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Abstract Background Measuring the swallowing muscle mass with volume measurements is complex and time intensive; therefore, it is not used in clinical practice. However, it can be clinically relevant, for instance, in the case of sarcopenic dysphagia. The aim of the study was to develop a feasible and clinically applicable method to measure swallowing muscle mass. Methods Data from 10 head and neck cancer patients were collected from the Oncological Life Study data‐biobank of the University Medical Center Groningen. The pharyngeal constrictor, genioglossus, mylohyoid and geniohyoid complex muscles, as well as the tongue complex muscles, were delineated manually on routinely performed head and neck computed tomography scans. Axial and sagittal planes were used for volume and area measurements, respectively. Muscle density measurements were performed with and without Hounsfield unit thresholding. Correlations were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients, and interobserver reliability was measured using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results Significant differences were observed between sagittal area measurements with and without Hounsfield unit thresholds for pharyngeal constrictor, tongue complex and the sum of the swallowing muscles (t > 6; P‐value

Abstract In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has undergone a transformative shift toward personalized and targeted therapeutic strategies. Bacteria‐derived outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have emerged as a promising and adaptable platform for cancer immunotherapy due to their unique properties, including natural immunogenicity and the ability to be engineered for specific therapeutic purposes. In this review, a comprehensive overview is provided of state‐of‐the‐art techniques and methodologies employed in the engineering of versatile OMVs for cancer immunotherapy. Beginning by exploring the biogenesis and composition of OMVs, unveiling their intrinsic immunogenic properties for therapeutic appeal. Subsequently, innovative approaches employed to engineer OMVs are delved into, ranging from the genetic engineering of parent bacteria to the incorporation of functional molecules. The importance of rational design strategies is highlighted to enhance the immunogenicity and specificity of OMVs, allowing tailoring for diverse cancer types. Furthermore, insights into clinical studies and potential challenges utilizing OMVs as cancer vaccines or adjuvants are also provided, offering a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape and future prospects. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for researchers involved in the rapidly evolving field of cancer immunotherapy, offering a roadmap for harnessing the full potential of OMVs as a versatile and adaptable platform for cancer treatment.

Abstract Background The optimal treatment approach for low‐risk prostate cancer (LRPC) remains controversial. While active surveillance is an increasingly popular option, definitive local treatments, including radical prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), and prostate seed implantation (PSI), are also commonly used. This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcomes of patients with LRPC using a large patient population from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods We analyzed data from 195,452 patients diagnosed with LRPC between 2004 and 2015 using the NCDB. Patients were classified based on their treatment modalities, including RP, EBRT, PSI, or no local treatment (NLT). Only patients with Charlson–Deyo comorbidity scores of 0 or 1 were included to ensure comparability. Propensity score analysis was used to balance the treatment groups, and the accelerated failure time model was used to analyze the survival rates of the treatment groups. Results After a median follow‐up of 70.8 months, 24,545 deaths occurred, resulting in an all‐cause mortality rate of 13%. RP demonstrated a survival benefit compared with NLT, particularly in patients younger than 74 years of age. In contrast, radiation treatments (EBRT and PSI) did not improve survival in the younger age groups, except for patients older than 70 years for EBRT and older than 65 years for PSI. Notably, EBRT in patients younger than 65 years was associated with inferior outcomes. Conclusion This study highlights the differences in survival outcomes among LRPC treatment modalities. RP was associated with improved survival compared to NLT, especially in younger patients. In contrast, EBRT and PSI showed survival benefits primarily in the older age groups. NLT is a reasonable choice, particularly in younger patients when RP is not chosen. These findings emphasize the importance of individualized treatment decisions for LRPC management.

