Search

During midlife, women experience changes in lipoprotein profiles and deterioration in vascular health measures. We analyzed the associations of groups of lipoprotein subfractions as determined by principal component analysis (PCA) with subclinical vascular health measures in midlife women and tested if these associations were modified by menopause status.PCA was used to generate principal components (PCs) from 12 lipoprotein subfractions quantified among 545 midlife women. The associations of the identified PCs and concurrent vascular health measures were assessed using linear or logistic regressions among participants with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT; n = 259), coronary artery calcium (n = 249), or aortic calcium (n = 248) scores.PCA generated four PCs representing groups of (1) small, medium, and large very low-density lipoproteins subclasses-very low-density lipoprotein PC; (2) very small, small, and medium low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subclasses-small-medium LDL-PC; (3) large and small high-density lipoproteins subclasses and midzone particles-high-density lipoprotein PC; and (4) large LDL and small intermediate-density lipoproteins-large LDL-PC. Small-medium LDL-PC was positively associated with cIMT, coronary artery calcium, and aortic calcium in unadjusted but not in adjusted models. Menopause status modified the positive association of the small-medium LDL-PC with cIMT (interaction P = 0.02) such that this association was stronger after versus before menopause ( P = 0.01).Carotid intimal medial thickening is positively and independently associated with small- and medium-sized LDL particles after menopause. Monitoring levels of specific lipoprotein fractions may have value in identifying midlife women at risk for developing atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the associations between sleep-wake characteristics (total sleep time, sleep variability, sleep onset latency, and sleep efficiency), distress symptoms (general and diabetes), and diabetes physical symptoms in young adults ages 18 to 30 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The secondary purpose was to determine whether biological sex, body mass index (BMI), and T1D duration (covariates) influence the relationships among the study variables. Methods: Forty-six young adults with T1D, recruited from diabetes clinics from December 2018 to February 2020, wore a wrist actigraph and continuous glucose monitor concurrently for 6 to 14 days and completed the PROMIS Emotional Distress Scale, Diabetes Distress Scale, and Diabetes Symptom Checklist-Revised. Results: Shorter total sleep time and poorer sleep efficiency were associated with higher diabetes emotional distress symptoms. Higher sleep variability was associated with higher neurological pain symptoms. A longer sleep onset latency was associated with higher symptoms of diabetes distress, including psychological, cognitive, hyperglycemia, and a higher total symptom burden. Associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for biological sex and BMI, with the exception of sleep onset latency and total symptom burden. Conclusions: Poorer objective sleep-wake characteristics were associated with higher diabetes symptoms even after considering biological sex and BMI among young adults with T1D.

Introduction: In women, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is identified when at least 3 of the following risk factors exist: waist circumference > 88 cm, HDL-C < 50 mg/dL, triglycerides (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dL, fasting glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL, and hypertension. However, previous studies challenged the belief that HDL-C is protective for midlife women, casting doubts on HDL-C as one of the criteria for diagnosing MetS in this population. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that among midlife women classified as having MetS based on criteria independent of HDL-C, HDL-C classification does not contribute to risk of future subclinical atherosclerosis or incident diabetes. Methods: Participants from the SWAN study with complete data on MetS were classified into the following groups: 1) no MetS or 2) MetS independent of HDL-C; which was classified into MetS with HDL-C ≥ 50 mg/dL (MetS high), or MetS with HDL-C < 50 mg/dL (MetS low). Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured after 13.8±0.6 years of follow-up. Incident diabetes was recorded based on medication use, fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL and/or self-reports over time. Linear regression and discrete-time survival analysis were used for analysis. Results: Among 2994 women age 45.9±2.7 years, 2528 had no MetS (88%), 85 had MetS high (3%), and 235 had MetS low (8%) at baseline. In model 1, compared to no MetS group, MetS high or low group had higher cIMT and higher odds of diabetes. The risk did not differ between MetS low vs. high group. Adjusting for levels of MetS criteria other than HDL-C explained the associations of each of the two MetS groups with cIMT. Conversely, MetS with low HDL-C remained associated with a higher risk of incident diabetes ( Table 1 ). Conclusions: Midlife women with MetS have elevated risk for incident diabetes and subclinical atherosclerosis regardless of HDL-C levels. The elevated risk is explained by levels of criteria of MetS other than HDL-C for cIMT but not for diabetes. Low HDL-C on top of other MetS criteria doesn’t contribute equally to future cardiovascular risk prediction in midlife women.

Objective Methods for meta-analysis of studies with individual participant data and continuous exposure variables are well described in the statistical literature but are not widely used in clinical and epidemiological research. The purpose of this case study is to make the methods more accessible. Study Design and Setting A two-stage process is demonstrated. Response curves are estimated separately for each study using fractional polynomials. The study-specific curves are then averaged pointwise over all studies at each value of the exposure. The averaging can be implemented using fixed effects or random effects methods. Results The methodology is illustrated using samples of real data with continuous outcome and exposure data and several covariates. The sample data set, segments of Stata and R code, and outputs are provided to enable replication of the results. Conclusion These methods and tools can be adapted to other situations, including for time-to-event or categorical outcomes, different ways of modelling exposure-outcome curves, and different strategies for covariate adjustment.

Context Short sleep duration and sleep disruptions are associated with impaired glucoregulation in type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the mechanistic pathways between sleep and glucose variability remain unclear. Objective To determine within- and between-person associations between objective sleep-wake characteristics and glucose variability indices. Methods Multilevel models were used to analyze concurrent sleep and glucose patterns over 7 days in 42 young adults with T1D in their natural home environment. Young adults with T1D (mean age 22.2 ± 3.0 years, HbA1c 7.2%, 32.6% male) for at least 6 months with no other medical or major psychiatric comorbidity were included. Sleep-wake characteristics were measured via wrist actigraphy and glucose variability indices via a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Results Lower sleep efficiency predicted higher glucose variability (less time in range β = 0.011 and more time in hyperglycemia β = −0.011) within-person. A longer wake after sleep onset and more sleep disruptions were associated with higher glucose variability between persons (β = 0.28 and 0.31). Higher glucose variability predicted poorer sleep within-person (delayed bedtime, waketime, mid-sleep time, and lower sleep efficiency), while higher glucose variability was associated with poorer sleep and more sleep disruptions between persons (lower sleep efficiency, longer wake after sleep onset, and a higher sleep fragmentation index). Conclusion Clinicians can address the reciprocal nature of the sleep-glucose relationship by optimizing sleep and targeting efforts toward a euglycemic range overnight. Sleep habits are a modifiable personal target in diabetes care.

