Utilization of surveillance after polypectomy in the Medicare population

Background: Surveillance in patients with previous polypectomy was underused in the Medicare population in 1994. This study investigates whether expansion of Medicare reimbursement for colonoscopy screening in high-risk individuals has reduced the inappropriate use of surveillance. Methods: We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to estimate time to surveillance and polyp recurrence rates for Medicare beneficiaries with a colonoscopy with polypectomy between 1998 and 2003 who were followed through 2008 for receipt of surveillance colonoscopy. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to estimate risk factors for: 1) failing to undergo surveillance and 2)

Widening of Socioeconomic Inequalities in U.S. Death Rates, 1993–2001

Background: Socioeconomic inequalities in death rates from all causes combined widened from 1960 until 1990 in the U.S., largely because cardiovascular death rates decreased more slowly in lower than in higher socioeconomic groups. However, no studies have examined trends in inequalities using recent US national data. Methodology/Principal Findings: We calculated annual age-standardized death rates from 1993–2001 for 25–64 year old non-Hispanic whites and blacks by level of education for all causes and for the seven most common causes of death using death certificate information from 43 states and Washington, D.C. Regression analysis was used to estimate annual percent change. The inequalities in all cause death rates between Americans with less than high school education and college graduates increased rapidly from 1993 to 2001 due to both significant decreases in mortality from all causes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other conditions in the most educated and lack of change or increases among the least educated. For white women, the all cause death rate increased significantly by 3.2 percent per year in the least educated and by 0.7 percent per year in high school graduates. The rate ratio (RR) comparing the least versus most educated increased from 2.9 (95 % CI, 2.8–3.1) in 1993 to 4.4 (4.1–4.6) in 2001 among white men, from 2.1 (1.8–2.5) to 3.4 (2.9–3–9) in black men, and from 2.6 (2.4–2.7) to 3.8 (3.6–4.0) in white women. Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality are increasing rapidly due to continued progress by educated whit

Changes in smoking prevalence among U.S. adults by state and region: Estimates from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey, 1992-2007

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Tobacco control policies at the state level have been a critical impetus for reduction in smoking prevalence. We examine the association between recent changes in smoking prevalence and state-specific tobacco control policies and activities in the entire U.S.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed the 1992-93, 1998-99, and 2006-07 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) by state and two indices of state tobacco control policies or activities [initial outcome index (IOI) and the strength of tobacco control (SOTC) index] measured in 1998-1999. The IOI reflects cigarette excise taxes and indoor air legislation, whereas the SOTC reflects tobacco control program resources and capacity. Pearson Correlation coefficient between the proportionate change in smoking prevalence from 1992-93 to 2006-07 and indices of tobacco control activities or programs was the main outcome measure.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Smoking prevalence decreased from 1992-93 to 2006-07 in both men and women in all states except Wyoming, where no reduction was observed among men, and only a 6.9% relative reduction among women. The percentage reductions in smoking in men and women respectively were the largest in the West (average decrease of 28.5% and 33.3%) and the smallest in the Midwest (18.6% and 20.3%), although there were notable exceptions to this pattern. The decline in smoking prevalence by state was correlated with the state's IOI in both women and men (r = -0.49, p < 0.001; r = -0.31, p = 0.03; respectively) and with state's SOTC index in women(r = -0.30, p = 0.03 0), but not men (r = -0.21, p = 0.14).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>State level policies on cigarette excise taxes and indoor air legislation correlate strongly with reductions in smoking prevalence since 1992. Strengthening and systematically implementing these policies could greatly accelerate further reductions in smoking.</p

CTIP2 Expression in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Linked to Poorly Differentiated Tumor Status

We have demonstrated earlier that CTIP2 is highly expressed in mouse skin during embryogenesis and in adulthood. CTIP2 mutant mice die at birth with epidermal differentiation defects and a compromised epidermal permeability barrier suggesting its role in skin development and/or homeostasis. CTIP2 has also been suggested to function as tumor suppressor in cells, and several reports have described a link between chromosomal rearrangements of CTIP2 and human T cell acute lymphoblast leukemia (T-ALL). The aim of the present study was to look into the pattern of CTIP2 expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).In the present study, we analyzed CTIP2 expression in human HNSCC cell lines by western blotting, in paraffin embedded archival specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and in cDNA samples of human HNSCC by qRT-PCR. Elevated levels of CTIP2 protein was detected in several HNSCC cell lines. CTIP2 staining was mainly detected in the basal layer of the head and neck normal epithelium. CTIP2 expression was found to be significantly elevated in HNSCC (p<0.01), and increase in CTIP2 expression was associated with poorly differentiated tumor status. Nuclear co-localization of CTIP2 protein and cancer stem cell (CSC) marker BMI1 was observed in most, if not all of the cells expressing BMI1 in moderately and poorly differentiated tumors.We report for the first time expression of transcriptional regulator CTIP2 in normal human head and neck epithelia. A statistically significant increase in the expression of CTIP2 was detected in the poorly differentiated samples of the human head and neck tumors. Actual CTIP2, rather than the long form of CTIP2 (CTIP2(L)) was found to be more relevant to the differentiation state of the tumors. Results demonstrated existence of distinct subsets of cancer cells, which express CTIP2 and underscores the use of CTIP2 and BMI1 co-labeling to distinguish tumor initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs) from surrounding cancer cells

