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1.
AIDS Behav ; 2024 Apr 25.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38662279

RESUMEN

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated barriers to care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). The quick uptake of telemedicine in the outpatient setting provided promise for care continuity. In this study, we compared appointment and laboratory no-show rates in an urban outpatient HIV clinic during three time periods: (1) Pre-COVID-19: 9/15/2019-3/14/2020 (predominately in-person), (2) "Early" COVID-19: 3/15/2020-9/14/2020 (predominately telemedicine), and (3) "Later" COVID-19: 9/15/2020-3/14/2021 (mixed in-person/telemedicine). Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the two study hypotheses: (i) equivalence of Period 2 with Period 1 and of Period 3 with Period 1 and (ii) improved outcomes with telemedicine over in-person visits. No-show rates were 1% in Period 1, 4% in Period 2, and 18% in Period 3. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, individuals had a higher rate of appointment no-shows during Period 2 [OR (90% CI): 7.67 (2.68, 21.93)] and 3 [OR (90% CI): 30.91 (12.83 to 75.06). During the total study period, those with telemedicine appointments were less likely to no-show than those with in-person appointments [OR (95% CI): 0.36 (0.16-0.80), p = 0.012]. There was no statistical difference between telemedicine and in-person appointments for laboratory completion rates. Our study failed to prove that no-show rates before and during the pandemic were similar; in fact, no-show rates were higher during both the early and later pandemic. Overall, telemedicine was associated with lower no-show rates compared to in-person appointments. In future pandemics, telemedicine may be a valuable component to maintain care in PLWH.

4.
Prev Med ; 159: 107069, 2022 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35469777

RESUMEN

Current guidelines recommend annual lung cancer screening (LCS), but rates are low. The current study evaluated strategies to increase LCS. This study was a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of patient outreach and shared decision making (SDM) about LCS among patients in four primary care practices. Patients 50 to 80 years of age and at high risk for lung cancer were randomized to Outreach Contact plus Decision Counseling (OC-DC, n = 314), Outreach Contact alone (OC, n = 314), or usual care (UC, n = 1748). LCS was significantly higher in the combined OC/OC-DC group versus UC controls (5.5% vs. 1.8%; hazard ratio, HR = 3.28; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.98 to 5.41; p = 0.001). LCS was higher in the OC-DC group than in the OC group, although not significantly so (7% vs. 4%, respectively; HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.86 to 3.55; p = 0.123). LCS referral/scheduling was also significantly higher in the OC/OC-DC group compared to controls (11% v. 5%; odds ratio, OR = 2.02; p = 0.001). We observed a similar trend for appointment keeping, but the effect was not statistically significant (86% v. 76%; OR = 1.93; p = 0.351). Outreach contacts significantly increased LCS among primary care patients. Research is needed to assess the additional value of SDM on screening uptake.


Asunto(s)
Detección Precoz del Cáncer , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Toma de Decisiones Conjunta , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/prevención & control , Tamizaje Masivo , Atención Primaria de Salud
5.
Life (Basel) ; 12(3)2022 Mar 19.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35330204

RESUMEN

Despite the widespread availability of effective vaccines, new cases of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remain a concern in the settings of vaccine hesitancy and vaccine breakthrough. In this randomized, controlled, phase 2 trial, we hypothesized that high-dose ascorbic acid delivered intravenously to achieve pharmacologic concentrations may target the high viral phase of COVID-19 and thus improve early clinical outcomes. Sixty-six patients admitted with COVID-19 and requiring supplemental oxygen were randomized to receive either escalating doses of intravenous ascorbic acid plus standard of care or standard of care alone. The demographic and clinical characteristics were well-balanced between the two study arms. The primary outcome evaluated in this study was clinical improvement at 72 h after randomization. While the primary outcome was not achieved, point estimates for the composite outcome and its individual components of decreased use of supplemental oxygen, decreased use of bronchodilators, and the time to discharge were all favorable for the treatment arm. Possible favorable effects of ascorbic acid were most apparent during the first 72 h of hospitalization, although these effects disappeared over the course of the entire hospitalization. Future larger trials of intravenous ascorbic acid should be based on our current understanding of COVID-19 with a focus on the potential early benefits of ascorbic in hospitalized patients.

