Social Functioning Research Articles

Friendship matters—An interview study with adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition diagnosed in 5% of children and adolescents. This neurodevelopmental condition causes impaired academic, social, and occupational functioning. Adolescents with ADHD symptoms have lower health-related quality of life and children with ADHD have been described as having difficulties forming positive friendships. Therefore, the aim was to describe how 15–17-year-old adolescents with ADHD experience friendship with peers. A semi-structured interview study was conducted with twelve adolescents about their experiences of friendships. The adolescents were recruited from a Swedish psychiatry clinic. A qualitative content analysis was used. In the results, three main categories were constructed: "Bonding with Friends" underscores the importance of understanding, shared interests, and adaptability. The "One’s own role" category emphasises the dynamic interplay of self-perception and interpersonal behaviours in interaction with friends. The "How Friendship Matters" category describes the complex nature of friendships, involving both support and conflicts. The adolescents’ relationships improved with age, influenced by self-awareness, ADHD medication and support from adults. In conclusion, friendships play a crucial role in the well-being of the participants, providing vital support when navigating ADHD associated challenges. It is essential that the adolescents themselves, but also adults and healthcare providers, recognise and address their impulsivity issues and need for daily planning. We should assist adolescents in developing effective interaction strategies with friends. The study highlights the significance of friendships and peer support for the adolescents’ health and functioning.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiology, Epidemiology, and Challenges for Public Health.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing public health problem. American psychiatrist Leo Kanner is considered the "father of autism." ASD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that last throughout life. Symptoms of ASD include impairments in social skills, including specific repetitive behaviors, as well as abnormal sensory responses. The clinical symptoms of ASD vary among patients. Their severity also differs, both in the area of social communication and cognitive functioning. The etiology of ASD is still unclear, although a role is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. According to the World Health Organization, 1/100 children have ASD, but these estimates vary depending on the methodology used. Nevertheless, early detection of ASD and initiation of appropriate therapy may be essential in the continued functioning of patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge about autism spectrum disorders. We discuss factors associated with autism and the prevalence of ASD in various parts of the world, and identify the most common diseases comorbid with ASD, pointing to limitations in the quality of life of patients with ASD and their families.

Effect of Residual Pain After Posterior Fusion Surgery for Lumbar Degenerative Disorders on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Two-Year Follow-Up Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

This is a prospective cohort study. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of residual pain after fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases on quality of life (QOL). Residual symptoms after spinal surgery often restrict patients' activities of daily living and reduce their QOL. However, few studies have comprehensively addressed physical, psychological, and social factors. The study population included a cohort of 208 patients (mean age: 67.9 years) who had undergone posterior interbody fusion for lumbar degenerative disease between 2012 and 2019. We asked the patients to complete the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ)andShort Form Health Survey (SF-36)preoperatively, as well as at six, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The presence of residual postoperative pain (RPP) was determined using the low back pain score of the JOABPEQ at six months postoperatively, and patients with an improvement of < 20 points compared to preoperative assessment were classified as RPP+ based on a previous study. In all patients, there was a notable postoperative improvement in all JOABPEQ and SF-36 domains compared to preoperative scores. The RPP+ group comprised 60 patients (69.6 years), while the RPP- group comprised 148 patients (67.2 years). In the RPP+ group, the lumbar function in the JOABPEQ and general health in the SF-36 showed limited postoperative enhancement. The pace of improvement in the role-emotional, role-physical, social functioning, vitality, and mental health scores was slower in the RPP+ group compared to the RPP- group. In the current study, we found that the presence of residual pain at six months postoperatively affected QOL improvement up to 24 months after surgery. Lingering postoperative pain substantially impacted functional incapacity, social engagement, and psychological well-being. Notably, the lumbar function in the JOABPEQ and general health in the SF-36 showed distinct progression patterns in the RPP+ group.

