-
Cancer Cytopathology Jul 2024
The power and pitfalls of using social media to study rare cancers: Facebook, X, and other platforms can aid patient education and recruitment efforts, though experts caution that studies can be methodologically limited and unrepresentative.
Topics: Humans; Social Media; Neoplasms; Patient Education as Topic; Patient Selection; Rare Diseases
PubMed: 38949738
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22879 -
Annals of Biomedical Engineering Jun 2024Through their contractile and synthetic capacity, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can regulate the stiffness and resistance of the circulation. To model the...
PURPOSE
Through their contractile and synthetic capacity, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) can regulate the stiffness and resistance of the circulation. To model the contraction of blood vessels, an active stress component can be added to the (passive) Cauchy stress tensor. Different constitutive formulations have been proposed to describe this active stress component. Notably, however, measuring biomechanical behaviour of contracted blood vessels ex vivo presents several experimental challenges, which complicate the acquisition of comprehensive datasets to inform complex active stress models. In this work, we examine formulations for use with limited experimental contraction data as well as those developed to capture more comprehensive datasets.
METHODS
First, we prove analytically that a subset of constitutive active stress formulations exhibits unstable behaviours (i.e., a non-unique diameter solution for a given pressure) in certain parameter ranges, particularly for large contractile deformations. Second, using experimental literature data, we present two case studies where these formulations are used to capture the contractile response of VSMCs in the presence of (1) limited and (2) extensive contraction data.
RESULTS
We show how limited contraction data complicates selecting an appropriate active stress model for vascular applications, potentially resulting in unrealistic modelled behaviours.
CONCLUSION
Our data provide a useful reference for selecting an active stress model which balances the trade-off between accuracy and available biomechanical information. Whilst complex physiologically motivated models' superior accuracy is recommended whenever active biomechanics can be extensively characterised experimentally, a constant 2nd Piola-Kirchhoff active stress model balances well accuracy and applicability with sparse contractile data.
PubMed: 38949730
DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03532-x -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024To explore the mediating role of trait anxious personality in the association between quality of life (QoL) and death anxiety (DA), as well as to test the moderating...
Quality of life and death anxiety among caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: the mediating effect of trait anxious personality and the moderating effect of social support.
PURPOSE
To explore the mediating role of trait anxious personality in the association between quality of life (QoL) and death anxiety (DA), as well as to test the moderating effect of social support in the mediation model.
METHODS
The Death Anxiety Scale, Quality of Life Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and Social Support Rating Scale were used to measure 588 family caregivers of advanced cancer patients. We then constructed a moderated mediation model.
RESULTS
The presence of QoL was negatively associated with DA (β = - 0.67, p < 0.01). Trait anxious personality partially mediated the relationship between QoL and DA (indirect effect β = - 0.08, p < 0.01). Social support moderated both the antecedent and subsequent segments of the mediating paths of "QoL → trait anxious personality → DA" and the direct relationship between QoL and DA. Among caregivers with a low level of social support, the mediating effect coefficient of trait anxious personality was higher at 0.25 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.059-0.182), in contrast to caregivers with a high level of social support, where the mediating effect coefficient of trait anxious personality was 0.11 (95% CI: 0.029-0.072).
CONCLUSION
QoL is directly associated with an increased risk of DA and indirectly related to DA by increasing the risk of trait anxious personality among caregivers. Social support can moderate the mediating effect of trait anxious personality and the relationship between QoL and DA. The intervention strategy for preventing DA among caregivers who have encountered QoL reduction should focus on reducing trait anxious personality and social support.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Caregivers; Male; Female; Neoplasms; Social Support; Middle Aged; Anxiety; Personality; Adult; Aged; Attitude to Death; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38949725
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08653-6 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024The causal relationship between breast cancer and its estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes and neutropenia and agranulocytosis is unclear.
PURPOSE
The causal relationship between breast cancer and its estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes and neutropenia and agranulocytosis is unclear.
