Nevin Manimala

J Alzheimers Dis. 2022 Apr 15. doi: 10.3233/JAD-215562. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aging dogs suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), a condition in which cognitive decline is associated with amyloid pathology and cortical atrophy. Presumptive diagnosis is made through physical examination, exclusion of systemic/metabolic conditions, and completion of screening questionnaires by owners.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether cognitive function could be quantified in aging pet dogs, and to correlate cognitive testing with validated questionnaires and plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) concentration in aging dogs.

METHODS: Thirty-nine dogs from fifteen breeds were recruited (9.3 to 15.3 years). Owners completed the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating scale (CCDR). Executive control and social cues were tested, and pNfL was measured with single molecule array assay. Comparisons were made between cognitive testing scores, CADES, CCDR scores, and pNfL.

RESULTS: CADES scoring classified five dogs as severe CCDS, six as moderate, ten as mild, and eighteen as normal. CCDR identified seven dogs at risk of CCDS and thirty-two as normal. Cognitive testing was possible in the majority of dogs, although severely affected dogs were unable to learn tasks. CADES score correlated with sustained attention duration (r = -0.47, p = 0.002), inhibitory control (r = -0.51, p = 0.002), detour (r = -0.43, p = 0.001), and pNfL (r = 0.41, p = 0.025). Concentration of pNfL correlated with inhibitory control (r = -0.7, p≤0.001). The CCDR scale correlated with performance on inhibitory control (r = -0.46, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a multi-dimensional approach using a combination of questionnaires, specific cognitive tests, and pNfL concentration can be used to quantify cognitive decline in aging pet dogs.

PMID:35431246 | DOI:10.3233/JAD-215562

J Alzheimers Dis. 2022 Apr 15. doi: 10.3233/JAD-215090. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Differential abundance of gut microbiota has found to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relative abundance of gut microbiota between dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in AD is not well studied.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to identify differentially enriched gut microbes and their metabolic pathways in AD patients with dementia comparing to AD patients with MCI.

METHODS: Fecal samples were collected at Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan and analyzed by whole metagenomic sequencing technique. For normal controls without AD (NC), 16S rRNA sequencing was obtained from the Taiwan Microbiome Database. A total of 48 AD (38 dementia and 10 MCI defined by cognitive function scores) and 50 NC were included. Microbiome alpha and beta diversities were estimated. Differentially enriched microbes were identified with HAllA, MaAsLin, DESeq2, and LEfSe statistical modeling approaches.

RESULTS: We found significantly increased abundance of Firmicutes but decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes at phylum level in AD compared to NC. In AD patients, cognitive function scores were negatively associated with abundance of Blautia hydrogenotrophica (Firmicutes), Anaerotruncus colihominis (Firmicutes), and Gordonibacter pamelaeae (Actinobacteria). In addition, microbial abundance in the sucrose and S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) metabolic pathways were more enriched in MCI AD than dementia AD; and significantly associated with higher cognitive function scores.

CONCLUSION: Gut microbe community diversity was similar in AD patients regardless of MCI or dementia status. However, differential analyses probed in lower-level taxa and metabolic pathways suggested that specific gut microbes in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria might involve in cognitive decline.

PMID:35431236 | DOI:10.3233/JAD-215090

Work. 2022 Apr 13. doi: 10.3233/WOR-211229. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of stress and anxiety at work.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the support provided to the employees by the workplaces about the depression, anxiety, stress, job satisfaction of the employees during the COVID-19.

METHOD: The inclusion criterias were as follows: being between 18 and 65 years old, working at the time of the survey. The study self-administered included Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS), Organizational Support Perception Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS).

RESULTS: In total, 260 people (mean age 38.17±14.9 years, 148 female) completed the survey. Extremely severe depression displayed on 39.9 %, extremely severe anxiety on 37.1%, and severe stress on 28.3% of the participants. Scores for depression (9.6±9.03), anxiety (7.2±7.04), stress (11.7±7.8) were also high for employees. It was observed that the average of organizational support score was 30.4±7.24, and the average job satisfaction score was 28.6±5.35. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between organizational support and job satisfaction (r = 0.562, p = 0.00). Considering the relationship between organizational support and DASS scale; there was negative correlation between (r =-0.161, p = 0.013). The results of the regression indicated that the model explained 32.9 % of the variance and that the model was a significant predictor, F (2,66)=117.145, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION: Organizational support are associated with a decline in mental health and job satisfaction. Health-promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintaining positive job organizational support-related behaviors should be utilized to address increases in psychological distress during the pandemic.

PMID:35431220 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-211229

Work. 2022 Apr 8. doi: 10.3233/WOR-210555. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dental practitioners can be prone to stress because of the long working hours, high patient expectations, and work environment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate dimensions of occupational stress among dental practitioners leading to burnout and to model its causality with job satisfaction.

METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted for five months. A sample of 302 practicing dental practitioners was selected using the consecutive sample technique. This sample included dental practitioners working in clinical and non-clinical departments of public and private sector universities as well as those doing private general practice. A self-administered structured questionnaire based on the Work Stress Questionnaire was sent using Survey Monkey. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Spearman correlation was applied between stress scores and job satisfaction. A Chi-square test was applied to look into the association between stress levels and different categories. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.

RESULT: The prevalence of overall occupational stress was high among dental practitioners (83.4%). Occupational stress was greatest in females (55.8%), dental practitioners in the private sector (55.7%), and general dental practitioners (GDPs) (47%). The overall prevalence of job satisfaction among dental professionals was 30% . Occupational stress was significantly associated with burnout and job dissatisfaction in dentistry. Stress levels and working hours were statistically and positively associated, whereas the association between stress levels and job satisfaction was inversely and significantly associated.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of occupational stress among dental practitioners was high and the level of job satisfaction was moderate. The model between these variables was well-fitted.

PMID:35431216 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-210555

Work. 2022 Apr 8. doi: 10.3233/WOR-210553. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. With the rapid spread of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020 declared the initial outbreak of the disease a pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the challenges and consequences of working from home on worker health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD: Cross-sectional and descriptive study developed in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, from December 2020 to January 2021. An online questionnaire was used to interview workers Working from Home and later a statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS: 327 workers from various fields of activity participated mainly from the south of the country, women, and who develop activities in education. In addition, results show anxiety and/or irritability, weight gain, discouragement, headaches and muscle and joint problems.

CONCLUSION: Most participants found an increase in working hours Working from Home, with several breaks during the day and adequate furniture. However, there was worsening of physical pain and changes in symptoms of anxiety, weight gain, discouragement and headaches.

PMID:35431215 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-210553

Work. 2022 Apr 13. doi: 10.3233/WOR-210053. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A high number of breast cancer survivors need to resume work. Therefore, interventions aimed at effective work-related transitions are important.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review to determine what occupational therapy interventions are effective in work-related transitions of breast cancer survivors.

METHODS: Multiple databases were searched for studies on work-related interventions within the scope of occupational therapy. Studies were included if 70% or more study participants were working age (> 18 years) breast cancer survivors, and work-related transition outcome measures were used.

RESULTS: The search yielded 2 872 articles, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. When classified according to the International Classification of Function Framework, quantitative sources focussed on Body Structures and Functions component and Multicomponents (consists of the Body Structures and Functions Component and the Activities Component) showed positive effects on improving the work-related transitions of BC survivors, however, the effects were statistically insignificant and the strength of evidence was moderate. Participants in a qualitative source reported that after they underwent a physical exercise programme their work performance improved. A Multicomponents intervention study showed statistically significant improvements on self-reported work-related outcomes of BC survivors. Low evidence was found for implementing a vocational rehabilitation case management programme targeting the Activities component, which showed positive effects in reducing the sick leave days of BC survivors, but the effects were statistically insignificant. No evidence was found for programmes focussed on restoring the Participation component.

CONCLUSION: The evidence included in this systematic review were insufficient to recommend occupational therapy interventions that are effective (showing statistically significant improvements) for work-related transitions of BC cancer survivors.

PMID:35431214 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-210053

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2021 Dec 24:S2212-4403(21)00887-7. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2021.12.121. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate subjective and objective outcomes in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis treated with TMJ alloplastic reconstruction (TMJR).

STUDY DESIGN: All patients diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis that underwent TMJR at our institution between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: bony and fibrous ankylosis. Subjective variables assessed were facial pain and headaches, TMJ pain, jaw function, diet, and disability. Objective variables assessed were maximum interincisal opening and lateral excursions. The Mann-Whitney test was employed to analyze subjective variables and an unpaired t-test was used to analyze the objective variables. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria (21 female, 7 male). The mean age at the time of surgery was 42 years, and the mean number of prior TMJ surgeries was 3. A total of 52 TMJRs were performed in the 28 patients, and the mean follow-up time was 46 months. All subjective variables were significantly improved, and the mean maximum interincisal opening increased from 16.9 mm to 37.25 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study demonstrate that TMJR is an effective and reliable method for the management of both fibrous and bony TMJ ankylosis.

PMID:35431176 | DOI:10.1016/j.oooo.2021.12.121

Pract Radiat Oncol. 2022 Apr 14:S1879-8500(22)00080-7. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2022.03.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study reports the impact of using a centralized database system for major equipment quality assurance (QA) at a large institution.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: A centralized database system has been implemented for radiation therapy machine QA in our institution at 6 campuses with 11 computed tomographies and 22 linear accelerators (LINACs). The database system was customized to manage monthly and annual computed tomography and LINAC QA. This includes providing the same set of QA procedures across the enterprise, digitally storing all measurement records, and generating trend analyses. Compared with conventional methods (ie, paper forms), the effectiveness of the database system was quantified by changes in the compliance of QA tests and perceptions of staff to the efficiency of data retrieval and analyses. An anonymized questionnaire was provided to physicists enterprise-wide to assess workflow changes.

