Flash glucose monitoring for the safe use of a 2-day intermittent energy restriction in patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of hypoglycaemia: An exploratory study

AIMS

Two medication change protocols were tested, both based on haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), with one protocol also accounting for hypoglycaemic events. The aim was to compare the two protocols during intermittent energy restriction (5:2 diet).

METHODS

Forty-two adults with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 7% [53 mmol/mol], BMI of ≥27 kg/m²) treated with sulphonylureas and/or insulin were recruited and randomised 1:1 to fixed or adjusted medication protocols. Participants experiencing hypoglycaemia during a 2-week usual diet period then followed the 5:2 diet for 2 weeks (2 non-consecutive very-low-calorie days [500-600 kcal] and 5 habitual eating days/week), following the allocated medication protocol. The primary outcome was to determine if the adjusted protocol was superior to the fixed protocol at reducing hypoglycaemic events during the 5:2 diet. Flash glucose monitoring was used throughout to detect hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in change in the number of hypoglycaemic events between fixed and adjusted protocols (-1.0 vs. -3.5; P = 0.04). Over 60% of participants on the adjusted protocol had no hypoglycaemic events.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrates the importance of assessing the risk of hypoglycaemia before starting a 5:2 diet and that the adjusted medication protocol is likely the best option for patients at risk.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

This study has been registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) www.anzctr.org.au and given the registration number ACTRN12617000512325.

The effect of intermittent compared with continuous energy restriction on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: 24-month follow-up of a randomised noninferiority trial

AIMS

We investigated the effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Adults (N = 137) with type 2 diabetes (mean [SD] HbA1c level, 7.3% (56 mmol/mol) [1.3%] [14.2 mmol/mol]) were randomised to one of two diets for 12 months. The intermittent group (n = 70) followed a 2100-2500 kJ (500-600 kcal) diet 2 non-consecutive days/week and their usual diet for 5 days/week. The continuous group (n = 67) followed a 5000-6300 kJ (1200-1500 kcal) diet for 7 days/week. Follow-up occurred at 24 months, 12 months after the completed intervention. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c and the secondary outcome was weight loss.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat analysis showed an increase in mean [SEM] HbA1c level at 24 months in both the continuous and intermittent groups (0.4% [0.3%] vs 0.1% [0.2%] respectively; P = 0.32) (4.4 [3.3 mmol/mol] vs 1.1 [2.2 mmol/mol]; P = 0.32), with a between-group difference of 0.3% (90% CI, -0.31 to 0.83%) (3.3 mmol/mol [90% CI, -3.2 to 9.1 mmol/mol]) outside the prespecified boundary of ± 0.5% (5.5 mmol/mol), so statistical equivalence was not shown. Weight loss was maintained (P < 0.001) at -3.9 kg [1.1 kg] in both groups at 24 months, with a between-group difference of 0.07 kg (90% CI, -2.5 to 2.6 kg) outside the prespecified boundary of ±2.5 kg. There were no significant differences between groups in body composition, fasting glucose levels, lipid levels, or total medication effect score at 24 months, which remained less than baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective analysis weight loss was maintained but despite this HbA1c increased to above baseline levels in both groups.

NAV-KIDS2 trial: protocol for a multi-centre, staggered randomised controlled trial of a patient navigator intervention in children with chronic kidney disease

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating illness associated with increased mortality, reduced quality of life, impaired growth, neurocognitive impairment and psychosocial maladjustment in children. There is growing evidence of socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes among children with CKD. Patient navigators are trained non-medical personnel who assist patients with chronic conditions journey through the continuum of care and transit across different care settings. They help vulnerable and underserved populations to better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and available resources, guide them through complex medical systems, and help them to overcome barriers to health care access. Given the complexity and chronicity of the disease process and concerns that current models of care may not adequately support the provision of high-level care in children with CKD from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, a patient navigator program may improve the provision of care and overall health of children with CKD.

Methods

The NAV-KIDS² trial is a multi-centre, staggered entry, waitlisted randomised controlled trial assessing the health benefits and costs of a patient navigator program in children with CKD (stages 3–5, on dialysis, and with kidney transplants), who are of low socioeconomic backgrounds. Across 5 sites, 210 patients aged from 3 to 17 years will be randomised to immediate receipt of a patient navigator intervention for 24 weeks or waitlisting with standard care until receipt of a patient navigator at 24 weeks. The primary outcome is child self-rated health (SRH) 6-months after completion of the intervention. Other outcomes include utility-based quality of life, caregiver SRH, satisfaction with healthcare, progression of kidney dysfunction, other biomarkers, missed school days, hospitalisations and mortality. The trial also includes an economic evaluation and process evaluation, which will assess the cost-effectiveness, fidelity and barriers and enablers of implementing a patient navigator program in this setting.

