Acceptance of genetic editing and of whole genome sequencing of human embryos by patients with infertility before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Has acceptance of heritable genome editing (HGE) and whole genome sequencing for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-WGS) of human embryos changed after the onset of COVID-19 among infertility patients? DESIGN: A written survey conducted between April and June 2018 and July and December 2021 among patients at a university-affiliated infertility practice. The questionnaire ascertained the acceptance of HGE for specific therapeutic or genetic 'enhancement' indications and of PGT-WGS to prevent adult disease. RESULTS: In 2021 and 2018, 172 patients and 469 patients (response rates: 90% and 91%, respectively) completed the questionnaire. In 2021, significantly more participants reported a positive attitude towards HGE, for therapeutic and enhancement indications. In 2021 compared with 2018, respondents were more likely to use HGE to have healthy children with their own gametes (85% versus 77%), to reduce disease risk for adult-onset polygenic disorders (78% versus 67%), to increase life expectancy (55% versus 40%), intelligence (34% versus 26%) and creativity (33% versus 24%). Fifteen per cent of the 2021 group reported a more positive attitude towards HGE because of COVID-19 and less than 1% a more negative attitude. In contrast, support for PGT-WGS was similar in 2021 and 2018. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly increased acceptance of HGE was observed, but not of PGT-WGS, after the onset of COVID-19. Although the pandemic may have contributed to this change, the exact reasons remain unknown and warrant further investigation. Whether increased acceptability of HGE may indicate an increase in acceptability of emerging biomedical technologies in general needs further investigation.

"Elbow-Lock" Chest Compression Method in the Setting of Single Rescuer Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Crossover Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: We designed a new 1-handed chest compression method, the "elbow-lock" chest compression (ELCC), for a single rescuer in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Then, we compared the effectiveness between the ELCC and standard chest compression (SCC) method. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled, crossover simulation trial studied 34 emergency medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and EMTs. We compare the quality of chest compression and fatigue point time between the ELCC and the SCC. RESULTS: Participants who performed the ELCC method maintained a proper depth of compression compared with SCC method (50.0 ± 0.3 mm vs 40.5 ± 0.4 mm, P < 0.001). However, the 2 methods did not differ in terms of compression velocity since neither reached the standard velocity (96.7 ± 7.1/minutes vs 91.7 ± 7.0/minutes, P < 0.016). With respect to the overall score, ELCC was more effective than the SCC (91.6 ± 3.7% vs 85.3 ± 8.8%, P = 0.002). In addition, the fatigue point time was slower in the ELCC group than the SCC group (7.3 ± 0.3/minutes vs 6.1 ± 0.4/minutes, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The single rescuer ELCC method is an effective alternative to the SCC method for pediatric CPR because the ELCC method can prevent elbow flexion.Trial registration: Our research is simulation manikin study. So we do not need to "trial registration".

Changes in the pattern of suicide attempters visiting the emergency room after COVID-19 pandemic: an observational cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to find out the change in the rate and pattern of suicide attempts during severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected as a part of an emergency room-based post-suicide management program. The data were collected through interviews and from medical records of suicide attempts, maintained in the emergency room, from January 19 to October 31, 2020, during the "COVID-19 period," and those who attempted suicide from January 19 to October 31, 2019 "pre-COVID-19 period." We extracted educational background, marital status, occupation, presence of domestic partner, history of mental illness, alcohol consumption, history of previous suicide attempts; suicide attempt method and location (i.e., at home or a place other than home) at the time of attempt, and whether the attempt was a mass suicide. In addition, we compared patient severity between "COVID-19 period" and "pre-COVID-19 period" using the initial KTAS (South Korean triage and acuity scale) level, consciousness level, and systolic blood pressure. In 2012, KTAS was developed through the Ministry of Health and Welfare's research project to establish triage system in South Korea. RESULTS: The analysis of the number of suicide attempts during "pre-COVID-19 period" and " COVID-19 period" showed that the number of suicide attempts during "COVID-19 period" (n = 440) increased compared to the "pre-COVID-19 period" (n = 400). Moreover, the method of suicide attempts during "COVID-19 period" included overdose of drugs such as hypnotics, antipsychotics, and pesticides that were already possessed by the patient increased compared to the "pre-COVID-19 period" (P < 0.05). At the time of the visit to the emergency room, high KTAS level, low level of consciousness, and low systolic blood pressure, were observed, which were significantly different between "COVID-19 period" and "pre-COVID-19 period" (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With the worldwide COVID-19 virus spread, suicide rate and suicide attempts at home have significantly increased. In addition, patient severity was higher in the "COVID-19 period" than that in the "pre-COVID-19 period." The increasing suicide attempt rate should be controlled by cooperation between the emergency room and regional organizations.

