Prevalence of Slam-dependent hemophilins in Gram-negative bacteria.

Iron acquisition systems are crucial for pathogen growth and survival in iron-limiting host environments. To overcome nutritional immunity, bacterial pathogens evolved to use diverse mechanisms to acquire iron. Here, we examine a heme acquisition system that utilizes hemophores called hemophilins which are also referred to as HphAs in several Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we report three new HphA structures from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Vibrio harveyi, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae. Structural determination of HphAs revealed an N-terminal clamp-like domain that binds heme and a C-terminal eight-stranded ß-barrel domain that shares the same architecture as the Slam-dependent Neisserial surface lipoproteins. The genetic organization of HphAs consists of genes encoding a Slam homolog and a TonB-dependent receptor (TBDR). We investigated the Slam-HphA system in the native organism or the reconstituted system in Escherichia coli cells and found that the efficient secretion of HphA depends on Slam. The TBDR also played an important role in heme uptake and conferred specificity for its cognate HphA. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis of HphA homologs revealed that HphAs are conserved in the alpha, beta, and gammaproteobacteria. Together, these results show that the Slam-dependent HphA-type hemophores are prevalent in Gram-negative bacteria and further expand the role of Slams in transporting soluble proteins. IMPORTANCE: This paper describes the structure and function of a family of Slam (Type IX secretion System) secreted hemophores that bacteria use to uptake heme (iron) while establishing an infection. Using structure-based bioinformatics analysis to define the diversity and prevalence of this heme acquisition pathway, we discovered that a large portion of gammaproteobacterial harbors this system. As organisms, including Acinetobacter baumannii, utilize this system to facilitate survival during host invasion, the identification of this heme acquisition system in bacteria species is valuable information and may represent a target for antimicrobials.

A Culturally Adapted, Telehealth, Community Health Worker Intervention on Blood Pressure Control among South Asian Immigrants with Type II Diabetes: Results from the DREAM Atlanta Intervention.

BACKGROUND: South Asians face a high prevalence of type II diabetes (DMII) and comorbid hypertension (HTN). Community health worker (CHW) interventions have the potential to improve chronic disease outcomes, yet few have been tailored to South Asian populations in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of an evidence-based CHW-led and culturally-tailored HTN and DMII management program for South Asian adults with diabetes and comorbid uncontrolled HTN (systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) > 80 mmHg). DESIGN: Randomized-controlled Trial. PARTICIPANTS: South Asian adults with DMII and comorbid HTN. INTERVENTION: The Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities (DREAM) Atlanta intervention was a CHW telehealth intervention designed to improve blood pressure (BP). The treatment group received five virtual group-based health education sessions, an action plan, and follow-up calls to assess goal setting activities. The control group received only the first session. Main Measures included: feasibility, improvement in BP control, and decreases in SBP, DBP, weight, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). KEY RESULTS: A total of 190 South Asian adults were randomized (97 to the treatment group and 93 to the control group); 94% of treatment group participants completed all 5 telehealth sessions. At endpoint, BP control increased 33.7% (95% CI: 22.5, 44.9, p < 0.001) in the treatment group and 16.5% (95%: 6.2, 26.8, p = 0.003) in the control group; the adjusted intervention effect was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0, 3.2, p = 0.055). Mean weight decreased by 4.8 pounds (95% CI: -8.2, -1.4, p = 0.006) in the treatment group, and the adjusted intervention effect was -5.2 (95% CI: -9.0, -1.4, p = 0.007. The intervention had an overall retention of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally-tailored, CHW-led telehealth intervention is feasible and can improve BP control among South Asian Americans with DMII. GOV REGISTRATION: NCT04263311.

Test and Treat for Prediabetes: A Review of the Health Effects of Prediabetes and the Role of Screening and Prevention.