Discussion

This study will provide clear evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a new intervention aiming to improve overall health and well-being for children with CKD from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, through a high quality, well-powered clinical trial.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered (12/07/2018) on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001152213).

The Importance of Consistent Global Forest Aboveground Biomass Product Validation

Several upcoming satellite missions have core science requirements to produce data for accurate forest aboveground biomass mapping. Largely because of these mission datasets, the number of available biomass products is expected to greatly increase over the coming decade. Despite the recognized importance of biomass mapping for a wide range of science, policy and management applications, there remains no community accepted standard for satellite-based biomass map validation. The Committee on Earth Observing Satellites (CEOS) is developing a protocol to fill this need in advance of the next generation of biomass-relevant satellites, and this paper presents a review of biomass validation practices from a CEOS perspective. We outline the wide range of anticipated user requirements for product accuracy assessment and provide recommendations for the validation of biomass products. These recommendations include the collection of new, high-quality in situ data and the use of airborne lidar biomass maps as tools toward transparent multi-resolution validation. Adoption of community-vetted validation standards and practices will facilitate the uptake of the next generation of biomass products.

Dietary weight loss in insulin-resistant non-obese humans: Metabolic benefits and relationship to adipose cell size

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Overweight and obesity increase risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, largely through development of insulin resistance. Benefits of dietary weight loss are documented for obese individuals with insulin resistance. Similar benefits have not been shown in overweight individuals. We sought to quantify whether dietary weight loss improves metabolic risk profile in overweight insulin-resistant individuals, and evaluated potential mediators between weight loss and metabolic response.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Healthy volunteers with BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2 underwent detailed metabolic phenotyping including insulin-mediated-glucose disposal, fasting/daylong glucose, insulin, triglycerides, FFA, and cholesterol. Subcutaneous fat biopsies were performed for measurement of adipose cell size. After 14 weeks of hypocaloric diet and 2 weeks of weight maintenance, cardiometabolic measures and biopsies were repeated. Changes in weight, % body fat, waist circumference, adipose cell size and FFA were evaluated as predictors of change in insulin resistance. Weight loss (4.3 kg) yielded significant improvements in insulin resistance and all cardiovascular risk markers except glucose, HDL-C, and LDL-C. Improvement in insulin sensitivity was greater among those with <2 vs >2 cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. Decrease in adipose cell size and waist circumference, but not weight or body fat, independently predicted improvement in insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight loss yields metabolic health benefits in insulin-resistant overweight adults, even in the absence of classic cardiovascular risk factors. Weight loss-related improvement in insulin sensitivity may be mediated through changes in adipose cell size and/or central distribution of body fat. The insulin-resistant subgroup of overweight individuals should be identified and targeted for dietary weight loss.

CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER

NCT00186459.

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing reveals a polymicrobial nature of complicated claw horn disruption lesions and interdigital phlegmon in dairy cattle

Lameness represents an intractable problem for the dairy industry. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions, interdigital hyperplasia, and interdigital phlegmon are important lameness causing foot lesions. Their aetiology is multifactorial, but infectious processes are likely implicated in disease pathogenesis. Our aim was to investigate the bacterial profiles of these lesions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of samples obtained from 51 cattle across ten farms in the UK. In this study, interdigital hyperplasia, interdigital hyperplasia with signs of interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, complicated sole ulcers, complicated toe ulcers lesions, and complicated white line lesions were investigated; corresponding healthy skin control samples were also analysed. All diseased tissues displayed reduced microbial richness and diversity (as described by Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson alpha-diversity indices) compared to their healthy skin control samples. Our results confirm the association of Treponema spp with some of these disorders. Other anaerobic bacteria including Fusobacterium spp., Fastidiosipila spp. and Porphyromonas spp. were implicated in the aetiology of all these lesions with the exception of interdigital hyperplasia. Complicated claw horn disruption lesions, and interdigital phlegmon were found to have similar bacterial profiles. Such sharing of bacterial genera suggests many of the infectious agents detected in these foot lesions are acting opportunistically; this finding could contribute towards future treatment and control strategies.

