Tag: nevin manimala

Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2022 Apr-Jun;65(2):305-310. doi: 10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_1129_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: As targeted therapies are promising in the treatment of lung cancer (LC), it is important to identify the genetic variations in tumors. The present research aimed to determine the regional prevalence of alterations in ALK, ROS1, and EGFR genes. Materials and.

METHODS: ALK rearrangement in 1152, ROS1 rearrangement in 390, and EGFR mutations in 1054 cases with LC were evaluated.

RESULTS: Alteration rates of ALK, ROS1, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes were 3.5%, 0.4%, and 11.2% in the samples, respectively. ALK rearrangements were mainly detected in young patients (P < 0.01) and in females (P < 0.01). Females were also more often inflicted by EGFR variations, especially from the exon 19 deletion. Exon 21 L858R mutations were more frequently found in men. However, any statistical significance between EGFR alterations and gender or age was not discovered.

CONCLUSION: In this study, molecular changes were less frequent than expected. We thought that this low rate confirmed the aphorism of “smokes like a Turk, ” which could be because almost all patients were active or passive smokers.

PMID:35435363 | DOI:10.4103/IJPM.IJPM_1129_20

Biosci Trends. 2022 Apr 17. doi: 10.5582/bst.2022.01019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and is the second most common cause of tumor-related mortality globally. In China, a high proportion of patients with HCC present with an advanced stage of the disease, so HCC is a major challenge to the healthcare system and a substantial socioeconomic burden. The last decade has witnessed an expansion of the treatment landscape for HCC. Various approaches have been explored as potential conversion therapies for advanced HCC. Despite controversies, mounting data have indicated that successful conversion therapy followed by subsequent surgery is achievable in a population of patients with advanced HCC. This conversion therapy is a safe and promising treatment strategy to prolong long-term outcomes. Based on preliminary research, this review has assembled and summarized current clinical experience with and evidence of the efficacy of conversion therapies followed by subsequent surgery for advanced HCC.

PMID:35431288 | DOI:10.5582/bst.2022.01019

J Alzheimers Dis. 2022 Apr 11. doi: 10.3233/JAD-220073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that physical activity benefits cognition, but results from randomized trials in sedentary individuals are limited and inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of physical activity on cognition among sedentary older adults.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic literature search for eligible studies published up to January 1, 2021, was performed on six international (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sinomed, FMRS, and OVID) and three Chinese databases (Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP). We estimated the effect of physical activity on the cognition of sedentary elderly by standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. We evaluated publication bias using funnel plots and heterogeneity using I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses were conducted by baseline cognition, intervention duration, activity type, and country.

RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 321 (experimental group, 164; control group, 157) sedentary older adults were included in the meta-analysis. Physical activity significantly improved cognition in sedentary elderly adults compared with controls (SMD: 0.50, 95% CI:0.09-0.92). Subgroup analyses showed significant effects of baseline cognition impairment (SMD: 9.80, 95% CI: 5.81-13.80), intervention duration > 12 weeks (SMD: 2.85, 95% CI: 0.73-4.96), aerobic exercise (SMD: 0.74, CI: 0.19-1.29), and countries other than the United States (SMD: 10.50, 95% CI: 7.08-13.92).

CONCLUSION: Physical activity might have a general positive effect on the cognition of sedentary older adults. Intervention > 12 weeks and aerobic exercise can effectively delay their cognitive decline; however, more rigorous RCTs are needed to support our findings.

PMID:35431253 | DOI:10.3233/JAD-220073

J Neuromuscul Dis. 2022 Apr 12. doi: 10.3233/JND-220789. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prompt treatment after genetic NBS for SMA substantially improves outcome in infantile SMA. However, deficiency of SMN-protein can cause damage of motor neurons even prior to birth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the neurological status at the time of NBS and the reversibility of neurological deficits in a cohort of patients with only two copies of the SMN2 gene.

METHODS: We present motor, respiratory, and bulbar outcomes of 21 SMA patients identified in newborn screening projects in Germany. Inclusion criteria was initiation of SMN targeted medication at less than 6 weeks of age and a minimum age of 9 months at last examination.

RESULTS: Twelve patients (57%) developed completely normally, reaching motor milestones in time and having no bulbar or respiratory problems. Three children (14.5%) caught up after initial delay in motor development. Six patients (29%) developed proximal weakness despite early treatment: Three of them (14.5%) achieved the ability to walk with assistance and the other three (14.5%) showed an SMA type 2 phenotype at the age of 16-30 months. One patient (4.8%) had respiratory problems. Three children (14.5%) had mild chewing problems and two individuals (9.5%) needed feeding via gastrotube. Initial CHOP-INTEND values below 30 could be indicative of a less favourable outcome, whereas values above 50 could indicate a good outcome, however in-depth statistic due to the small case number is not predictive.

CONCLUSION: More than 70% of SMA patients with two SMN2 copies can achieve independent ambulation with immediate initiation of therapy. However, caregivers and paediatricians must be informed about the possibility of less favourable outcomes when discussing therapeutic strategies.

PMID:35431259 | DOI:10.3233/JND-220789

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-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 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 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