METHODS
In two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we used inverse variance weighting (IVW), Bayesian weighted MR (BWMR), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods to analyze causality for ER-positive breast cancer, ER-negative breast cancer, overall breast cancer, and drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis. To validate the results, we performed the analysis again using GWAS data on neutropenia from different databases. In multivariable MR (MVMR), we assessed the independent effects of ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer on causality.
RESULTS
Two-sample MR analysis showed a causal relationship between ER-positive breast cancer (IVW odds ratio (OR) = 1.319, P = 7.580 × 10), ER-negative breast cancer (OR = 1.285, P = 1.263 × 10), overall breast cancer (OR = 1.418, P = 2.123 × 10), and drug-induced neutropenia and a causal relationship between ER-positive breast cancer (OR = 1.349, P = 1.402 × 10), ER-negative breast cancer (OR = 1.235, P = 7.615 × 10), overall breast cancer (OR = 1.429, P = 9.111 × 10), and neutropenia. Similarly, ER-positive breast cancer (OR = 1.213, P = 5.350 × 10), ER-negative breast cancer (OR = 1.179, P = 1.300 × 10), and overall breast cancer (OR = 1.275, P = 8.642 × 10) also had a causal relationship with agranulocytosis. MVMR analysis showed that ER-positive breast cancer remained causally associated with drug-induced neutropenia (OR = 1.233, P = 4.188 × 10), neutropenia (OR = 1.283, P = 6.363 × 10), and agranulocytosis (OR = 1.142, P = 4.549 × 10). Heterogeneity analysis and pleiotropy test showed that our results were reliable.
CONCLUSION
Our study provides genetic evidence for a causal association between breast cancer and its estrogen receptor subtypes and neutropenia. In clinical practice, in addition to focusing on therapeutic factors, additional attention should be given to breast cancer patients to avoid severe neutropenia.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Neutropenia; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Female; Agranulocytosis; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Receptors, Estrogen; Genome-Wide Association Study; Bayes Theorem; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
PubMed: 38949722
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08682-1 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jun 2024
PubMed: 38949718
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15687-x -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jun 2024This study aimed to investigate the effect of the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the limb volume and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent complex... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A comparative evaluation of the efficacy of complete decongestive therapy in the treatment of unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema with and without metabolic syndrome.
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the limb volume and quality of life (QoL) of patients who underwent complex decongestive therapy (CDT) due to unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
METHODS
Forty female patients with unilateral BCRL, of whom 20 had MetS (MetS group) and 20 did not have MetS (control group), were included in the study. The participants received CDT 5 days a week for 3 weeks. The participants' limb volume (percentage of excess volume (PEV) and percentage reduction of excess volume (PREV) was determined using a tape measure, and their QoL was assessed using the Lymphedema Quality of Life questionnaire (LYMQoL) before and after treatment.
RESULTS
After the treatment, the PEV and PREV values and LYMQoL-symptoms scores of the patients improved (p < 0.05); however, the LYMQoL-function, appearance/body image, mood/emotions, and overall QoL scores did not change in the MetS group (p > 0.05). In the control group, the PEV and PREV values and the LYMQoL-appearance/body image, mood/emotions, and overall QoL scores improved (p < 0.05), but the LYMQoL-symptoms and LYMQoL-function scores did not change (p > 0.05). There was a greater increase in the post-treatment PEV and PREV values of the control group compared to the MetS group (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The study yielded that CDT was an effective treatment in BCRL with and without MetS; however, the improvement was greater in BCRL cases without MetS than in those with MetS. Therefore, the presence of MetS should be taken into account in the treatment of lymphedema in patients who develop BCRL.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05426993. Registered 2022-06-16. https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=NCT05426993.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Middle Aged; Metabolic Syndrome; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Breast Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Lymphedema
PubMed: 38949715
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08676-z -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Jun 2024Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields that disrupt cancer cell processes. TTFields therapy is approved for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), and...