7.
Prev Med ; 133: 106022, 2020 Feb 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32045616

RESUMEN

This study investigated predictors of overall and test-specific colorectal cancer screening (CRCS). Stool blood test (SBT) and/or colonoscopy screening were offered to primary care patients in two randomized controlled trials which assessed the impact of behavioral interventions on screening. Data were obtained through surveys and electronic medical records. Among 1942 participants, 646 (33%) screened. Exposure to interventions was associated with higher overall CRCS by twofold to threefold; older age, African American race, being married, and having a higher screening decision stage were also associated with higher overall CRCS (odds ratios = 1.30, 1.31, 1.34, and 5.59, respectively). Intervention, older age, female gender, and being married were associated with higher SBT adherence, while preference for colonoscopy was associated with lower SBT adherence. Intervention and higher decision stage were associated with higher colonoscopy adherence, while preference for SBT was associated with lower colonoscopy adherence. Among older individuals, African Americans had higher overall CRCS than whites, but this was not true among younger individuals (interaction p = .041). The higher screening adherence of African Americans over whites was due to stronger screening with a non-preferred test, i.e., higher SBT adherence only among individuals who preferred colonoscopy and higher colonoscopy adherence only among individuals who preferred SBT. Intervention exposure, sociodemographic background, and screening decision stage predicted overall CRCS adherence. Gender and test preference also affected test-specific screening adherence. Interactions involving race and test preference suggest that it is important to provide both colonoscopy and SBT screening options to patients, particularly African Americans.

8.
Radiother Oncol ; 132: 135-141, 2019 03.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30825962

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We conducted a phase I trial of alisertib, an oral aurora kinase inhibitor, with fractionated stereotactic re-irradiation therapy (FSRT) for patients with recurrent high grade glioma (HGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients with recurrent HGG were enrolled from Feb 2015 to Feb 2017. Patients were treated with concurrent FSRT and alisertib followed by maintenance alisertib. Concurrent alisertib dose was escalated from 20 mg to 50 mg twice daily (BID). RESULTS: 17 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 11 months. Median FSRT dose was 35 Gy. There were 6, 6, 3, and 2 patients enrolled in 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 50 mg cohort, respectively. Only one DLT was observed. One patient in the 20 mg cohort had severe headache (Grade 3) resolved with steroids. There was no non-hematological grade 3 or higher toxicity. There were two Grade 4 late toxicities (one with grade 4 neutropenia and leukopenia, one with pulmonary embolism). One patient developed radiation necrosis (Grade 3). Sixteen patients finished concurrent treatment and received maintenance therapy (median cycles was 3, range 1-9). OS for all cohorts at 6 months was 88.2% with median survival time of 11.1 months. PFS at 6 months was 35.3% with median time to progression of 4.9 months. The trial stopped early due to closure of alisertib program with only 2 of 3 planned patients enrolled in the 50 mg cohort. CONCLUSION: Re-irradiation with FSRT combined with alisertib is safe and well tolerated for HGG with doses up to 40 mg BID. Although no DLT observed in the 50 mg cohort, this cohort was not fully enrolled and MTD was not reached. Clinical outcomes appear comparable to historical results. (NCT02186509).