Tissue engineering approach to the creation of grafting material for rhinoplasty: clinical сase reports

The use of autologous cartilage and bone grafts remains the gold standard in augmentation rhinoplasty performed to reconstruct of the nasal dorsum. Meanwhile, limited number of available sources, donor site morbidity, and unpredictable graft resorption represent significant disadvantages of autografting. The aim of this study is to test combination of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and commercially available bone substitutes (BSs) as new tissue-engineered grafting material (GM) for rhinoplasty. A series of consecutive cases includes four adult patients who underwent rhinoplasty to correct saddle nose deformity (SND) using the new graft technique. SVF was isolated from liposuction aspirate using standard methodology of enzymatic digestion. Two types of BSs were combined with SVF: Bio-Oss granules to create a moldable graft (M-graft), and block-shaped BoneMedik-S to create rigid grafts (R-grafts). The moderate SND was treated using an M-graft. In case of major or complex SND, the nasal dorsum was reconstructed with dorso-columellar L-shaped framework made of R-grafts. The results were evaluated over a period of 6 months to 3 years postoperatively using photogrammetry and FACE-Q appearance appraisal scales. Computerised tomography (CT) scanning of the reconstructed nose and histological analysis of grafted material were also carried out. No complications were observed. The photograms show the restoration of the correct contour of the nose. FACE-Q appraisal scale scores increased significantly, including satisfaction with nose appearance, psychological well-being, and social function. In CT evaluation, there was no substantial resorption or warping of the grafts. Histological findings show osteogenic remodeling of the grafted material. Thus, combining autologous SVF with BSs is a promising strategy for developing rhinoplasty GM.

Modeling trajectories of physical aggression from infancy to pre-school age, their early predictors, and school-age outcomes.

This study identified latent trajectories of physical aggression (TPA) from infancy to preschool age and evaluated (a) effects of early parent, parenting and child predictors on TPA as well as on social, behavioral, and academic functioning in Grade 2, and (b) TPA effects net of early predictor effects on Grade 2 functioning. We used data from the Behavior Outlook Norwegian Developmental Study (BONDS), which included 1,159 children (559 girls). Parents reported on risk and protective factors, and on physical aggression from 1 to 5 years of age; teachers reported on Grade 2 outcomes. We employed latent class growth curve analyses and identified nine TPA. In fully adjusted models simultaneously testing all associations among predictors, trajectories, and outcomes, maternal and paternal harsh parenting, child gender, and sibling presence predicted TPA, which significantly predicted externalizing and academic competence in Grade 2. Child gender had a pervasive influence on all outcomes as well as on TPA. To our knowledge, this is the first trajectory study to determine which predictors are most proximal, more distal, or just confounded, with their relative direct effect sizes, and to link early paternal as well as maternal harsh parenting practices with children's TPA. Our findings underscore the need to include fathers in developmental research and early prevention and intervention efforts.

