Developing and Psychometric Testing a Health Care Transition Service Measure in the National Survey of Children's Health.

OBJECTIVE: Access to health care transition (HCT) services has been included in national surveys for 20 years. While dozens of studies have assessed HCT, no study has examined the model fit of the HCT questions or psychometric properties of the measure. We utilized National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data to develop and test a comprehensive HCT measure. METHODS: We utilized NSCH data (2016-19) to examine the model fit of 9 HCT questions. The new measure's psychometric properties were assessed by comparing it to theoretically similar and divergent variables including receiving care coordination/help, shared-decision making, satisfaction with communication, preventative dental care, and volunteer experience. RESULTS: An exploratory factor analysis and item culling yielded 8 items addressing 3 subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis on separate data confirmed the identified subscales. A dichotomous and continuous scale was created with subscales including Guidance Toward Independence, Adequate Clinic Visit, and Continuity of Care Discussions. Model fit was excellent with an Eigenvalue of 1.08% and 89% variance explained in exploratory factor analysis and a Goodness of Fit index of 0.97 in confirmatory factor analysis. Examination of initial reliability and content and criterion validity indicated high reliability and validity for the scale and subscales. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to examine the psychometric properties of the HCT measure in the NSCH. The HCT measure identified in this study assesses providers' use of care plans, promotion of independence, clinic visit quality, and transfer assistance. This measure will be a useful tool in clinics, intervention development, and research for adolescents with and without special health care needs.retain-->.

Improving Perceptual Speech Ratings: The Effects of Auditory Training on Judgments of Dysarthric Speech.

PURPOSE: Auditory training has been shown to reduce rater variability in perceptual voice assessment. Because rater variability is also a central issue in the auditory-perceptual assessment of dysarthria, this study sought to determine if training produces a meaningful change in rater reliability, criterion validity, and scaling magnitude of four features: overall speech impairment, articulatory imprecision, monotony, and slow rate. METHOD: Forty-four nonexperts randomized to training and nontraining listener groups completed a pretest and posttest. Only the former group underwent auditory training between pre- and posttests. For both testing and training, listeners rated samples from speakers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), speakers with Parkinson's disease (PD), and neurologically healthy control speakers using separate visual analog scales (VASs) for each of the four features. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to compare inter- and intrarater reliability between pre- and posttest for both listener groups. For criterion validity, severity ratings from the two nonexpert listener groups were compared to those of two experienced listeners for all four features. To determine changes in scaling magnitude, raw VAS scores for each feature were compared from pre- to posttest within the two nonexpert listener groups. Scaling changes were also compared between the two listener groups for the pre- and posttest conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In the training group, a meaningful improvement in interrater reliability was observed for some features in all three speaker groups, but not in the nontraining group. In contrast, for intrarater reliability, in the nontraining group, a meaningful improvement was observed for many features in all three speaker groups, but only for PD monotony and slow rate in the training group. All ratings from the nonexpert listeners were valid except for monotony. Raw VAS scores did not meaningfully change from pre- to posttest for any of the features, but there was a trend toward lower scores posttraining, mainly for the ALS samples. Modifications to the auditory training paradigm to further improve reliability and validity, along with future goals for optimizing training, are discussed.

