Past-Year HIV Testing, Current Antiretroviral Therapy Use, and Participation in Services for People Who Inject Drugs.

Evaluating routine HIV testing and treatment and use of services for people who inject drugs (PWID) is critical to curb the ongoing HIV epidemic. We analyzed data from the 2018 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance of PWID aged 18 years or older, recruited using respondent-driven sampling and offered anonymous HIV testing after survey. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses with log-linked Poisson regression of the generalized linear models to examine the associations between demographics and PWID service use, past-year HIV testing, and current antiretroviral therapy (ART) use. Among 10,311 HIV-negative PWID, 56% reported past-year HIV testing, and of the 553 HIV-positive PWID, 69% reported current ART use. Of the HIV-negative PWID, 64% (2874/4482) in drug treatment and 62% (3386/5440) who used syringe service programs (SSPs) reported past-year HIV testing. Among HIV-positive PWID, 75% (187/248) in drug treatment and 67% (200/298) SSP participants were on ART. In the adjusted multivariable model, past-year HIV testing was associated with drug use treatment (aPR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23-1.31) and SSP participation (aPR 1.19, 95% CI 1.13-1.26) among HIV-negative PWID. Current ART use was associated with drug use treatment (aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.00-1.28) but the link was not significant probably due to small sample size. Findings support the expansion and improvement of PWID-targeted services, into comprehensive programs, including drug use treatment, SSP, and HIV testing and treatment.

Trends in the relationship between suicide behaviors and obesity among adolescents in the United States from 1999 to 2019.

Previous studies indicate that obesity is a risk factor of suicide behaviors among adolescents. Whether this association has remained consistent during the ongoing obesity epidemic remains unknown. The time trends of the obesity-suicide association were examined using the 1999-2019 biannual Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (n = 161,606). Prevalence odds ratio of suicide behaviors among adolescents with obesity (vs. adolescents with no obesity) for each survey year and time trends using National Cancer Institute Joinpoint regression analysis was calculated. For each year post-baseline, there was a significant increase of prevalence odds ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6)-1.6 (1.3-2.0) for suicide ideation, 1.3 (1.1-1.7) -1.7 (1.4-2.0) for plan, and 1.3 (1.0-1.7) -1.9 (1.5-2.4) for an attempt, except for the 2013 survey for attempt (1.19 [0.9-1.6]). Significant positive trends were found from1999 to 2019 for ideation and plan, with biannual %-changes of + 0.92 and + 1.22%, respectively. Adolescents with obesity have consistently higher odds of engaging in suicide behaviors than their peers without obesity since the beginning of the United States obesity epidemic, and this association grew stronger as the obesity epidemic continued.

Child Care Center Staff Readiness to Change in an Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program.

CONTEXT: The childcare center (CCC) setting has the potential to be a strong foundation that supports the introduction of sustainable healthy lifestyle behaviors to prevent childhood obesity. It is important to assess barriers and facilitators to healthy weight development initiatives via program evaluation, including measuring CCC staff readiness to change. OBJECTIVE: The overall goal of this study was to assess the readiness level over 1 school year among CCC staff who participated in "Healthy Caregivers-Healthy Children" (HC2), a cluster randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of a childhood obesity prevention program from 2015 to 2018 in 24 low-income, racially/ethnically diverse centers. A secondary outcome was to assess how a CCC's stage of readiness to change was associated with CCC nutrition and physical activity environment, measured via the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool. DESIGN: Mixed-models analysis with the CCC as the random effect assessed the impact of readiness to change over time on EPAO outcomes. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-eight CCC teachers and support staff completed the HC2 readiness to change survey in August 2015 and 68 in August 2016. Only teachers and staff randomized to the treatment arm of the trial were included. MAIN OUTCOME: Readiness to change and the EPAO. RESULTS: Results showed the majority of CCC staff in advanced stages of readiness to change at both time points. For every increase in readiness to change stage over 1 year (eg, precontemplation to contemplation), there was a 0.28 increase in EPAO nutrition scores (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.53; P = .02) and a 0.52 increase in PA score (95% CI, 0.09-0.95; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the importance between CCC staff readiness to change and the CCC environment to support healthy weight development. Future similar efforts can include consistent support for CCC staff who may not be ready for change to support successful outcomes.

