Tag: pubmed

SAR QSAR Environ Res. 2023 May 9:1-14. doi: 10.1080/1062936X.2023.2208374. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

One of the recently developed metaheuristic algorithms, the coyote optimization algorithm (COA), has shown to perform better in a number of difficult optimization tasks. The binary form, BCOA, is used in this study as a solution to the descriptor selection issue in classifying diverse antifungal series. Z-shape transfer functions (ZTF) are evaluated to verify their efficiency in improving BCOA performance in QSAR classification based on classification accuracy (CA), the geometric mean of sensitivity and specificity (G-mean), and the area under the curve (AUC). The Kruskal-Wallis test is also applied to show the statistical differences between the functions. The efficacy of the best suggested transfer function, ZTF4, is further assessed by comparing it to the most recent binary algorithms. The results prove that ZTF, especially ZTF4, significantly improves the performance of the original BCOA. The ZTF4 function yields the best CA and G-mean of 99.03% and 0.992%, respectively. It shows the fastest convergence behaviour compared to other binary algorithms. It takes the fewest iterations to reach high classification performance and selects the fewest descriptors. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate the ability of the ZTF4-based BCOA to find the smallest subset of descriptors while maintaining the best classification accuracy performance.

PMID:37157994 | DOI:10.1080/1062936X.2023.2208374

Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc. 2023 May 8. doi: 10.1111/brv.12971. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cancers rely on multiple, heterogeneous processes at different scales, pertaining to many biomedical fields. Therefore, understanding cancer is necessarily an interdisciplinary task that requires placing specialised experimental and clinical research into a broader conceptual, theoretical, and methodological framework. Without such a framework, oncology will collect piecemeal results, with scant dialogue between the different scientific communities studying cancer. We argue that one important way forward in service of a more successful dialogue is through greater integration of applied sciences (experimental and clinical) with conceptual and theoretical approaches, informed by philosophical methods. By way of illustration, we explore six central themes: (i) the role of mutations in cancer; (ii) the clonal evolution of cancer cells; (iii) the relationship between cancer and multicellularity; (iv) the tumour microenvironment; (v) the immune system; and (vi) stem cells. In each case, we examine open questions in the scientific literature through a philosophical methodology and show the benefit of such a synergy for the scientific and medical understanding of cancer.

PMID:37157910 | DOI:10.1111/brv.12971

Eur J Haematol. 2023 May 8. doi: 10.1111/ejh.13982. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL) have limited treatment options.

METHODS: R/R DLBCL patients, who were mostly ineligible for ASCT due to age or comorbidities, were treated with maveropepimut-S (MVP-S, previously DPX-Survivac) a survivin directed T cell educating therapy, pembrolizumab, and intermittent low-dose cyclophosphamide.

FINDINGS: We identified, using univariate analysis, a subset of patients with enhanced ORR, PFS and DOR. Patients with baseline CD20+/PD-L1 expression had an ORR of 46% (6/13) and the disease control rate was 10/13 (77%). The PFS and OS of the positive CD20+/PD-L1 patients were 7.1 months and 17.4 months, whereas in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population of 25 enrolled patients, the ORR was 28% (7/25), median PFS and OS were 4.2 months and 10.1 months respectively. A total of 6/7 clinical responders occurred in CD20+/PD-L1 patients. The regimen was well-tolerated, requiring only minor dose modifications and one discontinuation. Grade 1 or 2 injection site reactions occurred in 14/25, (56%). Statistically significant associations were also seen between PFS and; injection site reactions; and ELISpot response to survivin peptides, both identifying the mechanistic importance of specific immune responses to survivin.

INTERPRETATION: This immunotherapy combination was found to be active and safe in this clinically challenging patient population.

PMID:37157906 | DOI:10.1111/ejh.13982

Lakartidningen. 2023 May 8;120:22152.

ABSTRACT

Reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs), from healthcare professionals and from consumers, contributes to early detection of new safety risks with medicines. The reporting of adverse reactions has been working well during the pandemic but indicates at the same time a significant under-reporting (hidden statistics). The propensity to report clearly increases with enhanced communication. Consumer reports are an important complement to reports from health care professionals and contribute to valuable insights both within regulatory follow-up and research. Reporting of suspected ADRs is an important source that needs to be supplemented with other data sources for causality analysis. For reporting of suspected adverse reactions to continue to be a valuable tool in the search for new signals, we need to develop sustainable reporting systems and communication channels that meet our various needs in close cooperation between authorities and other actors.

