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Brazilian Oral Research 2024This study aimed to assess the association between underlying dentin shadows (UDS) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 15-19-year-old adolescents from...
This study aimed to assess the association between underlying dentin shadows (UDS) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 15-19-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil. This population-based cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,197 15-19-year-old adolescents attending 31 public and private schools from Santa Maria, Brazil. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL, and clinical examinations were performed by two calibrated examiners (intra/interexaminer kappa values for caries examination ≥ 0.80) to diagnose UDS (ICDAS code 4 caries lesions). Sociodemographic information and clinical characteristics (overall caries experience, traumatic dental injury, malocclusion, and gingivitis) were also collected as adjusting variables. Multilevel Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between UDS and OHRQoL. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. The UDS prevalence was 8.8% (n = 106 adolescents). In the adjusted models, adolescents with UDS had poorer OHRQoL than those without UDS, and the strength of the association was dependent on the number of lesions per individual. Individuals with 1-2 UDS had a mean OHIP-14 score 8% higher (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01-1.17) than adolescents without UDS, while those with 3-4 UDS had a mean score 35% higher (RR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.12-1.63). This negative association was related to physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap domains. This study showed that UDS was associated negatively with OHRQoL among 15-19-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil. The negative effect of UDS on OHRQoL emphasizes the importance of addressing issues regarding OHRQoL even in the posterior teeth of adolescents.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Brazil; Quality of Life; Male; Female; Oral Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Young Adult; Dental Caries; Socioeconomic Factors; Dentin; Poisson Distribution; Prevalence
PubMed: 38922206
DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2024.vol38.0046 -
Annals of the Academy of Medicine,... Mar 2024Children from low-income (LI) families often suffer from poor health, with sub-optimal health practices. This cross-sectional study examined the differences in health... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
Children from low-income (LI) families often suffer from poor health, with sub-optimal health practices. This cross-sectional study examined the differences in health habits and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of LI preschool children compared to non-low-income preschool peers (PPG).
METHOD
Using data from the social-health Circle of Care-Health Development Screening Programme (CoC-HDSP) in Singapore, 118 LI children and 304 PPG children aged 18 months to 6 years old and their families were recruited from 13 government-funded preschools. Health practices examined included screen time habits, sleep, nutrition, dental health and the children's HRQoL using PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales.
RESULTS
Majority of the children were aged 4-6 years in kindergarten 1 and 2. There were more Malay children in the LI than the PPG (61.9% versus [vs] 29.3%, P<0.001). Low-income children were more likely to have lower-educated parents (P<0.001). The completed vaccination rate in the LI group was lower than those in PPG (84.7% vs 98.0%, P<0.001). More in the LI group utilised emergency services for acute illnesses (P<0.05). Fewer LI children had ever visited a dentist (47.4% vs 75.4%, P<0.001), and more LI children consumed sweetened drinks daily (33.3% vs 8.6%, P<0.001). The LI group reported poorer-quality sleep (48.3% vs 27.2%, P<0.001), though both groups exceeded the daily recommended screen viewing duration. The LI group scored higher in the social (mean 92.4±12.2 vs 84.3±15.3, P<0.001) and emotional (mean 85.2±15.1 vs 76.6±17.3, P<0.001) domains of the PedsQL 4.0 when compared to PPG.
CONCLUSION
Low-income children have poorer health practices, receive less preventive paediatric care, and utilise more emergency services for acute illnesses. These findings are important for developing interventions that work towards improving the health of LI children.
Topics: Humans; Singapore; Cross-Sectional Studies; Child, Preschool; Quality of Life; Poverty; Female; Male; Child; Health Behavior; Oral Health; Infant; Screen Time; Sleep
PubMed: 38920242
DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2023168 -
Annals of the Academy of Medicine,... Jan 2024We aim to investigate the functional outcomes and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with major trauma associated with traumatic brain injury...
INTRODUCTION
We aim to investigate the functional outcomes and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with major trauma associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
METHOD
We performed a retrospective review of records among patients >2 and ≤16 years old in a tertiary paediatric hospital between January 2014 and October 2019 with major trauma (Injury Severity Score of ≥16) and TBI of all severities. We recorded each child's Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Pediatric Version (GOS-E Peds) at 12 months post-injury and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores at 6 and 12 months post-injury based on the parent proxy-report scales.
