Prospective cohort of pre- and post-diagnosis alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on survival outcomes: an Alberta Endometrial Cancer Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the independent and joint relationships between cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption with survival outcomes after endometrial cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Pre- and post-diagnosis smoking and drinking histories were obtained from endometrial cancer survivors diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 during in-person interviews at-diagnosis and at ~ 3 years post-diagnosis. Participants were followed until death or January 2022. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with Cox proportional hazards regression for associations with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: During a median 16.9 years of follow-up (IQR = 15.5-18.1 years), 152 of the 540 participants had a DFS event (recurrence: n = 73; deaths: n = 79) and 134 died overall. Most participants in this cohort were current drinkers (pre = 61.3%; post = 64.7%) while few were current cigarette smokers (pre = 12.8%; post = 11.5%). Pre-diagnosis alcohol consumption was not associated with survival, yet post-diagnosis alcohol intake ≥ 2 drinks/week was associated with worse OS compared with lifetime abstention (HR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.00-5.54) as well as light intake (HR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.67-8.96). Increased/consistently high alcohol intake patterns were associated with worse OS (HR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.15-7.37) compared with patterns of decreased/ceased intake patterns after diagnosis. A harmful dose-response relationship per each additional pre-diagnosis smoking pack-year with OS was noted among ever smokers. In this cohort, smoking and alcohol individually were not associated with DFS and combined pre-diagnosis smoking and alcohol intakes were not associated with either outcome. CONCLUSION: Endometrial cancer survivors with higher alcohol intakes after diagnosis had poorer OS compared with women who had limited exposure. Larger studies powered to investigate the individual and joint impacts of cigarette smoking and alcohol use patterns are warranted to provide additional clarity on these modifiable prognostic factors.

Self-reported sleep quality and exercise in polycystic ovary syndrome: A secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the proportion of participants with poor sleep quality, evaluate the associations between sleep quality and anthropometric and cardiometabolic health markers, and evaluate the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous aerobic exercise training (CAET) on sleep quality in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS: Women with PCOS aged 18-40 years. MEASUREMENTS: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was measured at baseline and following a 6-month exercise intervention. A PSQI score >5 indicates poor sleep. Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between PSQI score and anthropometric and cardiometabolic health markers, and the effect of exercise training on these associations. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants completed the PSQI at baseline, and 29 postintervention: no-exercise control (n = 9), HIIT (n = 12) and CAET (n = 8). At baseline, 79% had poor sleep quality. Baseline PSQI score was positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, body weight, haemoglobin A1c and insulin resistance. Mean PSQI score changes were -0.4 (SD 1.1), -0.7 (SD 0.6) and -0.5 (SD 0.9) for control, HIIT and CAET, respectively. For HIIT participants, change in PSQI score was associated with changes in body weight (B = .27, 95% CI 0.10-0.45) and waist circumference (B = .09, 95% CI 0.02-0.17). CONCLUSION: Most participants had poor sleep quality which was associated with poorer anthropometric and cardiometabolic health markers. There were no statistically significant changes in PSQI score with exercise training. With HIIT training, decreases in the sleep efficiency score were associated with reductions in body weight and waist circumference. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of exercise training on sleep quality.

Missed antenatal diabetes care appointments and neonatal outcomes for pregnancies with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding the association between missed appointments and neonatal outcomes for diabetes in pregnancy. STUDY METHODS: This retrospective live birth cohort included pregnant women with Type 1 or 2 diabetes who attended specialized clinics from 2008 to 2020. The association between at least one missed antenatal diabetes appointments and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) (95% confidence interval). Mediation analyses were conducted to examine if above target HbA1c mediated these relationships. RESULTS: The cohort included 407 and 902 women with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively, of whom 25.1% and 34.5% missed at least one appointment. Women with Type 1 diabetes who missed an appointment were more likely to have a caesarean section (aOR 1.95 [1.15, 3.31]) and their babies more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (aOR 2.25 [1.35, 3.75]). Women with Type 2 diabetes who missed an appointment were more likely to have a large-for-gestational-age infant (aOR 1.61 [1.13, 2.28]), and an extreme large-for-gestational-age infant (aOR 1.69 [1.02, 2.81]) compared with women who did not miss appointments. Above target HbA1c mediated the relationship between missed appointments and caesarean delivery in Type 1 diabetes and large-for-gestational age and extreme large-for-gestational age in Type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: In individuals with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, there are differences in neonatal outcomes between those who missed an appointment compared to those who did not. It remains unclear if missed diabetes appointments are causative or a marker of other health behaviours or risk factors leading to neonatal morbidity.