Pre-screening of patient-reported symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System in outpatient palliative cancer care.

OBJECTIVES: Although early palliative care is associated with a better quality of life and improved outcomes in end-of-life cancer care, the criteria of palliative care referral are still elusive. METHODS: We collected patient-reported symptoms using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) at the baseline, first and second follow-up visits. A total of 71 patients were evaluable, with a median age of 65 years, male (62%) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status distribution of 1/2/3 (28%/39%/33%) respectively. RESULTS: Twenty (28%) patients had moderate/severe symptom burden with the mean ESAS ≥ 5. Interestingly, most of the patients with moderate/severe symptom burdens (ESAS ≥ 5) had globally elevated symptom expression. While the mean ESAS score was maintained in patients with mild symptom burden (ESAS < 5; 2.7 at the baseline; 3.4 at the first follow-up; 3.0 at the second follow-up; p = .117), there was significant symptom improvement in patients with moderate/severe symptom burden (ESAS ≥ 5; 6.5 at the baseline; 4.5 at the first follow-up; 3.6 at the second follow-up; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, advanced cancer patients with ESAS ≥ 5 may benefit from outpatient palliative cancer care. Pre-screening of patient-reported symptoms using ESAS can be useful for identifying unmet palliative care needs in advanced cancer patients.

Marked Loss of Muscle, Visceral Fat, or Subcutaneous Fat After Gastrectomy Predicts Poor Survival in Advanced Gastric Cancer: Single-Center Study from the CLASSIC Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the influence of body composition on oncological outcomes. We evaluated the role of skeletal muscle and fat among patients with gastric cancer (GC) who underwent gastrectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as those changes' associations with survival outcomes. METHODS: The present study evaluated 136 patients with GC who were enrolled in the CLASSIC Trial at Yonsei Cancer Center. Baseline body compositions including skeletal muscle area, Hounsfield units (HU), visceral fat area, and subcutaneous fat area were measured by preoperative computed tomography (CT). CT before and after the gastrectomy were used to determine the 6-month relative changes in body composition parameters. Continuous variables were dichotomized according to the best cutoff values by Contal and O'Quigley method. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (53.7%) underwent surgery alone, and 63 patients (46.3%) underwent surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The baseline body composition parameters were not associated with disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). Except for the HU, the marked loss of muscle, visceral fat, or subcutaneous fat significantly predicted shorter DFS and OS. Patients with a marked loss in at least one significant body composition parameter had significantly shorter DFS (hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.7-4.8, P < 0.001) and OS (hazard ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval 1.7-5.0, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Marked loss in body composition parameters significantly predicted shorter DFS and OS among patients with GC who underwent gastrectomy. Postoperative nutrition and active healthcare interventions could improve the prognosis of these GC patients.

The Risk of Preterm Births Among Pregnant Women With Adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have examined the effect of adenomyosis on pregnancy outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in women with adenomyosis diagnosed during pregnancy. METHODS: A computerized ultrasonography database was used to identify singleton pregnant women with adenomyosis in the first trimester from January 2010 to December 2011. Only cases with a known pregnancy outcome were included. We reviewed the medical records and analyzed pregnancy outcomes according to the presence of adenomyosis and conception method. RESULTS: Among 11,173 singleton pregnant women, adenomyosis was detected in 88 (0.8%), and 8316 pregnant women (including 72 with adenomyosis) were included. The adenomyosis group was associated with significantly higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight than the non-adenomyosis group (12.5% versus 4.1%; P < .001; 13.9% versus 3.1%; P < .001, respectively). In a subgroup analysis according to the conception method, incidences of preterm birth and low birth weight were not different in the non-adenomyosis group. However, the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in the adenomyosis group were significantly higher in pregnant women who conceived by assisted reproductive technologies than in women who conceived naturally (28.0% versus 4.3%; P < .01; 28.0% versus 6.4%; P < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic findings suggesting adenomyosis in early pregnancy were associated with increased risks of preterm delivery and low birth weight in women who conceived with the use of assisted reproductive technologies but not in women who conceived spontaneously.