RESULTS
We included 53 patients with a median age of 9.0 years old (interquartile range 2.3-15.5). Most injuries were due to falls (30, 56.6%) or road traffic collisions (15, 28.3%); 41 patients (77.3%) required intensive care while 30 patients (56.6%) underwent neurosurgical intervention. Most patients (43, 81.1%) had GOS-E Peds scores of ≤2 at 12 months post-injury. We reported a significant mean difference between the 6- and 12-month parent-reported scores for physical functioning (6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-12.8, P=0.041), psychosocial functioning (4.1, 95% CI 1.0-7.2, P=0.012) and overall scores (5.0, 95% CI 1.4-8.7, P=0.008). Compared with the validated PedsQL scores, our mean scores were higher across all domains at 12 months.
CONCLUSION
With current standard of care, parents of children with major trauma and TBI reported gains in quality of life, physical, psychosocial and overall function between 6 and 12 months post-injury.
Topics: Humans; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Child; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Caregivers; Glasgow Outcome Scale; Accidents, Traffic; Accidental Falls; Injury Severity Score; Singapore
PubMed: 38920211
DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.202387 -
Visualising Medical Research: Exploring the Influence of Infographics on Professional Dissemination.TheScientificWorldJournal 2024This study explores the impact of infographics on the professional dissemination of medical research. Recognising the burgeoning volume of data in the medical domain,...
OBJECTIVE
This study explores the impact of infographics on the professional dissemination of medical research. Recognising the burgeoning volume of data in the medical domain, this research aims to bridge the gap by investigating the efficacy of infographics in rendering complex medical concepts understandable to diverse audiences, including policymakers, patients, and the public.
DESIGN
The study uses a cross-sectional survey to assess medical professionals' familiarity with infographic design and data visualisation principles. . The research targets medical professionals with published articles across various subfields, including Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology, Pharmacology, Healthcare Management, Medical Imaging, and Public Health.
METHOD
Data collection involves an online survey distributed to potential participants through professional networks and research institutions. The survey encompasses Likert-scale questions and demographic variables. Ethical considerations include obtaining approval from the institutional review board, ensuring participant consent, and maintaining data anonymity and confidentiality.
RESULTS
Demographic analysis reveals a diverse participant profile, with 58.7% male and 41.3% female respondents, spanning various age groups, professional experiences, and geographic locations. Assessing familiarity with infographic design and data visualisation principles demonstrates respondents' proficiency in certain areas while highlighting potential areas for improvement.
CONCLUSION
The study underscores the multifaceted benefits of infographics in research dissemination, as medical professionals perceive. Infographics can effectively convey various kinds of medical research information across diverse platforms and channels.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Biomedical Research; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Middle Aged; Information Dissemination; Surveys and Questionnaires; Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 38919961
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5422121 -
International Journal of Breast Cancer 2024The role of BRAF in breast cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study is aimed at evaluating the impact of BRAF gene expression and...
The role of BRAF in breast cancer pathogenesis is still unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study is aimed at evaluating the impact of BRAF gene expression and copy number alterations (CNAs) on clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in patients with breast cancer. The Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset was obtained from the cBioPortal public domain. Tumoral mRNA expression and CNAs along with demographic and tumor data for patients with breast cancer were retrieved. The association of expression and CNAs with breast cancer clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed. The impact of mRNA expression on the overall survival of patients was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. BRAF gene mRNA log intensity expression was positively correlated with tumor size and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) ( < 0.001). Alternatively, BRAF gene expression was negatively correlated with the age at diagnosis ( = 0.003). The average mRNA expression was significantly higher in premenopausal patients, patients with high tumor grade, hormone receptor-negative status, and non-luminal tumors compared to postmenopausal patients, patients with low-grade, hormone receptor-positive, and luminal disease. gain and high-level amplification copy numbers were significantly associated with higher NPI scores and larger tumor sizes compared to neutral copy number status. Survival analysis revealed no discernible differences in overall survival for patients with low and high mRNA expression. High mRNA expression as well as the gain and high-level amplification copy numbers were associated with advanced tumor characteristics and unfavorable prognostic factors in breast cancer. BRAF could be an appealing target for the treatment of premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
PubMed: 38919805
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6373900 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Despite the better prognosis associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), some patients experience relapse and...