“CONFESSIONS” BY J.-J. ROUSSEAU: TECHNIQUES OF AESTHETIC INFLUENCE AND STRATEGY OF READER’S RECEPTION

The study aims to explore the specific features of the modern reception of J.-J. Rousseau’s “Confessions”. The theoretical framework of the research is grounded on the ideas advanced by T. Avtuxovych, M.Czermińska, M.Głowiński, W.Iser, R. Jakobson, H.R.Jauss, P.Lejeune, Yu. Lotman, V.Tjupa, Zh. Starobinskiy and other scholars. The researchers describe the semiotic model of literary communication and the theory of the text by Yuri Lotman. The research was conducted using historic-functional, hermeneutic, receptive, and theoretical analysis methods. An attempt is made in this paper to show how the process of “decoding” the meanings intended by the author in the text takes place. In particular, the authors study how Rousseau’s “Confessions” functions in the structure of modern literary communication. The specific objectives of the present study are the meanings of “Confessions” are read by the contemporary recipient and which ones are relegated to the background compared to the literary communication of the eighteenth century. The common discourse code of the author and the reader is the key to successful communication and understanding of the specifics of the project of Rousseau’s life writing. At the same time, the success and specificity of artistic communication are influenced by the difference in discourse code meanings related to the time distance between the author and the recipient and the layering of new historical and cultural patterns in the reader’s consciousness. At the thematic level, three main themes are considered, including: a) the social origin of the autobiographical subject, b) his conflict with society, and c) the protagonist’s intimate self-disclosure. Thus, the article provides a detailed examination of the motif of the social origin of the autobiographical character. On the topic of the social origin of the character, instead of the plebeian’s right to public attention for the contemporary reader, the value of education and knowledge, freedom of speech and individual liberty are being actualised. Of particular note is the theme of the conflict between a character and society, the idea of the human right to otherness, the right to personal liberty and the right to choose the concept of one’s own life comes to the forefront. Thus, a literary text realises the social function of literature. The reading of the character’s self-disclosure by an attentive reader (from Rousseau’s contemporary to modern readers) has a twofold purpose: first, to encourage everyone to live the experience of the character and thus to think about themselves, and second, to reflect on society as a whole. It testifies to the fact that in the aspect of self-disclosure of the meaning of “Confessions”, the transformation of confession as an external form of a religious rite of repentance addressed to God into the narrative genre of confessional autobiography addressed to a human reader of the story is actualized. The study demonstrated a need for continuation of the study in the aspect of reader reception to contribute to the perception of its place in the contemporary literary and cultural space.

Review study of Psoriasis in Iraq

Abstracts are written in Indonesian and English. Describe the introduction, the purpose of writting, research methods, result and conclusion. Minimum 150 and maximum 250 words.. Psoriasis is a multisystem inflammatory disease with predominantly skin and joint involvement. Beyond the physical dimensions of disease, psoriasis has an extensive emotional and psychosocial effect on patients, affecting social functioning and interpersonal relationships. As a disease of systemic inflammation, psoriasis is associated with multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and malignancy. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and a skin biopsy is seldom required. Depending on the severity of disease, appropriate treatment can be initiated. For mild to moderate disease, first-line treatment involves topical therapies including corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, and combination products. These topical treatments are efficacious and can be safely initiated and prescribed by primary care physicians. Patients with more severe and refractory symptoms might require further evaluation by a dermatologist for systemic therapy .Psoriasis is a chronic, noncommunicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there is no cure and with great negative impact on patients’ quality of life . It can occur at any age. The etiology of psoriasis remains unclear. Psoriasis can also be provoked by external and internal triggers, including mild trauma, sunburn, infections, systemic drugs and stress . Psoriasis involves the skin and nails, and is associated with a number of comorbidities. Skin lesions are localized or generalized, mostly symmetrical, sharply demarcated, red papules and plaques, and usually covered with white or silver scales. Lesions cause itching, stinging and pain. Individuals with psoriasis are reported to be at increased risk of developing other serious clinical conditions such as cardiovascular and other noncommunicable diseases . Psoriasis causes great physical, emotional and social burden . Disfiguration, disability and marked loss of productivity are common challenges for people with psoriasis. Topical and systemic therapies as well as phototherapy are available.

Reframing “Literature as Equipment for Living:” Kenneth Burke's Theory and the Social Function of Literature

This article delves into Kenneth Burke's seminal essay, "Literature as Equipment for Living," presenting a fresh perspective on literary criticism that underscores the pragmatic, societal, and political roles of literature. Burke posits that literature functions as an active agent, offering viable courses of action in response to worldly matters. Departing from traditional analyses of form and structure, Burke advocates for classifying works based on shared strategies for addressing situations. He contends that literature acts as a navigational tool, aiding in comprehension and interpretation of the world while urging readers to engage with texts for insights and inspiration in confronting life's challenges. Burke's viewpoint underscores the subjective nature of language, reflecting our individual experiences and perspectives on the world. His critical methodology advocates for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to literary critique, expanding the horizons of scholarly considerations.

Advancing the Measurement of Social Functioning in Schizophrenia: Applications of Egocentric Social Network Analysis.