Smoking Exposure in Early Pregnancy and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Usefulness of Urinary Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamine Metabolite 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanol Levels.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the effect of -maternal smoking exposure assessed by urinary tobacco-specific nitrosamine metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-a1-butanol (NNAL) with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A total of 251 pregnant women were recruited. Urinary cotinine and NNAL were measured. Participants' sociodemographics were obtained by questionnaire and pregnancy outcomes were collected by charts review after delivery. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 8.4% (21 of 249), 1.2% (3 of 241), and 3.7% (9 of 241) in pregnant women according to questionnaire, cotinine, and NNAL, respectively. As compared with questionnaire positivity and cotinine levels, women with positive NNAL were independent determinants for spontaneous abortion (adjusted OR 12.357, 95% CI 2.053-74.368), preterm birth (adjusted OR 22.239, 95% CI 3.737-132.357), and small for gestational age (adjusted OR 6.915, 95% CI 1.385-34.524). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary NNAL might be a useful biomarker in detection of maternal smoking status in association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Use of this marker in preconception and pregnancy counselling before planning pregnancy may allow prevention of several adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Integrated approach of eco-epigenetics and eco-metabolomics on the stress response of bisphenol-A exposure in the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius.

The stress response mechanisms of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disrupting compound, remain to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the effects of BPA on the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius through basic ecotoxicity assays, DNA damage (comet assay), eco-epigenetics (global DNA and histone methylations) and non-targeted global metabolomics (NMR based) approaches. The reproduction failure, increase in DNA damage, global DNA hyper-methylation, and increased global histone modification (H3K36) status were evident due to BPA exposure at 10% lethal concentration (LC10: 1 mg/L, based on 48 h acute toxicity). Moreover, non-targeted global metabolomics followed by pathway analysis identified alterations of energy metabolism, amino acids, and methionine metabolisms etc. Most importantly, we found a potential cross-talk between altered epigenetics and metabolites, such as, increase in methionine and o-phosphocholine metabolites corresponds with the phenomena of global hyper-methylation in DNA and H3K36 mark. Overall, our results suggests that the crosstalk of global metabolomics and epigenetic modification was fundamental of the underlying mechanisms in BPA-induced stress response in C. riparius.

Prediction of Amnionicity Using the Number of Yolk Sacs in Monochorionic Multifetal Pregnancy.

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the accuracy of predicting amnionicity using the number of yolk sacs by diagnostic ultrasound examination in monochorionic (MC) multifetal pregnancies between 7 + 0 and 9 + 6 gestational weeks. A total of 97 patients with MC multifetal pregnancies underwent early ultrasound examination from 2004 to 2014 at Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center. All patients for whom the number of yolk sacs was reported were included in this study. We compared the number of yolk sacs with amnionicity confirmed by an intertwine membrane. Overall, there was a 9.3% (9 cases) discrepancy in number of yolk sacs and amnionicity (4.3% for monochorionic diamniotic, 36.4% for monochorionic monoamniotic, and 33% for monochorionic triamniotic). Among the 9 cases with discrepancies, 4 cases with 2 yolk sacs were confirmed as monoamniotic pregnancies and 4 MC twin pregnancies showing a single yolk sac were diagnosed as diamniotic twin pregnancies. One case with 2 yolk sacs was identified as a triamniotic triplet pregnancy. In 9.3% of MC gestations, the number of yolk sacs was not correlated with the number of amnions in our study. To determine amnionicity in MC multifetal pregnancies, we recommend careful evaluation not of the number of yolk sacs but the presence or absence of intertwine dividing membrane after 8 gestational weeks.