The term prediabetes describes blood glucose levels above the normal range but below the threshold to diagnose type 2 diabetes. Several population health initiatives encourage a test and treat approach for prediabetes. In this approach, screening and identification of individuals with prediabetes should be followed by prompt referral to structured lifestyle modification programs or pharmacologic interventions that have been shown to prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes in clinical trials. Here we provide a critical review of evidence for this test and treat approach by examining health outcomes associated with prediabetes and the availability and effectiveness of lifestyle modification approaches that target prediabetes. We also describe current limitations to the reach and uptake of evidence-based treatment options for prediabetes. Finally, we highlight lessons learned from identifying and labeling other preconditions to consider challenges and opportunities that may arise with increasing awareness of prediabetes as part of routine preventive care.

Trends in health behaviors of US adults with and without Diabetes: 2007-2018.

AIMS: Understanding health behaviors of people with diabetes can inform strategies to reduce diabetes-related burdens. METHODS: We used serial cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys over 2007-2018 to characterize self-reported health behaviors among non-pregnant adults, with and without self-reported diabetes. We estimated weighted proportions meeting recommended health behaviors overall and by sociodemographic and glycemic levels. RESULTS: During 2007-2010, proportions of adults with diabetes meeting recommendations were: 61.9 % for added sugar consumption (<10 % of total calories), 17.2 % for physical activity, 68.2 % for weight management, 14.4 % avoided alcohol, 57.5 % avoided tobacco, 34.1 % got adequate sleep, and 97.5 % saw a healthcare provider (compared with 19.2 %, 33.6 %, 68.8 %, 8.5 %, 44.2 %, 33.0 %, and 82.6 % respectively, among those without diabetes). During 2015-2018, adjusted analyses showed more adults with diabetes met sleep (+16.7 percentage-points[pp]; 95 % CI: 10.6,22.8) and physical activity goals (+8.3 pp; 95 % CI: 3.8,12.8), and fewer met added sugar recommendations (-8.8 pp; 95 % CI -14.7, -2.9). Meeting added sugar, physical activity, and weight management varied by age, education, and glycemic level, but not race and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: During 2007-2018, there was some improvement in health behaviors. Improving self-management may require targeted interventions for different segments, like age groups or glycemic levels, among those with diabetes.

Modulation of various host cellular machinery during COVID-19 infection.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) emerged in December 2019, causing a range of respiratory infections from mild to severe. This resulted in the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on public health. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic in March 2020. Viruses are intracellular pathogens that rely on the host's machinery to establish a successful infection. They exploit the gene expression machinery of host cells to facilitate their own replication. Gaining a better understanding of gene expression modulation in SARS-CoV2 is crucial for designing and developing effective antiviral strategies. Efforts are currently underway to understand the molecular-level interaction between the host and the pathogen. In this review, we describe how SARS-CoV2 infection modulates gene expression by interfering with cellular processes, including transcription, post-transcription, translation, post-translation, epigenetic modifications as well as processing and degradation pathways. Additionally, we emphasise the therapeutic implications of these findings in the development of new therapies to treat SARS-CoV2 infection.

Benign Colorectal Disorders.

Benign conditions of the colon and rectum are a heterogeneous group of conditions that range from inflammatory to infectious to pelvic floor health conditions that affect large segments of the US population. These conditions include diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and anorectal lesions. The initial presentation of these very common conditions often occurs in the outpatient primary care setting, and most can be managed by the primary care clinician. This article will provide an overview on the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of some of the most common benign colorectal disorders; these are broadly divided into diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, and anorectal conditions.

Disparities in diabetes prevalence and management by race and ethnicity in the USA: defining a path forward.

Type 2 diabetes disparities in the USA persist in both the prevalence of disease and diabetes-related complications. We conducted a literature review related to diabetes prevention, management, and complications across racial and ethnic groups in the USA. The objective of this review is to summarise the current understanding of diabetes disparities by examining differences between and within racial and ethnic groups and among young people (aged <18 years). We also examine the pathophysiology of diabetes as it relates to race and ethnic differences. We use a conceptual framework built on the socioecological model to categorise the causes of diabetes disparities across the lifespan looking at factors in five domains of health behaviours and social norms, public awareness, structural racism, economic development, and access to high-quality care. The range of disparities in diabetes prevalence and management in the USA calls for a community-engaged and multidisciplinary approach that must involve community partners, researchers, practitioners, health system administrators, and policy makers. We offer recommendations for each of these groups to help to promote equity in diabetes prevention and care in the USA.

