Perceive Symptom-Related Barriers to Eating and Associated Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors experience significant symptom burden as a result of tumor location and treatment received. These symptoms may negatively impact quality of life (QOL) and compromise dietary intake into the post-treatment survivorship phase. Few studies have examined how symptoms are associated with quality of life in HNC survivors beyond the acute phase of care. Purpose: The objective of this research was to examine associations between perceived symptom-related barriers to eating and quality of life (QOL) in post-treatment head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors who participated in a dietary intervention trial. Methods: This was an exploratory analysis of 23 post-treatment HNC survivors who had previously participated in a 12-week randomized dietary intervention trial to assess the feasibility of increasing cruciferous (CV) and green leafy vegetable (GLV) intake. For this analysis, both treatment groups were combined into one. Participants completed a pre-intervention survey that assessed HNC-specific QOL (FACT-HN) and ranked self-perceived symptom-related barriers to eating on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = “never” to 5 = “very often”). A summary score for all symptom-related barriers was computed (maximum of 80 points) and Pearson correlations between the summary score and QOL were examined. Pearson correlations were also examined between scores for individual symptom-related barriers and QOL. Results: A lower symptom-related barrier summary score was significantly correlated with improved physical, emotional, and functional QOL (p < 0.01 for all). Lower individual symptom-related barrier scores for dry mouth, food does not taste good, feeling full too quickly, choking, phlegm production in mouth, difficulty swallowing, and lack of appetite were significantly associated with improved physical QOL (p < 0.05 for all). Symptom-related barrier summary score was not correlated with overall QOL. Conclusions: In this analysis of post-treatment HNC survivors, the degree of perceived symptom related barriers was associated with reduced QOL in several domains. Many individual perceived symptom related barriers were positively correlated with the physical domain of QOL. Although this was a small and exploratory secondary data analysis, these results suggest that perceived symptom related barriers and reduced QOL may be unmet needs in this survivor population and a larger study is warranted. Funding for the original study was provided by a NIH/NCI Cancer Prevention and Control Training Grant: R25 CA047888 and a Research Enhancement Project Grant from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Palliative and Supportive Care.NIH/NCI Cancer Prevention and Control Training GrantR25 CA047888Research Enhancement Project Grant from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Palliative and Supportive CareOpe

Search for eccentric black hole coalescences during the third observing run of LIGO and Virgo

Despite the growing number of confident binary black hole coalescences observed through gravitational waves so far, the astrophysical origin of these binaries remains uncertain. Orbital eccentricity is one of the clearest tracers of binary formation channels. Identifying binary eccentricity, however, remains challenging due to the limited availability of gravitational waveforms that include effects of eccentricity. Here, we present observational results for a waveform-independent search sensitive to eccentric black hole coalescences, covering the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. We identified no new high-significance candidates beyond those that were already identified with searches focusing on quasi-circular binaries. We determine the sensitivity of our search to high-mass (total mass M&gt;70 M⊙) binaries covering eccentricities up to 0.3 at 15 Hz orbital frequency, and use this to compare model predictions to search results. Assuming all detections are indeed quasi-circular, for our fiducial population model, we place an upper limit for the merger rate density of high-mass binaries with eccentricities 0&lt;e≤0.3 at 0.33 Gpc−3 yr−1 at 90\% confidence level

Ultralight vector dark matter search using data from the KAGRA O3GK run

Among the various candidates for dark matter (DM), ultralight vector DM can be probed by laser interferometric gravitational wave detectors through the measurement of oscillating length changes in the arm cavities. In this context, KAGRA has a unique feature due to differing compositions of its mirrors, enhancing the signal of vector DM in the length change in the auxiliary channels. Here we present the result of a search for U(1)B−L gauge boson DM using the KAGRA data from auxiliary length channels during the first joint observation run together with GEO600. By applying our search pipeline, which takes into account the stochastic nature of ultralight DM, upper bounds on the coupling strength between the U(1)B−L gauge boson and ordinary matter are obtained for a range of DM masses. While our constraints are less stringent than those derived from previous experiments, this study demonstrates the applicability of our method to the lower-mass vector DM search, which is made difficult in this measurement by the short observation time compared to the auto-correlation time scale of DM