Asunto(s)
Azepinas/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Glioma/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioma/radioterapia , Pirimidinas/uso terapéutico , Radiocirugia/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Quimioradioterapia , Estudios de Cohortes , Femenino , Glioma/patología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/patología , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas/uso terapéutico , Reirradiación , Resultado del Tratamiento
9.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev ; 28(2): 384-391, 2019 02.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30333221

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Effective strategies are needed to raise colorectal cancer screening rates among Hispanics. METHODS: We surveyed and randomized 400 Hispanic primary care patients either to a Decision Support and Navigation Intervention (DSNI) Group (n = 197) or a Standard Intervention (SI) Group (n = 203). Both groups received a colorectal cancer screening kit [bilingual informational booklet, fecal immunochemical stool blood test (SBT), and colonoscopy screening instructions]. The DSNI Group received a telephone contact from a patient navigator. The navigator clarified screening test preference and likelihood of test performance, helped to develop a screening plan, and provided guidance through test performance. An endpoint telephone survey and medical chart review were completed. Multivariable analyses were conducted to assess 12-month screening adherence, change in decision stage, and knowledge and perceptions. RESULTS: Screening adherence was significantly higher in the DSNI Group than the SI Group [OR, 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.1-7.6]. The DSNI Group, compared with the SI Group, also displayed higher SBT screening [OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.6-6.7), higher colonoscopy screening (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 4.1-18.7), and greater forward change in screening decision stage (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.6-9.5). At endpoint, study groups did not differ in screening knowledge or perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: The DSNI had a greater positive impact on colorectal cancer screening outcomes than the SI. IMPACT: Health system implementation of DSNI strategies may help to reduce Hispanic colorectal cancer screening disparities in primary care.


Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Colorrectales/diagnóstico , Toma de Decisiones , Detección Precoz del Cáncer , Femenino , Hispánicos o Latinos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estados Unidos
10.
J Pain Res ; 11: 1383-1390, 2018.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30100753

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Management of pediatric pain from medical procedures is of great importance for improving both patient care and experience. In this study, we investigated methods of managing acute pain in infants and children by studying the correlation between the number of attempts to complete painful procedures, given different comfort measures. METHODS: The study is a retrospective review of 74,276 procedures performed at two pediatric hospitals in an integrated academic children's health system between 2013 and 2016. We compared three comfort measures most frequently offered: positions of comfort (POC), distraction (DIST), and pharmacological (PHARM). These methods were compared in the setting of four procedures: peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter insertion, gastrointestinal tube placement, incision procedures, and bladder catheterization. We used the number of attempts needed to complete a procedure as a measure of efficacy minimizing distressing experience in an acutely painful setting (single attempt vs repeat attempts). RESULTS: Among younger children, DIST appears superior to the other two methods; it performs significantly better for three of the four procedures (PIV catheterization, incision wound, and urinary catheterization) among infants aged <1 year and for PIV catheterization among toddlers aged 1-3 years. For older children, POC tends to perform slightly better than the other two methods, although it is significantly better only for PIV catheterization among adolescents aged 13-21 years and urinary catheterization among children aged 9-12 years. CONCLUSION: Results from this study may be used to determine appropriate comfort measures for painful procedures in pediatric setting.

11.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 16(3): 357-369.e10, 2018 03.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28826680

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Some features of patients are associated with inadequate bowel preparation, which reduces the effectiveness of colonoscopy examination. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between patients' sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and medications with inadequate bowel preparation. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Review databases for randomized controlled trials cohort (prospective and retrospective), case-control, and cross-sectional studies published through March 2016. We collected information on study design, study population, and bowel preparation. For each factor, we obtained the odds ratio (OR) for inadequate bowel preparation. We conducted the meta-analyses using the random-effects approach and investigated any identified heterogeneity and publication bias via graphical methods, stratification, and meta-regression. RESULTS: We performed a meta-analysis of 67 studies, comprising 75,818 patients. The estimated pooled OR for inadequate bowel preparation was small for sociodemographic characteristics: 1.14 for age, and 1.23 for male sex (excluding studies in Asia, which had substantial heterogeneity and publication bias), and 1.49 for low education. The effect of high body mass index differed significantly in studies with mostly female patients (OR, 1.05) vs those with mostly male patients (OR, 1.30) (P = .013 for the difference). ORs for constipation and cirrhosis were heterogeneous; adjusted ORs were larger than unadjusted ORs (1.97 vs 1.29 for constipation and 3.41 vs 1.36 for cirrhosis). Diabetes (OR, 1.79), hypertension (OR, 1.25), stroke or dementia (OR, 2.09), and opioid use (OR, 1.70) were associated with inadequate bowel preparation. History of abdominal surgery (OR, 0.99) did not associate with inadequate bowel preparation. Use of tricyclic antidepressants had a larger effect on risk of inadequate bowel preparation in studies of mostly female patients (OR, 2.62) than studies of mostly male patients (OR, 1.42) (P = .085 for the difference). CONCLUSIONS: In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found no single patient-related factor to be solely associated with inadequate bowel preparation. Health conditions and use of some medications appear to be stronger predictors than sociodemographic characteristics.


