Item response theory analysis of benefits and harms of cannabis use in cancer survivors.

Medical cannabis with cancer as a qualifying condition has become legalized in more states, but currently there are no standardized measures of perceived benefits and harms of cannabis use in cancer. This study surveyed a population-based sample of cancer survivors (n = 1539) with various types of cancer including breast (25%), prostate (17%), and gastrointestinal (11%) cancers. Item response theory analyses were used to evaluate the items for measuring perceived benefits and harms.

Spatiotemporal light exposure modeling for environmental circadian misalignment and solar jetlag.

Background: Light exposure is the most powerful resetting signal for circadian rhythms. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a high-resolution geospatial light exposure model that measures environmental circadian misalignment (or solar jetlag) as the mismatch between the social clock and sun clock, which occurs from geographic variation in light exposure leading to delayed circadian phase from relatively less morning light exposure and greater evening light exposure with increasing westward position within a time zone.

Methods: The light exposure model (30 m spatial resolution) incorporated geospatial data across the United States on time zones, elevation (using Google Earth Engine), sunrise time, and sunset time to estimate solar jetlag scores (higher values indicate higher environmental circadian misalignment).

Cannabis use after a cancer diagnosis in a population-based sample of cancer survivors.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use and the methods and reasons for use among recently diagnosed cancer survivors in a population sample within Washington state.

Methods: We identified individuals diagnosed with invasive cancers in the prior 6 to 17 months from April 2020 to December 2020 using the Seattle-Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. Participants (n = 1,515) completed a questionnaire, including demographics, medical history, cannabis use, and other substance use.

Dietary Factors Differ Between Young-Onset and Older-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients.

We aimed to evaluate differences in dietary factors between young-onset (diagnosed at ages <50) and older-onset colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC patients diagnosed from 1998 to 2018 reported to the Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry were recruited using mail and telephone. Consented patients completed questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, and CRC risk factors, including dietary factors.

Colorectal cancer pre-diagnostic symptoms are associated with anatomic cancer site.

Background: Signs and red flag symptoms in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who are below the recommended screening age are often overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and worse prognosis. This study investigates how patient pre-diagnostic symptoms are associated with anatomic site of their cancer and whether the association varies by age at CRC diagnosis.

Methods: We ascertained CRC patients' experienced symptoms and screening through medical abstractions from an ongoing population-based study of CRC patients identified through a SEER cancer registry (N = 626).

Prevalence and Correlates of Post-Diagnosis Alcohol Use among Cancer Survivors.

Background: Alcohol is a risk factor for cancer and may pose unique risks for cancer survivors. Population-based studies of confirmed cancer cases are needed to estimate the extent of drinking among cancer survivors and to understand which survivors are most at risk of alcohol-related health problems.

Methods: Cancer survivors who resided in the Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) region, were ages 21 to 74 years at diagnosis, and were 6 to 17 months post-diagnosis at the start of the recruitment period (April 2020-December 2020) were sent a survey that included demographics, substance use, mental health, and cancer-related items.

Association of financial worry with substance use, mental health, and quality of life in cancer patients.

Purpose: Financial worry is an under-appreciated negative effect of cancer. The relationship of financial worry and health behaviors in cancer is poorly characterized and has important clinical implications. This study examined the association of financial worry with substance misuse, mood, and quality of life.

Food Environments and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidence.

Research into the potential impact of the food environment on liver cancer incidence has been limited, though there is evidence showing that specific foods and nutrients may be potential risk or preventive factors. Data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries. The county-level food environment was assessed using the Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI), a continuous score that measures the number of healthy and less healthy food retailers within counties.

Colorectal Cancer Anatomical Site and Sleep Quality.

Purpose: Sleep quality in relation to anatomic site among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is not well understood, though discerning the relationship could contribute to improved survivorship care.

Methods: We ascertained sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and other personal characteristics within an ongoing population-based study of CRC patients identified through a cancer registry ( = 1453). Differences in sleep quality by CRC site were analyzed using chi-square and ANOVA tests.

Effect of social distancing on COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the US.

Social distancing policies were implemented in most US states as a containment strategy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The effectiveness of these policy interventions on morbidity and mortality remains unknown. Our analysis examined the associations between statewide policies and objective measures of social distancing, and objective social distancing and COVID-19 incidence and mortality.

Gastroesophageal reflux in infancy and childhood.

GER is a common reason for pediatric office visits and referrals to a pediatric gastroenterologist. This condition frequently is benign, and it is self-limited in most infants. Although a thorough history and complete physical examination usually are adequate to diagnose GER, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for other diagnoses associated with recurrent emesis, including metabolic disorders, as well as for other gastrointestinal conditions, such as pyloric stenosis and abnormalities of intestinal rotation.

In vivo and in vitro properties of an intravenous lipid emulsion containing only medium chain and fish oil triglycerides.

Background & Aims: The triglyceride (TG) fatty acyl composition in lipid emulsions influences their metabolism. Little is known about the effects of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on lipid emulsion metabolism. We investigated possible differences between omega-3 containing emulsions in their metabolism and tissue-targeting in vivo in a mouse model, and in vitro using lipolysis and cell culture experiments.

Recurrent sigmoid volvulus in a sixteen-year-old boy: case report and review of the literature.

The authors describe a 16-year-old boy in whom 3 episodes of sigmoid volvulus (SV) occurred over a period of 7 weeks, each time reduced by endoscopy. The child subsequently underwent a successful sigmoid resection with primary anastamosis. Several months after surgery, he remains free of symptoms and is doing well.