Because We Love You (BeWeL): A protocol for a randomized controlled trial of two brief interventions focused on social and cultural connectedness to reduce risk for suicide and substance misuse in young Alaska Native people

Background

Suicide among young people in Alaska Native (AN) communities was nearly unheard of through the establishment of statehood in 1959, but in the 1970s, AN suicide rates began to double every five years, with most of the increase due to suicide among 15 to 25-year-olds. From 1960-1995, the suicide rate increased by approximately 500% during this period of rapid, imposed social transition. For example, families were forced to live in settlements and children were sent to boarding schools. These disruptions increased conditions associated with suicide risk (e.g., substance use disorders, cultural disconnection), and challenged the community-level social safety net of youth protective factors that might have moderated effects of these traumas. The present study addresses the significant gap in culturally appropriate evidence-based programming to address suicide prevention among AN young people as part of aftercare. Our key research questions and methodology have been informed by AN stakeholders, and the intervention approach is Indigenous-led.

Methods

Our interventions are targeted toward Alaska Native young people ages 14-24 who present with suicide attempt, ideation, or associated risk behaviors, including alcohol-related injury in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region or the Interior. In a randomized controlled trial, 14-24-year-old AN individuals will receive either BeWeL (n = 185), which comprises a 45-minute virtual cultural talk addressing family and ancestral strengths and increasing protective factors, or BeWeL plus motivational interviewing with social networks, which includes an additional 15 minutes focused on discussion of the individual's social networks (n = 185). We will evaluate intervention effects on primary outcomes of suicide-intent risk, depression, anxiety, frequency of alcohol use, and alcohol consequences. Some of our secondary outcomes include individual and community protective factors, social networks, and awareness of connectedness.

Discussion

This project has the potential to expand the range and effectiveness of suicide prevention services for AN young people and will help meet the need in Alaska to link clinical behavioral health services to AN community-based networks, and to engage local cultural resources in aftercare for individuals at risk for suicide. Findings have potential to provide practical information to advance the field of suicide prevention and enhance protective factors and resiliency among this population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05360888.

The association between housing stability and perceived quality of life among emerging adults with a history of homelessness

Many cities across the United States are experiencing homelessness at crisis levels, including rises in the numbers of unhoused emerging adults (18-25). Emerging adults experiencing homelessness may be at higher risk of experiencing negative outcomes, given that being unhoused increases risk for a variety of behaviors. To better understand the current living circumstances of emerging adults with a history of homelessness, as well as their perceptions about associations between housing stability and quality of life (QOL), we conducted 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals recruited from drop-in centers for youth experiencing homelessness. At the time of recruitment n=19 were stably housed and n=11 were unstably housed. Two coders analyzed these data inductively and deductively, using pre-identified domains and open coding. Coding reliability was assessed. Three main themes emerged, each with subthemes: 1) Housing quality (neighborhood safety, convenience, housing unit characteristics); 2) QOL before stable housing (physical and mental wellbeing, social wellbeing, and other determinants of QOL, such as encounters with law enforcement); and 3) Changes in QOL after stable housing (same subthemes as for pre-housing stability QOL). Findings indicated a pattern of perceived relationships between housing stability, housing quality, built and social environments, and QOL in the context of emerging adults who experienced or continued to experience homelessness. However, results were mixed with regards to the perceived effects of housing stability on alcohol and other drug use. Taken together, results indicate several areas of challenge, but also highlight opportunities to facilitate improvements in QOL among vulnerable emerging adults who experience homelessness.