Simple high-throughput analytical method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry to quantify total 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol in urine.

BACKGROUND: Since the urinary concentration of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) is a reliable biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke, we developed a relatively simple high-throughput chromatographic method to quantify total urinary NNAL concentrations in the general population. METHODS: The high-throughput analytical method was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to identify and quantify total urinary NNAL concentrations in 10 non-smokers and 15 otherwise healthy smokers. RESULTS: Loss of nitric oxide at m/z 30 was found to be the predominant mass transitioned, and therefore was used as the SIM transition to quantify both NNAL and NNAL-methyl-d3 in urine. The analytical method did not require sample derivatization. Standard curves for total NNAL concentrations were linear between 20 and 1500 pg/mL, with coefficients of determination >0.95. Precision and accuracy ranged from 2.2% to 8.6% (CV) and from -5.6% to 10.9% (percent error), respectively. The lowest limit of quantification was 6.7 pg/mL, and 2.0 pg/mL the lowest limit of detection (LLOD). Total urinary NNAL concentrations in non-smoker subjects were

Non-invasive detection of fetal trisomy 21 using fetal epigenetic biomarkers with a high CpG density.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive prenatal test of trisomy 21 (T21) is being researched using fetal specific epigenetic biomarkers present in maternal plasma. We applied a methyl-CpG binding domain-based protein (MBD) method based on epigenetic characteristics of fetal specific-methylated regions with a high CpG density in HLCS on chromosome 21 and RASSF1A on chromosome 3 for the non-invasive detection of fetal T21 and estimated the diagnostic accuracy of the method. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted with maternal plasma collected from 50 pregnant women carrying 40 normal and 10 T21 fetuses. A MBD method was used for enrichment of methylated DNA regions in maternal plasma. The levels of methylated HLCS (M-HLCS) and methylated RASSF1A (M-RASSF1A) were simultaneously measured by multiplex qPCR. RESULTS: Levels of M-HLCS and M-RASSF1A were obtained in all cases. Levels were not different according to fetal gender (p>0.05 in both). The level of M-HLCS was significantly increased in women with a T21 fetus compared with controls (p<0.001). The level of M-RASSF1A was not different between two groups (p>0.05). In non-invasive fetal T21 detection, the specificity of M-HLCS level and the epigenetic-epigenetic ratio (EER) using M-HLCS and M-RASSF1A levels were 82.5% and 92.5%, respectively, at 90.0% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the EER may be useful as a potential biomarker for the non-invasive detection of fetal T21, regardless of fetal gender. The MBD method can be used as an effective tool in the detection of methylated fetal specific markers with a high CpG density in maternal plasma.

Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium in Hospitalized Patients with Advanced Cancer.

Purpose: Delirium is a common neurocognitive disorder in patients with advanced cancer and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. As a potentially reversible phenomenon, early recognition of delirium by identifying the risk factors demands attention. To develop a model to predict the occurrence of delirium in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with advanced cancer admitted to the oncology ward of four tertiary cancer centers in Korea for supportive cares and excluded those discharged due to death. The primary endpoint was occurrence of delirium. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and concomitant medication were investigated for associating variables. The predictive model developed using multivariate logistic regression was internally validated by bootstrapping. Results: From January 2019 to December 2020, 2,152 patients were enrolled. The median age of patients was 64 years, and 58.4% were male. A total of 127 patients (5.9%) developed delirium during hospitalization. In multivariate logistic regression, age, body mass index, hearing impairment, previous delirium history, length of hospitalization, chemotherapy during hospitalization, blood urea nitrogen and calcium levels, and concomitant anti-depressant use were significantly associated with the occurrence of delirium. The predictive model combining all four categorized variables showed the best performance among the developed models (area under the curve 0.831, sensitivity 80.3%, and specificity 72.0%). The calibration plot showed optimal agreement between predicted and actual probabilities through internal validation of the final model. Conclusion: We proposed a successful predictive model for the risk of delirium in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer.