Behind closed doors: Protective social behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The success of personal non-pharmaceutical interventions as a public health strategy requires a high level of compliance from individuals in private social settings. Strategies to increase compliance in these hard-to-reach settings depend upon a comprehensive understanding of the patterns and predictors of protective social behavior. Social cognitive models of protective behavior emphasize the contribution of individual-level factors while social-ecological models emphasize the contribution of environmental factors. This study draws on 28 waves of survey data from the Understanding Coronavirus in America survey to measure patterns of adherence to two protective social behaviors-private social-distancing behavior and private masking behavior-during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the role individual and environmental factors play in predicting adherence. Results show that patterns of adherence fall into three categories marked by high, moderate, and low levels of adherence, with just under half of respondents exhibiting a high level of adherence. Health beliefs emerge as the single strongest predictor of adherence. All other environmental and individual-level predictors have relatively poor predictive power or primarily indirect effects.

Reverse vaccinology-based identification of a novel surface lipoprotein that is an effective vaccine antigen against bovine infections caused by Pasteurella multocida.

Pasteurella multocida can infect a multitude of wild and domesticated animals, with infections in cattle resulting in hemorrhagic septicemia (HS) or contributing to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Current cattle vaccines against P. multocida consist of inactivated bacteria, which only offer limited and serogroup specific protection. Here, we describe a newly identified surface lipoprotein, PmSLP, that is present in nearly all annotated P. multocida strains isolated from cattle. Bovine associated variants span three of the four identified phylogenetic clusters, with PmSLP-1 and PmSLP-2 being restricted to BRD associated isolates and PmSLP-3 being restricted to isolates associated with HS. Recombinantly expressed, soluble PmSLP-1 (BRD-PmSLP) and PmSLP-3 (HS-PmSLP) vaccines were both able to provide full protection in a mouse sepsis model against the matched P. multocida strain, however no cross-protection and minimal serum IgG cross-reactivity was identified. Full protection against both challenge strains was achieved with a bivalent vaccine containing both BRD-PmSLP and HS-PmSLP, with serum IgG from immunized mice being highly reactive to both variants. Year-long stability studies with lyophilized antigen stored under various temperatures show no appreciable difference in biophysical properties or loss of efficacy in the mouse challenge model. PmSLP-1 and PmSLP-3 vaccines were each evaluated for immunogenicity in two independent cattle trials involving animals of different age ranges and breeds. In all four trials, vaccination with PmSLP resulted in an increase in antigen specific serum IgG over baseline. In a blinded cattle challenge study with a recently isolated HS strain, the matched HS-PmSLP vaccine showed strong efficacy (75-87.5% survival compared to 0% in the control group). Together, these data suggest that cattle vaccines composed of PmSLP antigens can be a practical and effective solution for preventing HS and BRD related P. multocida infections.

Anti-CRISPR Protein AcrIIC5 Inhibits CRISPR-Cas9 by Occupying the Target DNA Binding Pocket.

Anti-CRISPR proteins inhibit CRISPR-Cas immune systems through diverse mechanisms. Previously, the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIC5Smu was shown to potently inhibit a type II-C Cas9 from Neisseria meningitidis (Nme1Cas9). In this work, we explore the mechanism of activity of the AcrIIC5 homologue from Neisseria chenwenguii (AcrIIC5Nch) and show that it prevents Cas9 binding to target DNA. We show that AcrIIC5Nch targets the PAM-interacting domain (PID) of Nme1Cas9 for inhibition, agreeing with previous findings for AcrIIC5Smu, and newly establish that strong binding of the anti-CRISPR requires guide RNA be pre-loaded on Cas9. We determined the crystal structure of AcrIIC5Nch using X-ray crystallography and identified amino acid residues that are critical for its function. Using a protein docking algorithm we show that AcrIIC5Nch likely occupies the Cas9 DNA binding pocket, thereby inhibiting target DNA binding through a mechanism similar to that previously described for AcrIIA2 and AcrIIA4.

Continuity of Medication Use by US Adults With Diabetes, 2005-2019.