Effects of probiotics on bone mineral density and bone turnover: A systematic review.

Probiotic supplements have been shown to improve bone health in animal models, although it remains uncertain whether these beneficial effects extend to humans. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to determine the effects of probiotic interventions on skeletal outcomes in postmenopausal women. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception to October 2020 for controlled trials comparing the effects of probiotic-containing supplements with placebo on bone mineral density (BMD) or bone turnover markers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 Tool. Of 338 records identified, six randomized, placebo-controlled trials (n = 632) were eligible for inclusion. All studies assessed postmenopausal women for durations of 6-12 months; three were considered to be at high risk of bias. Four studies examined Lactobacillus-containing probiotics, one assessed a proprietary blend of lactic acid bacteria, and one evaluated Bacillus subtilis. Effects of probiotic interventions on BMD were inconsistent, with the majority of studies demonstrating no benefit at the spine or hip. Probiotic effects on bone turnover markers were similarly heterogeneous. High quality studies are needed to determine whether probiotic interventions have a role in maintaining bone health in humans.

The association between gestational diabetes and stillbirth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Controversy exists over whether gestational diabetes increases the risk of stillbirth. The aim of this review was to examine the association between gestational diabetes and stillbirth. METHODS: We performed searches of the published literature to May 2021. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate by independent reviewers. Meta-analyses of summary measures were conducted using random-effect models for cohort and case-control studies separately. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration ID CRD42020166939). RESULTS: From 9981 citations, 419 were identified for full-text review and 73 met inclusion criteria (n = 70,292,090). There was no significant association between gestational diabetes and stillbirth in cohort studies (pooled OR 1.04 [95% CI 0.90, 1.21]; I2 86.1%) or in case-control studies (pooled OR 1.57 [95% CI 0.83, 2.98]; I2 94.8%). Gestational diabetes was associated with lower odds of stillbirth among cohort studies presenting with an adjusted OR (pooled OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.68, 0.88]; I2 42.7%). Stratified analyses by stillbirth ≥28 weeks' gestation, studies published prior to 2013 and studies identified as low quality demonstrated a significantly higher odds of stillbirth in meta-regression (p = 0.016, 0.023 and 0.005, respectively). Egger's test for all included cohort studies (p = 0.018) suggests publication bias for the main meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Given the substantial heterogeneity across studies, there are insufficient data to define the relationship between stillbirth and gestational diabetes adequately. In the main analyes, gestational diabetes was not associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. However, heterogeneity across studies means this finding should be interpreted cautiously.

Public perceptions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: a demographic analysis of self-reported beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition.

INTRODUCTION: We explored associations between sociodemographic factors and public beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to identify how the experiences of subpopulations in Canada may vary. METHODS: We administered a national online survey through Ipsos Incorporated to adults residing in Canada. Sampling was stratified by population age, sex, and regional distributions. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses and test for differences based on gender, age, educational attainment, and household income using chi-squared tests, followed by weighted logistic regression. RESULTS: We collected 1996 eligible questionnaires between April 26th and May 1st, 2020. Respondents mean age was 50 years, 51% were women, 56% had a post-secondary degree, and 72% had a household income <$100,000. Our analysis found differences within the four demographic groups, with age effects most acutely evidenced. Respondents 65 years and older were more likely to perceive the pandemic as very serious, less likely to report declines in overall health, and more likely to intend to get vaccinated, compared to 18-29 year olds. Women overall were more likely to report negative outcomes than men, including stress due to the pandemic, and worsening social, mental/emotional, and spiritual health. Respondents 45 and older were more likely to seek and trust information from traditional Canadian news sources, while 18-29 year olds were more likely to seek and trust information on social media; overall, women and respondents with a post-secondary degree were more likely to access and trust online information from public health sites. CONCLUSION: This study found important demographic differences in how adults living in Canada perceived the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts on their health, and their preferences for information acquisition. Our results highlight the need to consider demographic characteristics in tailoring the format and information medium to improve large scale acceptance and uptake of mitigation and containment measures.

