Comparing Socio-Demographics and HIV Testing and Prevention Outcomes Between Low-Income HIV-Negative Heterosexually Active Black Women and Men with Health Insurance.

OBJECTIVE: This study is to compare socio-demographic, HIV testing, and prevention factors experienced by insured low-income heterosexual Black women and men. METHODS: We examined cross-sectional data from Black women and men (n = 5837) recruited in 23 U.S. cities for National HIV Behavioral Surveillance June-December 2019. We compared socio-demographic and behavioral factors between groups using log-linked Poisson regression models, producing adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Black women were less likely than Black men to have private insurance (aPR 0.61, 95% CI 0.50-0.74, p < 0.0001). Black women were more likely than Black men to have incomes at or below the poverty line (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p = 0.02), be aware of PrEP (aPR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, p < 0.0001), and have been recently tested for HIV (aPR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.20, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite insured status, many Black women and men experienced suboptimal access to and utilization of HIV testing and prevention services. Understanding how social conditions produce differential access to care may help inform HIV prevention interventions.

Poor policy and inadequate regulation of medical technology is driving low-value care in Australia's private health system.

Millions of Australians use the private health system every year. They should receive safe, high-quality, value-based care. However, poor policy and inadequate regulation of medical technology is driving low-value care at great expense to consumers and the broader health system. Key drivers include the Prescribed List of Medical Devices and Human Tissue, gaps in quality and safety controls for devices being used, and marketing and conflicts of interest. All of these should be addressed to reduce low-value care in Australia's private health system, so consumers are protected from harm and limited health budgets are used effectively.

Loss of zebrafish pkd1l1 causes biliary defects that have implications for biliary atresia splenic malformation.

Biliary atresia is a fibroinflammatory neonatal disease with no effective therapies. A subset of cases (10-20%) is associated with laterality defects - labeled biliary atresia splenic malformation (BASM) syndrome. Recently, whole-exome sequencing of patients with BASM identified deleterious variants in PKD1L1. PKD1L1 is involved in left-right axis determination; however, its role in cholangiocytes is unknown. We generated the pkd1l1hsc117 allele using CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in zebrafish to determine the role of Pkd1l1 in biliary development and function. Wild-type and mutant larvae were assessed for laterality defects, biliary function and biliary tree architecture at 5 days post fertilization. pkd1l1hsc117 mutant larvae exhibited early left-right patterning defects. The gallbladder was positioned on the left in 47% of mutants compared to 4% of wild-type larvae. Accumulation of PED6 in the gallbladder, an indicator of hepatobiliary function, was significantly reduced in pkd1l1hsc117 mutants (46%) compared to wild-type larvae (4%). pkd1l1hsc117 larvae exhibited fewer biliary epithelial cells and reduced density of the intrahepatic biliary network compared to those in wild-type larvae. These data highlight the essential role of pkd1l1 in normal development and function of the zebrafish biliary system, supporting a role for this gene as a cause of BASM.

Early detection of oliguric events in critically ill patients in the ICU with a novel continuous urine flow measurement device: results of an initial validation study.

OBJECTIVES: Urine output is used to evaluate fluid status and is an important marker for acute kidney injury (AKI). Our primary aim was to validate a new automatic urine output monitoring device by comparison to the current practice - the standard urometer. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study in three ICUs. Urine flow measurements by Serenno Medical Automatic urine output measuring device (Serenno Medical, Yokneam, Israel) were compared to standard urometer readings taken automatically at 5-minutes intervals by a camera, and to hourly urometer readings by the nurses, both over 1 to 7 days. Our primary outcome was the difference between urine flow assessed by the Serenno device and reference camera-derived measurements (Camera). Our secondary outcome was the difference between urine flow assessed by the Serenno device and hourly nursing assessments (Nurse), and detection of oliguria. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients completed the study, with 1,306 h of recording and a median of 25 measurement hours per patient. Bland and Altman analysis comparing the study device to camera measurements demonstrated good agreement, with a bias of -0.4 ml/h and 95% confidence intervals ranging from - 28 to 27ml/h. Concordance was 92%. The correlation between Camera and hourly nursing assessment of urine output was distinctly worse with a bias of 7.2 ml and limits of agreement extending from - 75 to + 107 ml. Severe oliguria (urine output < 0.3 ml/kg/h) lasting 2 h or more was common and observed in 8 (21%) of patients. Among the severe oliguric events lasting more than 3 consecutive hours, 6 (41%) were not detected or documented by the nursing staff. There were no device-related complications. CONCLUSION: The Serenno Medical Automatic urine output measuring device required minimal supervision, little ICU nursing staff attention, and is sufficiently accurate and precise. In addition to providing continuous assessments of urine output, it was considerably more accurate than hourly nursing assessments.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with exuberant plasmacytosis and spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome.

