Joseph Galanko

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA

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Publications (39)191.29 Total impact

  • Article: Elevated C-peptide and insulin predict increased risk of colorectal adenomas in normal mucosa.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Lower concentrations of the insulin--like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and elevated concentrations of insulin or C-peptide have been associated with an increase in colorectal cancer risk (CRC). However few studies have evaluated IGFBP-1 and C-peptide in relation to adenomatous polyps, the only known precursor for CRC. METHODS: Between November 2001 and December 2002, we examined associations between circulating concentrations of insulin, C-peptide, IGFBP-1 and apoptosis among 190 individuals with one or more adenomatous polyps and 488 with no adenomatous polyps using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Individuals with the highest concentrations of C-peptide were more likely to have adenomas (OR = 2.2, 95 % CI 1.4-4.0) than those with the lowest concentrations; associations that appeared to be stronger in men (OR = 4.4, 95 % CI 1.7-10.9) than women. Individuals with high insulin concentrations also had a higher risk of adenomas (OR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.7-7.4), whereas higher levels of IGFBP-1 were associated with a reduced risk of adenomas in men only (OR = 0.3, 95 % CI 0.1-0.7). Overweight and obese individuals with higher C-peptide levels (>1st Q) were at increased risk for lower apoptosis index (OR = 2.5, 95 % CI 0.9-7.1), an association that remained strong in overweight and obese men (OR = 6.3, 95 % CI 1.0-36.7). Higher levels of IGFBP-1 in overweight and obese individuals were associated with a reduced risk of low apoptosis (OR = 0.3, 95 % CI 0.1-1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Associations between these peptides and the apoptosis index in overweight and obese individuals, suggest that the mechanism by which C-peptide could induce adenomas may include its anti-apoptotic properties. This study suggests that hyperinsulinemia and IGF hormones predict adenoma risk, and that outcomes associated with colorectal carcinogenesis maybe modified by gender.
    BMC Cancer 09/2012; 12(1):389. · 3.01 Impact Factor
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    Article: Genetic variants in IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, and adiponectin genes and colon cancer risk in African Americans and Whites.
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    ABSTRACT: Evaluating genetic susceptibility may clarify effects of known environmental factors and also identify individuals at high risk. We evaluated the association of four insulin-related pathway gene polymorphisms in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) (CA)( n ) repeat, insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-II) (rs680), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) (rs2854744), and adiponectin (APM1 rs1501299) with colon cancer risk, as well as relationships with circulating IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, and C-peptide in a population-based study. Participants were African Americans (231 cases and 306 controls) and Whites (297 cases, 530 controls). Consenting subjects provided blood specimens and lifestyle/diet information. Genotyping for all genes except IGF-I was performed by the 5'-exonuclease (Taqman) assay. The IGF-I (CA)(n) repeat was assayed by PCR and fragment analysis. Circulating proteins were measured by enzyme immunoassays. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by logistic regression. The IGF-I (CA)( 19 ) repeat was higher in White controls (50 %) than African American controls (31 %). Whites homozygous for the IGF-I (CA)(19) repeat had a nearly twofold increase in risk of colon cancer (OR = 1.77; 95 % CI = 1.15-2.73), but not African Americans (OR = 0.73, 95 % CI 0.50-1.51). We observed an inverse association between the IGF-II Apa1 A-variant and colon cancer risk (OR = 0.49, 95 % CI 0.28-0.88) in Whites only. Carrying the IGFBP-3 variant alleles was associated with lower IGFBP-3 protein levels, a difference most pronounced in Whites (p-trend <0.05). These results support an association between insulin pathway-related genes and elevated colon cancer risk in Whites but not in African Americans.
    Cancer Causes and Control 05/2012; 23(7):1127-38. · 2.88 Impact Factor
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    Article: IGF2R genetic variants, circulating IGF2 concentrations and colon cancer risk in African Americans and Whites.
