Sustainable Lignin-Reinforced Chitosan Membranes for Efficient Cr(VI) Water Remediation.

The pollution of aquatic environments is a growing problem linked to population growth and intense anthropogenic activities. Because of their potential impact on human health and the environment, special attention is paid to contaminants of emerging concern, namely heavy metals. Thus, this work proposes the use of naturally derived materials capable of adsorbing chromium (VI) (Cr(VI)), a contaminant known for its potential toxicity and carcinogenic effects, providing a sustainable alternative for water remediation. For this purpose, membranes based on chitosan (CS) and chitosan/Kraft lignin (CS/KL) with different percentages of lignin (0.01 and 0.05 g) were developed using the solvent casting technique. The introduction of lignin imparts mechanical strength and reduces swelling in pristine chitosan. The CS and CS/0.01 KL membranes performed excellently, removing Cr(VI) at an initial 5 mg/L concentration. After 5 h of contact time, they showed about 100% removal. The adsorption process was analyzed using the pseudo-first-order model, and the interaction between the polymer matrix and the contaminant was attributed to electrostatic interactions. Therefore, CS and CS/KL membranes could be low-cost and efficient adsorbents for heavy metals in wastewater treatment applications.

A Relative Cost of Control Analysis of IDegLira versus Other Forms of Basal Insulin Intensification in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: Achieving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes is important as it reduces the risk of complications and their related clinical and economic burden. Yet therapeutic inertia due to the fear of hypoglycemia, complex treatment regimens, weight gain, and therapy costs, among others, limits achieving glycemic control. This analysis aims to assess the short-term cost of control (cost per patient achieving treatment goals) with insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus other forms of basal insulin intensification (insulin glargine titration, basal-bolus therapy, and the combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide: IGlarLixi) in type 2 diabetes patients not controlled with basal insulin in the Mexican private setting. METHODS: The proportion of patients achieving treatment goals was obtained from DUAL V and DUAL VII studies (full trial population) and a indirect treatment comparison analyzing IDegLira versus IGlarLixi. Annual cost of treatment was estimated using unitary costs from IQVIA's Pharmaceutical Market Mexico (PMM) audit and wholesale acquisition costs (both from December 2021). The cost of control was estimated by dividing the annual cost of treatment by the proportion of patients achieving the corresponding treatment goal: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) < 7.0%, HbA1C < 7.0% without weight gain, HbA1C < 7.0% without hypoglycemia, and HbA1C < 7.0% without hypoglycemia and weight gain. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess how variations in the model inputs impacted cost-effectiveness outcomes. RESULTS: The proportion of patients achieving treatment goals was higher for IDegLira versus other forms of basal insulin intensification in all endpoints assessed. The annual cost of treatment with IDegLira was similar to the cost of treatment versus IGlarLixi or versus basal-bolus therapy ($54,659 versus $55,831 MXN and $51,008 versus $52,987 MXN, respectively), and higher in comparison with insulin glargine titration ($52,186 versus $40,194 MXN). The cost of controlling one patient with IDegLira was lower than any other form of basal insulin intensification, for all treatment goals. CONCLUSION: When integrating the greater clinical efficacy of IDegLira with its annual cost, it can be shown that within 1 year, IDegLira is the best option in terms of value for money for payers in a private healthcare setting in Mexico in comparison with other forms of basal insulin intensification. Thus, investing in IDegLira not only represents a greater clinical benefit, but also an economical one for payers.

