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Introduction Methods Results Conclusions The United Kingdom Registry of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery (UKRETS) holds the largest database of pediatric parathyroidectomy cases globally. There are currently no quoted acceptable cure or complication rates in the literature.This retrospective database analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of targeted parathyroidectomy (tPTx) and bilateral neck exploration (BNE) in first‐time parathyroidectomy for pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) through analysis of the UKRETS database (1995–2022). Pre‐, intra‐ and postoperative outcomes were assessed and analyzed.168 cases underwent parathyroidectomy; 25 (15%) familial and 143 (85%) sporadic PHPT. 69% were female with a mean age of 10 years (Range 0–17). BNE was the most common operative approach (61%; n = 103/168). The most frequently used imaging modality was US (80%; n = 135/168). Mean number of glands excised in familial cases was three compared to one gland in sporadic cases (p < 0.05). Familial cases had a significantly higher rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (32% vs. 9%, p < 0.05) and all were BNE. Cure rate was 96.9% (n = 127/131), with differences in cure rates that did not reach statistical significance (sporadic 98.2% vs. familial 90.5%, p = 0.06). Preoperative localization (image‐positive or negative) made no difference to cure rates in either familial (90% vs. 91%, p = 0.94) or sporadic (97.5% vs. 100%, p = 0.4) cases.This analysis demonstrates that first‐time pediatric parathyroidectomy for PHPT is safe and effective. Familial cases have a higher rate of postoperative hypocalcemia; therefore, parents should be informed of this when consented. Targeted parathyroidectomy is safe and effective in both sporadic and familial cases, as long as there is positive preoperative imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Participants and Methods Results Conclusions Measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum (SC) pH can help indicate work‐related skin barrier damage, but sensitivity to confounding personal and ambient factors limits their potential as biomonitoring tools.To evaluate the difference between hand and forearm skin barrier conditions as a tool for early recognition of workers with occupational contact dermatitis.The participants were nursing apprentices (N = 238, median age 19 years) from Zagreb, Croatia. They filled out a questionnaire based on the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire, underwent a clinical examination of skin on the hands, and were evaluated for their TEWL and SC pH on the dorsum of the hand and volar part of the forearm.We found that the difference between hand and forearm TEWL values (ΔTEWL) greater than 7 g/m2/h, or >50%, or the difference in SC ΔpH >0.50, predicted visible skin changes found on clinical examination. However, only the association with ΔpH >0.50 retained statistical significance when controlled for sex, age, ambient temperature, and relative humidity in a multiple regression model.The difference between hand and forearm SC pH values is suggested as a reliable biomonitoring tool in recognition of damaged skin barrier conditions in occupational settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sir David Cox published four papers in the Scandinavian Journal of Statistics and two in the Scandinavian Actuarial Journal. This note provides some brief summaries of these papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Although the incidence of isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1) bleeding is low, the condition is highly dangerous and associated with high mortality, making its treatment challenging. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic clipping combined with cyanoacrylate injection (EC‐CYA) vs. transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in treating IGV1.In a single‐center, randomized controlled trial, patients with IGV1 bleeding were randomly assigned to the EC‐CYA group or TIPS group. The primary end‐points were gastric variceal rebleeding rates and technical success. Secondary end‐points included cumulative nonbleeding rates, mortality, and complications.A total of 156 patients between January 2019 and April 2023 were selected and randomly assigned to the EC‐CYA group (n = 76) and TIPS group (n = 80). The technical success rate was 100% for both groups. The rebleeding rates were 14.5% in the EC‐CYA group and 8.8% in the TIPS group, showing no significant difference (P = 0.263). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative nonbleeding rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months for the two groups lacked statistical significance (P = 0.344). Similarly, cumulative survival rates at 12, 24, and 36 months for the two groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.916). The bleeding rates from other causes were 13.2% and 6.3% for the respective groups, showing no significant difference (P = 0.144). No instances of ectopic embolism were observed in either group. The incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in the TIPS group was statistically higher than that in the EC‐CYA group (P = 0.001).Both groups are effective in controlling IGV1 bleeding. Notably, EC‐CYA did not result in ectopic embolism, and the incidence of HE was lower than that observed with TIPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) often causes damage to small nerve fibers, leading to distressing painful and autonomic symptoms. Despite this, Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) remains an underrecognized complication for SLE patients. In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to assess SFN in patients with SLE and to explore its correlations with immunologic disease features and clinical manifestations. Methods: We recruited 50 SLE patients (1 male to 12.5 females, aged 20–80 years) reporting painful disturbances. We conducted a comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological evaluation, using Nerve Conduction Studies and Quantitative Sensory Testing. Additionally, we carried out an extensive laboratory assessment of disease‐related serological parameters. We also performed a thorough skin biopsy analysis, investigating somatic and autonomic innervation while detecting complement and inflammatory cell infiltrates within the skin. Results: Out of 50 patients, 19 were diagnosed with SFN, primarily characterized by a non‐length‐dependent distribution; 7 had a mixed neuropathy, with both large and small fiber involvement. Patients with SFN were younger than patients with a mixed neuropathy (p =.0143); furthermore, they were more likely to have a history of hypocomplementemia (p =.0058) and to be treated with cyclosporine A (p =.0053) compared to patients without neuropathy. However, there were no significant differences in painful and autonomic symptoms between patients with and without SFN. Discussion: This study highlights the relevant frequency of SFN with a non‐length‐dependent distribution among SLE patients experiencing painful symptoms. Indeed, SFN emerges as an early manifestation of SLE‐related neuropathy and is closely associated with hypocomplementemia, suggesting a potential pathogenic role of the complement system. Moreover, SFN may be influenced by disease‐modifying therapies. However, the precise role of SFN in shaping painful and autonomic symptoms in patients with SLE remains to be fully elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YouTube is the third most popular app in the world and continues to grow each year while it reaches over 2 billion users a month. A variety of veterinary topics are addressed on YouTube but to date there have been no studies analysing misinformation of various canine cancer topics on YouTube or social media. This study described the characteristics of 99 unique videos and used the validated DISCERN quality criteria for consumer health information and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) to characterize their usefulness. The overall median DISCERN quality score was 3 (out of 5), the median PEMAT understandability score was 72%, and 61% of videos contained little to no misinformation. 53% of videos were created by veterinarians and this subset had significantly higher PEMAT understandability and DISCERN quality scores compared with client‐created content (p =.0228 and p ≤.0001, respectively). Videos with little to no misinformation had statistically significant higher DISCERN quality scores (3 vs. 2, p =.0001). There was no statistical significance between misinformation levels and video length, PEMAT understandability, thumbs up/view, or views/mo. These data reveal similar rates of misinformation in videos on canine cancer compared to that reported for various human cancer topics. This study highlights the need for veterinarians to guide clients to more reliable and understandable information regarding their pet's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of fracture due to many factors such as nutritional status, hyperparathyroidism, acidosis and steroid administration. The current meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively analyse the incidence and risk factors of fracture in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A systematic search on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library until November 2023 was performed. RStudio software was used to analyse data. Results: Twenty‐eight eligible studies containing 310 530 kidney transplant recipients were included in the analysis. The pooled incidence of fracture was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%–13%) generally. When divided by regions, it was further observed that the pooled incidence of fracture was 13% (95% CI: 9%–17%) in Europe, 11% (95% CI: 6%–16%) in North America, 7% (95% CI: 3%–11%) in Asia. Regarding the risk factors, pooled analysis revealed that age of recipient (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17–1.91), female sex (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.36–1.53), pretransplantation diabetes (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.58–1.97), pretransplantation fracture history (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.86–2.78), dialysis duration (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17) and deceased donor (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39) related to higher risk of fracture. The general quality of included studies was acceptable, and no publication bias existed except for the analysis between age of recipient and fracture incidence; further trim and fill method indicated age of recipient showed a correlation trend with the fracture incidence without the statistical significance. Conclusion: The pooled incidence of fracture reaches 10% in kidney transplant recipients, which relates to age of recipient, female sex, pretransplantation diabetes or fracture history, dialysis duration and decease donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought about disruptions in healthcare for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is a need to explore ways to promote proactive healthcare and better prepare individuals for healthcare encounters. Methods: A co‐designed tool, the COVID Check‐in Tool, was introduced as part of a virtual health education programme to encourage proactive healthcare. Implementation of this Health Check‐in was evaluated with 36 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 96 family caregivers who completed the programme using surveys, structured interviews and focus groups. Findings: Forty‐four percent of participants engaged in the Health Check‐in process, resulting in many reported benefits for those who participated. However, there were also barriers to initiating the Check‐in, along with challenges using the COVID Check‐in Tool, according to both the adults with disabilities who were interviewed and the family caregivers. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of considering ways to integrate tools into routine healthcare practices, to facilitate improved healthcare delivery for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during pandemic recovery efforts. As well, involving people with lived experience in the development and implementation of healthcare resources is critical. Accessible Summary: Our team worked together to make a tool that would help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities talk to their doctor about health problems after not seeing them a lot because of the pandemic. We called this tool the 'COVID Check‐in'.Then people from our team taught online health courses about how to use the COVID Check‐in Tool and other health topics.After the courses were over, we asked 36 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 96 family caregivers if they had a Health Check‐in with their doctor and how it went, or what problems they had with it.Almost half of the people who took the courses had a Health Check‐in and most of the people thought it was helpful. Some people did not do it or did it but had problems with it.We end the paper with some ideas of how to make it easier to check in with the doctor and why it is important to include people with disabilities and family caregivers when making healthcare tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether induction of labor (IOL) is associated with cesarean birth (CB) and perinatal mortality in uncomplicated first births at term compared with expectant management outside the confines of a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Population‐based retrospective cohort study of all births in Victoria, Australia, from 2010 to 2018 (n = 640,191). Preliminary analysis compared IOL at 37 weeks with expectant management at that gestational age and beyond for uncomplicated pregnancies. Similar comparisons were made for IOL at 38, 39, 40, and 41 weeks of gestation and expectant management. The primary analysis repeated these comparisons, limiting the population to nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancies and excluding those with a medical indication for IOL. We compared perinatal mortality between groups using Chi‐square tests and multivariable logistic regression for all other comparisons. Adjusted odds ratios and 99% confidence intervals were reported. p < 0.01 denoted statistical significance. Results: Among nulliparous, uncomplicated pregnancies at ≥37 weeks of gestation in Victoria, IOL increased from 24.6% in 2010 to 30.0% in 2018 (p < 0.001). In contrast to the preliminary analysis, the primary analysis showed that IOL in lower‐risk nulliparous women was associated with increased odds of CB when performed at 38 (aOR 1.23(1.13–1.32)), 39 (aOR 1.31(1.23–1.40)), 40 (aOR 1.42(1.35–1.50)), and 41 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.43(1.35–1.51)). Perinatal mortality was rare in both groups and non‐significantly lower in the induced group at most gestations. Discussion: For lower‐risk nulliparous women, the odds of CB increased with IOL from 38 weeks of gestation, along with decreased odds of perinatal mortality at 41 weeks only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is minimal research investigating the influence of advice on decision‐making in older age. The present study investigated the effect of different types of bad advice, relative to no advice, on young and older adults' decision‐making in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Fifty‐four older adults and 59 young adults completed the IGT after receiving no advice, or advice to select from disadvantageous deck A (small, high‐frequency losses), or disadvantageous deck B (larger, low‐frequency losses). Corrugator EMG, memory and fluid intelligence were assessed. Averaged across advice conditions, older adults made more disadvantageous selections than young adults. There were no age‐related differences in responding to bad advice, nor in corrugator activity in response to losses (i.e. frowning), or in learning to avoid deck A faster than deck B. Selecting from deck B was associated with reduced education among older adults, and reduced fluid intelligence among young adults. The data suggest that older adults make more disadvantageous decisions than young adults, and this is not exacerbated by bad advice. Both young and older adults are slower at learning to avoid choices resulting in low frequency relative to high‐frequency losses, and this may be associated with individual differences in cognitive processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome significantly impairs quality of life, often necessitating pharmacological interventions with associated risks. The fragility of OAB trial outcomes, as measured by the fragility index (FI: smallest number of event changes to reverse statistical significance) and quotient (FQ: FI divided by total sample size expressed as a percentage), is critical yet unstudied. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials on OAB medications published between January 2000 and August 2023. Inclusion criteria were trials with two parallel arms reporting binary outcomes related to OAB medications. We extracted trial details, outcomes, and statistical tests employed. We calculated FI and FQ, analyzing associations with trial characteristics through linear regression. Results: We included 57 trials with a median sample size of 211 participants and a 12% median lost to follow‐up. Most studies investigated anticholinergics (37/57, 65%). The median FI/FQ was 5/3.5%. Larger trials were less fragile (median FI 8; FQ 1.0%) compared to medium (FI: 4; FQ 2.5%) and small trials (FI: 4; FQ 8.3%). Double‐blinded studies exhibited higher FQs (median 2.9%) than unblinded trials (6.7%). Primary and secondary outcomes had higher FIs (median 5 and 6, respectively) than adverse events (FI: 4). Each increase in 10 participants was associated with a +0.19 increase in FI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A change in outcome for a median of five participants, or 3.5% of the total sample size, could reverse the direction of statistical significance in OAB trials. Studies with larger sample sizes and efficacy outcomes from blinded trials were less fragile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion The aim of the study was to analyze the association between de novo urethral hypermobility 6 months postpartum and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms at 6 months and 12 years after first delivery. Risk factors associated with the development of postnatal urethral hypermobility were also examined.A longitudinal cohort study was conducted on primigravid women, after excluding those with UI before pregnancy and/or urethral hypermobility (rotational angle ≥30°) at term. At 6 months postpartum, SUI was assessed based on symptoms and introital ultrasound performed to measure rotational angle (difference between urethro‐pelvic angle at rest and at maximum Valsalva). Twelve years after delivery, women were sent a questionnaire including SUI assessment and questions on parity, current age, and body mass index. Continuous variables were compared using student's t‐test and qualitative variables using chi‐squared tests. A logistic regression model was constructed including variables that reached statistical significance (P < 0.05) in the univariate analysis.Of the 314 women who completed the 6‐month follow‐up, 265 (84.4%) were successfully contacted and completed the questionnaire at 12 years and these formed the study group. In 127 women (47.9%), de novo urethral hypermobility had developed by 6 months postpartum. There was no association between urethral hypermobility and SUI symptoms 6 months postpartum (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.59–2.33). Twelve years after delivery, however, SUI was reported by 110 women overall (41.5%) and nearly half of the women who developed postnatal urethral hypermobility (61/127, 48.0%).De novo urethral hypermobility 6 months postpartum constitutes a risk factor for SUI 12 years later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Methods Results Conclusions To explore the causal relationship between cystatin C levels and different stages of diabetic retinopathy through Mendelian randomization (MR).The MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit provided the Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) data related to cystatin C (exposure). GWAS data for outcomes [DR, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), severe non‐proliferative background diabetic retinopathy (SNPBDR)] were sourced from the FinnGen. Adopted Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), MR‐Egger regression MR‐PRESSO, Weighted Median, Constrained Maximum Likelihood and Model Averaging (cML‐MA), Weighted model, Radial MR, and MR‐Lasso to estimate the causal relationship between cystatin C and diabetic retinopathy. We conducted multivariable MR analysis to evaluate the independent causal effects of cystatin C levels on diabetic retinopathy.Based on the IVW method, we observed a causal relationship between cystatin C and diabetic retinopathy [odds ratio (OR)random effect = 1.137, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.035–1.250]/PDR (ORrandom effect = 1.123, 95%CI: 1.004–1.255)/SNPBDR (ORfixed effect = 2.002, 95%CI: 1.343–2.986). Consistent findings were obtained through the cML‐MA method. Cochran's Q test suggested the presence of heterogeneity between the cystatin C level and instrumental variables in relation to diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, respectively. After adjusting for outliers using MR‐PRESSO and Radial MR, it was observed that the statistical significance of the association between cystatin C level and diabetic retinopathy persists. Reverse MR analysis indicated that genetically related SNPBDR may influence the cystatin C level. In multivariable MR analysis, there were indications suggesting a causal relationship of cystatin C with the risk of DR/PDR/SNPBDR adjusting for confounders.This study utilizes Mendelian randomization analyses to establish a causal relationship between cystatin C and diabetic retinopathy, and reveals the impact of cystatin C on the risk of diabetic retinopathy, thus providing new evidence for clinical intervention of diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusions The objective of this long‐term retrospective study was to evaluate the fracture rate and the risk factors associated with the fracture of 3.3 mm narrow diameter