PMID:37157880

Elife. 2023 May 9;12:e82996. doi: 10.7554/eLife.82996.

ABSTRACT

Ectotherms are predicted to ‘shrink’ with global warming, in line with general growth models and the temperature-size rule (TSR), both predicting smaller adult sizes with warming. However, they also predict faster juvenile growth rates and thus larger size-at-age of young organisms. Hence, the result of warming on the size-structure of a population depends on the interplay between how mortality rate, juvenile- and adult growth rates are affected by warming. Here, we use two-decade long time series of biological samples from a unique enclosed bay heated by cooling water from a nearby nuclear power plant to become 5-10 °C warmer than its reference area. We used growth-increment biochronologies (12,658 reconstructed length-at-age estimates from 2426 individuals) to quantify how >20 years of warming has affected body growth, size-at-age, and catch to quantify mortality rates and population size- and age structure of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis). In the heated area, growth rates were faster for all sizes, and hence size-at-age was larger for all ages, compared to the reference area. While mortality rates were also higher (lowering mean age by 0.4 years), the faster growth rates lead to a 2 cm larger mean size in the heated area. Differences in the size-spectrum exponent (describing how the abundance declines with size) were less clear statistically. Our analyses reveal that mortality, in addition to plastic growth and size-responses, is a key factor determining the size structure of populations exposed to warming. Understanding the mechanisms by which warming affects the size- and the age structure of populations is critical for predicting the impacts of climate change on ecological functions, interactions, and dynamics.

PMID:37157843 | DOI:10.7554/eLife.82996

J Vet Dent. 2023 May 8:8987564231172907. doi: 10.1177/08987564231172907. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Oral mucosal lesions are a common pathology that impact the quality of life due to pain, inappetence, weight loss, and low productivity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Tarantula cubensis extract on wound healing in rats with buccal mucosal lesions. A total of 40 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-300 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into four equal groups. A 3 mm diameter mucosal defect was created in the buccal mucosa of each rat. Groups one and three (controls) assessed spontaneous healing at 3 and 6 days post trauma, respectively. Groups two and four (treatment) received 0.2 ml T. cubensis extract subcutaneously. Group two was treated for 2 days and assessed at 3 days and group four was treated for 5 days and assessed at 6 days. All rats were euthanatized prior to tissue sample collection. Tissue samples were compared between control and treatment groups using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Tissue samples taken from the defect areas were immunohistochemically evaluated for cytokeratin and collagen expressions. In both the 3 and 6 day treatment groups, the improvements were statistically different compared to the control groups. T. cubensis extract was found to increase cytokeratin and collagen in both epithelial and connective tissue and to have a significant healing effect on mucosa on both gross and microscopic findings.

PMID:37157804 | DOI:10.1177/08987564231172907

Interv Neuroradiol. 2023 May 8:15910199231170679. doi: 10.1177/15910199231170679. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This increased inflammation is thought to induce a hypercoagulable state that increases the risk for stroke. However, few studies have examined the association between IBD and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Thus, this study aims to investigate the incidence, treatments, complications, and outcomes of AIS in patients with IBD.

MATERIALS & METHODS: ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample for AIS and IBD diagnosis. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, treatments, and outcomes were assessed through descriptive statistics, multivariate regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Acute stroke severity was assessed using the National Institute of Heath’s Stroke Severity Score (SSS) as a template.

RESULTS: 1,609,817 patients were diagnosed with AIS between 2010 through 2019. 7468 (0.46%) had concomitant diagnoses of IBD. AIS patients with IBS were younger, more likely to be white and female, but less likely to be obese. Although IBD patients had comparable stroke severities (p = 0.64) to their non-IBS counterparts, they received stroke intervention at statistically different rates than their non-IBD counterparts. Additionally, IBD patients had higher rates of in-hospital complications (p < 0.01) and longer lengths of stay (LOS) (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients develop AIS at a younger age with similar rates of stroke severity to their non-IBD counterparts, but receive higher rates of tissue plasminogen activator administration and decreased rates of mechanical thrombectomy. Our research shows that patients with IBD are at risk for AIS at an earlier age and are more likely to have complications. This underlies a connection between IBD and a hypercoagulable state that could predispose patients to AIS.

