Vitamins and Cancer Immunotherapy

Vitamins are essential for cellular growth and nutrition. The bioavailability of vitamins may affect the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Research efforts investigate the complex interplay of vitamins, immune cells, and cancer cells to improve treatment outcomes. This review explores managing the intake of vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K to enhance the efficacy of forced-atopy cancer immunotherapy.

A Group’s Level of Defensive Functioning Affects Individual Outcomes in Group Psychodynamic-Interpersonal Psychotherapy

We used an actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) to study the association between the individual group member and other group therapy members’ defensive functioning on an individual group member’s treatment outcome. We hypothesized that (a) more adaptive individual defensive functioning at pretreatment will be significantly related to better treatment outcomes (i.e., lower binge eating and interpersonal distress) at 6 months post-treatment; and (b) more adaptive other group members’ defensive functioning at pretreatment will be significantly related to better treatment outcomes at 6 months post-treatment. Participants (N = 136) were individuals with BED enrolled in group psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy (GPIP). Participants completed attachment interviews and were assessed on interpersonal distress and days binged at pre-treatment and 6 months post-treatment. The interview audio recordings were transcribed and used to code defensive functioning. We found that individual overall defensive functioning (ODF) scores at pretreatment were not significantly associated with binge-eating frequency or interpersonal distress at 6 months post treatment. Other group members’ mean ODF scores at pretreatment were significantly associated with individual interpersonal distress at 6 months post-treatment. However, the other group members’ mean ODF scores were not significantly associated with individual binge-eating outcomes at 6 months post treatment. Defensive functioning of other members of a therapy group may be particularly important for improving interpersonal functioning in individuals with BED.

An online knowledge-attitude-practice survey in the community about diabetes mellitus in India

To address the reasons for it is important to understand the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of all pertinent stakeholders. This multicentrrising burden of Diabetes mellitus in India this survey is aimed at understanding the KAP quotients of the community regarding knowledge of laypersons regarding diabetes mellitus as this is lacking in Indian studies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through online mode in India using a validated, field-tested questionnaire incorporating KAP domain questions regarding Diabetes mellitus (DM). Scores to questions were appropriately assigned. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 35.2 (12.61) y and 62% had a graduate or higher level of education. The median (IQR) KAP scores were 10 (8-12), 5 (3-5) and 2 (2-3) out of a maximum of 18, 5 and 6, respectively. Higher educational and socioeconomic levels were associated with better attitude scores, but knowledge levels were comparable. Correlations between KAP scores were poor. This study reveals that laypeople have appropriate knowledge and attitude regarding diabetes mellitus to some degree but there are important lacunae and practices are often found wanting. These issues need to be addressed in sustained public sensitization and motivational campaigns to improve the future and treatment outcomes of Diabetes mellitus in India.

A Comparison of Self-Referral and Referral via Primary Care Providers, through Two Similar Digital Mental Health Services in Western Australia

Digital mental health services (DMHSs) deliver mental health information, assessment, and treatment, via the internet, telephone, or other digital channels. The current study compares two DMHSs operating in Western Australia (WA)—The Practitioner Online Referral System (PORTS) and MindSpot. Both provide telephone and online psychological services at no cost to patients or referrers. However, PORTS is accessed by patients via referral from health practitioners, and is designed to reach those who are financially, geographically, or otherwise disadvantaged. In contrast, MindSpot services are available to all Australian residents and patients can self-refer. This observational study compares characteristics and treatment outcomes for patients of PORTS and MindSpot in WA. Eligible patients were people who resided in WA and registered with either clinic from January 2019 to December 2020. Results showed that PORTS patients were more likely to be older, male, and unemployed. They were less likely to report a tertiary education and were more likely to live in areas with higher levels of socioeconomic disadvantage. Despite these differences, treatment outcomes were excellent for patients from both clinics. Results provide further evidence for the accessibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of DMHSs regardless of referral pathway or patient characteristics.

Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Imaging of Epilepsy and Its Comorbidities: Present and Future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in medical image analysis and has accelerated scientific discoveries across fields of medicine. In this review, we highlight how AI has been applied to neuroimaging in patients with epilepsy to enhance classification of clinical diagnosis, prediction of treatment outcomes, and the understanding of cognitive comorbidities. We outline the strengths and shortcomings of current AI research and the need for future studies using large datasets that test the reproducibility and generalizability of current findings, as well as studies that test the clinical utility of AI approaches.

Immune Cells vs. Cancer Cells: A Microscopic Energy Battle

Like living organisms, cancer cells require energy to survive and interact with their environment. Recently, investigators demonstrated that cancer cells can hijack mitochondria from immune cells. This behavior sheds light on a pivotal piece in the puzzle of cancer, the ‘dependence’. This article illustrates how new, functional mitochondria help cancer cells to survive in the harsh tumor microenvironment, evade immune cells, and improve their malignancy. Finally, we will discuss how blocking the routes supplying energy for cancer cells can improve the treatment outcomes of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. This article provides a new theory in oncology, the ‘energy battle’ between cancer and immune cells. It alludes each party with a higher energy level can be the winner. This theory explains cancer biogenesis and provides novel insights to improve treatment outcomes.