Category: Nevin Manimala

J Cancer Surviv. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s11764-022-01231-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: All Commission on Cancer-accredited comprehensive cancer centers offer survivorship programs (SPs) to women upon completion of treatment. These SPs can include clinical and non-clinical programming such as physical rehabilitation, emotional and psychosocial support, nutrition, and exercise programming. Concern about the availability and access to these programs during the COVID-19 pandemic has been described in recent literature. We sought to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on participation in these supportive services for breast cancer patients within a single institution.

METHODS: The Ohio State University tertiary care center offers clinical and non-clinical breast cancer support services. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize referral and patient participation data from January 2019 through July 2021. Data from calendar year 2019 was used as a normative comparison for pre-COVID-19. In-person and telehealth use was tracked longitudinally.

RESULTS: During the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic (March through May 2020), provider referrals to SPs declined by 10%, while the overall total for the calendar year modestly increased from 1195 in 2019 to 1210 in 2020, representing a 1.3% increase. Psycho-oncology referrals increased from 280 to 318 (13.5%). The most significant change of participation rates in non-clinical SPs during the pandemic was utilization of exercise content, which increased by 220% from 2019 to 2020. The total proportion of breast cancer participants choosing an exercise program increased from 16.8% in 2019 to 42.2% in 2021, making it the most selected program area overall. Previously, nutrition was the most selected program area as it comprised 42.5% of overall utilization in 2019.

CONCLUSION: The pandemic’s potential to place barriers to participation in SPs is a legitimate concern. We found a modest decline in provider referrals to clinical services during the lockdown period, while patient-directed participation increased with more survivors engaging in exercise-based programs. Transitioning to virtual platforms served to maintain access for patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: As we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with cancer deserve increased attention due to the expected stressors associated with the diagnosis. Those in the survivorship stage utilize services for psychosocial support, and the observed increase in utilization of SPs suggests an elevated need for connectivity. To meet this need, telehealth platforms have been expanded to allow for continued participation. It remains to be seen whether this will be sustained post-COVID-19 or whether reduced human contact will create new needs for programming.

PMID:35895236 | DOI:10.1007/s11764-022-01231-x

J Relig Health. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s10943-022-01613-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the spiritual care needs of patients with urinary incontinence and various influencing factors. Determining the spiritual care needs of individuals with urinary incontinence may make patients feel more hopeful, peaceful, and stronger. It can also encourage individuals towards positive health behaviors, and can help nurses in choosing appropriate coping methods. A descriptive and cross sectional study was conducted with 220 patients with urinary incontinence who applied to the urology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. In the study, data were collected using the descriptive features form, the incontinence severity index, and the Spiritual Care Needs Inventory. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate the data. This study is reported following the STROBE recommendations. In this study, mean scores of the patients’ spiritual care needs scale and the severity of incontinence, age, gender, and the effect of urinary incontinence on daily life, determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the state of being disturbed by urinary incontinence, the state of performing religious rituals regularly, the state of incontinence affecting religious rituals, the importance of religious beliefs in daily life, and the level of defining spirituality (p < 0.05). In this study, it was determined that the spiritual care need scores of the patients with urinary incontinence were above the medium level, and the sub-dimension scores of meaning and hope, caring, and respect were high. In this context, it is very important to consider the spiritual care needs of patients with urinary incontinence problems.

PMID:35895231 | DOI:10.1007/s10943-022-01613-6

Genes Genomics. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s13258-022-01286-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that has several potential causes; however, the genetic association has recently begun to be studied.

OBJECTIVES: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is an essential component of the immune response, and in this study, we conducted a correlation analysis to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of HLA and drinking habits affect hepatitis development.

METHODS: Genetic polymorphisms of HLA were investigated using Korean genomic and epidemiological data. A gene association study was performed using PLINK version 1.07. Other statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using PASW Statistics version 18.0.

RESULTS: Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HLA-DRA showed significant statistical correlations with hepatitis. In particular, rs9268645 showed the highest statistical association with hepatitis (P = 3.97 × 10^-5, odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-0.84). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, when considering only genetic factors, the A allele of rs9268644 showed a reduced hepatitis OR of approximately 0.52-fold. However, the group carrying the minor A allele (AA + AC) with alcohol consumption had an approximately 1.58-fold OR of hepatitis compared to that of the group carrying the same allele with no alcohol consumption. This implies that the A allele of rs9268644 has a protective effect on hepatitis by genetic factors and shows sensitivity to alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that hepatitis is influenced by both genetic and external factors (drinking habits), which can provide new guidelines for the prevention or treatment of hepatitis.