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    ABSTRACT: The Mannose 6 Phosphate/Insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor-2 (IGF2R) encodes a type-1 membrane protein that modulates availability of the potent mitogen, IGF2. We evaluated the associations between IGF2R non-synonymous genetic variants (c.5002G>A, Gly1619Arg(rs629849), and c.901C>G, Leu252Val(rs8191754)), circulating IGF2 levels, and colon cancer (CC) risk among African American and White participants enrolled in the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study (NCCCS). Generalized linear models were used to compare circulating levels of IGF2 among 298 African American and 518 White controls. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of IGF2R genetic variants and CC risk. Women homozygous for the IGF2R c.5002 G>A allele, had higher mean levels of circulating IGF2, 828 (SD=321) ng/ml compared to non-carriers, 595 (SD=217) ng/ml (p-value=0.01). This pattern was not apparent in individuals homozygous for the IGF2R c.901 C>G variant. Whites homozygous for the IGF2R c.901 C>G variant trended towards a higher risk of CC, OR=2.2 [95% CI(0.9-5.4)], whereas carrying the IGF2R c.5002 G>A variant was not associated with CC risk. Our findings support the hypothesis that being homozygous for the IGF2R c.5002 G>A modulates IGF2 circulating levels in a sex-specific manner, and while carrying the IGF2R c.901 C>G may increase cancer risk, the mechanism may not involve modulation of circulating IGF2.
    Disease markers 01/2012; 32(2):133-41. · 1.64 Impact Factor
  • Article: The case-only independence assumption: associations between genetic polymorphisms and smoking among controls in two population-based studies.
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    ABSTRACT: The independence assumption for a case-only analysis of statistical interaction, i. e. that genetic (G) and environmental exposures (E) are not associated in the source population, is often checked in surrogate populations. Few studies have examined G-E association in empirical data, particularly in controls from population-based studies, the type of controls expected to provide the most valid surrogate estimates of G-E association. We used controls from two population-based case-control studies to evaluate G-E independence for 43 selected genetic polymorphisms and smoking behavior. The odds ratio (OR(z)) was used to estimate G-E association and, therefore, the magnitude of bias introduced into the case-only odds ratio (COR). Odds ratios of moderate magnitude [mmOR(z)], defined as OR(z)≤0.7 or OR(z)≥1.4, were found at least one of the six smoking measures (ever, former, current, cig/day, years smoked, pack-years) for 45% and 59% of the SNPs examined in the control groups of two independently conducted North Carolina studies, respectively. Consequently, case-only estimates of G-E interaction in the context of a multiplicative benchmark would be biased for these SNPs and smoking measures. MmOR(z)s were found more often for smoking amount than smoking status. We recommend that a stand-alone case-only study should only be conducted when G-E independence can be verified for each polymorphism and exposure metric with population-specific data. Our results suggest that OR(z) is specific to each underlying population rather than an estimate of a 'universal' OR(z) for that SNP and smoking measure. Further, misspecification of smoking is likely to introduce bias into the COR.
    International Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Genetics 01/2012; 3(4):333-60.
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    Article: A randomized controlled trial of an integrated care intervention to increase eligibility for chronic hepatitis C treatment.
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    ABSTRACT: Mental health and substance abuse (MH/SA) comorbidities are the most oft-cited reasons for deferral from peginterferon (PegIFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We sought to determine whether an integrated care intervention (INT) for patients deferred from PegIFN owing to MH/SA could improve subsequent treatment eligibility rates. In this randomized controlled trial, 101 HCV patients who were evaluated at two hepatology centers and deferred from antiviral therapy owing to MH/SA were enrolled. Participants were randomized to an INT (N=50) or standard of care (SC; N=51). The INT group received counseling and case management for up to 9 months. All participants underwent 3-, 6-, and 9-month clinical follow-up visits, where hepatologists, masked to group, re-evaluated patients for treatment eligibility. Standardized mood and alcohol use instruments were administered to all participants to aid clinicians in treatment decisions. Of 101 participants, the mean age was 48 years and 50% were men, 61% Caucasian, and 77% genotype 1. Patients were initially deferred owing to psychiatric issues (35%), alcohol abuse (31%), drug abuse (9%), or more than one of these reasons (26%). In an intent-to-treat analysis, 42% (21/50) of INT participants became eligible for therapy compared to 18% (9/51) of SC participants (P=0.009, relative risk (RR)=2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.21, 4.68)). When baseline predictors significant at P<0.10 in univariate models were entered into multivariate models adjusted for treatment group, only baseline depression remained significant (P=0.05, RR=0.98, 95% CI (0.96, 1.00)). With the exception of a model adjusted for genotype, treatment group remained significant in all models. This trial suggests that INTs can increase eligibility for HCV treatment and expand treatment to the underserved population with MH/SA comorbidities.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 07/2011; 106(10):1777-86. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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    Article: Detection of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus with in vivo depth-resolved nuclear morphology measurements.
