Category: Nevin Manimala

Eur J Pain. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1810. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pain catastrophizing underpins several psychosocial theories of pain, but there is limited evidence to support the proposal that changes in pain catastrophizing cause changes in pain. Results from mediation analyses have conflicting results, and one reason for these might be the timing of the assessment of pain catastrophizing. This study aimed to test the effect of the timing of pain catastrophizing on pain intensity.

METHODS: Causal mediation analysis using data from a randomized controlled trial which included 100 participants with chronic low back pain. The trial found that clinical hypnosis, compared to pain education, reduced worst pain intensity and pain catastrophizing. In model 1, we used data from 2-week follow-up for pain catastrophizing and 3-month follow-up for pain. In model 2, we used data from 3-month follow-up for both pain catastrophizing and pain.

RESULTS: The intervention had a significant average total effect on pain (-1.34 points, 95% CI -2.50 to -0.13). The average causal mediation effect was significant when pain catastrophizing and pain were measured at the same time (-0.62 points, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.11), but not significant when pain catastrophizing and pain intensity were measured at different times (-0.10 points, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS: The timing of the assessment influenced the mediating role of pain catastrophizing on pain intensity. These results raise questions on the casual role that pain catastrophizing has on pain intensity. Psychosocial interventions such as clinical hypnosis can reduce pain intensity even when there has been no change in pain catastrophizing.

PMID:34048108 | DOI:10.1002/ejp.1810

Diabetes Ther. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s13300-021-01071-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the use of do-it-yourself artificial pancreas systems (DIYAPS) in the UK, and whether self-reported outcomes associated with them are affected by the demographics of the user.

METHODS: An online survey was conducted to assess user demographic data and self-reported time-in-range (TIR) outcomes. Statistical analysis was undertaken to review the results and check whether there were major differences in change in TIR across age, gender and duration of diabetes.

RESULTS: Of 253 valid responses to the survey across a wide age range of users, 74.4% related to adult users and 25.6% related to under-16s. The majority (65.6%) used AndroidAPS, but there was greater use of Loop (43.1%) amongst under-16s than amongst adults (25.9%). Correspondingly, more under-16s (40.0%) than adults (24.3%) used Omnipod Eros. A 17.3% (± 13.7%) increase in time in range was reported across all participants, with no significant differences observed between age groups, genders or diabetes duration groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The results show that these systems are being used by both genders, and that users cover a wide range of ages and diabetes durations. They also show that improvements in self-reported DIYAPS healthcare outcomes may not be specific to any particular age, gender or duration of diabetes, and the results may provide additional insights into the applicability of the algorithms by demographic. This study may also inform healthcare professionals about the use and effectiveness of DIYAPS solutions.

PMID:34047963 | DOI:10.1007/s13300-021-01071-5

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1002/cpt.2311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are the treatment of choice for hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women. None of the third-generation AIs are superior to the others in terms of efficacy. We attempted to identify genetic factors that could differentiate between the effectiveness of adjuvant anastrozole and exemestane by examining single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-treatment interaction in 4465 patients. A group of SNPs were found to be differentially associated between anastrozole and exemestane regarding outcomes. However, they showed no association with outcome in the combined analysis. We followed up common SNPs near LY75 and GPR160 that could differentiate anastrozole from exemestane efficacy. LY75 and GPR160 participate in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and growth pathways, in both cases with SNP-dependent variation in regulation. Collectively, these studies identified SNPs that differentiate the efficacy of anastrozole and exemestane and they suggest additional genetic biomarkers for possible use in selecting an AI for a given patient.

PMID:34048027 | DOI:10.1002/cpt.2311

Eur Radiol. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s00330-021-08062-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To test the diagnostic accuracy of a 3D dual-echo steady-state (DESS) sequence at 7-T MRI regarding the detection of chondral calcific deposits of the knee in comparison to 3-T MRI, using CT as cross-sectional imaging reference standard.