Abstract OT2-06-01: Phase I/II study of T-DM1 alone versus T-DM1 and metronomic temozolomide in secondary prevention of HER2-Positive breast cancer brain metastases following stereotactic radiosurgery

Background: Brain metastases occur in up to 25-40% of HER2+ breast cancer patients. Standard treatment is limited to surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and/or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), with high levels of recurrence or progression, limiting survival and quality of life in most patients. Our group has demonstrated that low doses of temozolomide (TMZ) administered in a prophylactic, metronomic fashion can significantly prevent development of brain metastases in murine models of breast cancer. Based on these findings, we propose a secondary-prevention clinical trial.

Trial Design: Phase I/II open label study. Phase I will follow a standard 3+3 design: T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg IV every 21 days plus TMZ 30, 40 or 50 mg/m2 daily. Phase II: randomization T-DM1 3.6 mg/kg versus T-DM1 3.6mg/kg plus TMZ at recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). Patients will undergo radiology guided lumbar puncture at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment (C3D1) for correlative studies, brain MRI, systemic restaging CTs, and questionnaires for evaluation of symptoms and quality of life (MDASI-BT and PROMIS®) every 6 weeks.

Eligibility: HER2+ breast cancer with ≤3 brain metastases, treated with SRS and/or resection ≤6 weeks before enrollment, no leptomeningeal metastases, no previous WBRT, able to complete brain MRI with contrast evaluations, willing to undergo lumbar puncture, ECOG ≤2 and adequate organ and marrow function. HBV, HCV or HIV-positive patients are ineligible.

Specific Aims: Phase I: to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of TMZ combined with T-DM1. Phase II: to determine if the combination regimen of T-DM1 and TMZ improves the recurrence-free incidence from distant new brain metastases at one year as compared to T-DM1 alone. Biomarkers, including cell free DNA sequencing from CSF, serum and tumor block, serum markers for neuroinflammation, and patient reported outcomes, will be analyzed in an exploratory fashion.

Statistical Methods: Phase I, MTD will be identified based on the dose level at which 0 or 1 patient in 6 has a DLT. Phase II, to test whether TMZ will increase RFS from 50% to 65% at 12 months. RFS Kaplan-Meier curves will be created for each of the randomized arms and compared using a one-tailed log-rank test, with a one-sided 0.10 significance level of interest to be detected. Patients will be stratified for number of brain lesions and status of systemic metastases (controlled or not).

Target Accrual: 49 evaluable patients per arm (total 98), plus 9 to 18 patients during phase I. Trial will open in Summer 2017, at NIH in Bethesda, MD.

Contact Information: Principal Investigator: Alexandra S Zimmer, MD alexandra.zimmer@nih.gov

Citation Format: Zimmer AS, Gril B, Steinberg S, Smart D, Gilbert M, Armstrong T, Xiao L, Houston N, Biassou N, Brastianos P, Carter S, Lyden DC, Lipkowitz S, Steeg P. Phase I/II study of T-DM1 alone versus T-DM1 and metronomic temozolomide in secondary prevention of HER2-Positive breast cancer brain metastases following stereotactic radiosurgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-06-01.

‘Referral into a Void': Opinions of General Practitioners and Others on Single Point of Access to Mental Health Care

In the past, British general practitioners (GPs) have referred patients to individual consultants. There is now a trend towards generic referral, whereby the specialist team is consulted via a single point of access. We examined the impact of this innovation on the relationship between GPs and specialists in mental health care. Sixteen groups of randomly selected GPs and mental health professionals (MHPs) in England discussed clinical scenarios involving the use of mental health interventions for patients with functional somatic symptoms. The meetings were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed to the point at which no major new themes were emerging. The final analysis was confined to a purposive sample of six of the sixteen groups, comprising 54 GPs and 15 MHPs.

Although the rationale for the single point of access was clear to both GPs and MHPs, the approach erected boundaries because it impeded the establishment of professional relationships and transfer of knowledge. GPs thought the system reduced their capacity to be accountable to their patients and limited the potential for their own professional development. MHPs did not seem to be aware of GPs’ concerns.

Effective interprofessional management of individual patients depends upon confidence in colleagues’ skills and good communication. Factors that hamper these must be addressed in the development of this system of referral.

