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Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... May 2024Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck tumor that is influenced by a variety of molecular factors during its pathogenesis. Among these, the... (Review)
Review
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive head and neck tumor that is influenced by a variety of molecular factors during its pathogenesis. Among these, the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) plays a crucial role in regulatory networks. This article systematically reviews the multifaceted functions of PTEN in NPC, including its roles in inhibiting cell proliferation, regulating migration and invasion, promoting autophagy and apoptosis, and influencing resistance to radiotherapy. Molecular factors such as long non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA), and circular RNA can modulate PTEN through various pathways, thereby impacting the biological behavior of NPC. In addition, PTEN is involved in regulating the tumor microenvironment of NPC, and its interaction with the Epstein-Barr virus has also recently become a focus of research. A comprehensive understanding of the PTEN regulatory network provides a foundation for future personalized and targeted therapeutic strategies. This study expands our understanding of the pathogenesis of NPC and suggests new directions in the field of tumor biology and NPC treatment.
Topics: Humans; PTEN Phosphohydrolase; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; MicroRNAs; Tumor Microenvironment; Cell Proliferation; Apoptosis; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; RNA, Long Noncoding; Autophagy; Cell Movement; RNA, Circular; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38812313
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2905179 -
Respiratory Research May 2024The soft palate and back of the throat represent vulnerable early infection sites for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, streptococci, and many other pathogens. We demonstrate that...
The soft palate and back of the throat represent vulnerable early infection sites for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, streptococci, and many other pathogens. We demonstrate that snoring causes aerosolization of pharyngeal fluid that covers these surfaces, which previously has escaped detection because the inspired airstream carries the micron-sized droplets into the lung, inaccessible to traditional aerosol detectors. While many of these droplets will settle in the lower respiratory tract, a fraction of the respirable smallest droplets remains airborne and can be detected in exhaled breath. We distinguished these exhaled droplets from those generated by the underlying breathing activity by using a chemical tracer, thereby proving their existence. The direct transfer of pharyngeal fluids and their pathogens into the deep lung by snoring represents a plausible mechanistic link between the previously recognized association between sleep-disordered breathing and pneumonia incidence.
Topics: Humans; Snoring; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Male; Female; Aerosols; COVID-19; Adult; Pneumonia; Middle Aged; Pharynx
PubMed: 38811937
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02856-5 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... May 2024The current research compared radiobiological and dosimetric results for simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) plans employing RapidArc and IMRT planning procedures in...
Assessment of the Dosimetric Index from IMRT and Rapid arc Plan for Oropharyngeal Cancer with Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB) Technique in Combination with EUD-based NTCP and TCP Radiobiological Models.
PURPOSE
The current research compared radiobiological and dosimetric results for simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) plans employing RapidArc and IMRT planning procedures in oropharyngeal cancer from head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The indigenously developed Python-based software was used in this study for generation and analysis. Twelve patients with forty-eight total plans with SIB were planned using Rapid arc (2 and 3 arcs) and IMRT (7 and 9 fields) and compared with radiobiological models Lyman, Kutcher, Burman (LKB) and EUD (Equivalent Uniform Dose) along with physical index such as homogeneity index(HI), conformity index(CI) of target volumes.
RESULTS
These models' inputs are the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS). The values obtained vary from one model to the other for the same technique and patient. The maximum dose to the brainstem and spinal cord and the mean dose to the parotids were analysed both dosimetrically and radiobiologically, such as the LKB model effective volume, equivalent uniform dose, EUD-based normal tissue complication probability, and normal tissue integral dose. The mean and max dose to target volume with conformity, homogeneity index, tumor control probability compared with treatment times, and monitor units.
CONCLUSION
Rapid arc (3 arcs) resulted in significantly better OAR sparing, dose homogeneity, and conformity. The findings indicate that the rapid arc plan has improved dose distribution in the target volume compared with IMRT, but the tumor control probability obtained for the two planning methods, Rapid arc (3 arcs) and IMRT (7 fields), are similar. The treatment time and monitor units for the Rapid arc (3 arcs) were superior to other planning methods and considered to be standard in head & neck radiotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage; Organs at Risk; Prognosis; Radiometry; Radiobiology
PubMed: 38809623
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.5.1515 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2024To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization.
OBJECTIVE
To understand caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia after dehospitalization.
METHOD
Qualitative research carried out with caregivers of older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia, who were discharged after hospitalization at a university hospital in Bahia. Data collection was carried out between January and February 2023 through a semi-structured interview, whose data were organized based on content analysis and analyzed with the help of IRaMuTeQ software.
RESULTS
Three categories emerged: Caregivers' strategies for safely offering food to older adults with dysphagia; Caregiver strategies for oral hygiene for older adults; Recognition of continuity of speech therapy after dehospitalization.