METHODS: CT and 7-T MRI (DESS) of knee joints in 42 patients with radiographically known chondrocalcinosis (13 of 42 bilateral) were prospectively acquired for all included patients (n = 55 knee joints). Additionally, 3-T MRI (DESS) was performed for 20 of these 55 knee joints. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists scored eight cartilage regions of each knee joint separately regarding presence of cartilage calcification, diagnostic confidence level, and sharpness of calcific deposits. In an explorative subanalysis, micro-CT of the menisci was evaluated after knee arthroplasty in one patient. Diagnostic performance metrics and nonparametric tests were used to compare between modalities. p values < 0.05 were considered to represent statistical significance.

RESULTS: Sensitivity for chondrocalcinosis detection was significantly higher for 7-T MRI (100%) compared to 3-T MRI (reader 1: 95.9%, p = 0.03; reader 2: 93.2%, p = 0.002). The diagnostic confidence was significantly higher for both readers at 7 T compared to both 3-T MRI (p < 0.001) and to CT (p = 0.03). The delineation of chondral calcifications was significantly sharper for 7-T compared to both 3-T MRI and CT (p < 0.001, both readers). Micro-CT in one patient suggested that 7-T MRI may potentially outperform standard CT in diagnosing chondral calcifications.

CONCLUSION: 3D-DESS imaging at 7-T MRI offers a significantly higher sensitivity in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI.

KEY POINTS: • 3D dual-echo steady-state (DESS) MRI at 7 T has a higher sensitivity in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI (p ≤ 0.03). • 3D DESS MRI at 7 T yields no false-negative cases regarding presence of chondral calcific deposits. • 3D DESS MRI at 7 T offers better delineation and higher diagnostic confidence in detection of chondral calcific deposits compared to 3-T MRI (p < 0.001).

PMID:34047850 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-021-08062-x

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s00590-021-03015-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Describe and compare the functional and oncological outcomes and complications between paediatric and adult patients after intra-lesional treatment of benign tumours of the proximal femur, stabilised with an autologous non-vascularised fibular strut graft (NVFSG).

METHODS: Retrospective review including 54 patients with a benign histopathological diagnosis treated between 1987 and 2018. The mean age at operation was 17 years (range, 3 to 37 years) with a median follow-up of 39.5 months (IQR 46.7 months). Patients were grouped according to their age at diagnosis (< 16 years versus ≥ 16 years). Data collection included weight-bearing status, Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score, local recurrence, revision surgery and complications. Local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and revision-free survival (RFS) were calculated and compared between groups.

RESULTS: The median MSTS score for all patients was 98.3% (IQR 6.7%) without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.146) between both groups. The median time to full weight-bearing was 12 weeks (IQR 0 weeks). Local recurrence occurred in five (9%) patients. LRFS for all patients was 96% at 2 years and 88% at 5 years. Although local recurrence was more frequent in the paediatric group, LRFS did not significantly differ (p = 0.155, 95% CI 223.9 to 312.3) between both groups. Reoperation rate was 13% and was indicated for local recurrence, post-operative fracture, graft resorption and avascular necrosis. RFS for all patients was 90% at 2 years and 85% at 5 years. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.760, 95% CI 214.1 to 304.6) regarding RFS between both groups.

CONCLUSION: The use of an autogenous NVFSG after intra-lesional curettage of benign proximal femoral lesions allows for a biological, structural stabilisation without additional osteosynthesis, hastening weight-bearing and avoiding metalwork-related complications with minimal post-operative morbidity and complications and excellent functional and oncological outcome for both children and adults.

PMID:34047855 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-021-03015-y

Sleep Breath. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s11325-021-02395-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The connection between obstructive sleep apnea and secondary erythrocytosis is controversial. We hypothesised that there may be a higher prevalence of erythrocytosis in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) due to persistent hypoxemia.