Development and Initial Evaluation of Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Rural Family Caregivers of People With Dementia (NiteCAPP): Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Informal caregivers of people with dementia frequently experience chronic insomnia, contributing to stress and poor health outcomes. Rural caregivers are particularly vulnerable but have limited access to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a recommended frontline treatment for chronic insomnia. Web-based delivery promises to improve insomnia, particularly for rural caregivers who have limited access to traditional in-person treatments. Our team translated an efficacious 4-session standard CBT-I content protocol into digital format to create NiteCAPP. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) adapt NiteCAPP for dementia caregivers to create NiteCAPP CARES, a tailored digital format with standard CBT-I content plus caregiver-focused modifications; (2) conduct usability testing and evaluate acceptability of NiteCAPP CARES' content and features; and (3) pilot-test the adapted intervention to evaluate feasibility and preliminary effects on sleep and related health outcomes. METHODS: We followed Medical Research Council recommendations for evaluating complex medical interventions to explore user needs and adapt and validate content using a stepwise approach: (1) a rural dementia caregiver (n=5) and primary care provider (n=5) advisory panel gave feedback that was used to adapt NiteCAPP; (2) caregiver (n=5) and primary care provider (n=7) focus groups reviewed the newly adapted NiteCAPP CARES and provided feedback that guided further adaptations; and (3) NiteCAPP CARES was pilot-tested in caregivers (n=5) for feasibility and to establish preliminary effects. Self-report usability measures were collected following intervention. Before and after treatment, 14 daily electronic sleep diaries and questionnaires were collected to evaluate arousal, health, mood, burden, subjective cognition, and interpersonal processes. RESULTS: The stepped approach provided user and expert feedback on satisfaction, usefulness, and content, resulting in a new digital CBT-I tailored for rural dementia caregivers: NiteCAPP CARES. The advisory panel recommended streamlining content, eliminating jargon, and including caregiver-focused content. Focus groups gave NiteCAPP CARES high usefulness ratings (mean score 4.4, SD 0.79, scored from 1=least to 5=most favorable; score range 4.2-4.8). Multiple features were evaluated positively, including the intervention's comprehensive and engaging information, caregiver focus, good layout, easy-to-access intervention material, and easy-to-understand sleep graphs. Suggestions for improvement included the provision of day and night viewing options, collapsible text, font size options, tabbed access to videos, and a glossary of terms. Pilot-test users rated usefulness (mean score 4.3, SD 0.83; range 4.1-4.5) and satisfaction (mean score 8.4, SD 1.41, scored from 1=least to 10=most satisfied; range 7.4-9.0) highly. Preliminary effects on caregiver sleep, arousal, health, mood, burden, cognition, and interpersonal processes (all P<.05) were promising. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptations made to standard digital CBT-I created a feasible, tailored digital intervention for rural dementia caregivers. Important next steps include further examination of feasibility and efficacy in a randomized controlled trial with an active control condition, a multisite effectiveness trial, and eventual broad dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04632628; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04632628.

Right inferior frontal gyrus theta-burst stimulation reduces smoking behaviors and strengthens fronto-striatal-limbic resting-state functional connectivity: a randomized crossover trial.

Introduction: Functional and anatomical irregularities in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), a ventrolateral prefrontal region that mediates top-down inhibitory control over prepotent behavioral responding, are implicated in the ongoing maintenance of nicotine dependence (ND). However, there is little research on the effects of neuromodulation of the rIFG on smoking behavior, inhibitory control, and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) among individuals with ND. Methods: In this double-blind, crossover, theta-burst stimulation (TBS) study, adults with ND (N = 31; female: n = 15) completed a baseline session and were then randomized to two counterbalanced sessions of functionally neuronavigated TBS to the rIFG: continuous TBS (cTBS) on 1 day and intermittent TBS (iTBS) on another. Differences in cigarette cravings, smoking, and fronto-striatal-limbic rsFC were assessed. Results: Relative to baseline, cTBS significantly reduced appetitive and withdrawal cravings immediately after treatment. The effects of cTBS on withdrawal craving persisted for 24 h, as well as produced a reduction in smoking. Furthermore, cTBS significantly strengthened rsFC between the rIFG pars opercularis and subcallosal cingulate (fronto-striatal circuit), and between the rIFG pars opercularis and the right posterior parahippocampal gyrus (fronto-limbic circuit). At post-24 h, cTBS-induced increase in fronto-striatal rsFC was significantly associated with less appetitive craving, while the increase in fronto-limbic rsFC was significantly associated with less withdrawal craving and smoking. Discussion: These findings warrant further investigation into the potential value of rIFG cTBS to attenuate smoking behavior among individuals with ND.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Single-dose Perioperative Pregabalin in Ureteroscopy.