Opioid use and subsequent delirium risk in patients with advanced cancer in palliative care: a multicenter registry study.

The prevalent use of opioids for pain management in patients with advanced cancer underscores the need for research on their neuropsychiatric impacts, particularly delirium. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential association between opioid use and the risk of delirium in patients with advanced cancer admitted to the acute palliative care unit. We conducted a retrospective observational study utilizing a multicenter, patient-based registry cohort by collecting the data from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, in South Korea. All data regarding exposures, outcomes, and covariates were obtained through retrospective chart reviews by a team of specialized medical professionals with expertise in oncology. Full unmatched and 1:1 propensity-score matched cohorts were formed, and stratification analysis was conducted. The primary outcome, delirium, was defined and diagnosed by the DSM-IV. Of the 2,066 patients with advanced cancer, we identified 42.8% (mean [SD] age, 64.4 [13.3] years; 60.8% male) non-opioid users and 57.2% (62.8 [12.5] years; 55.9% male) opioid users, respectively. Opioid use was significantly associated with an increased occurrence of delirium in patients with advanced cancer (OR, 2.02 [95% CI 1.22-3.35]). The risk of delirium in patients with advanced cancer showed increasing trends in a dose-dependent manner. High-dose opioid users showed an increased risk of delirium in patients with advanced cancer compared to non-opioid users (low-dose user: OR, 2.21 [95% CI 1.27-3.84]; high-dose user: OR, 5.75 [95% CI 2.81-11.77]; ratio of OR, 2.60 [95% CI 1.05-6.44]). Patients with old age, male sex, absence of chemotherapy during hospitalization, and non-obese status were more susceptible to increased risk of delirium in patients with cancer. In this multicenter patient-based registry cohort study, we found a significant, dose-dependent association between opioid use and increased risk of delirium in patients with advanced cancer. We also identified specific patient groups more susceptible to delirium. These findings highlight the importance of opioid prescription in these patients with advanced cancer, balancing effective doses for pain management and adverse dose-inducing delirium.

Machine learning-based model to predict delirium in patients with advanced cancer treated with palliative care: a multicenter, patient-based registry cohort.

This study aimed to present a new approach to predict to delirium admitted to the acute palliative care unit. To achieve this, this study employed machine learning model to predict delirium in patients in palliative care and identified the significant features that influenced the model. A multicenter, patient-based registry cohort study in South Korea between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Delirium was identified by reviewing the medical records based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. The study dataset included 165 patients with delirium among 2314 patients with advanced cancer admitted to the acute palliative care unit. Seven machine learning models, including extreme gradient boosting, adaptive boosting, gradient boosting, light gradient boosting, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest, were evaluated to predict delirium in patients with advanced cancer admitted to the acute palliative care unit. An ensemble approach was adopted to determine the optimal model. For k-fold cross-validation, the combination of extreme gradient boosting and random forest provided the best performance, achieving the following accuracy metrics: 68.83% sensitivity, 70.85% specificity, 69.84% balanced accuracy, and 74.55% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The performance of the isolated testing dataset was also validated, and the machine learning model was successfully deployed on a public website ( http://ai-wm.khu.ac.kr/Delirium/ ) to provide public access to delirium prediction results in patients with advanced cancer. Furthermore, using feature importance analysis, sex was determined to be the top contributor in predicting delirium, followed by a history of delirium, chemotherapy, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and living with family. Based on a large-scale, multicenter, patient-based registry cohort, a machine learning prediction model for delirium in patients with advanced cancer was developed in South Korea. We believe that this model will assist healthcare providers in treating patients with delirium and advanced cancer.