Clinical decision support tools useful for identifying sepsis risk.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical decision support tools (CDSTs), POC Advisor (POCA), and Modified Early Warning System (MEWS) in identifying sepsis risk and influencing time to treatment for inpatients, comparing their respective alert mechanisms. METHODS: This study was conducted at two academic university medical center hospitals. Data from adult inpatients in medical-surgical and telemetry units were analyzed from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. Criteria included sepsis-related ICD-10 codes, antibiotic administration, and ordered sepsis labs. Subsequent statistical analyses utilized Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, focusing on mortality differences by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Among 744 patients, 143 sepsis events were identified, with 83% already receiving treatment upon CDST alert. Group 1 (POCA alert) showed reduced response time compared with MEWS, while Group 3 (MEWS) experienced longer time to treatment. Group 4 included sepsis events missed by both systems. Mortality differences were not significant among the groups. CONCLUSION: While CDSTs play a role, nursing assessment and clinical judgment are crucial. This study recognized the potential for alarm fatigue due to a high number of CDST-driven alerts, while emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach for prompt sepsis treatment and potential reduction in sepsis-related mortality.

Association of corticosteroid use and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in asthmatic children varies by age.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to examine the impact of corticosteroids use on ADHD among children with asthma by administration routes. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis included pediatric patients ages 5-20 years old from the 2016 and 2019 Kids Inpatient Database (unweighted N = 111,702). ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify corticosteroids use, asthma, and ADHD cases. Survey logistic regression models with purposeful variable selection algorithms were built to examine the association between corticosteroids use, and ADHD by asthma severity and age. An inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach was used to help further control residual confounding. RESULTS: Among children aged 5-11 years old, the odds of ADHD were significantly higher in children with moderate to severe asthma who used inhaled corticosteroids than nonusers (moderate asthma: adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.44; severe asthma: aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.18-2.21). Although oral corticosteroid use was not independently associated with ADHD in young children, combined use of inhaled and oral corticosteroid had almost 5 times higher odds of use among ADHD in children with severe asthma vs. nonusers (aOR 4.85, 95% CI 2.07 - 11.35). No associations were found between any corticosteroid use and ADHD among asthmatic children aged 12-20 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis, we found inhaled corticosteroids were positively associated with ADHD in younger children with moderate to severe asthma, but not in older children.

Effect of inpatient rehabilitation facility care on ninety day modified Rankin score in ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) treatment effect on modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included 738 AIS patients admitted 1/1/2018-12/31/2020 to a Comprehensive Stroke Center with a Stroke Rehabilitation program. We compared outcomes for patients who went directly home versus went to IRF at hospital discharge: (1) acute care length of stay (LOS), (2) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, (3) mRS score at hospital discharge and 90 days, (4) the proportion of mRS scores ≤ 2 from hospital discharge to 90 days. RESULTS: Among 738 patients, 499 went home, and 239 went to IRF. IRF patients were more likely to have increased acute LOS (10.7 vs 3.9 days; t-test, P<0.0001), increased mean NIHSS score (7.8 vs 4.8; t-test, P<0.0001) and higher median mRS score (3 vs 1, t-test, P<0.0001) compared to patients who went home. At 90 days, ischemic stroke patients who received IRF care were more likely to progress to a mRS ≤ 2 (18.7% increase) compared to patients discharged home from acute care (16.3% decrease). Home patients experienced a one-point decrease in mRS at 90 days compared to those who received IRF treatment (median mRS of 3 vs. 2, t-test, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In ischemic stroke patients, IRF treatment increased the likelihood of achieving mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days indicating the ability to live independently, and decreased the likelihood of mRS decrease, compared with patients discharged directly home after acute stroke care.

