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Health Psychology : Official Journal of... Apr 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the relationship between resilience resources at the individual (e.g., optimism), interpersonal (e.g., social... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the relationship between resilience resources at the individual (e.g., optimism), interpersonal (e.g., social support), and neighborhood (e.g., social environment) levels, and cardiovascular outcomes among adults in the United States. On 9/25/2020, electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized intervention studies, and prospective cohort studies that examined the relationship between resilience resources at the individual, interpersonal, or neighborhood level and cardiovascular outcomes. Studies that met the eligibility criteria were summarized narratively and quantitatively. Because relevant search results yielded only observational studies, risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. From 4,103 unique records, 13 prospective cohort studies with a total of 310,906 participants met the eligibility criteria, and six of these studies were included in the meta-analyses. Most relevant studies found that higher levels of individual-level resilience resources were associated with lower incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, with point estimates ranging from .46 to 1.18. Interpersonal-level resilience resources (i.e., social network) were associated with a lower coronary heart disease risk (risk ratio, .76; 95% CI [.56, 1.02]). Neighborhood-level resilience resources (i.e., perceived social cohesion and residential stability) were associated with a lower odds of stroke (odds ratio, .92; 95% CI [.84, 1.01]). Evidence suggests that higher levels of resilience resources are associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. However, more prospective studies with diverse populations are needed to strengthen the evidence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Prospective Studies; Stroke; United States
PubMed: 34138614
DOI: 10.1037/hea0001069 -
Clinical Epigenetics May 2021Current risk models for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on clinicopathological factors are sub-optimal in accurately identifying high-risk patients. Here, we perform a...
BACKGROUND
Current risk models for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on clinicopathological factors are sub-optimal in accurately identifying high-risk patients. Here, we perform a head-to-head comparison of previously published DNA methylation markers and propose a potential prognostic model for clear cell RCC (ccRCC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Promoter methylation of PCDH8, BNC1, SCUBE3, GREM1, LAD1, NEFH, RASSF1A, GATA5, SFRP1, CDO1, and NEURL was determined by nested methylation-specific PCR. To identify clinically relevant methylated regions, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to guide primer design. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from 336 non-metastatic ccRCC patients from the prospective Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS) were used to develop a Cox proportional hazards model using stepwise backward elimination and bootstrapping to correct for optimism. For validation purposes, FFPE ccRCC tissue of 64 patients from the University Hospitals Leuven and a series of 232 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used.
RESULTS
Methylation of GREM1, GATA5, LAD1, NEFH, NEURL, and SFRP1 was associated with poor ccRCC-specific survival, independent of age, sex, tumor size, TNM stage or tumor grade. Moreover, the association between GREM1, NEFH, and NEURL methylation and outcome was shown to be dependent on the genomic region. A prognostic biomarker model containing GREM1, GATA5, LAD1, NEFH and NEURL methylation in combination with clinicopathological characteristics, performed better compared to the model with clinicopathological characteristics only (clinical model), in both the NLCS and the validation population with a c-statistic of 0.71 versus 0.65 and a c-statistic of 0.95 versus 0.86 consecutively. However, the biomarker model had limited added prognostic value in the TCGA series with a c-statistic of 0.76 versus 0.75 for the clinical model.
CONCLUSION
In this study we performed a head-to-head comparison of potential prognostic methylation markers for ccRCC using a novel approach to guide primers design which utilizes the optimal location for measuring DNA methylation. Using this approach, we identified five methylation markers that potentially show prognostic value in addition to currently known clinicopathological factors.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Renal Cell; DNA Methylation; Epigenomics; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Prognosis; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 33947447
DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01084-8 -
Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and... 2020A prognostic prediction model for metabolic syndrome can calculate the probability of risk of experiencing metabolic syndrome within a specific period for individualized... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
A prognostic prediction model for metabolic syndrome can calculate the probability of risk of experiencing metabolic syndrome within a specific period for individualized treatment decisions. We aimed to provide a systematic review and critical appraisal on prognostic models for metabolic syndrome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Studies were identified through searching in English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (Sinomed, WANFANG, CNKI, and CQVIP). A checklist for critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modeling studies (CHARMS) and the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST) were used for the data extraction process and critical appraisal.
