Spectral data de‐noising using semi‐classical signal analysis: application to localized MRS

In this paper, we propose a new post‐processing technique called semi‐classical signal analysis (SCSA) for MRS data de‐noising. Similar to Fourier transformation, SCSA decomposes the input real positive MR spectrum into a set of linear combinations of squared eigenfunctions equivalently represented by localized functions with shape derived from the potential function of the Schrödinger operator. In this manner, the MRS spectral peaks represented as a sum of these ‘shaped like’ functions are efficiently separated from noise and accurately analyzed. The performance of the method is tested by analyzing simulated and real MRS data. The results obtained demonstrate that the SCSA method is highly efficient in localized MRS data de‐noising and allows for an accurate data quantification.     

Lifestyle-related risk factors for stomach cancer in northeast Thailand.

Background: Stomach cancer is not common in Thailand but the life styles of the Thai population are changingto become more Western so that information for planning control programme of stomach cancer is necessary.The highest incidence rates of this neoplasm are found in Eastern Asia, ranging from age-standardized rates of95.5/105 (men) and 40.1/105 (women) in Yamagata, Japan to 4.1/105 (men) and 2.1/105 (women) in Khon Kaen,Northeast of Thailand. In Thailand, the estimated age-standardized incidence rates in 1993, 1996 were 4.9/105,4.1/105 in men and 3.0/105 , 2.6/105 in women. Risk factors for stomach cancer in Thai population are unclear,but possibly include low intake of vegetables and fruits, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and high intake ofsalt. Objective: To investigate various aspects of dietary factors, smoking, and alcohol drinking in determiningrisk of stomach cancer in Thai population. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Khon Kaen, Thailandduring 2002-2006, to study the role of these factors in stomach cancer. 101 stomach cancer cases and 202 matchedcontrols (case : control = 1:2) by sex, age (± 3 years) and region were recruited from Srinagarind Hospital andKhon Kaen Regional Hospital, in Khon Kaen Province. All of cases were histologically confirmed. Controls hada variety of diseases, the main ones being disease of the eye. Information on dietary habits, alcohol drinking andsmoking were collected by a structured questionnaire, blood samples were collected for further study. Results:The distribution of the general characteristics by case-control status, the distribution of age and sex were similarin cases and controls. In the final analysis, the factors that found to be higher risk but not statistically significantwere long-term filter cigarette smoking (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 0.85-4.50), long-term alcohol consumption (OR=1.2,95%CI: 0.51-2.60) and low intake of vegetables and fruits (OR=1.2, 95%CI: 0.74-1.96). A high intake of vegetableoil (OR=4.5, 95%CI: 1.00.-20.17) was found to be associated with increased risk, and similar tendencies werenoted for pork oil (OR=1.4, 95%CI: 0.63-3.01) and jeaw prik (mainly chilly with plara broth) (OR=1.2, 95%CI:0 .76- 2.01). Conclusion: Our study confirmed protective effects of a high intake of fruits and vegetables againststomach cancer development and showed a high intake of sauces to increase risk of stomach cancer as in othercountries in Asia.     

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer in Northeastern Thailand: Interaction of MTHFR Codon 677 and 1298 Genotypes with Environmental Factors

Background

Polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), such as MTHFR C677T and A1298C, are associated with several cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MTHFR polymorphisms on colon cancer risk and possible interactions with environmental factors in a population from northeastern Thailand.

Methods

This hospital-based case–control study was conducted during 2002–2006; 130 colon cancer cases and 130 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled. Information was collected and blood samples were obtained for assay of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Associations between variables of interest and colon cancer were assessed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Increased risk of colon cancer was associated with alcohol consumption and bowel habits. Alcohol drinkers who consumed ≤0.50 or >0.50 units of alcohol per day had elevated risks (OR_adj = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.19–10.25 and OR_adj = 1.71; 95% CI: 0.74–3.96, respectively). The risk was also higher in subjects with frequent constipation (11.69; 2.18–62.79) and occasional constipation (3.43; 1.72–6.82). An interaction was observed between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and freshwater fish consumption on colon cancer risk (P value for interaction = 0.031). Interactions were observed between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and bowel habits, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, and beef consumption on colon cancer risk (P-value for interaction = 0.0005, 0.007, 0.067, 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

In a Thai population, colon cancer risk was associated with alcohol and beef consumption, bowel habits, and family history of cancer. Interactions between MTHFR polymorphisms and environmental factors were also observed.Key words: colon cancer, MTHFR, polymorphism, environmental factors, Thailand     

Risk factors for colorectal cancer in northeast Thailand: lifestyle related.

