Individuals In High-risk Groups Research Articles

Mixed methods study on latent tuberculosis among agate stone workers and advocacy for testing silica dust exposed individuals in India

The 2021 tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment guidelines in India included silicosis as a screening group, yet latent TB infection (LTBI) testing for silica-dust-exposed individuals is underemphasized. Focusing on an estimated 52 million silica-dust-exposed workers, particularly agate-stone workers in Khambhat, Gujarat, our study aims to estimate LTBI prevalence, identify predictors, and gather insights from TB and silicosis experts. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach, a cross-sectional study involved 463 agate-stone workers aged ≥ 20 years in Khambhat, using IGRA kits for LTBI testing. In-depth interviews with experts complemented quantitative findings. Among agate-stone workers, 58% tested positive for LTBI, with predictors including longer exposure, type of work, and BCG vaccination. Our findings reveal a nearly double burden of LTBI compared to the general population, particularly in occupations with higher silica dust exposure. Experts advocate for including silica-dust-exposed individuals in high-risk groups for LTBI testing, exploring cost-effective alternatives like improved skin sensitivity tests, and shorter TB preventive treatment regimens to enhance compliance. Future research should explore upfront TB preventive treatment for silica-dust-exposed individuals with high LTBI prevalence and optimal exposure duration. This study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and innovative approaches to TB prevention among silica-dust-exposed populations, impacting global occupational health strategies.

Hypothesizing the Green Synthesis of Tamoxifen Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death all over the world and is not only limited to females but also affects males. For estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen has been considered the gold-line therapy for many decades. However, due to the side effects associated with the use of tamoxifen, its use is only limited to individuals in high-risk groups and limits its clinical application to moderate and/or lower-risk groups. Thus, there is a necessity to decrease the dose of tamoxifen, which can be achieved by targeting the drug to breast cancer cells and limiting its absorption to other body parts. Artificial antioxidants used in the formulation preparation are assumed to upsurge the risk of cancer and liver damage in humans. The need of the hour is to explore bioefficient antioxidants from natural plant sources as they are safer and additionally possess antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The objective of this hypothesis is to prepare tamoxifen-loaded PEGylated NiO nanoparticles using green chemistry, tumbling the toxic effects of the conventional method of synthesis for targeted delivery to breast cancer cells. The significance of the work is to hypothesize a green method for the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, decrease multidrug resistance, and can be used for targeted therapy. Garlic extract contains an organosulfur compound (Allicin) which has drug-metabolizing, anti-oxidant, and tumour growth inhibition effects. In breast cancer, allicin sensitizes estrogen receptors, increasing the anticancer efficacy of tamoxifen and reducing offsite toxicity. Thus, this garlic extract would act as a reducing agent and a capping agent. The use of nickel salt can help in targeted delivery to breast cancer cells and, in turn, reduces drug toxicity in different organs. This novel strategy may aim for cancer management with less toxic agents acting as an apt therapeutic modality.

Magnitude and Determinants of Virological Failure Among Patients >15 Years on Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Rural Lesotho Between 2015 and 2019 - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Lesotho has the second-highest HIV prevalence globally at an estimated 23%, with approximately 87% of the population between 15 and 59 years of age reported to be receiving antiretroviral treatment. There is an urgent need to increase access to effective ART due to increasing rates of first- and second-line treatment failure. Sustaining successful treatment and limiting the development of virological failure is essential, hence the need for early detection of increased viral load indicating drug resistance or rapid progression of viral replication. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV with virological failure and to identify factors associated with virological failure in two districts of Lesotho. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two districts (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong) in Lesotho. Data for all patients (age ≥15 years) in the viral load (VL) monitoring database with at least two consecutive viral load results between December 2015 and December 2019 from 22 health facilities were extracted. Descriptive data were presented using tables and figures. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Only 4% (n = 913) of the study participants had virological failure. Longer time on treatment >65 months (AOR: 1.85 CI: 1.59-2.15) and being on second-line ART regimen (AOR: 75.23 95% CI: 75.00-99.15) were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with virological failure. Virological failure among the study participants is lower compared to other settings. The study identified duration on treatment, treatment regimen as high risk for virological failure. Targeted interventions should be developed for these high-risk group individuals, with continuous monitoring of virological response and appropriate drug switching to clients to achieve improved outcomes.

