scholarly journals Cyclomodulins and Hemolysis in E. coli as Potential Low-Cost Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1165
Author(s):  
Kristýna Mezerová ◽  
Lubomír Starý ◽  
Pavel Zbořil ◽  
Ivo Klementa ◽  
Martin Stašek ◽  
...  

The frequent occurrence of E. coli positive for cyclomodulins such as colibactin (CLB), the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF), and the cytolethal distending factor (CDT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients published so far provides the opportunity to use them as CRC screening markers. We examined the practicability and performance of a low-cost detection approach that relied on culture followed by simplified DNA extraction and PCR in E. coli isolates recovered from 130 CRC patients and 111 controls. Our results showed a statistically significant association between CRC and the presence of colibactin genes clbB and clbN, the cnf gene, and newly, the hemolytic phenotype of E. coli isolates. We also observed a significant increase in the mean number of morphologically distinct E. coli isolates per patient in the CRC cohort compared to controls, indicating that the cyclomodulin-producing E. coli strains may represent potentially preventable harmful newcomers in CRC patients. A colibactin gene assay showed the highest detection rate (45.4%), and males would benefit from the screening more than females. However, because of the high number of false positives, practical use of this marker must be explored. In our opinion, it may serve as an auxiliary marker to increase the specificity and/or sensitivity of the well-established fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in CRC screening.

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110644
Author(s):  
Jocelyn V. Wainwright ◽  
Shivan J. Mehta ◽  
Alicia Clifton ◽  
Claire Bocage ◽  
Shannon N. Ogden ◽  
...  

Purpose To understand patient experiences and persistent barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening amid centralized outreach at urban family medicine practices. Approach Following a pragmatic trial assessing mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach, we invited a subset of participants to complete a semi-structured qualitative interview and structured questionnaire. Setting Single urban academic healthcare system. Participants Sixty patients who were eligible and overdue for CRC screening at the time of trial enrollment. Method Using Andersen’s Behavioral Model, we developed an interview guide to systematically assess factors shaping screening decisions and FIT uptake. Close-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results Most participants (82%) self-reported that they had ever completed any modality of CRC screening, and nearly half (43%) completed the mailed FIT during the trial. Most patients (60%) preferred FIT to colonoscopy due to its private, convenient, and non-invasive nature; however, persistent barriers related to screening beliefs including fear of test results and cancer treatment still prevented some patients from completing any form of CRC screening. Conclusions Mailed FIT can overcome many structural barriers to CRC screening, yet clear communication and follow-up amid centralized outreach are essential. For some patients, tailored outreach or navigation to address screening-related fears or other screening beliefs may be needed to ensure timely completion of CRC screening.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0243587
Author(s):  
Gregory C. Knapp ◽  
Olusegun Alatise ◽  
Bolatito Olopade ◽  
Marguerite Samson ◽  
Olalekan Olasehinde ◽  
...  

Introduction There is a paucity of prospective data on the performance of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to evaluate the feasibility and performance of FIT in Nigeria. Methods This was a prospective, single-arm study. A convenience sample of asymptomatic, average-risk individuals between 40–75 years of age were enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital. Study participants returned in 48 hours with a specimen for ova and parasite (O&P) and qualitative FIT (50ug/g) testing. Participants with a positive FIT had follow-up colonoscopy and those with intestinal parasites were provided treatment. Results Between May-June 2019, 379 individuals enrolled with a median age of 51 years (IQR 46–58). In total, 87.6% (n = 332) returned for FIT testing. FIT positivity was 20.5% (95% CI = 16.3%-25.2%). Sixty-one (89.7%) of participants with a positive FIT had a follow-up colonoscopy (n = 61), of whom 9.8% (95%CI:3.7–20.2%) had an adenoma and 4.9% (95%CI:1.0–13.7%) had advanced adenomas. Presence of intestinal parasites was inversely related to FIT positivity (6.5% with vs. 21.1% without parasites, p = 0.05). Eighty-two percent of participants found the FIT easy to use and 100% would recommend the test to eligible family or friends if available. Conclusions Asymptomatic, FIT-based CRC screening was feasible and well tolerated in this exploratory analysis. However, the high FIT positivity and low positive predictive value for advanced neoplasia raises concerns about its practicality and cost effectiveness in a low-resource setting such as Nigeria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 107327482110099
Author(s):  
Abdosaleh Jafari ◽  
Peyman Mehdi Alamdarloo ◽  
Mehdi Dehghani ◽  
Peivand Bastani ◽  
Ramin Ravangard

