Nevin Manimala

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 1;101(26):e29771. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029771.

ABSTRACT

To observe the interventional effect of antidepressants on advanced cancer patients from the perspective of patient benefit and analyze patient characteristics to explore reasonable drug use. Pharmaceutical care was administered to patients with advanced cancer. From June 2018 to June 2020, 152 advanced cancer patients underwent sertraline intervention. The Hospital Anxiety/Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen for the risk of anxiety and depression, and patients were divided into 4 groups: high, medium, low, and no risk. Concomitant clinical symptoms and antidepressant intervention results were recorded. HADS score change and symptom improvement were used to evaluate the antidepressant intervention effect, and effective intervention time for both indicators was recorded. The guidelines for antidepressant medication for these patients were analyzed, and depression/anxiety assessments and treatment models in this population were discussed. We observed that concomitant refractory clinical symptoms were the main target for the antidepressant intervention. Of those considered high risk on the basis of the HADS score (i.e., ≥15 points), 41.5% had depression, 26.3% had anxiety, and 20.4% had comorbid anxiety and depression. For the 142 patients who completed the study, the improvement rate of mood-related symptoms based on the efficacy index was 78.2%, with a median of 7 days until improvement was observed. The improvement rate based on the HADS score was 57.0%, with a median of 19 days for improvement. Improvement rate and median days until improvement under both indices were statistically significant. Comparisons by risk group showed that improvement in clinical symptoms was significantly greater in the high- and medium-risk groups than in the low-risk group, and HADS score improvement was significantly greater in the high-risk group than in the other 2 groups. Moreover, sertraline improved chemotherapy tolerance, unhealthy emotions, and clinical symptoms such as fear, dyspnea, agrypnia, fatigue, and intractable pain. We observed a positive effect of antidepressant drug intervention on refractory clinical symptoms in patients with advanced cancer that was particularly pronounced in those with a high-to-medium risk of depression and anxiety. However, the effect was not correlated with improved HADS score. Antidepression treatment improves concomitant clinical symptoms and benefits patients.

PMID:35776994 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000029771

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 1;101(26):e29770. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029770.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As a relatively minimally invasive technique, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used for the treatment of gastrointestinal lesions. However, it is associated with complications, such as postoperative bleeding, stricture, and perforation. A covering method using polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets for ESD-induced ulcers has been reported to be effective in reducing the risk of post-ESD bleeding and esophageal stricture. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of PGA sheets in the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal stricture after ESD.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases on October 15, 2019. All eligible articles were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The main outcomes were the rates of post-ESD gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal stricture. Cochrane’s Q statistic and I2 test were used to identify heterogeneity between the studies. When there was no obvious heterogeneity (I2 < 50%, P > .1), a fixed-effect model was used. When there was obvious heterogeneity (I2 > 50%, P < .1), a random effect model was used. Funnel plots and the Egger regression test were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis, of which 7 were exclusively about the use of PGA sheets to prevent postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding, and the remaining reported the use of PGA sheets to prevent postoperative esophageal stenosis. Our analysis showed that preventive therapy with PGA sheets decreased the rates of post-ESD gastrointestinal bleeding (risk ratio [RR] = 0.35, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 0.19-0.64, P < .001) and esophageal stricture (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.79, P = .005), and the gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal stricture rates after preventive treatment with PGA sheets were 5.7% (95% CI: 3.6%-8.8%) and 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5%-28.4%), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The utilization of PGA sheets after ESD has an excellent outcome in reducing the risk of postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal stricture.

PMID:35776992 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000029770

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 1;101(26):e29765. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029765.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the role of metformin in girls with precocious puberty (PP) has been increasingly frequently studied. The objective of this present study is to assess the effect of metformin on low birth weight girls with precocious puberty (LBW-PP girls).

METHODS: We search the confirmed studies about circulating metformin and PP from the databases of EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Data were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.3 and Stata version 12.0.

RESULTS: A total of 205 cases (metformin group n = 102, untreated group n = 103) were included in this study. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that metformin had statistically significant effects on testosterone (P = .001), androstenedione (P = .022), bone mineral density (BMD; P = .151), triglycerides (P ≤ .001), body mass index Z score (BMI Z score; P ≤ .001), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS; P = .053), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; P = .049), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P ≤ .001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = .021), fat mass (P ≤ .001), lean mass (P = .025), and fasting insulin (P = .002).

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis provided evidence of the efficacy of metformin in girls with LBW-PP girls, which proved that metformin could improve metabolism and reduce weight. Metformin had a positive effect on preventing LBW-PP girls from developing into obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome. In addition, this meta-analysis provided important reference opinions and directions for the treatment of LBW-PP girls.