Effectiveness of an Immersive Telemedicine Platform for Delivering Diabetes Medical Group Visits for African American, Black and Hispanic, or Latina Women With Uncontrolled Diabetes: The Women in Control 2.0 Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Medically underserved people with type 2 diabetes mellitus face limited access to group-based diabetes care, placing them at risk for poor disease control and complications. Immersive technology and telemedicine solutions could bridge this gap. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diabetes medical group visits (DMGVs) delivered in an immersive telemedicine platform versus an in-person (IP) setting and establish the noninferiority of the technology-enabled approach for changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and physical activity (measured in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]) at 6 months. METHODS: This study is a noninferiority randomized controlled trial conducted from February 2017 to December 2019 at an urban safety net health system and community health center. We enrolled adult women (aged ≥18 years) who self-reported African American or Black race or Hispanic or Latina ethnicity and had type 2 diabetes mellitus and HbA1c ≥8%. Participants attended 8 weekly DMGVs, which included diabetes self-management education, peer support, and clinician counseling using a culturally adapted curriculum in English or Spanish. In-person participants convened in clinical settings, while virtual world (VW) participants met remotely via an avatar-driven, 3D VW linked to video teleconferencing. Follow-up occurred 6 months post enrollment. Primary outcomes were mean changes in HbA1c and physical activity at 6 months, with noninferiority margins of 0.7% and 12 MET-hours, respectively. Secondary outcomes included changes in diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Of 309 female participants (mean age 55, SD 10.6 years; n=195, 63% African American or Black; n=105, 34% Hispanic or Latina; n=151 IP; and n=158 in VW), 207 (67%) met per-protocol criteria. In the intention-to-treat analysis, we confirmed noninferiority for primary outcomes. We found similar improvements in mean HbA1c by group at 6 months (IP: -0.8%, SD 1.9%; VW: -0.5%, SD 1.8%; mean difference 0.3, 97.5% CI -∞ to 0.3; P<.001). However, there were no detectable improvements in physical activity (IP: -6.5, SD 43.6; VW: -9.6, SD 44.8 MET-hours; mean difference -3.1, 97.5% CI -6.9 to ∞; P=.02). The proportion of participants with significant diabetes distress and depressive symptoms at 6 months decreased in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this noninferiority randomized controlled trial, immersive telemedicine was a noninferior platform for delivering diabetes care, eliciting comparable glycemic control improvement, and enhancing patient engagement, compared to IP DMGVs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02726425; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02726425.

Development of a New Measure of Housing Security: The REDD-CAT Housing Security Measure.

BACKGROUND: Housing security is a key social determinant of behavior related to health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a new patient-reported outcome measure that evaluates aspects of housing security for use in the Re-Engineered Discharge for Diabetes-Computer Adaptive Test (REDD-CAT) measurement system. DESIGN: Qualitative data, literature reviews, and cross-sectional survey study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 225 people with T2DM provided responses to the items in this item pool. MAIN MEASURES: A new item pool that evaluates important aspects of housing security was developed using stakeholder data from focus groups of persons with T2DM. KEY RESULTS: For the Housing Affordability scale, factor analysis (both exploratory and confirmatory) supported the retention of six items. Of these items, none exhibited sparse cells or problems with monotonicity; no items were deleted due to low item-adjusted total score correlations. For the six affordability items, a constrained graded response model indicated no items exhibited misfit; thus, all were retained. No items indicated differential item functioning (examined for age, sex, education, race, and socioeconomic status). Thus, the final Affordability item bank comprised six items. A Housing Safety index (three items) and a Home Features index (eight items) were also developed. Reliability (i.e., internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and validity (i.e., convergent, discriminant, and known-groups) of the new measures were also supported. CONCLUSIONS: The REDD-CAT Housing Security Measure provides a reliable and valid assessment of housing affordability, safety, and home features in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Future work is needed to establish the clinical utility of this measure in other clinical populations.

Development and calibration data for the Healthcare Access Item Bank: a new computer adaptive test for persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a new measure to evaluate the ability to receive medical services when needed among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The Healthcare Access measure was developed using data from 225 persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus who completed an item pool comprised of 54 questions pertaining to their experience accessing healthcare services. RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the retention of 45 items. In addition, a constrained graded response model (GRM), as well as analyses that examined item misfit and differential item functioning (investigated for age, sex, education, race, and socioeconomic status), supported the retention of 44 items in the final item bank. Expert review and GRM item calibration products were used to inform the selection of a 6-item static short form and to program the Healthcare Access computer adaptive test (CAT). Preliminary data supported the reliability (i.e., internal consistency and test-retest reliability) and validity (i.e., convergent, discriminant, and known-groups) of the new measure. CONCLUSIONS: The new Healthcare Access item bank can be used to examine the experiences that persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus have with healthcare access, to better target treatment improvements and mitigate disparities; it will be available as a part of the Neuro-Qol measurement system through healthmeasures.net and the PROMIS Application Programmable Interface (API) in early 2023.