Recurrence, Reoperation, Pregnancy Rates, and Risk Factors for Recurrence after Ovarian Endometrioma Surgery: Long-Term Follow-Up of 756 Women.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the cumulative recurrence, reoperation, and pregnancy rates after ovarian endometrioma surgery at a single institution for more than a 5-year follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of patients with ovarian endometrioma who underwent surgery between January 2008 and March 2016. Study subjects included premenopausal women with at least 5 years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria were patients with stage I or II ovarian endometrioma, those who underwent hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy, and presence of residual ovarian lesions on the first postoperative ultrasonography at 3-6 months. Recurrence was defined as a cystic mass by ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 756 patients were recruited. The median follow-up duration was 85.5 months (interquartile range, 71-107 months). Recurrent endometrioma was detected in 27.9% patients, and reoperation was performed in 8.3% patients. Cumulative rates at 24, 36, 60, and 120 months were 5.8%, 8.7%, 15.5% and 37.6%, respectively, for recurrence and 0.1%, 0.5%, 2.9%, and 15.1%, respectively, for reoperation. After multivariable analysis, age ≤31 years [hazard ratio (HR)=2.108; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.522-2.921; p<0.001], no subsequent pregnancy (HR=1.851; 95% CI=1.309-2.617; p<0.001), and postoperative hormonal treatment ≤15 months (HR=2.869; 95% CI=2.088-3.941; p<0.001) were significant risk factors for recurrent endometrioma. Among 315 patients who desired pregnancy, 54.0% were able to have a successful pregnancy and delivery. CONCLUSION: Considering that longer postoperative hormonal treatment is the sole modifiable factor for recurrent endometrioma, we recommend long-term hormonal treatment until subsequent pregnancy, especially in younger women.

Mid-upper Arm Circumference as an Indicator of Quality of Life of Patients with Advanced Cancer.

Objective: Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) has been used to assess malnutrition and health status across various disease groups. However, it is unclear whether MUAC is associated with quality of life (QOL) of patients with advanced cancer. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between MUAC and QOL in ambulatory out-patients with advanced cancer. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary cancer center in South Korea. A total of 200 patients with advanced cancer at oncology clinics of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from March 2016 to January 2019 were enrolled. Out-patients with advanced cancer whose survival was expected to be less than one year by their oncologists were enrolled. QOL of patients was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Associations of QOL with MUAC and nutritional parameters were examined with generalized linear models. Results: The most common cancer sites were the lung, colon or rectum, and genitourinary tract. In univariate analyses, significant factors associated with higher summary score of EORTC QLQ-C30 were higher MUAC (≥ 26.5 cm, p < 0.001), higher body mass index (BMI) (≥ 22 kg/m2, p < 0.001), higher serum albumin (≥ 3.7 g/dL, p < 0.01), higher creatinine (≥ 0.8 mg/dL, p = 0.023), and higher uric acid (≥ 5 mg/dL, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, higher serum albumin (≥ 3.7 g/dL, p < 0.01) and higher MUAC (≥ 26.5 cm, p = 0.03) were independently associated with better summary score of EORTC QLQ-C-30. Conclusion: MUAC was highly associated with QOL in terms of summary score and overall health status. Thus, MUAC, with its simplicity, can be a useful tool to reflect QOL in patients with advanced cancer.

Outcomes of an Acute Palliative Care Unit at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in Korea.

Background: The acute palliative care unit (APCU) bridges between active cancer treatment and hospice care. However, no study has proven the efficacy of APCU in Korea. Objective: To evaluate the first-year outcomes of the patients admitted to an APCU at a tertiary hospital in Korea. Design: The APCU admitted 205 patients between April 14, 2014, and April 30, 2015. Of these patients, 57 were evaluable for baseline and one-week follow-up Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results: Of the 57 participants, 56.1% were male, with a median age of 60 years (range, 52.8-69.5 years). All patients had advanced cancer, and 42 out of 57 had terminal illnesses. The median APCU stay was 14 days (range, 10-17 days). The 42 (73.7%) patients were referred to the APCU after anticancer treatment was completed. Ten (17.5%) patients died during their stay, and 20 (35.1%) were discharged home. Among those who completed the ESAS, there were significant improvements in scores in the following symptoms: fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Physical symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, appetite, and shortness of breath) and the total ESAS scores were significantly improved (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively). Each non-medical palliative care program, such as art and music therapy, yoga, foot massage, haircut, and body care, showed no significant differences between the group who received them and those who did not. Conclusion: During the APCU stay, the overall symptoms of inpatients were reduced. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients who need palliative care.

