Tag: pubmed

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2021 Nov 15;228:112986. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112986. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationships among N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) exposure, cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2031920, rs3813867, rs6413432), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) SNP rs58542926 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: Baseline data were collected from participants who were then followed for 5 years in a prospective cohort study. The cohort initially consisted of 802 workers and ultimately included 660 people, all of whom underwent annual occupational health examinations from 2010 to 2015.

RESULTS: The above-threshold group (≥7.3 mg/m³ adjusted relative risk (RR)= 3.620, 95%CI 2.072-6.325) was significantly more likely to develop NAFLD than the below-threshold group (<7.3 mg/m³). The TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 CT (adjusted RR=3.921, 95% CI 2.329-6.600, P = 0.000) and CT+TT (adjusted RR=4.385, 95% CI 2.639-7.287, P = 0.000) genotypes were risk factors for NAFLD, as compared with the TM6SF2 rs58542926 CC genotype. Each dose group (below-threshold group and above-threshold group) interacting with the genotype of TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 had an adjusted RR from 7.764 (95% CI 3.272-18.420, P = 0.000) to 24.022 (95% CI 8.971-64.328, P = 0.000). The T allele of rs58542926 in the TM6SF2 gene may be a risk factor for susceptibility to DMF-induced NAFLD.

CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of TM6SF2 SNP rs58542926 may play an important role in susceptibility to NAFLD after exposure to DMF.

PMID:34794021 | DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112986

Contemp Clin Trials. 2021 Nov 15:106625. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106625. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MOTIVATION: Platform designs – master protocols that allow for new treatment arms to be added over time – have gained considerable attention in recent years. Between 2001 and 2019, 16 platform trials were initiated globally. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have provided a new motivation for these designs. We conducted a rapid review to quantify and describe platform trials used in COVID-19.

METHODS: We cross-referenced PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cytel COVID-19 Clinical Trials Tracker to identify platform trials, defined by their stated ability to add future arms.

RESULTS: We identified 58 COVID-19 platform trials globally registered between January 2020 and May 2021. According to trial registries, 16 trials have added new therapies (median 3, IQR 4) and 11 have dropped arms (median 3, IQR 2.5). About 50% of trials publicly share their protocol, and 31 trials (53%) intend to share trial data. Forty-nine trials (84%) explicitly report adaptive features, and 21 trials (36%) state Bayesian methods.

CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, there has been a surge in the number of platform trials compared to historical use. While transparency in statistical methods and clarity of data sharing policies needs improvement, platform trials appear particularly well-suited for rapid evidence generation. Trials secured funding quickly and many succeeded in adding new therapies in a short time period, thus demonstrating the potential for these trial designs to be implemented beyond the pandemic. The evidence gathered here may provide ample insight to further inform operational, statistical, and regulatory aspects of future platform trial conduct.

PMID:34793985 | DOI:10.1016/j.cct.2021.106625

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2021 Nov 15:159082. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159082. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lung cancer represents one of the leading worldwide causes of cancer death, but the pathobiochemistry of this disease is still not fully understood. Here we characterize the lipidomic and metabolomic profiles of the tumor and surrounding normal tissues for 23 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In total, 500 molecular species were identified and quantified by a combination of the lipidomic shotgun tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis and the targeted metabolomic approach using liquid chromatography (LC) – MS/MS. The statistical evaluation includes multivariate and univariate methods with the emphasis on paired statistical approaches. Our research revealed significant changes in several biochemical pathways related to the central carbon metabolism, acylcarnitines, dipeptides as well as the disruption in the lipid metabolism observed mainly for glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesteryl esters.

PMID:34793969 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159082

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2021 Nov 15:S0885-3924(21)00610-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.11.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Episodic breathlessness is characterized by increased breathlessness intensity, and it is burdensome for patients. A vicious cycle of breathlessness-anxiety/panic-breathlessness leads to emergencies that can rarely be alleviated by drugs. Non-pharmacological interventions seem to be beneficial: Can a brief cognitive and behavioral intervention help patients to better manage episodic breathlessness?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and potential effects of a brief cognitive and behavioral intervention for the management of episodic breathlessness.