Exercise training and reproductive outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise is recommended for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the most effective exercise prescription is unclear. This trial compared effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous aerobic exercise training (CAET) and no-exercise control on reproductive, anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes in PCOS. DESIGN: Pilot randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Previously inactive women aged 18-40 years with PCOS. MEASUREMENTS: Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence to exercise and daily ovulation prediction kit (OPK) testing. Preliminary efficacy outcomes included reproductive, anthropometric and cardiometabolic health markers. RESULTS: Forty-seven women were randomized to no-exercise control (n = 17), HIIT (n = 16), or CAET (n = 14). Forty (85%) participants completed the trial. Median exercise adherence was 68% (IQR 53%, 86%). Median daily OPK-testing adherence in the first half of the intervention was 87% (IQR 61%, 97%) compared with 65% (IQR 0%, 96%) in the second half. Body mass index decreased significantly in CAET compared with control (-1.0 kg/m2 , p = .01) and HIIT (-0.9 kg/m2 , p = .04). Mean waist circumference decreased in all groups (-7.3 cm, -6.9 cm, -4.5 cm in HIIT, CAET and control) with no significant between-group differences. Mean LDL-C was significantly reduced for HIIT compared to CAET (-0.33 mmol/L, p = .03). HDL-C increased in HIIT compared with control (0.18 mmol/L, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: There were feasibility challenges with adherence to daily ovulation assessment limiting the ability to analyse the effect of the exercise interventions on ovulation. CAET and HIIT were both effective at improving anthropometrics and some cardiometabolic health markers. Further studies need to determine optimal and acceptable exercise prescriptions for this population.

Metformin in Pregnancy for Women with Type 2 Diabetes: a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current evidence for the use of metformin in pregnancy for women with type 2 diabetes. RECENT FINDINGS: A large, multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled trial found that women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy treated with metformin as an adjunct to insulin therapy had less gestational weight gain, insulin requirements, caesarian sections, macrosomia, and neonatal adiposity, but more neonates were small for gestational age (SGA) compared with insulin alone. It is unclear if the higher number of SGA infants are a direct result of metformin exposure or mediated through other effects such as less gestational weight gain and improved glycemic control. Additional follow-up studies of offspring exposed to metformin in utero are required. Metformin may be a useful adjunctive treatment for women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy to help meet glycemic targets if there are no concerns for or indications of SGA.

Attitudes, behaviours and barriers to public health measures for COVID-19: a survey to inform public health messaging.

BACKGROUND: Public support of public health measures including physical distancing, masking, staying home while sick, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and contact tracing/exposure notification applications remains critical for reducing spread of COVID-19. The aim of our work was to understand current behaviours and attitudes towards public health measures as well as barriers individuals face in following public health measures. We also sought to identify attitudes persons have regarding a COVID-19 vaccine and reasons why they may not accept a vaccine. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August 2020, in Alberta, Canada in persons 18 years and older. This survey evaluated current behaviours, barriers and attitudes towards public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine. Cluster analysis was used to identify key patterns that summarize data variations among observations. RESULTS: Of the 60 total respondents, the majority of persons were always or often physically distancing (73%), masking (65%) and staying home while sick (67%). Bars/pubs/lounges or nightclubs were visited rarely or never by 63% of respondents. Persons identified staying home while sick to provide the highest benefit (83%) in reducing spread of COVID-19. There were a large proportion of persons who had not downloaded or used a contact tracing/exposure notification app (77%) and who would not receive a COVID-19 vaccine when available (20%) or were unsure (12%). Reporting health authorities as most trusted sources of health information was associated with greater percentage of potential uptake of vaccine but not related to contact tracing app download and use. Individuals with lower concern of getting and spreading COVID-19 showed the least uptake of public health measures except for avoiding public places such as bars. Lower concern regarding COVID-19 was also associated with more negative responses to taking a potential COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: These results suggest informational frames and themes focusing on individual risks, highlighting concern for COVID-19 and targeting improving trust for health authorities may be most effective in increasing public health measures. With the ultimate goal of preventing spread of COVID-19, understanding persons' attitudes towards both public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine remains critical to addressing barriers and implementing targeted interventions and messaging to improve uptake.