Commercial application of flow cytometry for evaluating bull sperm

Artificial insemination using semen from genetically superior sires remains one of the most effective biotechnologies ever commercialized for animal breeding purposes. Genetic progress, however, cannot begin until conception occurs. Processing laboratories that provide cryopreserved bull semen for commercial use depend on in vitro assays of semen quality to identify samples that are expected to result in less than desirable conception rates. These identified samples are discarded, rather than released to salable inventories, with the desired effect of minimizing variance in field fertility among both sires and individual collections. Although the industry was successfully founded on subjective assessment of motility and acrosome integrity, flow cytometric and computer-assisted sperm analysis offer more objective and repeatable measures of sperm quality attributes. Albeit more expensive to implement, the increased precision and repeatability when using these objective assays lends to greater confidence in the accuracy of decisions for individual collections and (or) bulls. The efficacy of a quality control program is evidenced by the range in sire fertility estimates calculated from field fertility data, which have historically indicated >90% of all sires achieve fertility deviation within ±3% points of the breed average. This impressive precedent implies somewhat limited opportunity for transition to objective assessments to have a meaningful impact on an already narrow range of fertility distributions. Nonetheless, flow cytometric assessments of novel attributes of sperm quality hold promise for detection of truly sub-fertile sires (deviations < -3) that presently elude detection with use of existing semen bioassays.

Emerging synthetic cannabinoids detected by a drug checking service in Toronto, Canada

BACKGROUND

Toronto's Drug Checking Service (DCS) provides people who use drugs with information on the chemical composition of their substances and conducts real-time monitoring of the unregulated drug supply. Presented are first known data of three newly detected synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in Toronto, Ontario.

METHODS

The present data are from samples analyzed between April and November 2020. Samples were collected at partnering harm reduction agencies in Toronto and analyzed using gas or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. An intake survey queried about the sample characteristics on submission, including expected drug(s).

RESULTS

Samples were analyzed between 1 April and 20 November 2020 (N = 19), which marks the period immediately following imposed COVID-19 border and movement restrictions in Canada. The newly detected, unexpected SCs were ACHMINACA (n = 15), AB-FUBINACA (n = 3), and 4-fluoro-MDMB-BUTINACA (n = 1). Fentanyl was expected in 74% (n = 14). Most SCs were detected in samples containing fentanyl or related analogues (n = 18; 95%), or benzodiazepine-related drugs (i.e., etizolam and flualprazolam) (n = 15; 79%).

CONCLUSIONS

This information can inform overdose prevention efforts and drug market monitoring of SCs in Toronto and regions served by the same drug trafficking routes. The detection of SCs during a period marked by COVID-19-related restrictions can contribute to efforts to identify global drug market trends during this time.

Perceived care coordination among permanent supportive housing participants: Evidence from a managed care plan in the United States

Homelessness is a pervasive public health problem in the United States (U.S.). Under the U.S. Affordable Care Act, the nation's public health insurance program (Medicaid) was expanded to serve more individuals, including those experiencing homelessness. Coupled with changes in financial incentives designed to reduce healthcare costs, health plans, hospitals and large health systems have started to operate permanent supportive housing (PSH) programmes as a healthcare benefit. To better understand patient perceptions of care coordination in a PSH programme operated by a large health plan in Southern California, we conducted 22 semi-structured in-depth patient interviews between October and November 2019. Two coders analysed these data inductively and deductively, using pre-identified domains and open coding. Coding reliability and thematic saturation were also assessed. Findings indicated positive experiences with care coordination for physical health and social supports, such as food distribution and transportation. Identified service gaps included mental health support and help securing public assistance (e.g., cash benefits). Opportunities to enhance PSH care coordination were also identified, such as the need for a simplified approach. Hospitals, health plans and systems considering PSH programmes may look to these results for implementation guidance.

Integrating traditional practices and social network visualization to prevent substance use: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial among urban Native American emerging adults

BACKGROUND

Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (defined as taking opioid medications for hedonic effects or in a manner other than prescribed) and the use of heroin have emerged in recent years as major public health concerns in the United States. Of particular concern is the prevalence of opioid use among emerging adults (ages 18-25), as this is a developmental period of heightened vulnerability and critical social, neurological, and psychological development. Data from 2015 show that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have the highest rates of diagnosis for opioid use disorders (OUDs). One recent study found that the overdose death rate among urban-dwelling AI/AN individuals was 1.4 times higher compared to those living in rural areas. To date, there are no evidence-based prevention programs addressing opioid use among urban AI/AN emerging adults that integrate culturally-appropriate strategies with evidence-based treatment. Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) builds on our prior work with AI/AN communities across California to develop and evaluate culturally appropriate programming to address opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use among urban AI/AN emerging adults.

