Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Therapeutic efficacy and safety results of 177Lu-PSMA therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: first experience of a developing South Asian Country

Nucl Med Commun. 2023 Jul 14. doi: 10.1097/MNM.0000000000001735. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Metastatic castration resistant-prostate cancer (mCRPC) is deadly condition that remains incurable despite various therapies. Initial studies have shown promising results with Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (177Lu-PSMA) therapy for advanced prostate cancer. However, most of the published efficacy and safety data is retrospective. The purpose of the study was to prospectively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety results of 177Lu-PSMA therapy in mCRPC patients after 2 cycles.

METHODS: Twenty-five patients of mCRPC, treated with standard care treatment were enrolled for 2 cycles of 177Lu-PSMA therapy. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Analgesic Quantification Scale (AQS) for efficacy and hemoglobin, total leukocyte, platelets and serum creatinine for toxicity were recorded pre and post-therapy. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Treated patients with mean PSA level of 157 ng/ml received mean dose of 6.84 GBq of 177Lu-PSMA. For PSA, partial response (PR) was seen in 11/25 (44%), stable disease (SD) in 8/25 (32%) and progressive disease (PD) in 6/25 (24%) patients. Grade 1 and 2 hemoglobin toxicity was seen in 5/25 (20%) and 6/25 (24%) patients respectively. No patient developed grade 3 or 4 bone marrow toxicities. Grade 1 and 2 nephrotoxicity was seen in 1 patient each. Statistically significant difference was seen in ECOG, VAS and AQS scores (P < 0.001). No significant nephrotoxicity was observed (P = 0.558).

CONCLUSION: Efficacy and safety of 177Lu-PSMA therapy after 2 cycles have shown significant PSA response and pain palliation in heavily pretreated mCRPC patients.

PMID:37440195 | DOI:10.1097/MNM.0000000000001735

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Open fractures of the hand: a new classification based on risk score to predict infection requiring re-debridement

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 Jul 13:17531934231187553. doi: 10.1177/17531934231187553. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We developed a classification for open hand fractures based on risk score to predict the risk of infection requiring re-debridement. A total of 846 retrospectively included patients underwent multivariable analysis with backward elimination to derive the predictive risk score from independent predictors. The incidence of infection requiring re-debridement was 4%. Independent predictors include diabetes mellitus or immunocompromised condition, injuries from a bite, fractures with comminution/bone loss, neurovascular injuries and inadequate soft tissue coverage. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the prediction score was 0.79. The new classification system for open hand fractures divides patients into three groups: low-risk open fractures (Type I, score <1); moderate-risk open fractures (Type II, score 1 to 2.5); and high-risk open fractures (Type III, score >2.5), based on the risk of infection requiring re-debridement. Re-debridement and delayed primary closure are suggested for type III open fractures.Level of evidence: III.

PMID:37440189 | DOI:10.1177/17531934231187553

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Soluble CD163 impact as a prognostic biomarker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Egypt J Immunol. 2023 Jul;30(3):74-81.

ABSTRACT

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant blood disorder in which there is an excess of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in blood and lymphoid tissues. CLL patients experience different clinical behaviors with diversity in disease course and outcome. Accordingly, prognostic markers are crucial for employing appropriate therapy protocols. CD163 (cluster of differentiation 163) is a monocyte/macrophage receptor. Soluble CD163 (sCD163) is an emerging prognostic player in the field of hematopoietic neoplasms. This study aimed to assess the prognostic potential of sCD163 as a serological marker in CLL. The study included 41 CLL patients and 44 apparently normal healthy volunteers as controls. Expression of CD38 and cytoplasmic ZAP 70 in CLL cells was assessed using flow cytometry. Beta 2 microglobulin (B2M), sCD23, and sCD163 serological markers were measured by ELISA. Serum levels of sCD163 were statistically significantly higher in CLL cases compared to controls (p=0.000). sCD163 levels were positively correlated with absolute lymphocyte count, sCD23, and B2M levels (p= 0.027, p=0.01, and p=0.004, respectively). In conclusion, levels of sCD163 in CLL is a promising prognostic tool for evaluating disease progression.

