Innovative Semi-Nested Realtime PCR Assay with Extendable Blocking Probe for Enhanced Analysis of SEPT9 Methylation in Colorectal Cancer.

(1) Background: The detection of methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) in plasma is a promising approach to non-invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Traditional approaches have limitations in sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-limited settings. (2) Methods: We developed a semi-nested realtime PCR assay utilizing extendable blocking probes (ExBP) to enhance the detection of low-level mSEPT9 based on DNA melting. This assay allows for the discrimination of mSEPT9 in the presence of high concentrations of non-methylated SEPT9 (up to 100,000 times higher). (3) Results: The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.91% and specificity of 80%, showcasing its ability to detect very low levels of methylated DNA effectively. The innovative use of ExBP without costly modified probes simplifies the assay setup and reduces the overall costs, enhancing its applicability in diverse clinical settings. (4) Conclusions: This novel assay significantly improves the detection of mSEPT9, offering a potential advance in CRC screening and monitoring. Its cost-efficiency and high sensitivity make it particularly suitable for the early detection and management of CRC, especially in settings with limited resources. Future studies are encouraged to validate this assay in larger populations to establish its clinical benefits and practical utility.

Relationships Among Physical Activity, Daylight Exposure, and Rest-Activity Circadian Rhythm in Patients With Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Although rest-activity circadian rhythm (RACR) disruption is associated with mortality in patients with cancer, few studies have examined the effect of RACR on patients with esophageal and gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of RACR. METHODS: This cross-sectional, single-site study included 276 patients with esophageal and gastric cancer recruited from chest-surgery and general-surgery outpatient departments. Actigraphy was used to assess objective physical activity (PA), daylight exposure, and RACR, and 3-day PA was used to indicate the subjective amount of PA. The parameter of objective PA was the up activity mean; the parameter of daylight exposure was >500 lx, and the parameters of RACR were the 24-hour correlation coefficient, in-bed less than out-of-bed dichotomy index, midline estimating statistic of rhythm, and amplitude. The subjective amount of PA was calculated as the sum of mild, moderate, and vigorous PA. RESULTS: The up activity mean predicted 24-hour correlation coefficient. The PA amount and up activity mean predicted in-bed less than out-of-bed dichotomy index. The up activity mean and >500-lx daylight exposure predicted midline estimating statistic of rhythm. Finally, the PA amount and up activity mean predicted the amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PA and daylight exposure may improve RACR. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Patients with esophageal and gastric cancer should be encouraged to engage in outdoor PA during the daytime as part of their regular lifestyle to maintain a robust circadian rhythm.

Predictors of adherence, contamination and dropout in home-based walking by lung and oesophageal cancer patients from two randomised control trials: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined predictors of exercise adherence, contamination and dropout in lung and oesophageal cancer patients who participated in two randomised controlled trials. METHODS: We used data on 188 lung and oesophageal cancer patients from two previous studies (intervention: moderate-intensity walking for 12 weeks). Baseline measurements included demographic variables, disease characteristics, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Bouchard 3-day physical activity (PA) record. We used multiple linear and logistic regressions to analyse predictors of exercise adherence in the walking group, contamination in the control group and dropout in both groups. RESULTS: Pre-intervention exercise habits and baseline depression scores predicted adherence, with an explanatory power of 16.7% (p < 0.0001). Pre-intervention exercise habits (odds ratio [OR] 19.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.76-139.97), baseline moderate PA (min/day) (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and baseline vigorous PA (min/day) (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18) predicted contamination. Baseline mild PA (10 min/day) (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99) predicted dropout. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-intervention exercise habits and baseline depression levels predicted exercise adherence in the walking group. In the control group, pre-intervention exercise habits and baseline moderate and vigorous PA predicted contamination. Baseline mild PA predicted dropout rates in both groups.

Factors affecting mammography screening behaviour among rural Vietnamese women.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated with mammography screening behaviour and its predictors among rural Vietnamese women. METHOD: A predictive correlational study involving 120 women aged ≥ 40 years was conducted in the suburbs of Hanoi, Vietnam, in July 2018 by using Breast Cancer Awareness Measurement and the Champion Health Beliefs Model Scale. Mammography screening behaviour was assessed by asking participants about their previous mammography experience. RESULTS: Only 16.7% of participants had undergone mammography screening. High education levels, high monthly family income, having family members or friends with breast cancer, and receiving physicians' recommendations increased the likelihood of participants screening for breast cancer. Mean scores on perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers differed significantly between participants who had and those who had not undergone screening (t = 4.31; p < .001; t = -5.05; p < .001, respectively). Perceived susceptibility and perceived barriers significantly increased the predictive power of the hierarchical logistic model (critical value = 6.16; [df = 2]; p = .046). Perceived barriers were the most significant predictors of screening behaviour (odds ratio 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99; p = .039). CONCLUSION: Efforts are necessary to increase mammography awareness in the community and promote screening rates in Vietnam.