OBJECTIVE Longer menstrual cycles have been associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease, supporting a contribution of abnormal ovarian function. We aimed to characterize trajectories of menstrual cycle length over the menopause transition (MT) and test whether these trajectories are associated with postmenopausal markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS Women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Daily Hormone Study were included if they had an observed date of the final menstrual period (FMP), recorded cycle lengths from ≥2 annual menstrual cycles (mean±SD: 4.22 ± 1.91 cycles), and had measurements of postmenopausal carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and/or brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Trajectories of cycle length over the MT were identified using group-based trajectory modeling and linked with cIMT and baPWV using linear regression. RESULTS We studied 428 women who had 1,808 cycles over the MT (45.1 ± 2.3 y old at baseline visit), and of whom 263 had cIMT, and 213 had baPWV measured postmenopausally (after 13.88 ± 0.42 and 15.25 ± 0.70 y since baseline visit, respectively). Three distinct trajectories of cycle length were identified: stable (no changes in cycle length over the MT among 62.1% of women), late increase (a late increase 2 y before the FMP among 21.8%), and early-increase (an early increase 5 y before the FMP among 16.2%). Women with the late-increase pattern had significantly lower postmenopausal cIMT (0.72 mm) and baPWV (1392 cm/s) levels than the stable group (0.77 mm and 1508 cm/s, respectively) adjusting for race, concurrent age, socioeconomic status, physical activity level, and premenopausal cardiovascular risk profile. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of cycle length over the MT seem to be a marker of future vascular health that may help identify groups at greater or lesser risk of atherosclerosis after menopause.

Background/Objectives We previously found high rates of adverse events (AEs) for long-stay nursing home residents who return to the facility after a hospitalization. Further evidence about the association of AEs with aspects of the facilities and their quality may support quality improvement efforts directed at reducing risk. Design Prospective cohort analysis. Setting and Participants 32 nursing homes in the New England states. A total of 555 long-stay residents contributed 762 returns from hospitalizations. Methods We measured the association between AEs developing in the 45 days following discharge back to long-term care and characteristics of the nursing homes including bed size, ownership, 5-star quality ratings, registered nurse and nursing assistant hours, and the individual Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quality indicators. We constructed Cox proportional hazards models controlling for individual resident characteristics that were previously found associated with AEs. Results We found no association of AEs with most nursing home characteristics, including 5-star quality ratings and the composite quality score. Associations with individual quality indicators were inconsistent and frequently not monotonic. Several individual quality indicators were associated with AEs; the highest tertile of percentage of residents with depression (4%-25%) had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.65 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 2.35] and the highest tertile of the percentage taking antipsychotic medications (18%-35%) had an HR of 1.58 (CI 1.13, 2.21). The percentage of residents needing increased assistance with activities of daily living was statistically significant but not monotonic; the middle tertile (13% to Conclusions and Implications AEs occurring during transitions between nursing homes and hospitals are not explained by the characteristics of the facilities or summary quality scores. Development of risk reduction approaches requires assessment of processes and quality beyond the current quality measures.

This study examined the association between preferences for being informed about the COVID-19 vaccine and where to receive it with vaccination intent and race/ethnicity. We conducted an online survey, oversampling Black and Latino panel members. The 1668 participants were 53.2% female, 34.8% White, 33.3% Black, and 31.8% Latino. Participants who were vaccine hesitant (answered “not sure” or “no” to vaccination intent) were more likely to prefer a conversation with their doctor compared to those who answered “yes” (25.0% and 23.4% vs 7.8%, P

We investigated intra-individual reciprocal associations between sleep health dimensions (individual and composite) and symptoms among young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).Cross-lagged multilevel models were used to analyze electronic diary-reported sleep and symptom patterns over 7 days at waketime in 42 young adults with T1D. Sleep health dimensions included regularity, satisfaction, alertness, timing, efficiency (percentage of time spent asleep), and duration (total sleep time) and symptoms included mood, fatigue, and pain. Covariates included biological sex and age.We recruited young adults (mean age 21.5 ± 2.1 years, HbA1c 6.8%, 85% female, 10% gender minority) with T1D for at least 6 months and no other major medical or psychiatric comorbidity from social media platforms, the College Diabetes Network, and ResearchMatch.On days with a better sleep health composite, participants reported lower next-day symptoms (higher mood, lower fatigue, and lower pain) and on days when participants reported lower symptoms, participants reported better sleep health (as a composite). Several individual sleep health dimensions led to lower next-day symptoms (eg, higher satisfaction, alertness, and efficiency and higher mood); however, symptoms were no longer predictive of next-day sleep when controlling for prior day sleep.Optimal sleep health is an antecedent of fewer next day symptoms. Sleep health dimensions likely have positive additive effects on lower symptoms as some of the individual sleep health dimensions were not significantly associated with some symptoms among young adults with T1D.

Background Six million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm abnormality that significantly increases the risk of stroke. AF is responsible for 15% of ischemic strokes, which lead to permanent disability in 60% of cases and death in up to 20%. Anticoagulation (AC) is the mainstay for stroke prevention in patients with AF. Despite guidelines recommending AC for patients, up to half of eligible patients are not on AC. Clinical decision support tools in the electronic health record (EHR) can help bridge the disparity in AC prescription for patients with AF. Objective To enhance and assess the effectiveness of our previous rule-based alert on AC initiation and persistence in a diverse patient population from UMass-Memorial Medical Center and University of Florida at Jacksonville. Methods/Results Using the EHR, we will track AC initiation and persistence. We will interview both patients and providers to determine a measure of satisfaction with AC management. We will track digital crumbs to better understand the alert's mechanism of effect and further add enhancements. These enhancements will be used to refine the alert and aid in developing an implementation toolkit to facilitate use of the alert at other health systems. Conclusion If the number of AC starts, the likelihood of persisting on AC, and the frequency alert use are found to be higher among intervention vs control providers, we believe such findings will confirm our hypothesis on the effectiveness of our alert.