PMID:37440184

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Running High: Cannabis Users’ Subjective Experience of Exercise During Legal Market Cannabis Use Versus No Use in a Naturalistic Setting

Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1089/can.2022.0338. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Background: The use of cannabis with various forms of exercise (e.g., running) has received increased media attention in recent years, contradicting the popular stereotype that cannabis is associated with sedentary behavior. Although cross-sectional evidence suggests a positive association between cannabis use and exercise engagement, to date, the acute effects of cannabis on exercise remain unclear. Methods: The present within-subjects crossover study compared participants’ experiences of running after ad libitum use of legal market cannabis (cannabis run) to running without cannabis (non-cannabis run) in a real-world setting. Participants (n=49) were cannabis users between the ages of 21 and 49 years (mean=30.82, standard deviation [SD]=6.21). The majority of participants were male (61.5%) and non-Hispanic White (81.6%). Results: Participants (n=49) ran an average of 3.88 miles (SD=2.28) during their cannabis and non-cannabis runs. Although participants ran an average of 31 seconds/mile slower during their cannabis run, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.12). Participants reported experiencing (1) less negative affect (p=0.03), (2) greater feelings of positive affect (p<0.001), tranquility (p=0.004), enjoyment (p=0.004), and dissociation (p=0.001), and (3) more runner’s high symptoms (p<0.001) during their cannabis (vs. non-cannabis) runs. Participants also reported lower pain levels after their cannabis (vs. non-cannabis) run (p=0.03). Perceived exertion did not differ between runs (p=0.33). Cannabis form, cannabinoid content, and feelings of “high” were largely unrelated to participants’ experience of exercise while under the influence of cannabis. Conclusions: Results suggest that acute cannabis use may be associated with a more positive exercise experience among regular cannabis users. Research using varied methodologies, a range of exercise modalities, and diverse populations is needed to establish the long-term harms and benefits associated with this behavior, as well as the generalizability of these findings to other populations and settings.

PMID:37440169 | DOI:10.1089/can.2022.0338

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Biopolishing of denim by the recombinant xylanase II of Caulobacter crescentus

Braz J Microbiol. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s42770-023-01056-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Denim, also known as jeans, is a fabric made up of braided cotton threads dyed indigo blue, whose fibers contain approximately 10% of non-cellulosic impurities that reduce its commercial value. Microbial enzymes can act in the cleaning and desizing processes of jeans, improving their color, softness, and covering capacity. The recombinant Xylanase II (XynA2) from the aquatic bacterial Caulobacter crescentus (C. crescentus), previously characterized in terms of its biochemical features, was applied to the biotreatment of jeans to clean and degum it. The biotreatment performance was evaluated in terms of tissue weight loss, amount of reducing sugars released and analysis of the images obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biotreated tissues, at 12 and 24 h, showed a dry weight loss of 4.9 and 6.6%, respectively. The reducing sugars amount released after XynA2 action over the jean’s fibers showed statistically significant values when compared with each other and with their respective controls. SEM images clearly shown that the fabric treated for 12 h presented a smooth and polished surface, while the fabric treated for 24 h showed the cotton fibers broken, displaying severe damage to the textile. The best treatment for the jeans was in the presence of 1 U mg-1 XynA2 at pH 8 and 60 °C during 12 h. In conclusion, XynA2 of C. crescentus was satisfactorily applied for the biopolishing of denim jeans being a more sustainable alternative to the use of chemical and abrasive processes to obtain the same effects.

PMID:37440124 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-023-01056-5

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparison of salivary cortisol levels between women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea and healthy women: a pilot study

Endocrine. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s12020-023-03448-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) has been associated with excessive-chronic stress, eating disorders, and weight loss. A common feature is the increased serum cortisol, but its measurement has many limitations. Currently, salivary cortisol (SC) has been proposed as a more sensitive and adequate index.

