Noncoding RNAs in oral cancer

Oral cancer (OC) is the most prevalent subtype of cancer arising in the head and neck region. OC risk is mainly attributed to behavioral risk factors such as exposure to tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and a lesser extent to viral infections such as human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr viruses. In addition to these acquired risk factors, heritable genetic factors have shown to be associated with OC risk. Despite the high incidence, biomarkers for OC diagnosis are lacking and consequently, patients are often diagnosed in advanced stages. This delay in diagnosis is reflected by poor overall outcomes of OC patients, where 5-year overall survival is around 50%. Among the biomarkers proposed for cancer detection, noncoding RNA (ncRNA) can be considered as one of the most promising categories of biomarkers due to their role in virtually all cellular processes. Similar to other cancer types, changes in expressions of ncRNAs have been reported in OC and a number of ncRNAs have diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Moreover, some ncRNAs are capable of regulating gene expression by various mechanisms. Therefore, elucidating the current literature on the four main types of ncRNAs namely, microRNA, lncRNA, snoRNA, piwi-RNA, and circular RNA in the context of OC pathogenesis is timely and would enable further improvements and innovations in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OC. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

Evaluation of an inpatient occupation-based group program using a process evaluation framework

INTRODUCTION

Occupation-based groups are used in inpatient rehabilitation to enhance delivery and intensity of intervention; however, little research is available to understand their effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the process of an occupation-based group to understand mechanisms and success factors.

METHODS

A mixed methods process evaluation using an evidence-based framework guided implementation and analysis. Participants were those involved in the 'LifeSkills' group run daily in an adult inpatient general rehabilitation ward. Quantitative administrative data, goal achievement outcome measures, group observations and qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty participants were recruited. Factors for success included consistency in group structure and support, using meaningful practise opportunities and facilitating a real-world experience. There was no significant relationship between patient outcomes and dose of training or patient demographics.

CONCLUSION

This evaluation contributes to a growing body of evidence for incorporating occupation-based approaches into rehabilitation and offers insights into practice implementation.