Background Real-time adherence monitoring is now possible through medication storage devices equipped with cellular technology. We assessed the effect of triggered cell phone reminders and counseling utilizing objective adherence data on antiretroviral (ART) adherence among Chinese HIV-infected patients. Methods We provided ART patients in Nanning, China, with a medication device (“Wisepill”) to monitor their ART adherence electronically. After 3 months, we randomized subjects within optimal (≥95%) and suboptimal (<95%) adherence strata to intervention vs. control arms. In months 4–9, intervention subjects received individualized reminders triggered by late dose-taking (no device-opening by 30 minutes past dose time), and counseling using device-generated data. Controls received no reminders or data-informed counseling. We compared post-intervention proportions achieving optimal adherence, mean adherence, and clinical outcomes. Results Of 120 subjects enrolled, 116 (96.7%) completed the trial. Pre-intervention, optimal adherence was similar in intervention vs. control arms (63.5% vs. 58.9%, respectively; p=0.60). In the last intervention month, 87.3% vs. 51.8% achieved optimal adherence (risk ratio (RR) 1.7, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3–2.2); mean adherence was 96.2% vs. 89.1% (p=0.003). Among pre-intervention suboptimal adherers, 78.3% vs. 33.3% (RR 2.4, CI 1.2–4.5) achieved optimal adherence; mean adherence was 93.3% vs. 84.7% (p=0.039). Proportions were 92.5% and 62.9% among optimal adherers, respectively (RR 1.5, CI 1.1–1.9); mean adherence was 97.8% vs. 91.7% (p=0.028). Post-intervention differences in clinical outcomes were not significant. Conclusion Real-time reminders significantly improved ART adherence in this population. This approach appears promising for managing HIV and other chronic diseases and warrants further investigation and adaptation in other settings.

IMPORTANCE Vital statistics are the primary source of data used to understand the mortality burden of dementia in the US, despite evidence that dementia is underreported on death certificates. Alternative estimates, drawing on population-based samples, are needed. OBJECTIVE To estimate the percentage of deaths attributable to dementia in the US. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A prospective cohort study of the Health and Retirement Study of noninstitutionalized US individuals with baseline exposure assessment in 2000 and follow-up through 2009 was conducted. Data were analyzed from November 2018 to May 2020. The sample was drawn from 7489 adults aged 70 to 99 years interviewed directly or by proxy. Ninety participants with missing covariates or sample weights and 57 participants lost to follow-up were excluded. The final analytic sample included 7342 adults. EXPOSURE Dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) were identified at baseline using Health and Retirement Study self-or proxy-reported cognitive measures and the validated Langa-Weir score cutoff. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hazard ratios relating dementia and CIND status to all-cause mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models, accounting for covariates, and were used to calculate population-attributable fractions. Results were compared with information on cause of death from death certificates. RESULTS Of the 7342 total sample, 4348 participants (60.3%) were women. At baseline, 4533 individuals (64.0%) were between ages 70 and 79 years, 2393 individuals (31.0%) were between 80 and 89 years, and 416 individuals (5.0%) were between 90 and 99 years; percentages were weighted. The percentage of deaths attributable to dementia was 13.6% (95% CI, 12.2%-15.0%) between 2000 and 2009. The mortality burden of dementia was significantly higher among non-Hispanic Black participants (24.7%; 95% CI, 17.3-31.4) than non-Hispanic White participants (12.2%; 95% CI, 10.7-13.6) and among adults with less than a high school education (16.2%; 95% CI, 13.2%-19.0%) compared with those with a college education (9.8%; 95% CI, 7.0%-12.5%). Underlying cause of death recorded on death certificates (5.0%; 95% CI, 4.3%-5.8%) underestimated the contribution of dementia to US mortality by a factor of 2.7. Incorporating deaths attributable to CIND revealed an even greater underestimation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that the mortality burden associated with dementia is underestimated using vital statistics, especially when considering CIND in addition to dementia.

We collected data on feasibility and acceptability of a real-time web-linked adherence monitoring container among HIV-positive injection drug users (IDU) in China. “Wisepill” uses wireless technology to track on-time medication dosing. Ten patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Guangxi CDC HIV clinic in Nanning, China, used Wisepill for one ART medication for one month. We monitored device use and adherence and explored acceptability of the device among patients. Mean adherence was 89.2% (SD 10.6%). Half of the subjects reported a positive overall experience with Wisepill. Seven said that it was inconvenient, supported by comments that it was large and conspicuous. Five worried about disclosure of HIV status due to the device; no disclosures were reported. Twelve signal lapses occurred (5.4% of prescribed doses), of which one was due to technical reasons, nine to behavioral reasons (both intentional and unintentional), and two to unclear reasons. Although the technical components must be monitored carefully, and acceptability to patients presents challenges which warrant further exploration, the Wisepill device has potential for adherence interventions that deliver rapid adherence-support behavioral feedback directly to patients, including IDU. The use of wireless technology appears uniquely promising for providing time-sensitive communication on patient behavior that can be harnessed to maximize the benefits of HIV treatment.

IMPORTANCE Generating robust and timely evidence about the respiratory health risks of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is critical for informing state and federal regulatory standards for product safety. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of e-cigarette use with incident respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

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