People with schizophrenia face challenges with forming and maintaining social relationships, often resulting in poor social functioning. Commonly used measures of social functioning provide broad information relating to social relationships, but they do not adequately capture information regarding network structure and characteristics of network members. One method that can assess these more detailed aspects of social networks and provide a more comprehensive understanding of social functioning deficits is egocentric social network analysis (SNA). SNA is a scientific discipline that uses principles of network science and graph theory to analyze social relations quantitatively. Even though some types of SNA have been applied in prior schizophrenia studies, its application as a framework to measure social functioning has been extremely limited. Therefore, this article aims to formally introduce SNA and select quantitative SNA metrics, including measures of network composition, structure, homophily, and centrality, to schizophrenia researchers as novel ways of measuring components of social functioning. To demonstrate the application of SNA, we provide illustrative examples of the SNA metrics and graphical diagrams of social networks for two individuals with schizophrenia.

Effects of prehab or rehabilitation on upper extremity disability and quality of life after breast cancer surgery.

11090 Background: Growing evidence and NAPBC guidelines support the need for physical and/or occupational therapy (PT/OT) to optimize recovery from surgery. Research is needed to better understand the benefits of prehab (PT/OT before surgery and continuing afterward). We performed a retrospective study to understand the effect of participating in prehab or rehab-only on outcomes after surgery. Methods: Outpatient medical record data was extracted for cases who attended prehab (n=328) or rehab-only (n=306). Outcomes were upper extremity disability (Quick-DASH) and HRQOL (PROMIS measures of physical functioning, social role functioning, and global health [physical and mental]). Outcome time points included the post-surgery PT/OT assessment (T1, M=4 weeks), and PT/OT re-assessment (T2, M=15 weeks). We used linear mixed-effect models to examine the effect of prehab on T1/T2 outcomes while controlling for covariates (age, PT/OT, payer, and time), and to examine changes in outcomes from T1 to T2 for both groups. Results: Attending prehab was associated with better outcomes at T1 (upper extremity disability, p&lt;.001; physical functioning, p&lt;.001; social role functioning, p&lt;.001; and physical health p&lt;.001) and T2 (upper extremity disability, p=.025; physical functioning, p=.045; and social role functioning, p=.028; Table). From T1 to T2, each group improved significantly: upper extremity disability (prehab: M∆=8.92, p&lt;.001; rehab-only: M∆=17.65, p&lt;.001), physical functioning (prehab: M∆=1.89, p&lt;.001; rehab-only: M∆=3.51, p&lt;.001), social role functioning (prehab: M∆=1.61, p=.009; rehab-only: M∆=3.66, p&lt;.001), and physical health (prehab: M∆=1.73, p&lt;.001; rehab-only: M∆=3.50, p&lt;.001). There was no significant effect of prehab on mental health and improvement from T1 to T2 was non-significant for both groups (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: In this study, attending outpatient prehab PT/OT services was associated with less upper extremity disability and greater HRQOL after breast cancer surgery. After post-surgery PT/OT, prehab and rehab-only cases each improved significantly; and upper extremity disability, physical functioning and social role functioning remained better among prehab cases. Although more research is needed, these findings support the integration of PT/OT in routine care and suggest that early PT/OT may optimize outcomes. [Table: see text]

Music therapy group for women outpatients with major depressive disorder under treatment as usual in a psychiatric institution: non-randomized pilot trial

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental illness in the world. Pharmacological treatment is typically the first choice, but Humanistic Music Therapy (HMT) may offer additional benefits when added to Treatment As Usual (TAU). This single-arm pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Group HMT as an intervention for adult women diagnosed with MDD, in a psychiatric institution. The study comprised 12 outpatient women with MDD who received more than one year of pharmacological treatment. A pre-test/post-test design using the Hamilton Depression (HAM-D-21), Personal and Social Performance (PSP), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scales were employed to evaluate symptom severity and patient changes. Results indicated a significant decrease in HAM-D scores from 15.7 to 6.6 (p ≤ .005), a notable improvement in personal and social functioning (PSP scale) (p ≤ .05), and an increase in global activity level (GAF scale) (p ≤ .05). In conclusion, adult women with MDD receiving TAU in a psychiatric institution experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and enhancement in global activity, personal, and social functioning when HMT was added to their treatment regimen. This study is limited by being non-randomized, unblinded, and, with a small population. A randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the benefits of HMT.