PMID:37157802 | DOI:10.1177/15910199231170679

J Appl Gerontol. 2023 May 8:7334648231172673. doi: 10.1177/07334648231172673. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic diseases (CDs) are increasingly common among the aging population. Some evidence suggests that older Hispanic women ages 50 years and older (OHW) are at an increased risk for CDs and poorer outcomes than other groups. This study investigated the preliminary efficacy of ActuaYa, a culturally tailored CD prevention and health promotion intervention for OHW. A prospective, single-group, repeated measures study (n = 50) was conducted in Florida. Clinical measures and surveys were collected at baseline and post-intervention at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and McNemar tests were used for analysis. At baseline, more than half of the participants had a CD. Post-intervention results showed a significant decrease in participants’ MAP, BMI, and A1C, and a significant increase in self-efficacy for exercise and HIV knowledge compared to baseline measures. The results of this study support the preliminary efficacy of ActuaYa in preventing CDs and increasing health promotion among OHW.

PMID:37157793 | DOI:10.1177/07334648231172673

BMJ Open. 2023 May 8;13(5):e069982. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069982.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing concern in South Africa, where many find self-management challenging. Behaviour-change health interventions are enhanced by involving partners of patients. We aimed to develop a couples-focused intervention to improve self-management of T2D among adults in South Africa.

DESIGN: We used the person-based approach (PBA): synthesising evidence from existing interventions; background research; theory; and primary qualitative interviews with 10 couples to ascertain barriers and facilitators to self-management. This evidence was used to formulate guiding principles that directed the intervention design. We then prototyped the intervention workshop material, shared it with our public and patient involvement group and ran iterative co-discovery think-aloud sessions with nine couples. Feedback was rapidly analysed and changes formulated to improve the intervention, optimising its acceptability and maximising its potential efficacy.

SETTING: We recruited couples using public-sector health services in the area of Cape Town, South Africa, during 2020-2021.

PARTICIPANTS: The 38 participants were couples where one person had T2D.

INTERVENTION: We developed the ‘Diabetes Together’ intervention to support self-management of T2D among couples in South Africa, focussing on: improved communication and shared appraisal of T2D; identifying opportunities for better self-management; and support from partners. Diabetes Together combined eight informational and two skills-building sections over two workshops.

RESULTS: Our guiding principles included: providing equal information on T2D to partners; improving couples’ communication; shared goal-setting; discussion of diabetes fears; discussing couples’ roles in diabetes self-management; and supporting couples’ autonomy to identify and prioritise diabetes self-management strategies.Participants viewing Diabetes Together valued the couples-focus of the intervention, especially communication. Feedback resulted in several improvements throughout the intervention, for example, addressing health concerns and tailoring to the setting.

CONCLUSIONS: Using the PBA, our intervention was developed and tailored to our target audience. Our next step is to pilot the workshops’ feasibility and acceptability.

PMID:37156595 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069982

BMJ Open. 2023 May 8;13(5):e066189. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066189.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The 2021 Action Plan for Pain from the Canadian Pain Task Force advocates for patient-centred pain care at all levels of healthcare across provinces. Shared decision-making is the crux of patient-centred care. Implementing the action plan will require innovative shared decision-making interventions, specifically following the disruption of chronic pain care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first step in this endeavour is to assess current decisional needs (ie, decisions most important to them) of Canadians with chronic pain across their care pathways.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: DesignGrounded in patient-oriented research approaches, we will perform an online population-based survey across the ten Canadian provinces. We will report methods and data following the CROSS reporting guidelines.SamplingThe Léger Marketing company will administer the online population-based survey to its representative panel of 500 000 Canadians to recruit 1646 adults (age ≥18 years old) with chronic pain according to the definition by the International Association for the Study of Pain (eg, pain ≥12 weeks). ContentBased on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, the self-administered survey has been codesigned with patients and contain six core domains: (1) healthcare services, consultation and postpandemic needs, (2) difficult decisions experienced, (3) decisional conflict, (4) decisional regret, (5) decisional needs and (6) sociodemographic characteristics. We will use several strategies such as random sampling to improve survey quality. AnalysisWe will perform descriptive statistical analysis. We will identify factors associated with clinically significant decisional conflict and decision regret using multivariate analyses.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics was approved by the Research Ethics Board at the Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (project #2022-4645). We will codesign knowledge mobilisation products with research patient partners (eg, graphical summaries and videos). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and national and international conferences to inform the development of innovative shared decision-making interventions for Canadians with chronic pain.

PMID:37156591 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066189