Category: Nevin Manimala

J Cancer Educ. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s13187-023-02265-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), caused mainly by Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection, is a public health issue. Health literacy can play a significant role in preventing OV and CCA and adopting preventive behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate, summarize, and synthesize the current evidence on health literacy programs for preventing OV and CCA.A systematic literature search, with Thai and English languages, was performed using electronic databases through PubMed, Google Scholar, ThaiJo, ThaiLis, and Embase to identify studies examining health literacy programs to prevent OV and CCA. We followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. In addition, we used the RevMan software to perform a meta-analysis to analyze effect sizes using a fixed-effects model and measures of heterogeneity using Cochran’s Q and I². This meta-analysis included seven studies that met the criteria. The results showed that the people who received a program had an increased health literacy overall and in each aspect with a statistically significant (p < 0.001). So, health literacy programs can assist people in understanding their health and gaining access to health information and services. Additionally, the effect of programs (communication abilities, self-management, media and information literacy, and decision-making in practice) can help prevent OV and CCA. As a result, multi-disciplinary healthcare teams are crucial to developing preventive programs to prevent OV and CCA. Further studies need to be done and applied to these programs to modify behavior to avoid other diseases.

PMID:36637714 | DOI:10.1007/s13187-023-02265-0

J Immigr Minor Health. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s10903-022-01447-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pregnant refugee patients are especially vulnerable to adverse perinatal outcomes. Detailed characterization of this heterogenous population will identify risk factors and thus guide contextualized initiatives for improved patient care. A retrospective cohort study of obstetrical refugee patients at a tertiary-care hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Of 196 pregnant refugees, 48% were fluent English speaking, 57% had poor social support, and 42% lived in a shelter. Eighty-seven percent started prenatal care after the first trimester, which was associated with delivery of a large-for-gestational-age infant (p = 0.043). Sixteen percent experienced family violence, which was associated with poor fetal aggregate outcomes (p = 0.03). There were significantly higher rates of pre-eclampsia and Cesarean sections in refugee versus non-refugee patients (p < 0.05). Pregnant refugees are at risk for psychosocial challenges and experience significantly worse obstetrical outcomes compared with non-refugees. Quality improvement initiatives should focus on access to early prenatal care, stable housing, and support for victims of family violence.

PMID:36637689 | DOI:10.1007/s10903-022-01447-0

Clin Drug Investig. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s40261-022-01242-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Various dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of diabetes. The frequencies of known serious side effects might differ among DPP-4 inhibitors, therefore a large sample size is needed to study them in prospective clinical trials. We examined the adverse events that occurred during the administration of a DPP-4 inhibitor in patients with diabetes using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data.

METHODS: We used FAERS data reported between January 2013 and March 2022 in patients with diabetes who received a DPP-4 inhibitor. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate reporting odds ratio (ROR) and adjusted ROR (aROR) controlling for differences in patient background.

RESULTS: The 9 target DPP-4 inhibitors were sitagliptin (N = 26,843), vildagliptin (N = 4767), alogliptin (N = 2085), linagliptin (N = 7969), saxagliptin (N = 3334), teneligliptin (N = 461), anagliptin (N = 102), trelagliptin (N = 17), and omarigliptin (N = 12). Compared with sitagliptin, aROR of acute kidney injury was significantly < 1.000 for alogliptin (0.247 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.150-0.408], p < 0.001) but aROR of pemphigoid was significantly > 1.000 for alogliptin (3.082 [95% CI 2.156-4.406], p < 0.001). Similar statistical analyses were conducted for other adverse events and the types of adverse events with aROR of significantly < 1.000 or > 1.000 differed depending on the type of DPP-4 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS: Although it is impossible to select a DPP-4 inhibitor with aROR of < 1.000 of all occurrences of adverse events, these results may be used for drug selection when the patient has adverse events that need to be avoided. We provided the sample code of software R that can reproduce the results.

PMID:36637688 | DOI:10.1007/s40261-022-01242-7

Eur J Health Econ. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s10198-022-01562-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is an evidence gap on whether the choice of specialty care beneficially affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study analyzes how newly initiated pulmonologist care affects the generic and disease-specific HRQoL in COPD patients over a period of 1 year.

METHODS: We linked claims data with data from two survey waves to investigate the longitudinal effect of specialty care on HRQoL using linear Difference-in-Difference models based on 1:3 propensity score matched data. Generic HRQoL was operationalized by EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale (VAS), and disease-specific HRQoL by COPD assessment test (CAT). Subgroup analyses examined COPD patients with low (GOLD AB) and high (GOLD CD) exacerbation risk.