Clinicoradiologic Risk Stratification and Outcome Assessment in Symptomatic Intracranial Arachnoid Cyst Managed Over Fifteen Years

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are developmental anomalies formed by splitting the arachnoid membrane's layers. ACs contribute around 2% of all intracranial space-occupying lesions. ACs are more prevalent in children. Because of varied clinical presentation, there has been a constant need for clinicoradiologic risk stratification with a possible role in outcome prediction. The present study describes the management strategies and outcomes in symptomatic intracranial ACs. All biopsy-proven symptomatic patients who underwent surgical management over last 15 years were included in this study (January 2008-December 2022), while those with non-conclusive biopsies were excluded. Patients presenting with acute deterioration were managed in the emergency department with or without cerebrospinal fluid diversion and decompression of the AC. The microsurgical or endoscopic approach was the preferred surgical modality. Postoperative clinicoradiologic improvement was evaluated at 3 months follow-up visit. A total of 108 patients were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The median age of the patients was 27.5 years (range, 1 to 76 years). Headache was the most typical clinical presentation. Supratentorial ACs (n= 59, 54.6%) were higher than the infratentorial ACs (n= 49, 45.4%). Forty-seven patients belonged to the pediatric age group (<18 years), and seizure was their presenting complaint. In this observational study, there was no statistical difference in operative duration between microsurgical technique versus endoscopic decompression (P= 0.23). ACs are uncommon brain lesions having a broad spectrum of symptoms. The location and clinical presentation of ACs decide the preferred surgical approach. Individuals in high-risk groups must be treated on priority to achieve long-term relief of symptoms.

Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment following diagnosis of depression on suicidal behaviour risk: a target trial emulation.

There is concern regarding the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on suicidal behaviour. Using the target trial framework, we investigated the effect on suicidal behaviour of SSRI treatment following a depression diagnosis. We identified 162,267 individuals receiving a depression diagnosis aged 6-59 years during 2006-2018 in Stockholm County, Sweden, after at least 1 year without antidepressant dispensation. Individuals who initiated an SSRI within 28 days of the diagnosis were assigned as SSRI initiators, others as non-initiators. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol effects were estimated; for the latter, individuals were censored when they ceased adhering to their assigned treatment strategy. We applied inverse probability weighting (IPW) to account for baseline confounding in the intention-to-treat analysis, and additionally for treatment non-adherence and time-varying confounding in the per-protocol analysis. The suicidal behaviour risk difference (RD), and risk ratio (RR) between SSRI initiators and non-initiators were estimated at 12 weeks. In the overall cohort, we found an increased risk of suicidal behaviour among SSRI initiators (intention-to-treat RR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.25, 1.80; per-protocol RR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.20, 2.36). In age strata, we only found evidence of an increased risk among individuals under age 25, with the greatest risk among 6-17-year-olds (intention-to-treat RR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.72, 4.91; per-protocol RR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.59, 7.00). Our finding of an increased suicidal behaviour risk among individuals under age 25 reflects evidence from RCTs. We found no evidence of an effect in the high-risk group of individuals with past suicidal behaviour. Further studies with information on a wider array of confounders are called for.

Human Papilloma Virus: An Unraveled Enigma of Universal Burden of Malignancies.

HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, has been the primary causative agent of genital warts and cervical cancer worldwide. It is a sexually transmitted infection mainly affecting women of reproductive age group, also infecting men and high-risk group individuals globally, resulting in high mortality. In recent years, HPV has also been found to be the major culprit behind anogenital cancers in both gender and oropharyngeal and colorectal cancers. Few studies have reported the incidence of HPV in breast cancers as well. For a few decades, the burden of HPV-associated malignancies has been increasing at an alarming rate due to a lack of adequate awareness, famine vaccine coverage and hesitancy. The effectiveness of currently available vaccines has been limited to prophylactic efficacy and does not prevent malignancies associated with post-exposure persistent infection. This review focuses on the current burden of HPV-associated malignancies, their causes and strategies to combat the growing prevalence of the cancers. With the advent of new technologies associated with treatment pertaining to therapeutic interventions and employing effective vaccine coverage, the burden of this disease may be reduced in the population.