Longitudinal depression screening of frontline critical care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the severity and longitudinal trends of depression in critical care nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in the US during a global pandemic. METHODS: The study employed longitudinal mixed methods. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), nurses were sent electronic surveys at baseline, 1 month, and between 3 and 6 months to measure the severity and trends of depression during the prevaccination stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. One-on-one interviews were conducted with critical care nurses to evaluate their depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Forty-eight nurses completed the questionnaire at baseline, 40 completed 1-month surveys, and 20 completed the 3 to 6 month surveys. The mean PHQ-9 score was 5.85, 6.20, and 8.30 at baseline, at 1 month, and at 3 to 6 months, respectively. PHQ-9 scores increased significantly over time (estimate = 1.120, P = .037). The probability of participants being moderately to severely depressed was 0.980 (P = .049) at baseline, 0.990 (P = .013) at 1 month, and 1.0 (P = .002) at 3 to 6 months. Fourteen nurses were included in a single, one-on-one interview. Eight major themes were found in qualitative analyses. For example, nurses expressed fear of spreading COVID-19 to their loved one and community. Common themes identified within the interviews included uncertainty, limited human interaction, fluctuations in mood, life is in my hands, a threat to others, positive and negative coping, nurses as scapegoats, and emerging vulnerability to COVID-19 exposure. All 14 nurses who were interviewed denied accessing any mental health services. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed to evaluate critical care nurses who care for patients with COVID-19 and their levels of depression to improve practice at the bedside further and develop policies to promote their well-being.

Disparity Between United States Adolescent Class II and III Obesity Trends and Bariatric Surgery Utilization, 2015-2018.

OBJECTIVES: Class II (120% > body mass index [BMI] < 140% of the 95th percentile for age and sex) and Class III (BMI >140% of the 95th percentile for age and sex) obesity are the fastest growing subcategories of obesity in the United States pediatric population. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a safe and effective treatment option for with class II/III obesity. The primary objectives of this analysis were to determine the (1) current US MBS utilization rates in those with class II/III obesity and (2) utilization rates and 30-day postoperative outcomes. BACKGROUND: The 2015 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cross-sectional data (N = 19,225) generated US with class II/III obesity prevalence estimates. The 2015 to 2018 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) longitudinal (30 days) cohort data were used to compare adolescent and adult (N = 748,622) postoperative outcomes and to calculate utilization rates. METHODS: The 2015 to 2018 youth and adult MBS utilization rates were calculated using MBSAQIP data (numerator) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (denominator). Two-sample tests of proportions were performed to compare the MBS utilization rates by age, ethnicity, and sex and expressed per 1000. RESULTS: Mean age of the analytical MBSAQIP sample was 17.9 (1.15) years in youth (n = 3846) and 45.1 (11.5) in adults (N = 744,776), majority female (77.4%, 80.7%, respectively) and non-Hispanic White (68.5%, 59.4%, respectively). The overall 2015 to 2018 MBS utilization rate for youth was 1.81 per 1000 and 5.56 per 1000 for adults ( P < 0.001). Adult patients had slightly higher percentage (4.2%) of hospital readmissions compared to youth (3.4%, P = 0.01) but there were no other post-MBS complication differences. From 2015 to 2018 the US prevalence of youth with class II/III obesity increased in Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks (P trend < 0.001), but among youth who did complete MBS non-Hispanic Whites had higher rates of utilization (45.8%) compared to Hispanics (22.7%) and non-Hispanic blacks 14.2% (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: MBS is an underutilized obesity treatment tool for both youth and adults, and among ethnic minority groups in particular.

Association between asthma and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in the United States pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: United States (US) youth consume an average of 10 teaspoons of added sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) on any given day. Few population-based studies have examined the association between SSB consumption and asthma in children and adolescents. This study aimed to examine the association between SSB consumption and asthma in the US pediatric population. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 9,938 children aged 2-to-17 years old who participated in the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. SSB consumption was categorized into 3 groups based on the caloric intake from 24-hour food recall data as follows: 1) no consumption (0 kcal/day); 2) moderate consumption (1-499 kcal/day); and 3) heavy consumption (≥ 500 kcal/day). The primary outcome of interest was self-reported current asthma condition. RESULTS: Asthma prevalence estimates were significantly higher in heavy (16.4%) and moderate (11.0%) SSB consumers versus non-consumers (7.5%) (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). The adjusted odds of asthma were twice that among children with heavy SSB consumption (aOR 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-3.08) versus non-SSB consumers. The odds of asthma were higher among those who consumed fruit drinks (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.55-4.08), non-diet soft drinks (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.23-2.89) and sweet tea (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.13-3.09) compared to nondrinkers. The effect was independent of obesity status (p-interaction = 0.439). CONCLUSIONS: Findings here suggest a dose-response relationship between SSB intake and asthma diagnosis, therefore controlling SSB consumption may potentially improve pulmonary health risk in the US pediatric population.

