Supportive care needs, quality of life and social support among elderly colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a longitudinal study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in supportive care needs, quality of life and social support during different chemotherapy cycles among elderly colorectal cancer patients. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study recruited 160 elderly colorectal cancer patients using convenience sampling at a hospital in Guangxi between August 2023 and April 2024. To assess supportive care needs, quality of life, and social support, we used a short form of the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34), a Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-colorectal (FACT-C), and a perceived social support scale (PSSS) prior to chemotherapy, as well as after the first, third, and sixth cycles. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to validate the changes over time in supportive care needs, quality of life, and social support. Results: 155 participants completed all questionnaire sessions across the six cycles. From pre-chemotherapy until after the sixth cycle of chemotherapy, the extent of physical and daily living requirements among all respondents fluctuated between 47.23% and 88.26%, psychological needs ranged from 60.84% to 97.67%, patient care and support needs ranged from 83.75% to 99.35%, healthcare system and information needs varied from 85.98% to 99.00%, while the level of sexual needs decreased from 1.51% to 0.65%. The mean SCNS-SF34 scores for these participants ranged between 103.81 ± 2.28 and 144.10 ± 1.08. Significant increases over time were seen for all domains of SCNS-SF34 (F=126.99, 347.41, 65.00, 72.34, 160.15, p<0.001), keeping a clear upward trend, except for sexual needs(F=0.712, p=0.546). The mean FACT-T scores dropped from 68.80 ± 1.00 to 51.24 ± 1.40, while the mean PSSS scores dropped from 55.77 ± 0.83 to 43.28 ± 1.05. The scores of FACT-T and PSSS showed statistically significant differences (F=231.21, 112.28, p<0.001), maintaining clear downward trends. Conclusion: During chemotherapy, elderly colorectal cancer patients continue to require high levels of supportive care, while their quality of life and social support gradually decline. This study offers healthcare practitioners a foundational understanding to identify and address the supportive care needs of elderly colorectal cancer patients across various chemotherapy phases, which facilitates the development of tailored strategies aimed at enhancing patients' quality of life.

Attentional Bias, Pupillometry, and Spontaneous Blink Rate: Eye Characteristic Assessment Within a Translatable Nicotine Cue Virtual Reality Paradigm.

Background: Incentive salience processes are important for the development and maintenance of addiction. Eye characteristics such as gaze fixation time, pupil diameter, and spontaneous eyeblink rate (EBR) are theorized to reflect incentive salience and may serve as useful biomarkers. However, conventional cue exposure paradigms have limitations that may impede accurate assessment of these markers. Objective: This study sought to evaluate the validity of these eye-tracking metrics as indicators of incentive salience within a virtual reality (VR) environment replicating real-world situations of nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use. Methods: NTP users from the community were recruited and grouped by NTP use patterns: nondaily (n=33) and daily (n=75) use. Participants underwent the NTP cue VR paradigm and completed measures of nicotine craving, NTP use history, and VR-related assessments. Eye-gaze fixation time (attentional bias) and pupillometry in response to NTP versus control cues and EBR during the active and neutral VR scenes were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and analysis of covariance models. Results: Greater subjective craving, as measured by the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire-Short Form, following active versus neutral scenes was observed (F1,106=47.95; P<.001). Greater mean eye-gaze fixation time (F1,106=48.34; P<.001) and pupil diameter (F1,102=5.99; P=.02) in response to NTP versus control cues were also detected. Evidence of NTP use group effects was observed in fixation time and pupillometry analyses, as well as correlations between these metrics, NTP use history, and nicotine craving. No significant associations were observed with EBR. Conclusions: This study provides additional evidence for attentional bias, as measured via eye-gaze fixation time, and pupillometry as useful biomarkers of incentive salience, and partially supports theories suggesting that incentive salience diminishes as nicotine dependence severity increases.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as a predictor for postoperative complications in patients with solid cancers: a meta-analysis.