The Physical Activity Assessment of Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Using Accelerometer-Based Cut Points: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Incorporating physical activity into lifestyle routines is recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Accelerometers offer a promising method for objectively measuring physical activity and for assessing interventions. However, the existing literature for accelerometer-measured physical activity among middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify research studies in which accelerometer-based cut points were used to classify the physical activity intensity of middle-aged to older adults with type 2 diabetes as sedentary, light, moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous, and to determine if validated accelerometer cut points specifically for this population exist. METHODS: We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Between June 23 and July 12, 2020, two reviewers independently screened records from four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Engineering Village) and the ActiGraph Corp web site for eligible studies that included patients with type 2 diabetes with a sample mean age ≥50 years, used research-grade accelerometers, applied cut points to categorize objectively measured physical activity, and were available in English. We excluded studies reporting exclusively steps or step counts measured by accelerometers or pedometers and conference abstracts or other sources that did not have a full text available. Data extraction was completed using Microsoft Excel. Data for the following variables were tabulated based on frequency distributions: study design, accelerometer type, device placement, epoch length, total wear time, and cut points used. Study aims and participant demographic data were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 748 records were screened at the abstract level, and 88 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 46 articles were retained and analyzed. Participants' mean ages ranged from 50 to 79.9 years. The ActiGraph accelerometer and the Freedson et al and Troiano et al counts-per-minute cut points were the most frequently used across the literature. Freedson et al and Troiano et al counts-per-minute cut points for light, moderate, and vigorous activity correspond to <1952, 1952-5724, and ≥5725, and 100-2019, 2020-5998, and ≥5999, respectively. The Lopes et al cut points were developed by calibrating the ActiGraph in middle-aged and older adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. These counts-per-minute thresholds are ≥200 (light), ≥1240 (moderate), and ≥2400 (vigorous), and were applied in 1 interventional study. CONCLUSIONS: An assortment of accelerometer cut points have been used by researchers to categorize physical activity intensity for middle-aged and older adults with diabetes. Only one set of cut points was validated and calibrated in our population of interest. Additional research is warranted to address the need for diabetes-specific cut points to inform public health recommendations. This includes confirmation that the Lopes et al cut points reflect clinically meaningful changes in physical activity for adults with diabetes who have comorbidities other than overweight/obesity and the development of relative intensity cut points that may be more suitable for those with suboptimal physical functioning.

Embodiment Comfort Levels During Motor Imagery Training Combined With Immersive Virtual Reality in a Spinal Cord Injury Patient.

Brain-machine interfaces combining visual, auditory, and tactile feedback have been previously used to generate embodiment experiences during spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. It is not known if adding temperature to these modalities can result in discomfort with embodiment experiences. Here, comfort levels with the embodiment experiences were investigated in an intervention that required a chronic pain SCI patient to generate lower limb motor imagery commands in an immersive environment combining visual (virtual reality -VR), auditory, tactile, and thermal feedback. Assessments were made pre-/ post-, throughout the intervention (Weeks 0-5), and at 7 weeks follow up. Overall, high levels of embodiment in the adapted three-domain scale of embodiment were found throughout the sessions. No significant adverse effects of VR were reported. Although sessions induced only a modest reduction in pain levels, an overall reduction occurred in all pain scales (Faces, Intensity, and Verbal) at follow up. A high degree of comfort in the comfort scale for the thermal-tactile sleeve, in both the thermal and tactile feedback components of the sleeve was reported. This study supports the feasibility of combining multimodal stimulation involving visual (VR), auditory, tactile, and thermal feedback to generate embodiment experiences in neurorehabilitation programs.

Patient engagement and presence in a virtual world world diabetes self-management education intervention for minority women.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore how users' experience of presence in a virtual world (VW) learning environment enhanced patient engagement in DSME/S programs conducted in an online VW platform with minority women with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We conducted an embedded, mixed methods study, using a convergent study design to analyze qualitative field notes and interview data and quantitative survey data gathered from the Women in Control 2.0 (WIC2) clinical trial participants. The WIC2 clinical trial compared a diabetes group visit program delivered using an online VW platform versus an in-person approach. RESULT: We enrolled 158 VW participants, of which 144 completed baseline data, 124 completed the post-intervention follow up survey, and 30 participated in key informant and focus group interviews. Overall, participants reported a sense of social (63.7%, mean 3.7/5.0), physical (63.1%, mean 3.6/5.0), and self (49.0%, mean 3.3/5.0) presence while engaged in VW group DSME/S. Three themes emerged from mixed methods analysis including, 1) Participants' identification with their avatars enhances a sense of self presence in a VW, 2) physical presence enables visualization and imaginative play modalities of social learning, and 3) social presence cultivates meaningful social support and psychological safety. CONCLUSION: Our research empirically supports the premise that participants' experience of three domains of presence (self, physical and social) in a VW environment enhances participant engagement in DSME/S programs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Further research is warranted to study optimal approaches to implementation and dissemination of this novel approach to patient education and engagement.

