Homogeneous hybrid droplet interface bilayers assembled from binary mixtures of DPhPC phospholipids and PB-b-PEO diblock copolymers.

Hybrid membranes built from phospholipids and amphiphilic block copolymers seek to capitalize on the benefits of both constituents for constructing biomimetic interfaces with improved performance. However, hybrid membranes have not been formed or studied using the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) method, an approach that offers advantages for revealing nanoscale changes in membrane structure and mechanics and offers a path toward assembling higher-order tissues. We report on hybrid droplet interface bilayers (hDIBs) formed in hexadecane from binary mixtures of synthetic diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) lipids and low molecular weight 1,2 polybutadiene-b-polyethylene oxide (PBPEO) amphiphilic block copolymers and use electrophysiology measurements and imaging to assess the effects of PBPEO in the membrane.

A Prospective Observational Study Assessing the Impacts of Health Literacy and Psychosocial Determinants of Health on 30-day Readmission Risk.

Our objective was to assess the utility of an assessment battery capturing health literacy (HL) and biopsychosocial determinants of health in predicting 30-day readmission in comparison to a currently well-adopted readmission risk calculator. We also sought to capture the distribution of inpatient HL, with emphasis on inadequate and marginal HL (an intermediate HL level). A prospective observational study was conducted to obtain HL and biopsychosocial data on general medicine inpatients admitted to the UCLA health system.

A telehealth intervention to promote weight loss and physical activity in overweight primary care patients.

Intervention: This pilot study was a 16-week Telehealth intervention using wearable devices, automated text messaging, and trained health coaching, in primary care clinics of an academic medical center. Thirty patients were enrolled in three cohorts, ages 18-64, BMI > 27, and MVPA < 150 minutes per week. The primary outcome was weight loss per week.