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    ABSTRACT: Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) show increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and are routinely examined using upper endoscopy with biopsy to detect neoplastic changes. Angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI) uses in vivo depth-resolved nuclear morphology measurements to detect dysplasia. We assessed the clinical utility of a/LCI in the endoscopic surveillance of patients with BE. Consecutive patients undergoing routine surveillance upper endoscopy for BE were recruited at 2 endoscopy centers. A novel, endoscope-compatible a/LCI system measured the mean diameter and refractive index of cell nuclei in esophageal epithelium at 172 biopsy sites in 46 patients. At each site, an a/LCI measurement was correlated with a concurrent endoscopic biopsy specimen. Each biopsy specimen was assessed histologically and classified as normal, nondysplastic BE, indeterminate for dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia (LGD), or high-grade dysplasia (HGD). The a/LCI data from multiple depths were analyzed to evaluate its ability to differentiate dysplastic from nondysplastic tissue. Pathology characterized 5 of the scanned sites as HGD, 8 as LGD, 75 as nondysplastic BE, 70 as normal tissue types, and 14 as indeterminate for dysplasia. The a/LCI nuclear size measurements separated dysplastic from nondysplastic tissue at a statistically significant (P < .001) level for the tissue segment 200 to 300 μm beneath the surface with an accuracy of 86% (147/172). A receiver operator characteristic analysis indicated an area under the curve of 0.91, and an optimized decision point gave 100% (13/13) sensitivity and 84% (134/159) specificity. These preliminary data suggest a/LCI is accurate in detecting dysplasia in vivo in patients with BE.
    Gastroenterology 01/2011; 140(1):42-50. · 11.68 Impact Factor
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    Article: Dietary choline requirements of women: effects of estrogen and genetic variation.
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    ABSTRACT: Choline is obtained from the diet and from the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is catalyzed by the enzyme phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PEMT), which is induced by estrogen. Because they have lower estrogen concentrations, postmenopausal women are more susceptible to the risk of organ dysfunction in response to a low-choline diet. A common genetic polymorphism (rs12325817) in the PEMT gene can also increase this risk. The objective was to determine whether the risk of low choline-related organ dysfunction increases with the number of alleles of rs12325817 in premenopausal women and whether postmenopausal women (with or without rs12325817) treated with estrogen are more resistant to developing such symptoms. Premenopausal women (n = 27) consumed a choline-sufficient diet followed by a very-low-choline diet until they developed organ dysfunction (or for 42 d), which was followed by a high-choline diet. Postmenopausal women (n = 22) were placed on the same diets but were first randomly assigned to receive estrogen or a placebo. The women were monitored for organ dysfunction and plasma choline metabolites and were genotyped for rs12325817. A dose-response effect of rs12325817 on the risk of choline-related organ dysfunction was observed in premenopausal women: 80%, 43%, and 13% of women with 2, 1, or 0 alleles, respectively, developed organ dysfunction. Among postmenopausal women, 73% who received placebo but only 18% who received estrogen developed organ dysfunction during the low-choline diet. Because of their lower estrogen concentrations, postmenopausal women have a higher dietary requirement for choline than do premenopausal women. Choline requirements for both groups of women are further increased by rs12325817. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00065546.
    American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 11/2010; 92(5):1113-9. · 6.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: Choline intake and genetic polymorphisms influence choline metabolite concentrations in human breast milk and plasma.