On the social signal function of emotional crying: Broadening the perspective to social interactions in daily life.

Emotional crying is a potent signal that can influence how social interactions unfold. Although the social signal function of crying has been mostly studied in experimental approaches involving hypothetical scenarios with strangers as targets, we propose that daily social interactions should be considered to address aspects of external validity. We conducted three retrospective studies (total N = 2,277; convenience samples; Studies 2 and 3 were preregistered; data were collected in 2022 and 2023) and found that individuals primarily observed close others crying in their daily lives; a boundary condition that was hardly reflected in former studies. Crying episodes were typically characterized by tears and changes in facial expression, vocalizations, and gestures, whereas isolated emotional tears, were rarely reported. Participants indicated that they frequently helped close others, but that helping strangers was the exception. The level of familiarity with the target also influenced the form of help provided. Furthermore, the crying person was rated as less warm and less competent when crying (vs. in general or in a neutral situation). Additional analyses suggest that question order effects and recall biases are no plausible alternative explanations of our findings. Taken together, these results call into question the validity of the experimental approaches used in this line of research. We discuss strategies for future study of the social signal function of crying in nonhypothetical scenarios with reference to the "generalizability crisis" of psychological science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Potential of Community Forest Development through Agroforestry Pattern of Medicinal Plants on Marginal Land in Lombok Tengah, Indonesia

Abstract Lombok Tengah Regency has community forest areas that have the potential to be developed. Current conditions show that many community forests in Lombok Tengah have been developed on marginal land and generally have not implemented intensive land management practices. Thus, land productivity has not been achieved optimally. Improving the quality of marginal land requires intensive land management practices to achieve a balance of ecological, social, and economic functions. The agroforestry pattern is an effort that can be implemented to increase the land productivity of community forests in Lombok Tengah. Agroforestry is a land management system that has great potential to be developed in community forests because it can improve ecological, social, and economic functions. However, not all farmers know the appropriate pattern to increase the productivity of their land. The study aims to determine appropriate land management patterns to be developed in community forests in Lombok Tengah. The method is a focus group discussion (FGD) with 40 farmers in Emboan, Mangkung Village, Lombok Tengah Regency. The study results showed that 78% of farmers in Emboan choose an agroforestry pattern with medicinal plants, especially rhizome types. In comparison, 22% of farmers choose to plant multi-purpose tree species (MPTS) and food crops. Ginger/jahe (Zingiber officinale), galangal/lengkuas (Alpinia galanga), and lemongrass/serai (Cymbopogon citratus) are the most suitable medicinal plants based on biophysical and socio-economic conditions to be developed on community forest in Emboan, Mangkung Village, Lombok Tengah Regency.

A randomized study comparing electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) monitoring with routine follow-up during trastuzumab deruxtecan treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer (PRO-DUCE study).

