Tag: pubmed

Endocrine. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s12020-022-03102-y. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recent studies claim that immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in defective mismatch repair (dMMR) cancers. This raises the question of whether similar therapies are effective in PanNETs (pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors); however, in general, assessment of MMR status in PanNETs has been inconsistent in previous studies. MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) is potentially important for guiding temozolomide (TMZ) therapy in glioblastoma. The number of reports on MGMT expression and promoter methylation in PanNETs are limited.

METHODS: In this study we assessed the expression of MGMT and MMR proteins MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2 in a series of PanNETs by IHC. The methylation status of MGMT and MMR genes in a subset of PanNETs was further assessed by MS-MLPA analysis. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the prognostic value of the variables.

RESULTS: According to evaluation criteria for mismatch repair defects, none of PanNETs shown nuclear staining loss for MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2. MGMT low-intensity PanNETs were more commonly found in higher grade, higher Ki67 index and non-functional tumors (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, stage III-IV and low-intensity MGMT were shown to be independent risk factors for progression of PanNETs in the entire cohort, non-functioning subgroup and G2 subgroup (P < 0.05 for all). MGMT promoter methylation tended to be higher in the group with low expression of MGMT, However, methylation of MGMT did not statistically correlate with low expression of MGMT (P = 0.153).

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study suggests that decreased expression of MGMT but not MMR is associated with a higher risk of progression of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

PMID:35708896 | DOI:10.1007/s12020-022-03102-y

Eur J Epidemiol. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s10654-022-00886-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol intake is thought to be a risk factor for breast cancer, but the causal relationship and carcinogenic mechanisms are not clear. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis of prospective studies to assess observational association, and then conducted MR analysis to make causal inference based on the genetic predisposition to alcohol consumption (“drinks per week”) and pathological drinking behaviours (“alcohol use disorder” and “problematic alcohol use”), as well as genetically predicted DNA methylation at by alcohol-related CpG sites in blood. We found an observational dose-response association between alcohol intake and breast cancer incidence with an additional risk of 4% for per 10 g/day increase in alcohol consumption. Genetic predisposition to alcohol consumption (“drinks per week”) was not causally associated with breast cancer incidence at the OR of 1.01 (95% CI 0.84, 1.23), but problematic alcohol use (PAU) was linked to a higher breast cancer risk at the OR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.04, 2.99) when conditioning on alcohol consumption. Epigenetic MR analysis identified four CpG sites, cg03260624 near CDC7 gene, cg10816169 near ZNF318 gene, cg03345232 near RIN3 gene, and cg26312998 near RP11-867G23.13 gene, where genetically predicted epigenetic modifications were associated with an increased breast cancer incidence risk. Our findings re-affirmed that alcohol consumption is of high risk for breast cancer incidence even at a very low dose, and the pathogenic effect of alcohol on breast cancer could be due to pathological drinking behaviour and epigenetic modification at several CpG sites, which could be potential intervention targets for breast cancer prevention.

PMID:35708873 | DOI:10.1007/s10654-022-00886-1

Eur Radiol. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00330-022-08933-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of image characteristics at ultra-low radiation dose levels of a first-generation dual-source photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) compared to a dual-source dual-energy CT (DECT) scanner.

METHODS: A multi-energy CT phantom was imaged with and without an extension ring on both scanners over a range of radiation dose levels (CTDI_vol 0.4-15.0 mGy). Scans were performed in different modes of acquisition for PCCT with 120 kVp and DECT with 70/Sn150 kVp and 100/Sn150 kVp. Various tissue inserts were used to characterize the precision and repeatability of Hounsfield units (HUs) on virtual mono-energetic images between 40 and 190 keV. Image noise was additionally investigated at an ultra-low radiation dose to illustrate PCCT’s ability to remove electronic background noise.

RESULTS: Our results demonstrate the high precision of HU measurements for a wide range of inserts and radiation exposure levels with PCCT. We report high performance for both scanners across a wide range of radiation exposure levels, with PCCT outperforming at low exposures compared to DECT. PCCT scans at the lowest radiation exposures illustrate significant reduction in electronic background noise, with a mean percent reduction of 74% (p value ~ 10^-8) compared to DECT 70/Sn150 kVp and 60% (p value ~ 10^-6) compared to DECT 100/Sn150 kVp.

CONCLUSIONS: This paper reports the first experiences with a clinical dual-source PCCT. PCCT provides reliable HUs without disruption from electronic background noise for a wide range of dose values. Diagnostic benefits are not only for quantification at an ultra-low dose but also for imaging of obese patients.

