scholarly journals Synthesis, in Vivo and in Silico Studies of N-Aryl-4-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-Yl)Benzamides as an Anticonvulsant Agent

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-44
Author(s):  
Parisa Kiminejad Malaie ◽  
Mehdi Asadi ◽  
Faezeh Sadat Hosseini ◽  
Mahmood Biglar ◽  
Massoud Amanlou
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Gabaa Receptor ◽  
Seizure Activity ◽  
Docking Study ◽  
Latency Time ◽  
Anticonvulsant Agent ◽  
In Silico Studies ◽  
Similar Conformation

Background: These days epilepsy is a common neurological disorder, which can affect on quality of life by unpredictable seizure. Thalidomide is one of the drugs to control the epilepsy but side effects such as teratogenicity, made it difficult to use. Methods: Six new analogues of N-aryl-4-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)benzamides were synthesized and tested for anti-seizure activity. To evaluate the anti-seizure activity of these new derivatives, 40 mice in 8 groups were received 10 mg/Kg of each new derivatives 30 min before the injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 70 mg/kg) to induced seizures. Latency time to first symptom of seizure was measured and compared to vehicle and standard groups. Docking methodology was applied to study on mode of interaction between GABAA receptor and synthetized compounds. Results: Structures of the all synthesized compounds were confirmed by NMR and mass spectroscopy. The latency time and mortality rate were individually measured for an hour after injection of pentylenetetrazole. Docking study revealed that synthesized compounds and thalidomide interact in similar conformation with GABAA receptor. Conclusion: The experimental and docking results were found in good correlation and demonstrated that the most active compound (5a), with 3,4-dimethylphenyl residue increased the duration of seizure inhibition threshold in comparison with thalidomide.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema and quality of life: A qualitative analysis over years of survivorship

2019 ◽  
pp. 174239531987279
Author(s):  
Allison B Anbari ◽  
Ausanee Wanchai ◽  
Jane M Armer
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
The Impact

Objectives The study purpose was to examine perspectives of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) regarding their quality of life over seven years. Method Data were collected over seven years using the Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Questionnaire (LBCQ). Participants with BCRL answered open-ended questions corresponding to changes in mood and lifestyle from post-op through annual interviews and surveys. Self-reported data from 97 participants with BCRL were analyzed using in vivo coding and template-style content analysis to elicit the impact of BCRL on quality of life domains. Results Data saturation was achieved as participants neared 30 to 36 months post- breast cancer diagnosis. Three major themes were identified related to BCRL’s impact on: physical function; daily living and social function; and psychological function. Discussion Findings suggest that BCRL impacts quality of life not only soon after diagnosis, but also throughout survivorship years. Healthcare providers should develop programs to enhance quality of life for survivors with BCRL.

scholarly journals Ginsenoside Rg3 Sensitizes Colorectal Cancer to Radiotherapy through Downregulation of Proliferative and Angiogenic Biomarkers

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiguo Liu ◽  
Lina Duo ◽  
Ping Duan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Gene Products ◽  
Ginsenoside Rg3 ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Fractionated Radiotherapy ◽  
Mobility Shift Assay

Background. Radiation therapy is an important mode of colorectal cancer treatment. However, most people die of local recurrence after tumors become resistant to radiotherapy, and little progress has been made in treating radiotherapy-resistant colorectal cancer. Hence, novel agents that are nontoxic and can sensitize colorectal cancer to radiotherapy are urgently needed. Ginsenoside Rg3, a saponin extracted from ginseng, shows cytotoxicity against a variety of cancer cells through suppression of pathways linked to oncogenesis, including cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this article, we investigated whether Rg3 can sensitize colorectal cancer to radiation in vivo. Methods and Materials. We established CT-26 xenografts in BALB/c mice and treated them with vehicle, Rg3, radiation, and combined Rg3 + radiation. Mouse quality of life, survival, tumor volumes, and inhibitive rates were estimated. NF-κB activation was ascertained using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunohistochemistry. We also tested for markers of proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results. Rg3 significantly enhanced the efficacy of fractionated radiotherapy by improving the quality of life of mice. Moreover, tumors from mice xenografted with CT-26 cells and treated with combined Rg3 + radiotherapy showed significantly lower tumor volumes (P<0.01 versus controls; P<0.05 versus radiation alone), NF-κB activation, and expression of NF-κB-regulated gene products (cyclin D1, survivin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) compared with controls. The combination treatment was also effective in suppressing angiogenesis, as indicated by lower CD31+ microvessel density compared with controls (P<0.05). Conclusion. Our results suggest that Rg3 enhances the antitumor effects of radiotherapy for colorectal cancer by suppressing NF-κB and NF-κB-regulated gene products, leading to inhibition of tumors and prolongation of the lifespan of CT-26 xenograft BALB/c mice.