1504 Background: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a highly effective agent for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but is associated with adverse events such as nausea, fatigue, and interstitial lung disease. Based on recent studies showing that symptom monitoring and alert notifications via ePROs could improve patient quality of life (QoL) and prognosis, we hypothesized that employing this method may diminish the treatment burden for patients receiving T-DXd. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized controlled exploratory study (jRCTs031200387), we randomized patients with HER2-positive MBC eligible for T-DXd to either the ePRO monitoring (ePROm) group or the usual care (UC) group. ePROm involved weekly symptom and daily body temperature/SpO2 reports via a smartphone or computer at home. If any symptoms exceeded the predetermined thresholds, an email alert was sent to the medical staff, the ePRO was evaluated, and, if necessary, a phone consultation was provided. The primary endpoint was the change in the Global QoL score of EORTC QLQ-C30 from baseline at week 24. Secondary endpoints included score changes in the functional and symptom scales of EORTC QLQ-C30, and the time to deterioration of Global QoL (defined as a 10-point decrease from baseline). For a score difference between groups of 10 points and a standard deviation of 24, the required number of patients was 55 in each group, with a two-sided alpha error of 10% and a power of 87%. We analyzed the primary endpoint using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. Results: Between March 2021 and January 2023, 111 patients were enrolled at 38 hospitals in Japan, with 56 assigned to ePROm and 55 to UC; the full-analysis set for QoL assessment included 54 and 52 patients, respectively. During the 24-week period, there were 1223 ePRO reports (95% compliance rate) in the ePROm group, including 427 alert notifications (7.9 per patient) to healthcare providers. Overall compliance with the questionnaire for QoL was 97%. Mean changes from baseline scores in Global QoL at week 24 showed that ePROm was significantly better than UC (mean difference 8.0 [90% CI 0.2, 15.8]; p=0.091). Role, cognitive, and social functioning were better in ePROm, with mean differences of 10.0 (95% CI 1.1, 18.9; p=0.028), 6.3 (1.1, 11.5; p=0.017), and 10.9 (3.9, 18.0; p=0.003), respectively. There was no difference in nausea/vomiting (0.5 [- 6.2, 7.1]; p=0.889), while fatigue was significantly better in ePROm (-8.4 [-16.1, -0.6]; p=0.034). Median time to first deterioration in Global QoL score was 3.9 months (95% CI 2.5, 13.9) in ePROm and 3.0 months (95% CI 1.6, 6.7) in UC (hazard ratio 0.73 [95% CI 0.45, 1.17]; p=0.159). Conclusions: ePROm systems, especially for symptom and SpO2 tracking in HER2-positive MBC patients treated with T-DXd, are promising to enhance patient QoL. Clinical trial information: jRCTs031200387 .

Health resource utilization expenditures in oncology within a virtual primary cancer survivor care clinic.

e13785 Background: Unprecedented cancer treatment efficacy has led to high rates of disease sequelae. Lancet recently declared the failure to care for the human dimensions of cancer treatment a "humanitarian crisis." To address this humanitarian crisis, real-world economic evidence can improve patient access to whole person care through insurance reimbursement policies. Methods: We implemented a virtual primary cancer survivor care clinic that follows ASCO and NCCN guidelines for cancer survivors with emphasis on mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and sleep optimization. Our clinic utilizes medical oncologists, physician associates, mental health therapists, registered dietitians, and occupational therapists. Patient reported outcomes (PRO) monitor health status and inform treatment pathways. To reduce test fatigue, we use the SF12 Vitality Enhanced scale (SF12v2). The SF12v2 measures physical functioning, activities of daily living, pain, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Total medical expenditures (MEs) is the sum of payments for hospital inpatient events, emergency room visits, home care, prescribed medicines, office-based and out-patient visits, and medical equipment. Patient SF12v2 summary scores predict a patient's total MEs. A one-point better physical component summary score and mental component summary score are associated with 2% lower MEs; 3 and 5 point score increases are associated with 10% and 18% lower MEs. Results: Patients were referred from a Utah community oncology clinic, other medical clinics, or self-referred (N=99). The mean patient age was 52 years. 84% were female, 16% were male. At enrollment, 35% had started treatment, 21% were on post treatment aromatase therapy or adjuvant hormonal therapy, 65% were post treatment. Baseline PRO reveal significant disease burden: 82% report poor mental health; 72% report poor physical health; 79% report poor cognitive health; 83% report sleep disorders. For patients who completed at least three PRO measurement time points (n=54): 91% had a positive clinical outcome for mental health; 70% had a positive clinical outcome for physical health; 89% had a positive clinical outcome for cognitive health; 76% had a positive clinical outcome for sleep health. As a result of these extraordinary outcomes, 74% of patients had lower predicted MEs. The average predicted reduction in MEs was 16% with an average annual savings of $1,629.49. Conclusions: Cancer is associated with high disease sequelae and high MEs. We believe this is the first study that reports real-world clinical evidence and predicts MEs for patients enrolled in a virtual primary cancer survivor care clinic. Real-world evidence demonstrates both clinically significant improvements in HRQoL and reductions in patient MEs. These results can inform insurance reimbursement policies, ensuring equitable access to cancer survivor care.