Background: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been wildly used to predict the prognosis of patients with solid cancer, but it's value in postoperative complications remains unclear. The aim of our study was to systematically explore the value of the GNRI in postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer. Method: The study conducted a systematic literature search using electronic databases to investigate the influence of the GNRI on postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer. The search covered articles published up until May 2023. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to assess the effect of GNRI on postoperative complications. Result: A total of 11 studies with 11,002 patients were enrolled in our meta-analysis. The results suggested that patients with a low GNRI have a higher risk of experiencing postoperative complications (OR=2.51, 95%CI 2.05-3.02, z=9.86, p<0.001), a higher risk of suffering Clavien-Dindo (CD) grades≥2 complications(OR=2.24, 95%CI 1.84-2.73, z=8.01, p<0.001), a higher risk of suffering infection (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.18-2.88, z=2.70, p=0.007) and a higher risk of suffering respiratory complications(OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.56-5.55, z=3.31, p=0.001). Conclusion: Based on existing evidence, the GNRI was a valuable predictor of postoperative complications in patients with solid cancer. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=434299, identifier CRD42023434299.

Using Virtual Reality to Induce and Assess Objective Correlates of Nicotine Craving: Paradigm Development Study.

BACKGROUND: Craving is a clinically important phenotype for the development and maintenance of nicotine addiction. Virtual reality (VR) paradigms are successful in eliciting cue-induced subjective craving and may even elicit stronger craving than traditional picture-cue methods. However, few studies have leveraged the advances of this technology to improve the assessment of craving. OBJECTIVE: This report details the development of a novel, translatable VR paradigm designed to both elicit nicotine craving and assess multiple eye-related characteristics as potential objective correlates of craving. METHODS: A VR paradigm was developed, which includes three Active scenes with nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) cues present, and three Neutral scenes devoid of NTP cues. A pilot sample (N=31) of NTP users underwent the paradigm and completed subjective measures of nicotine craving, sense of presence in the VR paradigm, and VR-related sickness. Eye-gaze fixation time ("attentional bias") and pupil diameter toward Active versus Neutral cues, as well as spontaneous blink rate during the Active and Neutral scenes, were recorded. RESULTS: The NTP Cue VR paradigm was found to elicit a moderate sense of presence (mean Igroup Presence Questionnaire score 60.05, SD 9.66) and low VR-related sickness (mean Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire score 16.25, SD 13.94). Scene-specific effects on attentional bias and pupil diameter were observed, with two of the three Active scenes eliciting greater NTP versus control cue attentional bias and pupil diameter (Cohen d=0.30-0.92). The spontaneous blink rate metrics did not differ across Active and Neutral scenes. CONCLUSIONS: This report outlines the development of the NTP Cue VR paradigm. Our results support the potential of this paradigm as an effective laboratory-based cue-exposure task and provide early evidence of the utility of attentional bias and pupillometry, as measured during VR, as useful markers for nicotine addiction.

Effects and mechanisms of foliar application of silicon and selenium composite sols on diminishing cadmium and lead translocation and affiliated physiological and biochemical responses in hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) exposed to cadmium and lead.

Currently, exploring effective measures to reduce multiple toxic metals accumulation in rice grains is an urgent issue to be tackled. Pot experiments were thus conducted to explore the effects and mechanisms of foliar spraying with composite sols of silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) during tillering to booting stage on diminishing cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) translocation to rice grains and affiliated physiological and biochemical responses in rice seedlings grown in Cd + Pb-polluted soils (positive control). Results showed that Cd and Pb contents in leaves or grains were distinctly below the positive control by the sols. Compared to the positive control, transcriptions of Cd transporter-related genes including OsLCT1, OsCCX2, OsHMA2 and OsPCR1 genes in leaves, and OsLCT1, OsCCX2, TaCNR2 and OSPCR1 in peduncles were downregulated by the increasing sols. Meanwhile, Se-binding protein 1 was evidently upregulated, together to retard Cd and Pb translocation to rice grains. The sols not only upregulated transcriptions of Lhcb1, RbcL, and OsBTF3 genes and production of psbA, Lhcb1 and RbcL proteins, but also increased the chlorophylls contents and RuBP carboxylase activities in the leaves, improving photosynthesis. The sols restrained ROS production from NADPH oxidases, but activated glutathione peroxidase, alleviating oxidative stress and damage. Additionally, Se was significantly enriched and was existed as selenomethionine in the rice grains. However, Pb transporter-related genes remain to be specified. Thus, the composite sols have potential to reduce Cd and Pb accumulation, mitigate oxidative damage, and promote photosynthesis and organic Se enrichment in rice plants under Cd and Pb combined pollution.