Impact of Adjuvant Urinary Diversion versus Valve Ablation Alone on Progression from Chronic to End Stage Renal Disease in Posterior Urethral Valves: A Single Institution 15-Year Time-to-Event Analysis

PURPOSE

Long-term progression to end stage renal disease of valve ablation alone vs ablation followed by additional urinary diversion were compared among children with stage 3 chronic kidney disease due to posterior urethral valves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of children with posterior urethral valves and stage 3 chronic kidney disease treated at a single institution between 1986 and 2011. The 3 treatment groups were classified as group 1-valve ablation alone, group 2-ablation plus subsequent vesicostomy and group 3-ablation followed by ureterostomies and/or pyelostomies. Baseline demographic characteristics were analyzed. Statistical analyses compared the incidence of time to end stage renal disease among the intervention groups using the Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test and Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log rank test. Cox regression was used to determine predictors of end stage renal disease progression.

RESULTS

A total of 40 eligible patients were included in the study (group 1-14 patients, group 2-13 patients, group 3-13 patients). Baseline characteristics and post-intervention estimated glomerular filtration rate revealed no significant between-group differences. A statistically significant difference in progression to end stage renal disease was noted within 1 year after diagnosis of stage 3 chronic kidney disease among the treatment groups (log rank test p=0.02). However, cumulative end stage renal disease incidence at 15-year followup showed no statistical difference (log rank test p=0.628). Cox regression analysis determined that bilateral renal dysplasia (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.21-6.30) and estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 ml/minute/1.73 m² or greater after intervention (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.61) were predictive of the likelihood of progression to end stage renal disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary diversion following valve ablation in children with stage 3 chronic kidney disease associated with posterior urethral valves may temporarily delay progression to end stage renal disease. However, no long-term benefit was noted from diversion in the ultimate incidence of end stage renal disease, suggesting that these interventions should be seen as a temporizing measure. Bilateral renal dysplasia and post-intervention estimated glomerular filtration rate are independent variables predicting overall chronic kidney disease progression.

Nephrocalcinosis in a young male with anorexia nervosa

Nephrocalcinosis (NC) has been described as a long-term complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). This is the first report of this complication in an adolescent male patient. We describe the case of a 12-year-old male with AN who presented with acute food restriction and excessive exercising leading to three inpatient admissions. The patient experienced an isolated episode of dysuria and hematuria while on calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Investigations revealed hypophosphatemia, hypercalciuria and mild NC. Follow-up confirmed the presence of NC and possible nephrolithiasis (NL). We discuss the pathophysiology and risk factors of NC and NL in the context of an early presentation of AN. We suggest fluid intake should be liberalized under observation and calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be initiated with caution in patients presenting with AN and risk factors for NC and NL.

Outcome of surgery for primary and recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis. A retrospective case series of 174 patients

BACKGROUND

The best management of relapsing desmoid-type fibromatosis, a benign but locally infiltrative soft-tissue tumour, is largely undecided. Our aim was to investigate the incidence and the factors influencing local relapse after surgery for primary and recurrent disease of the trunk and extremities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 174 patients who had surgical treatment for desmoid-type fibromatosis. The quality of the surgical margins and use of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy were analysed regarding local recurrences in primary and recurrent disease.

RESULTS

Clear margins were achieved in 41% of cases. 10-year local control rate was 58% for clear primary resections as compared to 37% with intralesional primary resections (p = 0.030). Extremity tumours had a higher risk of local recurrence compared to trunk and pelvic ones (p < 0.001). Attempted resection of recurrent disease was associated with an approximately 90% incidence of relapse after each procedure, despite the quality of the surgical margins being equivalent to primary resections. Quality of surgical margins was not important for local control of recurrent lesions. Adjuvant treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) had a no significant effect on the local control rate of recurrent disease (odds ratio 0.693 and 0.969 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A complete primary excision is the best window of opportunity to achieve local control of desmoid-type fibromatosis. Once the disease relapses, surgical intervention is accompanied with a high risk of failure, irrespective of the quality of the margins and adjuvant treatment given.

Long-term remission with eculizumab in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome

The understanding of the role of complement dysregulation in atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) has led to major changes in therapeutic approaches and outcomes. Eculizumab is a humanized anti-C5 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the terminal complement pathway and has revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of aHUS. However, published reports to date have had relatively short-term follow-up. We report two paediatric cases of aHUS successfully treated with eculizumab longer than 6 years with no serious adverse events and preservation of renal function.