Comparative Success of Recruitment Strategies for an Exercise Intervention Trial Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Effective and efficient participant recruitment is a key determinant of the success of a research program. Previously reported recruitment strategies have displayed variable success rates in studies on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost per participant of the recruitment strategies that we used in a prospective randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of exercise training among inactive women with PCOS, who are aged 18-40 years. METHODS: The 4 recruitment methods we used were as follows: (1) referral by health care providers or by word of mouth, (2) media (eg, local newspaper stories and radio interviews), (3) Facebook advertisements, and (4) unpaid advertisements including posters and websites. The proportions of potential, eligible, and enrolled participants recruited with each method were determined and compared using tests of proportion. The time investment and cost per participant enrolled were calculated for each recruitment strategy. RESULTS: Of 200 potential participants screened, 98 (49%) were recruited from unpaid advertisements (posters and websites), 70 (35%) from Facebook advertisements, 16 (8%) by referral, and 16 (8%) from traditional media (newspaper and radio). Every potential participant was recruited from separate means (ie, no participant was approached through more than one recruitment method). A total of 109 (54.5%) women were deemed eligible for participation in the trial, and 60 (30.0%) were enrolled. The proportion of potential participants who completed the trial was higher for those recruited from traditional media than from Facebook advertisements (n=7/16, 44% vs n=13/70, 19%, respectively; P=.03) or unpaid advertisements (n=7/16, 44% vs n=13/98, 13%, respectively; P=.002). The cost per participant was Can $18.21 (US $14.46) for Facebook advertisements and Can $43.88 (US $34.85) for unpaid advertisements. There were no direct trial costs for referrals or traditional media. CONCLUSIONS: For this trial, each method was important for recruiting inactive women with PCOS because no participant reported learning about the trial through more than one method. Unpaid advertisements and Facebook advertisements helped recruit the largest number of participants in the trial, the former resulting in a higher cost per participant than the latter. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03362918; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03362918.

Neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes in offspring exposed to maternal pre-existing diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether exposure to maternal pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy is associated with neurocognitive or behavioural outcomes in offspring. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus for studies that examined any neurocognitive or behavioural outcomes in offspring of mothers with pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy in accordance with a published protocol (PROSPERO CRD42018109038). Title and abstract review, full-text review and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses of summary measures were performed using random-effects models. RESULTS: Nineteen articles including at least 18,681 exposed and 2,856,688 control participants were identified for inclusion. Exposure to maternal pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy was associated with a lower pooled intelligence quotient in the offspring (pooled weighted mean difference -3.07 [95% CI -4.59, -1.55]; I2 = 0%) and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (effect estimate 1.98 [95% CI 1.46, 2.68]; I2 = 0%). There was also an increased risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (pooled HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.19, 1.55]; I2 = 0%), though this was based on only two studies. Although most studies were found to be high quality in terms of participant selection, in many studies, comparability of cohorts and adequacy of follow-up were sources of bias. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: There is evidence to suggest that in utero exposure to maternal pre-existing diabetes is associated with some adverse neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes. It remains unclear what the role of perinatal factors is and the degree to which other environmental factors contribute to these findings.

Impact of bariatric surgery on anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in females. Modest weight loss improves reproductive and metabolic PCOS features. While lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapies remain first-line weight loss strategies, bariatric surgery is emerging as a potentially effective treatment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature to examine the impact of bariatric surgery in PCOS to inform the 2023 International PCOS Evidence-based Guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for observational studies and trials comparing pharmacologic or lifestyle treatments to bariatric surgery in women with PCOS or bariatric surgery in women with or without PCOS. Anthropometric, reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes were included and, where possible, meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed. Ten studies were included involving 432 women with and 590 women without PCOS. Comparisons between bariatric surgery and pharmacologic or lifestyle treatments were only reported in one study each, and most reproductive outcomes were limited to a single study; therefore, meta-analyses could not be performed. Meta-analysis found that women with PCOS experience similar improvements in anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic outcomes after bariatric surgery compared to those without PCOS. Existing research is limited and of low quality with high risk of bias, especially in comparison to existing PCOS treatments and with respect to reproductive outcomes including pregnancy, highlighting the need for additional studies to inform clinical recommendations.