RESULTS
From the 29,668 retrieved articles, eleven studies meeting the selection criteria were included in this review. Forty-eight predictors were identified from prognostic prediction models. The c-statistic ranged from 0.67 to 0.95. Critical appraisal has shown that all modeling studies were subject to a high risk of bias in methodological quality mainly driven by outcome and statistical analysis, and six modeling studies were subject to a high risk of bias in applicability.
CONCLUSION
Future model development and validation studies should adhere to the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement to improve methodological quality and applicability, thus increasing the transparency of the reporting of a prediction model study. It is not appropriate to adopt any of the identified models in this study for clinical practice since all models are prone to optimism and overfitting.
PubMed: 33364802
DOI: 10.2147/DMSO.S283949 -
JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics Oct 2020To develop a tool that can be used to predict early discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with stage III colon cancer.
PURPOSE
To develop a tool that can be used to predict early discontinuation of adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with stage III colon cancer.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Through record linkage of Alberta administrative and tumor registry databases, we identified a cohort of individuals age ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with stage III colon cancer and who received adjuvant chemotherapy in Alberta between 2004 and 2015. Early discontinuation was defined as receipt of < 5 months of a planned 6-month course of chemotherapy. By a systematic review of the literature and a survey of medical oncologists, the following candidate variables were identified: age (years), number of comorbidities (0, 1, ≥ 2), cancer stage (IIIC IIIA-B), type of chemotherapy (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin; capecitabine and oxaliplatin; or monotherapy), time from surgery to chemotherapy initiation (weeks), type of treatment facility (academic or community), and distance from home to treatment center (kilometers). Models developed using penalized logistic regression and the random forest algorithm were compared. Model performance was assessed using the C-statistic, Brier score, and a calibration plot. Internal validation was performed using the bootstrap method.
RESULTS
From an initial 3,115 patients identified, 1,378 were deemed eligible for inclusion. Of these patients, 474 patients (34.4%) failed to complete at least 5 months of chemotherapy. Although well calibrated, the penalized logistic regression model had poor discrimination (optimism-adjusted C-statistic, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.67). In contrast, the random forest model achieved adequate discrimination (optimism-adjusted C-statistic, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.82). Although the degree of calibration of the random forest was acceptable, it was slightly worse than that of the penalized logistic regression model.
CONCLUSION
Internal validation of our random forest model suggests that it may have clinical utility. Additional research regarding its external validation and clinical impact is needed.
Topics: Adolescent; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Capecitabine; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Colonic Neoplasms; Humans; Organoplatinum Compounds
PubMed: 33125264
DOI: 10.1200/CCI.20.00065 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2020Leveraging the immune system to thwart cancer is not a novel strategy and has been explored via cancer vaccines and use of immunomodulators like interferons. However, it... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Leveraging the immune system to thwart cancer is not a novel strategy and has been explored via cancer vaccines and use of immunomodulators like interferons. However, it was not until the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors that we realized the true potential of immunotherapy in combating cancer. Oncolytic viruses are one such immunotherapeutic tool that is currently being explored in cancer therapeutics. We present the most comprehensive systematic review of all oncolytic viruses in Phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials published to date. We performed a systematic review of all published clinical trials indexed in PubMed that utilized oncolytic viruses. Trials were reviewed for type of oncolytic virus used, method of administration, study design, disease type, primary outcome, and relevant adverse effects. A total of 120 trials were found; 86 trials were available for our review. Included were 60 phase I trials, five phase I/II combination trials, 19 phase II trials, and two phase III clinical trials. Oncolytic viruses are feverously being evaluated in oncology with over 30 different types of oncolytic viruses being explored either as a single agent or in combination with other antitumor agents. To date, only one oncolytic virus therapy has received an FDA approval but advances in bioengineering techniques and our understanding of immunomodulation to heighten oncolytic virus replication and improve tumor kill raises optimism for its future drug development.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Management; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Vectors; Humans; Neoplasms; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Oncolytic Viruses; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33053757
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207505 -
European Journal of Cancer Care Nov 2020Patients with haematological malignancies may not be receiving appropriate referrals to palliative care and continuing to have treatments in the end stages of their...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with haematological malignancies may not be receiving appropriate referrals to palliative care and continuing to have treatments in the end stages of their disease. This systematic review of qualitative research aimed to synthesise healthcare professionals' (HCPs) views and experiences of palliative care for adult patients with a haematologic malignancy.