Background The opioid epidemic continues and although some initiatives have shown promise in reducing the number of opiates prescribed, few studies have focused on education of general surgery patients about home storage and safe disposal. The purpose of this feasibility study was to explore the use of an online video intervention to prepare surgical patients to properly dispose of unused opioids. Methods Eligible patients undergoing elective general surgery between August and October 2019 were enrolled into this prospective randomized controlled feasibility study. Patients with reported opioid use preoperatively were excluded from the study. The control group followed usual care, and the intervention group received usual care plus a brief educational video guided by the theory of reasoned action describing safe storage and disposal practices of unused opioid pills. Measures were collected at baseline and 2 wk postoperatively. Results A total of 40 participants were enrolled in the study; average age was 44.7 (range 21-75 y); most were Caucasian, educated, and employed. Recruitment took 11 wk, and the retention rate was excellent at 85%. Differences in opioid disposal were not significantly different by age, sex, education, or type of surgery. The video intervention was positively received, but the majority (80%) still stored their pills unsecured. Conclusions Results demonstrate that a video intervention addressing safe storage and disposal practices of unused opioids is feasible, and more research is needed to determine efficacy in increasing rates of secure storage and disposal of unused opioid pills.

Objective The menopausal transition is characterized by progressive changes in ovarian function and increasing circulating levels of gonadotropins, with some women having irregular menstrual cycles well before their final menstrual period. These observations indicate a progressive breakdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis often associated with an increase in menopausal symptoms. Relationships between vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and depressed mood and sleep as well as a bidirectional association between VMS and depressed mood in mid-life women have been reported, but the endocrine foundations and hormone profiles associated with these symptoms have not been well described. Our objective was to determine the relationship between daily urinary hormone profiles and daily logs of affect and VMS during the early perimenopausal transition. Study Design SWAN, the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, is a large, mutli-ethnic, multisite cohort study of 3302 women aged 42–52 at baseline, designed to examine predictors of health and disease in women as they traversed the menopause. Inclusion criteria were: an intact uterus and at least one ovary present, at least one menstrual period in the previous three months, no use of sex steroid hormones in the previous three months, and not pregnant or lactating. A subset (n = 849) of women aged 43–53 years from all study sites in the first Daily Hormone Study collection were evaluated for this substudy. Outcome Measures We measured daily VMS, and urinary hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) and estradiol (estrone conjugate, E1C). Results A variable pattern of LH and negative LH feedback were the hormone patterns most strongly associated with increased VMS. In contrast, no hormone pattern was significantly related to negative mood. Conclusion Fluctuations of LH associated with low progesterone production were associated with VMS but not negative mood, suggesting different endocrine patterns may be related to increased negative mood than to the occurrence of VMS.

BACKGROUND Given the rising rates of obesity there is a pressing need for medical schools to better prepare students for intervening with patients who have overweight or obesity and for prevention efforts. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a multi-modal weight management curriculum on counseling skills for health behavior change. DESIGN A pair-matched, group-randomized controlled trial (2015-2020) included students enrolled in eight U.S. medical schools randomized to receive either multi-modal weight management education (MME) or traditional weight management education (TE). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Students from the class of 2020 (N=1305) were asked to participate in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) focused on weight management counseling and complete pre and post surveys. A total of 70.1% of eligible students (N=915) completed the OSCE and 69.3% (N=904) completed both surveys. INTERVENTIONS: The MME implemented over three years included a web-based course, a role-play classroom exercise, a web-patient encounter with feedback, and an enhanced clerkship experience with preceptors trained in weight management counseling (WMC). Counseling focused on the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) and patient-centeredness. MEASUREMENTS The outcome was student 5As WMC skills assessed using an objective measure, an OSCE, scored using a behavior checklist, and a subjective measure, student self-reported skills for performing the 5As. RESULTS Among MME students who completed two of three WMC components compared to those who completed none, exposure was significantly associated with higher OSCE scores and self-reported 5A skills. LIMITATIONS Variability in medical schools requiring participation in the WMC curriculum. CONCLUSIONS This trial revealed that medical students struggle with delivering weight management counseling to their patients who have overweight or obesity. Medical schools, though restrained in adding curricula, should incorporate should incorporate multiple WMC curricula components early in medical student education to provide knowledge and build confidence for supporting patients in developing individualized plans for weight management. NIH Trial Registry Number R01-194787

Only half of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with elevated stroke risk receive anticoagulation (AC). Electronic health record (EHR) alerts have the potential to close the gap. We designed an outpatient EHR alert (linked to an order set for ordering AC, labs, and specialty referrals) that fired when cardiology and primary care providers (PCPs) saw AF patients not on AC. We assigned all untreated patients seen by cardiology providers and PCPs in the 8 months before and after the alert launch to pre- and post-launch intervention cohorts, respectively. Untreated AF patients seeing other types of providers became controls. We then compared the difference in AC starts between intervention and control patients post-launch to the same difference prelaunch (adjusting for covariates). We measured alert responsiveness as how often patients had at least one encounter with a provider, who interacted with the alert. The adjusted percentage of AC starts for the prelaunch cohort was 20% for intervention patients and 17% for controls (difference = 3%); post-launch, the percentage was 13% for both post-launch intervention and controls (difference = 0%). The difference in difference was − 3% (p value 0.63). For half of patients, at least one provider was responsive to our alert. Reasons for no AC commonly included relative contraindications (e.g. fall, gastrointestinal bleed). Our alert did not increase AC starts but responsiveness to it was high. Increasing AC starts will likely require education surrounding relative contraindications.

The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of utilizing an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) program in bereaved older adults (ages 55 and older). Participants were randomized to receive either a 6-week online CBT-I program or six weeks of online psychoeducational modules on insomnia and grief. The sample included 30 adults with mild to severe symptoms of insomnia. Results suggest that the study was feasible to conduct, as evidenced by the brief 5-week recruitment time, 87% retention rate, and 100% completion rate of the intervention modules. There were no treatment effects by time difference shown in the study and no significant differences in study outcomes were found between the CBT-I and control groups, as both demonstrated similar improvements in insomnia. However, this study suggests that it is feasible to recruit bereaved older adults for an online educational program and successfully administer an online protocol targeting insomnia and well-being.

