Mobile Health Devices as Tools for Worldwide Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Disease Management.

We examined evidence on whether mobile health (mHealth) tools, including interactive voice response calls, short message service, or text messaging, and smartphones, can improve lifestyle behaviors and management related to cardiovascular diseases throughout the world. We conducted a state-of-the-art review and literature synthesis of peer-reviewed and gray literature published since 2004. The review prioritized randomized trials and studies focused on cardiovascular diseases and risk factors, but included other reports when they represented the best available evidence.

Alternate wiring of a KNOXI genetic network underlies differences in leaf development of A. thaliana and C. hirsuta.

Two interrelated problems in biology are understanding the regulatory logic and predictability of morphological evolution. Here, we studied these problems by comparing Arabidopsis thaliana, which has simple leaves, and its relative, Cardamine hirsuta, which has dissected leaves comprising leaflets. By transferring genes between the two species, we provide evidence for an inverse relationship between the pleiotropy of SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM) and BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) homeobox genes and their ability to modify leaf form.

Filtration of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background: End stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are characterized by increased morbidity and mortality due to highest prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine that controls cellular signaling in human physiology, pathophysiology, and diseases. Increased MIF plasma levels promote vascular inflammation and development of atherosclerosis.

Augmenting Ongoing Depression Care With a Mutual Peer Support Intervention Versus Self-Help Materials Alone: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: Various models of peer support may be implemented in mental health settings. This randomized trial assessed the effectiveness of a telephone-delivered mutual peer support intervention.

Methods: A total of 443 patients receiving ongoing depression treatment from the U.

Patterns of Glaucoma Medication Adherence over Four Years of Follow-Up.

Purpose: To assess longer-term patterns of glaucoma medication adherence and identify whether patterns established during the first year of medication use persist during 3 subsequent years of follow-up.

Design: Retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis.

Participants: Beneficiaries aged ≥40 years who were enrolled in a United States (US)-managed care plan for ≥7 years between 2001 and 2012 and newly diagnosed and treated for open-angle glaucoma.

Peer-Led, Empowerment-Based Approach to Self-Management Efforts in Diabetes (PLEASED): A Randomized Controlled Trial in an African American Community.

Purpose: We compared a 3-month diabetes self-management education (DSME) program followed by a 12-month peer support intervention with a 3-month DSME program alone in terms of initial and sustained improvements in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes distress, and social support.

Methods: We randomized 106 community-dwelling African American adults with type 2 diabetes to a 3-month DSME program followed by 12 months of weekly group sessions and supplementary telephone support delivered by peer leaders or to a 3-month DSME program with no follow-up peer support.

Contributions of Peer Support to Health, Health Care, and Prevention: Papers from Peers for Progress.

SUBSTANTIAL: evidence documents the benefits of peer support provided by community health workers, lay health advisors, promotores de salud, and others. The papers in this supplement, all supported by the Peers for Progress program of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, contribute to the growing body of literature addressing the efficacy, effectiveness, feasibility, reach, sustainability, and adoption of peer support for diabetes self-management. They and additional papers supported by Peers for Progress contribute to understanding how peer support can be implemented in real world settings.

Are older adults living in more equal counties healthier than older adults living in more unequal counties? A propensity score matching approach.

We assessed the potential contextual effect of income inequality on health by: 1) comparing individuals with similar socioeconomic status (SES) but who reside in counties with different levels of income inequality; and 2) examining whether the potential effect of county-level income inequality on health varies across SES groups. We used the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of Americans over the age of 50. Using propensity score matching, we selected SES-comparable individuals living in high-income inequality counties and in low-income inequality counties.

Quantitative Noninvasive Angiography of the Fovea Centralis Using Speckle Variance Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To demonstrate the utility of speckle variance optical coherence tomography (svOCT), a noninvasive angiographic technique, for evaluating the foveal vasculature.

Methods: Twelve normal human eyes were imaged with svOCT (1060-nm, 100-kHz custom-built system) and fluorescein angiography (FA; Topcon TRC-50DX with 5.0 megapixel resolution camera).

Do pre-existing diabetes social support or depressive symptoms influence the effectiveness of a diabetes management intervention?

Objective: Examine influences of diabetes-specific social support (D-SS) and depressive symptoms on glycemic control over time, among adults randomized to a diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) intervention or usual care.

Methods: Data were from 108 African-American and Latino participants in a 6-month intervention trial. Multivariable linear regression models assessed associations between baseline D-SS from family and friends and depressive symptoms with changes in HbA1c.

CT colonography at low tube potential: using iterative reconstruction to decrease noise.

Aim: To determine the level of iterative reconstruction required to reduce increased image noise associated with low tube potential computed tomography (CT).

Materials And Methods: Fifty patients underwent CT colonography with a supine scan at 120 kVp and a prone scan at 100 kVp with other scan parameters unchanged. Both scans were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and increasing levels of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR) at 30%, 60%, and 90%.

Using CBPR for Health Research in American Muslim Mosque Communities.

Background: American Muslims are understudied in health research, and there are few studies documenting community-based participatory research (CBPR) efforts among American Muslim mosque communities.

Objectives: We highlight lessons learned from a CBPR partnership that explored the health care beliefs, behaviors, and challenges of American Muslims.

Methods: We established a collaboration between the University of Michigan and four Muslim-focused community organizations in Michigan.

The Most Common Barriers to Glaucoma Medication Adherence: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency of 11 commonly cited barriers to optimal glaucoma medication adherence among glaucoma patients and to identify barriers contributing to poor adherence.

Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey.

Participants: One hundred ninety adults with glaucoma taking 1 or more glaucoma medication who received care in glaucoma clinics in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Baltimore, Maryland.

Improving preclinic preparation for patients with chronic conditions in quito, ecuador: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives. As in many settings, patients in community health centers in Ecuador do not complete previsit forms or receive assistance to identify questions and concerns they would like to address in brief clinic visits with physicians. We examined the comparative effectiveness of providing (1) a previsit form to complete; (2) a previsit form along with assistance in completing the form; and (3) usual care.

Identification of factors integral to designing community-based CPR interventions for high-risk neighborhood residents.

Background: High-risk neighborhoods can be identified as census tracts in which cardiac arrest incidence is high and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prevalence is low. However, little is known about how best to tailor community CPR training to high-risk neighborhood residents. The objective of this study was to identify factors integral to the design and implementation of community-based CPR intervention programs targeted to these areas.

Mediators and Moderators of the Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker Intervention That Improved Dietary Outcomes in Pregnant Latino Women.

Background: Pregnancy is an opportune time to initiate diabetes prevention strategies for minority and underserved women, using culturally tailored interventions delivered by community health workers. A community-partnered randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pregnant Latino women resulted in significantly improved vegetable, fiber, added sugar, and total fat consumption compared to a minimal intervention group. However, studying RCT intervention effects alone does not explain the mechanisms by which the intervention was successful or help identify which participants may have benefitted most.

Comparison of community health worker-led diabetes medication decision-making support for low-income Latino and African American adults with diabetes using e-health tools versus print materials: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Health care centers serving low-income communities have scarce resources to support medication decision making among patients with poorly controlled diabetes.

Objective: To compare outcomes between community health worker use of a tailored, interactive, Web-based, tablet computer-delivered tool (iDecide) and use of print educational materials.

Design: Randomized, 2-group trial conducted from 2011 to 2013 (ClinicalTrials.

Randomized trial of telephone outreach to improve medication adherence and metabolic control in adults with diabetes.

Objective: Medication nonadherence is a major obstacle to better control of glucose, blood pressure (BP), and LDL cholesterol in adults with diabetes. Inexpensive effective strategies to increase medication adherence are needed.

Research Design And Methods: In a pragmatic randomized trial, we randomly assigned 2,378 adults with diabetes mellitus who had recently been prescribed a new class of medication for treating elevated levels of glycated hemoglobin (A1C) ≥8% (64 mmol/mol), BP ≥140/90 mmHg, or LDL cholesterol ≥100 mg/dL, to receive 1) one scripted telephone call from a diabetes educator or clinical pharmacist to identify and address nonadherence to the new medication or 2) usual care.

A mixed-methods randomized controlled trial of financial incentives and peer networks to promote walking among older adults.

Background: Financial incentives and peer networks could be delivered through eHealth technologies to encourage older adults to walk more.

Methods: We conducted a 24-week randomized trial in which 92 older adults with a computer and Internet access received a pedometer, daily walking goals, and weekly feedback on goal achievement. Participants were randomized to weekly feedback only (Comparison), entry into a lottery with potential to earn up to $200 each week walking goals were met (Financial Incentive), linkage to four other participants through an online message board (Peer Network), or both interventions (Combined).

Exploring real-time patient decision-making for acute care: a pilot study.

Introduction: Research has described emergency department (ED) use patterns in detail. However, evidence is lacking on how, at the time a decision is made, patients decide if healthcare is required or where to seek care.

Methods: Using community-based participatory research methods, we conducted a mixed-methods descriptive pilot study.

Text messaging as a community-based survey tool: a pilot study.

Background: It is not known whether using text messaging to administer real-time survey questions is feasible and acceptable among low-income, urban African American adults.

Methods: We used a mixed methods approach including paper surveys, surveys administered by text message, and a focus group. Survey questions that included multiple choice, Likert-like scales, and open ended questions were administered by paper and sent via text message daily during varied times of day for six weeks.

Who Signs Up for and Engages in a Peer Support Heart Failure Self-management Intervention.

Background: Many programs for patients with heart failure (HF) fail to improve clinical outcomes in part because of low rates of patient enrollment and engagement. A better understanding of patient characteristics associated with willingness to enroll and then engage in HF self-management programs will improve the design and targeting of programs.

Methods And Results: Analyses of screening, baseline, and engagement data from a randomized controlled effectiveness trial of an HF peer self-management support program were conducted.

Establishing visit priorities for complex patients: A summary of the literature and conceptual model to guide innovative interventions.

With the aging of the population and continuing advances in health care, patients seen in the primary care setting are increasingly complex. At the same time, the number of screening and chronic condition management tasks primary care providers are expected to cover during brief primary care office visits has continued to grow. These converging trends mean that there is often not enough time during each visit to address all of the patient's concerns and needs, a significant barrier to effectively providing patient-centered care.

Older Adults' Residential Proximity to Their Children: Changes After Cardiovascular Events.

Objectives: To assess changes in family residential proximity after a first cardiovascular (CV) event among older adults and to identify families most likely to experience such moves.

Method: Using a nationally representative longitudinal study of older adults in the United States, we identified respondents with no prior diagnosis of CV disease (CVD). We examined subsequent development of stroke, heart attack, and/or heart failure among these older adults and examined changes in their residential proximity to their closest child before and after the CV event.