Assessing recall of personal sun exposure by integrating UV dosimeter and self-reported data with a network flow framework

BACKGROUND

Melanoma survivors often do not engage in adequate sun protection, leading to sunburn and increasing their risk of future melanomas. Melanoma survivors do not accurately recall the extent of sun exposure they have received, thus, they may be unaware of their personal UV exposure, and this lack of awareness may contribute towards failure to change behavior. As a means of determining behavioral accuracy of recall of sun exposure, this study compared subjective self-reports of time outdoors to an objective wearable sensor. Analysis of the meaningful discrepancies between the self-report and sensor measures of time outdoors was made possible by using a network flow algorithm to align sun exposure events recorded by both measures. Aligning the two measures provides the opportunity to more accurately evaluate false positive and false negative self-reports of behavior and understand participant tendencies to over- and under-report behavior.

METHODS

39 melanoma survivors wore an ultraviolet light (UV) sensor on their chest while outdoors for 10 consecutive summer days and provided an end-of-day subjective self-report of their behavior while outdoors. A Network Flow Alignment framework was used to align self-report and objective UV sensor data to correct misalignment. The frequency and time of day of under- and over-reporting were identified.

FINDINGS

For the 269 days assessed, the proposed framework showed a significant increase in the Jaccard coefficient (i.e. a measure of similarity between self-report and UV sensor data) by 63.64% (p < .001), and significant reduction in false negative minutes by 34.43% (p < .001). Following alignment of the measures, under-reporting of sun exposure time occurred on 51% of the days analyzed and more participants tended to under-report than to over-report sun exposure time. Rates of under-reporting of sun exposure were highest for events that began from 12-1pm, and second-highest from 5-6pm.

CONCLUSION

These discrepancies may reflect lack of accurate recall of sun exposure during times of peak sun intensity (10am-2pm) that could ultimately increase the risk of developing melanoma. This research provides technical contributions to the field of wearable computing, activity recognition, and identifies actionable times to improve participants' perception of their sun exposure.

Effects of web-based intervention on risk reduction behaviors in melanoma survivors

PURPOSE

Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer, and survivors of melanoma carry increased risk of additional melanoma diagnosis. Multiple methods exist for primary and secondary prevention of melanoma in survivors. This study tested a web-based family communication intervention to improve these preventive behaviors in melanoma families.

METHODS

Families (a survivor, at least one first-degree relative and a parent) were randomized either to receive the intervention package or to serve as comparison families. We assessed melanoma prevention behaviors in each cohort member before and after the intervention. The intervention was a web-based multicomponent intervention focused on increasing family communication and exchange of risk information.

RESULTS

Results indicated that, compared to comparison survivors, intervention survivors improved their skin self-examination and their sun protection behaviors significantly from before to after intervention.

CONCLUSION

These data support the use of web-based interventions for behavioral changes in survivors and allow for consideration of dissemination of this successful intervention. These data have implications for interventions that can help cancer families deal with issues of risk and illness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These data indicate that survivors can benefit from exposure to a website that helps direct their future health behaviors.

Occupational therapy use by older adults with cancer

Occupational therapy may significantly improve cancer survivors' ability to participate in activities, thereby improving quality of life. Little is known, however, about the use of occupational therapy services by adults with cancer. The objective of this study was to understand what shapes patterns of occupational therapy use to help improve service delivery. We examined older (age >65 yr) adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or melanoma (skin) cancer between 2004 and 2007 (N = 27,131) using North Carolina Central Cancer Registry data linked to Medicare billing claims. Survivors who used occupational therapy within 1 yr before their cancer diagnosis were more likely to use occupational therapy after diagnosis but also experienced the highest levels of comorbidities. Survivors with Stage 4 cancers or lung cancer were less likely to use occupational therapy. These findings suggest possible disparities in utilization of occupational therapy by older adults with cancer.

[Karapandzic flap for reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower lip]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss advantages and disadvantages of Karapandzic flap for reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower lip.

METHODS

Two clinical observations and a review of the literature are presented.

RESULTS

The Karapandzic flap requires only one operating time. The tissue used to reconstruct the lower lip is very close to the resected lip. The functional result is satisfactory, the lips being continent, allowing speech and feeding. The main advantage of this technique is the preservation of the labial sphincter, which is vascularized, mobile and sensitive. The aesthetic result is acceptable. This flap keeps the vermilion, but with rounded commissures that corrects spontaneously. The main disadvantage of this flap is the microstomia, requiring only rarely further surgery.

CONCLUSION

The Karapandzic flap is a good option for reconstruction of extensive defects of the lower lip. It recreates the labial sphincter, while maintaining its vascularization and innervation. Functionality is maintained, with an aesthetically acceptable result despite the presence of residual microstomia proportional to the defect.

[Hypnosis for rehabilitation of immunological status in neoplasia]

The study group included 21 patients with malignant melanoma stage II-IV, aged 25-67, and 25 patients, aged 28-68, (control) with stomach tumors stage I-IV. All patients received individually-tailored hypnosis. Our newly-developed methods used batteries of suggestive images to deal with non-psychotic disorders and to map out strategies to support immunocompromised patients. In group 1, suggestion stimulated the "devouring" effect of the "patroling" cells. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of immunocompetent cells of peripheral blood were assessed by flow cytometry, immuno-enzymatic analysis and other procedures to evaluate immunological status. Correlation analysis of data on group 1 identified 7 negative coefficients (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) exactly in the monocytic macrophageal link thus suggesting the modulating effect of hypnosis. Our results support evidence available on the potential of hypnosis for cancer patient immunity and point for the first time to feasibility of differentiated targeting specific links of the immune system.

