Technology for Behavioral Change in Rural Older Adults with Obesity.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies comprise a multidisciplinary treatment strategy providing potential solutions for overcoming challenges of successfully delivering health promotion interventions in rural areas. We evaluated the potential of using technology in a high-risk population.

Methods: We conducted a convergent, parallel mixed-methods study using semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and self-reported questionnaires, using purposive sampling of 29 older adults, 4 community leaders and 7 clinicians in a rural setting.

External Validation and Recalculation of the CODEX Index in COPD Patients. A 3CIAplus Cohort Study.

The CODEX index was developed and validated in patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation to predict the risk of death and readmission within one year after discharge. Our study aimed to validate the CODEX index in a large external population of COPD patients with variable durations of follow-up. Additionally, we aimed to recalculate the thresholds of the CODEX index using the cutoffs of variables previously suggested in the 3CIA study (mCODEX).

Microbial Analysis of Donor Corneoscleral Rims and Storage Media.

: We aim to investigate bacterial and fungal cultures of hypothermic donor corneal storage media (Optisol-GS) and donor rims. : All corneal transplants performed from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 by a single surgeon at a single facility were retrospectively reviewed. Aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal cultures were routinely obtained from all donor rims and cornea storage media.

Trends in Opioid Use Disorder Diagnoses and Medication Treatment Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Objective: Despite long-standing interest in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder comorbidity, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of opioid use disorder in patients with PTSD. Therefore, there is limited understanding of the use of medications for opioid use disorder in this population. We determined the prevalence of diagnosed opioid use disorder and use of medications for opioid use disorder in a large cohort of patients with PTSD.

The feasibility and impact of a yoga pilot programme on the quality-of-life of adults with acquired brain injury.

Objective: This pilot study measured the feasibility and impact of an 8-week yoga programme on the quality-of-life of adults with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Methods: Thirty-one adults with ABI were allocated to yoga (n = 16) or control (n = 15) groups. Participants completed the Quality of Life After Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) measure pre- and post-intervention; individuals in the yoga group also rated programme satisfaction.

Mitigation of eddy current heating during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy.

Background: Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia therapy is a promising technology for cancer treatment, involving delivering magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into tumours then activating them using an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The system produces not only a magnetic field, but also an electric field which penetrates normal tissue and induces eddy currents, resulting in unwanted heating of normal tissues. Magnitude of the eddy current depends, in part, on the AMF source and the size of the tissue exposed to the field.

Efficacy and safety of LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations approved in the US for the management of COPD.

Introduction: Long-acting β2-agonists [LABAs] and long-acting muscarinic antagonists [LAMAs]) are primary therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite improvements in lung function and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with these therapies, there is room to optimize outcomes further. Combined use of LABAs and LAMAs is recommended when symptoms are not improved with a single agent, and LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are at the forefront of drug development in COPD.