Background The oncologic goal of margin-negative breast conservation requires adequate localization of tumor. Intraoperative ultrasound remains most feasible but under-utilized method to localize the tumor and assess margins. Methods A prospectively maintained breast cancer database over a decade was queried for margin status in breast cancer patients undergoing breast conservation. Techniques of tumor localization, margin re-excision and closest margins were analyzed. Rate of conversion to mastectomy was determined. Results Of the 945 breast cancer patients treated at a university-based Breast Center of Excellence between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018, 149(15.8%) had ductal carcinoma in situ; 712(75.3%) had invasive ductal carcinoma, and 63(6.7%) had invasive lobular carcinoma. Clinical stage distribution was: T1 = 372(39.4%); T2 = 257(27.2%); T3 = 87(9.2%). Five hundred and eighty three (61.7%) patients underwent breast conservation. The median (25th −75th centile) closest margin was 6(2.5, 10.0) mm. Thirty five (6.0%) patients underwent margin re-excision, of which 9(25%) were converted to mastectomy. Tumor localization was achieved with ultrasound in 521(89.4%) patients and with wire localization in 62(10.6%) patients. The median (25th-75th centile) closest margin with wire localization was 5.0(2.0, 8.5) mm versus 5.0 (2.0, 8.0) mm with ultrasound guidance [p = 0.6635]. The re-excision rate with wire localization was 14.5% versus 4.9% with ultrasound guidance [p = 0.0073]. The unadjusted Odds Ratio (95% CI) for margin revision in wire localized group compared with ultrasound was 3.2 (7.14, 1.42) [p = 0.0045]; multivariate adjusted OR (95%) was 4(9.09, 1.7) [p = 0.0013]. Conclusions Ultrasound guidance for localization of breast cancer remains the most effective option for margin negative breast conservation.

Objective To identify groups of women who share levels and patterns of change in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), self-reported sleep maintenance problems, and frequent vasomotor symptoms (VMS) up to 10 years before and after their final menstrual period and to evaluate their premenopausal characteristics. Method Group-based multi-trajectory modeling grouped 1,407 women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation who had an observed natural menopause and did not use hormone therapy, based on repeated measures of FSH, sleep maintenance problems, and frequent VMS relative to final menstrual period. Multivariable analyses assessed race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking, and depressive symptoms as predictors of group membership. Results Women formed five distinct groups: (1) low symptoms (low VMS/sleep problems)/high FSH rise (N = 552; 39.2%); (2) moderate VMS and sleep problems/low FSH rise (N = 169; 12.0%); (3) dominant sleep problems (lower VMS/high sleep problems)/high FSH rise (N = 203; 14.4%); (4) dominant VMS (high VMS/lower sleep problems)/high FSH rise (N = 297; 21.1%)); and (5) high symptoms (high VMS/high sleep problems)/intermediate FSH rise (N = 186; 13.2%)). Multivariate analyses showed that race/ethnicity, premenopausal body mass index and depressive symptoms, and increasing depressive symptoms during the early phase of the transition predicted group membership. Conclusions Women can be classified based on shared levels and patterns of FSH, sleep maintenance problems, and frequent VMS across the menopause transition. Either VMS or sleep maintenance problems can be dominant in the face of high FSH. Experiencing one menopause-related symptom or hormone profile does not automatically imply that another is also being experienced.

Background Frail older surgical patients face more than a two-fold increase in postoperative complications, including myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, ileus, and others. Many of these complications occur because of postoperative loss of stamina and poor mobility. Preoperative exercise may better prepare these vulnerable patients for surgery. We present the protocol for our ongoing randomized trial to assess the impact of a preoperative walking intervention with remote coaching and pedometer on outcomes of stamina (six-minute walk distance- 6MWD) and mobility (postoperative steps) in older adults with frailty traits. Methods We will be conducting a randomized clinical trial with a total of 120 patients permitting up to a 33% rate of attrition, to reach a final sample size of 80 (with 40 patients for each study arm). We will include patients who are age 60 or higher, score 4 or greater on the Edmonton Frailty Scale assessment, and will be undergoing a surgical operation that requires a 2 or more night hospital stay to be eligible for our trial. Using block randomization stratified on baseline 6MWD, we will assign patients to wear a pedometer. At the end of three baseline days, an athletic trainer (AT) will provide a daily step count goal reflecting a 10–20% increase from baseline. Subsequently, the AT will call weekly to further titrate the goal or calls more frequently if the patient is not meeting the prescribed goal. Controls will receive general walking advice. Our main outcome is change in 6MWD on postoperative day (POD) 2/3 vs. baseline. We will also collect 6MWD approximately 4 weeks after surgery and daily in-hospital steps. Conclusion If changes in a 6MWD and step counts are significantly higher for the intervention group, we believe this will confirm our hypothesis that the intervention leads to decreased loss of stamina and mobility. Once confirmed, we anticipate expanding to multiple centers to assess the interventional impact on clinical endpoints. Trial registration The randomized clinical trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov under the identifier NCT03892187 on March 27, 2019.

Background/objectives Adverse events (AEs) occur frequently in long-term care (LTC) residents transitioning from the hospital back to an LTC facility. Measuring the association between resident characteristics and AEs can inform AE risk reduction strategies. Design Prospective cohort analysis. Setting A total of 32 nursing homes from six New England states. Participants A total of 555 LTC residents contributing 762 transitions from the hospital back to LTC. Measurements We measured the association between all AEs and preventable AEs developing in the 45 days following discharge back to LTC and demographic variables, hospital length of stay (LOS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (0-1, 2-3, 4-5 and ≥6), dependency in activities of daily living (ADLs) using the Minimum Data Set Long Form Scale (in quintiles 0-12, 13-15, 16, 17-18, and ≥19), and number of regularly scheduled medications (0-9, 10-13, 14-17, and ≥18). To understand the independent association of each resident characteristic with AEs and preventable AEs, we constructed multiple Cox proportional hazards models. Results There were 283 discharges with one or more AEs and 212 with preventable AEs. Characteristics independently associated with higher risk of an AE included hospital LOS 9 or more days (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.17); CCI of 4 to 5 (HR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.13-2.67) or 6 or higher (HR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.01-2.46); 18 or more regularly scheduled medications (HR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.07-2.18); and 19 and above on ADL dependency (HR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.21-2.62). Results from models with preventable AEs were similar to those with all AEs. Conclusion Increased LOS, higher comorbidity burden, greater dependency in ADLs, and polypharmacy were the resident characteristics most strongly associated with risk of AEs and preventable AEs. We recommend heightened vigilance in the care of LTC residents with these characteristics transitioning back to LTC. We also recommend research to assess strategies to reduce the risk of AEs.