We present a 67-year-old man with complaints of confusion, chills, night sweats, and several days of poor oral intake. He had severe plasmacytosis on lab work, which initially raised concern for plasma cell leukemia. However, further workup led to the diagnosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. His initial hospital course was complicated by spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome. Early recognition and prompt interventions are pivotal to improve survival outcomes in such patients.

Dual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding glycemic control in children and adolescents with a dual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare various aspects of diabetes control among youth with T1DM, between those with and without ADHD. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of youth with T1DM, 39 had ADHD (mean age 14.1 ± 2.8 years) and 82 did not (control group, mean age 12.6 ± 3.3 years). Health-related quality of life was assessed by a Diabetes Quality of Life (DQOL) questionnaire submitted to their parents. Glycemic data were downloaded from glucometers, pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring systems. HbA1c levels, hospitalizations, and severe hypoglycemic and diabetes ketoacidosis events were retrieved from the medical files. RESULTS: Compared to the control group mean HbA1c level of the ADHD group was higher: 8.3 ± 1.1% versus 7.7 ± 1.0% (p = 0.005) and the percent of time that glucose level was in the target range (70-180 mg/dl) was lower: 48 ± 17% versus 59 ± 14% (p = 0.006). Mean glucose and glucose variability were higher in the ADHD group. Youth with ADHD who were not pharmacologically treated had worse HbA1c and more hospitalizations than those who were treated. DQOL did not differ between the control group, the treated ADHD group, and the untreated ADHD-Group. CONCLUSIONS: Dual diagnosis of T1DM and ADHD during childhood leads to worse diabetes control, which is more pronounced in the context of untreated ADHD. Healthcare providers should be aware of the difficulties facing youth with T1DM and ADHD in coping with the current intensive treatment of diabetes.

A randomized controlled trial comparing a telemedicine therapeutic intervention with routine care in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated by insulin pumps.

AIM: To examine the effectiveness and safety over a 12-month period of a telemedicine intervention in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with insulin pumps. METHODS: 74 T1D patients on insulin pumps for at least 1 year (mean 19.5 [11.5] years) and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (≥ 48 mmol/mol) were randomized to the telemedicine (n = 37) or the standard care group (n = 37). The intervention group was instructed to download data from insulin pumps and glucometers monthly. They received immediate phone feedback and recommendations for insulin dose adjustment; and face-to-face visits once in 6 months, compared to once every 3 months for the standard care group. Satisfaction with treatment, quality of life and frequency of hypoglycemic events was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean changes in HbA1c adjusted to baseline were - 0.08% (0.25 mmol/mol) vs. - 0.01% (0.03 mmol/mol), in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p = 0.18) at 12 months, without an increased frequency of hypoglycemia. Patients in the intervention group felt satisfied and interested in continuing with the treatment (p = 0.04). The quality of life scores were similar in both groups. Direct total costs were 24% less in the intervention group, and indirect total costs decreased by 22% compared to the year preceding the study. CONCLUSIONS: Internet-based insulin dose adjustment is as effective and safe as routine care in adults with type 1 diabetes treated by insulin pumps. For suitable patients, some of the time-consuming routine visits may be replaced by user-friendly digital medicine. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial.gov Identifier NCT01887431.

Complications Associated With Dose-adjusted EPOCH-rituximab Therapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Certain aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes are increasingly being treated with infusional DA-EPOCH-R (dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab), which requires a central venous catheter. This study aims to identify the rates and predictors of line-associated complications (LACs) associated with DA-EPOCH-R therapy in NHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients treated with DA-EPOCH-R at our institution between March 2011 and July 2016. We also identified a concurrent cohort of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). RESULTS: Forty-three patients received DA-EPOCH-R during the study period; 17 (39.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.56) patients experienced at least 1 LAC (including venous thromboembolism, chemotherapy extravasation, and line-associated infection). Forty-four patients received R-CHOP during the study period; 8 (18.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.32) patients experienced at least 1 complication. Compared with the R-CHOP cohort, patients treated with DA-EPOCH-R experienced a significantly higher rate of these complications (P = .03). In the DA-EPOCH-R cohort, grade 3 toxicity was seen in 41% (7/17). In univariate analysis, body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 and using a peripherally inserted central catheter line were significantly associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Forty percent of patients receiving DA-EPOCH-R therapy developed LACs, almost one-half of whom experienced grade 3 toxicities. The complication rate was significantly greater in patients undergoing therapy with DA-EPOCH-R compared with those undergoing R-CHOP therapy. Clinicians need to balance these risks when selecting therapy. Future studies are needed to evaluate prophylactic anticoagulation strategies in this population.