Primary care patients' and providers' perspectives about an online weight management program integrated with population health management: Post-intervention qualitative results from the PROPS study.

Objective: To assess patients' and providers' attitudes about the online weight management program and population health management approach in the PROPS Study, which examined the effectiveness of these strategies in primary care. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 patients and nine providers. Using thematic analysis, we analyzed transcripts of the interviews to identify key themes. Results: Most patients found the online program to be well-structured and easy to use, although a few noted that the information was overwhelming or could be more personalized. Patients mentioned that the support from the population health managers was critical for their success, and several reported that they would have liked more involvement from their primary care provider or a dietitian. Providers also were satisfied with the interventions, and several stated that the population health management support was helpful because it added accountability. Providers suggested that the interventions could be improved by tailoring the information and integrating the online program with the electronic health record. Conclusion: Most patients and providers were satisfied with the interventions, with several recommendations for improvements. Innovation: These findings give additional information about patients' and providers' experience with this innovative approach for managing overweight and obesity in primary care.

Antimicrobial Activity of a Library of Thioxanthones and Their Potential as Efflux Pump Inhibitors.

The overexpression of efflux pumps is one of the causes of multidrug resistance, which leads to the inefficacy of drugs. This plays a pivotal role in antimicrobial resistance, and the most notable pumps are the AcrAB-TolC system (AcrB belongs to the resistance-nodulation-division family) and the NorA, from the major facilitator superfamily. In bacteria, these structures can also favor virulence and adaptation mechanisms, such as quorum-sensing and the formation of biofilm. In this study, the design and synthesis of a library of thioxanthones as potential efflux pump inhibitors are described. The thioxanthone derivatives were investigated for their antibacterial activity and inhibition of efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and quorum-sensing. The compounds were also studied for their potential to interact with P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1), an efflux pump present in mammalian cells, and for their cytotoxicity in both mouse fibroblasts and human Caco-2 cells. The results concerning the real-time ethidium bromide accumulation may suggest a potential bacterial efflux pump inhibition, which has not yet been reported for thioxanthones. Moreover, in vitro studies in human cells demonstrated a lack of cytotoxicity for concentrations up to 20 µM in Caco-2 cells, with some derivatives also showing potential for P-gp modulation.

Salivary molecules of bone remodeling and tissue repair after head and neck radiotherapy.

Head and neck radiotherapy causes quantitative and qualitative changes in saliva. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the salivary biomarkers associated with bone remodeling and tissue repair in patients submitted to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment, compared with non-irradiated individuals. Total unstimulated saliva was collected for ELISA assay analysis of receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B (RANK) and its ligand (RANK-L), osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor. Statistics were performed, and revealed that salivary RANK (p = 0.0304), RANK-L (p = 0.0005), matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (p = 0.0067), vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.0060), and epidermal growth factor (p < 0.0001) were reduced in patients, compared with the control group. Osteoprotegerin did not differ between the groups (p = 0.3765). Salivary biomarkers did not differ according to radiotherapy completion time (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the lower output of the salivary molecules - essential for bone remodeling and tissue repair - may disrupt tissue homeostasis and play a role in the pathogenesis of the radiotherapy-induced deleterious effects in the oral cavity.

Crizotinib Versus Conventional Chemotherapy in First-Line Treatment for ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer and the main cause of death from malignant neoplasms worldwide. One of the most recent discoveries in the context of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the mutation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor (ALK). This genetic alteration is found in approximately 2-5% of NSCLC patients, and crizotinib was the first targeted therapy discovered for its first-line treatment. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the magnitude of the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from using crizotinib as treatment compared to traditional chemotherapy to guide future decision making. METHODS: PRISMA and Cochrane recommendations were followed using the findings based on studies published in the main international electronic databases. Selection criteria included the following: randomized clinical trials (RCT) or cohort studies that had assessed the efficacy and effectiveness of crizotinib as monotherapy in patients with NSCLC with ALK fusions. RESULTS: From 2504 publications identified in the literature, only eight publications referring to seven studies met the selection criteria, with high heterogeneity identified between the studies. Overall, there was a significant gain in PFS (HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.30-0.49; p < 0.00001); however, there was no significant gain in OS (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.43-1.08; p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: The study highlighted and confirmed that treatment with crizotinib led to clinical improvement in PFS among patients with advanced NSCLC with ALK fusion, as previously reported. However, there was no increase in overall survival in patients with NSCLC with genetic alterations of ALK. This must be considered when reviewing and funding treatments for NSCLC patients with this mutation.

