Nevin Manimala

Cancer Control. 2026 Jan-Dec;33:10732748261419587. doi: 10.1177/10732748261419587. Epub 2026 Mar 7.

ABSTRACT

IntroductionThe global burden of cancer is increasing. Part of this development is attributable to the estimated growth and aging of the population. In particular, aging is 1 of the main risk factors for cancer. However, there are many other risk factors beyond aging, including certain lifestyle and environmental factors. In addition, changes in diagnostic thresholds, increasing coverage of screening, and other similar factors affect cancer incidence rates. Therefore, even after excluding the effect of aging of the population, cancer incidence rates have not remained constant over time. To study these changes, the focus of this study is to identify and analyze cluster structures of the Finnish cancer incidence data from 1963 to 2023.MethodsTo uncover the cluster structures, a proximity measure that is based on the shape of the curves is used. For unstandardized data, the proximity measure is shown to be invariant under simple location shift, and for standardized data, also under simple scaling, making the proximity measure suitable for assessing the similarities or dissimilarities of trends in time. As the group-building algorithm, agglomerative hierarchical clustering, combined with the average linkage method, is used.ResultsThe cluster structures were identified for 12 different subgroups, determined by age and sex. In many cases, cancers for which there exists a national screening program, including breast and cervical cancer, or an individualized testing tool, including prostate cancer, formed clusters of their own. Melanoma of the skin and lung & tracheal cancer are other 2 cancer types that often separated as their own clusters, possibly due to certain lifestyle factors.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the potential of the proposed proximity in the given context. In addition, the analysis of the cluster structures provides some insight into the Finnish cancer epidemiology.

PMID:41793103 | DOI:10.1177/10732748261419587

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2026 Mar 7. doi: 10.1002/cpt.70242. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The impact of the choice of common data model (CDM) approach on the study results in a real-world evidence (RWE) study is unknown. We aimed to determine potential differences in the results of an RWE study when data were mapped to two different CDMs, ConcePTION and OMOP. With the same instance of CPRD GOLD, data were mapped to both CDMs. Using the same programming steps, we estimated the risk of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) on bleeding and cardiovascular (CVD) outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Baseline characteristics, incidence rates, and Cox proportional hazards ratios were compared between the analyses. OMOP and ConcePTION mapped study populations included 80,701 (93,350 person-years) and 76,726 exposed persons (100,135 person-years), respectively. DOACs showed no differential risk of CVD compared to VKAs in ConcePTION mapped data (HR 0.99, 95% CI [0.91; 1.08]), but protective effects in OMOP (HR 0.82, 95% CI [0.74; 0.90]). DOACs had a similar increase in risk of stroke (ConcePTION HR 1.19, 95% CI [1.02; 1.37]; OMOP HR 1.10, 95% CI [0.96; 1.26]). No increased risk of major bleeding was identified (ConcePTION HR 0.97, 95% CI [0.84; 1.13]; OMOP HR 0.90, 95% CI [0.78; 1.04]). OMOP gave lower effect estimates for CVD and equivalent risks of stroke and bleeding associated with DOACs use. This study highlights the challenges in repeating the same analysis across the two data CDMs. Differences potentially stem from the cohort construction, the identification of phenotypes in the different CDMs, and the use of imputed variables defined during mapping processes, such as drug exposure duration.

PMID:41793101 | DOI:10.1002/cpt.70242

Cancer Sci. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/cas.70357. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of invasive cancer worldwide, which has the characteristics of poor curative effect and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence suggests that hyperactivated glucose uptake has become a key marker of cancer. This metabolic reprogramming is called the “Warburg effect” or aerobic glycolysis, which provides abundant energy, nutrient, and redox requirements to support malignant growth and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we review the role of glucose metabolism in colorectal cancer initiation, growth, and metastasis, discussing current therapeutic strategies aimed at repairing impaired glucose metabolism in CRC.

PMID:41793098 | DOI:10.1111/cas.70357

JMIR Med Inform. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.2196/77651. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser resurfacing is widely used for the treatment of scars and photoaging. In recent years, public interest in minimally invasive aesthetic procedures has grown, influenced by social media exposure and changing beauty norms. However, data quantifying population-level attention to CO₂ laser treatments in Germany are limited.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the long-term trajectory and seasonal patterns of public information-seeking behavior regarding fractional CO₂ laser treatments in Germany from January 2020 to December 2025 using Google Trends data.

METHODS: Monthly normalized search volume (NSV) for the category “Health” and the term “CO2 laser” was retrieved for the period January 2020 to December 2025. Seasonal-Trend decomposition (STL) using LOESS (locally estimated scatterplot smoothing) was applied to isolate the long-term trend from seasonal fluctuations. The significance of the upward trajectory was assessed using linear regression on the extracted trend component, and seasonal differences were evaluated via the seasonal component amplitude.

