Considering the increasing incidence of hyperuricemia and oxidative stress-related diseases, quantification of uric acid has become essential. Therefore, the evolution on sensing devices being favorable, these questions are more often addressed to the field of medical researchers. As for many metabolites, (bio)sensors provide a reliable method for screening and evaluation of uric acid status. Due to the numerous categories of (bio)sensors available, choosing the appropriate one is a challenge. This study reviews the scientific information concerning the most suitable (bio)sensors for quantification of uric acid, presenting a list of sensors from the last decade, categorized by configurations and materials. In addition, this review includes a comparison of sensors according to their interference behavior and sensitivity, offering an objective perspective for identifying devices that are suitable for clinical applications.

Background and objectives: The global burden of non-communicable diseases like obesity and cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), is increasing. The present study aimed to investigate the association between CRC location (proximal vs. distal) and patient demographic factors including age, sex, and BMI, as well as cancer stage at diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 830 patients diagnosed with CRC were analyzed. The variables included age, sex, weight, height, BMI, cancer location, and cancer stage at diagnosis. Patients were stratified into three age groups and three BMI categories, and we analyzed the association between cancer location and these variables using Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The rectum and ascending colon were the most common locations of malignant neoplasms. No statistically significant differences in cancer location across age groups were observed. Significant differences were found in the BMI across age groups, particularly in the normal weight and overweight categories. Normal weight and obese patients had a higher proportion of Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers. Obesity emerged as a significant predictor for rectal cancer in a multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an odds ratio of 1.56. However, no significant associations were found between cancer location and other factors like age, gender, or cancer stage. Conclusions: Our study revealed that normal weight and obese patients had a higher proportion of Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers, with obesity emerging as a significant predictor for rectal cancer. It is important to note that while obesity was found to be a significant predictor for rectal cancer, the development and location of colorectal cancer is likely influenced by various factors beyond those studied here. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the roles of other potential risk factors, like loss of SIRT6 and adipose tissue homeostasis. Additionally, inflammation associated with microbiota in the colorectal mucosa, systemic gene expression, and visceral obesity may also play important roles in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Understanding these intricate relationships is crucial for better screening, disease prognosis, and management strategies.

Background and Objectives: Pain is the most prevalent symptom in cancer patients. There is a paucity of data regarding non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) for the treatment of chronic pain in patients with cancer. The purpose of this article is to review the techniques of NIBS and present the published experiences of the oncological population. Materials and Methods: Databases including MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles on cancer patients with pain that was managed with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. We included articles in English that were published from inception to January 2023. As studies were limited in number and had different designs and methodologies, a narrative review was considered as the best option to integrate data. Results: Four studies focusing on transcranial magnetic stimulation, six articles on transcranial direct current stimulation, and three articles regarding cranial electric stimulation were found and reviewed. Conclusions: Data are limited and not robust. Further studies in this field are required. Guidelines on NIBS for non-malignant chronic pain conditions provide good premises for cancer-related chronic pain.

(1) Background: The management of persistent wounds is a topic of significant concern, particularly when they become chronic. Clinicians are focused on reducing the healing duration of chronic wounds and employing the most efficient treatments. Successful wound management requires an understanding of standard healing processes, the elements that can impede healing progress, and strategies to manage these impediments. (2) Methods: We participated in a study involving a cohort of 115 patients. Data were collected through subjective assessments via questionnaires, examining the comparative effects of laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on patients’ conditions and monitored the progression of chronic wounds. For the study, we utilized a branded laser equipped with a 12-watt probe to stimulate chronic wounds in 65 patients, while the PRP procedure was administered to 50 patients. (3) Results: We observed a greater improvement in local symptoms among the patients who received laser therapy compared to those in the PRP group. (4) Conclusions: We consider both therapies to be of significant importance due to their positive and beneficial effects, particularly on the symptomatology and progression of chronic wounds. Nevertheless, superior results were documented in patients who underwent laser therapy.

Improving the existent effective treatments of depression is a promising way to optimise the effects of psychological treatments. Here we examine the effects of adding a rehabilitation type of imagery based on exergames and dynamic simulations to a short behavioural activation treatment of depression. We investigate the acceptability and the efficacy of an exergame-augmented dynamic imagery intervention added to behavioural activation treatment and associated mechanisms of change. In a two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial, the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an exergame-augmented dynamic imagery intervention added to behavioural activation treatment for depressed individuals will be assessed. Participants (age 18–65) meeting criteria for depression are recruited by media and local announcements. 110 participants will be randomly allocated to behavioural activation plus imagery group or to standard behavioural activation group. The primary outcome is depressive symptom severity (Beck Depression Inventory II) and secondary outcomes are anhedonia, apathy and behavioural activation and avoidance. The outcomes are assessed at baseline, mid treatment, posttreatment and 3-month follow-up. Moderation and mediation analyses will be explored. An intention-to-treat approach with additional per-protocol analysis will be used for data analysis.

Scope: The rationale of the present study is to measure the impact of chemotherapy on the pain caused by the disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was based on the completion of two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of physical symptoms (Brief Pain Inventory—BPI—and the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System—ESASr) in three different moments. The research was conducted at the Oncology Institute “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Cluj-Napoca between 2022 and 2023. Results: 24 patients were included in the study, and they received different cytostatic treatment regimens, adapted to the underlying pathology. We analyzed the distribution of all symptoms from the ESASr and the total score. In terms of the general situation, if we exclude pain, there is never a difference between Time 2 and 3. Furthermore, in all cases where there is a statistically significant effect, there is a difference between Time 1 and 3. We also analyzed the distribution of activities with which pain interacts in BPI. Regarding the general situation, three patterns of influence of pain on the examined parameters are found: for general activity, mood, ability to work, and sleep, there are significant differences between moments 1 and 2 and 1 and 3, without significant differences between moments 2 and 3. The second pattern identified refers to the lack of effect of pain on the ability to walk and on the relationship with other people. The peculiarity is represented by the influence on the enjoyment of life that was significantly improved only from Time 1 to 3. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated a considerable effect of cytostatic treatment on the management of cancer-related pain, as shown across different evaluations.