implants (NDIs).A total of 524 records of patients rehabilitated with 3.3 mm NDIs between 1997 and 2015 were assessed. Data on patients, implants, and prostheses were collected, and descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. NDIs were separated into 2 groups: “fractured” and “non‐fractured”, and a multilevel logistic regression model was applied to identify the risk factors associated with NDI fracture.Eighty‐four patients were removed from the analysis for interrupting follow‐up or presenting failures other than fractures. Of the 440 patients included (64.66 ± 13.4 years), 272 were females (61.8%), and 168 males (38.2%), and mean follow‐up time was 129 ± 47.1 months. Of the 1428 NDIs, 15 (1.05%) in 9 patients (2.04%) fractured during the studied period. Ten fractures (66.66%) happened in 6 patients (66.66%) showing signs of parafunction. NDI with modified sandblasted, large grit, acid‐etched surface was the only implant variable to show a protective statistical significance (p = .0439).NDI fracture was a rare event in the studied sample. NDIs manufactured with modified sandblasted, large grit, acid‐etched surface may provide extra protection against NDI fracture. Patient‐specific factors and implant characteristics should be carefully considered to limit the risk of fracture of 3.3 mm NDIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize the circumstances of drug overdose deaths and determine whether naloxone administration differed by overdose decedent race and ethnicity. Design and setting: Analysis of data on unintentional and undetermined intent drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania (2019–21) was collected from death certificates and the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for overdose death circumstances and the odds of naloxone administration were estimated by race/ethnicity and year. Cases: The analytical sample included 3386 fatal overdose decedents in 2019, 3864 in 2020 and 3816 in 2021. Measurements Evidence of naloxone administration (yes/no) was defined using scene evidence and toxicology reports from coroner and medical examiner records, while race/ethnicity (Hispanic, non‐Hispanic Black, non‐Hispanic White) was based on the death certificate. Findings In the analytic sample, overdose death rates were the highest among Black people and increased over time (rate per 10 000 population, 2019: 4.3; 2020: 6.1; 2021: 6.5); rates were lowest among White people and remained constant over time (rate per 10 000 population, 2019: 2.6; 2020: 2.7; 2021: 2.6). Throughout all years, Black decedents had approximately 40–50% lower odds of naloxone administration compared with White decedents as referent [2019: odds ratio (OR) = 0.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5–0.9; 2020: OR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4–0.7; 2021: OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.5–0.8], while Hispanic decedents had similar odds of naloxone administration to that of White decedents. Conclusion: After controlling for overdose circumstances in drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania, USA, from 2019 to 2021, Black people had lower odds of naloxone administration compared with White people, while there were no differences between Hispanic and White people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect on adhesive layer thickness, bond strength, and adhesive failure pattern of the application of universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal) using either manual or rotary brush in dentin previously impregnated with bioceramic sealer (Sealer Plus BC) using a manual brush, at 24 h and 1 year. Eighty‐eight bovine crowns were divided into four groups (n = 22) according to the intervention: (i) use of bioceramic sealer and adhesive application using manual brush, (ii) use of bioceramic sealer and adhesive application using rotary brush, (iii) use of resin sealer and adhesive application using manual brush, and (iv) use of resin sealer and adhesive application using rotary brush. Subsequently, specimens were restored with a composite resin (Filtek Z‐250). Adhesive layer thickness was evaluated using confocal microscopy. Bond strength was assessed using the microtensile bond strength test, and adhesive failure pattern was evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA/Tukey tests. Specimens where a rotary brush had been used exhibited lower adhesive layer thickness. Specimens treated with resin sealer and using a manual brush showed lower bond strength values and a higher occurrence of adhesive failures at 24 h and 1 year than specimens treated with bioceramic sealer and using rotary brush for adhesive application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Existing evidence indicates that atypical sensory reactivity is a core characteristic of autism, and has been linked to both anxiety (and its putative infant precursor of fearfulness) and repetitive behaviours. However, most work has used cross‐sectional designs and not considered the differential roles of hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity to sensory inputs, and is thus limited in specificity. Methods: 161 infants with and without an elevated likelihood of developing autism and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were followed from 10 to 36 months of age. Parents rated an infant precursor of later anxiety (fearfulness) using the Infant Behaviour Questionnaire at 10 and 14 months, and the Early Childhood Behavioural Questionnaire at 24 months, and sensory hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity at 10, 14 and 24 months using the Infant Toddler Sensory Profile. Domains of autistic traits (restrictive and repetitive behaviours; RRB, and social communication interaction, SCI) were assessed using the parent‐rated Social Responsiveness Scale at 36 months. Cross‐lagged models tested (a) paths between fearfulness and hyperreactivity at 10–24 months, and from fearfulness and hyperreactivity to later autism traits, (b) the specificity of hyperreactivity effects by including hyporeactivity as a correlated predictor. Results: Hyperreactivity at 14 months was positively associated with fearfulness at 24 months, and hyperreactivity at 24 months was positively associated with SCI and RRB at 36 months. When hyporeactivity was included in the model, paths between hyperreactivity and fearfulness remained, but paths between hyperreactivity and autistic traits became nonsignificant. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that alterations in early sensory reactivity may increase the likelihood of showing fearfulness in infancy, and relate to later social interactions and repetitive behaviours, particularly in individuals with a family history of autism or ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Access site complications remain common following atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. Femoral vascular closure devices (VCDs) reduce time to hemostasis compared with manual compression, although large‐scale data comparing clinical outcomes between the two approaches are lacking. Methods: Two cohorts of patients undergoing AF ablation were identified from 36 healthcare organizations using a global federated research network (TriNetX): those receiving a VCD for femoral hemostasis, and those not receiving a VCD. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) model based on baseline characteristics was used to create two comparable cohorts. The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality, vascular complications, bleeding events, and need for blood transfusion. Outcomes were assessed during early (within 7 days of ablation) and extended follow‐up (within 8–30 days of ablation). Results: After PSM, 28 872 patients were included (14 436 in each cohort). The primary composite outcome occurred less frequently in the VCD cohort during early (1.97% vs. 2.60%, odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.88; p <.001) and extended follow‐up (1.15% vs. 1.43%, OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65–0.98; p =.032). This was driven by a lower rate of vascular complications during early follow‐up in the VCD cohort (0.83% vs. 1.26%, OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52–0.83; p <.001), and fewer bleeding events during early (0.90% vs. 1.23%, OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58–0.92; p =.007) and extended follow‐up (0.36% vs. 0.59%, OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.86; p =.005). Conclusion: Following AF ablation, femoral venous hemostasis with a VCD was associated with reduced complications compared with hemostasis without a VCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Esophageal safety following radiofrequency (RF) left atrial (LA) linear ablation has not been established. To determine the esophageal safety profile of LA linear RF lesions, we performed systematic esophagogastroduodenoscopy in all patients with intraesophageal temperature rise (ITR) ≥ 38.5°C. Methods and Results: Between December 2021 and July 2023, a total of 200 consecutive patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) underwent linear ablation with posterior dome (roof or floor) or posterior mitral isthmus line transection. Patients with ITR ≥ 38.5°C were scheduled for esophageal endoscopy ~3 weeks after ablation. Patient and ATA characteristics, procedural parameters, endoscopy findings and ablation lesion data were collected and analyzed. One hundred thirty‐three out of 200 (67%) patients showed ITR ≥ 38.5°C during LA linear ablation. ITR (with maximal temperature of 45.7°C) was more frequently observed during floor line ablation (82% of cases). ITR was less observed during roof line ablation (34%) and posterior mitral isthmus ablation (4%). Endoscopy, performed in 115 patients after 24 ± 10 days, showed esophageal ulceration in four patients (two patients Kansas City classification [KCC] 2a and two patients KCC 2b). No patient showed esophageal perforation or fistula. Conclusion: Temperature rise during LA linear ablation is frequent and ulceration risk exists, particularly when floor line is performed. Safety measures are needed to avoid potential severe complications like esophageal perforation and fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the accuracy of implant position, using a combination of static and dynamic computer‐assisted implant surgery (CAIS), with either static, dynamic, or freehand implant placement, in fully edentulous arches. Materials and Methods: Twenty‐one patients with a total of 88 fixtures were included. Implants were divided equally into four groups: a combination of static and dynamic CAIS (SD group), static CAIS (S group), dynamic CAIS (D group), and freehand placement (FH group). Angular deviation, as well as the 3D platform and apex deviations, were measured for all groups. Furthermore, the direction of implant deviation was recorded and compared. Results: The FH group showed significantly more deviation compared to all groups, considering all the aspects, and at both the implant platform and apex. A significant difference in angular deviation between the SD and S groups (p <.001), and between the SD and D groups (p <.001) was noted, favoring the SD group. When evaluating implant