METHODS/DESIGN

In a randomized controlled trial, 18-25 year old urban AI/AN emerging adults will receive either TACUNA (n = 185), which comprises three virtual workshops utilizing motivational interviewing, social network visualization, and integrating traditional practices and a wellness circle, or one virtual culturally sensitive opioid education workshop (n = 185). We will evaluate intervention effects on primary outcomes of frequency of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis use, as well as secondary outcomes of social network characteristics and cultural connectedness, over a 12-month period.

DISCUSSION

This project has the potential to expand the range and effectiveness of opioid, alcohol, and cannabis services for urban AI/AN emerging adults by addressing the opioid epidemic and use of other substances at both the community and individual level. In addition, it provides important culturally grounded conceptual and practical information to advance the field of substance use interventions and enhance resiliency among this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04617938. Registered October 26, 2020 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04617938 .

Evaluating networked drug checking services in Toronto, Ontario: study protocol and rationale

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of fatal opioid overdose is a public health crisis in Canada. Given growing consensus that this crisis is related to the presence of highly potent opioid adulterants (e.g., fentanyl) in the unregulated drug supply, drug checking services (DCS) have emerged as part of a comprehensive approach to overdose prevention. In Canada's largest city, Toronto, a network of DCS launched in 2019 to prevent overdose and overdose-related risk behaviors. This network employs mass spectrometry technologies, with intake sites co-located with supervised consumption services (SCS) at three frontline harm reduction agencies. The protocol and rationale for assessing the impact of this multi-site DCS network in Toronto is described herein. The aims of this study are to (1) evaluate the impact of DCS access on changes in and factors influencing overdose and related risk behaviors, (2) investigate the perceived capacity of DCS to prevent overdose, and (3) identify composition (qualitative and quantitative) trends in Toronto's unregulated drug supply.

METHODS

We will use a parallel-mixed-methods design with complementary data sources (including data from chemical analysis of drug samples, quantitative intake and post-test surveys, SCS, coroners, paramedic services, and qualitative interviews), followed by a meta-inference process wherein results from analyses are synthesized.

RESULTS

Whereas most DCS globally target "recreational drug users," in Toronto, this networked DCS will primarily target marginalized people who use drugs accessing frontline services, many of whom use drugs regularly and by injection. This evolution in the application of DCS poses important questions that have not yet been explored, including optimal service delivery models and technologies, as well as unique barriers for this population. Increasing information on the unregulated drug supply may modify the risk environment for this population of people who use drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study addresses evidence gaps on the emerging continuum of overdose prevention responses and will generate critical evidence on a novel approach to reducing the ongoing high incidence of drug-related morbidity and mortality in Canada and elsewhere.

P3417Comparison of cardiometabolic profile and left ventricular systolic dysfunction amongst outpatients in a low-income Sub-Saharan African versus high-income European population; the MTIMA I study

Background

Most of the information on modifiable risk factors linked to cardiac dysfunction comes from high income countries and/or hospitalized patients. We sought to evaluate the challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community setting in Malawi, and to compare the cardiometabolic profile of these patients with age, sex and diabetes matched European participants.

Methods

MTIMA I is a prospective, observational, cohort study of community dwelling patients attending a NCD clinic in Malawi together with age, sex and diabetes matched European participants. All consenting patients were evaluated for clinical history, blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, left ventricular ejection fraction and medications.