PURPOSE: Ureteroscopy is a commonly performed procedure, with postoperative pain that can lead to revisits and opioid prescribing. Perioperative gabapentinoids have shown promise in decreasing pain and opioid use. We hypothesized that single-dose perioperative pregabalin would be safe and efficacious for decreasing pain after ureteroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an Institutional Review Board-approved and registered blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a single institution. Patients undergoing ureteroscopy without histories that would limit use of opioids, gabapentinoids, and nonsteroidal medications were enrolled. Either 300 mg pregabalin or placebo was administered 1 hour before ureteroscopy. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale before administration and 1 hour after surgery. Clinical factors, pain scores, a proxy for cognition, patient satisfaction, and opioid prescribing were assessed in the first 30 postoperative days. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were enrolled over a 2-year period. Patients who received pregabalin were younger than those who received placebo (median of 44 years vs 57). Postoperative pain scores were higher in those who received pregabalin (3.7 vs 2.0, P = .004), a finding that remained statistically significant when accounting for patient age and preoperative pain scores. There was no difference in the measure of cognition or in reports of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial evaluating the efficacy of single-dose perioperative pregabalin in ureteroscopy, pregabalin did not decrease postoperative pain when compared to placebo. Urologists should not routinely use this adjunctive medication in ureteroscopy, as it is unlikely to provide benefit.

Within State Variability of Antimicrobial Susceptibility: Missouri as an Archetype to Assess Guidelines for Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Transurethral Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variability among hospitals in susceptibility of common uropathogens to antimicrobial agents frequently used in transurethral procedures in order to examine whether state-based guidelines might be more appropriate than national prophylactic guidelines. METHODS: Hospital-level antibiograms were requested from all hospitals throughout the state of Missouri. We studied Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Proteus sensitivities to evaluate common guideline recommended antimicrobials including trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), third-generation cephalosporins, cefazolin, penicillin combinations, gentamicin, and fluoroquinolones. We evaluated variability and association between hospital characteristics and antimicrobial sensitivities. RESULTS: Data was requested from 81 hospitals across the state and 38 provided the requested data (47% response rate). Susceptibility was highest for third-generation cephalosporins for E. coli (mean of 94%), Proteus (96%), and Klebsiella (96%). Gentamicin also had high susceptibility for the bacteria studied; 94% for E. coli and 96% for Klebsiella. Current first line recommended agents showed more modest coverage for E. coli (cefazolin 84%, TMP-SMX 78%), Proteus (cefazolin 82%, TMP-SMX 71%), and Klebsiella (cefazolin 90%, TMP-SMX 89%). CONCLUSION: Post transurethral procedure infections are common. Rates can be limited with appropriate prophylaxis. Deciding on empirical coverage must take into account local resistance patterns. There is substantial variability among and within states in antimicrobial susceptibility for common uropathogens. When selecting antimicrobial prophylaxis, urologists should consider local- rather than state- or nation-level antibiograms, given the considerable variability. Future studies should consider the merits of very-broad spectrum prophylaxis and the potential role of molecular urinary pathogen (and pathogen-resistance) testing when selecting an optimal regimen.

Holistic Assessment of Quality of Life Predicts Survival in Older Patients with Bladder Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if clustering methods can use a holistic assessment of health-related quality-of-life after bladder cancer diagnosis to predict survival outcomes independent of clinical characteristics. In the United States, an estimated 81,180 cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2022. We aim to help address the knowledge gap concerning the impact of patient functional status on outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective cohort study of patients in the End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey Registry. Age and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) responses were used as K-means inputs to identify homogenous clusters of older patients with bladder cancer. We analyzed the association between the identified clusters, patient and disease characteristics, and outcomes. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to compare overall survival. RESULTS: We identified 5 homogenous clusters that exhibited differences in patient characteristics and survival. There was no significant difference in cancer stage or surgery type among the clusters. The Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated significant associations of cluster with gender, age, education, marital status, smoking status, type of surgery, and cancer stage on overall survival. Cluster independently predicted overall survival. CONCLUSION: Using unsupervised machine learning, we identified clusters of patients with bladder cancer who had similar mental and physical function scores. Cluster grouping suggests that patients' mental and physical function may not be based on disease or treatment. There are significant survival differences between all clusters, demonstrating that a holistic assessment of patient-reported health-related quality-of-life has the potential to predict survival and possible modifiable risk factors in older patients with bladder cancer.