Atención al paciente oncológico en tiempos de COVID-19

Introduction: with the emergence of the new coronavirus and the wide worldwide distribution, its effects in people with some comorbidities are a global concern. Cancer is a disease with a high incidence and prevalence in society, included among the main causes of mortality.Objective: to describe the management of cancer patients during COVID-19Method: a literature review of articles published up to June 2020 was carried out, using the Pubmed / Medline, SCOPUS and SciELO databases. 28 references were selected for the preparation of the present.Development: cancer has variable clinical and prognostic behaviors that generally lead to states of immunosuppression caused by the therapeutics used for its treatment; Therefore, they are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. The proper care of this group of people is the responsibility of the health systems. Some measures are based on social distancing, either in reducing the number of companions of the patient in the consultation or chemotherapy sessions, the prohibition of visits to hospitalized patients and the use of technologies with the use of teleconsultations for routine follow-up, as well as the change from intravenous to oral treatmentsConclusions: the study of the behavior of COVID-19 in cancer patients is under development. The measures that the institutions take to achieve quality care for people with cancer are varied and are based mainly on social distancing.Introducción: con el surgimiento del nuevo coronavirus y la amplia distribución mundial, es una preocupación global sus efectos en personas con algunas comorbilidades. El cáncer es una enfermedad con alta incidencia y prevalencia en la sociedad, incluida entre las principales causas de mortalidad.Objetivo: describir el manejo del paciente oncológico durante la COVID-19Método: se realizó una revisión de la literatura de artículos publicados hasta junio del 2020, utilizando las bases de datos de Pubmed/Medline, SCOPUS y SciELO. Se seleccionaron 28 referencias para la elaboración de la presente.Desarrollo: el cáncer posee comportamientos clínicos y pronóstico variables que generalmente conllevan a estados de inmunosupresión causada por la terapéutica empleada para su tratamiento; por lo cual presentan mayor vulnerabilidad ante enfermedades infecciosas. Es responsabilidad de los sistemas de salud la correcta atención a este grupo de personas. Algunas medidas se basan en el distanciamiento social, ya sea en la reducción de la cantidad de acompañantes del paciente en la consulta o las sesiones de quimioterapia, la prohibición de las visitas a los pacientes hospitalizados y el empleo de las tecnologías con el uso de las teleconsultas para el seguimiento rutinario, así como el cambio de tratamientos por vía intravenosa a vía oralConclusiones: el estudio del comportamiento de la COVID-19 en pacientes oncológicos está en desarrollo. Las medidas que tomen las instituciones para lograr una atención de calidad a las personas que poseen cáncer son variadas y se basan sobre todo en el distanciamiento social

Educational Attainment and Quitting Smoking: A Structural Equation Model Approach

In the United States, disparities in smoking prevalence and cessation by socioeconomic status are well documented, but there is limited research on reasons why and none conducted in a national sample assessing multiple potential mechanisms. We identified smoking and cessation-related behavioral and environmental variables associated with both educational attainment and quitting success. We used a structural equation model of cross-sectional data from respondents ≥25 years from the United States 2010–2011 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey. Quitting success was defined as former (n = 2607) versus continuing smokers (n = 7636); categories of educational attainment were ≤high school degree, some college/college degree, and advanced degree. Results indicated that using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) \u3e1 month and having a home smoking restriction were associated with both educational attainment and quitting success. Those with lower educational attainment versus those with an advanced degree were less likely to report using NRT \u3e1 month (≤high school: β = −0.50, p \u3c 0.001; college: β = −0.24, p = 0.019). Use of NRT \u3e1 month, in turn, was positively associated with quitting success (β = 0.25, p \u3c 0.001). Those with lower educational attainment were also less likely to report a home smoking restriction (≤high school: β = −0.42, p \u3c 0.001; college: β = −0.21, p = 0.009). Having a home smoking restriction was positively associated with quitting success (β = 0.50, p \u3c 0.001). Results were similar with income substituted for education. Using NRT \u3e1 month and having a home smoking restriction are two strategies that may explain the association between low education and lower cessation success; these strategies should be further tested for their potential ability to mitigate this association