Cluster-randomised trial of the impact of an obesity prevention intervention on childcare centre nutrition and physical activity environment over 2 years.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity among pre-school-aged children in the USA remains unacceptably high. Here, we examine the impact of Healthy Caregivers-Healthy Children (HC2) Phase 2, a childcare centre (CCC)-based obesity prevention intervention on changes in the CCC nutrition and physical activity environment over 2 school years. DESIGN: This was a cluster-randomised trial with twelve CCC receiving the HC2 intervention arm and twelve in the control arm. The primary outcome was change in the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool over 2 school years (Fall 2015, Spring 2016 and Spring 2017). Changes in EPAO physical activity and nutrition score were analysed via a: (1) random effects mixed models and (2) mixed models to determine the effect of HC2 v. control. SETTING: The study was conducted in twenty-four CCC serving low-income, ethnically diverse families in Miami-Dade County. PARTICIPANTS: Intervention CCC received (1) teachers/parents/children curriculum, (2) snack, beverage, physical activity, and screen time policies, and (3) menu modifications. RESULTS: Two-year EPAO nutrition score changes in intervention CCC were almost twice that of control CCC. The EPAO physical activity environment scores only slightly improved in intervention CCC v. control CCC. Intervention CCC showed higher combined EPAO physical activity and nutrition scores compared to control CCC over the 2-year study period (ß = 0·09, P = 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity prevention programmes can have a positive impact on the CCC nutrition environment and can promote healthy weight in early childhood. CCC may need consistent support to improve the physical activity environment to ensure the policies remain intact.

Body mass index as a predictor of sonographic visualization of the pediatric appendix.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common condition that is often confirmed with imaging. Ultrasound (US) is recommended as the first radiologic test in the work-up of appendicitis in children. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a limiting factor to the sensitivity of US. This has drastic public health ramifications, as pediatric obesity has been increasing at alarming rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare age-adjusted BMI z-scores to the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 500 consecutive reports of US exams ordered for appendicitis in patients with a documented BMI was performed. Patients were stratified by BMI z-score based on, and the visualization frequency of the appendix was compared to the BMI z-score group. A logistic regression analysis generated the odds of visualization of the appendix by BMI z-score group. Primary home language, ethnicity, sex and insurance status were included in the logistic regression model to assess these characteristics as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients, 52.4% were male, 56.4% were Hispanic and 62.0% had government insurance. BMI z-score distribution groups were as follows: 4.2% were <-2, 8.0% were -2 to -1, 49.8% were -1 to 1, 26.4% were 1 to 2 and 11.6% were >2. The visualization frequency was 61.1% for boys and 46.2% for girls (P<0.05). Visualization frequency by BMI z-score group was as follows: 85.7% for <2, 72.5% for -2 to -1, 57.4% for -1 to 1, 47.7% for 1 to 2 and 29.3% for >2. Children with a BMI z-score greater than 2 were less likely to have a US with visualization of the appendix compared to children with a BMI z-score between -1 and 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11-0.40, P<0.0001). Boys were more likely than girls to have a US with visualization of the appendix (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.80, P=0.001). There was no effect from insurance status, ethnicity or primary home language. CONCLUSION: Findings show that as the BMI z-score increased, sonographic visualization of the appendix decreased even after adjusting for demographic differences. These findings have implications for pediatric radiology practice in light of the worsening obesity epidemic.

