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BackgroundSubclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) has been associated with increased risk of hip and other fractures, but the linking mechanisms remain unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and bone loss.MethodsIndividual participant data analysis was performed after a systematic literature search in MEDLINE/EMBASE (1946-2016). Two reviewers independently screened and selected prospective cohorts providing baseline thyroid status and serial bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. We classified thyroid status as euthyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] 0.45-4.49 mIU/L), SHyper (TSH < 0.45 mIU/L) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo, TSH ≥ 4.50-19.99 mIU/L) both with normal free thyroxine levels. Our primary outcome was annualized percentage BMD change (%ΔBMD) from serial dual X-ray absorptiometry scans of the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar spine, obtained from multivariable regression in a random-effects two-step approach.ResultsAmongst 5458 individuals (median age 72 years, 49.1% women) from six prospective cohorts, 451 (8.3%) had SHypo and 284 (5.2%) had SHyper. During 36 569 person-years of follow-up, those with SHyper had a greater annual bone loss at the femoral neck versus euthyroidism: %ΔBMD = -0.18 (95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I2 = 0%), with a nonstatistically significant pattern at the total hip: %ΔBMD = -0.14 (95% CI: -0.38, 0.10; I2 = 53%), but not at the lumbar spine: %ΔBMD = 0.03 (95% CI: -0.30, 0.36; I2 = 25%); especially participants with TSH < 0.10 mIU/L showed an increased bone loss in the femoral neck (%Δ BMD = -0.59; [95% CI: -0.99, -0.19]) and total hip region (%ΔBMD = -0.46 [95% CI: -1.05, -0.13]). In contrast, SHypo was not associated with bone loss at any site.ConclusionAmongst adults, SHyper was associated with increased femoral neck bone loss, potentially contributing to the increased fracture risk.

Introduction: The prevalence of depressive symptoms and cognitive decline increases with age, reducing quality of life. However, the temporal relationship between the two remains elusive. Objectives: We aimed to explore the temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in individuals aged 85 years, during up to 5 years follow-up. Methods: Participants eligible for this study were selected from the Leiden 85-plus Study, who participated for at least 3 follow-up measurements. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at follow-up in a period of 6 yearly assessments, utilizing the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Cognitive decline was measured through various tests including the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), Stroop Test, Letter Digit Coding Test, and immediate and delayed recall using the 12-word learning test. Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) analysis was employed to model their temporal dynamics, in undirected and directed analysis, to ascertain whether depressive symptoms precede cognitive decline, or vice versa. Results: The study included a total of 325 (54.2%) of 599 patients, of whom 68.0% were female, 45.0% with intermediate to higher education, and all aged 85 years. Depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning significantly covaried in time, and directed analyses showed that depressive symptoms preceded most of the parameters of cognitive decline in the oldest old. Of the 15 GDS symptoms, those with the strongest outstrength were worthlessness, hopelessness, low happiness, dropping activities/interests, and low satisfaction with life (all p<.01). Conclusions: We found a strong temporal link between depressive symptoms and subsequent cognitive decline in a population of the oldest old. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach that considers both mental and cognitive well-being in the aging population. As depressive symptoms were an early indicator of cognitive decline, it is of importance that healthcare professionals recognize and address depressive symptoms early to allow for appropriate interventions and support, to potentially mitigate the impact on cognitive decline. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common and plantar warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). Mode of transmission of wart HPVs within families is largely unknown. Objective: To demonstrate similarity of HPV type(s) among wart cases, family members and household linen. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study, swabs taken from 123 warts and foreheads of 62 index patients and 157 family members and from 58 kitchen towels and 59 bathroom mats were tested for DNA of 23 cutaneous wart‐associated HPV types. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the chance of detecting the same HPV type as was found in the index patients on the family contacts and on the kitchen towels and bathroom mats. Results: HPV1, HPV2, HPV27 and HPV57 were the most prevalent types in the warts of the index patients. Altogether, 60 (42.3%) of the 142 family members without warts had HPV DNA on their foreheads. When HPV1 and HPV2 were found in the warts, these types were also frequently (>50%) found on the foreheads of index patients and their family members, as well as on the kitchen towels and the bathroom mats. HPV27 and HPV57 were less frequently found (<25%) on foreheads and linen. No associations were found for age, sex and site of HPV DNA presence. Conclusion: Dissemination of skin wart‐causing HPV types, from wart cases to household contacts and linen, such as kitchen towels and bathroom mats, is more likely for HPV1 and HPV2 than for HPV27 and HPV57. The role of towels and bathroom mats in HPV transmission deserves further investigation. Linked Commentary A. Kreuter and U. Wieland. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 11–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17820. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective--Limited formal education is associated with poor cognitive function. This could explain sex differences in cognitive function in the oldest old. Whether limited formal education explains differences in cognitive [...]