Search for gravitational-lensing signatures in the full third observing run of the LIGO-Virgo network

Gravitational lensing by massive objects along the line of sight to the source causes distortions of gravitational wave-signals; such distortions may reveal information about fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics. In this work, we have extended the search for lensing signatures to all binary black hole events from the third observing run of the LIGO--Virgo network. We search for repeated signals from strong lensing by 1) performing targeted searches for subthreshold signals, 2) calculating the degree of overlap amongst the intrinsic parameters and sky location of pairs of signals, 3) comparing the similarities of the spectrograms amongst pairs of signals, and 4) performing dual-signal Bayesian analysis that takes into account selection effects and astrophysical knowledge. We also search for distortions to the gravitational waveform caused by 1) frequency-independent phase shifts in strongly lensed images, and 2) frequency-dependent modulation of the amplitude and phase due to point masses. None of these searches yields significant evidence for lensing. Finally, we use the non-detection of gravitational-wave lensing to constrain the lensing rate based on the latest merger-rate estimates and the fraction of dark matter composed of compact objects

A Molecular Approach to Understanding the Role of Diet in Cancer-Related Fatigue: Challenges and Future Opportunities

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms for cancer survivors. Despite its high prevalence, factors that predispose, precipitate, and perpetuate CRF are poorly understood. Emerging research focuses on cancer and treatment-related nutritional complications, changes in body composition, and nutritional deficiencies that can compound CRF. Nutritional metabolomics, the novel study of diet-related metabolites in cells, tissues, and biofluids, offers a promising tool to further address these research gaps. In this position paper, we examine CRF risk factors, summarize metabolomics studies of CRF, outline dietary recommendations for the prevention and management of CRF in cancer survivorship, and identify knowledge gaps and challenges in applying nutritional metabolomics to understand dietary contributions to CRF over the cancer survivorship trajectory

Navigation Over a Large Ontology for Industrial Web Applications

Ontologies for industrial semantic web applications are often very large. This is especially true in scientific and engineering applications where there exists a large pool of technical terminology necessary for operation within the domain. In this paper we look at the problem of presenting this domain ontology to users for navigation within web applications. The conventional tree view can be considered to be cumbersome and awkward to navigate for ontologies that have a very large breadth and/or depth. We present three approaches to this ontology presentation problem—content dependent filtering, autocompletion text box and partial segments using drop-down lists. All the approaches attempt to limit the ontology presented to users at one time. We implemented two of the proposed methods of ontology presentation in our demonstrators, and have received positive and valuable feedback from engineers

Chronic Nutrition Impact Symptoms Are Associated with Decreased Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Diet Quality in a Pilot Study of Long-Term Post-Radiation Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Background: As a result of tumor location and treatment that is aggressive, head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors experience an array of symptoms impacting the ability and desire to eat termed nutrition impact symptoms (NISs). Despite increasing cancer survival time, the majority of research studies examining the impact of NISs have been based on clinical samples of HNC patients during the acute phase of treatment. NISs are often chronic and persist beyond the completion of treatment or may develop as late side effects. Therefore, our research team examined chronic NIS complications on HNC survivors’ functional status, quality of life, and diet quality. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 42 HNC survivors who were at least 6 months post-radiation. Self-reported data on demographics, NISs, quality of life, and usual diet over the past year were obtained. Objective measures of functional status included the short physical performance battery and InBody© 270 body composition testing. NISs were coded so a lower score indicated lower symptom burden, (range 4–17) and dichotomized as ≤10 vs. &gt;10, the median in the dataset. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed between the dichotomized NIS summary score and continuous quality of life and functional status outcomes. Diet quality for HNC survivors was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Wilcoxon rank sum tests examined the difference between the HNC HEI-2015 as compared to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data calculated using the population ratio method. Results: A lower NIS score was statistically associated with higher posttreatment lean muscle mass (p = 0.002). A lower NIS score was associated with higher functional (p = 0.0006), physical (p = 0.0007), emotional (p = 0.007), and total (p &lt; 0.0001) quality of life. Compared to NHANES controls, HNC survivors reported a significantly lower HEI-2015 diet quality score (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Lower NIS burden was associated with higher lean muscle mass and functional, physical, emotional, and total quality of life in post-radiation HNC survivors. HNC survivors reported a significantly lower total HEI-2015 as compared to healthy NHANES controls, providing support for the hypothesis that chronic NIS burden impacts the desire and ability to eat. The effects of this pilot study were strong enough to be detected by straight forward statistical approaches and warrant a larger longitudinal study. For survivors most impacted by NIS burden, multidisciplinary post-radiation exercise and nutrition-based interventions to manage NISs and improve functional status, quality of life, and diet quality in this survivor population are needed