distribution, the FH group showed a tendency towards the buccal, apical, and distal directions at platform and apex, while in the D group, implants shifted more to the buccal. In contrast, the SD group did not show a trend toward any specific direction. The S and SD groups did not show a statistical significance considering any direction. Conclusions: The combination of static and dynamic CAIS increases the accuracy of implant placement in fully edentulous arches when compared with either static or dynamic CAIS alone, as well as freehand placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To implement and evaluate the impact of a collaborative pharmacist‐medical officer model of planning discharge prescriptions, Partnered Pharmacist Discharge Prescription Planning (PPDPP) on the safe use of medicines on discharge in an ED short stay unit (SSU). Methods: A prospective pre‐ and post‐intervention study measured the proportion of medication errors on discharge prescriptions from the SSU using the Five Rights (5Rs) method. Pharmacists assessed discharge prescriptions generated by the medical officers (MO) during the pre‐intervention phase (standard practice). During the PPDPP phase, pharmacists planned electronic prescriptions in consultation with MO and completed prescriptions were independently assessed by another pharmacist. Results: There were 163 and 147 prescriptions collected during the pre‐ and post‐intervention phases, respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of discharge prescriptions that met all 5Rs between the standard practice (47.2%) and PPDPP phase (91.8%) (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference seen in the mean time taken from discharge decision to prescriptions given to patients or patients leaving the SSU between the two phases. There was a non‐statically significant trend towards a decrease in time taken for patients to obtain prescriptions by 11% (P = 0.16) and for actual departure time by 6% (P = 0.46). Additionally, the proportion of opioids prescribed as one of the high‐risk medication classes reduced from 23.8% to 16.2% (P = 0.023) with the PPDPP model. Conclusion: The PPDPP model improved medications safety on discharge from the ED SSU. The PPDPP did not impact patient flow parameters as measured in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) diagnosis poses challenges for couples seeking parenthood. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (MD‐TESE) excels in retrieving testicular sperm cells for NOA cases. However, limited live birth data in Australian NOA patients hinders accurate counselling. Aims: This study aimed to determine the likelihood of infertile couples with a male partner diagnosed with NOA conceiving biological children using MD‐TESE / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study included 108 NOA men treated at a public fertility unit and a private fertility centre (May 2009–May 2022). Primary outcome: live birth rate (LBR); secondary outcomes: sperm retrieval rate, pregnancy rate, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Among 108 patients undergoing MD‐TESE, the positive sperm retrieval rate (PSRR) was 64.8% (70/108). Histology best predicted sperm retrieval success, with hypo‐spermatogenesis yielding a 94.1% PSRR. Age, testicular volume, and hormonal parameters had no significant impact. Mean male age: 35.4 years; mean partner age: 32.7 years. Fertilisation rate: 50.7%. LBR per initiated cycle: 58.7% (37/63); per embryo transfer: 63.8% (37/58); per initially diagnosed NOA man: 34.3% (37/108). Cumulative LBR: 74.1% (43/58); twin rate: 10.8% (4/37). No neonatal deaths or defects were observed among 47 live offspring. Conclusion: This study provides valuable data for counselling NOA couples on the probability of conceiving biological offspring. MD‐TESE and ICSI yielded favourable PSRR (64.8%) and LBR (63.8%). However, couples should be aware that once NOA is confirmed, the chance of taking home a baby is 34%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiome field has grown significantly in the past decade, and published studies have provided an overview of the microorganisms inhabiting the skin of companion animals. With the continued growth and interest in this field, concerns have been raised regarding sample collection methods, reagent contamination, data processing and environmental factors that may impair data interpretation (especially as related to low‐biomass skin samples). In order to assure transparency, it is important to report all steps from sample collection to data analysis, including use of proper controls, and to make sequence data and sample metadata publicly available. Whilst interstudy variation will continue to exist, efforts to standardise methods will reduce confounding variables, and allow for reproducibility and comparability of results between studies. Companion animal microbiome studies often include clinical cases, and small sample sizes may result in lack of statistical significance within small datasets. The ability to combine results from standardised studies through meta‐analyses would mitigate the limitations of these smaller studies, providing for more robust interpretation of results which could then inform clinical decisions. In this narrative review, we aim to present considerations for designing a study to evaluate the skin microbiome of companion animals, from conception to data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Manchester Intermittent versus Daily Diet App Study (MIDDAS) tested the feasibility and potential efficacy of two remotely delivered low‐energy diet (LED) programmes (800 kcal/day) to support weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes: continuous [CLED] (8 weeks of daily LED) and intermittent [ILED] (2 days of LED/week for 28 weeks). Understanding participant experiences can help us to understand the acceptability of LED programmes to people with type 2 diabetes, informing future programme development and implementation. Methods: Twenty participants (10 CLED; 10 ILED) took part in interviews conducted at the end of the active weight loss phase (CLED week 12, ILED week 28). Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using the template analysis approach, with an a priori focus on acceptability. Four themes are presented: prospective acceptability, intervention coherence and perceived effectiveness, opportunity costs and self‐efficacy. Results: Both remotely supported CLED and ILED interventions appeared acceptable to participants. CLED participants found the rapid initial weight loss phase comparatively easy and highly motivating but expressed more concerns around weight maintenance. ILED participants found the more gradual weight loss initially frustrating but expressed greater confidence in their longer‐term adherence. The importance of continued individualised support from healthcare professionals was emphasised, and evidence of weight loss and improvement in other medical markers through monitoring via the mobile phone app was useful. Conclusion: Different approaches to remotely delivered LEDs appear acceptable; therefore asking patients which approach may be more acceptable to them may be a useful way to offer individualised and tailored support. Key points: We interviewed people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who had taken part in a randomised controlled trial comparing a continuous low‐energy diet (CLED) and an intermittent low‐energy diet (ILED) about how acceptable they found the interventions. We found that both diets appear to be acceptable to people with T2D. Discussing different (CLED/ILED) approaches and their potential benefits and challenges may better prepare patients for a LED, although further research to test the efficacy of ILED for diabetes remission is still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was aimed to obtain an experimental bleaching agent by adding casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) in order to eliminate the mineral loss on the tooth surface after bleaching and to evaluate the bleaching effectiveness. Materials and Methods: In this study, experimental bleaching agents containing 1%, 3% CPP‐ACP and without CPP‐ACP were obtained. Bleaching effectiveness (color change), the effect of bleaching agents on mineral content (energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy), surface morphology (scanning electron microscope), and surface hardness of enamel (Vicker's microhardness) before and after bleaching were evaluated. The obtained data were statistically analyzed. Results: When the bleaching levels of the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was observed between the control and 1% CPP‐ACP groups (p > 0.05) while the addition of 3% CPP‐ACP decreased significantly the effectiveness of the bleaching agent (p < 0.05). When the effects of experimental bleaching agents on surface hardness were examined, while the enamel surface hardness decreased statistically significantly after application in the control group (p < 0.05), no statistically significant change was observed in surface hardness after the application of 1% CPP‐ACP containing bleaching agent (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant increase was observed in surface hardness after the application of 3% CPP‐ACP containing bleaching agent (p < 0.05). When the Ca and P ratio of the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was observed between the control and 1% CPP‐ACP groups (p > 0.05), while they increased significantly in 3% CPP‐ACP group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of 1% CPP‐ACP to the bleaching agent had positive effects on the mineral content and surface hardness of the enamel, and did not negatively affect the whitening effectiveness. Clinical Significance: Adding CPP‐ACP to the bleaching agent at appropriate concentrations can eliminate possible negative effects without compromising the effectiveness of the bleaching agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of full‐arch conventional implant impressions using two different materials (A‐silicone and polyether) to full‐arch digital implant impressions produced from two intraoral scanning devices. Materials and Methods: A master model was fabricated representing an edentulous mandible with four implants with internal connection placed at the sites of canines and first molars. The anterior implants were parallel to the residual ridge, while the two posterior implants had an angulation of 15° to the distal and 15° to the lingual respectively. The conventional technique was performed with open‐tray of non‐splinted impression copings. Two different impression materials were used, A‐silicone and polyether at monophase medium body consistencies. The digital impressions were obtained with the use of two different intraoral scanners, after the connection of scan bodies. A total of 10 impressions were produced for each of the four experimental groups. The conventional models as well as the master model were digitized using a high‐resolution laboratory scanner. The STL files of the models and of the intraoral impressions were imported in a powerful superimposition software, for the conduction of measurements in pairs of files. The software calculated the 3D deviations, as well as the linear and