Siblings and Autism: Stories Spanning Generations

A review was conducted for ‘D.L. Cumberland and B.R. Mills (Eds), Siblings and Autism: Stories spanning generations and cultures. Philadelphia, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2011, 239 pp., ISBN 978-1-84905-831-5, $18.95 (paper)’. In comparison with similar literature on families and their perspectives on a family member being diagnosed with autism and/or growing up autistic, Cumberland and Mills (Siblings and Autism: stories spanning generations and cultures. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Philadelphia, USA, 2011) editing positions the writers as a previously poorly accessed population; the siblings of children with autism. Narratives from those siblings, now in their adulthood, give a rare insight on the variability of the disorder’s development and outcomes for the individual and the family.     

Evaluation of the role of location and distance in recruitment in respondent-driven sampling

Background

The purpose of the project was to delineate a series of contiguous neighbourhood-based "Data Zones" within the Region of Peel (Ontario) for the purpose of health data analysis and dissemination. Zones were to be built on Census Tracts (N = 205) and obey a series of requirements defined by the Region of Peel. This paper explores a method that combines statistical analysis with ground-truthing, consultation, and the use of a decision tree.

Data

Census Tract data for Peel were derived from the 2006 Canadian Census Master file.

Methods

Following correlation analysis to reduce the data set, Principal Component Analysis was applied to the data set to reduce the complexity and derive an index. The Getis-Ord Gi*statistic was then applied to look for statistically significant clusters of like Census Tracts. A detailed decision tree for the amalgamation of remaining zones and ground-truthing with Peel staff verified the resulting zones.

Results

A total of 15 Data Zones that are similar with respect to socioeconomic and sociodemographic attributes and that met criteria defined by Peel were derived for the region.

Conclusion

The approach used in this analysis, which was bolstered by a series of checks and balances throughout the process, gives statistical validity to the defined zones and resulted in a robust series of Data Zones for use by Peel Public Health. We conclude by offering insight into alternative uses of the methodology, and limitations.     

Understanding the contribution of family history to colorectal cancer risk and its clinical implications: A state‐of‐the‐science review

Persons with a family history (FH) of colorectal cancer (CRC) or adenomas that are not due to known hereditary syndromes have an increased risk for CRC. An understanding of these risks, screening recommendations, and screening behaviors can inform strategies for reducing the CRC burden in these families. A comprehensive review of the literature published within the past 10 years has been performed to assess what is known about cancer risk, screening guidelines, adherence and barriers to screening, and effective interventions in persons with an FH of CRC and to identify FH tools used to identify these individuals and inform care. Existing data show that having 1 affected first‐degree relative (FDR) increases the CRC risk 2‐fold, and the risk increases with multiple affected FDRs and a younger age at diagnosis. There is variability in screening recommendations across consensus guidelines. Screening adherence is <50% and is lower in persons under the age of 50 years. A provider's recommendation, multiple affected relatives, and family encouragement facilitate screening; insufficient collection of FH, low knowledge of guidelines, and poor family communication are important barriers. Effective interventions incorporate strategies for overcoming barriers, but these have not been broadly tested in clinical settings. Four strategies for reducing CRC in persons with familial risk are suggested: 1) improving the collection and utilization of the FH of cancer, 2) establishing a consensus for screening guidelines by FH, 3) enhancing provider‐patient knowledge of guidelines and communication about CRC risk, and 4) encouraging survivors to promote screening within their families and partnering with existing screening programs to expand their reach to high‐risk groups. Cancer 2016 . © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2633–2645. © 2016 American Cancer Society.     

Prevalence of neoplasia at colonoscopy among testicular cancer survivors treated with platinum-based chemotherapy

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). We determined the yield of colonoscopy in TCS to assess its potential in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. We conducted a colonoscopy screening study among TCS in four Dutch hospitals to assess the yield of colorectal neoplasia. Neoplasia was defined as adenomas, serrated polyps (SPs), advanced adenomas (AAs: ≥10 mm diameter, high-grade dysplasia or ≥25% villous component), advanced serrated polyps (ASPs: ≥10 mm diameter or dysplasia) or CRC. Advanced neoplasia (AN) was defined as AA, ASP or CRC. Colonoscopy yield was compared to average-risk American males who underwent screening colonoscopy (n = 24,193) using a propensity score matched analysis, adjusted for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption and body mass index. A total of 137 TCS underwent colonoscopy. Median age was 50 years among TCS (IQR 43–57) vs 55 years (IQR 51–62) among American controls. A total of 126 TCS were matched to 602 controls. The prevalence of AN was higher in TCS than in controls (8.7% vs 1.7%; P = .0002). Nonadvanced adenomas and SPs were detected in 45.2% of TCS vs 5.5% of controls (P < .0001). No lesions were detected in 46.0% of TCS vs 92.9% of controls (P < .0001). TCS treated with platinum-based chemotherapy have a higher prevalence of neoplasia and AN than matched controls. These results support our hypothesis that platinum-based chemotherapy increases the risk of colorectal neoplasia in TCS. Cost-effectiveness studies are warranted to ascertain the threshold of AN prevalence that justifies the recommendation of colonoscopy for TCS.     

Detailed per-oral small bowel examination vs. enteroclysis. Part II: Radiographic accuracy

Accuracy of the detailed per-oral small bowel series and enteroclysis was compared in 134 patients known to have (or not have) disease of the small bowel. Overall sensitivity of the per-oral examination was 92% and specificity 94%, compared to 94% and 89%, respectively, for enteroclysis. There was no difference between the two in Crohn disease, adhesions, and metastatic disease; however, enteroclysis was thought to be more effective in delineating peritoneal adhesions in patients with obstruction. The authors conclude that while the per-oral study and enteroclysis are equally valid methods of examining the small bowel, the per-oral study is preferable as a screening examination because it requires less time, has fewer side effects, and involves a lower radiation exposure.     

Multiphasic examinations of the stomach: efficacy of individual techniques and combinations of techniques in detecting 153 lesions

Multiphasic examinations of 153 gastric abnormalities observed radiologically and endoscopically were reviewed to determine the efficacy of four radiologic techniques and of several common combinations of these techniques for examining the stomach. There were 68 gastric ulcers, 12 ulcer scars, 44 cases of gastritis including 27 with erosions, 24 benign neoplasms, and five malignancies. Double-contrast, compression, mucosal relief, and full-column techniques detected 82%, 65%, 62%, and 51%, respectively, of all lesions diagnosed with the complete multiphasic examinations. Results indicate that the greater the number of techniques employed, the more accurate the examination, with biphasic and multiphasic examinations detecting 9%-18% more lesions overall than simple single- or double-contrast studies.