6.6 (7.3) vs. 6.0 (6.9) P = 0.79). Predictors of change in QUIP-RS score were baseline QUIP-RS score (ß = 0.483, P < 0.001) and time-varying LEDD (ß = 0.003, P = 0.02). Eight patients (four in each group) developed de novo ICD symptoms during follow-up, although none met diagnostic criteria for an impulse control disorder. Conclusions: ICD symptoms (including de novo symptoms) at 12 months follow-up were similar between PD patients undergoing DBS and patients treated with pharmacological therapy only. Monitoring for emergence of ICD symptoms is important in both surgically- and medication-only-treated PD patients.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Burden in Community-Dwelling and Long-Term Care Facility Older Adults in Europe and the United States: A Prospective Study.

Background: Data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease burden in adults remain scarce. We assessed the burden of confirmed RSV-acute respiratory infections (cRSV-ARIs) in community-dwelling (CD) adults and those in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: In this prospective cohort study covering 2 RSV seasons (October 2019-March 2020 and October 2020-June 2021), RSV-ARIs were identified through active surveillance, in medically stable CD-adults ≥50 years (Europe) or adults ≥65 years in LTCFs (Europe and the United States). RSV infection was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction from combined nasal and throat swabs. Results: Of 1981 adults enrolled, 1251 adults in CD and 664 LTCFs (season 1) and 1223 adults in CD and 494 LTCFs (season 2) were included in the analyses. During season 1, overall incidence rates ([IRs] cases/1000 person-years) and attack rates (ARs) for cRSV-ARIs were 37.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.62-61.35) and 1.84% in adults in CD and 47.85 (CI, 22.58-101.4) and 2.26% in adults in LTCFs. Complications occurred for 17.4% (CD) and 13.3% (LTCFs) of cRSV-ARIs. One cRSV-ARI occurred in season 2 (IR = 2.91 [CI, 0.40-20.97]; AR = 0.20%), without complications. No cRSV-ARIs led to hospitalization or death. Viral pathogens were codetected in ≤17.4% of cRSV-ARIs. Conclusions: RSV is an important cause of disease burden in adults in CD and LTCFs. Despite the observed low severity of cRSV-ARI, our results support the need for RSV prevention strategies among adults ≥50 years old.

Coexistent alcohol-related cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis have a comparable phenotype to either disease alone: A comparative retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use disorder is a prevalent disease in the United States. It is a well-demonstrated cause of recurrent and long-standing liver and pancreatic injury which can lead to alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC) and chronic pancreatitis (ACP). ALC and ACP are associated with significant healthcare utilization, cost burden, and mortality. The prevalence of coexistent disease (CD) ranges widely in the literature and the intersection between ALC and ACP is inconsistently characterized. As such, the clinical profile of coexistent ALC and ACP remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with CD have a worse phenotype when compared to single organ disease. AIM: To compare the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with CD from those with ALC or ACP Only. METHODS: In this retrospective comparative analysis, we reviewed international classification of disease 9/10 codes and electronic health records of adult patients with verified ALC Only (n = 135), ACP Only (n = 87), and CD (n = 133) who received care at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside Hospital. ALC was defined by histology, imaging or clinical evidence of cirrhosis or hepatic decompensation. ACP was defined by imaging findings of pancreatic calcifications, moderate-severe pancreatic duct dilatation, irregularity or atrophy. We compared demographics, pertinent clinical variables, healthcare utilization, and mortality for patients with CD with those who had single organ disease. RESULTS: Compared to CD or ACP Only, patients with ALC Only were more likely to be older, Caucasian, have higher body mass index, and Hepatitis B or C infection. CD patients (vs ALC Only) were less likely to have imaging evidence of cirrhosis and portal hypertension despite possessing similar MELD-Na and Child C scores at the most recent contact. CD patients (vs ACP Only) were less likely to have acute or recurrent acute pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, insulin use, oral pancreatic enzyme therapy, and need for endoscopic therapy or pancreatic surgery. The number of hospitalizations in patients with CD were similar to ACP Only but significantly higher than ALC Only. The overall mortality in patients with CD was similar to ALC Only but trended to be higher than ACP Only (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION: CD does not have a worse phenotype compared with single organ disease. The dominant phenotype in CD is similar to ALC Only which should be the focus in longitudinal follow-up.