Salivary molecules of bone remodeling and tissue repair after head and neck radiotherapy

Abstract Head and neck radiotherapy causes quantitative and qualitative changes in saliva. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate the salivary biomarkers associated with bone remodeling and tissue repair in patients submitted to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment, compared with non-irradiated individuals. Total unstimulated saliva was collected for ELISA assay analysis of receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B (RANK) and its ligand (RANK-L), osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor. Statistics were performed, and revealed that salivary RANK (p = 0.0304), RANK-L (p = 0.0005), matrix metalloproteinase-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (p = 0.0067), vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.0060), and epidermal growth factor (p < 0.0001) were reduced in patients, compared with the control group. Osteoprotegerin did not differ between the groups (p = 0.3765). Salivary biomarkers did not differ according to radiotherapy completion time (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the lower output of the salivary molecules - essential for bone remodeling and tissue repair - may disrupt tissue homeostasis and play a role in the pathogenesis of the radiotherapy-induced deleterious effects in the oral cavity.

Effect of an Online Weight Management Program Integrated With Population Health Management on Weight Change: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Online programs may help with weight loss but have not been widely implemented in routine primary care. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a combined intervention, including an online weight management program plus population health management, with the online program only and with usual care. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cluster randomized trial with enrollment from July 19, 2016, through August 10, 2017, at 15 primary care practices in the US. Eligible participants had a scheduled primary care visit and were aged 20 to 70 years, had a body mass index between 27 and less than 40, and had a diagnosis of hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Follow-up ended on May 8, 2019. Interventions: Participants in the usual care group (n = 326) were mailed general information about weight management. Participants in the online program only group (n = 216) and the combined intervention group (n = 298) were registered for the online program. The participants in the combined intervention group also received weight-related population health management, which included additional support from nonclinical staff who monitored their progress in the online program and conducted periodic outreach. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was weight change at 12 months based on measured weights recorded in the electronic health record. Weight change at 18 months was a secondary outcome. Results: Among the 840 participants who enrolled (mean age, 59.3 years [SD, 8.6 years]; 60% female; 76.8% White), 732 (87.1%) had a recorded weight at 12 months and the missing weights for the remaining participants were imputed. There was a significant difference in weight change at 12 months by group with a mean weight change of -1.2 kg (95% CI, -2.1 to -0.3 kg) in the usual care group, -1.9 kg (95% CI, -2.6 to -1.1 kg) in the online program only group, and -3.1 kg (95% CI, -3.7 to -2.5 kg) in the combined intervention group (P < .001). The difference in weight change between the combined intervention group and the usual care group was -1.9 kg (97.5% CI, -2.9 to -0.9 kg; P < .001) and the difference between the combined intervention group and the online program only group was -1.2 kg (95% CI, -2.2 to -0.3 kg; P = .01). At 18 months, the mean weight change was -1.9 kg (95% CI, -2.8 to -1.0 kg) in the usual care group, -1.1 kg (95% CI, -2.0 to -0.3 kg) in the online program only group, and -2.8 kg (95% CI, -3.5 to -2.0 kg) in the combined intervention group (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Among primary care patients with overweight or obesity and hypertension or type 2 diabetes, combining population health management with an online program resulted in a small but statistically significant greater weight loss at 12 months compared with usual care or the online program only. Further research is needed to understand the generalizability, scalability, and durability of these findings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02656693.

Erratum: Development of Poly(l-Lactic Acid)-Based Bending Actuators. Polymers 2020, 12, 1187.

The authors wish to make a change to their published paper [...].

Integrating an online weight management program with population health management in primary care: Design, methods, and baseline data from the PROPS randomized controlled trial (Partnerships for Reducing Overweight and Obesity with Patient-centered Strategies).