BACKGROUND
Despite the better prognosis associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), some patients experience relapse and succumb to the disease; thus, there is a need for biomarkers identifying these patients for intensified treatment. Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domain (LRIG) protein 1 is a negative regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and a positive prognostic factor in OPSCC. Studies indicate that LRIG1 interacts with the LIM domain 7 protein (LMO7), a stabilizer of adherence junctions. Its role in OPSCC has not been studied before.
METHODS
A total of 145 patients diagnosed with OPSCC were enrolled. Immunohistochemical LMO7 expression and staining intensity were evaluated in the tumors and correlated with known clinical and pathological prognostic factors, such as HPV status and LRIG1, CD44, Ki67, and p53 expression.
RESULTS
Our results show that high LMO7 expression is associated with significantly longer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.044). LMO7 was a positive prognostic factor for OS in univariate analysis (HR 0.515, 95% CI: 0.267-0.994, p = 0.048) but not in multivariate analysis. The LMO7 expression correlated with LRIG1 expression (p = 0.048), consistent with previous findings. Interestingly, strong LRIG1 staining intensity was an independent negative prognostic factor in the HPV-driven group of tumors (HR 2.847, 95% Cl: 1.036-7.825, p = 0.043).
CONCLUSIONS
We show for the first time that high LMO7 expression is a positive prognostic factor in OPSCC, and we propose that LMO7 should be further explored as a biomarker. In contrast to previous reports, LRIG1 expression was shown to be an independent negative prognostic factor in HPV-driven OPSCC.
Topics: Humans; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Prognosis; LIM Domain Proteins; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Aged; Transcription Factors; Membrane Glycoproteins; Adult; Ki-67 Antigen; Hyaluronan Receptors; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Papillomavirus Infections; Immunohistochemistry; Aged, 80 and over; Survival Rate
PubMed: 38918827
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04510-4 -
BMC Geriatrics Jun 2024Although a growing body of literature documents the importance of neighborhood effects on late-life cognition, little is known about the relative strength of objective...
BACKGROUND
Although a growing body of literature documents the importance of neighborhood effects on late-life cognition, little is known about the relative strength of objective and subjective neighborhood measures on late-life cognitive changes. This study examined effects of objective and subjective neighborhood measures in three neighborhood domains (neighborhood safety, physical disorder, food environments) on longitudinal changes in processing speed, an early marker of cognitive aging and impairment.
METHODS
The analysis sample included 306 community-dwelling older adults enrolled in the Einstein Aging Study (mean age = 77, age range = 70 to 91; female = 67.7%; non-Hispanic White: 45.1%, non-Hispanic Black: 40.9%). Objective and subjective measures of neighborhood included three neighborhood domains (i.e., neighborhood safety, physical disorder, food environments). Processing speed was assessed using a brief Symbol Match task (unit: second), administered on a smartphone device six times a day for 16 days and repeated annually for up to five years. Years from baseline was used as the within-person time index.
RESULTS
Results from mixed effects models showed that subjective neighborhood safety (β= -0.028) and subjective availability of healthy foods (β= -0.028) were significantly associated with less cognitive slowing over time. When objective and subjective neighborhood measures were simultaneously examined, subjective availability of healthy foods remained significant (β= -0.028) after controlling for objective availability of healthy foods. Associations of objective neighborhood crime and physical disorder with processing speed seemed to be confounded by individual-level race and socioeconomic status; after controlling for these confounders, none of objective neighborhood measures showed significant associations with processing speed.
CONCLUSION
Subjective neighborhood safety and subjective availability of healthy foods, rather than objective measures, were associated with less cognitive slowing over time over a five-year period. Perception of one's neighborhood may be a more proximal predictor of cognitive health outcomes as it may reflect one's experiences in the environment. It would be important to improve our understanding of both objective and subjective neighborhood factors to improve cognitive health among older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Male; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Longitudinal Studies; Residence Characteristics; Urban Population; Safety; Neighborhood Characteristics; Cognition; Independent Living; Processing Speed
PubMed: 38918697
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05068-0 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024This study evaluated a specialized rehabilitation program's impact on senior cancer patients' quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated a specialized rehabilitation program's impact on senior cancer patients' quality of life.
METHODS
one hundred and thirty patients aged ≥65 years with various cancer types undergoing/recovering from treatment were enrolled in oncology clinics in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The intervention arm (n=65) participated in a tailored geriatric cancer rehabilitation program. The control group (n=65) received standard oncology care. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) tool assessed the quality of life across physical, social, emotional, and functional domains. T-tests and multivariate regression analyses compared outcomes.