METHODS: The study was a retrospective, cross-sectional review of patients with OHS derived from an established cohort of “non-invasive ventilation” patients at the Department of Sleep Medicine at the Royal Infirmary Medical Centre, Edinburgh (2004-2017). Relevant clinical data were obtained from patient records.

RESULTS: The cohort comprised 74 patients with OHS, 44 men (60%), mean age at diagnosis 54 ± 10 years. The mean haematocrit level for the group overall was 0.44, in men 0.45, and in women 0.41. Of 11 patients with erythrocytosis (15%), 7 were men. Thirteen patients (18%) died during follow-up (2004-2017). There was a statistically significant increase in risk of death in patients with higher and lower haematocrit levels compared to that in patients with OHS who had normal haematocrits.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study showing increased prevalence of erythrocytosis in OHS patients. There was a “U”-shaped correlation with mortality according to haematocrit levels.

PMID:34047903 | DOI:10.1007/s11325-021-02395-z

JAMA Netw Open. 2021 May 3;4(5):e2111813. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11813.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Married patients with cancer have better cancer-specific survival than unmarried patients. Increasing the early diagnosis and definitive treatment of cancer among unmarried patients may reduce the survival gap.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which marriage is associated with cancer-specific survival, stage at diagnosis, and treatment among patients with 9 common solid cancers and to recommend methods for reducing the survival gap.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective, population-based cohort study included patients older than 18 years who were diagnosed with 1 of 9 common cancers between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016. Patient data were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Statistical analyses were performed from August 1 to October 1, 2020.

EXPOSURES: Marital status, classified as married and unmarried (including single, separated, divorced, widowed, and unmarried patients or domestic partners).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the time ratio (TR) of cancer-specific survival (married vs unmarried). Mediation analyses were conducted to determine the extent to which the association of marriage with cancer-specific survival was mediated by stage at diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS: This study included 1 733 906 patients (894 379 [51.6%] women; 1 067 726 [61.6%] married; mean [SD] age, 63.76 [12.60] years). Multivariate analyses found that those who were married were associated with better cancer-specific survival than unmarried patients (TR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.35-1.37). Early diagnosis in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, and melanoma mediated the association between marital status and cancer-specific survival (breast cancer: proportion mediated [PM], 11.4%; 95% CI, 11.2%-11.6%; colorectal cancer: PM, 10.9%; 95% CI, 10.7%-11.2%; endometrial cancer: PM, 12.9%; 95% CI, 12.5%-13.3%; melanoma: PM, 12.0%; 95% CI, 11.7-12.4%). Surgery mediated the association between marital status and cancer-specific survival in lung (PM, 52.2%; 95% CI, 51.9%-52.4%), pancreatic (PM, 28.9%; 95% CI, 28.6%-29.3%), and prostate (PM, 39.3%; 95% CI, 39.0%-39.6%) cancers. Chemotherapy mediated the association of marital status with cancer-specific survival in lung (PM, 37.7%; 95% CI, 37.6%-37.9%) and pancreatic (PM, 28.6%; 95% CI, 28.4%-28.9%) cancers. Improved cancer-specific survival associated with marriage was greater among men than women (men: TR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.25-1.28; women: TR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.19-1.21). The contribution of receiving an early diagnosis and treatment with surgery or chemotherapy to the association between marital status and cancer-specific survival was greater among men than women (early diagnosis: PM, 21.7% [95% CI, 21.5%-21.9%] vs PM, 20.3% [95% CI, 20.2%-20.4%]; surgery: PM, 26.6% [95% CI, 26.4%-26.7%] vs PM, 11.1% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.2%]; chemotherapy: PM, 6.8% [95% CI, 6.7%-6.8%] vs PM, 5.1% [95% CI, 5.0%-5.2%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, survival disparities associated with marital status were attributable to early diagnosis in breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers as well as melanoma and to treatment-related variables in lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The findings also suggest that marriage may play a greater protective role in the cancer-specific survival of men than of women.