PMID:35895219 | DOI:10.1007/s13258-022-01286-1

Methods Mol Biol. 2022;2539:269-296. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_21.

ABSTRACT

The advent of plant phenomics, coupled with the wealth of genotypic data generated by next-generation sequencing technologies, provides exciting new resources for investigations into and improvement of complex traits. However, these new technologies also bring new challenges in quantitative genetics, namely, a need for the development of robust frameworks that can accommodate these high-dimensional data. In this chapter, we describe methods for the statistical analysis of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) data with the goal of enhancing the prediction accuracy of genomic selection (GS). Following the Introduction in Sec. 1, Sec. 2 discusses field-based HTP, including the use of unoccupied aerial vehicles and light detection and ranging, as well as how we can achieve increased genetic gain by utilizing image data derived from HTP. Section 3 considers extending commonly used GS models to integrate HTP data as covariates associated with the principal trait response, such as yield. Particular focus is placed on single-trait, multi-trait, and genotype by environment interaction models. One unique aspect of HTP data is that phenomics platforms often produce large-scale data with high spatial and temporal resolution for capturing dynamic growth, development, and stress responses. Section 4 discusses the utility of a random regression model for performing longitudinal modeling. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some standing issues.

PMID:35895210 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_21

Methods Mol Biol. 2022;2539:261-268. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_20.

ABSTRACT

Environmental factors, including different stresses, can have an impact on the expression of genes and subsequently the phenotype and development of plants. Since a large number of genes are involved in response to the perturbation of the environment, identifying groups of co-expressed genes is meaningful. The gene co-expression network models can be used for the exploration, interpretation, and identification of genes responding to environmental changes. Once a gene co-expression network is constructed, one can determine gene modules and the association of gene modules to the phenotypic response. To link modules to phenotype, one approach is to find the correlated eigengenes of given modules or to integrate all eigengenes in regularized linear model. This manuscript describes the method from construction of co-expression network, module discovery, association between modules and phenotypic data, and finally to annotation/visualization.

PMID:35895209 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_20

Methods Mol Biol. 2022;2539:57-68. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_7.

ABSTRACT

It is essential that the scientific community develop and deploy accurate and high-throughput techniques to capture factors that influence plant phenotypes if we are to meet the projected demands for food and energy. In recognition of this fact, multiple research institutions have invested in automated high-throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) systems designed for use in controlled environments. These systems can generate large amounts of data in relatively short periods of time, potentially allowing researchers to gain insights about phenotypic responses to environmental, biological, and management factors. Reliable inferences about these factors depends on the use of proper experimental design when planning phenotypic studies in order to avoid issues such as lack of power and confounding. In this chapter, the topic of experimental design will be discussed, from basic principles to examples specific to controlled environment plant phenotyping. Examples will be provided based on the package agricolae in the R statistical language.

PMID:35895196 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-2537-8_7

EJNMMI Res. 2022 Jul 27;12(1):43. doi: 10.1186/s13550-022-00914-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, tracking oxidative stress in the brain has proven difficult and impeded its use as a biomarker. Herein, we investigate the utility of a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [¹⁸F]ROStrace, as a biomarker of oxidative stress throughout the course of AD in the well-established APP/PS1 double-mutant mouse model. PET imaging studies were conducted in wild-type (WT) and APP/PS1 mice at 3 different time points, representing early (5 mo.), middle (10 mo.), and advanced (16 mo.) life (n = 6-12, per sex). Semi-quantitation SUVRs of the plateau phase (40-60 min post-injection; SUVR_40-60) of ten brain subregions were designated by the Mirrione atlas and analyzed by Pmod. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used to distinguish brain regions with elevated ROS in APP/PS1 relative to WT in both sexes. The PET studies were validated by ex vivo autoradiography and immunofluorescence with the parent compound, dihydroethidium.