Phosphorylation of HPV-16 E2 at serine 243 enables binding to Brd4 and mitotic chromosomes.

The papillomavirus E2 protein is involved in the maintenance of persistent infection and known to bind either to cellular factors or directly to mitotic chromosomes in order to partition the viral genome into the daughter cells. However, how the HPV-16 E2 protein acts to facilitate partitioning of the viral genome remains unclear. In this study, we found that serine 243 of HPV-16 E2, located in the hinge region, is crucial for chromosome binding during mitosis. Bromodomain protein 4 (Brd4) has been identified as a cellular binding target through which the E2 protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) tethers the viral genome to mitotic chromosomes. Mutation analysis showed that, when the residue serine 243 was substituted by glutamic acid or aspartic acid, whose negative charges mimic the effect of constitutive phosphorylation, the protein still can interact with Brd4 and colocalize with Brd4 in condensed metaphase and anaphase chromosomes. However, substitution by the polar uncharged residues asparagine or glutamine abrogated Brd4 and mitotic chromosome binding. Moreover, following treatment with the inhibitor JQ1 to release Brd4 from the chromosomes, Brd4 and E2 formed punctate foci separate from the chromosomes, further supporting the hypothesis that the association of the HPV-16 E2 protein with the chromosomes is Brd4-dependent. In addition, the S243A E2 protein has a shorter half-life than the wild type, indicating that phosphorylation of the HPV-16 E2 protein at serine 243 also increases its half-life. Thus, phosphorylation of serine 243 in the hinge region of HPV-16 E2 is essential for interaction with Brd4 and required for host chromosome binding.

RapidSplint: virtual splint generation for orthognathic surgery - results of a pilot series.

BACKGROUND: Within the domain of craniomaxillofacial surgery, orthognathic surgery is a special field dedicated to the correction of dentofacial anomalies resulting from skeletal malocclusion. Generally, in such cases, an interdisciplinary orthodontic and surgical treatment approach is required. After initial orthodontic alignment of the dental arches, skeletal discrepancies of the jaws can be corrected by distinct surgical strategies and procedures in order to achieve correct occlusal relations, as well as facial balance and harmony within individualized treatment concepts. To transfer the preoperative surgical planning and reposition the mobilized dental arches with optimal occlusal relations, surgical splints are typically used. For this purpose, different strategies have been described which use one or more splints. Traditionally, these splints are manufactured by a dental technician based on patient-specific dental casts; however, computer-assisted technologies have gained increasing importance with respect to preoperative planning and its subsequent surgical transfer. METHODS: In a pilot study of 10 patients undergoing orthognathic corrections by a one-splint strategy, two final occlusal splints were produced for each patient and compared with respect to their clinical usability. One splint was manufactured in the traditional way by a dental technician according to the preoperative surgical planning. After performing a CBCT scan of the patient's dental casts, a second splint was designed virtually by an engineer and surgeon working together, according to the desired final occlusion. For this purpose, RapidSplint, a custom-made software platform, was used. After post-processing and conversion of the datasets into .stl files, the splints were fabricated by the PolyJet procedure using photo polymerization. During surgery, both splints were inserted after mobilization of the dental arches then compared with respect to their clinical usability according to the occlusal fitting. RESULTS: Using the workflow described above, virtual splints could be designed and manufactured for all patients in this pilot study. Eight of 10 virtual splints could be used clinically to achieve and maintain final occlusion after orthognathic surgery. In two cases virtual splints were not usable due to insufficient occlusal fitting, and even two of the traditional splints were not clinically usable. In five patients where both types of splints were available, their occlusal fitting was assessed as being equivalent, and in one case the virtual splint showed even better occlusal fitting than the traditional splint. In one case where no traditional splint was available, the virtual splint proved to be helpful in achieving the final occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study it was demonstrated that clinically usable splints for orthognathic surgery can be produced by computer-assisted technology. Virtual splint design was realized by RapidSplint®, an in-house software platform which might contribute in future to shorten preoperative workflows for the production of orthognathic surgical splints.