angular displacements among scan bodies at the digital files. For "trueness" measurements every STL file of each experimental group was superimposed to the digital master model, while for "precision" measurements all STL files of each experimental group were superimposed to each other. Results and Conclusions: The accuracy of full arch mandibular implant impressions was influenced both by the impression technique used (conventional vs. digital) and the impression material used (A‐silicone vs. polyether) or the intraoral scanner used (Trios vs. Heron).In terms of "trueness," A‐silicone showed the highest impression accuracy with the lowest deviation values, followed by polyether and Trios, but the differences between the three groups were in the majority not statistically significant. Heron showed statistically lower accuracy results in all measurements compared to the other groups.In terms of "precision", conventional impressions with the use of A‐Silicone or polyether were statistically significantly superior to digital impressions with either scanner. A‐Silicone and polyether showed no statistically significant difference between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary aims of this study were to examine the effects of 9 weeks of aerobic training, comprising three 30‐min sessions per week, on V̇O2max, inhibitory control, and plasma brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels among adolescents aged 16–19 years. Methods: One hundred twenty‐one untrained or recreationally active adolescents from a Danish high school were enrolled in the study, with 58 females (17.8 ± 0.8 years) and 27 males (18.0 ± 0.9 years) completing it. Participants were randomly divided into three groups performing aerobic training at either moderate‐intensity (MIT: 60%–70% heart rate reserve [HRR]) or high‐intensity (HIT: 80%–100% HRR) or a passive control group (CON) continuing their habitual lifestyle. Both the training groups exercised for 3×30 min per week for 9 weeks using a combination of cycling and running. Before and after the intervention period maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and the primary outcomes (inhibitory control measured by a modified flanker task, and resting plasma levels of BDNF) were evaluated. Results: After the intervention period, the HIT group demonstrated a larger increase in V̇O2max compared to both the CON and MIT groups, while no significant effects were observed on inhibitory control or plasma BDNF levels in any training group. However, compared to the CON group, the HIT group exhibited a tendency for greater improvement in the flanker interference score (accuracy), attributable to enhanced accuracy on the incongruent stimuli from pre to post. Conclusion: Aerobic training in adolescents increased cardiorespiratory fitness in an intensity‐dependent manner, but no clear effects were observed on neither inhibitory control nor resting plasma BDNF levels. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02075944. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is usually managed by conservative treatment, but in selected cases, especially in the presence of a tubo‐ovarian abscess (TOA), surgical management is a recognized treatment option. We compared the trends in managing PID and short‐term outcomes before and during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Methods: This is a retrospective study performed in three Italian gynecological centers. We included patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of PID. Demographic characteristics, management, time to diagnosis, and time to treatment were compared before versus during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Results: One hundred nineteen PID patients were screened, eighty‐one before the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, and thirty‐eight after the onset. At admission, leukocytosis (median 19.73 vs. 13.99 WBC/mm3, p‐value = 0.02) was significantly higher in patients who underwent surgery after the onset of the pandemic. TOA incidence was higher in patients who underwent surgery during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, but the difference did not reach statistically significance (p = 0.06). The proportion of patients treated with surgery dropped to 26.3% after the onset from 46% of patients before the onset of pandemic (p = 0.03). Furthermore, a higher percentage of emergency surgical procedures on day 0 of hospital admission were performed after the onset of the pandemic (50% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, we found that the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic influenced the clinical presentation and management of PID in favor of conservative treatment. Patients who underwent surgery during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic had higher inflammatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate primary care practice ownership and specialist‐use patterns for commercially insured children with disabilities. Data Sources and Study Setting: A national commercial claims database and the Health Systems and Provider Database from 2012 to 2016 are the data sources for this study. Study Design: This cross‐sectional, descriptive study examines: (1) the most visited type of pediatric primary care physician and practice (independent or system‐owned); (2) pediatric and non‐pediatric specialist‐use patterns; and (3) how practice ownership relates to specialist‐use patterns. Data Collection/Extraction Methods: This study identifies 133,749 person‐years of commercially insured children with disabilities aged 0–18 years with at least 24 months of continuous insurance coverage by linking a national commercial claims data set with the Health Systems and Provider Database and applying the validated Children with Disabilities Algorithm. Principal Findings: Three‐quarters (75.9%) of children with disabilities received their pediatric primary care in independent practices. Nearly two thirds (59.6%) used at least one specialist with 45.1% using nonpediatric specialists, 28.8% using pediatric ones, and 17.0% using both. Specialist‐use patterns varied by both child age and specialist type. Children with disabilities in independent practices were as likely to see a specialist as those in system‐owned ones: 57.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 56.7%–57.4%) versus 57.3% (95% CI 56.6%–58.0%), respectively (p = 0.635). The percent using two or more types of specialists was 46.1% (95% CI 45.4%–46.7%) in independent practices, comparable to that in systems 47.1% (95% CI 46.2%–48.0%) (p = 0.054). However, the mean number of specialist visits was significantly lower in independent practices than in systems—4.0 (95% CI 3.9%–4.0%) versus 4.4 (95% CI 4.3%–4.6%) respectively—reaching statistical significance with p < 0.0001. Conclusions: Recognizing how privately insured children with disabilities use pediatric primary care from pediatric and nonpediatric primary care specialists through both independent and system‐owned practices is important for improving care quality and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to an increasing occupational usage of isothiazolinone (IT)‐containing preservatives, and their potential to cause skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis, that is, chronic disease, there is a need for more knowledge on how highly exposed workers are affected. Objectives: The overall objective was to explore dermatological symptoms of potentially long‐lasting or chronic character in Swedish painters. Methods: Building painters from western and southern Sweden were initially invited to perform a questionnaire on occurrence of skin symptoms. Participants with affirmative responses, and the right inclusion criteria, were further invited to patch testing with four different ITs: benzisothiazolinone (BIT), methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone. Results: There was a tendency towards higher occurrence of positive patch test reactions among the painters compared with occupationally unexposed registry patients; however, not statistically significant differences. BIT was the substance most frequently causing positive test results in both groups. The occurrence of adult‐onset eczema was higher in painters than in the control group of electricians, and just shy of statistical significance concerning any of several skin locations (face/legs/arms/hands). Conclusion: Building painters present with positive patch test reactions to common paint preservatives (ITs), and they report adult‐onset eczema more often than do less occupationally exposed groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent decades, progress has been made in the care of people with polyhandicap/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) through a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the development of new care management and rehabilitation strategies adapted to these extreme pathologies. Although there is a lack of knowledge about the health status and care management of the oldest people, a better understanding of the natural course of life of people with polyhandicap/PIMD would consequently allow the optimisation of preventive and curative care management strategies. Few robust data on mortality and life expectancy have been documented for this population in France. Our aims are to estimate the median survival time and assess the factors associated with mortality in people with polyhandicap/PIMD receiving care in France. Methods: This study included people with polyhandicap/PIMD, followed by the French national cohort 'Eval‐PLH' since 2015. These individuals were included in specialised rehabilitation centres and residential institutions. The people included in the first wave of the cohort (2015–2016) were eligible for the present study. Vital status on 1 January 2022 (censoring date) was collected in two ways: (1) spontaneous reporting by the participating centre to the coordinating team and (2) systematic checking on the French national death platform. According to the vital status, survival was calculated in years from the date of birth to the date of death or from the date of birth to the censoring date. The factors associated with mortality were evaluated using the Cox proportional regression hazards model. Results: Data from 780 individuals aged between 3 and 67 years were analysed. At the censoring date, 176 (22.6%) had died, and the mean survival was 52.8 years (95% confidence interval: 51.1–54.5). Mortality was significantly associated with a progressive aetiology, recurrent pulmonary infections, drug‐resistant epilepsy and a higher number of medical devices. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time the survival and impact of factors associated with mortality in people with polyhandicap/PIMD in France. Highlights: This study is the first to examine and estimate the median survival of people with polyhandicap/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in France.Data from a national cohort include a large number of people with polyhandicap/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.The first results from robust mortality data on people with polyhandicap/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities cared for in France.The instability of this disorder and the high number of medical devices are the main factors associated with earlier mortality in people with polyhandicap/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background study: Computer‐assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) has emerged as an important resource for second language (L2) pronunciation learning. CAPT offers diverse opportunities for learners to master L2 pronunciation with the help of authentic learning activities in multiple contexts. Objectives: This study presents a comprehensive overview to examine the overall effect of using a computer in learning pronunciation in multiple settings and diverse educational levels with the assistance of different tools. Methods: The meta‐analysis consisted of 31 primary studies that reported results obtained from experimental vs. control group designs. These studies reported 42 effect sizes in the results. Results: The findings of the meta‐analysis indicated that using CAPT in learning pronunciation had an overall medium effect size. Similarly, the results showed that using CAPT inside the classrooms had a large effect size. The results also showed that CAPT had a large effect size when used in schools and other formal learning contexts, such as language institutes. CAPT had a medium effect when it was used in universities. The results also showed that using videos for learning pronunciation had a large effect size while other tools had a medium effect size. Conclusions: The study findings contribute to understanding the overall effect of CAPT and offer implications for educators and practitioners involved in designing effective instructional strategies for enhancing L2 pronunciation skills. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Computer‐Assisted Pronunciation Training has emerged as a valuable tool for L2 pronunciation learning.The variables that may affect the using of Computer‐Assisted Pronunciation Training include settings, educational level and CAPT tools. What this paper adds: The study drew on a meta‐analytic framework to examine the overall effect of using a computer in learning pronunciation in different settings and in different educational levels with the help of different tools.The meta‐analysis consisted of 31 primary studies reported results obtained from experimental vs. control group design. Implications for practice and/or policy: Language instructors are requested to incorporate CAPT in their teaching of L2 pronunciation.The integration of CAPT can be to any educational stage (i.e., schools, colleges, etc.).To optimize the benefits of CAPT, instructors should consider integrating videos, games, and other multimedia elements into their teaching practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study investigated the adjunctive effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on bone formation in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) sockets. Materials and Methods: Both mandibular second, third and fourth premolars of eight beagle dogs were randomly divided into ARP and ARP/PDRN groups. Following tooth extraction, ARP procedures were conducted using collagenized alloplastic graft material and bilayer collagen membrane soaked with normal saline (ARP group) or PDRN (ARP/PDRN group) for 10 min before application. Both groups were also randomly allocated to 2‐, 4‐ or 12‐week healing subgroups. The primary endpoint of this study was to compare histomorphometric differences between ARP and ARP/PDRN. The secondary endpoints of this study were to compare micro‐CT analysis and three‐dimensional volumetric measurement between the two groups. Results: In the histomorphometric analysis, the ARP/PDRN group exhibited greater new bone formation at coronal, middle and total position compared with the ARP group at 2‐week healing. The number of newly formed blood vessels was higher in the ARP/PDRN group than in the ARP group at 2‐ and 4‐week healing. In micro‐CT analysis, the mean new bone volume/total bone volume between ARP and ARP/PDRN was statistically significant at 2‐week healing. Ridge volume alterations were significantly decreased in the ARP/PDRN group during entire healing time compared with the ARP group, especially on the buccal side. Conclusions: The application of PDRN in ARP might provide additional benefits for early bone regeneration and maintenance of buccal ridge volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase Ib trials are common in oncology development but often are not powered for statistical significance. Go/no‐go decisions are largely driven by observed trends in response data. We applied a bootstrapping method to systematically compare tumor dynamic end points to historical control data to identify drugs with clinically meaningful efficacy. A proprietary mathematical model calibrated to phase Ib anti–PD‐1 therapy trial data (KEYNOTE‐001) was used to simulate thousands of phase Ib trials (n = 30) with a combination of anti–PD‐1 therapy and four novel agents with varying efficacy. A redacted bootstrapping method compared these results to a simulated phase III control arm (N = 511) while adjusting for differences in trial duration and cohort size to determine the probability that the novel agent provides clinically meaningful efficacy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed strong ability to separate drugs with modest (area under ROC [AUROC] = 83%), moderate (AUROC = 96%), and considerable efficacy (AUROC = 99%) from placebo in early‐phase trials (n = 30). The method was shown to effectively move drugs with a range of efficacy through an in silico pipeline with an overall success rate of 93% and false‐positive rate of 7.5% from phase I to phase III. This model allows for effective comparisons of tumor dynamics from early clinical trials with more mature historical control data and provides a framework to predict drug efficacy in early‐phase trials. We suggest this method should be employed to improve decision making in early oncology trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) on immunoglobulin (Ig) quantities in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been extensively studied. Methods: We analyzed Ig levels in 45 stable patients with indolent CLL (without indication for treatment) and 87 patients with progressive disease before first‐line treatment. Fifty‐five patients were evaluated again after the treatment with CIT. Results: We observed significantly lower levels of all Ig classes and subclasses in patients with progressive disease compared to patients with indolent disease. After treatment, median IgA increased from 0.59 g/L to 0.74 g/L (p = 0.0031). In stable patients, lower IgA2 was associated with shorter time to first treatment, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Shorter overall survival was observed in patients with progressive disease and lower IgG2 (p = 0.043). Surprisingly, among the patients with progressive CLL, unmutated IGHV genes were associated with higher levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgM, while TP53 mutation and/or 17p deletion were associated with higher levels of IgA and IgA1. Conclusions: CIT may lead to increase in IgA levels. Hypogammaglobulinemia is more common in patients with progressive CLL and unmutated IGHV or TP53 dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychosocial function of Chinese temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain patients and the correlation with somatosensory function has not been sufficiently studied. Objective: The study aims at assessing the psychosocial function of Chinese TMD pain patients by visualisation method and evaluating the correlations with somatosensory function quantitatively. Methods: The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) questionnaire and standardised quantitative sensory testing (QST) were administered to 70 Chinese TMD pain patients and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs). Of these, 40 TMD arthralgia patients received QST before and after medication. Psychosocial and somatosensory parameters were transformed into standardised scores. Differences within groups were assessed through t tests. Correlations between psychosocial and somatosensory profiles were explored through correlation analyses with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: 100% of the Chinese TMD pain patients exhibited psychosocial distress in contrast to HCs. Anger and hostility showed negative correlation with the thermal nonnociceptive parameter (thermal sensory limen, p =.002) and nociceptive parameters (cold pain threshold and pain pressure threshold, p<.001). Correlation analysis indicated that cold detection threshold was negatively correlated with somatization and mechanical pain sensitivity had a negative correlation with anger and hostility through medical treatment (p <.001). Conclusions: Visual psychosocial profiles provided an easy overview of psychosocial function in Chinese TMD pain patients. Anger and hostility was associated with increased thermal nonnociceptive and nociceptive sensitivity to stimuli. Psychosocial distress might be negatively associated with TMD treatment response which indicated a possible need for psychological intervention during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermoscopy is a non‐invasive, cost‐effective tool useful in the assessment of pigmented lesions. The aim of this study was to analyze the dermoscopic features in excised melanomas in a tertiary hospital in Brazil and the influence of Breslow thickness on the dermoscopic features observed. Methods: An observational, cross‐sectional study in which dermoscopic images of 43 melanomas were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: in situ, thin invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness <1 mm), and thick invasive melanoma (Breslow thickness ≥1 mm). Results: We studied 33 patients with 43 melanomas. Twenty‐one (48.8%) were melanoma in situ, 16 (37.2%) were thin melanomas, and 6 (14%) were thick melanomas. The most frequent dermoscopic criteria observed in all cases were atypical pigment network, multiple colors (3 or more), asymmetrical blotches, and peripheral asymmetric dots and globules. There was a statistically significant difference in the three groups regarding the frequency of atypical vessels, white scar areas, blue‐white veil, shiny white structures, and radial streaming. The group of invasive melanomas presented with a higher frequency and statistical significance (P < 0.05) of atypical vessels, white scar areas, blue‐white veil, and shiny white structures when compared to in situ melanomas. The presence of radial streaming and blue‐white veil was more frequent in thick invasive melanomas than in thin invasive melanomas. The presence of a higher number of structures was seen in invasive melanomas, with a median of 5 and 7.5 structures for thin and thick invasive tumors, respectively. Conclusions: In line with prior data, we identified an association between invasive melanomas and structures linked to fibrosis and tumor vascularity. Specifically, we noted the presence of atypical vessels, scar‐like white areas, a blue‐white veil, and shiny white structures. Also, a higher number of dermoscopic structures was seen in invasive melanomas. In thicker melanomas, we observed additional findings, including a higher frequency of radial streaming and a blue‐white veil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess and compare the effect of Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in treating stage II periodontitis. Methods: A single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 180 patients with stage II periodontitis who received full‐mouth SRP. They were randomly assigned to receive chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) gel, Morus alba (MA) and placebo gel for Groups A, B and C, respectively, at the baseline, 15 days and 30 days. Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and quantitative analysis (culture) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were assessed at baseline and 45 days. Analysis of variance was used to compare the significant difference in PI, GI, PPD and microbiological parameters between the three groups after the intervention, followed by post hoc Mann–Whitney U and Tukey's HSD test for clinical and microbiological parameters, respectively. Results: Intergroup comparison of the PI, GI and microbiological parameters between the MA and CHX groups at the end of 45 days did not show a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05), whereas a statistically significant difference was observed for PPD between MA and CHX groups with the mean difference of 0.18 mm (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Morus alba gel was found to be effective in decreasing PPD. However, there was no difference between Morus alba and chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to SRP in treating stage II periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To validate the level of agreement between self‐report and clinical examination for oral conditions and evaluate the effect of sociodemographic conditions on the validity of self‐report among women aged 60 and older. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a social community center for seniors in Southern Brazil. Sociodemographic data (age, level of education, and income) were measured. Participants were interviewed and clinically examined for the number of teeth (DMF‐T index) and the use of dental prostheses. The self‐reported number of teeth in each arch and the use of dental prostheses were gathered through interviews. The level of agreement was estimated using the observed agreement, Kappa statistics, sensitivity/specificity (edentulism/prostheses) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, and related tests (number of teeth). The validity of the oral conditions was estimated according to sociodemographic information. Results: Ninety‐nine women participated in the study. High levels of agreement were observed for edentulism (97.8%; 95%CI 92.8;99.7; Kappa 0.947) and the use of dental prostheses (97.0%; 95%CI 91.3;99.4; Kappa 0.922). In both conditions, despite achieving similar concordance correlation coefficients (ranging from weak to moderate), the mean number of upper teeth was lower in clinical examination (7.1 ± 5.2) compared with self‐reported (8.6 ± 3.6), while the opposite was observed for lower teeth (clinical examination: 9.1 ± 3.4; self‐reported: 6.6 ± 5.3). Larger differences were found among women of low income and educational levels. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the participants' socio‐economic position might influence their self‐reported number of teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture of seahorses Hippocampus erectus in captivity represents a window of opportunity for the diversification of the aquaculture activity in the ornamental industry. In this study, we have constructed a bioeconomic model to evaluate the optimal harvest time (OHT) over a culture period of 562 days. The bioeconomic model was integrated with three submodels: biological, technological, and economic. Three different mortality rates were used for different periods in culture, registering a higher survival in the period from 0 to 60 days with a rate of 53.4%. The sensitivity analysis showed that the mortality rate in this period was the parameter with the greatest influence on the benefits. The Von Bertalanffy growth model was indicated to describe the growth of H. erectus given its statistical significance using Theil's inequality coefficient, registering parameters of (L∞ = 141.62 mm) and (k = 0.0049 month‐1). The bioeconomic model determined the OHT in the 4th month of culture, the time when the maximum profit is recorded. It is concluded that the culture presents challenges to be addressed although the bioeconomic model allows for demonstrating the OHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of local treatment (LT), including radiotherapy (RT) and cytoreductive prostatectomy (CRP), in improving outcomes for patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer (OmPCa).A systematic review and meta‐analysis of articles from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science published between 2010 and November 2023 were conducted. The study included 11 articles, comprising three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight retrospective analyses. The study assessed overall survival (OS), radiographic progression‐free survival (rPFS), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) PFS, cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and complication rate (CR).OS was significantly improved in the LT group, with both RCTs and non‐RCTs showing statistical significance [hazard ratios (HR) = 0.64; 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), 0.51–0.80; p < 0.0001; HR = 0.55; 95% CIs, 0.40–0.77; p = 0.0004]. For rPFS, RCTs did not show statistically significant outcomes (HR = 0.60; 95% CIs, 0.34–1.07; p = 0.09), whereas non‐RCTs demonstrated significant results (HR = 0.42; 95% CIs, 0.24–0.72; p = 0.002). Both RCTs and non‐RCTs showed a significant improvement in PSA‐PFS (HR = 0.44; 95%CI, 0.29–0.67; p = 0.0001; HR = 0.51; 95% CIs, 0.32–0.81; p = 0.004). For CSS, RCTs demonstrated statistical differences (HR = 0.65; 95% CIs, 0.47–0.90; p = 0.009), whereas non‐RCTs did not (HR = 0.61; 95% CIs, 0.29–1.27; p = 0.19). Regarding CR, the risk difference was −0.22 (95% CIs, −0.32 to −0.12; p < 0.00001).LT significantly improved OS and PFS in patients with OmPCa. Further RCTs are necessary to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant movement in chronic low back pain (CLBP) is associated with a deficit in the lumbar multifidus (LM) and changes in cortical topography. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a‐tDCS) can be used to enhance cortical excitability by priming the neuromuscular system for motor control exercise (MCE), thereby enhancing LM activation and movement control. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6‐week MCE program combined with a‐tDCS on cortical topography, LM activation, movement patterns, and clinical outcomes in individuals with CLBP. Methods: Twenty‐two individuals with CLBP were randomly allocated to the a‐tDCS group (a‐tDCS; n = 12) or sham‐tDCS group (s‐tDCS; n = 10). Both groups received 20 min of tDCS followed by 30 min of MCE. The LM and erector spinae (ES) cortical topography, LM activation, movement control battery tests, and clinical outcomes (disability and quality of life) were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention. Results: Significant interaction (group × time; p < 0.01) was found in the distance between LM and ES cortical locations. The a‐tDCS group demonstrated significantly fewer discrete peaks (p < 0.05) in both ES and LM and significant improvements (p < 0.05) in clinical outcomes post‐intervention. The s‐tDCS group demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of discrete peaks in the LM cortical topography. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in LM activation were observed in either group; however, both groups demonstrated improved movement patterns. Discussion: Our findings suggest that combined a‐tDCS with MCE can separate LM and ES locations over time while s‐tDCS (MCE alone) reduces the distance. Our study did not find superior benefits of adding a‐tDCS before MCE for LM activation, movement patterns, or clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This retrospective cohort study investigated the relationship between sarcopenia and Activities of Daily Living capacity after discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. Methods: We included consecutive patients discharged from three convalescent rehabilitation wards in a hospital in Japan between December 2018 and October 2020. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the criteria of the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, utilizing skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength. Statistical analyses were carried out separately for men and women. The primary outcome was a higher motor domain (motor Functional Independence Measure [mFIM]) and a higher cognitive domain (cognitive Functional Independence Measure [cFIM]) of the FIM score 1 month after discharge. The secondary outcomes were higher mFIM and cFIM scores 6 months after discharge, analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: Among 305 participants (mean age 70.0 years, 148 men), 93 were identified as having sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 16% for outpatient rehabilitation services, 59% for home‐visit rehabilitation services and 50% for older adult day care. Logistic regression analyses showed that sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM at 1 month (odds ratio [OR] 20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31–1300 for men, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.11–2.4 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.10–3.8 for men, OR 5.3, 95% CI 0.81–34 for women). At 6 months, sarcopenia at discharge was not an independent variable for mFIM (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.02–3.6 for men, OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.06–2.5 for women) and cFIM (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.01–2.4 for men, OR 0.00, 95% CI 0.00–1.1 for women). Conclusions: Sarcopenia at the time of discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards does not independently predict FIM 1 month or 6 months after discharge. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 715–721. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure injuries are a significant comorbidity and lead to increased overall healthcare costs. Several European and global studies have assessed the burden of pressure injuries; however, no comprehensive analysis has been completed in the United States. In this study, we investigated the trends in the burden of pressure injuries among hospitalised adults in the United States from 2009 to 2019, stratified by sociodemographic subgroups. The length of admission, total cost of hospitalisation, and sociodemographic data was extracted from the National Inpatient Sample provided by the Healthcare Cost and Utilisation Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Overall, the annual prevalence of pressure injuries and annual mean hospitalisation cost increased ($69,499.29 to $102,939.14), while annual mean length of stay decreased (11.14–9.90 days). Among all races, minority groups had higher average cost and length of hospitalisation. Our findings suggest that while the length of hospitalisation is decreasing, hospital costs and prevalence are rising. In addition, differing trends among racial groups exist with decreasing prevalence in White patients. Further studies and targeted interventions are needed to address these differences, as well as discrepancies in racial groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions The proper interpretation of a study’s results requires both excellent understanding of good methodological practices and deep knowledge of prior results, aided by the availability of effect sizes.This review takes the form of an expository essay exploring the complex and nuanced relationships among statistical significance, clinical importance, and effect sizes.Careful attention to study design and methodology will increase the likelihood of obtaining statistical significance and may enhance the ability of investigators/readers to accurately interpret results. Measures of effect size show how well the variables used in a study account for/explain the variability in the data. Studies reporting strong effects may have greater practical value/utility than studies reporting weak effects. Effect sizes need to be interpreted in context. Verbal summary characterizations of effect sizes (e.g., “weak”, “strong”) are fundamentally flawed and can lead to inappropriate characterization of results. Common language effect size (CLES) indicators are a relatively new approach to effect sizes that may offer a more accessible interpretation of results that can benefit providers, patients, and the public at large.It is important to convey research findings in ways that are clear to both the research community and to the public. At a minimum, this requires inclusion of standard effect size data in research reports. Proper selection of measures and careful design of studies are foundational to the interpretation of a study’s results. The ability to draw useful conclusions from a study is increased when investigators enhance the methodological quality of their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue resistance is vital for success in elite road cycling, as repeated, intense efforts challenge the athletes' ability to sustain peak performance throughout prolonged races. The present study combined recurrent performance testing and physiological measures during 6 h simulated racing with laboratory testing to investigate factors influencing fatigue resistance. Twelve male national elite cyclists (25 ± 3 years; 76 ± 6 kg and VO2max of 5.2 ± 0.5 L/min) completed incremental power and maximal fat oxidation tests. Subsequently, they underwent field testing with physiological measures and fatigue responses evaluated through peak sprint power and 5 km time trial (TT) testing after 0, 2, 4, and 6 h of exercise. Peak power declined from 1362 ± 176 W in first sprint to 1271 ± 152 W after 2 h (p < 0.01) and then stabilized. In contrast, TT mean power gradually declined from 412 ± 38 W in the first TT to 384 ± 41 W in the final trial, with individual losses ranging from 2% to 14% and moderately correlated (r2 = 0.45) to accumulated exercise time above lactate threshold. High carbohydrate intake (~90 g/h) maintained blood glucose levels, but post‐TT [lactate] decreased from 15.1 ± 2 mM to 7.1 ± 2.3 mM, while fat oxidation increased from 0.7 ± 0.3 g/min at 0 h to 1.1 ± 0.1 g/min after 6 h. The study identifies fatigue patterns in national elite cyclists. Peak sprint power stabilized after an initial impairment from 0 to 2 h, while TT power gradually declined over the 6 h simulated race, with increased differentiation in fatigue responses among athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant expression of adipocyte enhancer‐binding protein 1 (AEBP1) has been demonstrated to be involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of numerous cancers. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of AEBP1 in the development of cervical cancer. Methods: The expression of AEBP1 in cervical cancer was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The function of AEBP1 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, colony formation, and transwell assay. The activation of related signaling pathway was determined by western blot. The bioinformatics analysis was performed by Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Results: Higher protein expression of AEBP1 was observed in patients with cervical cancer. Overexpressed AEBP1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities in cervical cancer cells. Moreover, the research manifested that AEBP1 activated the phosphorylation of STAT3. GO and KEGG analysis showed that genes positively related to AEBP1 were highly enriched in functions like epithelial cell proliferation, muscle cell migration, myoblast migration, smooth muscle tissue development, ECM–receptor interaction, transcriptional misregulation in cancer, and proteoglycans in cancer. While genes negatively related to AEBP1 were associated with immunity, including inflammatory response, external‐stimulus response, neutrophil, granulocyte, and macrophage chemotaxis. Conclusions: This study suggested that AEBP1 acts as an oncogened and might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non‐exercise method equation using seismocardiography for estimating V̇O2peak (SCG V̇O2peak) has previously been validated in healthy subjects. However, the performance of the SCG V̇O2peak within a trained population is unknown, and the ability of the model to detect changes over time is not well elucidated. Forty‐seven sub‐elite football players were tested at the start of pre‐season (SPS) and 36 players completed a test after eight weeks at the end of the pre‐season (EPS). Testing included an SCG V̇O2peak estimation at rest and a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill for determination of V̇O2peak. Agreement between SCG V̇O2peak and CPET V̇O2peak showed a large underestimation at SPS (bias ± 95% CI: −9.9 ± 1.8, 95% Limits of Agreement: 2.2 to −22.0 mL·min−1 kg−1). At EPS no interaction (p = 0.3590) but a main effect of time (p < 0.0001) and methods (p < 0.0001) was observed between SCG and CPET V̇O2peak. No correlation in V̇O2peak changes was observed between SCG and CPET (r = −20.0, p = 0.2484) but a fair agreement in classifying the correct directional change in V̇O2peak with the SCG method was found (Cohen's κ coefficient = 0.28 ± 0.25). Overall, the SCG V̇O2peak method lacks accuracy and despite being able to estimate group changes, it was incapable of detecting individual changes in V̇O2peak following a pre‐season period in sub‐elite football players. The SCG algorithm needs to be further adjusted and the accuracy and precision improved for the method to be applicable for use within a trained population. Highlights: This is the first time a non‐exercise method using seismocardiography for the estimation of V̇O2peak has been validated in sub‐elite football players.The seismocardiography V̇O2peak method lacks accuracy within a trained population as it underestimates V̇O2peak compared to the gold standard measurement in sub‐elite football players.The seismocardiography V̇O2peak method can estimate the group changes in V̇O2peak following the pre‐season training period in sub‐elite football players. However, it is incapable of detecting individual changes.Adjustment of the seismocardiography V̇O2peak algorithm is needed and the accuracy and precision improved for the method to be applicable for use within a trained population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The traditional measure of weight suppression (TWS; the difference between an individual's highest past weight at adult height and current weight), has been associated with many psychological, behavioral and biological variables in those with eating disorders. A new measure of weight suppression, called developmental weight suppression (DWS), corrects two major problems in the original measure. Initial research indicates that DWS represents a superior operationalization of the construct weight suppression was originally designed to measure (Lowe [1993, Psychol Bull, 114: 100]). This study is the first to examine the relation between both WS measures and weight history, body composition and a variety of metabolic hormones. Methods: Data were collected in 91 women with bulimia nervosa (BN) or BN‐spectrum disorders. Results: Both weight suppression indices were related to multiple hormones. However, multiple regression analyses showed that the independent effects of DWS differed from the independent effects of TWS in that only DWS was negatively related to: (1) current z‐BMI, (2) body fat percentage, and (3) insulin, leptin, T3 free, and TSH. This differential pattern also occurred when results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Discussion: Findings provide stronger biological support for the construct validity of DWS than TWS and suggest that: (1) from the perspective of individuals with BN, high DWS embodies success at food restriction and weight loss, (2) elevated DWS may trap individuals with BN in a powerful biobehavioral bind, and (3) DWS is the preferred measure of weight suppression in future research on eating disorders. Public Significance: Most individuals with bulimia nervosa lose substantial weight in the process of developing their disorder. Such weight suppression is related to many characteristics of those with the eating disorder bulimia nervosa. This study shows why a new measure of weight suppression, based on an individual's growth during development, is more biologically valid than the traditional measure of weight suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether genes in the Wnt pathway, which have been previously associated with both oral clefts and oral squamous cell carcinoma, are also associated with oral potentially malignant disorders (leukoplakia, erythroplakia and lichen planus). Materials and Methods: Case–control study: Dataset consisted of clinical information linked to DNA samples from affected subjects diagnosed with oral potential malignant disorders and oral cancer and their matched controls. Individual samples, clinical history, and potential risk factors were obtained through the Dental Registry and DNA Repository project of the School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. The rs1533767 (WNT11), rs9879992 (GSK3B), and rs3923087 (AXIN2) were tested. After genomic DNA had been extracted, genotyping was performed blindly to clinical diagnosis status. Representation of genotypes and alleles in affected subjects in comparison to the unaffected individuals was determined using PLINK. Additional analysis was performed to investigate associations between environmental (socioeconomic/lifestyle) risk factors and the oral pathologies studied using STATA. Results: Two of the SNPs tested (rs9879992 in GSK3B and rs3923087 in AXIN2) were statistically, significantly associated with the pathologies studied (p = 0.039 and 0.038, respectively). Conclusion: Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in genes in the Wnt pathway were associated with oral potentially malignant disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]