Importance: Consistent medication use is critical for diabetes management. Population surveillance of consistency of medication use may identify opportunities to improve diabetes care. Objective: To evaluate trends in longitudinal use of glucose-, blood pressure-, and lipid-lowering medications by adults with diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This serial cross-sectional study assessed trends in longitudinal use of glucose-, blood pressure-, and lipid-lowering medications by adults with diagnosed diabetes participating in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which allows serial cross-sections and 2-year longitudinal follow-up, between the 2005 to 2006 panel and 2018 to 2019 panel. Population-weighted, nationally representative estimates for the US were reported. Included individuals were adult MEPS participants with diagnosed diabetes during both years (ie, during 2005 and 2006 or during 2018 and 2019) who participated in all survey rounds. Data were analyzed from August 2021 to November 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Longitudinal use over the 2 years was categorized as continued use (at least 1 fill per year), no use, inconsistent use, and new use by medication type (glucose-, blood pressure-, and lipid-lowering medications). New medications were defined as prescription fills for a medication type first prescribed and filled in year 2 of MEPS participation. Results: A total of 15 237 participants with diabetes (7222 individuals aged 45-64 years [47.4%]; 8258 [54.2%] female participants; 3851 Latino [25.3%]; 3619 non-Latino Black (23.8%), and 6487 non-Latino White [42.6%]) were included in the analytical sample. A mean of 19.5% (95% CI, 18.6%-20.3%), 17.1% (95% CI, 16.2%-18.1%), and 43.3% (95% CI, 42.2%-44.3%) of participants did not maintain continuity in use of glucose-, blood pressure-, or lipid-lowering medications, respectively, during both years of follow-up. The proportion of participants who continued use of glucose-lowering medication in both years trended down from 84.5% (95% CI, 81.8%-87.3%) in 2005 to 2006 to 77.4% (95% CI, 74.8%-80.1%) in 2018 to 2019; this decrease coincided with rate increases in inconsistent use (3.3% [95% CI, 1.9%-4.7%] in 2005-2006 to 7.1% [95% CI, 5.6%-8.6%] in 2018-2019) and no use (8.1% [95% CI, 6.0%-10.1%] in 2005-2006 to 12.9% [95% CI, 10.9%-14.9%] in 2018-2019). Inconsistent use of blood pressure-lowering medications trended upward from 3.9% (95% CI, 1.8%-6.0%) in 2005 to 2006 to 9.0% (95% CI, 7.0%-11.0%) in 2016 to 2017. Inconsistent use of lipid-lowering medication trended up to a high of 9.9% (95% CI, 7.0%-12.7%) in 2017 to 2018. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that a mean of 19.5% of participants did not maintain continuity in use of glucose-lowering medication, with recent decreases, while a mean of 17.1% and 43.2% of participants did not maintain continuity of use of blood pressure- or lipid-lowering medications, respectively.

Cardiometabolic Risk in Asian Americans by Social Determinants of Health: Serial Cross-sectional Analyses of the NHIS, 1999-2003 to 2014-2018.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and hypertension are common in Asian Americans and vary by subgroup. There may be further variation by social determinants of health (SDOHs), but few studies have examined this previously. OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of SDOHs and diabetes and hypertension within and across Asian subgroups in the USA DESIGN: Series cross-sectional analyses SETTING: National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) from 1999 to 2018 PARTICIPANTS: Asian-American adults (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, and Other Asian [Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other]) MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported diabetes and hypertension prevalence in pooled 5-year increments over 1999-2018 and multivariable regression models to assess the adjusted prevalence of diabetes or hypertension by poverty, marital status, education, and years in the USA, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and health insurance status RESULTS: From 1999-2003 to 2014-2018, the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of diabetes increased for Other Asians (absolute change: 4.6%) but not for other subgroups; age- and sex-adjusted hypertension prevalence significantly increased for Asian Indians and Other Asians (absolute change: 5-7.5%). For Filipinos, high school education or less was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence over time (difference from 1999-2003 to 2014-2018: +6.0 (95% CI: 2.0-10.0)), while for Asian Indians, college education or higher was associated with an increase in diabetes prevalence for the same period (difference: +2.7 (95% CI: 0.01-5.4). Differences over the 2 time periods (1999-2003 and 2014-2018) show that Filipino and Other Asians, who lived in the USA for ≥10 years, increased in diabetes prevalence. Similar variations in associations of SDOHs by Asian subgroup were seen for hypertension. LIMITATIONS: Self-reported primary outcomes and multi-year data were pooled due to small sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of SDOHs on cardiometabolic risk is not uniform among Asian Americans, implying tailored strategies may be needed for different population subgroups. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: NIH.