scholarly journals Developing a Comprehensive Model for Improving Quality of Life in Individuals with Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers: Qualitative Study of AZL Forum Data

Iproceedings ◽  
10.2196/16230 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e16230
Author(s):  
Yan Du ◽  
Brittney Lewis ◽  
Katrina Lopez ◽  
Chengdong Li ◽  
Carole White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Peer Interactions ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Comprehensive Model ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Online Forum

Background It is estimated that more than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer disease and related dementia (ADRD), and the population of people living with the disease is expected to triple by 2060. Most care for persons living with ADRD is provided by informal caregivers. However, current strategies to improve the quality of life for both people living with ADRD and their informal caregivers are not optimal, especially from a comprehensive approach. Social media and online forums have become increasingly popular tools for ADRD caregivers to manage the burden of caregiving. Objective This study was to 1) explore informal caregivers’ discussion topics by analyzing the caregiver online forum data, and 2) develop a comprehensive model based on their discussion topics, with the aim to improve quality of life for both persons living with ADRD and their informal caregivers. Methods Publicly available peer interactions of 4102 registered users, with 96% self-claimed as informal caregivers (67% as a child of a person with dementia, 13% as a partner/spouse, and 7% as a relative) on the Alzheimer’s Association ALZ Connected Caregivers Forum were extracted in January 2019 using computer programming. A total of 40,798 postings were collected. All authors agreed to use a triangular model to serve as the predetermined three major themes to categorize all codes. The three major themes were factors of caregivers, factors of individuals with ADRD, and factors of care context. Inductive coding was used to derive in vivo codes from the data, and the codes were further refined throughout the coding process. Two researchers independently coded postings until saturation was reached. Discrepancies were discussed among the two researchers to reach consensus. A third senior researcher’s opinion was referred to whenever necessary. Results For factors of caregivers, the most frequent subthemes were perceived caregiver burden, caregiver’s life balance, caregiving strategies, communication, expectations, personal health issues, poor relationship, and ineffective coping. Subthemes of factors of individuals with ADRD included changes in abilities and capacities, commodities, behaviors, health conditions, daily living function, disengagement, and ineffective coping. Lastly, for factors of care context, the most frequent themes were family support, financial support, informational support, professional support, length of care provided, living arrangement, activities and stimulation, patient health care coordination, unexpected situations, communication, and physical environment. One theme under one of the triangular factors may influence another theme under another triangular factor and vice versa. Conclusions By analyzing the discussions of informal caregivers on ALZ online forum, we found that taking care of a loved one with ADRD is challenging for informal caregivers. The challenges may affect the quality of life for both caregivers and the caregiver recipients; factors of care recipients, caregivers, and the care context interactively affect perceived challenges of caregivers. This study has identified a comprehensive model which may be used to help improve quality of life for both informal caregivers and people living with ADRD. Our next step is to use these manually determined codes to analyze all extracted postings via machine learning to improve this model.

scholarly journals Mechanical Examination of Chicken Vessel with Custom-Built Experimental Equipment

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-79
Author(s):  
Ádám Meisel ◽  
K. Brigitta Tóth ◽  
Éva Lakatos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Input Data ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Experimental Equipment ◽  
Chicken Blood

Abstract Cardiovascular disease has been decimating humanity for decades. In vivo examination of blood vessels is of great help in the development of numerical models and simulations that can help physicians significantly improve sufferers’ quality of life. For such models, the different mechanical characteristics of the vessels are the input data. Several such mechanical properties of the vessels, such as modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are determined by a tensile test. In the course of our research, an experimental device was developed and tested which is suitable for biaxial tensile tests of blood vessels, which we present through the examination of chicken blood vessels.