Depression screening is recommended for all pregnant veterans; however, little is known on how often symptomatic women receive care, how depression treatment presents in practice, and whether women veterans are utilizing treatment during the appreciable perinatal period. Our sample included 142 pregnant veterans from 15 Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical facilities with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores ≥10. Sociodemographic characteristics, military service, health utilization, and pregnancy related factors were collected as part of a telephone survey. A majority of our sample (70%) had 1 or more mental health visits or antidepressant prescriptions during pregnancy. Women with a history of depression had more mental health visits and a higher percentage of antidepressant use before and during pregnancy than women without a history of depression. Pregnant women veterans without a history of depression may be less likely to receive care for depression during pregnancy. However, the majority of our veterans showing depression symptoms prenatally had at least one mental health visit or an antidepressant medication fill during their pregnancy window, suggesting that mental health care is readily available for women veterans.

Background: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is common and has been shown to be associated with increased long-term maternal weight. However, less is known on whether there is a cumulative effect of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) over multiple pregnancies. Methods: Data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation were used, restricted to parous women with no history of stillbirth or premature birth. The effect of the number of excessive GWG pregnancies on body mass index (BMI) in midlife (age 42–53) was analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Fully adjusted models included parity, inadequate GWG, demographic, and behavioral characteristics. Results: The 1181 women included in this analysis reported a total of 2693 births. Overall, 466 (39.5%) were categorized as having at least one pregnancy with excessive GWG. The median BMI at midlife was 26.0 kg/m(2) (interquartile range 22.5–31.1). In fully adjusted models, each additional pregnancy with excessive GWG was associated with 0.021 higher estimated log BMI (p = 0.031). Among women with 1–3 births, adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) BMI for those with 0, 1, 2, and 3 excessive GWG pregnancies was 25.4 (24.9–25.9), 26.8 (26.1–27.5), 27.5 (26.6–28.4), and 28.8 (27.3–30.5), respectively. Conclusions: In this multiethnic study of women with a history of term live births, the number of pregnancies with excessive GWG was associated with increased maternal BMI in midlife. Our findings suggest that prevention of excessive GWG at any point in a woman's reproductive history can have an impact on long-term maternal health.

Background Anticoagulation (AC) for stroke prevention in long-term care (LTC) residents with atrial fibrillation (AF) involves a challenging risk-benefit evaluation. We measured the association of geriatric conditions with discontinuation of AC. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting LTC facilities across the United States. Participants A total of 48 545 individuals residing in LTC facilities in 2015 with AF and sufficient information to establish their status as someone who stopped AC vs someone who continued AC. Measurements We measured the association of six geriatric conditions-recent fall, severe activity of daily living (ADL) dependency (21-28 on a 28-point scale), mobility impairment, cognitive impairment, body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2 , and weight loss (≥5% in 1 month or ≥10% in 6 months)-with discontinuation of AC. To identify cases of discontinuation, we required a pattern of being on AC over two consecutive recordings of the Minimum Data Set, the nursing home quality control data set recorded every 90 days, followed by two assessments being off AC-pattern of "on-on-off-off." By contrast, we required a pattern of "on-on-on-on" for continuers. We then constructed six logistic regression models to measure the independent association between each geriatric condition and discontinuation of AC, adjusted for CHA2 DS2 -VASc stroke risk score, recent bleeding hospitalization, and other confounders. Results There were 4172 discontinuers and 44 373 continuers. Recent fall predicted a 1.9-fold increase in the odds of discontinuation (odds ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval = 1.66-2.20), whereas mobility and cognitive impairment only increased the odds by 14% to 17%. Severe ADL dependency, BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2 , and weight loss of 10% each increased odds of discontinuation by 55% to 68%. CHA2 DS2 -VASc score did not predict discontinuation. Conclusion Several geriatric conditions predicted discontinuation of AC, whereas CHA2 DS2 -VASc score did not. Future research should examine the association of geriatric conditions and discontinuation of warfarin discrete from newer anticoagulants and association of geriatric conditions with development of stroke and bleeding. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:717-724, 2020.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence cardiovascular health in the general population; however, the degree to which this occurs in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not well understood. We evaluated associations among socioeconomic deprivation and cardiometabolic risk factors (hemoglobin AWe evaluated the association between the social deprivation index (SDI) and cardiometabolic risk factors using multivariable and logistic regression among 18,754 participants ages 13 - 90 years (mean 29.2 ± 17) in the T1D Exchange clinic registry from 6,320 zip code tabulation areas (2007-2017).SDI was associated with multiple cardiometabolic risk factors even after adjusting for covariates (age, biological sex, T1D duration, and race/ethnicity) in the multivariable linear regression models. Those in the highest socially deprived areas had 1.69 (unadjusted) and 1.78 (adjusted) times odds of a triple concomitant risk burden of poor glycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.Persistent SDOH differences could account for a substantial degree of poor achievement of cardiometabolic targets in individuals with T1D. Our results suggest the need for a broader framework to understand the association between T1D and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly occurs in the setting of acute conditions. We aimed to identify the acute conditions associated with secondary AF (AF precipitants) including pneumonia/sepsis, pneumothorax, respiratory failure, myocarditis, pericarditis, alcohol intoxication, thyrotoxicosis, cardiothoracic surgery, other surgery in patients with newly diagnosed AF and determine their association with subsequent oral anticoagulant use. Methods and Results We assembled a cohort of patients in the UMass Memorial Healthcare system with a new diagnosis of AF with and without AF precipitants. We used combinations of International Classification of Diseases , Tenth Revision ( ICD‐10 ) codes, Current Procedural Terminology codes, laboratory values, imaging reports, and physician notes including discharge summary texts to identify AF precipitants. We then manually reviewed the individual charts to validate presence of AF precipitants. The study sample consisted of 185 patients with and 172 patients without AF precipitants. Pneumonia/sepsis, myocardial infarction, respiratory failure, and cardiothoracic surgery were the most common precipitants identified. In multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex, patient comorbidities, left atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, and antiplatelet use, patients with AF precipitants were less likely to receive subsequent anticoagulation therapy at 30 days after the initial AF diagnosis (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.19–0.52). The association was persistent after excluding men with CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score Conclusions Our study highlights lower usage of oral anticoagulant in secondary AF in contemporary clinical practice.