Asunto(s)
Colonoscopía/métodos , Cuidados Preoperatorios/métodos , Calidad de la Atención de Salud , Adulto , Anciano , Asia , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad
12.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys ; 99(1): 22-30, 2017 09 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28816150

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: We performed a phase 1 study to determine the maximum tolerable dose and safety of ipilimumab with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases from melanoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Based on the intracranial disease burden, patients underwent WBRT (arm A) or SRS (arm B). The ipilimumab starting dose was 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks, starting on day 3 of WBRT or 2 days after SRS. The ipilimumab dose was escalated to 10 mg/kg using a 2-stage, 3+3 design. The primary endpoint was to determine the maximum tolerable dose of ipilimumab combined with radiation therapy. The secondary endpoints were overall survival, intracranial and extracranial control, progression-free survival, and toxicity. The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number is NCT01703507. RESULTS: The characteristics of the 16 patients enrolled between 2011 and 2014 were mean age, 60 years; median number of brain metastases, 2 (range 1->10); and number with EC disease, 13 (81%). Treatment included WBRT (n=5), SRS (n=11), and ipilimumab 3 mg/kg (n=7) or 10 mg/kg (n=9). The median follow-up was 8 months (arm A) and 10.5 months (arm B). A total of 21 grade 1 to 2 neurotoxic effects occurred, with no dose-limiting toxicities. One patient experienced grade 3 neurotoxicity before ipilimumab administration. Ten additional grade 3 toxicities were reported, with gastrointestinal toxicities (n=5; 31%) the most common. No patient developed grade 4 or 5 toxicity. The median progression-free survival and overall survival in arm A was 2.5 months and 8 months and in arm B was 2.1 months and not reached, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent ipilimumab 10 mg/kg with SRS is safe. The WBRT arm was closed early because of slow accrual but demonstrated safety with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg. No patient experienced dose-limiting toxicity. Larger studies, including those with combination checkpoint inhibitor therapy and SRS, are warranted.


Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Monoclonales/administración & dosificación , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Irradiación Craneana/métodos , Melanoma/radioterapia , Radiocirugia , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/efectos adversos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/mortalidad , Neoplasias Encefálicas/secundario , Irradiación Craneana/efectos adversos , Irradiación Craneana/estadística & datos numéricos , Supervivencia sin Enfermedad , Fraccionamiento de la Dosis de Radiación , Esquema de Medicación , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Infusiones Intravenosas , Ipilimumab , Masculino , Dosis Máxima Tolerada , Melanoma/mortalidad , Melanoma/secundario , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Radiocirugia/efectos adversos , Radiocirugia/estadística & datos numéricos , Factores de Tiempo
13.
Mol Ther ; 24(8): 1444-55, 2016 08.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27434584