Assessment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in adult patients with hematopoietic stem-cell transplant at a tertiary care hospital.

e24098 Background: Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is prevalent and potentially treatment-limiting side effects in cancer patients.1 Nausea and vomiting are frequent and significantly affect cancer patients' daily functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQL). A patient who experienced nausea and vomiting showed to be affected by worse physical, cognitive, social functioning, and global quality of life in comparison to patients who don’t have nausea and vomiting. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort observational study to assess the complete response (CR) and risk factor associated with nausea and vomiting among HSCT patients at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC). All adult patient underwent Bone Morrow Transplant (BMT) were included in the study. Data was collected prospectively during admission to the hospital and receive the conditioning regimen. Patients was interviewed by clinical pharmacist and assessed using MASCC Antiemesis Tool© (MAT) to assess the effectiveness of our regimen used to prevent nausea and vomiting during active chemotherapy days and delayed phase. Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study during a one year follow up from April 2021 to April 2022. Data analysis was done and revealed as follows; out of 30 patients enrolled 18 (60%) patients were female while 12 (40%) were male. Lymphomas including (Non-Hodgkin, and Hodgkin lymphomas) were the most common diagnosis included among patients 17 (56.6%). BEAM protocol was the most common conditioning regimen protocol used 13 (43.3%). Complete response (CR) was achieved in 13 (43.3%) patients during acute nausea and vomiting, while 17 (56.7%) patients weren’t being able to achieve CR. Furthermore, out of the 30 patients observed, 6 (20.0%) experienced delayed vomiting, while 19 (63.3%) experienced delayed nausea. Similarly, Complete response (CR) was achieved in 11 (36.7%) patients during delayed nausea and vomiting, while 19 (63.3%) patients weren’t being able to achieve Complete response (CR) respectively. Breakthrough medication for nausea and vomiting was needed in all patients who didn’t have to achieve CR 19 (63.3%) patients. There was no association between age, gender, conditioning regimen, and type of transplant and achieved CR among patients (P- value; &gt; 0.05). However, more breakthrough medication is needed when CR is not achieved (P- value; &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: At our institution, among hematopoietic transplant recipients receiving appropriate antiemetics, approximately half (50%) achieved complete response (CR) in preventing chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CINV). Age, gender, and transplant type were not significantly associated with increased CR failure, while the specific conditioning regimen did not show a statistically significant impact.

Radiation dose esclation with contact X-ray brachytherapy (Papillon) and quality of life in patients with rectal cancer: Results from the phase 3 randomised trial OPERA.

e23180 Background: Organ preservation has been increasingly offered to patients with rectal cancer as most patients wish to avoid extirpative surgery and a stoma if they have a choice. The standard of care is to offer external beam chemo radiotherapy (EBCRT) to those who are fit. OPERA (Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma) has shown improved organ preservation rate with addition of contact X-ray brachytherapy(CXB-Arm B) compared to EBCRT with EBRT boost. We evaluate whether addition od CXB boost compromise the patients Quality of Life (QOL) compared to EBRT boost and if so by how much. We report our results at 38.2 months follow up. Methods: From June 2015 to June 2020, there were 148 patients randomised of which 141 were evaluable. We used EORCT QLQ -C30, QLQ -CR29 and modified LARS score at FU visits every 3 months during FU visit 1(8 weeks)-9 (32 weeks). Results: At screening (baseline) we enrolled 126 patients (Arm A: 59, Arm B: 66). At FU -1 we received questionnaire back from 78 patients (Arm A: 35, Arm B: 43). At FU-5 there were 55 patients (Arm A:18, Arm B: 37). Finally, at FU 8 there were 43 patients (Arm A: Arm B xx). Using EORTC QOL-C30 and QOL CR-29, global QOL score for Arm A was 77.6 vs Arm B 72.22 (p = 0.14). Mean functional scale (1-5) for Arm A was 95.2 vs Arm B 92.1 (p = 0.09). Role functioning scale (6-7) for Arm A was 91.2 vs Arm B 93.18 (p = 0.57). Emotional functioning (21-24) for Arm A was 77.5 vs Arm B 73.99 (p = 0.33). Cognitive functioning (20-25) for Arm A 87.85 vs Arm B 91.92(p = 0.17). Social functioning (26-27) for Arm A 95.2 vs Arm B 92.93 (p = 0.31). Conclusions: In our analysis so far, we do not detect significant difference in QOL between Arm A and Arm B. Consider Contact x-ray brachytherapy first in patients with rectal cancer &lt; 3cm (Arm B1) which has shown higher organ preservation rate without effecting their QOL compare to EBCRT (Arm A1). Clinical trial information: NCT02505750 .

