The Effect of Light Therapy on Electroencephalographic Sleep in Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Light therapy is used to treat sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, yet there are limited studies on whether light therapy impacts electroencephalographic (EEG) activity during sleep. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview of research studies that examined the effects of light therapy on sleep macro- and micro-architecture in populations with sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. We searched for randomized controlled trials that used light therapy and included EEG sleep measures using MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Five articles met the inclusion criteria of patients with either insomnia or delayed sleep−wake phase disorder (DSWPD). These trials reported sleep macro-architecture outcomes using EEG or polysomnography. Three insomnia trials showed no effect of the timing or intensity of light therapy on total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and sleep stage duration compared to controls. Only one insomnia trial reported significantly higher sleep efficiency after evening light therapy (>4000 lx between 21:00−23:00 h) compared with afternoon light therapy (>4000 lx between 15:00−17:00 h). In the only DSWPD trial, six multiple sleep latency tests were conducted across the day (09:00 and 19:00 h) and bright light (2500 lx) significantly lengthened sleep latency in the morning (09:00 and 11:00 h) compared to control light (300 lx). None of the five trials reported any sleep micro-architecture measures. Overall, there was limited research about the effect of light therapy on EEG sleep measures, and studies were confined to patients with insomnia and DSWPD only. More research is needed to better understand whether lighting interventions in clinical populations affect sleep macro- and micro-architecture and objective sleep timing and quality.

Mindfulness, Mental Health and HIV Outcomes Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic and Tanzania.

We examined the relationship between mindfulness, mental health and HIV outcomes among female sex workers (FSW) from the Dominican Republic (DR) (n = 201) and Tanzania (n = 208) using cross-sectional survey and biologic data. We employed stratified multivariate linear and logistic regression. Depression was associated with lower odds of ART adherence in the DR (AOR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.78) and of viral suppression in Tanzania (AOR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24-0.97). In both countries, mindfulness was associated with lower odds of moderate to severe depression (AOR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76-0.88 for the DR; AOR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95 for Tanzania). In the DR, mindfulness was associated with lower odds of anxiety (AOR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.89), lower HIV stigma (ß = - 0.28 per unit change, 95% CI: - 0.37 to - 0.19) and greater odds of viral suppression (AOR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.15). Findings demonstrate the potential of tailored mindfulness interventions to improve mental health and HIV outcomes among FSW.

RESUMEN: Examinamos la relación entre la atención plena, la salud mental y los resultados del VIH entre las trabajadoras sexuales (TRSX) de la República Dominicana (RD) (n = 201) y Tanzania (n = 208) utilizando una encuesta transversal y datos biológicos. Empleamos regresión lineal multivariada estratificada y regresión logística. La depresión se asoció con menores probabilidades de adherencia al terapia antiretroviral (TAR) en la República Dominicana (AOR 0.25, IC del 95%: 0.08­0.78) y de supresión viral en Tanzania (AOR 0.49, IC del 95%: 0.24­0.97). En ambos países, la atención plena se asoció con menores probabilidades de depresión moderada a grave (AOR 0.82, IC del 95%: 0.76­0.88 para la República Dominicana; AOR 0.85, IC del 95%: 0.77­0.95 para Tanzania). En la República Dominicana, la atención plena se asoció con menores probabilidades de ansiedad (AOR 0.83, IC del 95%: 0.77­0.89), menor estigma del VIH (ß = − 0.28 por unidad de cambio, IC del 95%: − 0.37 to − 0.19) y mayores probabilidades de supresión viral (AOR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02­1.15). Los hallazgos demuestran el potencial de las intervenciones de atención plena para mejorar la salud mental y los resultados del VIH entre las TRSX.

Complementary and alternative medicine beliefs in type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

Complementary medicine (CM) treatment beliefs of people with type 2 diabetes were assessed using a validated three-domain questionnaire. Belief in holistic health, but not natural treatments or participation in treatment, was independently associated with CM use (P = 0.003). Strong holistic health beliefs could identify present/future CM use, with potential management implications.