Results

Amongst 251 sub-Saharan African patients and 502 age, sex and diabetes matched European patients, the average age was 61.8±10.6 years, 31% were male and 53% had diabetes and the majority had hypertension (80.0% and 70.7% in the African and European cohorts respectively, p=NS). The African population had poorer pressure control (147/90±21/13 mmHg vs 137/82±19/11 mmHg, p<0.0001) and higher heart rates (80.73±17.0 bpm vs 72.7±12.5 bpm, p<0.0001) than the European cohort. Use of antihypertensive agents per patient was lower in the African population (0.96±0.05 vs 1.22±0.05, p<0.001) and there was lower usage of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system modifying therapies. Reported smoking rates were lower in the African cohort (3% vs 16%, p<0.0001). Only 78 of the African cohort had lipids evaluated compared with all the European cohort and in this subset, while total cholesterol was lower (4.4±1.2, vs. 4.6±0.5 mmol/L, p<0.01), it was due to lower HDL (0.99±0.5 vs 1.3±0.2 mmol/L, p<0.001) as LDL cholesterol was similar (2.6±1.0, vs 2.5±0.5 mmol/L, p=ns). Statin usage was lower in the African cohort (1.6% vs 61.5%, p<0.0001). Surprisingly, the average body mass index did not differ between the populations (28.9±0.3 vs 29.2±1.5 kg/m2, p=NS) and there were similar proportions of obesity (31.1% vs 33.7%). Plasma glucose was higher in the African population (10.3±0.4 vs. 7.4±0.1 mmol/L, p<0.0001) despite similar usage of antidiabetic therapies. Average ejection fraction was significantly lower in the African cohort (49.8±8.6% vs 66.5±3.5%, p<0.0001). Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (<40%) was significantly more prevalent in the African cohort (21% vs 0.4%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The profile of cardiovascular risk factors, medications and cardiac dysfunction is different in community dwelling African and European patients with chronic cardiovascular disease. One in 5 African patients in our study has undiagnosed left ventricular systolic dysfunction reflecting the need for increased focus on non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular prevention. Further work on the pathophysiology of the high rate of LVSD noted and prevention strategies are required

3069Epigenetic changes in heart failure cohorts: novel insights into methylation changes of protein and RNA coding genes in human cardiac tissue

Background

Limited knowledge exists of the extent of epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, in Heart Failure (HF). We conducted targeted DNA methylation sequencing to identify DNA methylation alterations in coding and non-coding RNA across different etiological sub-types of HF.

Methods and results

A targeted bisulfite sequence capture sequencing platform was applied to DNA extracted from cardiac interventricular septal tissue of 30 male HF patients encompassing etiologies including Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM, n=12), Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (ISCM, n=9), Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM, n=9), and 9 control patients with non-failing hearts (NF). We detected 62,678 differentially methylated regions (DMR) in the studied HF cohort. By comparing each HF sub-group to the NF control group we identified 195 unique DMRs: 5 in HOCM, 151 in DCM, and 55 in ISCM. These translated to 4 genes/1 non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in HOCM, 131 genes/17 ncRNA in DCM, and 51 genes/5 ncRNA in ISCM. Subsequent gene/ncRNA expression analysis was assessed using qRT-PCR and revealed 6 genes: 4 hypermethylated (HEY2, MSR1, MYOM3, COX17), 2 hypomethylated (CTGF, MMP2); and 2 microRNA: 1 hypermethylated (miR-24–1), 1 hypomethylated (miR-155) with significantly up- or down-regulated expression levels consistent with the direction of methylation in the particular HF sub-group.

Conclusions

For the first time DNA methylation alterations and associated gene expression changes were identified in etiologically-variant pathological heart failure tissue. The methylation-sensitive and disease-associated genes/non-coding RNA identified from this study represent a unique cohort of loci that demonstrate a plausible potential as a novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic target in HF and warrant further investigation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Enterprise Ireland; European Regional Development Fund under Ireland's European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes 2014-2020

P04.16 TP53 mutations in codon 273 is predictive of overall survival in astrocytoma patients

BACKGROUND

Tumour Protein 53 (TP53) is a tumour suppressor gene that is mutated in at least 50% of human malignancies. The prevalence of TP53 mutation is much higher in astrocytomas with reports of up to 75% TP53 mutant cases. Rare cases of TP53 mutation also exist in oligodendroglial tumours (10–13%). P53 pathway is therefore an important factor in low-grade glioma tumorigenesis. Although the prognostic impact of TP53 mutations has been studied previously, no concrete concordance were reached between the studies. In this study, we investigated the prognostic effects of TP53 mutation in astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of 65 matched primary and recurrent fresh frozen tumours were sequenced to identify hotspot exons of TP53 mutation. Exons 1 to 10 were sequenced and pathogenic mutations were mostly predominant between Exons 4 and 8. The cohort was further expanded with 78 low grade glioma fresh frozen tissues and hotspot exons were sequenced. Selecting only the primary tumour from 65 matched tumours, a total of 50 Astrocytoma cases and 51 oligodendroglioma cases were analysed for prognostic effects of TP53. Only pathogenic TP53 mutations confirmed through COSMIC and NCBI databases were included in the over survival and progression-free survival analysis.