Virtual planning for craniomaxillofacial surgery--7 years of experience.

Contemporary computer-assisted surgery systems more and more allow for virtual simulation of even complex surgical procedures with increasingly realistic predictions. Preoperative workflows are established and different commercially software solutions are available. Potential and feasibility of virtual craniomaxillofacial surgery as an additional planning tool was assessed retrospectively by comparing predictions and surgical results. Since 2006 virtual simulation has been performed in selected patient cases affected by complex craniomaxillofacial disorders (n = 8) in addition to standard surgical planning based on patient specific 3d-models. Virtual planning could be performed for all levels of the craniomaxillofacial framework within a reasonable preoperative workflow. Simulation of even complex skeletal displacements corresponded well with the real surgical result and soft tissue simulation proved to be helpful. In combination with classic 3d-models showing the underlying skeletal pathology virtual simulation improved planning and transfer of craniomaxillofacial corrections. Additional work and expenses may be justified by increased possibilities of visualisation, information, instruction and documentation in selected craniomaxillofacial procedures.

Craniomaxillofacial surgery planning based on 3D models derived from Cone-Beam CT data.

INTRODUCTION: Individual planning of complex maxillofacial corrections may require 3D models which can be manufactured based on DICOM datasets. The gold standard for image acquisition is still high-resolution multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). However, appropriate datasets for model fabrication can be acquired by modern Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) devices that have been developed specifically for maxillofacial imaging. The clinical utility of individual models fabricated on the basis of CBCT datasets was assessed. METHODS: In five patients affected by different deficiencies of the maxillofacial skeleton, preoperative imaging was performed with ILUMA CBCT. Segmentation of hard tissues was performed manually by thresholding. Corresponding STL datasets were created and exported to an industrial service provider (Alphaform, Munich, Germany) specializing in rapid prototyping, and 3D models were fabricated by the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique. For variance analysis, landmark measurements were performed on both virtual and 3D models. Subsequently, maxillofacial surgery was performed according to the model-based planning. RESULTS: All CBCT-based DICOM datasets could be used for individual model fabrication. Detailed reproduction of individual anatomy was achieved and a topographic survey showed no relevant aberrance between the virtual and real models. The CBCT-based 3D models were therefore used for planning and transfer of different maxillofacial procedures. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT-based datasets can be used for the fabrication of surgical 3D models if the correct threshold is set. Preoperative workflow and patient comfort is improved in terms of the fast-track concept by using this "in-house" imaging technique.

Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) anti-lipopolysaccharide factor reduces the lethality of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in mice.

We investigated the efficacy of amino acids 55-76 of the synthetic shrimp anti-lipopolysaccharide factor peptide (SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide), the C-terminal part of the shrimp anti-lipopolysaccharide factor. This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of the antiseptic action of this peptide. The SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide was tested against bacterial clinical isolates and showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination of SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide-treated Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that severe swelling preceded cell death and breakage of the outer membrane; the intracellular inclusion was found to have effluxed extracellularly. When mice were treated with the SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide before bacterial challenge with P. aeruginosa, the peptide highly protected mice against death by sepsis. The P. aeruginosa recovered from SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide-treated mice after 4 h exhibited reduced bacterial growth similar to that recovered from vancomycin-treated mice. In addition, the syntheses of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, were significantly upregulated 4 h after SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide treatment except for IL-4 in the liver. The expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4), Irf3, myd88, and Tram, were considerably elevated, but only Tlr4 existed in the spleen 4 h after SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide treatment. The prophylactic administration of SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide was begun the TNF-alpha response in comparison to untreated mice by an ELISA analysis. Due to its multifunctional properties, the SALF(55-76) cyclic peptide may become an important prophylaxis against and therapy for bacterial infectious diseases, as well as for septic shock.