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    ABSTRACT: Choline is essential for infant nutrition, and breast milk is a rich source of this nutrient. Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) change dietary requirements for choline intake. The aim of this study was to determine whether total choline intake and/or SNPs influence concentrations of choline and its metabolites in human breast milk and plasma. We gave a total of 103 pregnant women supplemental choline or a placebo from 18 wk gestation to 45 d postpartum and genotyped the women for 370 common SNPs. At 45 d postpartum, we measured choline metabolite concentrations in breast milk and plasma and assessed the dietary intake of choline by using a 3-d food record. On average, lactating women in our study ate two-thirds of the recommended intake for choline (Adequate Intake = 550 mg choline/d). Dietary choline intake (no supplement) correlated with breast-milk phosphatidylcholine and plasma choline concentrations. A supplement further increased breast-milk choline, betaine, and phosphocholine concentrations and increased plasma choline and betaine concentrations. We identified 5 SNPs in MTHFR that altered the slope of the intake-metabolite concentration relations, and we identified 2 SNPs in PEMT that shifted these curves upward. Individuals who shared sets of common SNPs were outliers in plots of intake-metabolite concentration curves; we suggest that these SNPs should be further investigated to determine how they alter choline metabolism. Total intake of choline and genotype can influence the concentrations of choline and its metabolites in the breast milk and blood of lactating women and thereby affect the amount of choline available to the developing infant. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00678925.
    American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 08/2010; 92(2):336-46. · 6.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and distal large bowel cancer risk in whites and African Americans.
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    ABSTRACT: Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have antineoplastic properties in the colon. The authors examined the association between intakes of different PUFAs and distal large bowel cancer in a population-based case-control study of 1,503 whites (716 cases; 787 controls) and 369 African Americans (213 cases; 156 controls) in North Carolina (2001-2006). Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for distal large bowel cancer risk in relation to quartiles of PUFA intake. Increased consumption of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs was associated with reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in whites (multivariable odds ratios = 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63, 1.22), 0.69 (95% CI: 0.49, 0.98), and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.71) for second, third, and highest vs. lowest quartile) (P(trend) < 0.01). Intake of individual eicosapentaenoic acids and docosahexaenoic acids was inversely related to distal large bowel cancer risk, whereas the ratio of omega-6 to long-chain omega-3 PUFAs was associated with increased risk of distal large bowel cancer in whites, but not among African Americans (P(interaction) < 0.05). Study results support the hypothesis that long-chain omega-3 PUFAs have beneficial effects in colorectal carcinogenesis. Whether or not the possible benefit of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs varies by race warrants further evaluation.
    American journal of epidemiology 05/2010; 171(9):969-79. · 5.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Antioxidant and DNA methylation-related nutrients and risk of distal colorectal cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: To investigate the relationship between antioxidant nutrients (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium) and DNA methylation-related nutrients (folate, vitamins B6 and B12) and distal colorectal cancer risk in whites and African Americans and to examine intakes from food only versus total (food plus dietary supplements) intakes. Data are from the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study-Phase II, a case-control study of 945 distal colorectal cancer (including sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectum) cases and 959 controls. In-person interviews captured usual dietary intake and various covariates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). High intakes of each antioxidant and DNA methylation-related nutrient were significantly associated with lower risk in whites. In African Americans, the highest category of selenium from food only had a marginally significant inverse association with distal colorectal cancer risk (Q4 vs. Q1 OR: 0.55, 95% CI 0.29-1.02). Supplements did not provide additional risk reduction beyond intakes from food. Our findings provide evidence that antioxidant and DNA methylation-related nutrients may lower the risk of distal colorectal cancer in whites, and selenium may lower risk in African Americans. Optimal micronutrient intakes from food alone may be more beneficial than supplementation.
    Cancer Causes and Control 03/2010; 21(8):1171-81. · 2.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: Regional differences in deceased donor liver transplantation and their implications for organ utilization and allocation.