Among cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Some studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in Iran and in Fars province. The present study aimed to determine the economic burden of colorectal cancer in patients referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2019 from the patients’ perspective. This is a partial economic evaluation and a cost-of-illness study conducted cross-sectionally in 2019. All the patients with colorectal cancer who had been referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and had medical records were studied through the census method (N = 96). A researcher-made data collection form was used to collect the cost data. The prevalence-based and bottom-up approaches were also used in this study. The human capital approach was applied to calculate indirect costs. The mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the present study was $10930.98 purchasing power parity (PPP) (equivalent to 5745.29 USD), the main part of which was the medical direct costs (74.86%). Also, among the medical direct costs per patient, the highest were those of surgeries (41.7%). In addition, the mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the country was $ 116917762 PPP (equivalent to 61451621.84 USD) in 2019. Regarding the considerable economic burden of colorectal cancer and in order to reduce the costs, these suggestions can be made: increasing the number of specialized beds through the cooperation of health donors, establishing free or low-cost accommodation centers for patients and their companions near the medical centers, using the Internet and cyberspace technologies to follow up the treatment of patients, and increasing insurance coverage and government drug subsidies on drug purchase.


2021 ◽  
pp. 096914132199748
Author(s):  
Andrew Wang ◽  
Briton Lee ◽  
Shreya Patel ◽  
Evans Whitaker ◽  
Rachel B Issaka ◽  
...  

Objective Digital health care offers an opportunity to scale and personalize cancer screening programs, such as mailed outreach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. However, studies that describe the patient selection strategy and process for CRC screening are limited. Our objective was to evaluate implementation strategies for selecting patients for CRC screening programs in large health care systems. Methods We conducted a systematic review of 30 studies along with key informant surveys and interviews to describe programmatic implementation strategies for selecting patients for CRC screening. PubMed and Embase were searched since inception through December 2018, and hand searches were performed of the retrieved reference lists but none were incorporated ( n = 0). No language exclusions were applied. Results Common criteria for outreach exclusion included: being up-to-date with routine CRC screening ( n = 22), comorbidities ( n = 20), and personal history ( n = 22) or family history of cancer ( n = 9). Key informant surveys and interviews were performed ( n = 28) to understand data sources and practices for patient outreach selection, and found that 13 studies leveraged electronic medical care records, 10 studies leveraged a population registry (national, municipal, community, health), 4 studies required patient opt-in, and 1 study required primary care provider referral. Broad ranges in fecal immunochemical test completion were observed in community clinic ( n = 8, 31.0–59.6%), integrated health system ( n = 5, 21.2–82.7%), and national regional CRC screening programs ( n = 17, 23.0–64.7%). Six studies used technical codes, and four studies required patient self-reporting from a questionnaire to participate. Conclusion This systematic review provides health systems with the diverse outreach practices and technical tools to support efforts to automate patient selection for CRC screening outreach.


Author(s):  
Sudhakar Rao M. S. ◽  
Navneeth T. P. ◽  
John C. J.

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Thyroid gland disorders form one of the most common endocrinal and surgical problems encountered in clinical practice. FNNAC is widely accepted as the primary and better method than FNAC for investigation but has its disadvantages. Colour Doppler is a non-invasive, low cost, easily available and repeatable investigation with least patient discomfort and can be valuable in detection of benign and malignant thyroid enlargements.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Forty cases of adult females with WHO grade 2 thyroid enlargement attending the department of otorhinolaryngology selected on simple random basis were included in this study. Following written consent, Colour Doppler scanning and FNNAC test were done on the thyroid swelling and the results were analysed.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean age of patients was 32.44 years. The mean age of malignancy was 44.66 years and showed statistically significant association. The Resistive and Pulsatility index and combination of both were found to have statistically significant results in detecting malignant and benign lesions The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of RI and PI were 83.33%, 94.12%, 71.43%, 96.97% and 50%, 94.12%, 60% and 91.43% respectively. On combining both the indices, the sensitivity was 91.67% and the positive predictive value was 97.06%.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Colour Doppler can differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid enlargements using Resistive index (of&gt;0.75) and Pulsatility Index (of&gt;1.5) and can be a complementary diagnostic tool in the thyroid enlargement lesions, considering its accuracy, cost-effectiveness, easy availability and non-invasive repeatable nature.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (7) ◽  
pp. 1067-1072