Upper lip reconstruction with the alar crescent flap: A new approach

PURPOSE

The alar crescent advancement flap technique has been widely used for repair of large central defects of the upper lip and base of the nose because of its 1-stage procedural simplicity and good results. Several more complicated and multiple staged procedures that respect either structure or function, often compromising one to achieve the other, have become popular and have recently taken its place. However, these procedures are more complex and in many cases require a staged approach. In this study, we present a series of 33 patients who underwent reconstruction of large upper lip defects utilizing alar crescent flaps between 1992 and 2002.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 20 patients underwent reconstruction of large upper lip defects using alar crescent flaps between 1992 and 2002. Malignant etiologies were responsible for the defect in all patients. Reconstruction was performed as a 1-staged procedure in 19 cases. In 1 patient with a total upper lip defect, bilateral alar crescent flaps were used in conjunction with a cross lip flap that was later divided in a second stage procedure.

RESULTS

All patients tolerated the procedure well with no major complications. Minor complications not requiring surgical intervention occurred in 5 patients. During the 12- to 60-month follow-up, all patients were found to be satisfied with the functional result. However, 7 patients underwent minor surgical procedures for esthetic improvement. There was no recurrence of disease in the 20 patients who underwent resection of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

In these 20 cases, we have shown the utility of the alar crescent flap for varying length partial and full-thickness reconstruction of upper lip defects. This simple and straightforward technique provided good functional and esthetic results. The disadvantage of this procedure is the loss of philtral anatomic detail. Its primary advantage is that it is a single-stage procedure with a relatively low morbidity and patient inconvenience. As a single-stage technique it satisfies concerns over cost containment over more complex and staged procedures while still providing a good functional and cosmetic result. Furthermore, for those same reasons, this procedure is a good first choice in the elderly.

["Without song or sound?" Possibilities and effects of music therapy]

Music therapy is still not widely known within everyday medical and psychotherapeutical contexts. Music touches fundamental themes of human existence and is important in preventive as well as in clinical and rehabilitative areas. The highly specialized and technical areas of medicine need to be complemented by artistic therapeutic approaches that recognize the physical and sensory aspects of the suffering person. Active and receptive music therapy and training have evolved in different fields of health care. A theory embracing various approaches is particularly useful. Fundamental attitudes in the music therapy relationship will be differentiated and the importance of music therapy will be presented using examples based on the treatment of cancer patients.

A simplified technique for construction of an interim obturator for a bilateral total maxillectomy defect

PURPOSE

This report describes a simplified method for construction of an interim obturator for a huge maxillary defect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A medical grade-silicone obturator was fabricated indirectly on a duplicate cast of the surgical defect for a patient with a bilateral total maxillectomy. This silicone obturator was attached to an acrylic plate by means of mushroom-like extension tags projecting from the fitting surface of the acrylic palatal plate.

RESULTS

The obturator was well retained in the patient's mouth and markedly improved his ability to speak and swallow.

CONCLUSION

This technique proved to be a simple, quick, and cost-effective method for construction of obturators for huge maxillary defects.

Transmolar pin and magnetic carrier for midfacial reconstruction: a clinical report

With previous prosthetic restorations of bilateral maxillary resections, tissue erosion and bleeding on the cephalic parts of the cavity have been caused by movement and pressure from the prosthesis. Retention of a prosthesis is a major determinant in its successful use. Physical and psychologic stresses are common when one is unable to use a prosthesis comfortably. The use of a musculocutaneous flap and an obturator prosthesis had provided near-immediate reconstruction of a massive midfacial defect. This method of reconstruction resulted in soft tissue replacement for appearance and functional rehabilitation of the upper lip while maintaining sound oncologic principles.

[Plastic surgery for losses of facial substance by cheek rotation]

New diversified plastic surgery methods have been introduced into practice in the last decades, aimed at repairing the loss of facial tissues involving the upper lip (with or without co-involvement of the lateral parts of the nose), and the lower eyelid area, that cannot be repaired by flaps prepared in the surrounding regions. In view of avoiding the disadvantages of 2- or 3-stage techniques the authors have re-evaluated the method introduced by Esser in 1918 for plastic repair of the facial tissues by rotation of the cheek, which is economical, efficient, rapid, and elegant, providing fully satisfactory esthetic results. Two cases are presented, one with loss of facial tissue following removal of an achromic recidivating melanoma, and another one following removal of a recidivating baso-cellular carcinoma, in which this method was employed with excellent results.

Thermoradiotherapy for intraocular tumors

We have developed and used a thermoradiotherapy (TRT) plaque to treat choroidal melanoma (Greene strain) in rabbits. A dual-therapy scleral plaque delivers localized hyperthermia (4.8-gigahertz microwave) and ionizing radiation (iodine I 125). Transscleral treatment involves placement of a TRT plaque on bare sclera at the base of an intraocular tumor. Therapeutic doses of ionizing and hyperthermic radiation are then simultaneously delivered to the intraocular tumor. Sparing of normal ocular structures outside the treatment area after the combined therapy has been noted on clinical, gross, and histologic examinations. Our study suggests that the TRT plaque described satisfies the requirements for dual-modality treatment of choroidal melanoma.

[(General rehabilitation in oncology)]

Rehabilitation has become a modern expression. For many years optimal rehabilitation has been carried out in many different sectors of illness. Too few activities, however, have been developed for the rehabilitation and control of cancer patients. No other group requires rehabilitation as foremost as that of cancer patients who need a complete and complex program which besides pure medical treatment affords psychosomatic care primarily. By developing a program under the title "Wiener Modell" (Vienna Model), our department was able to put into practice a suitable program for the control of cancer patients. The success was possible due to the excellent teamwork of doctors, nurses and therapeuts as well as the inter-disciplinary cooperation of all specialists available in a municipal modern hospital.