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    ABSTRACT: We examined the UNOS database from 7/15/00-7/17/05 for Regional deceased donor liver utilization. For each region, we performed logistic regression and derived odds ratios (OR) for donor characteristics associated with livers being transplanted outside of the region or not transplanted at all. Regions with smallest and least significant OR were considered aggressive users of suboptimal organs. We estimated how many untransplanted livers from less aggressive regions might be used by more aggressive regions. Only Region 9 was significantly more aggressive than others (median OR: 6 vs. 16; p < 0.01; median OR size: 1.4 vs. 3.6; p < 0.01). Region 9 transplanted at higher median Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (20.4 [6-73] vs. 18.3 [6-70], p < 0.01), but had the lowest one- and five-yr graft survival (p < 0.01). Of 30,474 livers, 5056 were not transplanted, of which 3690 were procured outside Region 9 but met Region 9 use criteria. Of these, 1488 and 1807 livers had donor risk indices ≤ 2, for hypothetical 12 and 8 h cold ischemia time (CIT), respectively. Regional differences in liver utilization are profound. Region 9 is significantly more aggressive. At the most, 297-361 organs per year may have been used under Region 9's use criteria but overall graft survival may have declined.
    Clinical Transplantation 02/2010; 25(1):156-63. · 1.67 Impact Factor
  • Article: Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is not an independent biomarker of colorectal adenoma risk
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    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Inflammation and its associated pathologies are increasingly suggested as risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Previous research from our group has shown that increased levels of circulating, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα promote colorectal adenoma risk. Emerging data in mice and humans suggest that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) may act as a tumor suppressor in the intestine, and decreased SOCS3 expression may promote CRC. As SOCS3 has been shown to inhibit the actions of IL-6 and TNFα in the intestine, we hypothesized that decreased SOCS3 expression in normal mucosa may predispose to adenomas and thus increase risk for CRC. Findings We examined SOCS3 mRNA levels in normal mucosa biopsies of 322 screening colonoscopy patients (93 with adenoma and 229 without adenoma) using real-time qRT-PCR. Logistic regression analysis was used to generate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals to determine if low SOCS3 expression was associated with adenoma status. Median SOCS3 values did not differ between patients with or without adenoma. Logistic regression analysis showed no association (unadjusted or adjusted for age and sex) between SOCS3 and colorectal adenomas. Conclusions Low SOCS3 mRNA expression is not an independent biomarker of colorectal adenoma risk in the normal mucosa. SOCS3 silencing likely occurs later in CRC progression.
    BMC Research Notes. 01/2010;
  • Article: Associations of red meat, fat, and protein intake with distal colorectal cancer risk.
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    ABSTRACT: Studies have suggested that red and processed meat consumption elevate the risk of colon cancer; however, the relationship between red meat, as well as fat and protein, and distal colorectal cancer (CRC) specifically is not clear. We determined the risk of distal CRC associated with red and processed meat, fat, and protein intakes in Whites and African Americans. There were 945 cases (720 White, 225 African American) of distal CRC and 959 controls (800 White, 159 African American). We assessed dietary intake in the previous 12 mo. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). There was no association between total, saturated, or monounsaturated fat and distal CRC risk. In African Americans, the OR of distal CRC for the highest category of polyunsaturated fat intake was 0.28 (95% CI = 0.08-0.96). The percent of energy from protein was associated with a 47% risk reduction in Whites (Q4 OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.37-0.77). Red meat consumption in Whites was associated with a marginally significant risk reduction (Q4 OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.43-1.00). Our results do not support the hypotheses that fat, protein, and red meat increase the risk of distal CRC.
    Nutrition and Cancer 01/2010; 62(6):701-9. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: Race, healthcare access and physician trust among prostate cancer patients.
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    ABSTRACT: To study the effect of healthcare access and other characteristics on physician trust among black and white prostate cancer patients. A three-timepoint follow-up telephone survey after cancer diagnosis was conducted. This study analyzed data on 474 patients and their 1,320 interviews over three time periods. Among other subpopulations, black patients who delayed seeking care had physician trust levels that were far lower than that of both Caucasians as well as that of the black patients overall. Black patients had greater variability in their levels of physician trust compared to their white counterparts. Both race and access are important in explaining overall lower levels and greater variability in physician trust among black prostate cancer patients. Access barriers among black patients may spill over to the clinical encounter in the form of less physician trust, potentially contributing to racial disparities in treatment received and subsequent outcomes. Policy efforts to address the racial disparities in prostate cancer should prioritize improving healthcare access among minority groups.
    Cancer Causes and Control 09/2009; 21(1):31-40. · 2.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: National trends in esophageal surgery--are outcomes as good as we believe?