CONCLUSION
Caregivers' strategies for offering food to older adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia were supported by tacit knowledge and effective care in the hospital-home transition.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Caregivers; Female; Male; Aged; Qualitative Research; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Patient Discharge; Interviews as Topic; Speech Therapy; Aged, 80 and over; Hospitals, University; Brazil; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38808907
DOI: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2023-0318en -
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... 2024The cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be multifactorial and may underly limitations in swallowing rehabilitation.
BACKGROUND
The cause of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be multifactorial and may underly limitations in swallowing rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
Analyze the factors related to dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 immediately after orotracheal extubation and the factors that influence swallowing rehabilitation.
DESIGN AND SETTING
A retrospective study.
METHODS
The presence of dysphagia was evaluated using the American Speech-Language Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) scale and variables that influenced swallowing rehabilitation in 140 adult patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation for >48 h.
RESULTS
In total, 46.43% of the patients scored 1 or 2 on the ASHA NOMS (severe dysphagia) and 39.29% scored 4 (single consistency delivered orally) or 5 (exclusive oral diet with adaptations). Both the length of mechanical ventilation and the presence of neurological disorders were associated with lower ASHA NOMS scores (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.87 P < 0.05; and OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.61-0.29; P < 0.05, respectively). Age and the presence of tracheostomy were negatively associated with speech rehabilitation (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87--0.96; OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.80--0.75), and acute post-COVID-19 kidney injury requiring dialysis and lower scores on the ASHA NOMS were associated with longer time for speech therapy outcomes (β: 1.62, 95% CI, 0.70-3.17, P < 0.001; β: -1.24, 95% CI: -1.55--0.92; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Prolonged orotracheal intubation and post-COVID-19 neurological alterations increase the probability of dysphagia immediately after extubation. Increased age and tracheostomy limited rehabilitation.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Deglutition Disorders; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Intubation, Intratracheal; Aged; Respiration, Artificial; SARS-CoV-2; Airway Extubation; Adult; Pandemics; Coronavirus Infections; Pneumonia, Viral; Betacoronavirus; Risk Factors; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38808794
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2022.0608.R3.14032024 -
Technology in Cancer Research &... 2024Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is currently the most important treatment method for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to enhance prediction...
Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Radiation Therapy Dose Distributions in Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas: A Preliminary Study Incorporating Multiple Features Including Images, Structures, and Dosimetry.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is currently the most important treatment method for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to enhance prediction accuracy by incorporating dose information into a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) using a multichannel input method. A target conformal plan (TCP) was created based on the maximum planning target volume (PTV). Input data included TCP dose distribution, images, target structures, and organ-at-risk (OAR) information. The role of target conformal plan dose (TCPD) was assessed by comparing the TCPD-CNN (with dose information) and NonTCPD-CNN models (without dose information) using statistical analyses with the ranked Wilcoxon test ( < .05 considered significant). The TCPD-CNN model showed no statistical differences in predicted target indices, except for PTV60, where differences in the D98% indicator were < 0.5%. For OARs, there were no significant differences in predicted results, except for some small-volume or closely located OARs. On comparing TCPD-CNN and NonTCPD-CNN models, TCPD-CNN's dose-volume histograms closely resembled clinical plans with higher similarity index. Mean dose differences for target structures (predicted TCPD-CNN and NonTCPD-CNN results) were within 3% of the maximum prescription dose for both models. TCPD-CNN and NonTCPD-CNN outcomes were 67.9% and 54.2%, respectively. 3D gamma pass rates of the target structures and the entire body were higher in TCPD-CNN than in the NonTCPD-CNN models ( < .05). Additional evaluation on previously unseen volumetric modulated arc therapy plans revealed that average 3D gamma pass rates of the target structures were larger than 90%. This study presents a novel framework for dose distribution prediction using deep learning and multichannel input, specifically incorporating TCPD information, enhancing prediction accuracy for IMRT in NPC treatment.
Topics: Humans; Deep Learning; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Organs at Risk; Radiometry; Neural Networks, Computer
PubMed: 38808514
DOI: 10.1177/15330338241256594 -
Journal of Robotic Surgery May 2024We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year...
We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year period. A retrospective case series review was performed of patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for HPV-associated OPSCC through the St. Vincent's Head and Neck Cancer service from 2011 to 2022. The primary outcomes were to investigate complete resection of the primary tumour, rates of recurrence, and survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included complications, rates of adjuvant therapy, sites of recurrence and rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). 184 patients underwent TORS-based therapy with neck dissection, and guideline-directed adjuvant therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. Our median follow-up was 46 months. The positive margin rate on final histopathology analysis was 10.9%. Adjuvant therapy was indicated in 85 patients (46%). The local recurrence rate was 10.9% with the majority (80%) of patients recurring in the first 3 years since treatment. The disease-specific survival at 3 years was 98.6% and at 5 years was 94.4%. The 3-year and 5-year OS for the cohort was 96.7% and 92.5%, respectively. The presence of extranodal extension and positive margins were associated with increased risk of recurrence, whereas adjuvant therapy was found to be a protective factor for both overall recurrence and survival. Major complications occurred in 12 patients (6.5%), resulting in one death. This study has demonstrated that primary surgical therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC is a safe and effective treatment modality with low local recurrence and complication rates, and overall survival benefits.