Repair of Limb Ischemia Is Dependent on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Specific-SHP-1 Regulation of TGF-ß1.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapy has shown promise for tissue regeneration after ischemia. Therefore, there is a need to understand mechanisms underlying endogenous HSCs activation in response to ischemic stress and coordination of angiogenesis and repair. SHP-1 plays important roles in HSC quiescence and differentiation by regulation of TGF-ß1 signaling. TGF-ß1 promotes angiogenesis by stimulating stem cells to secrete growth factors to initiate the formation of blood vessels and later aid in their maturation. We propose that SHP-1 responds to ischemia stress in HSC and progenitor cells (HSPC) via regulation of TGF-ß1. METHODS: A mouse hind limb ischemia model was used. Local blood perfusion in the limbs was determined using laser doppler perfusion imaging. The number of positive blood vessels per square millimeter, as well as blood vessel diameter (µm) and area (µm2), were calculated. Hematopoietic cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. The bone marrow transplantation assay was performed to measure HSC reconstitution. RESULTS: After femoral artery ligation, TGF-ß1 was initially decreased in the bone marrow by day 3 of ischemia, followed by an increase on day 7. This pattern was opposite to that in the peripheral blood, which is concordant with the response of HSC to ischemic stress. In contrast, SHP-1 deficiency in HSC is associated with irreversible activation of HSPCs in the bone marrow and increased circulating HSPCs in peripheral blood following limb ischemia. In addition, there was augmented auto-induction of TGF-ß1 and sustained inactivation of SHP-1-Smad2 signaling, which impacted TGF-ß1 expression in HSPCs in circulation. Importantly, restoration of normal T GF-ß1 oscillations helped in the recovery of limb repair and function. CONCLUSIONS: HSPC-SHP-1-mediated regulation of TGF-ß1 in both bone marrow and peripheral blood is required for a normal response to ischemic stress.

Association of serum leptin at 24-28 weeks gestation with initiation and progression of labor in women.

Concentrations of the hormone leptin, which is produced by adipose tissue, increase with increasing BMI, whereas leptin sensitivity often declines with higher BMI. Thus, altered leptin signaling may play a role in reproductive health risks observed with increasing BMI, which include later onset and slow progression of labor. Conflicting evidence from clinical, animal and in vitro studies have suggested that leptin either promotes or inhibits labor. We hypothesized that serum leptin concentrations or serum leptin: body mass index (BMI) ratios in women may be associated with the initiation and progression of labor. Following informed consent, serum samples were collected from 90 women with singleton pregnancies at the time of routine glucose-challenge testing, for measurement of leptin. The potential influence of leptin on gestation length and cervical dilation timing were examined by multiple linear regression. Data were analyzed from 63 participants who met exclusion and inclusion criteria. Leptin concentrations (log-transformed) at 24-28 weeks gestation were not significantly correlated with first trimester BMI . Log serum leptin and leptin: BMI ratio each were significantly associated with shorter total gestation length in uncomplicated, term pregnancies. In contrast, the mid-pregnancy leptin concentrations were not associated with progression of labor, assessed by cervical dilation over time. The association between higher serum leptin and shorter gestation length is consistent with the hypothesis that leptin promotes, or is permissive for, the onset of labor.

