Real-world treatment patterns in drug naïve type 2 diabetes population: Initial combination therapy vs. sequential step-therapy.

Background: Despite evidence-based guidelines and available therapies, many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have suboptimal glycemic control. The current standard of care suggests initial monotherapy followed by add-on therapy to achieve and maintain target HbA1c. However, clinical trials revealed that intensive glycemic control, especially at the early stages of the disease, could result in earlier and better long-term glycemic control in addition to reducing diabetes-related complications and mortality risk.

NIS2+ as a screening tool to optimize patient selection in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis clinical trials.

Background & Aims: Strategies to reduce liver biopsy (LB) screen failures through better patient selection are needed for clinical trials. Standard fibrosis biomarkers were not derived to detect "at-risk" metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; MASH with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease score ≥4 and fibrosis stage ≥2). We compared the performance of screening pathways that incorporate NIS2+™, an optimized version of the blood-based NIS4® technology designed to identify at-risk MASH, with those incorporating fibrosis (FIB)-4 within the RESOLVE-IT clinical trial (NCT02704403), aiming for optimized selection of patients for LB.

Trajectories of adherence to ACEI/ARB medications following a motivational interviewing intervention among Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Texas.

Objectives: To assess the impact of student telephone motivational interviewing intervention on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) adherence trajectories and identify predictors of each trajectory.

Methods: The intervention group included continuously enrolled Medicare Advantage Plan patients non-adherent to ACEI/ARBs vs the control group (1:2 ratio). The intervention was tailored by pre-intervention trajectories and included an initial and five follow-up calls.

NIS2+™, an effective blood-based test for the diagnosis of at-risk nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in adults 65 years and older.

Background: Older patients are at increased risk for at-risk NASH, defined as NASH with NAFLD activity scores (NAS) ≥4 and significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2). The aim of this study was to compare the performance of 2 new blood tests, NIS4® and NIS2+™, with FIB-4, NFS, ELF™, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH in a cohort of patients aged ≥65 years.

Methods: The clinical performance of multiple blood-based tests was assessed for their ability to detect at-risk NASH using the RESOLVE-IT diag cohort, a large population of patients with metabolic risk who were screened for potential inclusion in the RESOLVE-IT phase 3 trial.

Differences in Perceived Threat and Efficacy in Managing Opioid Use Disorder versus Alcohol Use Disorder.

: Efforts to increase the availability of Medication Assisted Treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) may be futile if patients lack motivation for recovery and are unwilling to seek treatment. : In this cross-sectional, online survey, we used the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to assess how participants at risk of AUD or OUD react to their perceived threat and assess their response to pharmacotherapy as a potential treatment. EPPM constructs were assessed using the Risk Based Diagnosis Scale.

NIS2+™, an optimisation of the blood-based biomarker NIS4® technology for the detection of at-risk NASH: A prospective derivation and validation study.

Background & Aims: NIS4® is a blood-based non-invasive test designed to effectively rule in/rule out at-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), defined as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥4 and significant fibrosis (stage ≥2), among patients with metabolic risk factors. Robustness of non-invasive test scores across characteristics of interest including age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and sex, and optimised analytical aspects are critical for large-scale implementation in clinical practice. We developed and validated NIS2+™, an optimisation of NIS4®, specifically designed to improve score robustness.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Houston residents.

Background: COVID-19 vaccination has averted a significant number of deaths in the United States, but vaccination hesitancy continues to be a problem. Therefore, examining vaccination acceptance and/or hesitancy in local communities is critical.

Methods: A quantitative survey and a multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to determine predictors of COVID-19 vaccination in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin Houston residents.

Demographics of Skin Cancer Knowledge Among Middle and High Schoolers in Texas.

Introduction: Adolescents, an age group that can reduce sun exposure early, may benefit from school-based skin cancer education programs. Literature regarding the demographics of melanoma knowledge is sparse.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate melanoma knowledge among students in Texas viewing John Wayne Cancer Foundation Block the Blaze (JWCFBTB) presentations and identify group differences with regard to sociodemographic factors.

A Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Improve Adherence to ACEIs/ARBs among Nonadherent Older Adults with Comorbid Hypertension and Diabetes.

Background: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Due to the cardioprotective nature of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), they are recommended for patients with comorbid hypertension and diabetes. However, poor adherence to ACEIs/ARBs among older adults is a major public health concern.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Macitentan in Comparison With Bosentan in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Iran.

Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease that, if left untreated, shortens the life expectancy of patients. Endothelin receptor antagonists, such as macitentan and bosentan, play an essential role in improving the patient's symptoms, quality of life, and life expectancy. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-utility of macitentan compared with bosentan in treating PAH from the health system perspective in Iran.

Patient-Reported Barriers to Adherence Among ACEI/ARB Users from a Motivational Interviewing Telephonic Intervention.

Purpose: Hypertension is a common comorbidity among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the proven benefit of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in this population, poor medication adherence is prevalent, resulting in higher complications and mortality rate. Motivational interviewing (MoI) has demonstrated effectiveness in improving medication adherence and identifying barriers.