Background One-third of Dutch primary school children have cutaneous warts; each year around 20% of them seek medical treatment. However, little is known about the epidemiology of the types of human papillomavirus ( HPV) causing these warts. Objectives To investigate the distribution of cutaneous wart-associated HPV types in three primary school classes by analysing skin swabs taken from warts, and the forehead, hand dorsum and sole of the foot of included children. Methods Using the hyperkeratotic skin lesion polymerase chain reaction/multiplex genotyping assay, each swab sample was used to genotype for 23 cutaneous wart-associated HPV types. Results Thirty-one (44%) of the 71 children had a total of 69 warts, with a maximum of six warts per child. In the wart swabs, HPV2, HPV27 and HPV57, members of Alphapapillomavirus species 4, were most frequently detected (27%, 32% and 14%, respectively), whereas HPV1 was only found in two plantar warts. The prevalence of HPV carriage, detected in swabs of clinically normal skin of the forehead, left hand and left sole was 80%, with the most prevalent types being HPV1 (59%), HPV2 (42%), HPV63 (25%) and HPV27 (21%). Conclusions Cutaneous wart-associated HPV types were highly prevalent in primary school children, but did not correlate with the HPV types in warts. In contrast to the existing literature, HPV1 was frequently detected on clinically normal skin but was much less frequent in warts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objectives Little is known about the ability of community pharmacists who are inexperienced in medication review to identify drug-related problems ( DRPs). The objective of our study was to investigate the completeness of DRPs in terms of number, type and clinical relevance identified by community pharmacists when performing home medication reviews ( HMRs). Methods This is a cross-sectional study within the intervention arm of a randomized controlled trial among community-dwelling patients (≥65 years, ≥5 drugs) in ten Dutch community pharmacies. Community pharmacists, who were inexperienced in medication review, received 2-day training in medication review. These pharmacists interviewed patients at home about their medicines, identified potential DRPs and made recommendations in combination with medication and clinical records. Expert reviewers completed the number of potential DRPs and recommendations by reviewing all available information, including patient interview reports. Results and discussion In 155 patients, community pharmacists identified a mean of 3·6 ( SD 2·8) potential DRPs per patient and expert reviewers added 6·5 ( SD 3·2) DRPs. Community pharmacists formulated 2·6 ( SD 2·3) recommendations per patient and reviewers added 7·5 ( SD 3·3) recommendations. Community pharmacists identified a higher proportion of clinically relevant DRPs compared with expert reviewers, as assessed by DRPs with high priority [ OR = 1·8 (95% CI 1·4-2·2)], DRPs associated with recommendations for drug change [ OR = 1·9 (95% CI 1·5-2·3)] and implemented recommendations for drug change [ OR = 2·1 (95% CI 1·6-2·7)]. What is new and conclusion This study shows that the completeness of medication reviews by inexperienced community pharmacists with limited training could be improved, although they identified a higher proportion of potentially clinically relevant DRPs compared with expert reviewers. The results suggest that community pharmacists with limited experience in medication review may need more intensive post-graduate training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]