AIM: To investigate the SC alterations through a 24-h period and the possible correlation with the severity of stress in women with FHA.

METHODS: Between July 2019 and March 2021, 12 FHA women and 12 healthy controls of comparable age were included. Psychological, eating, and physical abnormalities were evaluated by applying equivalent validated self-questionnaires.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found between FHA women and healthy individuals with respect to morning (8:00 am) serum cortisol and ACTH (522.5 ± 162.2 vs 442 ± 138.5 nmol/l; p = 0.204 and 37 ± 44.8 vs 17.4 ± 10.8 pg/ml; p = 0.186, respectively). Women with FHA had statistically significant higher morning SC compared to control subjects (21.8 ± 5.9 nmol/l vs 12.8 ± 3.8 nmol/l; p < 0.001), while no significant differences were found regarding the afternoon (4:00 pm) and midnight (12:00 am) SC. A significant positive correlation was found between morning SC and morning serum cortisol (rho = 0.532; p = 0.007), EAT-26 (rho = 0.527; p = 0.008) and HADS-Anxiety score (rho = 0.471; p = 0.02). Additionally, a significant negative correlation between morning SC and BMI was observed (rho = -0.53; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION: Compared to serum cortisol, SC seems to express better the hypercortisolemic state of women with FHA and correlates well with the underlying contributing factors. Larger studies are needed in order to confirm these results and validate the optimal SC cut-off value associated with the development of FHA.

PMID:37440104 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-023-03448-x

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

The impact of a virtual mind-body program on resilience factors among international English-speaking adults with neurofibromatoses: secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial

J Neurooncol. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s11060-023-04389-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To test the effects of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program – Neurofibromatosis (3RP-NF), a mind-body resilience program for people with NF, on resilience factors from baseline to post-treatment and 6- and 12-month follow-up.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a fully powered randomized clinical trial (RCT) of 3RP-NF and health education control (HEP-NF). We recruited adults with NF1, NF2, or schwannomatosis who reported stress or difficulty coping with NF symptoms. Both conditions received 8 weekly 90-minute group sessions; 3RP-NF focused on building resilience skills. We measured resilience factors via the Measure of Current Status-A (adaptive coping), Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised (mindfulness), Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (gratitude), Life Orientation Test Optimism Scale (optimism), and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (perceived social support) at baseline, post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up. We used linear mixed models with completely unstructured covariance across up to four repeated measurements (baseline, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) to investigate treatment effects on resilience factors.

RESULTS: We enrolled 228 individuals (Mage=42.7, SD = 14.6; 74.5% female; 87.7% White; 72.8% NF1, 14.0% NF2, 13.2% schwannomatosis). Within groups, both 3RP-NF and HEP-NF showed statistically significant improvements in all outcomes across timepoints. 3RP-NF showed significantly greater improvement in adaptive coping compared to HEP-NF from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to 6 months (Mdifference= 0.29; 95% CI 0.13-0.46; p < 0.001; Mdifference= 0.25; 95% CI 0.07-0.33; p = 0.005); there were no other between-group differences amongst the remaining resilience factors.

CONCLUSION: 3RP-NF showed promise in sustainably improving coping abilities amongst people with NF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03406208. Registration submitted December 6, 2017, first patient enrolled October 2017.

PMID:37440099 | DOI:10.1007/s11060-023-04389-1

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Likelihood Ratio Calculation Using LRmix Studio

Methods Mol Biol. 2023;2685:307-328. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3295-6_19.

