Tag: pubmed

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2021 Sep 16:1-7. doi: 10.1159/000519054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Frailty syndrome is characterized by a decline in physiological and psychological reserve and may be associated with poor health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The current study explored frailty and its correlates among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS: A secondary analysis of data collected from 109 community-dwelling older adults who are cognitively intact was conducted for the purpose of this study. The Arabic versions of the culturally adapted Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Short Form-36 Quality of Life (QOL) survey. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between frailty and depression.

RESULTS: The results indicated a high prevalence of frailty (78%) and depression (38%) among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults. Frailty was found to be associated with increased age, being single or illiterate, living alone, having a high number of comorbid conditions, having high rate of depression, and having poor QOL.

CONCLUSION: High prevalence of frailty is associated with high depression scores, a high number of comorbid conditions, and poor QOL among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults.

PMID:34569493 | DOI:10.1159/000519054

Dermatology. 2021 Sep 16:1-8. doi: 10.1159/000518625. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The fecal immunochemistry test (FIT) has been proposed as a surrogate marker of intestinal inflammation. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is linked to underlying systemic inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS: We investigated the association between occult blood in feces and the risk of psoriasis using data from the National Health Insurance System. This study was conducted involving 1,395,147 individuals who underwent health examinations from January 2009 to December 2012 and were followed up until the end of 2017.

RESULTS: The incidence of psoriasis (per 1,000 person-years) was 3.76 versus 4.14 (FIT-negative versus FIT-positive group) during a median follow-up of 6.68 years. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the hazard ratios for psoriasis were 1.03 for one positive FIT result, 1.12 for two positive FIT results, and 1.34 for three positive FIT results compared with negative FIT results.

CONCLUSION: The risk of psoriasis was significantly increased in patients with positive FIT results compared to the FIT-negative population.

PMID:34569483 | DOI:10.1159/000518625

Ann Ital Chir. 2021 Sep 14;10:S0003469X21036289. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic surgery is a widely used surgical technique, whose benefits either for patients or for surgeons are well-recognized. Despite the rise in the use of this technique, the ergonomics of the operating room is still very low. The consequence is that injuries and illness related to laparoscopic surgery are present. The aims of this study are to investigate how an increase in the surgeon’ perception of the fatigue during the execution of the intervention influences the surgeon’ health, and to evaluate if there is a correlation between the increase in fatigue and the operating field dimension.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The observation was conducted on a single laparoscopist working at our Institution and the Borg CR 0-10 scale was used to perform this study. Two groups of 20 surgical procedures each were analysed. Group A included laparoscopic procedures whose operating field comprehended only one abdominal quadrant. Group B included laparoscopic procedures where at least two abdominal quadrants were involved in the operative field.

RESULTS: The results from both groups were statistically compared. There was a significant correlation between the increase in perception of the exertion and duration of the intervention in both groups and a significant difference in term of Borg scale value, which was higher in group B where the laparoscopic surgery was performed on more than one quadrant of the abdomen.

CONCLUSION: We suggest an important improvement in the ergonomic aspects, especially in more complex laparoscopic procedures that require longer operating time and include more than one abdominal quadrant.

KEY WORDS: Ergonomics, Laparoscopic surgery, Operating theatre.

PMID:34569477

Cranio. 2021 Sep 26:1-8. doi: 10.1080/08869634.2021.1982496. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence/severity of somatic and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms in Southeast Asian youths and determine their associations with psychological distress.

METHODS: Demographic information, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) responses were gathered electronically and analyzed using non-parametric statistical and logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Of 400 youths (mean age 18.7 ± 1.7 years; 52.3% females), 65.0%/47.0% reported somatic/TMD symptoms, and 10.5% had TMDs. Significant differences in psychological distress were observed among the varying severity of somatic/TMD symptoms. Correlations between PHQ-15/FAI and DASS-21 scores were weak to moderately strong (r_s = 0.30-0.61). Stepwise logistic regression indicated that female gender, TMD symptoms, and stress were risk factors for somatic symptoms, while somatic symptoms and stress were probable factors for TMDs.

CONCLUSION: Somatic and TMD symptoms are common in Southeast Asian youths and may be a manifestation of psychological distress.

PMID:34569454 | DOI:10.1080/08869634.2021.1982496

JMIR Form Res. 2021 Sep 26. doi: 10.2196/31064. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence suggesting that the emotional wellbeing of the general public has been negatively affected within the past year. Consequently, there has been an increase in demand for wellbeing support. Whilst there is substantial empirical support for mental health apps that target diagnosed conditions, there is less research on emotional wellbeing apps. Amongst existing wellbeing apps, few studies have been conducted on apps that are based on lived experience and those that seek to enhance user’s understanding of their emotional patterns. Thus, the acceptability of these novel apps will require further evaluation before upscaling.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this evaluation is to describe the acceptability, engagement, and preliminary outcomes of using an app (Paradym) designed to promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health.