Lifestyle Interventions with Mind-Body or Stress-Management Practices for Cancer Survivors: A Rapid Review

This rapid review examined current evidence on lifestyle interventions with stress-management or mind-body practices that assessed dietary and/or physical activity outcomes among cancer survivors. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO based on Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group rapid review recommendations using the keywords “diet,” “physical activity,” “mind-body,” “stress,” and “intervention.” Of the 3624 articles identified from the initial search, 100 full-text articles were screened, and 33 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on post-treatment cancer survivors and were conducted in-person. Theoretical frameworks were reported for five studies. Only one study was tailored for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, and none included pediatric survivors. Nine studies reported race and/or ethnicity; six reported that ≥90% participants were White. Many reported significant findings for diet and/or physical activity-related outcomes, but few used complete, validated dietary intake methods (e.g., 24-h recall; n = 5) or direct measures of physical activity (e.g., accelerometry; n = 4). This review indicated recent progress on evaluating lifestyle interventions with stress-management or mind-body practices for cancer survivors. Larger controlled trials investigating innovative, theory-based, personalized interventions that address stress and health behaviors in cancer survivors—particularly racial/ethnic minority and pediatric and AYA populations—are needed

Mindfulness in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT): A Qualitative Study

Previous adolescent and young adult (AYA) research suggests patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience severe physiological stress. The goal of this study was to identify unmet needs, interests, and preferences for mindfulness to inform the development of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at three time points: prior to (n = 20), immediately after (n = 13), and three months post HSCT (n = 16) in the same AYA patients. Interviews assessed stress reduction strategies used, interest in mindfulness, and current quality of life. Three major thematic categories emerged from interview data across all time points: Concerns, Coping Strategies, and Mindfulness Activities. Prior to HSCT, two additional themes emerged including: Hope for the Future and Getting the Body Moving-Physical Activity. Most participants were not familiar with the term &ldquo;mindfulness&rdquo; prior to HSCT; but after being provided the definition of mindfulness, participants expressed interest in an online mindfulness-based intervention (e.g., ZOOM), stating: &ldquo;I think it&rsquo;s necessary&rdquo; and &ldquo;It would definitely be useful&rdquo;. Participants suggested an intervention immediately following HSCT may decrease isolation concerns stating: &ldquo;[in the hospital] You kind of feel like a hamster in a cage&rdquo; and &ldquo;you obviously have a lot of time to just be sitting by yourself in a hospital room&rdquo;. The results suggest that a mindfulness-based online intervention is of interest to AYA HSCT patients and may be beneficial in decreasing physiological stress and improving quality of life

A Molecular Approach to Understanding the Role of Diet in Cancer-Related Fatigue: Challenges and Future Opportunities

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is considered one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms for cancer survivors. Despite its high prevalence, factors that predispose, precipitate, and perpetuate CRF are poorly understood. Emerging research focuses on cancer and treatment-related nutritional complications, changes in body composition, and nutritional deficiencies that can compound CRF. Nutritional metabolomics, the novel study of diet-related metabolites in cells, tissues, and biofluids, offers a promising tool to further address these research gaps. In this position paper, we examine CRF risk factors, summarize metabolomics studies of CRF, outline dietary recommendations for the prevention and management of CRF in cancer survivorship, and identify knowledge gaps and challenges in applying nutritional metabolomics to understand dietary contributions to CRF over the cancer survivorship trajectory