The association between perinatal factors and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: A retrospective two-cohort study.

Children with obesity have an increased risk of cardiometabolic risk factors, but not all children carry a similar risk. Perinatal factors, i.e., gestational age (GA) and birth weight for GA, may affect the risk for metabolic complications. However, there are conflicting data whether the association between birth size and cardiometabolic risk factors is independent among children with obesity. Moreover, differential effects of GA and birth weight for GA on cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric obesity are still unexplored. We aimed to investigate the association between birth weight for GA and cardiometabolic risk factors in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity and to assess whether the association is modified by prematurity. We conducted a retrospective study of 2 cohorts, using data from the world's 2 largest registers of pediatric obesity treatment-The Swedish childhood obesity treatment register (BORIS) and The Adiposity Patients Registry (APV) (1991 to 2020). Included were individuals with overweight or obesity between 2 to 18 years of age who had data of birth characteristics and cardiometabolic parameters. Birth data was collected as exposure variable and the first reported cardiometabolic parameters during pediatric obesity treatment as the main outcome. The median (Q1, Q3) age at the outcome measurement was 11.8 (9.4, 14.0) years. The main outcomes were hypertensive blood pressure (BP), impaired fasting glucose, elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), elevated total cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and elevated transaminases. With logistic regression, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each cardiometabolic parameter. All the analyses were adjusted for sex, age, degree of obesity, migratory background, and register source. In total, 42,760 (51.9% females) individuals were included. Small for GA (SGA) was prevalent in 10.4%, appropriate for GA (AGA) in 72.4%, and large for GA (LGA) in 17.2%. Most individuals (92.5%) were born full-term, 7.5% were born preterm. Median (Q1, Q3) body mass index standard deviation score at follow-up was 2.74 (2.40, 3.11) units. Compared with AGA, children born SGA were more likely to have hypertensive BP (OR = 1.20 [95% CI 1.12 to 1.29], p < 0.001), elevated HbA1c (1.33 [1.06 to 1.66], p = 0.03), and elevated transaminases (1.21 [1.10 to 1.33], p < 0.001) as well as low HDL (1.19 [1.09 to 1.31], p < 0.001). On the contrary, individuals born LGA had lower odds for hypertensive BP (0.88 [0.83 to 0.94], p < 0.001), elevated HbA1c (0.81 [0.67 to 0.97], p < 0.001), and elevated transaminases (0.88 [0.81 to 0.94], p < 0.001). Preterm birth altered some of the associations between SGA and outcomes, e.g., by increasing the odds for hypertensive BP and by diminishing the odds for elevated transaminases. Potential selection bias due to occasionally missing data could not be excluded. Among children and adolescents with overweight/obesity, individuals born SGA are more likely to possess cardiometabolic risk factors compared to their counterparts born AGA. Targeted screening and treatment of obesity-related comorbidities should therefore be considered in this high-risk group of individuals.

COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and adherence among pregnant and lactating high-risk group individuals of Maharashtra State, India.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the release of the COVID (Corona Virus Disease)-19 vaccine was highly anticipated. Nevertheless, vaccine availability does not symbolize the end of pandemic due to ongoing vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination movements. The objective of this study is to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and lactating individuals in Maharashtra state, India. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted via a hybrid approach using various digital portals such as Whatsapp, telegram, and physical distribution to those who did not have access to smartphone devices. A probability proportional sampling strategy was deployed. A pre-validated structured self-administered questionnaire tool designed by Freeman et al. 2020 (Oxford COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale) was used, which consisted of seven close-ended targeted and focused questions. Analysis of several survey items and vaccine acceptance was conducted using the Chi-square test. Analysis revealed that 58% of individuals were willing to take vaccines after government approval and 26% of individuals showed hesitancy toward vaccination. When compared, lactating individuals showed less vaccine hesitancy (22%) than pregnant individuals (27%). The maximum vaccine hesitancy was observed in the third trimester of pregnancy (29.5%). Trust in vaccines is a crucial factor and is dependent on the ability of the government in promoting vaccines through effective communication; this can be one of the reasons for the high level of acceptance and awareness toward COVID-19 vaccination in this study.