Background: Presently, the level of participation in screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) with Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is considerably low. Objective: To investigate factors associated with participation in CRC screening using a FIT in the Thai population age 45 to 74 years in the Namphong District of Khon Kaen Province. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the unmatched case-control study design was applied. Three hundred ten participants were equally divided into two groups with 155 participants in the study group and the other 155 in the control group. The data were collected by conducting interviews. Moreover, to explain the association between the factors, multiple logistic regressions were used with adjusted odds ratio (ORadj), a confidence level at 95%, and with p<0.05. Results: It was found that ages were equal to or higher than 60 years (ORadj 2.08; 95%CI 1.19 to 3.63), the lower education level (ORadj 3.70; 95% CI 1.86 to 7.33), a family history of cancer (ORadj 5.25; 95% CI 2.14 to 12.86), receiving advice from public health officials regarding CRC screening (ORadj 3.09; 95% CI 1.81 to 5.27), and high level of knowledge about CRC (ORadj 4.01; 95% CI 2.09 to 7.69) had all been related to participation in the CRC screening program with a statistical significance (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed that receiving advice from public health officials regarding CRC screening and that proper knowledge had been related to participation in screening programs for CRC with the FIT. Thus, to raise awareness and create a greater understanding, public health officers should disseminate knowledge about CRC. Information about the colorectal screening with the FIT should especially be spread to those people who are younger than 60 years of age, have educational levels higher than the primary level, and to those, who have no family history of CRC. Keywords: Colorectal Cancer Screening; Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT); Thai population


2020 ◽  
Vol 158 (6) ◽  
pp. S-1180-S-1181
Author(s):  
Temitayo Gboluaje ◽  
Martha Gwengi ◽  
Titi Olanipekun ◽  
Taiwo A. Ajose ◽  
Krystal Mills ◽  
...  

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1471
Author(s):  
Giulia Zonta ◽  
Cesare Malagù ◽  
Sandro Gherardi ◽  
Alessio Giberti ◽  
Alessandro Pezzoli ◽  
...  

Screening is recommended to reduce both incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Currently, many countries employ fecal occult blood test (FOBT). In Emilia-Romagna (Italy), since 2005, FOBT immunochemical version (FIT) is performed every two years on people aged between 50 and 69 years. A colonoscopy is then carried out on those who are FIT positive. However, FIT shows approximately 65% false positives (non-tumoral bleedings), leading to many negative colonoscopies. The use of an economic and easy-to-use method to check FOBT-positives will improve screening effectiveness, reducing costs to the national health service. This work illustrates the results of a three-year clinical validation protocol (started in 2016) of a patented device composed of a core of nanostructured gas sensors. This device was designed to identify CRC presence by fecal volatile compounds, with a non-invasive, in vitro and low-cost analysis. Feces are, in fact, affected by tumor-volatile biomarkers, produced by cellular peroxidation and metabolic alterations. The protocol consisted in the analysis of fecal samples of FIT-positive subjects, using colonoscopy as a gold standard. A total of 398 samples were analyzed with machine learning techniques, leading to a sensitivity and specificity of 84.1% and 82.4%, respectively, and a positive predictive value of 72% (25–35% for FIT).


2017 ◽  
Vol 751 ◽  
pp. 270-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warot Prasanseang ◽  
Chaval Sriwong ◽  
Kittisak Choojun

Ag-natural rubber (Ag-NR) hybrid sheets were successfully prepared with a very simple and low cost method. In this method, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were firstly synthesized by a rapid and green microwave-assisted using polyvinylpyrroridone (PVP) media. The effect of PVP weight ratios towards the size of AgNPs was also investigated. Then, Ag-NR hybrid sheet samples were prepared by latex mixing-casting method using concentrated natural rubber (NR) latex with the synthesized AgNPs colloids. The characteristic absorption, particles sizes and shapes of the obtained AgNPs were examined through UV-vis, TEM and SAED. Also, the prepared Ag-NR sheet samples were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, SEM and EDS techniques. It was found that the particles sizes of all the synthesized AgNPs had spherical-like shape, and the mean sizes were increased from 29.7 to 90.4 nm upon increasing PVP contents. EDS results showed the AgNPs were well-dispersed and impregnated into the rubber matrix. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the prepared Ag-NR sheets were tested by agar disk-diffusion method with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) and Escherichia coli(E. coli), respectively. The results showed that the hybrid sheets exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against these bacteria, in which the zones of inhibition were also dependent on the synthesized AgNPs by utilizing the different amounts of PVP.


Author(s):  
Thirukumaran T. Kanagasabapathi ◽  
Colin Dalton ◽  
Karan V. I. S. Kaler

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been successfully applied and demonstrated to provide novel and non-invasive means for characterizing, manipulating, trapping, separating and isolating microscopic sized particles, including biological cells. In this article, we report on the design, fabrication and performance of a novel, low cost, integrated Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/DEP microfluidic device capable of controlled manipulation of microscopic sized cells and particles that can be simultaneously utilized both for DEP spectral analysis and cell sorting. We have prototyped microfluidic channels, with DEP microelectrodes incorporated within PDMS channels. Previously, we have evaluated the operation and performance of a prototype device using various dielectric and biological particles, including yeast cells and polystyrene latex beads. In this paper, we report initial experimental observations on malignant cancerous cells. Non-viable cells, due to positive DEP, were attracted to the planar electrodes at frequencies between 200–600 kHz and were clearly repelled from the electrodes, due to negative DEP, at frequencies above 10 MHz.


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