BACKGROUND
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are alternating electric fields that disrupt cancer cell processes. TTFields therapy is approved for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), and newly-diagnosed (nd) GBM (with concomitant temozolomide for ndGBM; US), and for grade IV glioma (EU). We present an updated global, post-marketing surveillance safety analysis of patients with CNS malignancies treated with TTFields therapy.
METHODS
Safety data were collected from routine post-marketing activities for patients in North America, Europe, Israel, and Japan (October 2011-October 2022). Adverse events (AEs) were stratified by age, sex, and diagnosis.
RESULTS
Overall, 25,898 patients were included (diagnoses: ndGBM [68%], rGBM [26%], anaplastic astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma [4%], other CNS malignancies [2%]). Median (range) age was 59 (3-103) years; 66% patients were male. Most (69%) patients were 18-65 years; 0.4% were < 18 years; 30% were > 65 years. All-cause and TTFields-related AEs occurred in 18,798 (73%) and 14,599 (56%) patients, respectively. Most common treatment-related AEs were beneath-array skin reactions (43%), electric sensation (tingling; 14%), and heat sensation (warmth; 12%). Treatment-related skin reactions were comparable in pediatric (39%), adult (42%), and elderly (45%) groups, and in males (41%) and females (46%); and similar across diagnostic subgroups (ndGBM, 46%; rGBM, 34%; anaplastic astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma, 42%; other, 40%). No TTFields-related systemic AEs were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This long-term, real-world analysis of > 25,000 patients demonstrated good tolerability of TTFields in patients with CNS malignancies. Most therapy-related AEs were manageable localized, non-serious skin events. The TTFields therapy safety profile remained consistent across subgroups (age, sex, and diagnosis), indicative of its broad applicability.
PubMed: 38949692
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04682-7 -
Mikrochimica Acta Jun 2024A novel scaffold for in situ electrochemical detection of cell biomarkers was developed using electrospun nanofibers and commercial adhesive polymeric membranes. The...
A novel scaffold for in situ electrochemical detection of cell biomarkers was developed using electrospun nanofibers and commercial adhesive polymeric membranes. The electrochemical sensing of cell biomarkers requires the cultivation of the cells on/near the (bio)sensor surface in a manner to preserve an appropriate electroactive available surface and to avoid the surface passivation and sensor damage. This can be achieved by employing biocompatible nanofiber meshes that allow the cells to have a normal behavior and do not alter the electrochemical detection. For a better mechanical stability and ease of handling, nylon 6/6 nanofibers were collected on commercial polymeric membranes, at an optimal fiber density, obtaining a double-layered platform. To demonstrate the functionality of the fabricated scaffold, the screening of cellular stress has been achieved integrating melanoma B16-F10 cells and the (bio)sensor components on the transducer whereas the melanin exocytosis was successfully quantified using a commercial electrode. Either directly on the surface of the (bio)sensor or spatially detached from it, the integration of cell cultures in biosensing platforms based on electrospun nanofibers represents a powerful bioanalytical tool able to provide real-time information about the biomarker release, enzyme activity or inhibition, and monitoring of various cellular events.
Topics: Nanofibers; Animals; Mice; Electrochemical Techniques; Biosensing Techniques; Cell Line, Tumor; Melanins; Biomarkers; Tissue Scaffolds; Exocytosis; Melanoma, Experimental
PubMed: 38949689
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06523-w -
Drug and Chemical Toxicology Jul 2024Although the presence of nitro groups in chemicals can be recognized as structural alerts for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, nitroaromatic compounds have attracted...