scholarly journals Can the Risk of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Radiation Therapy Be Predicted by an Automated Transit Fluence Monitoring Process During Treatment? A First Comparative Study of Patient Reported Quality of Life and the Fluence-Based Decision Support Metric

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153303382110279
Author(s):  
Seng Boh Lim ◽  
Nancy Lee ◽  
Kaveh Zakeri ◽  
Peter Greer ◽  
Todsaporn Fuangrod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
P Value ◽  
Patient Reported

Purpose/Objective(s): The additional personnel and imaging procedures required for Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) pose a challenge for a broad implementation. We hypothesize that a change in transit fluence during the treatment course is correlated with the change of quality of life and thus can be used as a replanning trigger. Materials/Methods: Twenty-one head and neck cancer (HNC) patients filled out an MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) questionnaire, before-and-after the radiotherapy treatment course. The transit fluence was measured by the Watchdog (WD) in-vivo portal dosimetry system. The patients were monitored with daily WD and weekly CBCTs. The region of interest (ROI) of each patient was defined as the outer contour of the patient between approximate spine levels C1 to C4, essentially the neck and mandible inside the beam’s eye view. The nth day integrated transit fluence change, Δϕn, and the volume change, ΔVROI, of the ROI of each patient was calculated from the corresponding WD and CBCT measurements. The correlation between MDADI scores and age, gender, planning mean dose to salivary glands <Dsg>, weight change ΔW, ΔVROI, and Δϕn, were analyzed using the ranked-Pearson correlation. Results: No statistically significant correlation was found for age, gender and ΔW. <Dsg> was found to have clinically important correlation with functional MDADI (ρ = −0.39, P = 0.081). ΔVROI was found to have statistically significant correlation of 0.44, 0.47 and 0.44 with global, physical and functional MDADI ( P-value < 0.05). Δϕn was found to have statistically significant ranked-correlation (−0.46, −0.46 and −0.45) with physical, functional and total MDADI ( P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: A transit fluence based decision support metric (DSM) is statistically correlated with the dysphagia risk. It can not only be used as an early signal in assisting clinicians in the ART patient selection for replanning, but also lowers the resource barrier of ART implementation.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Diet Food Components as Possible Adjuvant Therapies to Counteract Breast and Prostate Cancer Progression to Bone Metastasis

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1336
Author(s):  
Paola Maroni ◽  
Paola Bendinelli ◽  
Alessandro Fulgenzi ◽  
Anita Ferraretto
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Bone Metastasis ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Events ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer

Bone metastasis is a serious and often lethal complication of particularly frequent carcinomas, such as breast and prostate cancers, which not only reduces survival but also worsens the patients’ quality of life. Therefore, it is important to find new and/or additional therapeutic possibilities that can counteract the colonization of bone tissue. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is effective in the prevention of cancer and improves cancer patients’ health, thus, here, we considered its impact on bone metastasis. We highlighted some molecular events relevant for the development of a metastatic phenotype in cancer cells and the alterations of physiological bone remodeling, which occur during skeleton colonization. We then considered those natural compounds present in MD foods with a recognized role to inhibit or reverse the metastatic process both in in vivo and in vitro systems, and we reported the identified mechanisms of action. The knowledge of this bioactivity by the dietary components of the MD, together with its wide access to all people, could help not only to maintain healthy status but also to improve the quality of life of patients with bone metastases.

scholarly journals Host Factors and Cancer Progression: Biobehavioral Signaling Pathways and Interventions

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (26) ◽  
pp. 4094-4099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan K. Lutgendorf ◽  
Anil K. Sood ◽  
Michael H. Antoni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Impact Pathways ◽  
As Stress

Whereas evidence for the role of psychosocial factors in cancer initiation has been equivocal, support continues to grow for links between psychological factors such as stress, depression, and social isolation and progression of cancer. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies show that stress- related processes can impact pathways implicated in cancer progression, including immuno-regulation, angiogenesis, and invasion. Contributions of systemic factors, such as stress hormones to the crosstalk between tumor and stromal cells, appear to be critical in modulating downstream signaling pathways with important implications for disease progression. Inflammatory pathways may also be implicated in fatigue and other factors related to quality of life. Although substantial evidence supports a positive effect of psychosocial interventions on quality of life in cancer, the clinical evidence for efficacy of stress-modulating psychosocial interventions in slowing cancer progression remains inconclusive, and the biobehavioral mechanisms that might explain such effects are still being established. This article reviews research findings to date and outlines future avenues of research in this area.