The role of familial predisposition in imaging-confirmed atraumatic rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of atraumatic rotator cuff tears is not completely understood. Limited data suggest the role of genetic and familial predisposition in the etiology of rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is an increased likelihood of rotator cuff tears in family members of patients with rotator cuff tears vs. those without tears. This would provide evidence for whether there is an association between familial predisposition and rotator cuff tearing. METHODS: Patients presenting to a shoulder clinic were recruited in this study. They provided information on personal medical history, shoulder symptoms, and family history of rotator cuff tears. The diagnosis of rotator cuff tears was based on imaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography arthrogram) confirmation of a structural defect in the rotator cuff. The association between family history of rotator cuff problems and the likelihood of an imaging-confirmed rotator cuff tear diagnosis was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. RESULTS: In our cohort of 2335 patients, 52.6% (n = 1229) of patients had a rotator cuff tear. Among patients with tears, 17.9% (n = 220) of patients reported a family history of rotator cuff issues vs. 11.1% (n = 123) in patients without tears. A family history of rotator cuff problems was significantly associated with the diagnosis of an imaging-confirmed rotator cuff tear (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71, 2.95). Other confounding variables such as increasing age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05, 1.07) and Hispanic race/ethnicity as compared to non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07, 2.05) were significantly associated with rotator cuff tears. Sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and depression were not significantly associated with rotator cuff tearing. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that individuals with rotator cuff tears were more than 2 times as likely to have a family member with a tear as compared to patients without tears. Increasing age and patients who identified as being of Hispanic ancestry were also significantly associated with higher odds of rotator cuff tears.

Incidence of and predictors for serious opioid-related adverse drug events.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of and predictors for serious opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) in postoperative inpatients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study design of serious ORADEs in surgical inpatients between 2015 and 2017, who were abstracted from the electronic health record, in an 800-bed academic medical health center. RESULTS: A total of 27,942 surgery patients met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 25,208 patients (90%) were exposed to opioids after surgery. A total of 25,133 (99.7%) patients exposed to opioids did not experience a serious ORADE while 75 (0.3%) patients did experience a serious ORADE and required naloxone. The predictors for ORADEs include age (OR = 1.040, P-value < .0001); gender (OR = 0.394, P-value = .0006); psychiatric disorder (OR = 4.440, CI: 2.435, 8.095); morphine level with respect to hydrocodone-acetaminophen (OR = 5.841, P-value = .0384); and were almost six times more likely to experience a serious ORADE when morphine is prescribed and 4.44 times more likely in patients with a psychiatric disorder (P-value < .0001). CONCLUSION: Once a baseline incidence is known, predictors for serious ORADEs in surgical inpatients are useful in guiding medical-surgical nurses' opioid safety practices, with more frequent focused respiratory assessments before opioid dosing and closer monitoring when opioids are prescribed postoperatively, especially in higher-risk surgical inpatients.

United States prevalence of pediatric asthma by environmental tobacco smoke exposure, 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to update the prevalence estimates of parent-reported asthma diagnosis by Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) exposure in the United States (US) pediatric population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 71,811 families with children who participated in the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). Weighted asthma prevalence estimates were calculated for ETS-exposed and non-exposed children. Chi-square analysis compared asthma prevalence between the two exposure groups and logistic regression analysis generated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of asthma diagnosis by ETS exposure by sex, race/ethnicity, and household education and income level. RESULTS: Asthma prevalence estimates were significantly higher in ETS-exposed vs. non-exposed children (10.7% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001). Children with a smoker in the house are 30% more likely to have an asthma diagnosis vs. children with no smokers in the house (aOR 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.09-1.52). Significant predictors for ETS exposure included < high school education and lower family income. Conversely, non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children were less likely to have ETS exposure vs. non-Hispanic white children. CONCLUSIONS: ETS exposure is a significant risk factor for asthma in the US pediatric population. Smoking cessation initiatives targeting non-Hispanic white parents from lower socioeconomic may improve children's chronic pulmonary health risk.

Dilation velocity is associated with Glasgow Coma Scale scores in patients with brain injury.