METHODS
A systematic search strategy was undertaken across eight databases. Thomas and Harden's approach to thematic analysis guided synthesis on the seventeen included studies. GRADE-GRADEQual guided assessment of confidence in the synthesised findings.
RESULTS
Three analytic themes were identified: (a) "Maybe we can pull another 'rabbit out of the hat'," represents doctors' therapeutic optimism, (b) "To tell or not to tell?" explores doctors' decision-making around introducing palliative care, and (c) "Hospice, home or hospital?" describes HCPs concerns about challenges faced by haematology patients at end of life in terms of transfusion support and risk of catastrophic bleeds.
CONCLUSION
Haematologists value the importance of integrated palliative care but prefer the term "supportive care." Early integration of supportive care alongside active curative treatment should be the model of choice in haematology settings in order to achieve the best outcomes and improved quality of life.
Topics: Delivery of Health Care; Health Personnel; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Palliative Care; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life
PubMed: 32902114
DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13316 -
MedEdPublish (2016) 2020This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Trust is an essential component of developing bonds and, in particular, the relationship between...
This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Trust is an essential component of developing bonds and, in particular, the relationship between teacher and learner. The cumulative effects of pedagogy, curriculum, content, and delivery in teaching and learning of medical students (MS) are well established and the importance of the relationship between student and teachers, with particular reference to the concept of trust is reviewed, addressing aspects of intention, capability, character, and integrity. Trust is often perceived as a soft quality with respect to education, however trust actually provides an environment of hope and inspirational optimism. In such an environment teachers and learners can be authentic about their 'best selves', developing good character with high emotional intelligence (EI), where honest reflection is the key to enhanced integrity with transparent intentions in their relationships. Trusting relationships in education instil mutual respect, enhance collaboration, and promote the independent thinking that results from transparent and kind mutual interactions. Indeed, loyalty and commitment to values and goals ensures the success of the learning environment. Neuroscience and psychology experiments demonstrate recent evidence to support the importance of trust in relationships that can be considered relevant to teaching and learning. The expression of hormones and brain function, associated with trusting relationships and interpersonal bonding is explored.
PubMed: 38476829
DOI: 10.15694/mep.2020.000184.1 -
Nutrients Jan 2020The role of a properly balanced diet in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders has been suggested, while vegetables and fruits have a high content of nutrients...
The role of a properly balanced diet in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders has been suggested, while vegetables and fruits have a high content of nutrients that may be of importance in the case of depressive disorders. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the observational studies analyzing association between fruit and vegetable intake and mental health in adults. The search adhered to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), and the review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42019138148). A search for peer-reviewed observational studies published until June 2019 was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases, followed by an additional manual search for publications conducted via analyzing the references of the found studies. With respect to the intake of fruit and/or vegetable, studies that assessed the intake of fruits and/or vegetables, or their processed products (e.g., juices), as a measure expressed in grams or as the number of portions were included. Those studies that assessed the general dietary patterns were not included in the present analysis. With respect to mental health, studies that assessed all the aspects of mental health in both healthy participants and subjects with physical health problems were included, but those conducted in groups of patients with intellectual disabilities, dementia, and eating disorders were excluded. To assess bias, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied. A total of 5911 studies were independently extracted by 2 researchers and verified if they met the inclusion criteria using a 2-stage procedure (based on the title, based on the abstract). After reviewing the full text, a total of 61 studies were selected. A narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies was performed, which was structured around the type of outcome. The studies included mainly focused on depression and depressive symptoms, but also other characteristics ranging from general and mental well-being, quality of life, sleep quality, life satisfaction, flourishing, mood, self-efficacy, curiosity, creativity, optimism, self-esteem, stress, nervousness, or happiness, to anxiety, minor psychiatric disorders, distress, or attempted suicide, were analyzed. The most prominent results indicated that high total intake of fruits and vegetables, and some of their specific subgroups including berries, citrus, and green leafy vegetables, may promote higher levels of optimism and self-efficacy, as well as reduce the level of psychological distress, ambiguity, and cancer fatalism, and protect against depressive symptoms. However, it must be indicated that the studies included were conducted using various methodologies and in different populations, so their results were not always sufficiently comparable, which is a limitation. Taken together, it can be concluded that fruits and/or vegetables, and some of their specific subgroups, as well as processed fruits and vegetables, seems to have a positive influence on mental health, as stated in the vast majority of the included studies. Therefore, the general recommendation to consume at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day may be beneficial also for mental health.
