Deciding on breast cancer risk reduction: The role of counseling in individual decision-making – A qualitative study

ObjectivesThe presentation of risks and benefits in clinical practice is common particularly in situations in which treatment recommendations involve trade-offs. The treatment of breast cancer risk with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is such a decision. We investigated the influence of health care provider (HCP) counseling on women’s decision-making.MethodsThirty breast cancer risk counseling sessions were recorded from April 2012–August 2013 at a comprehensive cancer center and at a safety-net, community hospital in the US. Participating women and HCPs were interviewed. A cross-case synthesis was used for analysis.ResultsOf 30 participants 21 received a SERM-recommendation, 11 decided to take SERMs. Counseling impacted decision-making, but did not determine it. Three categories emerged: 1.) ability to change the decision anytime, 2.) perceptions on medications, and 3.) proximity of cancer.ConclusionDecision-making under conditions of a risk diagnosis such as increased breast cancer risk is a continuous process in which risk information is transformed into practical and experiential considerations.Practice implicationsIndividuals’ health care decision-making is only marginally dependent on the interactions in the clinic. Accepting patients’ experiences and beliefs in their own right and letting them guide the discussion may be important for a satisfying decision-making process.     

The development of incorpoRATE: A measure of physicians’ willingness to incorporate shared decision making into practice

ObjectivesTo develop ‘incorpoRATE’, a brief and broadly applicable measure of physicians’ willingness to incorporate shared decision making (SDM) into practice.MethodsincorpoRATE was developed across three phases: 1) A review of relevant literature to inform candidate domain and item development, 2) Cognitive interviews with US physicians to iteratively refine the measure, and 3) Pilot testing of the measure across a larger sample of US physicians to explore item and measure performance.ResultsThe final measure consists of seven items that assess physician perspectives on various components of SDM use that may present as barriers in practice. During pilot testing, the majority of physicians expressed positive opinions about the overall concept of SDM, yet were less comfortable acting on informed patient choices when there was known incongruence with their own recommendations.ConclusionsincorpoRATE is a novel physician-reported measure that assesses physicians’ willingness to incorporate SDM in practice.Practice implicationsincorpoRATE has the potential to help us further understand the limited adoption of SDM and areas of focus for improving the use of SDM in the future. We recommend that incorpoRATE be subject to further psychometric, real-world testing, in order to explore its performance across different samples of physicians and organizations.     

The (pro)renin receptor. A decade of research: what have we learned?

The discovery of a (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) in 2002 provided a long-sought explanation for tissue renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activity and a function for circulating prorenin, the inactive precursor of renin, in end-organ damage. Binding of renin and prorenin (referred to as (pro)renin) to the (P)RR increases angiotensin I formation and induces intracellular signalling, resulting in the production of profibrotic factors. However, the (pro)renin concentrations required for intracellular signalling in vitro are several orders of magnitude above (patho)physiological plasma levels. Moreover, the phenotype of prorenin-overexpressing animals could be completely attributed to angiotensin generation, possibly even without the need for a receptor. The efficacy of the only available putative (pro)renin receptor blocker handle region peptide remains doubtful, leading to inconclusive results. The fact that, in contrast to other RAS components, (P)RR knock-outs, even tissue-specific, are lethal, points to an important, (pro)renin-independent, function of the (P)RR. Indeed, recent research has highlighted ancillary functions of the (P)RR as an essential accessory protein of the vacuolar-type H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase), and in this role, it acts as an intermediate in Wnt signalling independent of (pro)renin. In conclusion, (pro)renin-dependent signalling is unlikely in non-(pro)renin synthesizing organs, and the (P)RR role in V-ATPase integrity and Wnt signalling may explain some, if not all of the phenotypes previously associated with (pro)renin-(P)RR interaction.     

A partner-rating scale of postpartum depression: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – Partner (EPDS-P)

Summary Partners could be useful as informants of postpartum women’s depressive symptoms; however, currently no partner-ratings exist. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – Partner (EPDS-P) is a 10-item measure adapted from the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS-P is expected to converge with the EPDS and other measures of depressive symptoms and to demonstrate incremental validity in the prediction of depressive symptoms. 101 women and their partners completed multiple measures of depressive symptoms during the first six weeks postpartum. Initial results suggest adequate reliability and validity for the EPDS-P. The EPDS-P showed moderate convergent correlations with other depression measures. Longitudinal correlations showed a link between the two-week EPDS-P and the six-week EPDS. The EPDS-P demonstrated incremental validity over and above the EPDS. Results supported the use of the EPDS-P as a valid partner-rating scale. The findings confirm that partners of postpartum women are valuable resources when assessing depressive symptoms.     