RESUMEN

Cytomegalovirus is an attractive cancer vaccine platform because it induces strong, functional CD8(+) T-cell responses that accumulate over time and migrate into most tissues. To explore this, we used murine cytomegalovirus expressing a modified gp100 melanoma antigen. Therapeutic vaccination by the intraperitoneal and intradermal routes induced tumor infiltrating gp100-specific CD8(+) T-cells, but provided minimal benefit for subcutaneous lesions. In contrast, intratumoral infection of established tumor nodules greatly inhibited tumor growth and improved overall survival in a CD8(+) T-cell-dependent manner, even in mice previously infected with murine cytomegalovirus. Although murine cytomegalovirus could infect and kill B16F0s in vitro, infection was restricted to tumor-associated macrophages in vivo. Surprisingly, the presence of a tumor antigen in the virus only slightly increased the efficacy of intratumoral infection and tumor-specific CD8(+) T-cells in the tumor remained dysfunctional. Importantly, combining intratumoral murine cytomegalovirus infection with anti-PD-L1 therapy was synergistic, resulting in tumor clearance from over half of the mice and subsequent protection against tumor challenge. Thus, while a murine cytomegalovirus-based vaccine was poorly effective against established subcutaneous tumors, direct infection of tumor nodules unexpectedly delayed tumor growth and synergized with immune checkpoint blockade to promote tumor clearance and long-term protection.


Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Monoclonales/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antígeno B7-H1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Inmunidad , Melanoma Experimental/inmunología , Melanoma Experimental/metabolismo , Muromegalovirus/fisiología , Animales , Vacunas contra el Cáncer/genética , Vacunas contra el Cáncer/inmunología , Terapia Combinada , Expresión Génica , Orden Génico , Genes Reporteros , Vectores Genéticos/administración & dosificación , Vectores Genéticos/genética , Inmunoterapia , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Melanoma Experimental/patología , Melanoma Experimental/terapia , Ratones , Subgrupos de Linfocitos T/inmunología , Subgrupos de Linfocitos T/metabolismo , Resultado del Tratamiento , Carga Tumoral , Vacunación , Antígeno gp100 del Melanoma/genética
14.
Open Heart ; 3(1): e000332, 2016.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26925242

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess the association between 24 h ambulatory heart rate (HR), atherosclerosis risk factors and blood pressure (BP) in young non-hypertensive patients. METHODS: We recruited 186 participants aged 18-45 years from a large urban academic Family Medicine outpatient practice, serving 40 000 individuals for this observational study. The main analyses were based on multiple linear regression, with mean 24 h BP (systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP)) as the outcomes, mean 24 h HR as the main predictor of interest, and controlling for age, gender, race, insulin sensitivity/resistance and endothelial function measured by strain gauge venous occlusion plethysmography. RESULTS: HR was independently associated with mean 24 h SBP and DBP (SBP and DBP: p=0.042 and 0.001, respectively). In our analyses, associations were markedly stronger for ambulatory compared with office BP measurements. Endothelial dysfunction was associated with higher SBP (p=0.013); plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was significantly associated with both SBP and DBP (p=0.041 and 0.015, respectively), while insulin resistance was not associated with either SBP or DBP. Insulin resistance and C reactive protein were significant predictors of HR (p=0.013 and 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HR may be a potential marker of elevated cardiovascular risk in young asymptomatic individuals, prior to the development of clinical hypertension or cardiovascular disease.

15.
J Patient Exp ; 3(1): 10-16, 2016 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28725826

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study was conducted to evaluate physician and patient preferences for documentation of emotional and psychosocial information in the electronic medical record (EMR). METHODS: Pediatricians from an academic medical center and parents of patients in an academic pediatric rheumatology practice were surveyed on 10 different elements using Likert-type scale items (1 = not at all important, 10 = extremely important). The importance of the proposed categories was evaluated by means testing and pairwise comparisons of the responses. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 45 physicians and 35 parents. The overall mean scores for physicians and parents were 7.70 and 7.44, respectively. Scores on personality, friends, and school differed between physicians and parents, but those differences were not significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (P = .13, .17, and .26, respectively). Fears, special requests, and special needs were in the high-score group for both physicians and parents. CONCLUSION: Physicians and parents reported that the incorporation of emotional and psychosocial information into the EMR added value to the health care of children.