Antiviral activity of Bifidobacterium adolescentis SPM1005-A on human papillomavirus type 16.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) support a functional and balanced immune system, and contribute to immune modulatory effects in combatting microbial pathogens, including viruses. Most cervical cancers are associated with anogenital region infection with high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV). In this study, we analyzed the antiviral activity of Bifidobacterium adolescentis SPM1005-A in the SiHa cervical cancer cell line expressing HPV type 16. METHODS: We assessed the cellular toxicity of B. adolescentis SPM1005-A in SiHa cells by the Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Cells (3.6 × 105) in culture plates with or without B. adolescentis SPM1005-A in the same type of medium, were incubated with HPV type 16 at a concentration of 5.1 × 107 cfu/ml. For antiviral analysis, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for E6 and E7 oncogene expressions and observed protein levels by immunoblotting. RESULTS: The qRT-PCR results showed that E6 and E7 mRNA levels decreased simultaneously. Western blot analysis revealed that the E6 protein expression slightly decreased after 24 and 48 h, but the level of E7 protein expression appear unaffected compared with that in the control. Decreased HPV16 E6 and E7 mRNA transcript and protein levels were not associated with cell morphology or significant cytotoxic effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that B. adolescentis SPM1005-A had antiviral activity through suppression E6 and E7 oncogene expression. The results suggest that B. adolescentis SPM1005-A could be potential applications of HPV-associated cervical cancer prevention.

Rate of vertical transmission of human papillomavirus from mothers to infants: relationship between infection rate and mode of delivery.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to consistent epidemiologic evidence of the role of sexual transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) in adults, various routes may be related to HPV infection in infants. We have assessed the extent of HPV infection during the perinatal period, and the relationship between mode of delivery and vertical transmission. RESULTS: A total of 291 pregnant women over 36 weeks of gestation were enrolled with informed consent. Exfoliative cells were collected from maternal cervix and neonatal buccal mucosa. HPV infection and genotypes were determined with an HPV DNA chip, which can recognise 24 types. The HPV-positive neonates were re-evaluated 6 months after birth to identify the presence of persistent infection. HPV DNA was detected in 18.9 % (55/291) of pregnant women and 3.4 % (10/291) of neonates. Maternal infection was associated with abnormal cytology (p = 0.007) and primiparity (p = 0.015). The infected neonates were all born to HPV-positive mothers. The rate of vertical transmission was estimated at 18.2 % (10/55) which was positively correlated with maternal multiple HPV infection (p = 0.003) and vaginal delivery (p = 0.050), but not with labour duration and premature rupture of membranes. The rate of concordance of genotype was 100 % in mother-neonate pairs with vertical transmission. The neonatal HPV DNAs found at birth were all cleared at 6 months after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical transmission of HPV DNA from HPV infected mother to the neonate increased when the infant was delivered through an infected cervix. However, the absence of persistent infection in infants at 6 months after delivery may suggest temporary inoculation rather than true vertical infection.

Notification of Terminal Status and Advance Care Planning in Patients with Cancer.

As population aging increases the burden of cancer, the quality of death of patients with cancer is emerging as an important issue alongside their quality of life. To improve the quality of death, it is necessary to prepare for death, allowing patients to die comfortably and with dignity at the end. Considering these issues, I aim to discuss the practical aspects of notifying the patient of the terminal phase of cancer and planning for end-of-life care (i.e., advance care planning). When cancer treatment that can extend the patent's lifespan becomes difficult, the patient enters a treatment transition period. Treatment is shifted from life-prolonging care to life-enhancing care, and end-of-life care must be well planned. Medical providers often worry too much about whether the patient will be disappointed or psychologically traumatized when notified of the terminal phase of their cancer, thus delaying plans for end-of-life care. In fact, patients can accept their condition and prepare for end-of-life care better than we expect. During the treatment transition period, notification of terminal status should be given, and a well-prepared advance care plan should be established early when the patient has decision-making ability. In addition to conveying information, it is always necessary to be sensitive to whether the patient and caregiver understand the information and respond to their emotions.