ABSTRACT

LRmix Studio performs statistical analyses on forensic casework samples by calculating a likelihood ratio (LR) following a semi-continuous, unrestricted approach. The software utilizes a basic probabilistic model allowing the comparison of two alternative hypotheses regarding the evidence profile to include known and/or unknown contributors, for a maximum of a 4-person mixture. Other statistical factors that are included in this model are the incorporation of multiple probability of drop-out values, probability of drop-in, a correction factor for population substructure, assumed contributor inclusion, and inclusion of an unknown relative in the defense hypothesis. A range of plausible probability of drop-out values can be calculated for various contributors and hypotheses based on a Monte Carlo probability method and included in the likelihood ratio calculation. The software also includes several ways to test the validity and robustness of the probabilistic model. A sensitivity analysis can be performed by calculating likelihood ratios for the given profile against a range of drop-out values. Additionally, a non-contributor test can be performed on the crime scene sample and the chosen LR parameters to test the robustness of the model. This can give a point of comparison of the likelihood ratio generated for the person of interest (POI) compared to “random man” profiles generated from uploaded allelic frequencies. Finally, the analysis can be printed in a well-structured and user-friendly report that includes all analysis parameters. Within this chapter, the reader will learn the steps to calculate a likelihood ratio using the semi-continuous software, LRmix Studio. Additional tools supplied through the software will also be explained and demonstrated.

PMID:37439990 | DOI:10.1007/978-1-0716-3295-6_19

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Binge-Eating Disorder Interventions: Review, Current Status, and Implications

Curr Obes Rep. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1007/s13679-023-00517-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a serious psychiatric problem associated with substantial morbidity that, unfortunately, frequently goes unrecognized and untreated. This review summarizes the current status of behavioral, psychological, pharmacological, and combined treatments for BED in adults with a particular focus on recent findings and advances.

RECENT FINDINGS: Certain specific psychological treatments, notably CBT and IPT, and to some extent DBT, have demonstrated efficacy and are associated with durable benefits after treatment. Certain specific lower-cost scalable interventions, notably CBTgsh, have demonstrated efficacy and have potential for broader uptake. An important advance is the emerging RCT data indicating that BWL, a generalist and available behavioral lifestyle intervention, has effectiveness that approximates that of CBT for reducing binge eating and eating-disorder psychopathology but with the advantage of also producing modest weight loss. There exists only one pharmacological agent (LDX) with approval by the FDA for “moderate-to-severe” BED. Research with other “off label” medications has yielded modest and mixed outcomes with a few medications statistically superior to placebo over the short-term and almost no longer-term data. Nearly all research combining medications and psychological treatments has failed to enhance outcomes (combined appears superior to pharmacotherapy-only but not to psychotherapy-only). Many people with BED suffer in silence and shame, go untreated, and rarely receive evidence-based treatments. Patients and practitioners need to recognize that research has identified several effective interventions for BED, and these can work quickly for many patients. Future research should identify treatments for those who do not derive benefit from initial interventions, identify additional pharmacological options, test agents with relevant mechanisms of action, and utilize innovative adaptative “SMART” designs to identify treatments to enhance outcomes among initial responders and to test alternative treatments to assist initial non-responders.

PMID:37439970 | DOI:10.1007/s13679-023-00517-0

Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluating the Suitability of the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) for Female Football Players

Sports Med Open. 2023 Jul 13;9(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s40798-023-00605-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) is a screening tool developed to detect endurance athletes and dancers at risk for development of persistent low energy availability (LEA) and the female athlete triad (Triad). This study investigated the applicability of the LEAF-Q in a cohort of sixty professional female football players.

METHODS: The participants were classified as at risk (≥ 8) or not at risk (< 8) for persistent LEA and the Triad according to their LEAF-Q score, before being compared. Receiver operating curves were then conducted to examine the ability of the overall LEAF-Q and subcategories to correctly determine the presence of clinically defined markers of the Triad. Additionally, Youden’s index was calculated to determine the best fitting cut-off values.

RESULTS: Thirty-two percent of participants were classified as at risk by the LEAF-Q. We found no statistically significant differences between the two groups for any markers associated with persistent LEA. Except for acceptable accuracy in determining menstrual status, all other LEAF-Q components exhibited poor accuracy and predictive values. Youden’s index scores imply that increasing the overall and injury cut-off values to ≥ 10 and ≥ 5 respectively, would yield increased performance.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support the use of the LEAF-Q for the purpose of detecting LEA and Triad conditions among female football players.

PMID:37439966 | DOI:10.1186/s40798-023-00605-4