Topics: Adult; Depression; Diet, Healthy; Eating; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Observational Studies as Topic; Quality of Life; Vegetables
PubMed: 31906271
DOI: 10.3390/nu12010115 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2019Optimism and pessimism can be easily measured and are potentially modifiable mindsets that may be associated with cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Optimism and pessimism can be easily measured and are potentially modifiable mindsets that may be associated with cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review of the association between optimism and risk for future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.
DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO electronic databases were systematically searched from inception through July 2, 2019, to identify all cohort studies investigating the association between optimism and pessimism and cardiovascular events and/or all-cause mortality by using the following Medical Subject Heading terms: optimism, optimistic explanatory style, pessimism, outcomes, endpoint, mortality, death, cardiovascular events, stroke, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and cardiovascular disease.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were screened and extracted independently by 2 investigators (A.R. and C.B.). Adjusted effect estimates were used, and pooled analysis was performed using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cardiovascular events included a composite of fatal cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or new-onset angina. All-cause mortality was assessed as a separate outcome.
RESULTS
The search yielded 15 studies comprising 229 391 participants of which 10 studies reported data on cardiovascular events and 9 studies reported data on all-cause mortality. The mean follow-up period was 13.8 years (range, 2-40 years). On pooled analysis, optimism was significantly associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events (relative risk, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51-0.78; P < .001), with high heterogeneity in the analysis (I2 = 87.4%). Similarly, optimism was significantly associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (relative risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.92; P < .001), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 73.2%). Subgroup analyses by methods for assessment, follow-up duration, sex, and adjustment for depression and other potential confounders yielded similar results.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings suggest that optimism is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Future studies should seek to better define the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying this association and evaluate the potential benefit of interventions designed to promote optimism or reduce pessimism.
Topics: Cause of Death; Coronary Artery Disease; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Optimism; Stroke
PubMed: 31560385
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.12200 -
PloS One 2019The Best Possible Self (BPS) exercise promotes a positive view of oneself in the best possible future, after working hard towards it. Since the first work that attempted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Best Possible Self (BPS) exercise promotes a positive view of oneself in the best possible future, after working hard towards it. Since the first work that attempted to examine the benefits of this intervention in 2001, studies on the BPS have grown exponentially and, currently, this is one of the most widely used Positive Psychology Interventions. However, little is yet known about its overall effectiveness in increasing wellbeing outcomes. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis is to shed light on this question. A systematic literature search was conducted, and 29 studies (in 26 articles) met the inclusion criteria of empirically testing the intervention and comparing it to a control condition. In addition, BPS was compared to gratitude interventions in some of the included studies. A total of 2,909 participants were involved in the analyses. The outcome measures were wellbeing, optimism, depressive symptoms, and positive and negative affect. Results showed that the BPS is an effective intervention to improve wellbeing (d+ = .325), optimism (d+ = .334) and positive affect (d+ = .511) comparing to controls. Small effect sizes were obtained for negative affect and depressive symptoms. Moderator analyses did not show statistically significant results for wellbeing, except for a trend towards significance in the age of the participants (years) and the magnitude of the intervention (total minutes of practice). In addition, the BPS was found to be more beneficial for positive and negative affect than gratitude interventions (d+ = .326 and d+ = .485, respectively). These results indicate that the BPS can be considered a valuable Positive Psychology Intervention to improve clients' wellbeing, and it seems that it might be more effective for older participants and with shorter practices (measured as total minutes of practice).
Topics: Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Psychology, Positive; Self Care; Self-Assessment
PubMed: 31545815
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222386