Designing a Clinical Trial with Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Transplantation-Based Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Position Paper.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents an urgent unmet need for clinical reparative therapy due to its largely irreversible and devastating effects on patients, and the tremendous socioeconomic burden to the community. While different approaches are being explored, therapy to restore the lost function remains unavailable. Olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation is a promising approach in terms of feasibility, safety, and limited efficacy; however, high variability in reported clinical outcomes prevent its translation despite several clinical trials. The aims of this position paper are to present an in-depth analysis of previous OEC transplantation-based clinical trials, identify existing challenges and gaps, and finally propose strategies to improve standardization of OEC therapies. We have reviewed the study design and protocols of clinical trials using OEC transplantation for SCI repair to investigate how and why the outcomes show variability. With this knowledge and our experience as a team of biologists and clinicians with active experience in the field of OEC research, we provide recommendations regarding cell source, cell purity and characterisation, transplantation dosage and format, and rehabilitation. Ultimately, this position paper is intended to serve as a roadmap to design an effective clinical trial with OEC transplantation-based therapy for SCI repair.

Protocol and baseline characteristics for a community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes management program for South Asians in Atlanta: The DREAM Atlanta study.

BACKGROUND: South Asians are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (DMII) and comorbid hypertension (HTN). Community health worker (CHW) interventions have been shown to improve chronic disease outcomes, yet few have been tailored for South Asians. This paper describes the study protocol and baseline characteristics of an evidence-based CHW intervention to improve blood pressure (BP) control among South Asian adults with diabetes and comorbid HTN in Atlanta, GA. METHODS: A total of 195 South Asian adults were randomized to treatment and control groups, and of these 190 completed baseline surveys (97 treatment group and 93 control group). The treatment group receives five group education sessions on DMII and HTN management and two one-on-one goal setting sessions. MEASURES: Primary outcomes include feasibility, acceptability, and BP control (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <130 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] <80). Secondary outcomes included changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, diabetes self-efficacy, diet, and physical activity. BASELINE RESULTS: Of the enrolled sample, 56% are female and mean age is 56.0 (±11.7). All participants are foreign-born. Mean SBP was 139.2 ± 4.3 and mean DBP was 84.7 ± 9.5. Intervention outcomes are measured at baseline and 6-month endpoint for both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first to document the efficacy of a HTN and DMII management intervention among South Asian adults in Atlanta, GA. Future findings of the submitted protocol will fill an important gap on the translation and adaption of evidence-based interventions that have relevance to immigrant and minority populations. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04263311.

Trends and Variations in Emergency Department Use Associated With Diabetes in the US by Sociodemographic Factors, 2008-2017.