RESULTS: Public interest in CO₂ lasers increased significantly, with the annual mean NSV rising from 15.0 in 2020 to 68.1 in 2025. Regression analysis of the STL trend component revealed a steady, statistically significant monthly increase (slope = 0.87 NSV/month; 95% CI 0.83-0.92; P< .001). Furthermore, a robust seasonal pattern was identified (P< .001), with search interest consistently peaking in winter (January mean seasonal deviation = +13.8) and reaching a nadir during the summer months (August deviation = -14.4).

CONCLUSIONS: Digital information-seeking behavior regarding fractional CO₂ laser treatments in Germany increased by 354% over the past six years, accompanied by consistent, clinically relevant seasonal peaks in winter. These findings reflect broader shifts in aesthetic awareness. The identified temporal patterns provide valuable insights for timing educational messaging, managing patient inquiries, and addressing safety considerations in aesthetic medicine.

PMID:41793085 | DOI:10.2196/77651

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1111/ddg.15996. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe phototoxic reactions that occur within minutes of light exposure. In clinical studies, afamelanotide has been shown to prolong pain-free sun exposure, improve quality of life, and reduce the frequency and severity of phototoxic reactions.

OBJECTIVE: To present the real-world data of the Austrian EPP cohort treated with afamelanotide.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from all Austrian EPP patients treated with afamelanotide in 2023 (n = 20) were analyzed and compared to baseline data on quality of life, phototoxic burn tolerance time (PBTT), reported UV index on the day with the longest PBTT, and incidence and severity of phototoxic reactions.

RESULTS: Before treatment, the EPP QoL score had a median of 11.11 (IQR 3.03-19.44) and increased to a median of 79.17 (IQR 75.00-97.22) under therapy. Phototoxic burn tolerance time (PBTT) increased from a median of 15 minutes (IQR 10-25) to a median of 250 minutes (IQR 120-300) under therapy. Before therapy 88% of patients had phototoxic reactions, while on therapy only 33% were affected. Treatment side effects were only mild and transient.

CONCLUSIONS: The real-world data of the Austrian cohort confirm the effectiveness and safety of afamelanotide in EPP patients.

PMID:41793078 | DOI:10.1111/ddg.15996

Clin Anat. 2026 Mar 6. doi: 10.1002/ca.70107. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is a well-recognized complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed via the direct anterior approach (DAA), largely due to the anatomical variability of the nerve and its proximity to surgical incision lines. The present cadaveric study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the anatomical relationship between the LFCN and commonly used skin incisions in the DAA, including the bikini and longitudinal incision lines, to identify incision-related risk patterns and potential safer zones. Seventy-three thighs from 50 fresh Korean adult cadavers were used. Prior to dissection, bony landmarks and DAA incision lines were marked on the skin using pins. Dissection was then performed to expose the fascia lata and the LFCN, after which the distance between the incision line and the nerve was measured and statistically analyzed. Two principal emergence patterns of the LFCN, stem and divided, were identified, with the divided pattern being slightly more prevalent. The bikini incision intersected the anterior branch of the LFCN in all specimens, whereas the posterior branch was spared in approximately one-quarter of cases. In contrast, longitudinal incisions rarely intersected the anterior branch but frequently overlapped with the posterior branch; this overlap was more pronounced when the incisions were placed closer to the anterior superior iliac spine. These findings indicate that the risk of LFCN injury varies according to incision type and may be reduced by lateral adjustment in both incision lines, as well as by distal adjustment in the longitudinal incision. This quantitative anatomical evidence provides a foundation for optimizing DAA incision strategies in THA and may contribute to reducing postoperative sensory complications related to LFCN injury.

PMID:41793066 | DOI:10.1002/ca.70107

Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2026 Mar;46(1):e70107. doi: 10.1002/npr2.70107.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Reduction of alcohol consumption is one of treatment goals to reduce harm among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), a major worldwide health problem, for which nalmefene, an opioid receptor modulator, is used. In this study, the effect of nalmefene on ethanol (EtOH) intake, already reported, was evaluated in Wistar rats, as validation. In addition, effects of brexpiprazole, serotonin-dopamine activity modulator, alone and in combination with nalmefene were evaluated to investigate further treatment option for AUD.

METHODS: During the first training phase, animals had 10% EtOH as the only drinking fluid available for the first 5 days. Then, the animals had a 24-h free choice between EtOH and water for 39 days which is named the continual access paradigm. Thereafter, the limited access paradigm, which restricted the availability of 10% EtOH to 1 h every day, was carried out for 114 days. EtOH intake (g/kg/1 h) was determined by weighing 10% EtOH bottles before and after the limited EtOH access every day. Brexpiprazole (0.01-0.1 mg/kg, orally) and nalmefene (0.04-0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneously) were daily administered to rats 1 h or 20 min before starting the limited access paradigm for consecutive 4 days, respectively. The combination effect was evaluated using each subeffective dose of brexpiprazole and nalmefene which did not significantly reduce EtOH intake. The daily and the average EtOH intake for 4 days before and during the treatment with test compounds were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: Brexpiprazole (0.1 mg/kg) and nalmefene (0.4 mg/kg) alone significantly decreased EtOH intake. Moreover, the combination of subeffective doses of brexpiprazole (0.01 mg/kg) and nalmefene (0.04 mg/kg) significantly and synergistically decreased EtOH intake.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that brexpiprazole may have the potential to decrease alcohol intake in AUD patients. In addition, brexpiprazole may have a synergistic therapeutic effect with nalmefene in those patients.