BACKGROUND: Scalable, low-cost weight management strategies are needed in primary care. We conducted a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of an online weight management program integrated with population health management support. METHODS: We adapted an online weight management program and integrated it with population health management support in 15 primary care practices (24 clinics). We randomized the 24 clinics to usual care (UC), online program alone (OP), or combined intervention (CI). Eligible participants had to be ages 20 to 70 and have a recent primary care visit, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 and < 40 kg/m2, and a diagnosis of hypertension or type 2 diabetes. Participants attended routine visits and completed surveys over 18 months. The primary outcome is absolute weight change at 12 months (± 90 days) after enrollment, calculated from weights measured at primary care visits and recorded in the electronic health record. RESULTS: We enrolled 840 participants between July 2016 and August 2017 (326 UC, 216 OP, and 298 CI.) At enrollment, participants' mean age was 59.3 years, their mean weight was 203.1 pounds, and their mean BMI was 32.5 kg/m2; 60% of participants were female, 76.8% were white, 96.4% had hypertension, and 24.4% had type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to adapt an online weight management program and integrate it with population health management support in primary care. The results of this trial will provide valuable information about the effectiveness of these strategies in primary care settings. ClinicalTrials.govregistration number:NCT02656693.

Development of Poly(l-Lactic Acid)-Based Bending Actuators.

This work reports on the development of bending actuators based on poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/ionic liquid (IL) blends, through the incorporation of 40% wt. of the 1-ethyl-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim][TFSI]) IL. The films, obtained by solvent casting at room temperature and 50 °C, were subjected to several post-thermal treatments at 70, 90, 120 and 140 °C, in order to modify the crystallinity of the films. The influence of the drying temperature and of [Emim][TFSI] blending on the morphological, structural, mechanical and electrical properties of the composite materials were studied. The IL induced the formation of a porous surface independently of the processing conditions. Moreover, the [Emim][TFSI] dopant and the post-thermal treatments at 70 °C promoted an increase of the degree of crystallinity of the samples. No significant changes were observed in the degree of crystallinity and Young Modulus for samples with thermal treatment between 70 and 140 °C. The viability of the developed high ionic conductive blends for applications as soft actuators was evaluated. A maximum displacement of 1.7 mm was achieved with the PLLA/[Emim][TFSI] composite prepared at 50 °C and thermally treated at 140 °C, for an applied voltage of 10 Vpp, at a frequency of 100 mHz. This work highlights interesting avenues for the use of PLLA in the field of actuators.

Qualidade de vida entre consumidores de substâncias psicoativas: avaliação do instrumento Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 / Life quality among consumers of psychoactive substances: evaluation of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 / Calidad de vida entre los consumidores de sustancias psicoactivas: evaluación de Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36

OBJETIVO: o presente trabalho teve por objetivo descrever a utilização e os resultados obtidos com o instrumento Medical Outcomes Study Short Form -36 item (SF-36) para avaliação de qualidade de vida de pessoas em situação de uso, abuso ou dependência de substâncias psicoativas (SPA). MÉTODO: realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico em artigos e revistas científicas, dissertações e monografias. RESULTADOS: os estudos mostram que o uso de substâncias psicoativas traz prejuízos para saúde e qualidade de vida das pessoas. CONCLUSÃO: observa-se que o instrumento SF-36 se mostra válido e confiável para a avaliação da qualidade de vida entre consumidores de SPA e possui em seus domínios algumas dimensões que são bastante sensíveis a avaliação de aspectos da qualidade de vida desta população.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the use and results obtained with the instrument Medical Outcomes Study Short Form -36 item (SF-36) to evaluate the quality of life of people in situations of use, abuse or dependence of psychoactive substances (SPA). METHOD: a bibliographic survey was carried out in articles and scientific journals, dissertations and monographs. RESULTS: studies show that the use of psychoactive substances affects health and quality of life. CONCLUSION: it can be observed that the SF-36 instrument is valid and reliable for the assessment of the quality of life among SPA users and has in its domains some dimensions that are very sensitive to the evaluation of quality of life aspects of this population.

OBJETIVO: Describir el uso y los resultados obtenidos con el instrumento Medical Outcomes Study Short Form -36 item (SF-36) para evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas en situaciones de uso, abuso o dependencia de sustancias psicoactivas. MÉTODO: Se realizó una encuesta bibliográfica en artículos y revistas científicas, disertaciones y monografías. RESULTADOS: Los estudios muestran que el uso de sustancias psicoactivas afecta la salud y la calidad de vida. CONCLUSIÓN: Se puede observar que el instrumento SF-36 es válido y fiable para la evaluación de la calidad de vida de los usuarios de SPA y tiene en sus dominios algunas dimensiones muy sensibles a la evaluación de los aspectos de calidad de vida de esta población.