Diabetes Mellitus and Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is most often detected at an advanced stage due to a lack of symptoms at the first stage. PDAC is relatively uncommon, and screening of the asymptomatic population is not feasible or cost-effective. Therefore, screening of individuals in high-risk groups is recommended. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with PDAC, and patients with DM are recognized as a high-risk group for PDAC. Here, we review the complex relationship between pancreatic cancer and DM, including the role of diabetes as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and its role in inducing the destruction of islet β cells and insulin resistance. We also review the current study about discriminating DM with pancreatic cancer from normal DM and the model for early screening of pancreatic cancer in DM.

United Kingdom Early Detection Initiative (UK-EDI): protocol for establishing a national multicentre cohort of individuals with new-onset diabetes for early detection of pancreatic cancer

IntroductionPancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Screening for this disease has potential to improve survival. It is not feasible, with current screening modalities, to screen the...

Risk in one is not risk in all: snails show differential decision making under high- and low-risk environments

Predation is a major force that shapes prey phenotypes, species interactions and ecological communities. Prey respond to variation in predation risk and intensity by either increasing or decreasing vigilance and balancing energy requirements under high- or low-risk scenarios. We test the possible mechanism of sensory adaptation and decision making while responding to risk in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis . We maintained three risk treatment groups (no risk, low risk and high risk) for 20 days before testing them under multiple cognitive and behavioural challenges involving a predatory stimulus. Under a configural learning procedure where snails learned to forgo feeding when encountering food in the presence of a predatory threat, the high-risk group snails did not show learning/memory formation. However, when high-risk group individuals were transferred to a no-risk environment for 20 days, they were able to form configural learning memory. In a social interaction trial, snails from the no-risk group reduced interactions under threat whereas the high-risk group showed no change between risk environments. All risk groups responded similarly to an operant conditioning training under predation threat that enhanced memory. The decreased antipredator response of the high-risk group in comparison to the low-risk groups shows that snails are able to respond to risk based on past experience, especially when there exists a trade-off between survival and antipredator response. The variation in response to predation threat under different circumstances provides evidence of decision making rather than sensory adaptation as the mechanism involved in prey response. Our study combines multiple phenotypic responses to elucidate animal decision making under different intensities of risk and highlights the importance of experience in shaping antipredator responses. • We tested snails' responses (sensory adaptation/decision making) to predation risk. • Two cognitive tests and one social behavioural assay were used as response. • High-risk group animals showed weaker antipredator responses. • Response variation across risk groups support a decision-making mechanism at work.

Risk perception of COVID-19: Susceptibility and severity perceived by the Brazilian population.

This study investigated how the Brazilian population perceived the risk of COVID-19, people's behavior in response to the pandemic, and trust in the health system in case of COVID-19 infection. The sample comprised 7430 Brazilian recruited through non-probability sampling. Association analysis was performed using logistic regression. The results revealed that the economically active population and those who lived with health professionals most perceived greater susceptibility to infection. In addition, the high severity of COVID-19 was more perceived by the elderly and by those who lived with individuals in high-risk groups.

Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Lung Disease – Revisiting 2019 Immunization Guidelines

Effective immunization programs have always resulted in successful eradication of targeted infectious diseases. Apart from childhood immunization, adult immunization is required for two major reasons: 1. failure of primary immunization, 2. to boost waning effect of childhood vaccines. Adult immunization gained its importance in the recent years with detailed recommendations laid down by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In most countries, adult vaccination guidelines fall back on the WHO and CDC adult immunization schedules. With evolving number of chronic lung disease patients, it is mandatory to educate and encourage patients on available options for vaccination. A successful immunoprophylaxis given to high-risk group individuals will definitely improve their quality of life.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among high-risk populations in Uganda.