RESULTS: In contrast to routine care patients, pulmonologists’ patients (n = 442) experienced no significant deterioration in HRQoL (VAS – 0.0, p = 0.9870; CAT + 0.5, p = 0.0804). Models unveiled a small comparative advantage of specialty care on HRQoL (mean change: CAT – 0.8, VAS + 2.9), which was especially pronounced for GOLD AB (CAT – 0.7; VAS + 3.1).

CONCLUSION: The uptake of pulmonologist care had a statistically significant, but not clinically relevant, beneficial impact on the development of HRQoL by slowing down overall HRQoL deterioration within 1 year. Including specialty care more appropriately in COPD management, especially at lower disease stages (GOLD AB), could thus improve patients’ health outcome.

PMID:36637677 | DOI:10.1007/s10198-022-01562-7

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-25141-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study is carried out to understand the degree of soil pollution, transport mechanism, and distribution pattern of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including the exposure effects on human health. Towards this, topsoil samples were collected from the Saman wetland and surrounding agricultural fields in the Gangetic plain, India. The results show that the mean concentration of Cu, Hg, Zn, Pb, Th, As, U, and Cd of both soil types exceed the natural background values. The multivariate analysis suggests the soils are moderately contaminated with As, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Hg (possibly from anthropogenic sources) and heavily contaminated with Th and U, likely ascended from geogenic sources. The GIS-based geostatistical plots coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) apportion the sources of these toxic elements, which vary greatly and are closely correlated to the geogenic processes and local anthropogenic sources like pesticides and agrochemicals. The health risk assessment revealed that the cumulative hazard index (HI) values of PTEs are lower than the safe level, suggesting no significant noncarcinogenic effect for adults and children. However, excess cancer risk (ECR) values exceed the permissible limit (1 × 10^-6), signifying that exposure to the toxic element concentration may cause cancer in the exposed population, most probably in the children subpopulation. Thus, this study highlights the importance of local compliance, ensuring the quality checks and management policies in using pesticides and other agrochemicals containing PTEs to control the imposed cancer risks.

PMID:36637646 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-25141-2

Clin Rheumatol. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s10067-023-06507-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We described the profile and outcome of Filipino patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) who developed COVID-19 (IRD-C19) during the onset of the pandemic, prior to vaccinations and variants. We obtained de-identified data of Filipino patients with IRD-C19 from the Global Rheumatology Alliance registry from March 2020 to August 2021. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were applied. Registered were 164 patients (mean age 44 years; 70% female). The most common IRDs were systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 41.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 15.2%), and gout (14.6%). Majority were receiving conventional DMARDs (59.1%) and/or glucocorticoid therapy (GC, 51.2%). Half (58.5%) were hospitalized, with risk higher in active IRD (OR 3.7), heart disease (8.52), and hypertension (8.73); and lower in SLE patients (0.15). Among hospitalized patients, 76% needed supplemental oxygen. Heart disease (6.28), hypertension (7.6), and moderate-to-high IRD activity (3.37) were associated with higher odds of requiring oxygen supplementation. Hypertension was associated with mechanical ventilation (8.23). Twenty-four (15%) patients died, with odds lower if on prednisone ≥ 10 mg/day (0.17) and with other autoimmune IRDs aside from SLE and RA (0.05). Among patients with IRD-C19 prior to vaccinations and variants, higher disease activity, hypertension, and heart disease were associated with poorer outcomes. Prednisone ≥ 10 mg/day was associated with lower odds of death. This study provides valuable historical information, emphasizing the need for continued data collection to clarify COVID-19’s impact.

PMID:36637634 | DOI:10.1007/s10067-023-06507-w

J Cancer Surviv. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s11764-022-01313-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Ototoxicity is a prominent side effect of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. There are few reports, however, estimating its prevalence in well-defined cohorts and associated risk factors.

METHODS: Testicular cancer (TC) survivors given first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy completed validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics evaluated the prevalence of ototoxicity, defined as self-reported hearing loss and/or tinnitus. We compared patients with and without tinnitus or hearing loss using Chi-square test, two-sided Fisher’s exact test, or two-sided Wilcoxon rank sum test. To evaluate ototoxicity risk factors, a backward selection logistic regression procedure was performed.

RESULTS: Of 145 TC survivors, 74% reported ototoxicity: 68% tinnitus; 59% hearing loss; and 52% reported both. TC survivors with tinnitus were more likely to indicate hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.008), and difficulty hearing (P < .001). Tinnitus was also significantly related to age at survey completion (OR = 1.79; P = 0.003) and cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 5.17; P < 0.001). TC survivors with hearing loss were more likely to report diabetes (P = 0.042), hypertension (P = 0.007), hypercholesterolemia (P < 0.001), and family history of hearing loss (P = 0.044). Risk factors for hearing loss included age at survey completion (OR = 1.57; P = 0.036), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 3.45; P = 0.007), cumulative cisplatin dose (OR = 1.94; P = 0.049), and family history of hearing loss (OR = 2.87; P = 0.071).