16.
Mediators Inflamm ; 2015: 594039, 2015.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26549941

RESUMEN

Proinflammatory adipokines (inflammation markers) from visceral adipose tissue may initiate the development of insulin resistance (IR) and endothelial dysfunction (ED). This study's objective was to investigate the association of five inflammation markers (CRP and four adipokines: IL-6, TNFα, PAI-1, and adiponectin) with IR (quantitative insulin resistance check index (QUICKI)), microvascular measures (capillary density and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)), and endothelial measures (forearm blood flow (FBF) increases from resting baseline to maximal vasodilation). Analyses were conducted via multiple linear regression. The 295 study participants were between 18 and 45 years of age, without diabetes or hypertension. They included 24% African Americans and 21% Asians with average body mass index of 25.4 kg/m(2). All five inflammation markers were significantly associated with QUICKI. All but adiponectin were significantly associated with capillary density, but none were associated with ACR. Finally, IL-6 and PAI-1 were significantly associated with FBF increase. We also identified a potential interaction between obesity and IL-6 among normal-weight and overweight participants: IL-6 appeared to be positively associated with QUICKI and capillary density (beneficial effect), but the inverse was true among obese individuals. These study findings suggest that inflammation measures may be potential early markers of cardiovascular risk in young asymptomatic individuals.


Asunto(s)
Adipoquinas/sangre , Endotelio Vascular/fisiología , Resistencia a la Insulina , Microvasos/fisiología , Adulto , Índice de Masa Corporal , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Femenino , Antebrazo/irrigación sanguínea , Humanos , Interleucina-6/sangre , Masculino , Inhibidor 1 de Activador Plasminogénico/sangre , Vasodilatación , Adulto Joven
17.
J Vis Exp ; (105): e53088, 2015 Oct 27.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26554744

RESUMEN

Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive, efficient, relatively inexpensive and easy to learn methodology for directly visualizing the microcirculation. The capillaroscopy technique can provide insight into a patient's microvascular health, leading to a variety of potentially valuable dermatologic, ophthalmologic, rheumatologic and cardiovascular clinical applications. In addition, tumor growth may be dependent on angiogenesis, which can be quantitated by measuring microvessel density within the tumor. However, there is currently little to no standardization of techniques, and only one publication to date reports the reliability of a currently available, complex computer based algorithms for quantitating capillaroscopy data.(1) This paper describes a new, simpler, reliable, standardized capillary counting algorithm for quantitating nailfold capillaroscopy data. A simple, reproducible computerized capillaroscopy algorithm such as this would facilitate more widespread use of the technique among researchers and clinicians. Many researchers currently analyze capillaroscopy images by hand, promoting user fatigue and subjectivity of the results. This paper describes a novel, easy-to-use automated image processing algorithm in addition to a reproducible, semi-automated counting algorithm. This algorithm enables analysis of images in minutes while reducing subjectivity; only a minimal amount of training time (in our experience, less than 1 hr) is needed to learn the technique.


Asunto(s)
Algoritmos , Capilares/anatomía & histología , Procesamiento de Imagen Asistido por Computador/métodos , Angioscopía Microscópica/métodos , Uñas/irrigación sanguínea , Humanos , Microcirculación , Neovascularización Fisiológica , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Programas Informáticos
18.
PLoS One ; 10(7): e0134670, 2015.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26230605

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Despite evidence that preoperative aspirin improves outcomes in cardiac surgery, recommendations for aspirin use are inconsistent due to aspirin's anti-platelet effect and concern for bleeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate preoperative aspirin use and its effect on bleeding and transfusion in cardiac surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study involved consecutive patients (n=1571) who underwent CABG, valve, or combined CABG and valve surgery at a single center between March 2007 and July 2012. Of all patients, 728 met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: those using (n=603) or not using (n=125) aspirin within 5 days of surgery. Data were collected on chest tube drainage, re-operation for bleeding, and transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelets. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the two groups in chest tube drainage or re-operation for bleeding. An increase in patients transfused with RBCs was observed in the aspirin group (61.9 vs 51.2%, adjusted OR 1.77, p=0.027); however, among those transfused RBCs, no significant difference in mean units transfused or massive transfusion was observed. No significant difference was seen in transfusion requirement of FFP or platelets. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CABG, valve, or combined CABG/valve surgery, preoperative aspirin, within 5 days of surgery, was associated with an increased probability of receiving an RBC transfusion. Preoperative aspirin was not associated with an increase in chest tube drainage, re-operation for bleeding complications, or transfusion of FFP or platelets.