METHODS: Between February 2019 and February 2020, 49 patients with life-limiting diseases suffering from episodic breathlessness were enrolled in the single-arm phase II study. The baseline assessment was followed by the 1- to 2-hour intervention. In weeks two, four, and six after the intervention, the outcomes (main outcome of potential effects: mastery of breathlessness) were assessed, and in week six, a qualitative interview, and the final assessment took place. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate mainly the feasibility, including interviewing informal carers.

RESULTS: 46/49 patients (24 female; 36 with COPD; mean age: 66.0 years) participated in the baseline assessment, 38 attended the intervention, 32 completed the final assessment, and 22 were interviewed. Study procedures and the intervention were feasible and mainly well accepted and patients did not experience burdens caused by it (28/32). In the interviews, patients described a positive change in their competencies in managing episodic breathlessness and feelings of anxiety during the episode. Mastery of breathlessness improved after the intervention.

CONCLUSION: The brief cognitive and behavioral intervention and the study procedures are feasible, safe, and well accepted. We can describe a change for better management of episodic breathlessness in patients after the intervention, still, this needs to be evaluated in a Phase III trial for inclusion in the management of episodic breathlessness.

KEY MESSAGE: The brief cognitive and behavioral intervention shows a positive change in the management of episodic breathlessness in patients with life-limiting diseases by reducing panic and anxiety in breathlessness episodes and promoting a feeling of competence in managing the episodes. It is safe, feasible, and acceptable.

PMID:34793948 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.11.003

P R Health Sci J. 2021 Sep;40(3):115-119.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of short root anomaly (SRA) in a group of Puerto Ricans at the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics of the University of Puerto Rico.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with digital panoramic x-rays of 203 patients (112 females and 91 males; mean age: 17 years) in Puerto Rico. Utilizing the modified Lind’s method, 406 maxillary right and left central incisors (1) were measured and evaluated for SRA. Root and crown length and R/C ratio were compared by sex and side. Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between the R/C ratio and age, sex, and side (right/left). All the statistical analyses were evaluated using significance level of .05 (2).

RESULTS: The prevalence of SRA was 0.49%. The average root and crown lengths for the maxillary right and left central incisors were 19.47 and 10.28 mm, respectively. Sex was associated with root and crown length, not with the R/C ratio. No differences were observed in the R/C ratio by the side. There were no significant associations between age, sex, and side and R/C ratio in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SRA in our population is lower than any reported in the literature. The R/C ratio in our Hispanic population was the highest compared with those of other ethnicities. Neither the sex nor the side of the incisor was associated with the R/C ratio. These findings are contrary to those of prior reports stating that males have higher R/C ratios than females.

PMID:34792924

P R Health Sci J. 2021 Sep;40(3):127-135.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, in pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia, the effect of an education and counseling program on healthy lifestyle behaviors, self-efficacy, and maternal/neonatal outcomes.

METHODS: This study had a randomized controlled trial design and was conducted with 132 pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia and attending an antenatal clinic for routine care. The intervention group received education and counseling focused on preventing preeclampsia and were given a preeclampsia booklet; the control group received standard prenatal care. The members of the 2 groups were seen 4 times during their pregnancies, and once after giving birth. Data were gathered with the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES), pregnant woman and fetal follow-up forms, and a postpartum data collection form. Permission from the ethics committee was obtained for the study.

RESULTS: Education and counseling about preeclampsia had a statistically significant effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors (P < .008). However, we found no statistically significant differences in the total SES scores (P > .0125), systolic and diastolic blood pressure averages, edema status, or feeling the baby move (P > .05). We found differences in terms of physical activity in the first and third follow-ups, and in terms of breathing exercises in the first, second, and third follow-ups (P < .05). Preeclampsia developed in 4 of the pregnant women (7.6%) in the control group but not at all in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION: A preeclampsia education and counseling program could help to develop healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia.

PMID:34792926

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2021 Aug;29(Special Issue):1388-1394. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1388-1394.

ABSTRACT

The article provides information that allows you to form an idea of the health status of children of different age groups living in Moscow. The sources of information were data on the population size, federal statistical observation form No. 12 «Information on the number of diseases registered in patients living in the service area of a medical organization» for the period from 2016 to 2020. The morbidity analysis was carried out by age groups 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 0-14, 15-17 years per 100,000 of the corresponding population.