KEY POINTS: PCCT scanners provide precise and reliable Hounsfield units at ultra-low dose levels. The influence of electronic background noise can be removed at ultra-low-dose acquisitions with PCCT. Both spectral platforms have high performance along a wide range of radiation exposure levels, with PCCT outperforming at low radiation exposures.

PMID:35708838 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-022-08933-x

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00590-022-03301-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Femoral bone fracture is the predominant, lower limb orthopedic surgery that is associated with severe acute and persistent chronic pain that needs better postoperative pain management. Untreated postoperative pain results inability to do physiotherapy resulting in stiffens of joints and immobility. This study aimed to compare the postoperative analgesic efficacy of three-in-one-block versus fascia iliaca block in patients who underwent surgically treated femoral fractured patients under spinal anesthesia.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 110 elective surgically treated femoral fractured orthopedic patients from January to October 2021. Data were entered into epi-data 4.4.2 and imported into a statistical package of social science version 22 for analysis. Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to check the normality of the data and normally distributed data were analyzed using Student’s independent t-test, whereas non-normally distributed variables were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test. The comparisons of categorical parameters were analyzed using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Finally p-value < 0.05 was declared to be statistically significant.

RESULT: The median and interquartile range of the postoperative numerical rating scale at rest and on movement was significantly less in three-in-one-block (3IN1B) as compared with fascia-iliaca block (FICB). But at 30 min no significantly different between the two pain management modalities. Moreover, the meantime to seek the first request of analgesia was significantly prolonged in 3IN1B compared with FICB. Regarding the total analgesic consumption, the mean total tramadol consumption was 97. 27 ± 53. 07 and 180 ± 72.96 (p < 0.001) and Diclofenac 53.18 ± 29.28 and 72 ± 43.54 (p < 0. 001) in 3IN1 and FICB, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that three-in-one-block provides more effective analgesia, reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, and prolonged first analgesics requests compared with fascia iliaca block, and Landmark technique fascia-iliaca block (FICB) is an alternative pain management modality in a resource-limited setting.

PMID:35708850 | DOI:10.1007/s00590-022-03301-3

Psychiatr Q. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s11126-022-09984-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Peer telemental health recently became Medicaid reimbursable during the COVID-19 crisis, increasing the need for standardized training on digital peer support (DPS) services. DPS has the potential to reduce barriers to services and expand the reach of peer support specialists. The 4-h Digital Peer Support Training program was developed to train peer support specialists for rapid uptake in providing digital peer support during the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the 4-h DPS course for peer support specialists. Surveys were administered to examine pre-post changes in DPS course for participants (N = 75) related to attitudes/ beliefs towards DPS, ability to use/ engage in DPS, and organizational readiness to implement DPS. Data were analyzed by conducting paired samples t-tests. Linear mixed models were used to explore significant results further. Statistically significant (< .05) changes were observed related to readiness to use DPS, attitudes/ beliefs towards DPS, and ability to use/ engage in DPS. The 4-h DPS course may be beneficial in providing diverse groups of peer support specialists with a standardized training framework. Widespread dissemination of the DPS short course may be beneficial in rapidly equipping peer support specialists with the skills and resources needed to expand the reach of peer support services during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

PMID:35708827 | DOI:10.1007/s11126-022-09984-5

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s40520-022-02162-4. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:35708823 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-022-02162-4

Arch Sex Behav. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s10508-022-02321-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Behavioral economics and its applied branch “nudging” can improve individual choices in various health care settings. However, there is a paucity of research using nudges to improve regular testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study examined which reminder system and message type men who have sex with men (MSM) preferred to remind them to undergo regular 3-monthly HIV and STI testing. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia between 13 January and 5 March 2020, exploring the preferred method of reminder and framing of the message. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. A total of 309 responses were received. The majority of the participants (90%) preferred short messaging service (SMS) as the reminder method for HIV/STI testing compared to other types (e.g., email or instant messaging). More than a third of the participants (45%) showed a preference for a neutrally framed reminder message (Your next check-up is now due. Please phone for an appointment), while one-third (35%) preferred a personalized message (Hi [first name], you are due for your next check-up. Please phone for an appointment). Younger men were more likely to favor positive framed messages than older men who favored neutrally framed messages (p < .01). SMS was the preferred reminder method for regular HIV/STI testing. Reminder messages that were neutrally framed, personalized or positive framed messages were preferred over negative or social norm messages.