PMID:35776991 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000029765

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 1;101(26):e29766. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029766.

ABSTRACT

Apathy and impulsiveness are 2 common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson disease that could occur in different periods or simultaneously. Apathy and impulsiveness could be interpreted as opposite extremes of a spectrum of motivated behavior dependent on dopaminergic dysfunction, in which, impulsivity, is a result of a hyperdopaminergic state, whereas apathy is viewed as a hypodopaminergic. The study aimed to investigate the presence of impulsiveness and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson disease patients with apathy symptoms. Eighty-one patients with Parkinson disease were enrolled in this retrospective study. All subjects were evaluated by the Italian version of the Dimensional Apathy Scale and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-version 11, to assess, respectively, apathy and impulsiveness; they were divided into 2 groups (apathy and no apathy). All patients were administered also with questionnaires assessing depressive and anxious symptoms. Statistical analyses showed relevant results. In no-apathy group, education was a significant predictor on impulsiveness (attentional and motor) and apathy (executive and emotional); depression was a significant predictor on planning impulsivity and apathy. This study aimed to consider the importance of apathy and impulsivity in Parkinson disease. Although these are considered as opposite extremes of a spectrum of motivated behavior dependent on dopaminergic dysfunction, these can also occur separately. Moreover, several variables could represent important predictors of apathy and impulsiveness, such as depression. Future investigations should deepen the role of other demographics and psychological variables.

PMID:35776985 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000029766

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 1;101(26):e29757. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029757.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is a common and troublesome complication after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the risk factors of CR-POPF after PD.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for studies related to risk factors of CR-POPF after PD. Odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted from the included studies, then a meta-analysis was conducted. If necessary, sensitivity analysis would be performed by changing the effect model or excluding 1 study at a time. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Begg test and Egger test.

RESULTS: A total of 27 studies with 24,740 patients were included, and CR-POPF occurred in 3843 patients (incidence = 17%, 95% CI: 16%-19%). Male (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.42-1.70), body mass index >25 kg/m2 (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.23-3.18), pancreatic duct diameter <3 mm (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.66-2.12), soft pancreatic texture (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 2.61-4.67), and blood transfusion (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.01-4.77) can significantly increase the risk of CR-POPF. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47-0.61), vascular resection (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.39-0.83), and preoperative chemoradiotherapy (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57-0.81) can significantly decrease the factor of CR-POPF. Diabetes mellitus was not statistically associated with CR-POPF (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.40-1.08). However, the analysis of body mass index, pancreatic texture, and diabetes mellitus had a high heterogeneity, then sensitivity analysis was performed, and the result after sensitivity analysis showed diabetes mellitus can significantly decrease the risk of CR-POPF. There was no significant publication bias in this meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The current review assessed the effects of different factors on CR-POPF. This can provide a basis for the prevention and management of CR-POPF. Effective interventions targeting the above risk factors should be investigated in future studies for decreasing the occurrence of CR-POPF.

PMID:35776984 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000029757

Oper Dent. 2022 May 1;47(3):346-356. doi: 10.2341/21-015-L.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical properties and push-out bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements (SACs) and a conventional resin cement (CRC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty bovine incisors were divided into four groups for cementation of a fiberglass post (Whitepost – FGM Dental Group, Coral Springs, FL) with different resin cements: three SACs (Maxcem Elite, MAX – Kerr; Calibra Universal, CAL – Dentsply; and RelyX Unicem 2, RUN – 3M Oral Care) and one CRC (RelyX Ultimate, RXU – 3M Oral Care). The groups were subdivided into two groups each (n=10) for evaluation of the push-out bond strength test (POBS) after 24 hours of water storage or after thermal aging (5000 cycles), following 24 hours of storage. The failure modes were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (EM) were determined using a three-point bending. Also, pH of the cements was measured over 48 hours and filler morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 21.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), with a significance level set at 5%. Results: RXU presented the highest POBS at both evaluation times. Among the SACs, RUN and CAL presented significantly lower POBS than MAX in cervical and middle-thirds at the 24-hour evaluation, and in all root regions after thermocycling. Adhesive failure between the cement and dentin were the most prevalent fractures at both times evaluated. MAX presented the lowest FS and RUN showed the highest EM. The pH reached the minimal point at the 30-minute evaluation for RXU and MAX. For RUN and CAL, the minimal pH was observed at the 60-minute evaluation. RXU and RUN presented spherical and regular filler particles, while MAX and CAL presented irregularly shaped and sized filler particles.

CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical behavior of SACs is not superior to CRC; however, among all the SACs evaluated, MAX presented the highest POBS and stability after thermocycling evaluation. MAX also reached the closest neutral pH after 48 hours. Therefore, SACs with low initial pH and strong neutralization reactions are recommended, because these characteristics may lead to better mechanical properties and stability.

PMID:35776956 | DOI:10.2341/21-015-L

JMIR Hum Factors. 2022 Jul 1;9(3):e38469. doi: 10.2196/38469.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus are two of the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide. An unhealthy lifestyle greatly contributes to someone’s risk of developing these conditions. Mobile health is an emerging technology that can help deliver health promotion interventions to the population, for example, in the form of health apps.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of an app-based intervention for cardiovascular and diabetes risk awareness and prevention by measuring nonusage, dropout, adherence to app use, and usability of the app over 3 months.

METHODS: Participants were eligible if they were aged 45 years or older, resided in Australia, were free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, were fluent in English, and owned a smartphone. In the beginning, participants received an email with instructions on how to install the app and a user guide. After 3 months, they received an email with an invitation to an end-of-study survey. The survey included questions about general smartphone use and the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. We analyzed app-generated and survey data by using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis for open-text comments.

RESULTS: Recruitment took place between September and October 2021. Of the 46 participants who consented to the study, 20 (44%) never used the app and 15 (33%) dropped out. The median age of the app users at baseline was 62 (IQR 56-67) years. Adherence to app use, that is, using the app at least once a week over 3 months, was 17% (8/46) of the total sample and 31% (8/26) of all app users. The mean app quality rating on the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale was 3.5 (SD 0.6) of 5 points. The app scored the highest for the information section and the lowest for the engagement section of the scale.

CONCLUSIONS: Nonusage and dropouts were too high, and the adherence was too low to consider the intervention in its current form feasible. Potential barriers that we identified include the research team not actively engaging with participants early in the study to verify that all participants could install the app, the intervention did not involve direct contact with health care professionals, and the app did not have enough interactive features.

PMID:35776504 | DOI:10.2196/38469

Phys Rev Lett. 2022 Jun 17;128(24):240601. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.240601.

ABSTRACT

We define an ensemble of random Clifford quantum circuits whose output state undergoes an entanglement phase transition between two volume-law phases as a function of measurement rate. Our setup maps exactly the output state to the ground space of a spin glass model. We identify the entanglement phases using an order parameter that is accessible on a quantum chip. We locate the transition point and evaluate a critical exponent, revealing spin glass criticality. Our Letter establishes an exact statistical mechanics theory of an entanglement phase transition.

PMID:35776455 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.240601

Phys Rev Lett. 2022 Jun 17;128(24):241801. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.241801.

ABSTRACT

We present a measurement of ν_{e} interactions from the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber to address the nature of the excess of low energy interactions observed by the MiniBooNE Collaboration. Three independent ν_{e} searches are performed across multiple single electron final states, including an exclusive search for two-body scattering events with a single proton, a semi-inclusive search for pionless events, and a fully inclusive search for events containing all hadronic final states. With differing signal topologies, statistics, backgrounds, reconstruction algorithms, and analysis approaches, the results are found to be either consistent with or modestly lower than the nominal ν_{e} rate expectations from the Booster Neutrino Beam and no excess of ν_{e} events is observed.

PMID:35776450 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.241801

Front Med. 2022 Jul 1. doi: 10.1007/s11684-021-0902-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The total number of cancer patients who are eligible for and will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in China has not been quantified. This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the number of Chinese cancer patients with eligibility and response to ICIs based on the 2015 Chinese cancer statistics and the immune checkpoint inhibitor clinical practice guideline of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology. A total of 11 ICIs were recommended for 17 cancer types. The estimated number of eligible patients annually was 1 290 156 (55.18%), which included 888 738 males (60.05%) and 400 468 females (46.67%). The estimated number of responders annually was 448 972 (19.20%), which included 309 023 males (20.88%) and 139 764 females (16.29%). Gastric cancer (n=291 000, 12.45%), non-small-cell lung cancer (n=289 629, 12.39%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=277 100, 11.85%) were the top three cancer types with the highest number of eligible patients. Non-small-cell lung cancer (n=180 022, 7.70%), hepatocellular carcinoma (n=75 648, 3.24%), and small-cell lung cancer (n=64 362, 2.75%) were the top three cancer types with the highest number of responders. In conclusion, ICIs provide considerable benefit in Chinese cancer patients under optimal estimation.

PMID:35776405 | DOI:10.1007/s11684-021-0902-1