RESULT
Total FACT-G scores showed a significantly higher quality of life for the geriatric cancer rehabilitation group versus standard care. Rehabilitation patients also demonstrated meaningful improvements across physical, social, and functional subscales. Rehabilitation involvement was the most predictive factor for optimized outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Specialized geriatric cancer rehabilitation meaningfully improved several quality of life domains in older patients over standard care. Despite persistent barriers, rehabilitation programming optimized older cancer patients' physical and psychosocial health. Oncology and geriatrics must collaborate to ensure evidence-based rehabilitation access meets older cohorts' unique needs.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Neoplasms; Male; Female; Quality of Life; Geriatric Assessment; Aged, 80 and over; Saudi Arabia; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38918665
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.2033 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024With earlier prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and increased survivorship, post-treatment quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important. The Expanded Prostate...
BACKGROUND
With earlier prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and increased survivorship, post-treatment quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) is a widely adopted QoL instrument for PCa. We aimed to create a Punjabi version of EPIC to further research in the Punjabi-speaking population.
METHODS
A prototype of the Punjabi version of EPIC was created by forward-backward translations and revision. After concluding the cultural adaptation phase by interviewing 15 participants, a pilot version was created. Validation of the pilot version was performed by having 72 participants complete the Punjabi EPIC and another commonly used QoL instrument, the EORTC QLQ-c30, twice within a 4-week period. Test retest reliability (Pearson's correlations and difference distribution) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were measured using SAS version 9.4.
RESULTS
Modifications were needed for the prototype Punjabi version after forward-backward translations. Cultural adaptation has highlighted a few issues including syntax and terminology. Test-retest reliability of the Urinary, Bowel, Sexual and Hormone domains were 0.88, 0.91, 0.91, and 0.95, respectively, and subscale correlations ranged from 0.75 to 0.93. Internal consistency for domains and subscales was good except for Sexual Domain. Performance of EPIC is comparable, and in some cases, slightly better than validated Punjabi version of EORTC QLQ-C30.
CONCLUSIONS
The EPIC questionnaire was successfully translated into Punjabi and was culturally adapted. The resultant Punjabi version has high reliability and validity and will be an important tool for QoL research in the Punjabi population. EPIC was successfully translated, culturally adapted, and validated with high reliability and validity into Punjabi. It will be a valuable QoL tool for physicians in clinical and research settings, and for patients in decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Male; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prostatic Neoplasms; Reproducibility of Results; Middle Aged; Aged; Psychometrics; Prognosis; Translations; Follow-Up Studies; Pilot Projects; India
PubMed: 38918655
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.1945 -
Advances in Life Course Research Jun 2024The proportions of adults reaching midlife without having children have been rising rapidly across the globe, particularly in Asia. However, little is known about the...
The proportions of adults reaching midlife without having children have been rising rapidly across the globe, particularly in Asia. However, little is known about the pathways to permanent childlessness within the region's childless population. This study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to typologize pathways to childlessness based on dynamic characteristics of multiple life domains (i.e., partnership, education, and occupation) among 489 childless Singaporeans aged 50 and above from a 2022 nationwide survey. Additionally, we utilized multinomial logistic regressions to examine the sociodemographic correlates of pathway profiles and Shannon's entropy index to assess the heterogeneity in pathways to childlessness among successive cohorts. Results revealed five distinct profiles of pathways to childlessness: the Never-Married Semi-Professionals, the Low-Flex Blue-Collars, the Highly Educated Professionals, the Ever-Married Semi-Professionals, and the Flexible Blue-Collars. These pathway profiles were significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics such as gender and family background. Women's pathways to childlessness were more standardized and heavily influenced by partnership characteristics, compared to those of men. The childless from privileged family background were less likely to follow pathways characterized by disadvantageous education and occupational status. There were also rising trends of voluntary childlessness among married childless individuals and increasing heterogeneity in pathways to childlessness across successive birth cohorts. In sum, our findings are consistent with some of the predictions of the Second Demographic Transition theory, suggesting that Singapore may be experiencing a demographic transition characterized by rising childlessness, decoupling of marriage and childbearing, and de-standardization of the life course.
PubMed: 38917686
DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2024.100628