Importance: Little is known about emergency department (ED) use among people with diabetes and whether the pattern of ED use varies across geographic areas and population subgroups. Objective: To estimate recent national- and state-level trends in diabetes-related ED use overall and by race and ethnicity, rural or urban location, and insurance status. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study of adults visiting the ED with a diabetes-related diagnosis used serial data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, a nationally representative database, and discharge records from 11 state emergency department databases for 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2016 to 2017. Data were analyzed from March 16 to November 9, 2020. Exposures: Reported race and ethnicity, rural or urban location, and insurance status. Data were stratified to generate state-specific estimates. Main Outcomes and Measures: Rates of ED use for all-cause visits among adults with diabetes (all-cause diabetes visits) and visits with primary diagnoses of diabetes-specific complications. Results: A larger portion of all-cause diabetes ED visits (n = 32 433 015) were by female (56.8%) and middle-aged (mean [SD] age, 58.4 [16.3] years) adults with diabetes. Nationally, all-cause diabetes ED visits per 10 000 adults increased 55.6% (95% CI, 50.6%-60.6%), from 257.6 (95% CI, 249.9-265.3) visits in 2008 to 400.8 (95% CI, 387.6-414.0) visits in 2017. All-cause diabetes ED visits increased more for urban (58.3%; 95% CI, 52.5%-64.1%) and uninsured subgroups (75.3% [95% CI, 59.8%-90.8%]) than for their counterparts. Diabetes-specific ED visits (weighted number of 1 911 795) nationally increased slightly among all subgroups. State-specific ED use rates show wide state-to-state variations in ED use by race and ethnicity, rural or urban location, and insurance. On average across states, diabetes-specific ED use among Black patients was approximately 3 times (rate ratio, 3.09 [95% CI, 2.91-3.30]) greater than among non-Hispanic White patients, and among Hispanic patients, it was 29% greater (rate ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.19-1.40]) than among non-Hispanic White patients. The mean rate of ED use among rural patients was 34% greater (rate ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.26-1.44]) than among urban patients. The mean rates of ED use among patients with Medicaid (rate ratio, 6.65 [95% CI, 6.49-6.82]) and Medicare (rate ratio, 4.37 [95% CI, 4.23-4.51]) were greater than among privately insured adults. Conclusions and Relevance: This study suggests that disparities in diabetes-related ED use associated with race and ethnicity, rural or urban location, and insurance status were persistent from 2008 to 2017 within and across states, as well as nationally. Further geographic and demographic-specific analyses are needed to understand the sources of inequity.

Barriers to participation and lifestyle change among lower versus higher income participants in the National Diabetes Prevention Program: lifestyle coach perspectives.

Individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have lesser participation and success in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). Barriers to NDPP participation and lifestyle change were examined from the perspective of Lifestyle Coaches serving lower versus higher income participants. Lifestyle Coaches (n = 211) who serve lower income (n = 82) or higher income (n = 129) participants reported on observed barriers to NDPP participation and lifestyle change and ranked the three most significant barriers to (a) NDPP participation and (b) lifestyle change. Group differences in number/type of barriers were examined using t-tests and chi-square analyses, and ranking differences were examined using multilevel cumulative logit models. Lifestyle Coaches of lower income (versus higher income) participants reported two additional barriers on average. Ranked barriers to participation were similar between groups, and notably included physical/emotional barriers. However, for lifestyle change, those serving lower income groups were more likely to rank lack of access to healthy grocery stores, but less likely to rank low motivation and lack of family support. Lifestyle Coaches of lower income participants were less likely to rank long wait period prior to enrollment as the most significant barrier to participation, and to rank lack of time off from work as the most significant barrier to lifestyle change. Despite more barriers observed among lower versus higher income participants, overlap in the most significant barriers highlights the potential utility of widely addressing common barriers among NDPP participants. In particular, physical and emotional barriers have been overlooked, yet deserve greater attention in future research and practice.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) has less successfully reached and changed the lifestyles of lower income (versus higher income) adults in the USA who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. In a nationwide online survey, we asked Lifestyle Coaches who deliver the NDPP to identify up to 37 potential barriers to participation and success that they had observed among their participants. We then compared the number, type, and rankings of the most significant barriers to participation and success in the NDPP from the perspective of Lifestyle Coaches estimating the majority of their participants had lower versus higher incomes. Lifestyle Coaches delivering the NDPP to lower income participants reported an average of two additional barriers to participation and success than those delivering the program to higher income participants. The barriers ranked among the most significant to NDPP participation and lifestyle change were generally similar among Lifestyle Coaches working with lower versus higher income participants. Top-ranked barriers included physical/emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) as well as barriers previously reported in studies focused on NDPP participants. It is critical that barriers be carefully evaluated and addressed to improve the nationwide impact of the NDPP.

Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric analysis of negative pressure-assisted in-vivo nerve stretch-growth.