Rolf Niedergerke (1921–2011): a life in muscle research

This obituary provides some detail and background to the life and work of a pioneer of muscle physiology, Rolf Niedergerke, who died in December 2011 aged 90. His name is perhaps most widely known for his role in the discovery of the sliding filament mechanism of muscle contraction in collaboration with Andrew Huxley (which complemented the independent studies of HE Huxley and Jean Hanson). His other major contributions were to the ??calcium story?? of muscle activation, particularly for the heart. In a long career, his intellectual and experimental excellence contributed some keystones of our present understanding of the role of cellular Ca²⁺ in muscle contraction and cardiac excitation?Ccontraction coupling and of the Ca?CNa exchange process.     

The prevalence of HPV infection in rectal cancer – Report from South – Central Poland (Cracow region)

Some studies suggest that HPV infection may be important carcinogenic factor in development of some part of colorectal cancers. However, in the worldwide literature concerning this type of tumours, the great variability in HPV frequency is noticed. In Poland, the incidence of HPV infection in colorectal cancers was examined in five studies so far and their results are also conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the HPV presence in the group of 120 patients with adenocarcinomas of rectum. HPV infection was assessed on the basis of DNA extracted from collected formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumour specimens. Viral presence was evaluated using two PCR based methods: nested PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) with primers specific for HPV16. All HPV positive samples were subjected to virus genotyping using AmoyDx^® Human papillomavirus (HPV) Genotyping Detection Kit and P16 immunostaining. Among 120 evaluated colorectal tumours, HPV DNA was detected in 2 cancers (1.67%) by nested PCR and in 2 (1.67%) tumours by qPCR, including 1 sample diagnosed as HPV positive on the basis of both PCR variants. Two HPV positive cancers had HPV16 infection and other one HPV18. All three tumours with positivity of HPV DNA were P16 negative. In south – central Poland, HPV infection in rectal cancers probably has not influence on rectal carcinogenesis.     

Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (1810–1881): Anatomical research to develop surgery

The 19th century Russian surgeon Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov believed passionately in the importance of anatomy for surgeons. His interest in anatomy began as a medical student in Moscow. After graduating in 1828 Pirogov entered the postgraduate German-Baltic University of Dorpat (now Tartu in the Republic of Estonia) where he studied anatomy and surgery. After completing his study, he remained to research the consequences of ligation of the aorta in a series of animal experiments, which formed the core of his doctoral thesis. He wanted to determine the feasibility of aortic ligation as a treatment for patients with an aneurysm of the aorta or iliac artery. He discovered that success was only likely when the aorta was ligated between the two mesenteric arteries and the ligature gradually tightened, an approach surgically difficult in humans. Pirogov then spent 2 years at the Charité Hospital in Berlin before returning to Russia. In 1841, he was appointed Professor of Applied Anatomy and Surgery at the Imperial Medico-Surgical Academy in Saint Petersburg. He instituted the teaching of microscopy and histology to the medical curriculum and in 1846 formed the Institute for Applied Anatomy within the academy, where in addition to teaching medical students future teachers of anatomy in Russia were trained. Pirogov published extensively on anatomy, including several anatomical atlases, the most notable his three-dimensional atlas of topographical anatomy published in four volumes between 1852 and 1859. Today Pirogov's contributions to anatomy are remembered in a number of anatomical structures named after him. Clin. Anat., 33:714–730, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Overcoming challenges integrating patient-generated data into the clinical EHR: Lessons from the CONtrolling Disease Using Inexpensive IT – Hypertension in Diabetes (CONDUIT-HID) Project

IntroductionThe CONDUIT-HID intervention integrates patients’ electronic blood pressure measurements directly into the clinical EHR using Microsoft HealthVault as an intermediary data store. The goal of this paper is to describe generalizable categories of patient and technical challenges encountered in the development and implementation of this inexpensive, commercial off-the-shelf consumer health informatics intervention, examples of challenges within each category, and how the example challenges were resolved prior to conducting an RCT of the intervention.MethodsThe research team logged all challenges and mediation strategies during the technical development of the intervention, conducted home visits to observe patients using the intervention, and conducted telephone calls with patients to understand challenges they encountered. We then used these data to iteratively refine the intervention.ResultsThe research team identified a variety of generalizable categories of challenges associated with patients uploading data from their homes, patients uploading data from clinics because they did not have or were not comfortable using home computers, and patients establishing the connection between HealthVault and the clinical EHR. Specific challenges within these categories arose because: (1) the research team had little control over the device and application design, (2) multiple vendors needed to coordinate their actions and design changes, (3) the intervention use cases were not anticipated by the device and application designers, (4) PHI accessed on clinic computers needed to be kept secure, (5) the research team wanted the data in the clinical EHR to be valid and reliable, (6) patients needed the ability to share only the data they wanted, and (7) the development of some EHR functionalities were new to the organization. While these challenges were varied and complex, the research team was able to successfully resolve each one prior to the start of the RCT.ConclusionsBy identifying these generalizable categories of challenges, we aim to help others proactively search for and remedy potential challenges associated with their interventions, rather than reactively responding to problems as they arise. We posit that this approach will significantly increase the likelihood that these types of interventions will be successful.     