Primary Care Patients' and Providers' Perspectives about an Online Weight Management Program: a Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers (PCPs) often take the lead role in caring for patients with overweight and obesity; however, few PCPs counsel patients about weight loss. Online weight management programs that are integrated within primary care may help address this gap in care. OBJECTIVE: To identify perceptions of and experience with online weight management programs in general and with a proposed online program, to identify barriers to use, and to improve the design and content of our intervention, which included an online program plus population health management (PHM) support from primary care practices. DESIGN: A mixed qualitative methods study including three patient focus groups and seven semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 13 adult patients (age range, 20-70) with body mass index (BMI) 27-35 kg/m2 attended the focus groups. In-person semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven healthcare providers (three PCPs, two population health managers, one primary care nurse, and one registered dietitian). MAIN MEASURES: We developed and used semi-structured focus groups and interview guides. The focus group and interviews were recorded and transcribed. Using grounded theory, we analyzed the transcripts to identify and extract common concepts and themes. KEY RESULTS: Although patients and healthcare providers expressed positive opinions about online weight management programs, few patients had experience with them, and providers stated that such programs are not being widely implemented in primary care settings. Some participants highlighted the flexibility and low cost as strengths of online weight management tools compared with in-person programs. All participants had favorable opinions about our proposed intervention and were overwhelmingly positive about the combination of an online program and PHM support. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential value of online weight management programs and PHM support in primary care. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02656693.

Medidas de precaução padrão adotadas em uma clínica escola de graduação em Odontologia / Standard precautionary measures adopted in a clinical school of graduation in Dentistry

Introdução: Precauções padrão(PP) são normas de prevenção que devem ser utilizadas na assistência a todos os pacientes, independente de seu diagnóstico sorológico prévio. Dentre as PP temos medidas simples como a lavagem das mãos, o uso adequado de todos os equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs) e a imunização contra patógenos que podem ser transmitidos durante acidentes de trabalho com material biológico. Objetivo: Verificar ações de precaução padrão em biossegurança realizadas por docentes e discentes em clínica escola, para controle de infecção durante atendimento odontológico. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se pesquisa com delineamento transversal descritiva. Os dados foram coletados por meio de dois questionários, um para 21 docentes coordenadores das disciplinas clínicas do 3º ao 9º períodos da graduação em Odontologia e outro para sete discentes, líderes de turmas. A análise estatística foi realizada através do programa IBM SPSS versão 22.0. Resultados: A maioria dos entrevistados era do gênero feminino. Todos os discentes e 95,2% dos docentes fazem uso rotineiro de EPIs. Dentre os professores pesquisados, 52,4% já sofreram acidente com perfurocortantes, o que também foi observado em 14,3% dos acadêmicos. Os 21 docentes e a maioria dos discentes conheciam os procedimentos a serem realizados após acidentes com exposição sanguínea. A maioria dos entrevistados relatou conhecer o protocolo de biossegurança e as normas para controle de infecção cruzada. Conclusão: Grande parte dos pesquisados relataram conhecer as normas de biossegurança, no entanto os mesmos ainda sentem necessidade de aprimorar no que se refere ao tema investigado. É relevante estimular a revisão de protocolos para controle de infecções em Instituições de Ensino Superior em Odontologia.

Introduction: Standard precautions (SP) are prevention standards that should be used to assist all patients. SP are used regardless of previous serological diagnosis of the patients. Among the SP we have simple measures such as hand washing, proper use of all personal protective equipment (PPE) and immunization. Objective: To verify standard precautionary actions in biosafety carried out by teachers and students in clinical school. Material andMethods: Research with descriptive cross-sectional design. The data were collected through two questionnaires. The questionnaire was applied to 21 coordinating teachers of the clinical disciplines from the 3rd to the 9th graduation period in dentistry and another for 7 students, the leader of these classes. A statistical analysis was done through the IBM SPSS version 22.0 program. Results: The majority of respondents were female. All students and 95.2% of teachers routinely use all PPE. Of the teachers, 52.4% and 14.3% of the academics already suffered the accident with sharps. All the teachers and most of the students know the procedures in which they are submitted to accidents with the blood disease. Most interviewees reported on the biosafety protocol and criteria for cross-infection control. Conclusion: Most of the respondents reported knowing biosafety standards. However they still feel the need to improve on the subject investigated. It is relevant to stimulate the revision of protocols for infection control in Higher Education Institutions in Dentistry.