scholarly journals Virtual reality-based cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with generalized social anxiety disorder: a pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris N.W. Geraets ◽  
Wim Veling ◽  
Maartje Witlox ◽  
Anton B.P. Staring ◽  
Suzy J.M.A. Matthijssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

AbstractBackground:Patients with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) avoid various social situations and can be reluctant to engage in in vivo exposure therapy. Highly personalized practising can be required before patients are ready to perform in vivo exposure. Virtual reality-based therapy could be beneficial for this group.Aims:To assess the feasibility and potential effect of virtual reality-based cognitive behavioural therapy (VR-CBT) for patients with severe generalized SAD.Methods:Fifteen patients with generalized SAD attended up to 16 VR-CBT sessions. Questionnaires on clinical and functional outcomes, and diary assessments on social activity, social anxiety and paranoia were completed at baseline, post-treatment and at 6-months follow-up.Results:Two patients dropped out of treatment. Improvements in social anxiety and quality of life were found at post-treatment. At follow-up, depressive symptoms had decreased, and the effect on social anxiety was maintained. With respect to diary assessments, social anxiety in company and paranoia were significantly reduced by post-treatment. These improvements were maintained at follow-up. No increase was observed in social activity.Conclusions:This uncontrolled pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and treatment potential of VR-CBT in a difficult-to-treat group of patients with generalized SAD. Results suggest that VR-CBT may be effective in reducing anxiety as well as depression, and can increase quality of life.

scholarly journals Palliative Care in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Meta Synthesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10651
Author(s):  
Nur Fithriyanti Imamah ◽  
Hung-Ru Lin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage Renal Disease ◽  
Present Condition ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Positive Outlook

End-stage renal disease is the last stage of chronic kidney disease and is associated with a decreased quality of life and life expectancy. This study aimed to explore palliative care with end-stage renal disease. Qualitative meta-synthesis was used as the study design. The search was performed for qualitative studies published until June 2021 and uses reciprocal translation and synthesis of in vivo and imported concepts. Five themes were included: Struggling to face the disease, experiencing deterioration, overcoming the challenges of dialysis, leading to a positive outlook, and preparing for the end of life. In facing chronic disease with life-limiting potential, patients experienced some negative feelings and deterioration in their quality of life. Adaptation to the disease then leads patients to a better outlook through increased spirituality and social status. Furthermore, by accepting the present condition, they started to prepare for the future. Increasing awareness of mortality leads them to discuss advance care (ACP) planning with healthcare professionals and families.

Impact of profound burn on the quality of life of women attended at the referral outpatient clinic in the state of Pernambuco

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Maria Santos Mergulhão Freitas ◽  
Cláudia Fonseca de Lima ◽  
Ana Karlla Albuquerque ◽  
Ricardo Altino de Freitas Júnior ◽  
Gustavo Fonseca de Albuquerque Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Experimental Model ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Outpatient Clinic ◽  
The State ◽  
Mycobacterium Fortuitum ◽  
Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria

ABSTRACT Non-pigmented rapidly growing mycobacteria (NPRGM) are widely distributed in water, soil and animals. It has been observed an increasing importance of NPRGM related-infections, particularly due to the high antimicrobial resistance. NPRGM have rough and smooth colony phenotypes, and several studies have showed that rough colony variants are more virulent than smooth ones. However, other studies have failed to validate this observation. In this study, we have performed two models, invitro and in vivo, in order to assess the different pathogenicity of these two phenotypes. We used collection and clinical strains of Mycobacteriumabscessus, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacteriumchelonae. On the invitro model (macrophages), phagocytosis was higher for M. abscessus and M. fortuitum rough colony variant strains when compared to smooth colony variants. However, we did not find differences with colonial variants of M. chelonae. Survival of Galleriamellonella larvae in the experimental model was lower for M. abscessus and M. fortuitum rough colony variants when compared with larvae infected with smooth colony variants. We did not find differences in larvae infected with M. chelonae.Results of our in vivo study correlated well with the experimental model. This fact could have implications on the interpretation of the clinical significance of the NPRGM isolate colonial variants.

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