Background: Pupillary light reflex (PLR) is informative about patients with neurological injury. Automated pupillometry provides discrete variables such as dilation velocity (DV). The objective of this study is to determine association between DV and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), for patients with acquired brain injury.Methods: There were 2,208 patients with acquired brain injury, pupillometer readings, and daily GCS values available in our registry. GCS was trichotomized as severe (GCS ≤ 8), moderate (GCS = 9-12), or mild injury (GCS = 13-15). Generalized Linear Mixed Model regression was used to identify correlation between DV and GCS.Results: Patient mean age was 58.9 years, and 49.11% were female. There were 42,229 observations of GCS and DV. Mean admission GCS was 11.7. In the left eye, there was a statistically significant negative association for mean DV in patients with mild (DV = 0.85 mm/s), moderate (DV = 0.71 mm/s), and severe (DV = 0.48 mm/s) injury (p < .0001). Similar results were noted in the right eye with mild (DV = 0.87 mm/s), moderate (DV = 0.72 mm/s), and severe (DV = 0.50 mm/s) injury (p < .0001).Conclusion: Higher GCS is associated with faster DV. PLR may provide a biomarker of injury when a neurological exam is limited.Trial Registration: NCT02804438 (June 17, 2016).ABBREVIATIONS: GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale; PLR: Pupillary Light Reflex; DV: Dilation velocity; ICP: Intracranial pressure; NPi: Neurological pupil index; mRS: Modified Rankin Score; PCT: Percent change in size (pre and post constriction); Lat: Latency; CV: Constriction velocity; GLMM: Generalized Linear Mixed Model.

Regression with a right-censored predictor using inverse probability weighting methods.

In a longitudinal study, measures of key variables might be incomplete or partially recorded due to drop-out, loss to follow-up, or early termination of the study occurring before the advent of the event of interest. In this paper, we focus primarily on the implementation of a regression model with a randomly censored predictor. We examine, particularly, the use of inverse probability weighting methods in a generalized linear model (GLM), when the predictor of interest is right-censored, to adjust for censoring. To improve the performance of the complete-case analysis and prevent selection bias, we consider three different weighting schemes: inverse censoring probability weights, Kaplan-Meier weights, and Cox proportional hazards weights. We use Monte Carlo simulation studies to evaluate and compare the empirical properties of different weighting estimation methods. Finally, we apply these methods to the Framingham Heart Study data as an illustrative example to estimate the relationship between age of onset of a clinically diagnosed cardiovascular event and low-density lipoprotein among cigarette smokers.

Comparison of Early Life Obesity-Related Risk and Protective Factors in Non-Hispanic Black Subgroups.

OBJECTIVES: Previous obesity prevention studies in preschool-age children have included non-Hispanic Black (NHB) children, but few have investigated between-subgroup differences even though there may be cultural risk and protective practice differences, challenging the generalizability of findings. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in early childhood obesity-related factors in NHB subgroups (Haitian, other Caribbean Islander and African-American [AA]) children. METHODS: Baseline data from two randomized controlled trials in 52 childcare centers of which 35 had data to test a preschool-based obesity prevention intervention was analyzed. The sub-sample included 370 caregiver-child dyads; 209 self-identified as AA, 120 as Haitian and 41 as Caribbean Islander/West Indian or mixed race. Multilevel regression models generated outcome estimates for group differences in body mass index (BMI) percentile, birthweight, breastfeeding initiation and duration, bottle feeding duration and age when solid foods were introduced. RESULTS: Mean BMI percentile was similar for AA, Haitian and Caribbean Islander/West Indian/Multiracial (60.1th percentile, 60.8th percentile, 62.8th percentile, respectively) as was birthweight (6.3, 6.8, and 6.6 lb, respectively). Children of US-born caregivers had significantly lower BMI percentiles (9.13 percentile points) versus foreign-born caregivers. Haitian women were significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding (64.9%) versus AA (47.6%) and Caribbean Islander/West Indian/Multiracial (62.2%) (p < .01). No significant group differences were found in breastfeeding or bottle feeding duration or age solid foods were introduced. CONCLUSIONS: Findings here suggest that NHB race classification can identify important subgroup behavioral similarities which in turn may inform culturally sensitive strategies to promote early childhood healthy weight. Foreign-born caregivers may benefit from healthy weight promotion information, and as early as possible in their child's development.

Fixed-dose gabapentin augmentation in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a retrospective, open-label study.