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    ABSTRACT: Positive volume-outcome relationships in esophagectomy have prompted support for regionalization of care; however, outcomes have not recently been analyzed. This study examines national trends in provision of esophagectomy and reassesses the volume-outcome relationship in light of changing practice patterns and training paradigms. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 1998 to 2006. Quantification of patients' comorbidities was made using the Charlson Index. Using logistic regression modeling, institutions' annual case volumes were correlated with risk-adjusted outcomes over time, as well as presence or absence of fellowship and residency training programs. A nationwide total of 57,676 esophagectomies were recorded. In-hospital unadjusted mortality fell from 12% to 7%. Adjusting for comorbidities, greater esophagectomy volume was associated with improvements in the incidence of most measured complications, though mortality increased once greater than 100 cases were performed. Hospitals supporting fellowship training or a surgical residency program did not have higher rates of mortality or total complications. The current national mortality rate of 7% following esophagectomy is higher than is reported in most contemporary case series. A greater annual esophagectomy volume improves outcomes, but only up to a point. Current training paradigms are safe.
    Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 09/2009; 13(11):1900-10; discussion 1910-2. · 2.83 Impact Factor
  • Article: The impact of socioeconomic factors on patient preparation for bariatric surgery.
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    ABSTRACT: Socioeconomic factors (SEF) influence bariatric surgery access and outcomes perhaps because of variations in patient knowledge and behaviors. This study examines the associations between income, formal education, race, health insurance, employment status, and patient self-educational and behavioral activities prior to bariatric surgery. From March 2005 through January 2006, we surveyed 127 individuals who contacted our office seeking bariatric surgery. Study participants were asked to report their income, formal education, health insurance, employment status, height, weight, and standard demographic data. The type and number of self-educational resources utilized were elicited; a description of current eating and exercise behaviors was obtained; and an objective assessment (OA) of knowledge of the risks of both obesity and bariatric procedures was completed. The most valuable self-educational resource cited by respondents was the internet (41.2%) and was unaffected by SEF. Individuals who were employed, privately insured, white, and earning>or=$20,000/year reported using a greater number of self-educational resources than their peers, while subjects who were privately insured, had higher formal educational levels, and earned>or=$20,000/year demonstrated greater proficiency on the OA instrument. Engagement in healthy eating and exercise behaviors was unaffected by any SEF. On multivariate analysis, higher income was the sole significant factor directly related to the number of educational resources utilized and proficiency on OA. Obese patients from lower-income households may benefit from additional preoperative education. All individuals, regardless of socioeconomic factors, must be encouraged to implement healthy eating and exercise behaviors preoperatively.
    Obesity Surgery 06/2009; 19(8):1089-95. · 3.29 Impact Factor
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    Article: Dietary patterns, food groups, and rectal cancer risk in Whites and African-Americans.
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    ABSTRACT: Associations between individual foods and nutrients and colorectal cancer have been inconsistent, and few studies have examined associations between food, nutrients, dietary patterns, and rectal cancer. We examined the relationship between food groups and dietary patterns and risk for rectal cancer in non-Hispanic Whites and African-Americans. Data were from the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study-Phase II and included 1,520 Whites (720 cases, 800 controls) and 384 African-Americans (225 cases, 159 controls). Diet was assessed using the Diet History Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among Whites, non-whole grains and white potatoes were associated with elevated risk for rectal cancer whereas fruit, vegetables, dairy, fish, and poultry were associated with reduced risk. In African-Americans, high consumption of other fruit and added sugar suggested elevated risk. We identified three major dietary patterns in Whites and African-Americans. The high fat/meat/potatoes pattern was observed in both race groups but was only positively associated with risk in Whites (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.15). The vegetable/fish/poultry and fruit/whole grain/dairy patterns in Whites had significant inverse associations with risk. In African-Americans, there was a positive dose-response for the fruit/vegetables pattern (P(trend) < 0.0001) and an inverse linear trend for the legumes/dairy pattern (P(trend) < 0.0001). Our findings indicate that associations of certain food groups and overall dietary patterns with rectal cancer risk differ between Whites and African-Americans, highlighting the importance of examining diet and cancer relationships in racially diverse populations.
    Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers &amp Prevention 05/2009; 18(5):1552-61. · 4.12 Impact Factor
  • Article: Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and distal large bowel cancer in whites and African Americans.
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    ABSTRACT: Despite the belief that the etiology of and risk factors for rectal cancer might differ from those for colon cancer, relatively few studies have examined rectal cancer in relation to use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The authors evaluated the association between NSAIDs and distal large bowel cancer in African Americans and whites, using data from a population-based case-control study of 1,057 incident cases of adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon, rectosigmoid junction, and rectum and 1,019 controls from North Carolina (2001-2006). NSAID use was inversely associated with distal large bowel cancer in whites (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46, 0.79). The inverse association was evident for all types of NSAIDs but was slightly stronger with prescription NSAIDs, particularly selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.56). Compared with whites, a relatively weak inverse association was found in African Americans (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.55, 1.40), although odds ratio heterogeneity by race could not be confirmed (P = 0.21). In addition, the strength of the association with NSAIDs varied by tumor location, suggesting more potent effects for rectal and rectosigmoid cancers than for sigmoid cancer. The chemopreventive potential of NSAIDs might differ by population and by tumor characteristics.
    American journal of epidemiology 11/2008; 168(11):1292-300. · 5.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Apoptosis in normal rectal mucosa, baseline adenoma characteristics, and risk of future adenomas.
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    ABSTRACT: Low apoptosis in the normal rectal mucosa has been associated with colorectal adenomas in cross-sectional studies. It is unknown whether apoptosis can predict the occurrence of new adenomas. We evaluated whether apoptosis at baseline colonoscopy, as well as patient and adenoma characteristics, could predict future occurrence of adenomas. Study subjects were participants in the Diet and Health Study III, a cross-sectional study of adenoma risk factors between August 1998 and March 2000. At baseline, subjects underwent colonoscopy and provided normal rectal mucosal biopsies to evaluate apoptosis as well as information about diet and lifestyle. The present study includes 257 subjects who returned for follow-up colonoscopy between 2000 and 2005. Apoptosis, number of adenomas, size, and atypia at baseline colonoscopy were evaluated as predictors of new adenomas. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). At baseline, low apoptosis was significantly associated with increased risk of adenomas (P = 0.0001). Compared with those in the lowest tertile, subjects with high apoptosis were less likely to have an adenoma at follow-up (crude OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.65; adjusted OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.08-1.06). Having three or more adenomas at baseline was associated with increased risk of new adenomas (crude OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.14-5.31; adjusted OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.01-13.83). This study suggests that lower apoptosis is associated with increased risk of future adenoma development. If confirmed in larger studies, apoptosis could potentially be used to identify patients at highest risk for developing new adenomas.
    Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers &amp Prevention 03/2008; 17(2):306-10. · 4.12 Impact Factor
  • Article: Circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and risk of colorectal adenomas.
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    ABSTRACT: The association between obesity and colorectal neoplasia may be mediated by inflammation. Circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are elevated in the obese. Adipose tissue can produce and release the inflammatory cytokines that are potentially procarcinogenic. We examined circulating levels of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in relation to risk factors and the prevalence of colorectal adenomas. Plasma levels of CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were quantified in 873 participants (242 colorectal adenoma cases and 631 controls) in a colonoscopy-based cross-sectional study conducted between 1998 and 2002. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between known risk factors for colorectal neoplasia and circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and associations between inflammatory cytokines and colorectal adenomas. Several known risk factors for colorectal neoplasia were associated with higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, including older age, current smoking, and increasing adiposity. The prevalence of colorectal adenomas was associated with higher concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-alpha and, to a lesser degree, with CRP. For IL-6, adjusted odds ratios (OR) for colorectal adenomas were 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-2.69] for the second highest plasma level and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.24-2.75) for the highest level compared with the reference level. A similar association was found with TNF-alpha, with adjusted ORs of 1.56 (95% CI, 1.03-2.36) and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.10-2.52), respectively. Our findings indicate that systemic inflammation might be involved in the early development of colorectal neoplasia.
    Cancer Research 02/2008; 68(1):323-8. · 7.86 Impact Factor