CONCLUSIONS: Ototoxicity risk factors included age, cisplatin dose, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history of hearing loss. Three of four TC survivors report some type of ototoxicity; thus, follow-up of cisplatin-treated survivors should include routine assessment for ototoxicity with provision of indicated treatments.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors should be aware of risk factors associated with ototoxicity. Referrals to audiologists before, during, and after cisplatin treatment is recommended.

PMID:36637632 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-022-01313-w

Mol Biotechnol. 2023 Jan 13. doi: 10.1007/s12033-022-00632-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is an invasive cancer that causes high mortality in patients. Disruption of the apoptosis process is one of the main pathogenesis of the disease. Recently, LncRNAs and miRNAs have been shown to play an important role in the process of apoptosis. To follow the aim of study, 100 patients participated in the two groups of 50 individuals, including 50 GBM patients and 50 healthy individuals as the control group. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood samples and RNA extraction was done. The expression changes of miR-17-5p, miR-20-5p, LINC01605, FAS-AS1, and Caspase 3 were examined using RT-PCR in both groups. Expression of LINC01605, miR-20-5p, and miR-17-5p increased in patients, while Caspase 3 and FAS-AS1 decreased; the difference was statistically significant between the two groups. In addition, it was found that these factors have the appropriate sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic markers. Finally, It is suggested to use the LINC01605, FAS-AS1, miR-20-5p, miR-17-5p, and Caspase 3 as apoptosis predictors in the GM patients.

PMID:36637626 | DOI:10.1007/s12033-022-00632-8

J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2023 Jan 12:e13901. doi: 10.1002/acm2.13901. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radixact Synchrony^® , a real-time motion tracking and compensating modality, is used for helical tomotherapy. Control parameters are used for the accurate application of irradiation. Radixact Synchrony^® uses the potential difference, which is an index of the accuracy of the prediction model of target motion and is represented by a statistical prediction of the 3D distance error. Although there are several reports on Radixact Synchrony^® , few have reported the appropriate settings of the potential difference threshold.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the optimal threshold of the potential difference of Radixact Synchrony^® during respiratory tumor-motion-tracking irradiation.

METHODS: The relationship among the dosimetric accuracy, motion tracking accuracy, and control parameter was evaluated using a moving platform, a phantom with a basic respiratory model (the fourth power of a sinusoidal wave), and several irregular respiratory model waveforms. The dosimetric accuracy was evaluated by gamma analysis (3%, 1 mm, 10% dose threshold). The tracking accuracy was measured by the distance error of the difference between the tracked and driven positions of the phantom. The largest potential difference for 95% of treatment time was evaluated, and its correlation with the gamma-pass ratio and distance error was investigated. The optimal threshold of the potential difference was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS: A linear correlation was identified between the potential difference and the gamma-pass ratio (R = -0.704). A linear correlation was also identified between the potential difference and distance error (R = 0.827). However, as the potential difference increased, it tended to underestimate the distance error. The ROC analysis revealed that the appropriate cutoff value of the potential difference was 3.05 mm.

CONCLUSION: The irradiation accuracy with motion tracking by Radixact Synchrony^® could be predicted from the potential difference, and the threshold of the potential difference should be set to ∼3 mm.

PMID:36635847 | DOI:10.1002/acm2.13901

Huan Jing Ke Xue. 2023 Jan 8;44(1):549-559. doi: 10.13227/j.hjkx.202202137.

ABSTRACT

Counties are the key spatial units in achieving the reduction and control of carbon emissions. It is of great significance to study and reveal the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics and influencing mechanism of carbon emissions for realizing the “carbon peak and carbon neutral” goal. In this study, the spatial-temporal evolution and heterogeneity of carbon emissions at the county level in China from 2000 to 2017 were analyzed by using mathematical statistics and panel data regression modeling, and the influencing mechanism was explored. The results showed that: ① from 2000 to 2017, the annual growth rate of carbon emissions was 7.12%, which experienced the three stages of “sharp rise, slow rise, and high fluctuation” and finally stabilized at approximately 90×10⁸ t. At the county scale, there was a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. ② The general panel regression model showed that GDP, construction land area, population, per capita GDP, and per capita deposit balance of financial institutions were significantly correlated with carbon emissions, and the former three had the strongest promoting effect on carbon emissions. ③ The goodness of fit of the geographically and temporally weighted regression model was high, and the direction and intensity of the other impact factors changed greatly in spatial-temporal characteristics, except that GDP showed a stable promoting effect globally. The results showed that carbon emission levels and main influencing factors varied among counties in China. This study revealed the heterogeneity of carbon emissions at the county level, which is helpful to optimize the spatial-temporal implementation path of the “dual carbon” target.

PMID:36635843 | DOI:10.13227/j.hjkx.202202137