Background: Lorazepam use in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is not without risk.Objective: This study compares AWS outcomes using a standard, symptom-triggered lorazepam dosing protocol (control group) and symptom-triggered lorazepam dosing augmented with a gabapentin loading dose and taper (GABA group).Methods: Consecutive, non-randomized adults (n = 982; 64.0% male) undergoing treatment for AWS were included in this retrospective, open-label study. Symptom-triggered lorazepam dosing was informed by scores on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment-Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar). Gabapentin augmentation utilized an initial loading dose (900 mg) and a three-day taper. Outcomes included average symptom severity per treatment hour and average lorazepam dose per treatment hour. Average time in the protocol by group, stratified by highest CIWA-Ar score, was examined as a secondary outcome. A priori group differences were controlled statistically.Results: GABA patients were older and exhibited somewhat more severe withdrawal symptoms than controls. After controlling for confounders, gabapentin augmentation did not significantly lower average lorazepam dosing per treatment hour or withdrawal symptom severity per treatment hour. Compared to controls, overall withdrawal symptoms diminished somewhat more rapidly for GABA patients experiencing low or moderate-level withdrawal symptoms; however, severe withdrawal symptoms remitted more slowly in the GABA group. Results should be interpreted in light of the uncontrolled nature of group assignment and other confounders.Conclusions: Compared to symptom-triggered lorazepam dosing alone, gabapentin augmentation did not produce better outcomes during treatment of acute AWS. These results do not support the use of scheduled gabapentin as an augmentation to benzodiazepines during inpatient treatment of AWS.

Investigation of Pupillary Changes After Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Stent Placement Using Automated Pupillometry.

INTRODUCTION: Horner's syndrome has been reported after carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CS). This study evaluates pupillary changes after these procedures using automated pupillometry. METHODS: Retrospective analysis from a prospective database of pupillometry readings. Cases (14 patients with CEA/CS) were matched to controls (14 patients without CEA/CS). t test models were constructed to examine pupillary light reflex measures for CEA, CS, and controls. RESULTS: The 28 subjects had a mean age of 70 years, 50% were male, and 96% were Caucasian. There was no significant difference in the mean pupil size, constriction velocity (CV), dilation velocity (DV) between the procedural side compared to the contralateral side. However, the mean DV in the left eye after a left sided procedure among CS patients (.67) was lower than mean DV in left eye among controls (.88; P < .0001) and patients undergoing CEA (1.03; P < .0001). DISCUSSION: CS may result in disruption of the carotid artery plexus and decreased sympathetic response thereby reducing DV in the ipsilateral pupil. In addition, decreased CV can also been seen. CONCLUSION: The findings confirm and extend those of previous authors suggesting that pupillary changes may be seen after CS and automated handheld pupillometry may aid in the detection of Horner Syndrome.

Investigating the association between eye colour and the Neurological Pupil index.

INTRODUCTION: Brown or dark brown eyes make it difficult to distinguish the contrast between a black pupil and the surrounding iris, which may result in clinical assessment errors. The pupillometer can be used to derive an indexed value, the Neurological Pupil index™ (NPi) for pupillary light reflex. However, there are limited data associating the NPi and iris colour. We examine the NPi and eye colour association. METHODS: Data were pooled from the Establishing Normative Data for Pupillometer Assessments in Neuroscience Intensive Care (END-PANIC) Registry. The analysis includes 14,168 observations collected from 865 patients with neurological conditions who were admitted to the intensive care unit. Summary statistics and statistical models were developed to examine the association using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) summary procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 56 years (standard deviation = 17). Eye colour included dark brown (n = 339), blue (n = 234), brown (n = 173), green (n = 82), and other (n = 37). There was significant differences (p < 0.0001) between mean NPi values by eye colour [blue = 4.08 (0.92), brown = 3.34 (1.45), dark = 3.71 (1.33), green = 4.08 (0.67), other = 3.76 (1.25)]. However, a further random-effects mixed model after controlling for confounding variables revealed no significant difference in NPi values among different eye colour groups. CONCLUSIONS: The pupillary light reflex, when assessed using the pupillometer, is not dependent on the eye colour. Practitioners are not required to consider eye colour as a confounder when they perform pupillary assessment for examining patients with neurological conditions.