RESULTS

62% (31/50) of astrocytomas and 16% (8/51) of oligodendrogliomas harboured pathogenic TP53 mutations. Pathogenic hotspot mutations in codon 273 (c.817 C>T and c.818 G>A) was prevalent in astrocytoma with 58% (18/31) of tumours with these mutations. TP53 mutation status was maintained between primary and recurrent tumours in 93% of cases. In astrocytoma, overall survival of TP53 mutant patients was longer compared to TP53 wild-type patients (p<0.01) but was not significant after adjusting for age, gender, grade and IDH1 mutation status. In contrast, astrocytoma patients with specific TP53 mutation in codon 273 showed significantly better survival compared to other TP53 mutant and TP53 wild-type patients combined (p<0.01) in our multivariate analysis. Time to first recurrence (progression-free survival) of TP53 mutant patients was significantly longer than TP53 wild-type patients (p<0.01) after adjustments were made, while TP53 mutation in codon 273 was not prognostic for progression-free survival. In oligodendroglioma patients, TP53 mutations did not significantly affect overall survival and progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION

In agreement with others, TP53 mutation is more prevalent in Astrocytoma and mutations in codon 273 are significantly associated with longer survival.

Candidaemia and a risk predictive model for overall mortality: a prospective multicentre study

Background

Candidaemia is associated with high mortality. Variables associated with mortality have been published previously, but not developed into a risk predictive model for mortality. We sought to describe the current epidemiology of candidaemia in Australia, analyse predictors of 30-day all-cause mortality, and develop and validate a mortality risk predictive model.

Methods

Adults with candidaemia were studied prospectively over 12 months at eight institutions. Clinical and laboratory variables at time of blood culture-positivity were subject to multivariate analysis for association with 30-day all-cause mortality. A predictive score for mortality was examined by area under receiver operator characteristic curves and a historical data set was used for validation.

Results

The median age of 133 patients with candidaemia was 62 years; 76 (57%) were male and 57 (43%) were female. Co-morbidities included underlying haematologic malignancy (n = 20; 15%), and solid organ malignancy in (n = 25; 19%); 55 (41%) were in an intensive care unit (ICU). Non-albicans Candida spp. accounted for 61% of cases (81/133). All-cause 30-day mortality was 31%. A gastrointestinal or unknown source was associated with higher overall mortality than an intravascular or urologic source (p < 0.01). A risk predictive score based on age > 65 years, ICU admission, chronic organ dysfunction, preceding surgery within 30 days, haematological malignancy, source of candidaemia and antibiotic therapy for ≥10 days stratified patients into < 20% or ≥ 20% predicted mortality. The model retained accuracy when validated against a historical dataset (n = 741).

Conclusions

Mortality in patients with candidaemia remains high. A simple mortality risk predictive score stratifying patients with candidaemia into < 20% and ≥ 20% 30-day mortality is presented. This model uses information available at time of candidaemia diagnosis is easy to incorporate into decision support systems. Further validation of this model is warranted.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4065-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aiming for elimination: Outcomes of a consultation pathway supporting regional general practitioners to prescribe direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C