METHODS: This is a pre- and post -mixed methods single-arm evaluation, aggregate with digital analytics data. We anonymously collected real world data on demographics, wellbeing, usability and acceptance of the app using validated questionnaires and open-ended questions. Participants tested the app for a minimum of 2 weeks before completing follow up measures. Google Analytics was used to record levels of app engagement. Chi Square and t-tests were conducted to analyze quantitative data, and a thematic analysis approach was adopted for qualitative data.

RESULTS: A total of 115 participants completed baseline questionnaires, of which 91 (79.13%) users downloaded the app. The sample was diverse in terms of ethnicity, including 50 (43.5%) people self-identifying as belonging to minority ethnic groups. The majority of the sample were females (78, 67.24%) and between the ages 18-25 (39, 33.62%). Thirty-four app users who completed questionnaires at baseline and follow-up provided valuable feedback to inform future directions of Paradym. Favorable themes emerged describing the app’s content, functionality and underlying principles. Although usability feedback varied across items, a considerable number of participants (22, 64.7%) found that the app was easy to use. Google Analytics revealed that at least 27 (80%) persons used the app on a daily basis. Based on preliminary observations, app users experienced increased mental wellbeing. Post hoc analyses indicated that the reduction in depression scores (t33 = -2.16) and the increase on the wellbeing measures (t33 = 2.87) were statistically significant. No adverse events were reported during the evaluation period.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this evaluation are encouraging and document positive preliminary evidence for the Paradym app.

PMID:34569466 | DOI:10.2196/31064

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Sep 27:1-5. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1945010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Serum Netrin-1 and Urinary KIM-1 (Kidney Injury Molecule-1) levels are associated with the detection of preeclampsia. A total of 90 patients, including 36 normal pregnant women, 29 patients with nonsevere preeclampsia and 25 patients with severe preeclampsia, were included in this study. Maternal serum Netrin-1 and Urinary KIM-1 levels were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the Levels of Netrin-1 and KIM-1 were statistically higher in women with preeclampsia as compared with normal pregnant women. Furthermore, the Netrin-1 level in women with severe preeclampsia was significantly higher than nonsevere preeclamptic women. inconclusion the current study showed that Maternal serum level of Netrin-1 and Urinary level of KIM-1 can be used as early biomarkers for the detection of preeclampsia.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Preeclampsia is a disorder of widespread vascular endothelial malfunction and vasospasm that occurs after 20 weeks’ gestation. Netrin-1 was found to promote angiogenesis. Alteration of placental angiogenesis in early pregnancy is a well-known reason for placental dysfunction such as preeclampsia. Kidney injury with proteinuria is a characteristic feature of preeclampsia. Urine KIM-1 is the most potential biomarker for renal injury in preeclampsia. Due to these facts, we aimed to investigate the role of maternal serum Netrin-1 and Urine KIM-1 levels in preeclampsia presence and severity.What the results of this study add? A significant relationship between Netrin-1 and KIM-1 levels with preeclampsia.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Based on these findings, we concluded that increased levels of Netrin-1 and KIM-1 are associated with severe preeclampsia.

PMID:34569430 | DOI:10.1080/01443615.2021.1945010

Glob Public Health. 2021 Sep 26:1-13. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1983000. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Third-party disclosure by participants is inherent to much global health research. It presents ethical tensions with respecting the autonomy and privacy of non-consenting individuals whose data are disclosed but is neglected in ethics guidelines. Our aim was to describe and ethically reflect on, third party disclosure in a community-participatory demographic and health survey (DHS) implemented within participatory health research (PHR) about community-based care of children affected by AIDS in Eswatini. We collected DHS data and analysed it statistically. We studied the PHR process and outcomes ethnographically and analysed the data interpretively, using theories that conceptualise secrecy as relational and power-laden. We found that third parties’ data were disclosed by DHS respondents (typically women), including data about health conditions, abuse perpetration and being a caregiving burden. Ethnographic findings suggested that some third parties may not have consented to us collecting their data. However, respecting third parties’ autonomy and privacy presents ethical tensions related to silencing survey respondents and impairing knowledge creation. To minimise the ethical tensions surrounding third-party disclosure researchers can analyse risks, benefits and power dynamics and extend their ethical responsibilities to protect participants to also protect non-participants, and from data collection to also include reporting.