Effectiveness of Standard Margin Stereotactic Radiosurgery Dose to Brain Metastases.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess efficacy of a 15-Gy margin dose in terms with the hypothesis that efficacy will be comparable with historical controls with fewer radiation-related side effects. METHODS: Patients who received single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for metastatic brain tumors (prescribed 1500 cGy with 2-mm planning tumor volume) at the University of Missouri Hospital between 2004 and 2018 with at least 3 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, lesion dimensions, concurrent therapy, and treatment history before SRS were assessed. Outcomes included local control, distant control, radiation-related changes, survival, repeat SRS or whole-brain radiation therapy, and side effects. Data from the literature were pooled for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients had at least 3 months of follow-up data available. The 12-month actual local control rate among these patients was 92% per tumor. The overall intracranial control rate was 66.9% per patient. Radiation-related side effects occurred in 32.4% of patients (n = 46), with some patients having more than 1 side effect. Radiation-related radiographic changes occurred in 48 lesions (10.6%) in 37 patients (26%). Pathologically confirmed radiation necrosis occurred in 19 lesions (4%) and in 18 patients (12.6%). Local and distant control rates for this population was comparable with historical controls. Side effects in the literature are inconsistently reported, so rigorous comparative analysis is not possible. CONCLUSIONS: A single-fraction radiosurgery margin dose of 15 Gy to the planning tumor volume can effectively provide local control and distant control and is comparable with historical controls, which use 18-25 Gy, with a good toxicity profile.

A Strength Endurance Exercise Paradigm Mitigates Deficits in Hypoglossal-Tongue Axis Function, Strength, and Structure in a Rodent Model of Hypoglossal Motor Neuron Degeneration.

The tongue plays a crucial role in the swallowing process, and impairment can lead to dysphagia, particularly in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) resulting in hypoglossal-tongue axis degeneration (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive bulbar palsy). This study utilized our previously established inducible rodent model of dysphagia due to targeted degeneration of the hypoglossal-tongue axis. This model was created by injecting cholera toxin B conjugated to saporin (CTB-SAP) into the genioglossus muscle of the tongue base for retrograde transport to the hypoglossal (XII) nucleus via the hypoglossal nerve, which provides the sole motor control of the tongue. Our goal was to investigate the effect of high-repetition/low-resistance tongue exercise on tongue function, strength, and structure in four groups of male rats: (1) control + sham exercise (n = 13); (2) control + exercise (n = 10); (3) CTB-SAP + sham exercise (n = 13); and (4) CTB-SAP + exercise (n = 12). For each group, a custom spout with adjustable lick force requirement for fluid access was placed in the home cage overnight on days 4 and 6 post-tongue injection. For the two sham exercise groups, the lick force requirement was negligible. For the two exercise groups, the lick force requirement was set to ∼40% greater than the maximum voluntary lick force for individual rats. Following exercise exposure, we evaluated the effect on hypoglossal-tongue axis function (via videofluoroscopy), strength (via force-lickometer), and structure [via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brainstem and tongue in a subset of rats]. Results showed that sham-exercised CTB-SAP rats had significant deficits in lick rate, swallow timing, and lick force. In exercised CTB-SAP rats, lick rate and lick force were preserved; however, swallow timing deficits persisted. MRI revealed corresponding degenerative changes in the hypoglossal-tongue axis that were mitigated by tongue exercise. These collective findings suggest that high-repetition/low-resistance tongue exercise in our model is a safe and effective treatment to prevent/diminish signs of hypoglossal-tongue axis degeneration. The next step is to leverage our rat model to optimize exercise dosing parameters and investigate corresponding treatment mechanisms of action for future translation to MND clinical trials.

Relationships Among Musculoskeletal Symptoms, Self-Rated Health, and Work Locations in Studies of Computer Work or Coronavirus Diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify work location's association with musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS: Study 1 surveyed 246 working adults who usually felt pain, in general, and increased pain from computer work. Study 2 surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1084 working adults. RESULTS: In study 1, 32.5% of the participants sought treatment for their increased pain from computer work. Education differed by work location. When education was considered, there were no significant work location differences in pain intensity, pain interference, or self-rated health. In study 2, COVID-19 diagnoses, education, and gender differed by work location. Age and work location explained self-rated health. Self-rated health was associated with musculoskeletal ache. Work location did not significantly predict musculoskeletal ache. CONCLUSION: Working at home was associated with fewer COVID-19 diagnoses and higher self-rated health than working at employers' locations.