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer is variable around the world. Hiroshima, Japan had the highest incidence in men in 1997 with an age-standardized rate of 86.7 per 100,000 and New Zealand had the highest, at 40.6 per 100,000, in women. The incidence of colorectal cancer in Thailand is rather low and the latest figures for Northeast of Thailand are 7.1 per 100,000 for men and 4.7 for women. The reasons for these differences between countries are possibly due to variation in dietary habits, alcohol drinking or other cofactors. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand during 2002-2006 to study risk factors for colorectal cancer in a low risk area. Totals of 253 colorectal cancer cases (males 135, females 118) and 253 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. Information on dietary habits, alcohol drinking, smoking and other information were collected by a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected for further study. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out. Results: In the final model of multivariate analysis, the significant risk factors for colorectal cancer were a family history of cancer (OR=1.9 95%CI=1.2-2.9) and meat consumption (OR=1.0 95%CI=1.0007-1.0026). For BMI, subjects with higher BMI unexpectedly had a lower risk of colorectal cancer (OR=0.5 95%CI=0.3-0.8). Conclusion: Our study confirmed risk factors for colorectal cancer i.e. meat consumption and cancer in the family (genetic problem). However, the results for BMI are the reverse of expected, underlining one limitation of hospital-based case-control studies, in which cases are ill and admitted to the hospital at late stage.     

Capecitabine and weekly paclitaxel as first-line therapy in Thai patients with metastatic breast cancer

Aim: The combination of a taxane and capecitabine offers synergistic antitumor activity. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a paclitaxel and capecitabine combination in Thai patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) not previously treated for metastatic disease. Methods: This open‐label, single‐center, non‐comparative phase II study was conducted between December 2006 and March 2009. In all 40 MBC patients were treated with oral capecitabine 1000 mg/m² twice daily on days 1 to 14, and weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m² in a 3‐week cycle for a total of six cycles. Results: After a median follow up of 13.4 months, an overall objective response rate of 80%, with a partial response of 74% and a complete response of 5% were achieved. While 8% of patients achieved stable disease, 13% had progressive disease. Median time to progress was 8 months and median overall survival was 24.4 months. One patient discontinued because of hypersensitivity to paclitaxel. There was no grade 4 toxicity. Skin and nail toxicity was found in 75% of patients (with 25% in grade 2 or 3), followed by neutropenia (45% in all with 15% in grades 2 or 3), neuropathy (25% in total with 5% in grade 2) and stomatitis and diarrhea (in both of which 5% experienced grade 1 severity). Conclusion: A first‐line regimen of weekly paclitaxel plus capecitabine is effective and tolerable in Thai MBC patients.     

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose prasugrel compared to clopidogrel based on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched up to May 2020 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model to estimate relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were MACE and major bleeding, respectively.

Results

Three RCTs (n?=?2884) and five observational studies (n?=?30,117) were included. A meta-analysis of RCTs revealed no significant differences in terms of MACE (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.16) or major bleeding (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.65) between low-dose prasugrel and clopidogrel. A meta-analysis of observational studies revealed no significant difference in terms of MACE (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.55) between the two groups, but low-dose prasugrel was associated with a significantly increased risk of major bleeding (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.72).

Conclusions

We found that low-dose prasugrel was not associated with changes in MACE or major bleeding compared with clopidogrel in RCTs. However, analysis of data from observational studies revealed that low-dose prasugrel was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding compared with clopidogrel.

     

Male infertility: A scoping review of prevalence,causes and treatments

Male factor infertility has now become a major health disorder, affecting human reproduction and developing worldwide as a serious medical and social issue. It ...