Background:Immunization is an important strategy for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination was recently launched in Uganda, with prioritization to healthcare workers and high-risk individuals. In this study, we aimed to determine the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among persons at high risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Uganda.Methods:Between 29 March and 14 April 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey consecutively recruiting persons at high risk of severe COVID-19 (diabetes mellitus, HIV and cardiovascular disease) attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital outpatient clinics. A trained research nurse administered a semi-structured questionnaire assessing demographics, COVID-19 vaccine related attitudes and acceptability. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed using STATA 16.Results:A total of 317 participants with a mean age 51.5 ± 14.1 years were recruited. Of this, 184 (60.5%) were female. Overall, 216 (70.1%) participants were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. The odds of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination were four times greater if a participant was male compared with if a participant was female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–9.4, p = 0.00]. Participants who agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.38, p = 0.003) or strongly agreed (AOR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.59, p = 0.005) that they have some immunity against COVID-19 were also significantly less likely to accept the vaccine. Participants who had a history of vaccination hesitancy for their children were also significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–0.58, p = 0.016).Conclusion:The willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in this group of high-risk individuals was comparable to the global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate. Increased sensitization, myth busting and utilization of opinion leaders to encourage vaccine acceptability is recommended.

Abstract 13852: Socioeconomic Status is Associated With Recurrent Cardiovascular Disease Events in People With Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: While low socioeconomic status (SES) is an established risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), there is scarce data regarding the association between SES and recurrent CVD events. Hypothesis: SES measures are associated with recurrent CVD events and mortality among those with prevalent CVD. Methods: We examined 3,031 individuals in the ARIC Study who developed CVD (either myocardial infarction [MI], heart failure [HF] or stroke) from the baseline visit (1987-1989) through 2013 to allow 5 years follow-up for recurrent CVD. SES was defined using baseline measures of income, education and area deprivation index (ADI), modeled individually and combined in a cumulative SES score. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression to evaluate the associations of SES with composite and individual outcomes of first recurrent CVD and mortality. Results: Median age was 69 years, 49% were female, 29% Black. Over a median follow up of 4.6 years, 2,033 participants (67%) had a recurrent CVD event, and 2,202 (73%) died. Relative to the highest income group, being in the lowest income group was associated with higher risk for recurrent CVD (HR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07-1.51) and mortality (HR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.12-1.56) ( Table ). Similarly, less than high school education was associated with increased risk of recurrent CVD (HR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.51) and mortality (HR 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01-1.45). No significant outcome associations were seen for ADI. Low cumulative SES was associated with approximately 20% higher risk of recurrent CVD, total mortality and the composite of recurrent CVD and mortality. Similar patterns were seen for individual subtypes of CVD, with the strongest SES-mortality associations for MI and stroke. Conclusions: In the high-risk group of individuals with existing CVD, low SES was linked to greater likelihood of recurrent CVD events and death. SES should be a focus in the design of secondary prevention efforts to improve outcomes in CVD.

Tamoxifen and Sulphoraphane for the breast cancer management: A synergistic nanomedicine approach

Breast cancer is second most leading cause of death in all over the world and not only limited to the females. Tamoxifen has been considered as the gold line therapy for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. However, this chemopreventive approach has been focused at individuals in high risk group and limits its clinical applications to moderate and/or lower risk groups. Moreover, Tamoxifen treatment is associated with a dose related hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity and eventually results in poor quality of life of patients. Sulphoraphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate derivative has been investigated for its numerous potential biological activities including anticancer effects. The present hypothesis aims to put forward in which Tamoxifen is combined with a natural bioactive Sulphoraphane, both incorporated into a novel lipid based nanocarrier at a reduced dose, which would eventually shuttle the cargo to the target site. At the breast cancer, Sulphoraphane sensitizes the estrogen receptors and ameliorates the binding affinity of Tamoxifen to these receptors, thereby potentiating the anticancer efficacy and reducing the offsite toxicity of Tamoxifen. This dual loaded zero-dimension lipid carrier would be a value addition to the current treatment regimen for breast cancer management.

Poor sleep quality is associated with obesity and depression in farmers

Farmers' work schedules can result in inconsistent sleep patterns which negatively impact health. To explore the relationships between sleep, obesity, and depression in working, older farmers and their spouses. Covariates included body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. Sleep quality, BMI, and depression were assessed in farmers (n=1,394) 50years and older. Bivariate associations among all covariates (i.e., age, gender, BMI, sleep) and dependent variable (i.e., depression) were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Multivariable associations of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). BMI with other study variables were assessed using linear regression. BMI was positively associated with sleep apnea symptoms (p≤0.0001) and CESD scores (p=0.0006). Participants with difficulty falling asleep were more likely to have poor sleep quality (p≤0.0001) and higher CESD scores (p≤0.0001). Poor sleep quality was associated with higher CESD scores (p≤0.0001). Increased age, female gender, higher BMI, sleep apnea symptoms, and poorer sleep quality were all predictive of higher depressive symptoms. Farmers have unique lifestyles that increase the risk of poor sleep. Screening for sleep pattern disruption and understanding its impact could result in lower rates of depression and obesity in this group of high-risk individuals.

Prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among men who have sex with men attending an integrated counseling and testing centre at Agra: Comparison with studies in other regions of India

Men who have sex with men (MSMs) are a group of high-risk individuals in India, who have remained neglected for a long time. Stigma, discrimination and laws criminalizing sex between men undermine access to HIV/AIDS and other health care services.In this study, we determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV and syphilis infections among a group of MSMs attending an Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra during 2009–11. The results have been compared with those in other regions of the country.There were 277 MSMs registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO), Khushi, involved in a Targeted Intervention (TI) project, who were tested for HIV and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) infections. Sociodemographic profile, risk factors, sexual identity, general health care access, and previous HIV and/or sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, etc., were documented.The prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among the MSMs are 11.9% (33/277) and 11.1% (31/277), respectively. There were 74% of them in the age group of 15–35 years, illiterate, and having no specific job. Alcohol, drug abuse, and high-risk behavior were common as they preferred to be in groups. There were 70% of HIV-positive MSMs, and 87% of those having sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were unmarried and had multiple partners. Some of the MSMs were married and in bisexual relationships, and they might serve as an important bridge population between men and women.High prevalence of HIV and STDs in this group emphasizes the need for public health interventions aimed at reduction of risky behavior, education and counseling to urge them to seek health care advice when needed.

Screening Circulating Tumor Cells as a Noninvasive Cancer Test in 3388 Individuals from High-Risk Groups (ICELLATE2).

Cancer is known to spread up to 12 years before clinical symptoms occur, but few screening tests exist. Early detection would give the opportunity for early treatment, potentially improving prognosis. To this end, 3388 subjectively healthy individuals of age 45 to 80 who had been exposed to cancer risk factors were screened for the occurrence of circulating tumor cells in their blood. Presence of circulating tumor cells is a suspicious finding indicative of spreading cancer, since cancer metastasizes by way of the blood and offers the opportunities to (a) follow up the individual clinically based on established guidelines for early detection of cancer and (b) evaluate the cells further analytically. 107 individuals showed one or more circulating tumor cells in a 7.5 ml blood sample, which constitutes a positive circulating tumor cell test, based on the iCellate IsoPic™ laboratory test. That number compares favorably with the cancer incidence per 100,000 people/year that is 157.1 in Peru, given that a high-risk group of individuals was screened and that the screening results would be expected to correspond to an accumulated incidence of up to 12 years. The present findings therefore identify screening for circulating tumor cells as a promising new test.

Hand-Held Volatilome Analyzer Based on Elastically Deformable Nanofibers.

This study reports on a hand-held volatilome analyzer for selective determination of clinically relevant biomarkers in exhaled breath. The sensing platform is based on electrospun polymer nanofiber-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sensing microchannels. Polymer nanofibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), polystyrene (PS), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) incorporated with MWCNT exhibits a stable response to interferences of humidity and CO2 and provides selective deformations upon exposure of exhaled breath target volatilomes acetone and toluene, exhibiting correlation to diabetes and lung cancer, respectively. The sensing microchannels "P1" (PVDF-MWCNT), "P2" (PS-MWCNT), and "P3" (PMMA-MWCNT) are integrated with a microfluidic cartridge (μ-card) that facilitates collection and concentration of exhaled breath. The volatilome analyzer consists of a conductivity monitoring unit, signal conditioning circuitries and a low energy display module. A combinatorial operation algorithm was developed for analyzing normalized resistivity changes of the sensing microchannels upon exposure to breath in the concentration ranges between 35 ppb and 3.0 ppm for acetone and 1 ppb and 10 ppm for toluene. Subsequently, responses of volatilomes from individuals in the different risk groups of diabetes were evaluated for validation of the proposed methodology. We foresee that proposed methodology provides an avenue for rapid detection of volatilomes thereby enabling point of care diagnosis in high-risk group individuals.