PMID:34569431 | DOI:10.1080/17441692.2021.1983000

Int Cancer Conf J. 2021 Jul 19;10(4):266-273. doi: 10.1007/s13691-021-00502-1. eCollection 2021 Oct.

ABSTRACT

Since colorectal metastases from primary lung cancer are rare, the location of metastatic lesion and prognostic factors have not been well evaluated. Therefore, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of Japanese patients with colorectal metastasis from lung cancer. We searched the Ichushi-Web database from January 1964 to December 2020. We found 59 colorectal metastases in 52 cases for this meta-analysis. Small cell carcinoma was shown to have significantly more metastases to the appendix than non-small cell carcinoma. However, there was no significant correlation between location and histology when classified into right and left colons (P = 0.247). The median overall survival after diagnosis was 6 months. Univariate analysis showed that adenocarcinoma (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.383, P = 0.024), simultaneous metastasis (HR 0.325, P = 0.046), and chemotherapy group (HR 0.482, P = 0.044) were good prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis confirmed that chemotherapy (HR 0.38, P = 0.02) was an independent good prognostic factor for overall survival. In conclusion, although there was no statistical difference, right colon metastases were more frequent than left colon metastases. Chemotherapy may be effective for colorectal metastases from lung cancer.

PMID:34567936 | PMC:PMC8421478 | DOI:10.1007/s13691-021-00502-1

J Bone Oncol. 2021 Sep 2;30:100388. doi: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100388. eCollection 2021 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We present the 2-year results of a randomised trial comparing 4- versus 12-weekly bone-targeting agents (BTAs) in patients with bone metastases from breast or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with bone metastases from breast or CRPC, who were going to start or were already receiving BTAs, were randomised to 4- or 12-weekly BTA treatment for 2 years. The endpoints were: symptomatic skeletal events (SSE) rates, time to SSEs, toxicity and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS: Of 263 patients (160 breast cancer, 103 CRPC), 133 (50.6%) and 130 (49.4%) were randomised to the 4- and 12-weekly groups, respectively. BTAs included denosumab (56.3%), zoledronate (24.0%) and pamidronate (19.8%). After 2 years, the cumulative incidence rate (95% CI) of SSEs was 32.7% (24.6% to 41.1%) and 28.1% (20.3% to 36.4%) for the 4- and 12-weekly intervention groups respectively. The hazard ratio for time to first SSE was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.63 to 1.47). However, in a post hoc analysis, those patients who had an on-study SSE, there was a small non-statistical increased risk of subsequent SSEs among patients on the 12-weekly dosing arm (HR = 1.14; 95% CI – 0.90-1.44). BTA-related toxicity rates were similar between study arms. A cost-utility analysis showed that 12-weekly BTA is cost-effective from a public payer’s perspective.

CONCLUSION: These results in addition to those previously reported for de-escalating zoledronate, would support that de-escalation of commonly used BTAs is a reasonable and economically valid treatment option. While not statistically significant, the increase in subsequent SSEs in the 12-weekly arm requires further exploration.

PMID:34567960 | PMC:PMC8449269 | DOI:10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100388

Diabetol Int. 2021 Feb 16;12(4):389-398. doi: 10.1007/s13340-021-00494-6. eCollection 2021 Oct.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a major cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in patients with T2DM. In the present study, we examined the anti-cancer effect of the Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, canagliflozin, using a lung cancer model. In lung cancer tissues from non-T2DM human subjects, SGLT2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. SGLT2 mRNA and protein were also detected in A549, H1975 and H520 lung cancer cell lines by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Canagliflozin at 1-50 µM significantly suppressed the growth of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In BrdU assays, canagliflozin attenuated the proliferation of A549 cells, but did not induce apoptosis. In cell cycle analysis, S phase entry was attenuated by canagliflozin in A549 cells. In in vivo experiments, a xenograft model of athymic mice implanted with A549 lung cancer cells was treated with low and high dose oral canagliflozin. Despite the results of the in vitro experiments, tumor weight was not decreased by canagliflozin. In addition, the serum insulin level, but not body weight or blood glucose level, was decreased by canagliflozin. The number of cells positive for Ki67 was slightly decreased by canagliflozin, but this was not statistically significant. In conclusion, SGLT2 is expressed in human lung cancer tissue and cell lines, and the SGLT2 inhibitor, canagliflozin, attenuated proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells by inhibiting cell cycle progression in vitro but not in vivo.

PMID:34567921 | PMC:PMC8413406 | DOI:10.1007/s13340-021-00494-6