Impact of Web-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia on Stress, Health, Mood, Cognitive, Inflammatory, and Neurodegenerative Outcomes in Rural Dementia Caregivers: Protocol for the NiteCAPP CARES and NiteCAPP SHARES Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic insomnia affects up to 63% of family dementia caregivers. Research suggests that chronic insomnia prompts changes in central stress processing that have downstream negative effects on health and mood, as well as on cognitive, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative functioning. We hypothesize that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) will reverse those downstream effects by improving insomnia and restoring healthy central stress processing. Rural caregivers are particularly vulnerable, but they have limited access to CBT-I; therefore, we developed an accessible digital version using community input (NiteCAPP CARES). OBJECTIVE: This trial will evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and short-term and long-term effects of NiteCAPP CARES on the sleep and stress mechanisms underlying poor caregiver health and functioning. METHODS: Dyads (n=100) consisting of caregivers with chronic insomnia and their coresiding persons with dementia will be recruited from Columbia and surrounding areas in Missouri, United States. Participant dyads will be randomized to 4 weeks (plus 4 bimonthly booster sessions) of NiteCAPP CARES or a web-based sleep hygiene control (NiteCAPP SHARES). Participants will be assessed at baseline, after treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The following assessments will be completed by caregivers: 1 week of actigraphy and daily diaries measuring sleep, Insomnia Severity Index, arousal (heart rate variability), inflammation (blood-derived biomarkers: interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein), neurodegeneration (blood-derived biomarkers: plasma amyloid beta [Aß40 and Aß42], total tau, and phosphorylated tau [p-tau181 and p-tau217]), cognition (Joggle battery, NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function, and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire), stress and burden, health, and mood (depression and anxiety). Persons with dementia will complete 1 week of actigraphy at each time point. RESULTS: Recruitment procedures started in February 2022. All data are expected to be collected by 2026. Full trial results are planned to be published by 2027. Secondary analyses of baseline data will be subsequently published. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial tests NiteCAPP CARES, a web-based CBT-I for rural caregivers. The knowledge obtained will address not only what outcomes improve but also how and why they improve and for how long, which will help us to modify NiteCAPP CARES to optimize treatment potency and support future pragmatic testing and dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04896775; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04896775. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/37874.

Individual-Level and Neighborhood-Level Factors Associated with Longitudinal Changes in Cardiometabolic Measures in Participants of a Clinic-Based Care Coordination Program: A Secondary Data Analysis.

Background: Identifying individual and neighborhood-level factors associated with worsening cardiometabolic risks despite clinic-based care coordination may help identify candidates for supplementary team-based care. Methods: Secondary data analysis of data from a two-year nurse-led care coordination program cohort of Medicare, Medicaid, dual-eligible adults, Leveraging Information Technology to Guide High Tech, High Touch Care (LIGHT2), from ten Midwestern primary care clinics in the U.S. Outcome Measures: Hemoglobin A1C, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood pressure. Multivariable generalized linear regression models assessed individual and neighborhood-level factors associated with changes in outcome measures from before to after completion of the LIGHT2 program. Results: 6378 participants had pre-and post-intervention levels reported for at least one outcome measure. In adjusted models, higher pre-intervention cardiometabolic measures were associated with worsening of all cardiometabolic measures. Women had worsening LDL-cholesterol compared with men. Women with pre-intervention HbA1c > 6.8% and systolic blood pressure > 131 mm of Hg had worse post-intervention HbA1c and systolic blood pressure compared with men. Adding individual's neighborhood-level risks did not change effect sizes significantly. Conclusions: Increased cardiometabolic risks and gender were associated with worsening cardiometabolic outcomes. Understanding unresolved gender-specific needs and preferences of patients with increased cardiometabolic risks may aid in tailoring clinic-community-linked care planning.

