Imputation-based Q-learning for optimizing dynamic treatment regimes with right-censored survival outcome.

Q-learning has been one of the most commonly used methods for optimizing dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs) in multistage decision-making. Right-censored survival outcome poses a significant challenge to Q-Learning due to its reliance on parametric models for counterfactual estimation which are subject to misspecification and sensitive to missing covariates. In this paper, we propose an imputation-based Q-learning (IQ-learning) where flexible nonparametric or semiparametric models are employed to estimate optimal treatment rules for each stage and then weighted hot-deck multiple imputation (MI) and direct-draw MI are used to predict optimal potential survival times.

Dynamic impairment classification through arrayed comparisons.

The multivariate normative comparison (MNC) method has been used for identifying cognitive impairment. When participants' cognitive brain domains are evaluated regularly, the longitudinal MNC (LMNC) has been introduced to correct for the intercorrelation among repeated assessments of multiple cognitive domains in the same participant. However, it may not be practical to wait until the end of study for diagnosis.

Association Between Patient-Reported Symptoms of Dysphagia and Psychological Distress in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of and the association between patient-reported dysphagia and psychological distress (anxiety and depression) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Sample & Setting: 228 HNC survivors seen at an interprofessional survivorship clinic in Pittsburgh, PA, between October 2018 and January 2020.

Methods & Variables: Dysphagia was evaluated using the Eating Assessment Tool.

Quality of life after radiation and transoral robotic surgery in advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

Objectives: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment results in impaired swallowing and quality of life (QOL). We analyzed a cross-section of advanced stage OPSCC patients treated with multimodal therapies at our Survivorship Clinic to investigate treatment factors associated with QOL.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after primary OPSCC treatment using AJCC seventh edition staging.

Toughness and Durability of Interfaces in Dissimilar Adhesive Joints of Aluminum and Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics.

The toughness and the durability under a high humidity condition of the interfaces in dissimilar adhesive joints of carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic with a polyamide-6 matrix and Al alloy were evaluated by two test methods, in which a tensile opening load was applied to the specimens to cleave the interfaces apart in two different ways. In the double cantilever beam (DCB) test, the specimens were continuously pulled apart at a constant velocity, while in the wedge test, the specimens are pulled apart at a constant displacement. The crack growth along the interface in the DCB test was dynamically monitored with the assistance of mechanoluminescence for the accurate detection of the phenomena at the crack tip.

Neck Disability and Swallowing Function in Posttreatment Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Objective: To examine the relationship between symptoms of neck disability and swallowing dysfunction among head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis.

Setting: Single-center, university-affiliated HNC survivorship clinic.

Health literacy: Impact on quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors.

Objectives: Although inadequate health literacy has been shown to impact health outcomes in other cancers, little is known about its impact in head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of inadequate health literacy and evaluate the association between health literacy and quality of life (QOL) in HNC survivors.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of HNC survivors evaluated in a multidisciplinary HNC survivorship clinic.

Impact of Neck Disability on Health-Related Quality of Life among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors.

Objective: Although neck impairment has been described following surgical resection, limited studies have investigated its prevalence in nonsurgical treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and predictors of neck disability following head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment and to explore its association with quality of life (QOL).

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Understanding financial toxicity in head and neck cancer survivors.

Objectives: (1) Describe financial toxicity (FT) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and assess its association with personal/health characteristics and health-related quality of life (HRQOL); (2) examine financial coping mechanisms (savings/loans); (3) assess relationship between COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) and Financial Distress Questionnaire (FDQ).

Patients And Methods: Cross-sectional survey from January - April 2018 of insured patients at a tertiary multidisciplinary HNC survivorship clinic who completed primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or larynx/hypopharynx.

Results: Of 104 survivors, 30 (40.

Reversible Protonic Doping in Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene).

In this study, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), a benchmark-conducting polymer, was doped by protons. The doping and de-doping processes, using protonic acid and a base, were fully reversible. We predicted possible doping sites along the polymer chain using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Comparison of protein expression between human livers and the hepatic cell lines HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 using SWATH and MRM-HR proteomics: Focusing on drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Human hepatic cell lines are widely used as an in vitro model for the study of drug metabolism and liver toxicity. However, the validity of this model is still a subject of debate because the expressions of various proteins in the cell lines, including drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs), can differ significantly from those in human livers. In the present study, we first conducted an untargeted proteomics analysis of the microsomes of the cell lines HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7, and compared them to human livers using a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) method.

NaHCO3-enhanced hydrogen production from water with Fe and in situ highly efficient and autocatalytic NaHCO3 reduction into formic acid.

We report a highly efficient water splitting for CO2 reduction into formic acid with a commercially available metal of Fe powder without adding any other catalyst. An excellent formic acid yield of more than 90% was attained.

No catalyst addition and highly efficient dissociation of H2O for the reduction of CO2 to formic acid with Mn.

The "greenhouse effect" caused by the increasing atmospheric CO2 level is becoming extremely serious, and thus, the reduction of CO2 emissions has become an extensive, urgent, and long-term task. The dissociation of water for CO2 reduction with solar energy is regarded as one of the most promising methods for the sustainable development of the environment and energy. However, a high solar-to-fuel efficiency keeps a great challenge.