Axons respond well to mechanical stimuli and can be stretched mechanically to increase their growth rate. Although stretch growth of axons and their transient lengthening ex-vivo has been discussed in literature extensively, however, real applications of this phenomenon are scarcely found. This work presents a technique to translate ex-vivo axonal stretch growth to in-vivo nerve stretch growth. By establishing a rat model of completely transected sciatic nerve injury, the regrowth rate of the proximal nerve stump was examined under the effect of a stretching force developed by negative pressure. In this manuscript, results have been presented based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of the stained nerve tissues. Gross observations have explicitly confirmed that the proximal stump of a whole sectioned sciatic nerve of a Wistar rat stretched in a T-shaped nerve prosthesis using a controlled amount of negative pressure displayed a better outcome in terms of an increase in the total length of proximal nerve stump post-treatment and a higher number of blood vessels with respect to control. The histological and morphometric analyses confirmed that negative pressure-assisted nerve growth provides an alluring control over nerve's regrowth rate. Immunohistochemical staining also supported the existence of a positive correlation between nerve growth and in-vivo application of axial stress on it. This work presents the first holistic evidence on growing nerves in the continuum of in-vivo nerve stretch growth using negative pressure and concludes that systematic and controlled negative pressure applied directly to the resected ends of a sciatic nerve resulted in the enhanced growth rate of regenerating nerve fibres.

Promises and Pitfalls of Dyads in the National Diabetes Prevention Program: Lifestyle Coach Perspectives.

PURPOSE: To describe Lifestyle Coach perceptions of dyads (i.e., family members and/or friends) in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). DESIGN: Qualitative evaluation of cross-sectional survey responses. SETTING: Online. PARTICIPANTS: Lifestyle Coaches (n=253) with experience teaching at least one in-person year-long NDPP cohort at a CDC-recognized organization. MEASURES: Survey included items on background and experience with dyadic approach, as well as open-ended items on the benefits and challenges observed when working with dyads in the NDPP. ANALYSIS: Lifestyle Coach background and experience were analyzed descriptively in SPSS. Open-ended responses were content coded in ATLAS.ti using qualitative description, and then grouped into categories. RESULTS: Most Lifestyle Coaches (n=210; 83.0%) reported experience delivering the NDPP to dyads. Benefits of a dyadic approach included having a partner in lifestyle change, superior outcomes and increased engagement, and positive "ripple effects." Challenges included difficult relationship dynamics, differences between dyad members, negative "ripple effects," and logistics. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle Coaches described a number of benefits, as well as some challenges, with a dyadic approach to the NDPP. Given the concordance between close others in lifestyle and other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, utilizing a dyadic approach in the NDPP has the potential to increase engagement, improve outcomes, and extend the reach of the program.

Trends and Demographic Disparities in Diabetes Hospital Admissions: Analyses of Serial Cross-Sectional National and State Data, 2008-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze national and state-specific trends in diabetes-related hospital admissions and determine whether disparities in rates of admission exist between demographic groups and geographically dispersed states. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted serial cross-sectional analyses of the National Inpatient Sample (2008, 2011, 2014, and 2016) and State Inpatient Databases for Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Utah, and Vermont for 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2016/2017 among adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes-related ICD codes (ICD-9 [250.XX] or ICD-10 [E10.XXX, E11.XXX, and E13.XXX]. We measured hospitalization rates for people with diabetes (all-cause hospitalizations) and for admissions with a primary diagnosis of diabetes or diabetes-related complications (diabetes-specific hospitalizations) per 10,000 people per year. RESULTS: Nationally, all-cause and diabetes-specific hospitalizations declined by 3.1% (95% CI -5.5, -0.7) and 19.1% (95% CI -21.6, -16.6), respectively, over 2008 to 2016. The analysis of individual states showed that diabetes-specific admissions in individuals ≥65 years old declined during this time (16.3-48.8% decrease) but increased among patients 18-29 years old (10.5-81.5% increase) and that rural diabetes-specific admissions decreased in just over half of the included states (15.2-69.2% decrease). There were no differences in changes in admission rates among different racial/ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, rates of diabetes-related hospitalizations decreased over 2008 to 2016/2017, but there were large state-level differences across subgroups of patients. The rise in diabetes hospitalizations among young adults is a cause for concern. These state- and subpopulation-level differences highlight the need for state-level policies and interventions to address disparities in diabetes health care use.