The relation of premenopausal anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with breast cancer risk has been evaluated in a few studies, but primarily in non-Hispanic White women.We evaluated the association of AMH levels with breast cancer risk in Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multi-ethnic cohort of women. At enrollment, participants had an intact uterus and ≥ 1 ovary, and ≥ 1 menstrual period in the last 3 months. AMH at first measurement was assessed in 1,529 pre- or perimenopausal women using a high-sensitivity ELISA assay; values were natural log transformed. Breast cancer diagnoses were assessed at enrollment and subsequent follow-up visits through 2018 (median 6.1 years).In total, 84 women reported an incident breast cancer diagnosis. In multivariable Cox regression models adjusting for age, race and ethnicity, body mass index, and other factors, higher AMH levels were associated with a non-significant increased breast cancer risk. Compared to women in the 1st quartile, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for women in the 4th quartile was 1.77 (0.87-3.60).Our results did not suggest a significant association between AMH and breast cancer risk; however, estimates were consistent with prior studies that reported positive associations.

Background Anticoagulation is the mainstay for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, but concerns about bleeding inhibit its use in residents of long‐term care facilities. Risk‐profiling algorithms using comorbid disease information (eg, CHADS 2 and ATRIA [Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation]) have been available for years. In the long‐term care setting, however, providers and residents may place more value on geriatric conditions such as mobility impairment, activities of daily living dependency, cognitive impairment, low body mass index, weight loss, and fall history. Methods and Results Using a retrospective cohort design, we measured the association between geriatric conditions and anticoagulation use and type. After merging nursing home assessments containing information about geriatric conditions (Minimum Data Set 2015) with Medicare Part A 2014 to 2015 claims and prescription claims (Medicare Part D) 2015 to 2016, we identified 228 741 residents with atrial fibrillation and elevated stroke risk (CHA 2 DS 2 ‐VASc score ≥2) for our main analysis. Recent fall, activities of daily living dependency, moderate and severe cognitive impairment, low body mass index, and unintentional weight loss were all associated with lower anticoagulation use even after adjustment for multiple predictors of stroke and bleeding (odds ratios ranging from 0.51 to 0.91). Residents with recent fall, low body mass index, and unintentional weight loss were more likely to be using a direct oral anticoagulant, although the magnitude of this effect was smaller. Conclusions Geriatric conditions were associated with lower anticoagulation use. Preventing stroke in these residents with potential for further physical and cognitive impairment would appear to be of paramount significance, although the net benefit of anticoagulation in these individuals warrants further research.

OBJECTIVES: The use of mobile technology for smoking cessation holds promise for adolescents, who do not typically access traditional treatments, but most are not grounded in theory or mechanism. Operant conditioning theory suggests an addictive smoking loop is formed between nicotine use and affective states, leading to habitual cue-induced craving and automatic behavior; mindfulness training may bring automated smoking behavior into awareness, so smokers may work mindfully with cravings. Mindfulness training delivered via smartphone technology therefore has potential to help adolescent smokers break this addictive loop and quit smoking. This pair-matched cluster-randomized controlled school-based pilot study evaluated program feasibility and preliminary smoking outcomes in relation to intervention engagement. METHODS: Six high schools were pair matched and randomly assigned to one of three interventions: (1) mindfulness training delivered via mobile smoking cessation application (Craving to Quit, C2Q), (2) NCI’s QuitSTART smoking cessation application (NCI), and (3) written cessation materials (Materials). Adolescents (n = 146) smoking 5 or more cigarettes per day were recruited. Interventions were implemented over four weeks and study assessments were collected at baseline and 3- and 6- month follow-up, including self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence, program usage, smoking-related measures, and psychosocial factors. RESULTS: Overall cotinine-validated abstinence at 6 months was 15.8% and was similar between conditions. Odds of abstinence increased with each quartile increase in app/materials use with no significant differences between conditions (OR=1.60 (C2Q), 1.66 (Materials), and 2.69 (NCI)). Of participants still smoking at 6 months, for each quartile increase in engagement the number of cigarettes smoked in the previous 7 days showed a significantly greater decline in the C2Q condition (−5.71) compared to the Materials (−0.95) and NCI (+7.73) condition (p=0.02 for differences between conditions). CONCLUSIONS: Cotinine-validated abstinence was similar between intervention conditions and tended to increase with greater engagement in each condition. Greater C2Q app engagement among continuing smokers was associated with a significantly greater decline in number of cigarettes smoked compared to the other conditions. The Craving to Quit (C2Q) mobile smoking cessation application with mindfulness training was feasible to use and has promise in assisting adolescents to quit or decrease cigarette smoking. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Developing a Smartphone App with Mindfulness Training for Teen Smoking Cessation: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02218281

BackgroundMany patients are reluctant to speak up about breakdowns in care, resulting in missed opportunities to respond to individual patients and improve the system. Effective approaches to encouraging patients to speak up and responding when they do are needed.ObjectiveTo identify factors which influence speaking up, and to examine the impact of apology when problems occur.DesignRandomised experiment using a vignette-based questionnaire describing 3 care breakdowns (slow response to call bell, rude aide, unanswered questions). The role of the person inquiring about concerns (doctor, nurse, patient care specialist), extent of the prompt (invitation to patient to share concerns) and level of apology were varied.SettingNational online survey.Participants1188 adults aged ≥35 years were sampled from an online panel representative of the entire US population, created and maintained by GfK, an international survey research organisation; 65.5% response rate.Main outcomes and measuresAffective responses to care breakdowns, intent to speak up, willingness to recommend the hospital.ResultsTwice as many participants receiving an in-depth prompt about care breakdowns would (probably/definitely) recommend the hospital compared with those receiving no prompt (18.4% vs 8.8% respectively (p=0.0067)). Almost three times as many participants receiving a full apology would (probably/definitely) recommend the hospital compared with those receiving no apology (34.1% vs 13.6% respectively ((pConclusionsAsking about possible care breakdowns in detail, and offering a full apology when breakdowns are reported substantially increases patients’ willingness to recommend the hospital.