PMID:34047792 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.11813

Arch Dermatol Res. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s00403-021-02242-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), derived enzymatically or mechanically from adipose tissue, contains a heterogenous population of cells and stroma, including multipotent stem cells. The regenerative capacity of SVF may potentially be adapted for a broad range of clinical applications, including the healing of acute cutaneous wounds.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the available literature on the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for the treatment of acute cutaneous wounds in humans.

METHODS: A systematic review of the literature utilizing MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify published clinical trials of autologous adipose-derived SVF or similar ADSC-containing derivatives for patients with acute cutaneous wounds. This was supplemented by searches for ongoing clinical trials through ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.

RESULTS: 872 records were initially retrieved. Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 10 relevant studies: two completed non-randomized controlled trials and eight ongoing clinical trials. Both completed studies reported a statistically significant benefit in percentage re-epithelialization and time to healing for the SVF treatment arms. Safety information for SVF was not provided. Ongoing clinical trials were assessing outcomes such as safety, patient and observer reported scar appearance, wound healing rate, and wound epithelization.

CONCLUSION: In the context of substantial limitations in the quantity and quality of available evidence, the existing literature suggests that SVF may be a useful treatment for acute cutaneous wounds in humans. More clinical trials with improved outcome measures and safety assessment are needed.

PMID:34047823 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-021-02242-x

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 May 28. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-06901-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The skin tumors can occur on any part of the body, these anatomical subunits are considered prognostic factors for localized carcinomas. Tumor size is a prognostic criterion that also varies according to the anatomical location of these tumors. Head and neck region is the most common location. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of BCC, SCC, and MM in the anatomical subunits of the head and neck region and their relationships with these anatomical subunits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for BCC, SCC, BSCC and/or MM in the head and neck region. The head and neck region was divided topographically into the following subunits: scalp, forehead, orbital region, ear and periauricular region, cheeks, nose, perioral region, and neck. Patients were analyzed according to age, sex, and tumor location, type, and size.

RESULTS: The SCC group was found to have significantly larger mean tumor size than the BCC group (p = 0.003). SCC was more frequently located in the perioral region (p = 0.001), BCC was more frequently located on the nose (p = 0.001), and MM was more frequently located on the forehead and scalp (p = 0.034, p = 0.49) when compared with the other types. BCC was more frequently located in the orbital region than SCC (p = 0.018) CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed statistically significant differences in the distribution of BCC, SCC, and MM, the most common types of skin cancer, among the topographical subunits of the head and neck region.

PMID:34047838 | DOI:10.1007/s00405-021-06901-7

Demography. 2021 May 28:9335177. doi: 10.1215/00703370-9335177. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Previous research has shown that childbearing is associated with short-term improvements in women’s subjective well-being but that these effects depend on the timing and quantum of the birth as well as on the parents’ education and socioeconomic status. These studies did not address whether and, if so, how this effect varies according to the mode of conception. This represents an important knowledge gap, given that conceptions through medically assisted reproduction (MAR) have been increasing rapidly in recent decades, exceeding 5% of live births in some European countries. Drawing on nine waves (2009/2010-2017/2018) of the UK Household Longitudinal Study, we use distributed fixed-effects linear regression models to examine changes in women’s mental health before, during, and after natural and MAR conceptions. The results show that the mental health of women who conceived naturally improved around the time of conception and then gradually returned to baseline levels; comparatively, the mental health of women who conceived through MAR declined in the year before pregnancy and then gradually recovered. The findings also indicate that women’s happiness decreased both two years and one year before an MAR conception and then increased above the baseline in the year of pregnancy. We further show that the deterioration in mental health and subjective well-being before an MAR conception affects both partners, which could be part of a longer process in which the partners potentially suffer from stress related not solely to the MAR treatments themselves but also to the experience of subfertility.

PMID:34047787 | DOI:10.1215/00703370-9335177