Asunto(s)
Aspirina/efectos adversos , Transfusión Sanguínea , Puente de Arteria Coronaria , Hemorragia/inducido químicamente , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos
19.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol Res ; 4(12): 1838-1843, 2015 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28164022

RESUMEN

AIM: Screening first-degree relatives of celiac disease (CD) patients offers an opportunity to diagnose CD in a high-risk population.This study aims to determine how frequently CD patients receive a physician-issued recommendation for first-degree relative screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-question survey assessing whether CD patients receive a physician recommendation to screen first-degree relatives for CD, and the impact of such a recommendation, was validated with outpatients in a university gastroenterology practice ("University"). The 12-question survey was then distributed online to members of a celiac organization - the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness ("NFCA"). Results were collected over 3 months. Univariate analysis was used to compare cohort means and assess the association between demographic and diagnostic factors and first-degree relative screening recommendations. RESULTS: 87 University patients participated in the validation phase. Test-retest reliability of 4 key survey questions was high (Kappa coefficient > 0.80). The main analyses were based on data from 677 NFCA and 82 University respondents. Respondents were predominantly female, with a mean age of 45 years. Significantly more University patients received a recommendation for screening (78% vs 44%, p < 0.001). Ninety-eight percent receiving a screening recommendation (both groups) discussed this with family members, leading to CD screening (University 71%, NFCA 79%) and, ultimately, a CD diagnosis (University 18%, NFCA 27%). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians of CD patients often do not recommend screening first-degree family members. The high clinical impact of this recommendation suggests that greater physician compliance with screening may increase the diagnosis of CD in high risk individuals.

20.
J Natl Cancer Inst ; 106(12)2014 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25481829

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to determine the effect of preference-based tailored navigation on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening adherence and related outcomes among African Americans (AAs). METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial that included 764 AA patients who were age 50 to 75 years, were eligible for CRC screening, and had received care through primary care practices in Philadelphia. Consented patients completed a baseline telephone survey and were randomized to either a Standard Intervention (SI) group (n = 380) or a Tailored Navigation Intervention (TNI) group (n = 384). The SI group received a mailed stool blood test kit plus colonoscopy instructions, and a reminder. The TNI group received tailored navigation (a mailed stool blood test kit or colonoscopy instructions based on preference, plus telephone navigation) and a reminder. A six-month survey and a 12-month medical records review were completed to assess screening adherence, change in overall screening preference, and perceptions about screening. Multivariable analyses were performed to assess intervention impact on outcomes. RESULTS: At six months, adherence in the TNI group was statistically significantly higher than in the SI group (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.5 to 2.9). Positive change in overall screening preference was also statistically significantly greater in the TNI group compared with the SI group (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.3). There were no statistically significant differences in perceptions about screening between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored navigation in primary care is a promising approach for increasing CRC screening among AAs. Research is needed to determine how to maximize intervention effects and to test intervention impact on race-related disparities in mortality and survival.


Asunto(s)
Negro o Afroamericano/estadística & datos numéricos , Neoplasias del Colon/etnología , Neoplasias del Colon/prevención & control , Detección Precoz del Cáncer/métodos , Detección Precoz del Cáncer/estadística & datos numéricos , Navegación de Pacientes , Atención Primaria de Salud/estadística & datos numéricos , Sistemas Recordatorios , Anciano , Neoplasias del Colon/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Colon/mortalidad , Colonoscopía , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Tamizaje Masivo/métodos , Tamizaje Masivo/estadística & datos numéricos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sangre Oculta , Cooperación del Paciente/estadística & datos numéricos , Navegación de Pacientes/métodos , Philadelphia/epidemiología , Prevención Primaria/métodos , Teléfono
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