Although the presence of nitro groups in chemicals can be recognized as structural alerts for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, nitroaromatic compounds have attracted considerable interest as a class of agents that can serve as source of potential new anticancer agents. In the present study, the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of three synthetic -nitrobenzyl derivatives (named , and ) were evaluated by employing human breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. A series of biological assays was carried out with and without metabolic activation. Complementarily, computational predictions of the pharmacokinetic properties and druglikeness of the compounds were performed in the Swiss ADME platform. The MTT assay showed that the compounds selectively affected selectively the cell viability of cancer cells in comparison with a nontumoral cell line. Additionally, the metabolic activation enhanced cytotoxicity, and the compounds affected cell survival, as demonstrated by the clonogenic assay. The comet assay, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and the immunofluorescence of the γ-H2AX foci formation assay have that the compounds caused chromosomal damage to the cancer cells, with and without metabolic activation. The results obtained in the present study showed that the compounds assessed were genotoxic and mutagenic, inducing double-strand breaks in the DNA structure. The high selectivity indices observed for the compounds and , especially after metabolic activation with the S9 fraction, must be highlighted. These experimental biological results, as well as the theoretical properties predicted for the compounds have shown that they are promising anticancer candidates to be exploited in additional studies.
Topics: Humans; Cell Survival; Antineoplastic Agents; DNA Damage; Activation, Metabolic; Cell Line, Tumor; Micronucleus Tests; Mutagens; Comet Assay; Mutagenicity Tests; Female; Nitrobenzenes; Breast Neoplasms; Ovarian Neoplasms; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
PubMed: 38949608
DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2023.2184478 -
Medical Physics Jul 2024MR-integrated proton therapy is under development. It consists of the unique challenge of integrating a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam line nozzle with an...
BACKGROUND
MR-integrated proton therapy is under development. It consists of the unique challenge of integrating a proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam line nozzle with an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The magnetic interaction between these two components is deemed high risk as the MR images can be degraded if there is cross-talk during beam delivery and image acquisition.
PURPOSE
To create and benchmark a self-consistent proton PBS nozzle model for empowering the next stages of MR-integrated proton therapy development, namely exploring and de-risking complete integrated prototype system designs including magnetic shielding of the PBS nozzle.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Magnetic field (COMSOL ) and radiation transport (Geant4) models of a proton PBS nozzle located at OncoRay (Dresden, Germany) were developed according to the manufacturers specifications. Geant4 simulations of the PBS process were performed by using magnetic field data generated by the COMSOL simulations. In total 315 spots were simulated which consisted of a scan pattern with 5 cm spot spacings and for proton energies of 70, 100, 150, 200, and 220 MeV. Analysis of the simulated deflection at the beam isocenter plane was performed to determine the self-consistency of the model. The magnetic fringe field from a sub selection of 24 of the 315 spot simulations were directly compared with high precision magnetometer measurements. These focused on the maximum scanning setting of 20 cm beam deflection as generated from the second scanning magnet in the PBS for a proton beam energy of 220 MeV. Locations along the beam line central axis (CAX) were measured at beam isocenter and downstream of 22, 47, 72, 97, and 122 cm. Horizontal off-axis positions were measured at 22 cm downstream of isocenter ( 50, 100, and 150 cm from CAX).
RESULTS
The proton PBS simulations had good spatial agreement to the theoretical values in all 315 spots examined at the beam line isocenter plane (0-2.9 mm differences or within 1.5 % of the local spot deflection amount). Careful analysis of the experimental measurements were able to isolate the changes in magnetic fields due solely to the scanning magnet contribution, and showed 1.9 1.2 -9.4 1.2 changes over the range of measurement locations. Direct comparison with the equivalent simulations matched within the measurement apparatus and setup uncertainty in all but one measurement point.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time a robust, accurate and self-consistent model of a proton PBS nozzle assembly has been created and successfully benchmarked for the purposes of advancing MR-integrated proton therapy research. The model will enable confidence in further simulation based work on fully integrated designs including MRI scanners and PBS nozzle magnetic shielding in order to de-risk and realize the full potential of MR-integrated proton therapy.
PubMed: 38949569
DOI: 10.1002/mp.17279