RESULTS: With the implementation of the database system, the compliance of QA test completion improved from 80% to >99% for the entire institution. This resonates with the 56% of physicists who found the database system helpful in guiding them through QA, and 25% of physicists found the contrary, and 19% reported no difference (n = 16). Meanwhile, 40% of physicists reported longer times needed to record data using the database system compared with conventional methods, and another 40% suggested otherwise. In addition, 87% and 80% found the database more efficient to analyze and retrieve previous data, respectively. This was also reflected by the shorter time taken to generate year-end QA statistics using the software (5 vs 30 min per LINAC). Overall, 94% of physicists preferred the centralized database system over conventional methods and endorsed continued use of the system.

CONCLUSIONS: A centralized database system is useful and can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of QA management in a large institution. With consistent data collection and proper data storage using a database, high-quality data can be obtained for failure modes and effects analyses as per TG 100.

PMID:35431152 | DOI:10.1016/j.prro.2022.03.003

Urol Oncol. 2022 Apr 14:S1078-1439(22)00105-3. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.03.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To test for survival differences in metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (mUCUB) patients, according to years of diagnosis, age, sex, and race/ethnicity over time and for the effect of chemotherapy on overall mortality (OM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2000-2016), we identified 6860 mUCUB patients. Of those, 3,249 were exposed to chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression models focused on OM. First, we tested the effect of years of diagnosis (historical [2000-2005] vs. intermediate [2006-2011] vs. contemporary [2012-2016]) in chemotherapy exposed mUCUB patients. Second, we tested the effect of chemotherapy in all mUCUB patients.

RESULTS: In chemotherapy exposed mUCUB patients according to historical vs. intermediate vs. contemporary years, median overall survival was 11 vs. 13 vs. 14 months respectively, which translated into hazard ratios (HR) of 0.86 (P = 0.005) and 0.75 (P < 0.001) in intermediate and contemporary vs. historical, respectively. Subgroup analyses in <70 years old, males and Caucasians were in agreement regarding statistically significant differences between historical vs. intermediate vs. contemporary, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models fitted in the entire mUCUB cohort, chemotherapy exposure reduced OM (HR: 0.46; P < 0.001). Virtually the same results were recorded in age, sex, and race/ethnicity subgroups analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary chemotherapy exposed mUCUB patients exhibited better survival than their historical and intermediate counterparts. Chemotherapy reduced mortality by half, across all patient types.

PMID:35431135 | DOI:10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.03.014

Urol Oncol. 2022 Apr 14:S1078-1439(22)00104-1. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.03.013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the representation of women, minorities, and the elderly groups in clinical trials and whether participation has changed over time.

METHODS: Retrospective study in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Data Update System and Center for Disease Control and Prevention United States Cancer Statistics 2000 to 2019. We compared cancer incidence proportion to proportion of patients enrolled in an NCI trial when stratified by race/ethnicity, sex, and age. We performed multivariable analysis to determine the odds of participating in a clinical trial in 2015 to 2019 when compared to 2000 to 2004.

RESULTS: This study included 14,094 patients, 12,169 (86.3%) non-Hispanic White patients, 662 (4.7%) Black patients, and 660 (4.7%) Hispanic patients. There were 3,701 (26.3%) female patients and 10,393 (73.7%) male patients. For bladder cancer clinical trials, Black patients and Hispanic patients were underrepresented in clinical trials compared to Non-Hispanic White patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.88, P = 0.002) and (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.54-0.88, P = 0.003), respectively. For kidney cancer trials, Black and Hispanic patients were underrepresented in clinical trials compared to Non-Hispanic White patients (OR 0.42, OR 0.33-0.54, P < 0.001) and (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83, P < 0.001), respectively. Women were underrepresented in kidney cancer trials compared to men (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89) and similarly for bladder cancer trials (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.81, P < 0.001). For bladder cancer trials, the participation of Black patients over time (OR 1.04, P = 0.814) and female patients over time (OR 1.03, P = 0.741) were unchanged. For kidney cancer trials, the participation of Black patients over time (OR 1.17, P = 0.293) and female patients over time (OR 1.03, P = 0.663) participation was also unchanged.

CONCLUSION: In this study of clinical trials in bladder and kidney cancer, we identified that Blacks, Hispanics, and females were underrepresented. Additionally, Black and female participation was unchanged over the span of 20 years.

PMID:35431133 | DOI:10.1016/j.urolonc.2022.03.013