JCL roundtable—Lipoprotein(a): The emerging risk factor

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a major risk factor for atherothrombotic events along with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and, inversely, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lp(a) also contributes to the progression of calcific aortic stenosis and to the rare occurrence of arterial thrombotic strokes without atherosclerosis in children and younger women. Much has been learned about the inheritance of Lp(a) levels and the relationship between apolipoprotein(a) structure and function. Recent work suggests an intriguing interaction between oxidized phospholipids on Lp(a) and inflammatory interleukin-1 genotypes. New pharmaceutical approaches with antisense and RNA interference technology may achieve up to 90% lowering of Lp(a). This Roundtable includes practical considerations for clinically measuring and responding to Lp(a) levels.     

The mosaic of autoimmunity – Finally discussing in person. The 13th international congress on autoimmunity 2022 (AUTO13) Athens

While autoimmunity is a branch of medicine linked to every single organ system via direct and indirect pathways, meeting in person to discuss autoimmunity during the 13^th international congress on autoimmunity (AUTO13) with participants from all over the world had a very good reason. The mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases are of extreme importance and in fact critical in understanding the course of diseases as well as selecting proper therapies. COVID-19 has served as a great example of how autoimmunity is deeply involved in the disease and directly correlated to severity, morbidity, and mortality. For instance, initially the term cytokine storm dominated, then COVID-19 was addressed as the new member of the hyperferritinemic syndrome, and also the use of immunosuppressants in patients with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, all shed light on the fundamental role of autoimmunity. Unsurprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 was called the “autoimmune virus” during AUTO13. Subsequently, the correlation between autoimmunity and COVID-19 vaccines and post-COVID, all were discussed from different autoimmune aspects during the congress. In addition, updates on the mechanisms of diseases, autoantibodies, novel diagnostics and therapies in regard to autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and others, were discussed in dedicated sessions. Due to the magnificence of the topics discussed, we aimed to bring in our article hereby, the pearls of AUTO13 in terms of updates, new aspects of autoimmunity, and interesting findings. While more than 500 abstract were presented, concluding all the topics was not in reach, hence major findings were summarized.     

Women's journey to safety – The Transtheoretical model in clinical practice when working with women experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: A scientific review and clinical guidance

Objective

Review the applicability of the Transtheoretical model and provide updated guidance for clinicians working with women experiencing intimate partner violence.

Methods

Critical review of related primary research conducted from 1990 to March 2013.

Results

Women's experiences of creating change within abusive relationships can be located within a stages of change continuum by identifying dominant behavioral clusters. The processes of change and constructs of decisional-balance and turning-points are evident in women's decision-making when they engage in change.

Conclusion

Clinicians can use the stages of change to provide a means of assessing women's movement toward their nominated outcomes, and the processes of change, decisional-balance and turning-points, to enhance understanding of, and promote women's movement across stages in their journey to safety.

Practice implications

Clinicians should assess women individually for immediate and ongoing safety and well-being, and identify their overarching stage of change. Clinicians can support women in identifying and implementing their personal objectives to enhance self-efficacy and create positive change movement across stages.The three primary objectives identified for clinician support are: 1. Minimizing harm and promoting well-being within an abusive relationship, 2. Achieving safety and well-being within the relationship; halting the abuse, or 3. Achieving safety by ending/leaving intimate relationships.     

Women's journey to safety – The Transtheoretical model in clinical practice when working with women experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: A scientific review and clinical guidance

ObjectiveReview the applicability of the Transtheoretical model and provide updated guidance for clinicians working with women experiencing intimate partner violence.MethodsCritical review of related primary research conducted from 1990 to March 2013.ResultsWomen's experiences of creating change within abusive relationships can be located within a stages of change continuum by identifying dominant behavioral clusters. The processes of change and constructs of decisional-balance and turning-points are evident in women's decision-making when they engage in change.ConclusionClinicians can use the stages of change to provide a means of assessing women's movement toward their nominated outcomes, and the processes of change, decisional-balance and turning-points, to enhance understanding of, and promote women's movement across stages in their journey to safety.Practice implicationsClinicians should assess women individually for immediate and ongoing safety and well-being, and identify their overarching stage of change. Clinicians can support women in identifying and implementing their personal objectives to enhance self-efficacy and create positive change movement across stages.The three primary objectives identified for clinician support are: 1. Minimizing harm and promoting well-being within an abusive relationship, 2. Achieving safety and well-being within the relationship; halting the abuse, or 3. Achieving safety by ending/leaving intimate relationships.