To increase access to treatment, the Australian government enabled general practitioners (GPs) to prescribe direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV)-in consultation with a specialist if inexperienced in HCV management. This study describes the establishment and outcomes of a remote consultation pathway supporting GPs to treat HCV. Key stakeholders from primary and tertiary healthcare services in the Barwon South Western region developed and implemented an HCV remote consultation pathway. Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule prescription data were used to evaluate GP DAA prescription 12 months pre-and post- pathway implementation. A retrospective review of patients referred for remote consultation for 12 months post- pathway inception was undertaken to determine the care cascade. HCV treatment initiation by GPs increased after implementation of the remote consultation pathway. In the 12-month study period, 74 GPs referred 169 people for remote consultation; 114 (67%) were approved for GP DAA treatment; 48 (28%) were referred for specialist assessment. In total, 119 (71%) patients commenced DAA; 69 were eligible for SVR12 assessment. Post-treatment HCV RNA data were available for 52 (75%) people; 37 achieved SVR12; 15 achieved SVR ranging from week 5 to 11 post-treatment. No treatment failure was detected. Collaborative development and implementation of a remote consultation pathway has engaged regional GPs in managing HCV. Follow-up post-treatment could be improved; however, no treatment failure has been documented. To eliminate HCV as a public health threat, it is vital that specialists support GPs to prescribe DAA.

Complex history of dog (Canis familiaris) origins and translocations in the Pacific revealed by ancient mitogenomes

Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were introduced to the islands of Oceania via Island Southeast Asia around 3,300 years ago, and reached the eastern islands of Polynesia by the fourteenth century AD. This dispersal is intimately tied to human expansion, but the involvement of dogs in Pacific migrations is not well understood. Our analyses of seven new complete ancient mitogenomes and five partial mtDNA sequences from archaeological dog specimens from Mainland and Island Southeast Asia and the Pacific suggests at least three dog dispersal events into the region, in addition to the introduction of dingoes to Australia. We see an early introduction of dogs to Island Southeast Asia, which does not appear to extend into the islands of Oceania. A shared haplogroup identified between Iron Age Taiwanese dogs, terminal-Lapita and post-Lapita dogs suggests that at least one dog lineage was introduced to Near Oceania by or as the result of interactions with Austronesian language speakers associated with the Lapita Cultural Complex. We did not find any evidence that these dogs were successfully transported beyond New Guinea. Finally, we identify a widespread dog clade found across the Pacific, including the islands of Polynesia, which likely suggests a post-Lapita dog introduction from southern Island Southeast Asia.

Knife to Skin Time in Orthopaedics- A New Sub-Speciality Selection Tool

Several selection methods have been used to aid selection into orthopaedic training programs but no process exists to aid in sub-speciality selection. A process which is continuous, unbiased and encompasses technical skill and decision making would be the gold standard. This paper analyses the use of a daily clinical task that assesses many of the desirable traits of a prospective trainee. A retrospective review of 13,474 orthopaedic procedures was under taken. The results showed a clear distinction between orthopaedic sub-specialities in time taken to perform this task. The authors suggest that this could provide a low cost insight into the appropriate subspecialty for orthopaedic trainees.

A comparison of HFrEF vs HFpEF's clinical workload and cost in the first year following hospitalization and enrollment in a disease management program

BACKGROUND

Admission with heart failure (HF) is a milestone in the progression of the disease, often resulting in higher intensity medical care and ensuing readmissions. Whilst there is evidence supporting enrolling patients in a heart failure disease management program (HF-DMP), not all reported HF-DMPs have systematically enrolled patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and there is a scarcity of literature differentiating costs based on HF-phenotype.

METHODS

1292 consenting, consecutive patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF were enrolled in a hospital based HF-DMP and categorized as HFpEF (EF≥45%) or HFrEF (EF<45%). Hospitalizations, primary care, medications, and DMP workload with associated costs were evaluated assessing DMP clinic-visits, telephonic contact, medication changes over 1year using a mixture of casemix and micro-costing techniques.

RESULTS

The total average annual cost per patient was marginally higher in patients with HFrEF €13,011 (12,011, 14,078) than HFpEF, €12,206 (11,009, 13,518). However, emergency non-cardiovascular admission rates and average cost per patient were higher in the HFpEF vs HFrEF group (0.46 vs 0.31 per patient/12months) & €655 (318, 1073) vs €584 (396, 812). In the first 3months of the outpatient HF-DMP the HFrEF population cost more on average €791 (764, 819) vs €693 (660, 728).

