Association of participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation with Social Vulnerability Index: The behavioral risk factor surveillance system

OBJECTIVES

To identify whether social vulnerability is associated with low cardiac rehabilitations (CR) use, a Class I recommendation by current treatment guidelines following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

We performed this cross-sectional study using the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI) was calculated using 15 social risk factors from 4 main themes including socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation. A higher SVI indicates higher social vulnerability. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association of CR use with state-level SVI adjusted for demographic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and comorbidity variables.

RESULTS

A total 2093 participants with history of AMI were included. Out of total, 61.7% were older than 65 years, 42.5% female, 72.5% White, and 42.4% used CR. Participation in CR was lower among females (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.91), those without a primary care physician (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.87), and higher with college degree education (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.06-3.59). CR use decreased with increasing SVI tertiles (1st =61%, 2nd =52%, and 3rd =35%). Compared with those residing in states in the 1st tertile, CR use was lower in the 2nd (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.98) and 3rd (OR, 0.33; 95% CI 0.23-0.48) SVI tertiles.

CONCLUSION

CR use following AMI is low and is associated with social vulnerability. Identifying social risk factors may help improve access to care among vulnerable populations.

P3: CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN HPV-POSITIVE ORAL CAVITY AND OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER

Introduction

HPV infection is recognised as the main aetiological factor responsible for the increased incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). Currently the epidemiology of oral HPV infection and OPSCC is poorly understood. In this study we aim to define the relationship between sexual behaviours and HPV-positive OPSCC.

Method

We performed a hospital-based, case-control study of 30 patients with HPV-positive and 30 patients with HPV-negative newly diagnosed oral cavity and OPSCC. The participants underwent questionnaire based interviews investigating variables such as age, gender, tobacco use, alcohol intake, and sexual behaviour.

Result

Subjects in the HPV-positive tumour subgroup had significantly less tobacco use then their HPV-negative counterparts (odds ratio, 0.92, 95% CI 0.9-1.17). A history of oral sexual activity was significantly more likely in the HPV-positive tumour subgroup (odds ratio, 5.23, 95% CI, 1.66-16.51), however this association did not remain significant when adjusted for age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption. Similarly, there was significantly less alcohol consumption overall in the HPV-positive tumour subgroup (odds ratio, 0.107, 95% CI 0.96-1.01), but this association was no longer significant when adjusted for covariables.

Conclusion

Significantly less smoking was prevalent in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Although patients with HPV-positive tumours had less alcohol consumption and a stronger history of oral sexual activity overall, greater numbers are required in order to show a significant association. This further supports the known association between HPV-infection and OPSCC and the department of health's decision to commence vaccination of boys before the onset of sexual activity.

Take-home message

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer can develop without exposure to established risk factors such as tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption. This change in pathogenesis should lead a change in how we prevent and manage the disease.

P2: CONSIDERATIONS IN SURGICAL VERSUS NONSURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF HEAD AND NECK MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA

Introduction

MCC is a rare cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour with a high risk of regional and distant metastasis. Management of this highly aggressive tumour is complex and mandates a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes.

Method

Over 12 months, three cases of MCC in the cervicofacial region were identified and described. A critical review of the literature is included.

Result

Tumour staging confirmed 2/3 cases had regional spread. One patient underwent unilateral parotidectomy with modified radical neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy. The other case is awaiting radiotherapy following a selective neck dissection. The final case had no further surgery and is currently under surveillance.

Conclusion

This case series illustrates the diversity in managing cervicofacial MCC's at various stages of their development.

Take-home message

Merkel cell carcinoma must be managed aggressively with a multidisciplinary approach, regardless of how localised it may appear.

Molecular analysis in cytological samples obtained by endobronchial or oesophageal ultrasound guided needle aspiration in non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Cytological samples obtained by endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) are capital for diagnosis, staging and molecular profile in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the success rate of complete, partial and individual of molecular analysis in samples obtained by EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) and/or by oesophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration with an echobronchoscope (EUS-B-FNA) in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Prospective study including 90 patients with non-squamous NSCLC, or non-smoking squamous. Cytological samples were classified into two groups. Group 1: PEN membrane slide and/or cell blocks for the determination of mutations of EGFR, KRAS, ERBB2 and BRAF. Group 2: silane coated slides or cell blocks for rearrangements of ALK, ROS1 and MET amplification.

RESULTS

The success rate was 78.6% for 4 molecular alterations (EGFR, KRAS, ALK and ROS1), and 44% for 7 determinations. The individual success rate for EGFR was 97%, KRAS 96.3%, ALK 85%, ROS1 82.3%, ERBB2 71.4%, BRAF 67.7% and MET 81.1%. There were no significant differences (p=0.489) in the number of molecular analyses (1-3 vs. 4) in group 1, depending on the types of samples (cell block vs. PEN membrane slide vs. cell block and PEN membrane slide).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NSCLC, the cytological material obtained by ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is sufficient for individual and partial molecular analysis in the vast majority of cases. Membrane slides such as cell blocks are valid samples for molecular analysis.

Electrical Resistivity Imaging of Seawater Intrusion into the Monterey Bay Aquifer System

We use electrical resistivity tomography to obtain a 6.8-km electrical resistivity image to a depth of approximately 150 m.b.s.l. along the coast of Monterey Bay. The resulting image is used to determine the subsurface distribution of saltwater- and freshwater-saturated sediments and the geologic controls on fluid distributions in the region. Data acquisition took place over two field seasons in 2011 and 2012. To maximize our ability to image both vertical and horizontal variations in the subsurface, a combination of dipole-dipole, Wenner, Wenner-gamma, and gradient measurements were made, resulting in a large final dataset of approximately 139,000 data points. The resulting resistivity section extends to a depth of 150 m.b.s.l., and is used, in conjunction with the gamma logs from four coastal monitoring wells to identify four dominant lithologic units. From these data, we are able to infer the existence of a contiguous clay layer in the southern portion of our transect, which prevents downward migration of the saltwater observed in the upper 25 m of the subsurface to the underlying freshwater aquifer. The saltwater and brackish water in the northern portion of the transect introduce the potential for seawater intrusion into the hydraulically connected freshwater aquifer to the south, not just from the ocean, but also laterally from north to south.

Survival in patients with primary liver cancer, gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract cancer and pancreatic cancer in Europe 1999-2007: Results of EUROCARE-5

BACKGROUND

The EUROCARE study collects and analyses survival data from population-based cancer registries (CRs) in Europe in order to provide data on between-country differences in survival and time trends in survival.

METHODS

This study analyses data on liver cancer, gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract cancers ("biliary tract cancers"), and pancreatic cancer diagnosed in 2000-2007 from 88 CRs in 29 countries. Relative survival (RS) was estimated overall, by region, sex, age and period of diagnosis using the complete approach. Time trends in 5-year RS over 1999-2007 were also analysed using the period approach.

RESULTS

The prognosis of the studied cancers was poor. Age-standardised 5-year RS was 12% for liver cancer, 17% for biliary tract cancers and 7% for pancreatic cancer. There were some between-country differences in survival. In general, RS was low in Eastern Europe and high in Central and Southern Europe. For all sites, 5-year RS was similar in men and women and decreased with advancing age. No substantial changes in survival were reported for pancreatic cancer over the period 1999-2007. On average, there was a crude increase in 5-year RS of 3 percentage points between the periods 1999-2001 and 2005-2007 for liver cancer and biliary tract cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The major changes in imaging techniques over the study period for the diagnosis of the three studied cancers did not result in an improvement in the prognosis of these cancers. In the near future, new innovative treatments might be the best way to improve the prognosis in these cancers.