Topics: Humans; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Australia; Adult; Papillomavirus Infections; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Margins of Excision; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Neck Dissection; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38806847
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-01910-0 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are a family of key modifying enzymes in collagen synthesis. P4Hs have been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor occurrence and...
Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are a family of key modifying enzymes in collagen synthesis. P4Hs have been confirmed to be closely associated with tumor occurrence and development. However, the expression of P4Hs in head and neck cancer (HNSC) as well as its relationship with prognosis and tumor immunity infiltration has not yet been analyzed. We investigated the transcriptional expression, survival data, and immune infiltration of P4Hs in patients with HNSC from multiple databases. P4H1-3 expression was significantly higher in HNSC tumor tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, P4HA1 and P4HA2 were associated with tumor stage, patient prognosis, and immune cell infiltration. P4HA3 was related to patient prognosis and immune cell infiltration. Correlation experiments confirmed that P4HA1 may serve as a prognosis biomarker and plays a role in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. These findings suggest that P4HA1-3 may be a novel biomarker for the prognosis and treatment of HNSC, which is expected to support the development of new therapies for patients with head and neck tumors and improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Immunotherapy; Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Female; Male; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
PubMed: 38806556
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62678-9 -
BMC Cancer May 2024This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of level IIb clinical target volume (CTV) optimisation on survival, xerostomia, and dysphagia in patients with...
Long-term follow-up of protective effects on salivary and swallowing structures and improvement of late xerostomia and dysphagia by level IIb optimisation in clinical target volume of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of level IIb clinical target volume (CTV) optimisation on survival, xerostomia, and dysphagia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
METHODS
Clinical data of 415 patients with NPC treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy between December 2014 and October 2018 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were categorised into modified and comparison groups. Late xerostomia and dysphagia were evaluated using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer scoring. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in late toxicity and dose parameters between both groups were compared. Prognostic factors for survival and late toxicity were assessed using regression analyses.
RESULTS
Patients in the modified group developed late xerostomia and dysphagia less frequently than those in the comparison group did (P < 0.001). The mean dose (D) and V of parotid glands; D and V of submandibular glands; and D of sublingual glands, oral cavity, larynx, and superior, middle, and lower pharyngeal constrictor muscles were lower in the modified group than those in the comparison group (all P < 0.001). Both groups had no significant differences in overall, local recurrence-free, distant metastasis-free, or progression-free survival. The D of the parotid and sublingual glands was a risk factor for xerostomia. The D of the parotid and sublingual glands and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle was a risk factor for dysphagia.
CONCLUSIONS
Level IIb optimisation in NPC patients who meet certain criteria specially the exclusion of positive retropharyngeal nodes treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy has the potential to better protect the salivary and swallowing structures, decreasing the development of late radiation-induced xerostomia and dysphagia while maintaining long-term survival.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Male; Xerostomia; Female; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Middle Aged; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Retrospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Adult; Aged; Radiation Injuries; Deglutition; Salivary Glands; Radiotherapy Dosage; Prognosis; Young Adult
PubMed: 38802747
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12391-7 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a huge threat to public health. Rapid and reliable test to diagnose infected subjects is crucial for...
Emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a huge threat to public health. Rapid and reliable test to diagnose infected subjects is crucial for disease spread control. We developed a colorimetric test for COVID-19 detection using a Colorimetric Assay based on thiol-linked RNA modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and oligonucleotide probes. This method was conducted on RNA from 200 pharyngeal swab samples initially tested by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as gold standard. A specific oligonucleotide probe designed based on ORF1ab of COVID-19 was functionalized with AuNPs-probe conjugate. The exposure of AuNP-probe to isolated RNA samples was tested using hybridization. In this comparative study, the colorimetric functionalized AuNPs assay exhibited a detection limit of 25 copies/µL. It was higher in comparison to the RT-PCR method, which could only detect 15 copies/µL. The results demonstrated 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity for the developed method. Herein, we developed an incredibly rapid, simple and cost-effective Colorimetric Assay lasting approximately 30 min which could process considerably higher number of COVID-19 samples compared to the RT-PCR. This AuNP-probe conjugate colorimetric method could be considered the optimum alternatives for conventional diagnostic tools especially in over-populated and/or low-income countries.
Topics: Colorimetry; Humans; COVID-19; Metal Nanoparticles; Gold; Nasopharynx; SARS-CoV-2; RNA, Viral; Sensitivity and Specificity; Limit of Detection; Oligonucleotide Probes; COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; COVID-19 Testing
PubMed: 38802360
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53747-0