CONCLUSION

There are greater short-term (3-month) costs of HFrEF versus HFpEF as part of a HF-DMP following an admission. However, long-term (3-12month) costs of HFpEF are greater because of higher non-cardiovascular rehospitalisations. As HFpEF becomes the dominant form of HF, more work is required in HF-DMPs to address prevention of non-cardiovascular rehospitalisations and to integrate hospital based HF-DMPs into primary healthcare structures.

Combining PARP inhibitors with radiation therapy for the treatment of glioblastoma: Is PTEN predictive of response?

Glioblastoma (GBM) is fatal. The standard radiotherapy and chemotherapy (temozolomide) followed by an adjuvant phase of temozolomide provide patients with, on average, a 2.5 months benefit. New treatments that can improve sensitivity to the standard treatment are urgently needed. Herein, we review the mechanisms and utility of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in combination with radiation therapy as a treatment option for GBM patients and the role of phosphatase and tensin homologue mutations as a biomarker of response.

Derivation of the clinical grade human embryonic stem cell line RCe013-A (RC-9)

The human embryonic stem cell line RCe013-A (RC-9) was derived under quality assured compliance with UK regulation, European Union Directives and International guidance for tissue procurement, processing and storage according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The cell line was derived from a failed to fertilise oocyte voluntarily donated as unsuitable and surplus to fertility requirements following informed consent. RCe013-A (RC-9) shows normal pluripotency marker expression and differentiation to the three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. It has a normal 46XY male karyotype and microsatellite PCR identity, HLA and blood group typing data are available.

Motivated to do well: an examination of the relationships between motivation, effort, and cognitive performance in schizophrenia

The uncertain relationship between negative symptoms, and specifically motivational deficits, with cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia is in need of further elucidation as it pertains to the interpretation of cognitive test results. Findings to date have suggested a possible mediating role of motivational deficits on cognitive test measures, although findings from formal examinations of effort using performance validity measures have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between motivation, effort exerted during cognitive testing, and cognitive performance in schizophrenia. Sixty-nine outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were evaluated for psychopathology, severity of motivational deficits, effort exerted during cognitive testing, and cognitive performance. Motivation and degree of effort exerted during cognitive testing were significantly related to cognitive performance, specifically verbal fluency, verbal and working memory, attention and processing speed, and reasoning and problem solving. Further, effort accounted for 15% of the variance in cognitive performance, and partially mediated the relationship between motivation and cognitive performance. Examining cognitive performance profiles for individuals exerting normal or reduced effort revealed significant differences in global cognition, as well as attention/processing speed and reasoning and problem solving. These findings suggest that cognitive domains may be differentially affected by impairments in motivation and effort, and highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between motivation and cognitive performance deficits, which may guide the appropriate selection of symptom targets for promoting recovery in patients.

Importance of risk factor management in diabetic patients and reduction in Stage B heart failure

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have demonstrated the presence of a diabetic cardiomyopathy, increasing the risk of heart failure development in this population. Improvements in present-day risk factor control may have modified the risk of diabetes-associated cardiomyopathy.

AIM

We sought to determine the contemporary impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the prevalence of cardiomyopathy in at-risk patients with and without adjustment for risk factor control.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study in a population at risk for heart failure.

METHODS

Those with diabetes were compared to those with other cardiovascular risk factors, unmatched, matched for age and gender and then matched for age, gender, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

RESULTS

In total, 1399 patients enrolled in the St Vincent's Screening to Prevent Heart Failure (STOP-HF) cohort were included. About 543 participants had an established history of DM. In the whole sample, Stage B heart failure (asymptomatic cardiomyopathy) was not found more frequently among the diabetic cohort compared to those without diabetes [113 (20.8%) vs. 154 (18.0%), P = 0.22], even when matched for age and gender. When controlling for these risk factors and risk factor control Stage B was found to be more prevalent in those with diabetes [88 (22.2%)] compared to those without diabetes [65 (16.4%), P = 0.048].

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of patients with established risk factors for Stage B heart failure superior risk factor management among the diabetic population appears to dilute the independent diabetic insult to left ventricular structure and function, underlining the importance and benefit of effective risk factor control in this population on cardiovascular outcomes.