In this article, we present the development and validation of the Perceived Subtle Gender Bias Index. Given the inherent difficulty in identifying and measuring the perceptions of subtle gender biases, this index provides researchers and interventionists with a tool that does not require participants to identify/label an event as a gender bias incident. We used a mixed method and constructivist approach that prioritized and privileged the voices and experiences of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The current article describes two studies: (1) index development and (2) index refinement and validation, using a national survey of women academics ( N = 882). Findings support a four-subscale structure, including perceived gender inequity, collegiality, mentorship, and institutional support. Methods and analyses support face, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity for the use of the index among academic faculty women. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ’s website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684319877199

Background Depression is the most commonly diagnosed medical condition among women veterans ages 18 to 44; however, depression symptoms occurring during pregnancy have not been well-studied in this population. Methods Pregnant veterans were recruited from 15 Veterans Health Administration sites across the United States; our sample included 501 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, military service, health status, and pregnancy related factors, as well as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), were collected as part of a telephone survey. Additional data were obtained from electronic health record data. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine factors associated with an EPDS score suggestive of clinically significant depressive symptoms (≥10). Findings Prenatal EPDS scores of 10 or greater were calculated for 28% of our sample. Our final model indicated that factors associated with decreased odds of an EPDS score of 10 or greater included spousal or partner support during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–0.77) and employment (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24–0.67). A past diagnosis of anxiety (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.43–4.50), past antidepressant use (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.71–6.24), and active duty service (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.08–3.37) were associated with increased odds of having an EPDS score of 10 or greater. Conclusions This is the first quantitative estimate of depression symptoms in pregnant veterans across multiple Veterans Affairs facilities. The prevalence of depression symptomology was greater than the high end of prevalence estimates in the general pregnant population. Given that the risk of depression increases during the postpartum period, women who can be identified with depressive symptomatology during pregnancy can be offered critical resources and support before giving birth.

Objective: Higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may not always be cardio-protective in midlife women. Novel metrics of HDL including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy subclasses (large, medium and small HDL particles (HDL-P), and size), HDL content of phospholipids (HDL-PL) and triglycerides (HDL-Tg), and HDL function as measured by cholesterol efflux capacity (HDL-CEC) show strong associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk beyond HDL-C. Women experience increases in carotid Intima-media thickness (cIMT), a subclinical measure of atherosclerosis, over the menopause transition. Associations of novel metrics of HDL with cIMT have not been well characterized in midlife women. Our objective was to assess the associations of HDL subclasses, HDL-PL, HDL-Tg, and HDL-CEC with cIMT and to determine whether these associations vary by age at menopause. Design: We assessed 303 women (at baseline: age 51.0 ± 2.8 years; 67.8% White and 32.2% Black; 56.6% Pre-/Early perimenopausal) who had HDL metrics and cIMT measured once (N=37 [12%]) or twice (N=266 [88%]) over the menopause transition. Age at menopause was observed prospectively among 73% of women (defined as no menses for 12 consecutive months) and imputed among the rest. Linear mixed effect models were used to individually assess the association of each HDL metric with cIMT, and to test whether the association varied by age at menopause (53 years old). Final models were adjusted for race, education, and time varying: age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, menopausal status, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and HDL-C. Results: In unadjusted analyses, higher concentrations of large HDL-P, medium HDL-P, HDL-PL, and HDL-CEC, and larger HDL size, and lower concentrations of small HDL-P were associated with lower cIMT; all p 53 had thicker cIMT(β(SE): 6.72(6.27) μm) than those with age at menopause Conclusions: In midlife women, higher concentrations of medium HDL-P and greater content of HDL phospholipids were associated with thinner cIMT beyond traditional CVD risk factors including HDL-C. Associations of HDL triglycerides content with thicker cIMT was more pronounced in women who reached menopause at older ages. Findings support utilizing other metrics of HDL rather than HDL-C to better characterize CVD risk in midlife women.

Context Novel metrics of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (subclasses, lipid content, and function) may improve characterization of the anti-atherogenic features of HDL. In midlife women, changes in these metrics vary by time relative to the final menstrual period (FMP), supporting a contribution of estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Objective We tested associations of endogenous E2 and FSH with novel HDL metrics and assessed whether these associations varied by time relative to FMP. Methods This study was a longitudinal analysis from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) HDL study, using a community-based cohort of 463 women, baseline mean age 50.2 (2.7) years. The main outcome measures were HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (HDL-CEC), HDL phospholipids (HDL-PL), HDL triglycerides (HDL-Tg), HDL particles (HDL-P), HDL size, and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Results In multivariable analyses, E2 was positively associated with HDL size, large HDL-P, HDL-CEC, and HDL-Tg, but negatively with medium HDL-P (P values Conclusion Some of the associations linking E2 and FSH with novel HDL metrics were vulnerable to time relative to menopause onset. Whether a late initiation of hormone therapy relative to menopause could have a detrimental effect on lipid content of HDL particles should be tested in the future.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe objective sleep-wake characteristics and glycemia over 7–14 days in young adults with type 1 diabetes. In addition, person-level associations among objective sleep-wake characteristics (total sleep time, sleep variability, and sleep fragmentation index), daytime sleepiness, and glycemia (glycemic control and glucose variability) were examined. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, objective sleep-wake characteristics were measured via actigraphy and glucose variability via continuous glucose monitoring over 6–14 days. At baseline, participants completed the Psychomotor Vigilance Test, the Trail Making Test, and questionnaires on daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and sleep disturbance including sleep diaries. RESULTS: Forty-six participants (mean age, 22.3 ± 3.2 years) wore a wrist actigraph and underwent continuous glucose monitoring concurrently for 6–14 days. Greater sleep variability was directly associated with greater glucose variability (mean of daily differences; r = .33, P = .036). Higher daytime sleepiness was directly associated with greater glucose variability (mean of daily differences; r = .50, P = .001). The association between sleep variability and glucose variability (mean of daily differences) was no longer significant when accounting for daytime sleepiness and controlling for type 1 diabetes duration (P > .05). A higher sleep fragmentation index was associated with greater glucose variability (B = 1.27, P = .010, pr2 = 0.40) after controlling for type 1 diabetes duration and accounting for higher daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-wake variability, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, and the associations with glycemia are new dimensions to consider in young adults with type 1 diabetes. Sleep habits in this population may explain higher glucose variability, and optimizing sleep may improve overall diabetes management. CITATION: Griggs S, Hickman RL Jr, Strohl KP, Redeker NS, Crawford SL, Grey M. Sleep-wake characteristics, daytime sleepiness, and glycemia in young adults with type 1 diabetes. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(9):1865–1874.