The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 9: Summary of Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations.

This final chapter of the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance "ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women" presents ATLAS highlights from the perspective of current status, challenges, and opportunities in cardiovascular care for women. We conclude with 12 specific recommendations for actionable next steps to further the existing progress that has been made in addressing these knowledge gaps by tackling the remaining outstanding disparities in women's cardiovascular care, with the goal to improve outcomes for women in Canada.

Dans ce chapitre final de l'ATLAS sur l'épidémiologie, le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la maladie cardiovasculaire chez les femmes de l'Alliance canadienne de santé cardiaque pour les femmes, nous présentons les points saillants de l'ATLAS au sujet de l'état actuel des soins cardiovasculaires offerts aux femmes, ainsi que des défis et des occasions dans ce domaine. Nous concluons par 12 recommandations concrètes sur les prochaines étapes à entreprendre pour donner suite aux progrès déjà réalisés afin de combler les lacunes dans les connaissances, en s'attaquant aux disparités qui subsistent dans les soins cardiovasculaires prodigués aux femmes, dans le but d'améliorer les résultats de santé des femmes au Canada.

Navigating the Role of Anti-Obesity Agents Prior to Pregnancy: A Narrative Review.

Utilization of anti-obesity agents is rising in reproductive-age females with some planning for future pregnancy. Lifestyle-induced weight loss has been shown to increase spontaneous conception rate, improve rates of fertility intervention complications, and decrease pregnancy comorbidities. However, the definitive role of assisting weight loss with medication prior to pregnancy remains to be established. The implications of anti-obesity agent used prior to pregnancy are explored in this narrative review, considering benefits of weight loss as well as available evidence for use and risks of anti-obesity agents prior to pregnancy.

Precision gestational diabetes treatment: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 1 in 7 pregnancies globally. It is associated with short- and long-term risks for both mother and baby. Therefore, optimizing treatment to effectively treat the condition has wide-ranging beneficial effects. However, despite the known heterogeneity in GDM, treatment guidelines and approaches are generally standardized. We hypothesized that a precision medicine approach could be a tool for risk-stratification of women to streamline successful GDM management. With the relatively short timeframe available to treat GDM, commencing effective therapy earlier, with more rapid normalization of hyperglycaemia, could have benefits for both mother and fetus. METHODS: We conducted two systematic reviews, to identify precision markers that may predict effective lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. RESULTS: There was a paucity of studies examining precision lifestyle-based interventions for GDM highlighting the pressing need for further research in this area. We found a number of precision markers identified from routine clinical measures that may enable earlier identification of those requiring escalation of pharmacological therapy (to metformin, sulphonylureas or insulin). This included previous history of GDM, Body Mass Index and blood glucose concentrations at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical measurements at diagnosis could potentially be used as precision markers in the treatment of GDM. Whether there are other sensitive markers that could be identified using more complex individual-level data, such as omics, and if these can feasibly be implemented in clinical practice remains unknown. These will be important to consider in future studies.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is high blood sugar first detected during pregnancy. Normalizing blood sugar levels quickly is important to avoid pregnancy complications. Many women achieve this with lifestyle changes, such as to diet, but some need to inject insulin or take tablets. We did two thorough reviews of existing research to see if we could predict which women need medication. Firstly we looked for ways to identify the characteristics of women who benefit most from changing their lifestyles to treat GDM, but found very limited research on this topic. We secondly searched for characteristics that help identify women who need medication to treat GDM. We found some useful characteristics that are obtained during routine pregnancy care. Further studies are needed to test if additional information could provide even better information about how we could make GDM treatment more tailored for individuals during pregnancy.