Complementary medicine use and its cost in Australians with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined complementary medicine (CM) use in diabetes. Australian data are inconsistent, limited in scope and have not considered cost. AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence, associates and costs of CM in a contemporary Australian urban, community-based cohort of people with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Baseline CM use was determined as part of a detailed assessment in 1543 of 1551 Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II (FDS2) participants with type 2 diabetes (mean age 65.7 years, 51.8% males, median diabetes duration 9.0 years) recruited to the FDS2 between 2008 and 2011 who self-reported medication use including CM defined as non-prescription medicinal products. RESULTS: A total of 672 FDS2 type 2 participants (43.6%) used at least one type of CM, 92% of which were nutritional supplements (omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil in 24% of CM users followed by calcium in 11%, glucosamine in 10% and others in <10%). Independent associates of CM use included older age, female sex, any mobility problem, and, inversely, Southern European or Indigenous Australian background, lack of English fluency, ex/current smoking status, taking oral glucose-lowering medications and higher HbA1c . The total annual estimated cost of CM used by FDS2 participants with type 2 diabetes was A$121 640 or A$79 ± 208 per person (range A$0-2993). Extrapolating these data, the 1 million Australians with type 2 diabetes spend A$79 million/year on CM. CONCLUSIONS: CM use in type 2 diabetes is both common and costly. Healthcare professionals should consider discussing safe and cost-effective use of CM with their patients with type 2 diabetes.

Multi-level factors affecting entry into and engagement in the HIV continuum of care in Iringa, Tanzania.

Progression through the HIV continuum of care, from HIV testing to lifelong retention in antiretroviral therapy (ART) care and treatment programs, is critical to the success of HIV treatment and prevention efforts. However, significant losses occur at each stage of the continuum and little is known about contextual factors contributing to disengagement at these stages. This study sought to explore multi-level barriers and facilitators influencing entry into and engagement in the continuum of care in Iringa, Tanzania. We used a mixed-methods study design including facility-based assessments and interviews with providers and clients of HIV testing and treatment services; interviews, focus group discussions and observations with community-based providers and clients of HIV care and support services; and longitudinal interviews with men and women living with HIV to understand their trajectories in care. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis to identify key themes across levels and stages in the continuum of care. Participants identified multiple compounding barriers to progression through the continuum of care at the individual, facility, community and structural levels. Key barriers included the reluctance to engage in HIV services while healthy, rigid clinic policies, disrespectful treatment from service providers, stock-outs of supplies, stigma and discrimination, alternate healing systems, distance to health facilities and poverty. Social support from family, friends or support groups, home-based care providers, income generating opportunities and community mobilization activities facilitated engagement throughout the HIV continuum. Findings highlight the complex, multi-dimensional dynamics that individuals experience throughout the continuum of care and underscore the importance of a holistic and multi-level perspective to understand this process. Addressing barriers at each level is important to promoting increased engagement throughout the continuum.

Treating postpartum depression and anxiety naturally.

Postpartum depression and or perinatal mood disorders are complex phenomena with numerous interrelated factors. Approximately 13% of women experience some degree of depression following childbirth. Mental health professionals have described postpartum depression as encompassing a variety of syndromes and as ranging from mild depression and anxiety to more severe forms of emotional disorders. Evidence is accumulating that postpartum depression/perinatal mood disorders may adversely affect the mother-child relationship, and that it may also have long-term effects on the child if the mother does not receive treatment. Postpartum depression and anxiety disorders can have devastating effects on the mother, her baby, and the entire family. Frontline management typically includes medication, therapy, and social support. However, many women feel conflicted about using psychotropic medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding and are interested in learning about alternative therapies. If a pregnant or breastfeeding mother is prescribed psychiatric medications, she may not follow the prescription and may also be afraid to tell her provider. Women may refuse medications, even after weighing the pros and cons and safety issues with health care providers. For mild to moderate depression and anxiety, nonpharmacological choices need to be available for these women to provide them with alternative options and to encourage adherence to treatment.

Frequent dose interruptions are required for patients receiving oral kinase inhibitor therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Recent advances for patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been shown to improve progression-free survival with both response rates and disease stabilizing activity. Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, and sunitinib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor-r and platelet-derived growth factor-r, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 2005/2006. This retrospective analysis of patients treated with both aforementioned kinase inhibitors for advanced RCC presents data related to their antitumor effects as well as safety profile with particular attention to dose interruption and modification requirements. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with RCC either with advanced disease at initial presentation or after first-line therapy, who received either continuous sorafenib 400 mg bid or sunitinib 50 mg Qday for 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off until disease progression or untoward drug reaction. Tumor response was evaluated by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria, and adverse events were graded by National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria. RESULTS: From December 2005 to May 2008, 34 patients were followed. Twenty-two patients received sorafenib first line, 10 received sunitinib first line, and 2 patients received sorafenib as third-line therapy. Twenty-nine were evaluable for response rates. There were 10 patients (34%) who had stabilization of disease, 8 patients (28%) who had a partial response, and 11 patients (38%) who had progression of disease. The progression-free survival median was 8 months. Of the 34 patients evaluable for toxicities, grade 3 or 4 adverse event occurred in 19 patients (56%). These patients required either dose modifications and/or treatment interruptions within an average of the first 2 weeks of treatment. Eight patients (24%) required drug discontinuation. Eleven patients (32%) required dose reductions, but were able to resume the targeted dose after slow dose escalation. Three patients (9%) remain dose reduced for greater than 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Sorafenib and sunitinib have extended patients' disease-free survival by several months; however, the initial grade 3 or 4 adverse event presented in the literature appear to have been under-reported. Our experience suggests that the first 4 weeks of treatment is the most likely timeframe within which drug reactions occur. Therefore, careful monitoring and possibly additional clinical visits are warranted during this time period. Although a significant percentage of patients require dose modification, many can be restarted and titrated up to the targeted dose.