Group based trajectory modeling to assess adherence to oral anticoagulants among atrial fibrillation patients with comorbidities: a retrospective study.

Background: Poor adherence to oral anticoagulants is a significant problem in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with comorbidities as it increases the risk for cardiac and thromboembolic events.

Aim: The primary objective was to evaluate adherence to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) or warfarin using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). The secondary objective was to identify the predictors of adherence to oral anticoagulants.

Perception Regarding Knowledge of COVID-19 Prevention in a Sample of a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Community in Houston, Texas, USA.

(1) Background: Knowledge of COVID-19 prevention among communities is the first step towards protective behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess COVID-19 prevention knowledge among a Middle Eastern and North African community in Houston, Texas. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated quantitative survey; survey questions consisted of three parts: COVID-19 specific questions, general health questions, and sociodemographic questions.

Interventions to improve medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review.

Objective: To summarize existing literature examining interventions to enhance medication adherence and their effectiveness in enhancing care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods: This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. PubMed and Embase were searched for studies from June 2014 to Dec 2020.

Using group-based trajectory modeling to characterize the association of past ACEIs/ARBs adherence with subsequent statin adherence patterns among new statin users.

Background: Despite well-documented benefits, statin adherence remains suboptimal. Studies have suggested that previous adherence to other chronic medications is a strong predictor of future adherence to newly initiated statins. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) has been applied as a method to longitudinally depict the dynamic nature of adherence.

Identifying adherent patients to newly initiated statins using previous adherence to chronic medications.

Statins are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. Despite well-documented benefits in managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risks, statin adherence remains suboptimal. Several effective interventions have been implemented to improve adherence to statins.

Impact of a motivational interviewing intervention targeting statins on adherence to concurrent hypertension or diabetes medications.

Objective: This study explored if a motivational interviewing intervention customized for statins impacted adherence to concomitantly used antidiabetic/antihypertensive medications.

Methods: The intervention was conducted among patients with a history of suboptimal adherence to statins and included 152 patients in intervention and 304 controls. This retrospective study design identified patients with claims for statins and either antidiabetic/antihypertensive medications.

Group-Based Trajectory Modeling to Identify Patterns of Adherence and Its Predictors Among Older Adults on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs)/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs).

Purpose: Commonly prescribed medications among patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus and hypertension include ARBs and ACEIs. However, these medications are associated with suboptimal adherence leading to inadequately controlled blood pressure. Unlike traditional single estimates of proportion of days covered (PDC), group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) can graphically display the dynamic nature of adherence.

A blood-based biomarker panel (NIS4) for non-invasive diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis: a prospective derivation and global validation study.

Background: Non-invasive tests that can identify patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) at higher risk of disease progression are lacking. We report the development and validation of a blood-based diagnostic test to non-invasively rule in and rule out at-risk NASH (defined as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD] activity score [NAS] ≥4 and fibrosis stage ≥2).

Methods: In this prospective derivation and global validation study, blood samples, clinical data, and liver biopsy results from three independent cohorts with suspected NAFLD were used to develop and validate a non-invasive blood-based diagnostic test, called NIS4.

Alzheimer's Disease and Cancer: When Two Monsters Cannot Be Together.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer are among the leading causes of human death around the world. While neurodegeneration is the main feature of AD, the most important characteristic of malignant tumors is cell proliferation, placing these two diseases in opposite sides of cell division spectrum. Interestingly, AD and cancer's pathologies consist of a remarkable common feature and that is the presence of active cell cycle in both conditions.

Beta estradiol and norepinephrine treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells enhances tau phosphorylation at (Ser) and (Ser) via AMPK but not mTOR signaling pathway.

Hyperphosphorylation of tau is one of the main hallmarks for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and many other tauopathies. Norepinephrine (NE), a stress-related hormone and 17-β-estradiol (E2) thought to influence tau phosphorylation (p-tau) and AD pathology. The controversy around the impact of NE and E2 requires further clarification.

Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neurogenesis and Cognitive Behavior in an Experimental Model of Hippocampal Injury.

Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields may induce constant modulation in neuronal plasticity. In recent years, tremendous efforts have been made to design a suitable strategy for enhancing adult neurogenesis, which seems to be deterred due to brain senescence and several neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ELF-EMF on neurogenesis and memory, following treatment with trimethyltin chloride (TMT) as a neurotoxicant.

Prevalence of androgen deficiency in chronic spinal cord injury patients suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of biochemical androgen deficiency in Iranian spinal cord injured men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) and to determine factors related to this problem.

Setting: An andrology clinic of a teaching hospital in Tehran.

Low WSS Induces Intimal Thickening, while Large WSS Variation and Inflammation Induce Medial Thinning, in an Animal Model of Atherosclerosis.

Objective: Atherosclerotic plaque development in the arterial wall is the result of complex interaction between the wall's endothelial layer and blood hemodynamics. However, the interaction between hemodynamic parameters and inflammation in plaque evolution is not yet fully understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between wall shear stress (WSS) and vessel wall inflammation during atherosclerotic plaque development in a minipig model of carotid stenosis.