PMID:41793049 | DOI:10.1002/npr2.70107

Biotechnol J. 2026 Mar;21(3):e70206. doi: 10.1002/biot.70206.

ABSTRACT

The development of robust Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines expressing high titers of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) is central to bioprocess development. Following transfection and pool generation, clone selection is critical, as individual clones often behave differently in stirred-tank bioreactors. We propose a multivariate data analysis (MVDA) approach for clone selection that integrates productivity, growth, expression stability, and metabolism, with adaptable weighting based on process priorities. This method was applied to in-house data from CHO clones producing omalizumab. From 24 candidates, eight stable, high-performing clones were advanced for evaluation in 0.75-1 L bioreactors. MVDA revealed that including stability and metabolic parameters alters the ranking of lead clones compared with conventional screening. To assess scalability, cultures were run with or without air overlay to modulate dissolved CO₂. Cultures without overlay reached up to 25% pCO₂ (190 mmHg) and unexpectedly showed improved performance: 1.69-fold higher titer, 1.43-fold greater cell-specific productivity, 1.11-fold higher peak cell density, extended viability, and sustained product accumulation over 17-21 days. By integrating statistical tools and a historical dataset, our MVDA method identified a robust lead clone performing consistently across CO₂ conditions, supporting its application in early upstream bioprocess development.

PMID:41793045 | DOI:10.1002/biot.70206

Int Wound J. 2026 Mar;23(3):e70871. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70871.

ABSTRACT

Neoplastic foot ulcers are particularly challenging for dermatologists and specialists in hard-to-heal wounds because their location and comorbidities can delay accurate diagnosis. We performed a multicentre, retrospective study analysing clinical and histological data, focusing on neoplastic foot ulcers collected over the past 5 years. We evaluated patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical features, histological diagnosis, tumour onset and ulcer site. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, v.30. In total, 106 patients affected by foot skin ulcers were enrolled in the present protocol (52 women, 54 men). The mean age was 70.15 years. In most cases, the neoplastic ulcer was due to primary tumour ulceration. The dorsum of the foot was the most common site of neoplastic ulcers (66%). From a clinical perspective, most lesions were classified as ulcerated nodules (n = 58), ulcerated plaques (n = 8) or hypergranulating ulcers (n = 25), all with thickened, atypical edges. Histological diagnoses included melanoma (n = 45), non-melanoma skin cancers (n = 34), benign tumours (n = 18) and rarer malignancies (n = 9). A statistically significant correlation was found between histotype and clinical lesion type, and between age and histotype. The study provided preliminary data on the clinical and histological characteristics of neoplastic foot ulcers, warranting further exploration in a prospective, multicentre study.

PMID:41793027 | DOI:10.1111/iwj.70871

Int Wound J. 2026 Mar;23(3):e70852. doi: 10.1111/iwj.70852.

ABSTRACT

Split-thickness skin autografts are commonly used to treat extensive cutaneous defects. However, donor site morbidity, including pain, bleeding, and delayed epithelialization, remains a major clinical challenge. This study evaluates whether applying autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to the donor site improves healing outcomes. A prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary-level academic hospital in Colombia. The study protocol was approved by the local Institutional Ethics Committee. Adult patients (> 18 years) undergoing split-thickness skin grafts for trauma, burns, oncologic resections, or chronic ulcers were included. Two groups were compared: the PRP group, in which autologous platelet-rich plasma was applied to the donor site, and the control group, which received standard wound care. The primary outcome was the quality of epithelialization at the donor site, while pain, assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, was evaluated as a secondary outcome at multiple postoperative time points. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear mixed-effects models adjusted for potential confounders, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 46 patients were included (16 in the PRP group and 30 in the control group), with no significant demographic differences between groups. The PRP group demonstrated improved epithelialization quality, with lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores on postoperative days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). Patients treated with PRP also reported a reduction of up to 50% in postoperative pain during early assessments (p < 0.001). These effects were maintained throughout the follow-up period, suggesting a sustained benefit of PRP on both healing quality and pain control. These findings suggest that autologous PRP application at split-thickness skin graft donor sites may enhance early epithelialization quality and reduce postoperative pain compared with standard wound care. PRP appears to be safe and may represent a useful adjunct to promote improved wound healing and patient recovery in reconstructive surgery. However, larger randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and to establish the clinical effectiveness of autologous PRP in this setting.

PMID:41793011 | DOI:10.1111/iwj.70852