Prospective comparison of patient experience with colon imaging tests.

PURPOSE: Patient experience varies with the currently available colon imaging tests, including air contrast barium enema, computed tomographic colonography, and colonoscopy. We examined differences in patient experience with colon imaging tests and whether they varied with gender, age, and race. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with fecal occult blood, hematochezia, iron-deficiency anemia, or a family history of colon cancer underwent air contrast barium enema followed 7 to 14 days later by computed tomographic colonography and colonoscopy. Validated patient experience questionnaires that measured the experience for each test and a separate questionnaire that obtained an overall summary measure were administered after testing. Eleven patient experiences including pain, embarrassment, difficulty with bowel preparation, and satisfaction with tests were examined. RESULTS: A total of 614 subjects completed all 3 imaging tests. The test most patients were willing to repeat was colonoscopy; it also was reported to be the least painful procedure. Patients were least satisfied with air contrast barium enema, and fewer would undergo air contrast barium enema compared with computed tomographic colonography or colonoscopy. There were limited racial and gender differences in perceptions of the tests. Younger adults perceived air contrast barium enema to be more painful than older adults. CONCLUSION: Taking into account a wide variety of patient experience measures, patients preferred colonoscopy to air contrast barium enema and computed tomographic colonography. This finding has important implications for physicians considering different colon imaging tests.

Prediction of anti-plasmodial activity of Artemisia annua extracts: application of 1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

We describe the application of 1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics to the analysis of extracts of Artemisia annua. This approach allowed the discrimination of samples from different sources, and to classify them according to anti-plasmodial activity without prior knowledge of this activity. The use of partial least squares analysis allowed the prediction of actual values for anti-plasmodial activities for independent samples not used in producing the models. The models were constructed using approximately 70% of the samples, with 30% used as a validation set for which predictions were made. Models generally explained >90% of the variance, R(2) in the model, and had a predictive ability, Q(2) of >0.8. This approach was also able to correlate 1H NMR spectra with cytotoxicity (R2=0.9, Q2=0.8). This work demonstrates the potential of NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics for the development of predictive models of anti-plasmodial activity.

Clinical significance of performing immunohistochemistry on cases with a previous diagnosis of cancer coming to a national comprehensive cancer center for treatment or second opinion.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important adjunctive test in diagnostic surgical pathology. We studied the clinical significance and outcomes in performing IHC on cases with a previous diagnosis of cancer who are coming to the Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), a National Cancer Institute designated National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCC), for treatment and/or second opinion. We reviewed all the outside surgical pathology slide review cases seen at the FCCC for 1998 and 1999 in which IHC was performed. Cases were divided into the following: confirmation of outside diagnoses without and with prior IHC performed by the outside institution (groups A and B, respectively) and cases with a significant change in diagnosis without and with prior IHC performed by the outside institution (groups C and D, respectively). During 1998 and 1999, 6678 slide review cases were reviewed at the FCCC with an overall significant change in diagnosis in 213 cases (3.2%). IHC was performed on 186 of 6678 (2.7%) slide review cases with confirmation of the outside diagnosis in 152 (81.7%) cases and a significant change in diagnosis in 34 (18.3%) cases. Patient follow-up was obtained in 32 of 34 (94.1%) cases with a significant change in diagnosis (groups C and D), which confirmed the correctness of our diagnosis in 26 of 27 cases (96%; in five cases follow-up was inconclusive). We repeated the identical antibodies performed by the outside institutions in group D (37 antibodies) and group B (133 antibodies) with different results in 48.6% and 13.5%, respectively (overall nonconcordance 21.2%). In group D additional antibody tests beyond that performed by the outside institution were needed in 88.8% of cases to make a change of diagnosis. In the setting of a NCCC, reperforming and/or performing IHC on cases with a previous diagnosis of cancer is not a duplication of effort or misuse of resources. Repeating and/or performing IHC in this setting is important in the care and management of patients with cancer.