RESULTS: [¹⁸F]ROStrace retention was increased in the APP/PS1 brain compared to age-matched controls by 10 mo. of age (p < 0.0001) and preceded the accumulation of oxidative damage in APP/PS1 neurons at 16 mo. (p < 0.005). [¹⁸F]ROStrace retention and oxidative damages were higher and occurred earlier in female APP/PS1 mice as measured by PET (p < 0.001), autoradiography, and immunohistochemistry (p < 0.05). [¹⁸F]ROStrace differences emerged midlife, temporally and spatially correlating with increased Aβ burden (r² = 0.36; p = 0.0003), which was also greatest in the female brain (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: [¹⁸F]ROStrace identifies increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 female mice, concurrent with increased amyloid burden midlife. Differences in oxidative stress during this crucial time may partially explain the sexual dimorphism in AD. [¹⁸F]ROStrace may provide a long-awaited tool to stratify at-risk patients who may benefit from antioxidant therapy prior to irreparable neurodegeneration.

PMID:35895177 | DOI:10.1186/s13550-022-00914-x

Qual Life Res. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s11136-022-03193-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have yielded significant clinical benefits as maintenance therapy in women with newly diagnosed and relapsed platinum-sensitive advanced ovarian cancer. These drugs were approved based on progression-free survival, the primary endpoint of their respective pivotal trials. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and/or patient-reported outcomes were included in these trials as a secondary exploratory endpoint. Nevertheless, many weaknesses in the analysis of HRQoL across these trials can be noticed. Heterogeneity and suboptimal HRQoL analysis in oncology trials contribute to misconceptions about this endpoint among oncologists and prevent quality of life as being an endpoint used for approvals. In this article, we discuss these HRQoL results from a methodological perspective and propose some solutions for improvement that could be used by regulatory and academic institutions running ovarian cancers trials. Notably, we suggest to measure and analyze HRQoL data after disease progression, to focus dedicated papers on the statistical analyses of HRQoL recommended by the SISAQOL consortium (linear mixed model for repeated measures and time-to-event approaches) and to communicate on available guidelines to ensure compliance with best international practices regarding the measurement and analysis of HRQoL.

PMID:35895164 | DOI:10.1007/s11136-022-03193-0

Support Care Cancer. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s00520-022-07281-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have examined social needs (social determinants of health) among cancer survivors, but studies have not specifically focused on patients with leukemia or lymphoma. We examined food insecurity and other social needs among hematologic cancer survivors, including individuals who had completed primary therapy for leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. A particular focus of the study was on the relationship between social needs and health-related quality of life.

METHODS: We conducted a postal survey of a multiethnic cohort of hematologic cancer survivors who reside in Augusta, GA, or the surrounding area and who had been treated at the Georgia Cancer Center.

RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with a history of hematologic cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma) completed the survey (10.6% response rate). The mean age was 62.6 years. The participants were diverse according to annual household income and employment status. About two-thirds were white and almost one-third were African American. Five of 52 participants (9.6%) experienced food insecurity. Patients with food insecurity had poorer HRQOL compared with those who were food secure (63.3 vs. 87.33, p = 0.0308). A similar pattern was seen for those who had difficulty paying utility bills, those who had housing insecurity, and those who had to go without health care because of a lack of transportation. Overall, there was a statistically significant inverse association between HRQOL and number of social needs (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION: When caring for cancer survivors, social needs such as food insecurity and housing insecurity are important considerations for oncologists and primary care providers, especially when caring for patients with lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minorities.

PMID:35895158 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-022-07281-2

Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Jul 27. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04630-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Different parameters have been identified in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) that have a serious impact on survival, including residual tumour and extracapsular spread. Moreover, other factors, including the lymph node ratio (LNR) and lymph node yield (LNY), have been suggested as prognostic markers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with OSCC and cervical lymph node metastases during the years 2010-2020. Patients’ records were evaluated regarding lymph node status, final therapy regime, tumour recurrence, time to death, tumour association with death, disease-free survival (DSF), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: In 242 patients with a mean age of 63.57 ± 11.24 years, treated either by selective neck dissection (SND; n = 70) or by modified radical neck dissection (MRND; n = 172), 5772 lymph nodes were detected. The LNR and LNY were identified as independent risk factors in OS and DFS. The optimal cut-off point for the LNY was ≥ 17 lymph nodes in the SND and ≥ 27 lymph nodes in the MRND group. The metastatic lymph node clearance (MLNC) was established as a score to relate the LNR and LNY to the extent of lymph node removal. Survival analysis showed statistically significant differences among score levels.

CONCLUSIONS: As information about the extent of nodal dissection is excluded from LNR and LNY, we propose the use of a new scoring system comprising individual cut-off values for LNY and LNR with regard to the extent of neck dissection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: MLNC might help to identify high-risk OSCC patients with metastatic lymph nodes.

PMID:35895143 | DOI:10.1007/s00784-022-04630-7