Effect of probiotics on quality of life for patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy.

e24148 Background: Probiotics are crucial in oncology for enhancing gut health, boosting immune response, potentially improving immunotherapy efficacy, and reducing side effects of cancer treatments. Research links a healthy gut microbiome with better immunotherapy outcomes, however, more studies in this area are required to validate this hypothesis. Methods: Oncological patients at Hospital Ángeles Puebla's Comprehensive Cancer Center undergoing immunotherapy were invited to participate and provided their consent to receive a daily probiotic and prebiotic mix (including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and others) for three months. Their health was closely monitored, and quality of life assessed using the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire at the start, day 45, and day 90. A Kruskal-Wallis H-test was conducted to correlate the EORTC-QLQ-C30 scores with their diagnosis, clinical stage, presence of comorbidities, and use of ancillary treatments, as well as a Spearman's test to associate these scores with their age. Results: 22 patients were included. Average age was 64.5 years, with 77% being male and 23% female. 68.18% were in stage IV, 4.55% in stage III, 18.18% in stage II, and 9.09% in stage I. Comorbidities included: diabetes in 31.82%, hypertension in 40.91%, and other diseases in 22.73%. Treatment regimens involved 81.81% receiving Anti-PD-L1 and 18.18% receiving Anti-PD-1. Additionally, 40.91% were on corticosteroids and another 40.91% on proton pump inhibitors as ancillary treatments. Median follow-up was 3.13 months, during which 23% of the patients experienced adverse events. Of these, 9.09% were grade 4 according to the CTCAE v.5, and 13.63% were grade 1. Significant differences were found between patients with hepatocellular carcinoma versus renal carcinoma in the overall score on day 1 (KW: 4.47, p-value: 0.0344), with no differences in the rest of the scores. Significant differences were also identified between patients with advanced-stage versus early or locally advanced-stage cancer in terms of pain (KWS: 4.091, p-value: 0.043), dyspnea (KWS: 4.355, p-value: 0.037), loss of appetite (KWS: 4.091, p-value: 0.043), constipation (KWS: 3.971, p-value: 0.046), and diarrhea (KWS: 4.355, p-value: 0.037). A negative correlation was found between age and social functioning (Spearman: -0.73, p-value: 0.03), as well as with the presence of pain (Spearman: -0.73, p-value: 0.04). Conclusions: In this study, we observed a decrease in symptoms and an increase in functionality and overall quality of life scores among the patients. This suggests that patients undergoing active immunotherapy treatment may benefit from the use of probiotics and prebiotics as an ancillary treatment. However, further extended studies with larger populations are necessary to corroborate our findings.

Umbrella review of risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease: a study protocol

IntroductionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder that arises from complex interactions between genetics, environment and gut microbiota. It encompasses Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and IBD-unclassified. The...

Group arts therapies for patients with schizophrenia: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSchizophrenia, a chronic mental problem, significantly impacts cognition, emotion and social functioning. Conventional pharmacotherapy faces challenges including numerous side effects, low adherence to medication and substantial costs. In this context,...