Doctors in space (ships): biomedical uncertainties and medical authority in imagined futures

There has been considerable interest in images of medicine in popular science fiction and in representations of doctors in television fiction. Surprisingly little attention has been paid to doctors administering space medicine in science fiction. This article redresses this gap. We analyse the evolving figure of 'the doctor' in different popular science fiction television series. Building upon debates within Medical Sociology, Cultural Studies and Media Studies we argue that the figure of 'the doctor' is discursively deployed to act as the moral compass at the centre of the programme narrative. Our analysis highlights that the qualities, norms and ethics represented by doctors in space (ships) are intertwined with issues of gender equality, speciesism and posthuman ethics. We explore the signifying practices and political articulations that are played out through these cultural imaginaries. For example, the ways in which 'the simple country doctor' is deployed to help establish hegemonic formations concerning potentially destabilising technoscientific futures involving alternative sexualities, or military dystopia. Doctors mostly function to provide the ethical point of narrative stability within a world in flux, referencing a nostalgia for the traditional, attentive, humanistic family physician. The science fiction doctor facilitates the personalisation of technological change and thus becomes a useful conduit through which societal fears and anxieties concerning medicine, bioethics and morality in a 'post 9/11' world can be expressed and explored.

The effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes; a pragmatic pilot trial

AIMS

Weight loss improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, as achieving and maintaining weight loss is difficult, alternative strategies are needed. Our primary aim was to investigate the effects of intermittent energy restriction (IER) compared to continuous energy restriction (CER) on glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary aims were to assess effects on weight loss, body composition, medication changes and subjective measures of appetite. Using a 2-day IER method, we expected equal improvements to HbA1c and weight in both groups.

METHOD

Sixty-three overweight or obese participants (BMI 35.2±5kg/m²) with T2DM (HbA1c 7.4±1.3%) (57mmol/mol) were randomised to a 2-day severe energy restriction (1670-2500kJ/day) with 5days of habitual eating, compared to a moderate CER diet (5000-6500kJ/day) for 12weeks.

RESULTS

At 12weeks HbA1c (-0.7±0.9% P<0.001) and percent body weight reduction (-5.9±4% P<0.001) was similar in both groups with no group by time interaction. Similar reductions were also seen for medication dosages, all measures of body composition and subjective reports of appetite.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot trial, 2days of IER compared with CER resulted in similar improvements in glycaemic control and weight reduction offering a suitable alternative treatment strategy.

Detrusor overactivity increases bladder wall thickness in male patients: A urodynamic multicenter cohort study

AIMS

To evaluate the role of Bladder wall thickness (BWT) as a predictor of Detrusor overactivity (DO) in patients with Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/Benign prostatic enlargement without Bladder Outlet Obstruction.

METHODS

From January 1996 to December 2000, each new patient, aged 45 years or older with LUTS, underwent standard diagnostic assessment, urodynamic studies (cystometry and pressure flow studies), and ultrasound measurements of the bladder wall thickness (BWT) in two centers. In order to exclude the possible effect of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) on detrusor thickness, patients with a Schaefer class was ≥2 were excluded from the study. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) quantified the predictive accuracy (PA) of BWT for the diagnosis of DO.

RESULTS

Overall 195 patients were enrolled. DO was observed in 98/195 patients (50%). The BWT presented an AUC of 0.70; 95% CI: 0.62-0.77 for the diagnosis of DO. At the best cut-off value of 3.85 mm sensitivity was 73%; specificity was 59%; positive predictive value (64%, PPV). Negative predictive value (69%, NPV).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study firstly showed, how BWT in male patients may be a consequence of DO other than BPO. Our finding, if confirmed in further studies, could limit the accuracy of BWT in patients with DO and BPO.

Management of sarcomas possibly involving the knee joint when to perform extra-articular resection of the knee joint and is it safe?

We reviewed the oncological and functional outcomes of patients treated for a primary sarcoma possibly involving the knee joint and present an algorithm to guide treatment. The records of 76 patients who had a primary bone or soft tissue sarcoma possibly invading the knee between 1996 and 2012 were identified. Mean age and follow-up was 32 years (9-74) and 64 months (12-195), respectively. Patients were grouped according to the resection (Intra-articular [IAR] vs. Extra-articular [EAR] vs. Amputation/rotationplasty) for survival and functional outcomes. Overall 5 and 10 year survival was 61% and 53%, respectively. No differences in survival were found between the 3 groups (p = 0.55). Sixteen patients developed local recurrence with no difference between the groups. Mean MSTS score was 24.5 (12-30). Mean flexion at final follow-up was 106° (70-130°). We conclude that EAR of the knee allows for good oncologic and functional outcomes but with an increased risk of complications compared to IAR. Intra-operative assessment of joint involvement can be done in patients where joint infiltration by the tumour is not clear to avoid an unnecessary EAR. For chondrosarcoma patients with joint involvement, an EAR should be carefully considered because they present a significantly higher local recurrence risk.