Phase I single center trial of ketogenic diet for adults with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in acute brain injury, but limited data about its use in adult TBI patients is available. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of ketogenic diet (KD) for adult TBI patients in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU). METHODS: TBI patients admitted to NSICU between June 2019 to March 2021 were enrolled in this single-center, open label, single-arm prospective intervention study. The primary feasibility outcome was achievement of ketosis (detection and maintenance of serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOB) levels above normal); secondary outcomes included laboratory and clinical adverse effects related to KD. RESULTS: 10 adults with TBI with Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS)-Head ≥3 and ventriculostomy catheter to monitor intracranial pressure met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were placed on KD. Mean age was 47 years, and all patients were male. Eight out of 10 patients achieved ketosis within mean 2.2 days. KD was initiated within 8-33 h (average 23 h) of hospital admission. No clinical adverse effects were noted, 2 patients developed hypertriglyceridemia and 1 patient developed hypoglycemia. Serum glucose showed a decreasing trend in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that KD is feasible in the management of TBI patients. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is justified to further understand the optimal serum BOB levels, dose and duration of KD in TBI and its effect on the outcome. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03982602, Registered 06/11/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03982602?term=brain+injury&cond=ketogenic+diet&draw=2&rank=3.

Antimicrobial Selection for Transurethral Procedures Across the United States: A State-by-State Antibiogram Evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate optimal regimens for perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in transurethral procedures by examining antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through several methods, we attempted to attain an antibiogram for each state. We focused on microbes known to cause infections after transurethral surgeries and antibiotics referred to in current or prior recommendations and compared susceptibility rates across states using Kruskal Walis tests and the Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Fligner tests. We also examined susceptibility to (non-ceftazidime) third generation cephalosporins. RESULTS: Data is included from 40 states. For each microbe studied, there was significant variability in sensitivity to antibiotics studied. Current first line recommendations for antimicrobial prophylaxis include first generation cephalosporins with 82%, 80%, and 87% mean coverage for E coli, Proteus, and Klebsiella respectively and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with 74%, 80%, and 93% coverage, respectively. Susceptibility to aminoglycosides is 91%, 92%, and 96%, respectively and to third generation cephalosporin, it is 92%, 99%, and 94%. CONCLUSION: Current first line recommended antimicrobials for prophylaxis in transurethral procedures provide overall poor predicted coverage based on our database of antibiograms. Alternatives exist that have higher predicted susceptibility, though clinical significance of this and risk of resultant antimicrobial resistance is unknown. Urologists should consider local patterns when selecting antimicrobial prophylaxis for their patients.

The Significant Role of Depression in Elderly Patients with Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Considering the relatively high 5-yr survival rate (76.9%) for bladder cancer (BC), its overall prevalence will probably continue to increase. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of BC diagnosis and management, including psychological sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of depression among elderly patients with BC and identify patient characteristics associated with depression. DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Survey responses from a population-based sample of 5787 patients older than 65 yr with a history of BC were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey registry, spanning 1999-2014. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome measured is the prevalence of a positive depression screen. Cancer characteristics and demographic, socioeconomic, health-related, and activities of daily living (ADL)-related data were reviewed. Univariate analysis was conducted to identify correlation between a positive depression screen and patient characteristics. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of depression. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The prevalence of a positive depression screen was 14.0%. Poor general health (p < 0.001), impairment of ADL (p < 0.001), greater number of comorbidities (p < 0.001), and income <$30 000 (p < 0.001) were identified as correlates of depression. Univariate analysis found no association between a positive depression screen and time since the initial cancer diagnosis (p = 0.858) or cancer stage (p = 0.90). Multivariate analysis showed higher levels of education (p = 0.0097), increasing age (p = 0.0027), and marriage (p < 0.0001) were protective against the development of depression. Limitations include the lack of consideration of treatment outcomes and whether patients have active disease or only a history of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Depression affects a substantial percentage (14%) of elderly patients with BC. Poor general health and impaired ability to complete ADL were the greatest risk factors for depression. Acknowledgment of sociodemographic factors may improve awareness of depression in patients with BC and a potential need for psychosocial support. PATIENT SUMMARY: Depression affects a significant proportion of patients with bladder cancer. Social and demographic factors influence a patient's risk of depression. Acknowledgment of these factors may improve the detection of depression and a possible need for intervention.