PMID:35708818 | DOI:10.1007/s10508-022-02321-8

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21348-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Good surface water quality is critical to human health and ecology. Land use determines the surface water heat and material balance, which cause climate change and affect water quality. There are many factors affecting water quality degradation, and the process of influence is complex. As rivers, lakes, and other water bodies are used as environmental receiving carriers, evaluating and quantifying how impacts occur between land use types and surface water quality is extremely important. Based on the summary of published studies, we can see that (1) land use for agricultural and construction has a negative impact on surface water quality, while woodland use has a certain degree of improvement on surface water quality; (2) statistical methods used in relevant research mainly include correlation analysis, regression analysis, redundancy analysis, etc. Different methods have their own advantages and limitations; (3) in recent years, remote sensing monitoring technology has developed rapidly, and has developed into an effective tool for comprehensive water quality assessment and management. However, the increase in spatial resolution of remote sensing data has been accompanied by a surge in data volume, which has caused difficulties in information interpretation and other aspects.

PMID:35708802 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-21348-x

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-21156-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

With the rising global concern over environment and energy issues, there are many scholars incorporating them into total factor productivity (TFP) analytical framework. This paper aims to outline the dynamic change trend and convergence characteristics of green total factor productivity (GTFP) of 14 sub-sectors in China’s service industry. This is of great significance to the coordinated development and green transformation of sub-sectors of China’s service industry. This paper commences to gauge and decompose GTFP of China’s service industry by cutting-edge epsilon-based measure (EBM) generalizing slacks-based measure (SBM) and radial measure as well as Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) productivity index, and to examine the existence of convergence hypothesis in China’s service industry. The core conclusions are as follows: (1) the average annual growth rate of GTFP in China’s service industry is 1.00%, and there exists heterogeneity for GTFP in different sub-sectors; (2) there are phenomena of σ-convergence, absolute β-convergence, and conditional β-convergence in GTFP of China’s overall service industry, producer service industry, and consumer-oriented service industry. The main policy suggestions include: increasing investment in green technology innovation of the service industry, formulating more effective industrial development planning and energy policies, and optimizing energy structure and industry structure of the service industry.

PMID:35708801 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-022-21156-3

JMIR Res Protoc. 2022 Jun 16;11(6):e39133. doi: 10.2196/39133.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: False messages on the internet continually propagate possible adverse effects of fluoridated oral care products and water, despite their essential role in preventing and controlling dental caries.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the patterns of psychophysiological reactions of adults after the consumption of internet-based fluoride-related information and disinformation.

METHODS: A 2-armed, single-blinded, parallel, and randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 58 parents or caregivers of children who attend the Clinics of Pediatric Dentistry at the Bauru School of Dentistry, considering an attrition of 10% and a significance level of 5%. The participants will be randomized into test and intervention groups, being respectively exposed to fluoride-related information and disinformation presented on a computer with simultaneous monitoring of their psychophysiological reactions, including analysis of their heart rates (HRs) and 7 facial features (mouth outer, mouth corner, eye area, eyebrow activity, face area, face motion, and facial center of mass). Then, participants will respond to questions about the utility and truthfulness of content, their emotional state after the experiment, eHealth literacy, oral health knowledge, and socioeconomic characteristics. The Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests will be used to determine the normality and homogeneity of the data, which could lead to further statistical analyses for elucidating significant differences between groups, using parametric (Student t test) or nonparametric (Mann-Whitney U test) analyses. Moreover, multiple logistic regression models will be developed to evaluate the association of distinct variables with the psychophysiological aspects. Only factors with significant Wald statistics in the simple analysis will be included in the multiple models (P<.2). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis will be performed to determine the accuracy of the remote HR with respect to the measured HR. For all analyses, P<.05 will be considered significant.

RESULTS: From June 2022, parents and caregivers who frequent the Clinics of Pediatric Dentistry at the Bauru School of Dentistry will be invited to participate in the study and will be randomized into 1 of the 2 groups (control or intervention). Data collection is expected to be completed in December 2023. Subsequently, the authors will analyze the data and publish the findings of the clinical trial by June 2024.

CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled trial aims to elucidate differences between psychophysiological patterns of adults exposed to true or false oral health content. This evidence may support the development of further studies and digital strategies, such as neural network models to automatically detect disinformation available on the internet.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-7q4ymr2) U1111-1263-8227; https://tinyurl.com/2kf73t3d.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/39133.

PMID:35708767 | DOI:10.2196/39133