Increased prevalence of disordered eating in the dual diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) may lead to full blown eating disorders. Both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) have been linked to DEBs. OBJECTIVE: To compare the presence of DEBs between adolescents and young adults with a dual diagnosis of T1DM and CD, and individuals with only one of the diagnoses. METHODS: Individuals with a dual diagnosis of T1DM and CD ("T1DM + CD group" n = 39), with a diagnosis of T1DM only ("T1DM group" n = 97) and with a diagnosis of CD only ("CD group" n = 267) filled the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) questionnaire. Those with T1DM completed in addition to the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R). RESULTS: The study population comprised of 403 individuals, of whom 65% were females. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in distribution of sex, age, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, age of disease diagnosis and duration. The prevalence of DEBs in the T1DM + CD group was 3-fold higher (26.0%) than in the T1DM (8.2%) and CD (8.2%) groups (P = .003). This trend was observed for both females and males. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the T1DM + CD group had an increased risk for DEBs (odds ratio, OR: 4.7, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.9-11.2, P = .001) after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Additionally, being female, older and overweight increased the risk for DEBs. HbA1c values were not associated with an increased DEBs rate. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with the dual diagnoses of T1DM and CD have an increased likelihood to develop DEBs compared to those with only one of these diagnoses.

Sexual lifestyle among young adults with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Sexual lifestyles including sexual activity, problems, satisfaction, and the formation and maintenance of relationships are greatly affected by physical health. Data are limited regarding the sexual lifestyle of adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Fear of hypoglycemic episodes during sexual intercourse and intimacy issues can impact individuals with T1DM. The aim of this study was to assess sexual lifestyles of individuals with T1DM. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with T1DM, 27 (51%) males, mean ± SD age 27.9 ± 8.3 years completed the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II and the Sex Practices and Concerns questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (70%) reported they never or almost never had concerns in their sexual lifestyles that were related to their diabetes. None experienced severe hypoglycemia during sex, but 21 (40%) reported occasional mild hypoglycemic events. More than two-thirds do not take any measures to prevent hypoglycemia before sex (decreasing insulin dose, snacks, and measuring blood glucose levels). Fear of hypoglycemia during sex was reported by 18 (35%); those who reported increased fear experienced mild hypoglycemic events during sex (61.1% vs 26.5%, P = .01), were singles (94.4% vs 64.7%, P = .02), and had higher scores on the Worries subscale of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-II (42.8 ± 12.8 vs 34.9 ± 10.5, P = .04) compared with those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Among young people with T1DM, most do not have concerns regarding sex that are related to their diabetes, and most do not take specific measures before or after sex. One-third, however, fear of hypoglycemia during sex, mostly singles and those who experienced hypoglycemia in the past. Caregivers should be aware and address these concerns. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome components in children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 326 (168 women) consecutive patients aged 5 to 30 years diagnosed with T1DM and followed up in the Juvenile Diabetes Clinic, Maccabi Health Care Services. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, presence of additional diseases, other medications, HbA1c , triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were obtained. RESULTS: The mean age in the study group was 18.5 ± 6.0 years, and the mean diabetes duration was 8.7 ± 5.0 years. Mean HbA1c level was 8.1 ± 1.3%. Nineteen per cent of the study population was overweight (85th > body mass index < 95th percentile) and 5.2% was obese (body mass index ≥ 95th percentile). Female patients aged 15 ≤ 18 and 18 ≤ 25 years were significantly overweight compared with healthy Israeli women in the same age groups, 33.3% versus 12.7% and 26.3% versus 7.8%, respectively, p < 0001. There were no obese female patients in the 15 ≤ 18 age group. Among the men in all age groups, there was no difference in the prevalence of overweight and obesity compared with healthy men in the general population. There was no difference in the age of onset, disease duration, HbA1c levels, treatment with anti-depressants and associated morbidities between the normal weight, overweight and obese groups. Obese patients had lower levels of HDL and increased prevalence of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight but not obesity was more prevalent in women with T1DM. Metabolic syndrome and its components were more prevalent among overweight and obese individuals with T1DM than among normal weight individuals.