Persuasive Messages for Improving Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors: Randomized Online Experiment.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19, including physical distancing, masking, staying home while sick, and avoiding crowded indoor spaces, remains critical for limiting the spread of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of using various persuasive appeals (deontological moral frame, empathy, identifiable victim, goal proximity, and reciprocity) at improving intentions to adhere to prevention behaviors. METHODS: A randomized online experiment using a representative sample of adult Canadian residents with respect to age, ethnicity, and province of residence was performed from March 3 to March 6, 2021. Participants indicated their intentions to follow public health guidelines, saw one of six flyers featuring a persuasive appeal or no appeal, and then rated their intentions a second time. Known correlates of attitudes toward public health measures were also measured. RESULTS: Intentions to adhere to public health measures increased in all appeal conditions. The message featuring an empathy appeal resulted in a greater increase in intentions than the control (no appeal) message. Moreover, the effectiveness of persuasive appeals was moderated by baseline intentions. Deontological, empathy, identifiable victim, and reciprocity appeals improved intentions more than the control message, but only for people with lower baseline intentions to adhere to nonpharmaceutical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Public health marketing campaigns aiming to increase adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors could achieve modest gains by employing a range of persuasive appeals. However, to maximize impact, it is important that these campaigns be targeted to the right individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05722106; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05722106.

Sex differences in COVID-19 symptoms and outcomes in people with kidney failure treated with dialysis: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: People with kidney failure treated with dialysis are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization and death. Though there are well-defined sex differences in outcomes for the general population with COVID-19, we do not know whether this translates into kidney failure populations. We aimed to estimate the differences in COVID-19 symptoms and clinical outcomes between males and females treated with maintenance dialysis. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study, we included adults treated with maintenance dialysis in Southern Alberta, Canada that tested positive for COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2022. We examined the association between sex (dichotomized as male and female) with COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, malaise, shortness of breath, muscle joints/aches, nausea and/or vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and loss of smell/taste using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Secondary outcomes included 30-day hospitalization, ICU admission, and death. RESULTS: Of 1,329 cohort participants, 246 (18.5%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were included in our study, including 95 females (39%). Of 207 participants with symptoms assessed, females had less frequent fever (p = 0.003), and more nausea or vomiting (p = 0.003) compared to males, after correction for multiple testing. Males exhibited no symptoms 25% of the time, compared with 10% of females (p = 0.01, not significant when corrected for multiple testing). We did not identify statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the sexes, though vaccinated patients had lower odds of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in COVID-19 symptoms were identified in a cohort of patients treated with maintenance dialysis, which may inform sex-specific screening strategies in dialysis units. Further work is necessary to examine mechanisms for identified sex differences.

Second international consensus report on gaps and opportunities for the clinical translation of precision diabetes medicine.

Precision medicine is part of the logical evolution of contemporary evidence-based medicine that seeks to reduce errors and optimize outcomes when making medical decisions and health recommendations. Diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, many of whom will develop life-threatening complications and die prematurely. Precision medicine can potentially address this enormous problem by accounting for heterogeneity in the etiology, clinical presentation and pathogenesis of common forms of diabetes and risks of complications. This second international consensus report on precision diabetes medicine summarizes the findings from a systematic evidence review across the key pillars of precision medicine (prevention, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis) in four recognized forms of diabetes (monogenic, gestational, type 1, type 2). These reviews address key questions about the translation of precision medicine research into practice. Although not complete, owing to the vast literature on this topic, they revealed opportunities for the immediate or near-term clinical implementation of precision diabetes medicine; furthermore, we expose important gaps in knowledge, focusing on the need to obtain new clinically relevant evidence. Gaps include the need for common standards for clinical readiness, including consideration of cost-effectiveness, health equity, predictive accuracy, liability and accessibility. Key milestones are outlined for the broad clinical implementation of precision diabetes medicine.

Sex and Gender Related Differences in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Diversity in sex and gender are important considerations in the pathogenesis, prognostication, research, and management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Sex and gender differences in the disease risk, disease-specific mechanisms, and outcomes in DKD may be attributed to biological differences between males and females at the cellular and tissue level, inconsistencies in the diagnostic and assessment tools used in chronic kidney disease and DKD, as well societal differences in the way men, women, and gender-diverse individuals self-manage and interact with health care systems. This review outlines key considerations related to the impact of sex on DKD, specifically elaborating on how they contribute to observed differences in disease epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies. We also highlight the effect of gender on DKD progression and care.