Objective: Irritability is a highly burdensome complaint, commonly, but not universally, linked with depressive symptoms. While increased variability in estradiol has been associated with depressive symptoms during perimenopause, more insight is needed into reproductive hormone dynamics and other factors that predispose perimenopausal women to irritable mood. Methods: Among 50 mildly depressed perimenopausal women (mean (SD) age 48.4 (3.9) years), severity of irritability symptoms (on Symptom Questionnaire Hostility subscale, range 0 & ndash;23) was assessed weekly for eight weeks, concurrent with potential predictors. Associations between these were examined using generalized estimating equating models.Results: Most women (82.0%) reported having moderate to severe irritability at least once. However, the severity of irritability was highly variable from week-to-week (between-subject mean coefficient of variation [CV] 72.9% and within-subject mean CV 63.7%). In multivariate analyses, less variable serum estradiol levels (standardized beta within-person CV-0.23 95%CI [-0.32,-0.14], p < 0.001), greater depression severity (0.45 [0.35, 0.56], p < 0.001), younger age (-0.23, [-0.28,-0.09], p < 0.001), and more frequent vasomotor symptoms (0.14 [0.05, 0.23], p = 0.002) were associated with more irritability. Depression severity explained the largest portion of the variance in irritability, but still not more than 20.3%. Neither crude values, weekly change in, or variability of progesterone or FSH levels were associated with irritability.Conclusions: Irritability was highly prevalent among mildly depressed perimenopausal women. In contrast to depressive symptoms, decreased rather than increased variability in estradiol levels was associated with more irritability. This highlights that irritable mood can be disentangled from depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women and might be linked with different estradiol dynamics.

Introduction Clinical guidelines support physician intervention consistent with the Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange framework for adults who have obesity. However, weight management counseling curricula vary across medical schools. It is unknown how frequently students receive experiences in weight management counseling, such as instruction, observation, and direct experience. Methods A cross-sectional survey, conducted in 2017, of 730 third-year medical students in 8 U.S. medical schools assessed the frequency of direct patient, observational, and instructional weight management counseling experiences that were reported as summed scores with a range of 0‒18. Analysis was completed in 2017. Results Students reported the least experience with receiving instruction (6.5, SD=3.9), followed by direct patient experience (8.6, SD=4.8) and observational experiences (10.3, SD=5.0). During the preclinical years, 79% of students reported a total of ≤3 hours of combined weight management counseling instruction in the classroom, clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. The majority of the students (59%–76%) reported never receiving skills-based instruction for weight management counseling. Of the Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange framework, scores were lowest for assisting the patient to achieve their agreed-upon goals (31%) and arranging follow-up contact (22%). Conclusions Overall exposure to weight management counseling was less than optimal. Medical school educators can work toward developing a more coordinated approach to weight management counseling.

The cardioprotective association of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may vary by menopause stage or estradiol level. We tested whether associations of comprehensive HDL metrics (HDL subclasses, phospholipid and triglyceride content, and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity [HDL-CEC]) with coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and density vary by menopause stage or estradiol level in women transitioning through menopause. Participants (N = 294; mean age [SD]: 51.3 [2.9]) had data on HDL metrics and CAC measures at one or two time points during the menopause transition. Generalized estimating equations were used for analyses. Effect modifications by menopause stage or estradiol level were tested in multivariable models. In adjusted models, menopause stage modified the associations of specific HDL metrics with CAC measures. Higher small HDL particles (HDL-P) concentrations (p-interaction = 0.008) and smaller HDL size (p-interaction = 0.02) were associated with greater odds of CAC presence in late perimenopause than in pre/early perimenopause stage. Women in the highest estradiol tertile, but not the lower tertiles, showed a protective association of small HDL-P with CAC presence (p-interaction = 0.007). Lower large HDL-P concentrations (p-interaction = 0.03) and smaller HDL size (p-interaction = 0.03) were associated with lower CAC density in late perimenopause than in postmenopause stage. Associations of HDL phospholipid and triglyceride content and HDL-CEC with CAC measures did not vary by menopause stage or estradiol level. We concluded that HDL subclasses may impact the likelihood of CAC presence and the stability of coronary plaque differently over the menopause transition. Endogenous estradiol levels may contribute to this observation.

Objectives Persons living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be at increased risk for prescribing cascades due to greater multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and the need for more complex care. Our objective was to assess the proportion of the antidopaminergic-antiparkinsonian medication prescribing cascades among persons living with Alzheimer's disease. Setting Two large administrative claims databases in the United States. Participants We identified patients aged ≥50 on January 1, 2017, who were dispensed a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease for at least 1 day in the 365 days prior to or on cohort entry date and who had medical and pharmacy coverage in the 365 days prior to the cohort entry date. We excluded individuals with a recent institutional stay. We identified incident antidopaminergic (antipsychotic/metoclopramide) use in the 183 days following cohort entry and identified subsequent incident antiparkinsonian drug use within 8 to 365 days. Results There were 121,538 patients with Alzheimer's disease eligible for inclusion. Approximately 62% were women with a mean age of 79.5 (SD ± 8.6). The mean number of drugs dispensed was 9.2 (SD ± 4.9). There were 36 incident antiparkinsonian users among 4,534 incident antipsychotic/metoclopramide users (0.8%). Conclusion We determined that the proportion of antidopaminergic-antiparkinsonian medication prescribing cascades, widely considered as high-priority, was low. Our approach can be used to assess the proportion of prescribing cascades in populations considered to be at high risk and to prioritize system-level interventional efforts to improve medication safety in these patients.