PMID:34792894 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1388-1394

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2021 Aug;29(Special Issue):1287-1291. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1287-1291.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Liver cirrhosis is a major but preventable cause of health loss worldwide. The era of «big data» allows us to evaluate this nosology in a new format.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the registered population of patients with cirrhosis of the liver of cirrhosis of various etiology in Moscow. Moscow.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the data of the Moscow Department of Healthcare for the drug provision for the period from 2017 to 2019. Тhe population of patients with an established diagnosis of liver (other etiology) was characterized according to ICD-10 code K.74 (K74.0-74.6) according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems of the 10th revision.

RESULTS: Over a 4-year period, more than 2 thousand patients with established diagnosis of liver cirrhosis received preferential drug provision in Moscow. The largest part of the population of patients with liver cirrhosis receiving preferential drug provision in Moscow is represented by the patients of age groups 40-59 years old and 60-79 years old, the groups 30-39 years old and 80-99 years old were comparable annually. There was a decrease in the number of patients with liver cirrhosis in the age groups of 30-39 and 18-19 years compared with the base year (2017) by 37% and 57%, respectively. At the same time, in pediatric patients (from the neonatal period to 17 years), there was an intensive increase in patients from 52 to 550% compared to the baseline year (2017).

PMID:34792879 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1287-1291

Probl Sotsialnoi Gig Zdravookhranenniiai Istor Med. 2021 Aug;29(Special Issue):1338-1342. doi: 10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1338-1342.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to advances in science and medicine, the threshold age of a patient who can undergo open surgery on the valves of the heart or coronary arteries is increasing every year. Elderly patients constitute a special group in this regard.

AIM: Determine how elderly cardiac patients assess their health status and highlight the factors influencing it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of a survey of 107 patients who are in the Department of cardiac rehabilitation of the A. N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery in 2020-2021 after surgical or endovascular treatment of cardiac pathology. The survey is carried out by a cardiologist using a questionnaire that allows you to characterize the patient’s health status on the basis of self-esteem. Statistical data processing was carried out in Microsoft Office Excel 2003 and Statistica v. 6.0 programs.

RESULTS: The majority of respondents (63.6%) assessed their state of health as satisfactory. No correlation was found between the state of health and the level of education. On average, the patients had 3.7 ± 1.8 chronic diseases. Obesity was observed in 29.4% of men and 68.8% of women. The body mass index did not correlate with the self-reported health status of the respondents, but it did correlate with the number of accumulated diseases (r = 0.42, t-statistic = 2.58).

CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of elderly patients after cardiac surgery is progressing rapidly. In women, the recovery process is slower due to the greater number of associated pathologies. Old age is not a direct contraindication for cardiac surgery. When self-assessing their health status, elderly patients do not associate it with risk factors.

PMID:34792887 | DOI:10.32687/0869-866X-2021-29-s2-1338-1342

Top Cogn Sci. 2021 Nov 18. doi: 10.1111/tops.12580. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

My first 30-odd years of research in cognitive science has been driven by an attempt to balance two facts about human thought that seem incompatible and two corresponding ways of understanding information processing. The facts are that, on one hand, human memories serve as sophisticated pattern recognition devices with great flexibility and an ability to generalize and predict as long as circumstances remain sufficiently familiar. On the other hand, we are capable of deploying an enormous variety of representational schemes that map closely onto articulable structure in the world and that support explanation even in unfamiliar circumstances. The contrasting ways of modeling such processes involve, first, more and more sophisticated associative models that capture progressively higher-order statistical structure and, second, more powerful representational languages for other sorts of structure, especially compositional and causal structure. My efforts to rectify these forces have taken me from the study of memory to induction and category knowledge to causal reasoning. In the process, I have consistently appealed to dual systems of thinking. I have come to realize that a key reason for our success as cognizers is that we rely on others for most of our information processing needs; we live in a community of knowledge. We make use of others both intuitively-by outsourcing much of our thinking without knowing we are doing it-and by deliberating with others.

PMID:34792846 | DOI:10.1111/tops.12580