Abstract The transition of bacteria from an individualistic to a biofilm lifestyle profoundly alters their biology. During biofilm development, the bacterial cell‐cell adhesions are a major determinant of initial microcolonies, which serve as kernels for the subsequent microscopic and mesoscopic structure of the biofilm, and determine the resulting functionality. In this study, the significance of bacterial cell‐cell adhesion dynamics on bacterial aggregation and biofilm maturation is elucidated. Using photoswitchable adhesins between bacteria, modifying the dynamics of bacterial cell‐cell adhesions with periodic dark‐light cycles is systematic. Dynamic cell‐cell adhesions with liquid‐like behavior improve bacterial aggregation and produce more compact microcolonies than static adhesions with solid‐like behavior in both experiments and individual‐based simulations. Consequently, dynamic cell‐cell adhesions give rise to earlier quorum sensing activation, better intermixing of different bacterial populations, improved biofilm maturation, changes in the growth of cocultures, and higher yields in fermentation. The here presented approach of tuning bacterial cell‐cell adhesion dynamics opens the door for regulating the structure and function of biofilms and cocultures with potential biotechnological applications.

Abstract Climate change may exacerbate the impact of invasive parasites from warmer climates through pre‐existing temperature adaptations. We investigated temperature impacts on two closely related marine parasitic copepod species that share the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) as host: Mytilicola orientalis has invaded the system from a warmer climate 90 years to adapt. In laboratory experiments with temperatures 10–26°C, covering current and future temperatures as well as heat waves, the development of both life cycle stages of both species accelerated with increasing temperature. In the parasitic stages, the growth of the established invader increased evenly from 10°C to 22°C, whereas the recent invader barely grew at all at 10°C and grew faster already at 18°C. In contrast, temperature had little effect on the transition success between life cycle stages. However, the highest temperature (26°C) limited the egg development success of the established invader and the host entry success of both species, whereas the infection success of the established invader increased at 18°C and 22°C. In general, our experiments indicate that the main effect of temperature on both species is through development speed and not life cycle stage transition success. Based on regional long‐term temperature data and predictions, the numbers of completed life cycles per year will increase for both parasites. The established invader seems better adapted for low current temperatures (around 10°C), whereas the more recent invader barely develops at these temperatures but can cope in high temperatures (around 26°C). Hence, pre‐existing temperature adaptations of the recent invader may allow the species to better cope with heat waves.

Abstract Objective What are the electrogustometer's (EGM) validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy in assessing taste sensation in adults compared to other taste tests? Data Sources PubMed Medline, Elseviers's Embase, and the six databases of Cochrane Library. Methods We conducted a systematic search on December 20, 2022, consisting of synonyms for EGM. We considered randomized controlled trials and observational studies with original data for inclusion if they included adults who underwent electrogustometry. Articles were excluded if no analysis regarding validity, reliability, or diagnostic accuracy had been performed or if these analyses could not be performed with the published data. Results Nineteen articles discussing 18 studies were included for data extraction. The included studies carry a high risk of bias. Overall, the association between a variety of reference taste tests and EGM was moderate or weak with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.51 to 0.40 with one outlier of −0.74 found in one study correlating EGM and taste solutions. Test–retest reliability was good with reported correlation coefficients between 0.78 and 1.0. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of EGM in identifying abnormal taste function varied widely between the four studies on diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion The included studies in this review lack the required standards regarding study design to draw firm conclusions about the validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of the EGM. Future research is needed to assess these measurement properties. Based on the reported results, we would not recommend using the EGM as a screening test for taste disturbance in clinical practice. Level of Evidence NA.

Abstract Background Urachal carcinoma (UrC) is a rare, aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis that is frequently diagnosed in advanced stages. Due to its rarity, the current staging systems, namely Sheldon, Mayo, and Ontario were established based on relatively small patient cohorts, necessitating further validation. We used a large patient population from the National Cancer Database to model a novel staging system based on the Tumor (T), Node(N), and Metastasis (M) (TNM) staging system and compared it to established staging systems. Methods We identified patients diagnosed with UrC between the years of 2004–2016. To determine median overall survival (OS), a Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve was generated using the Sheldon, Mayo, Ontario, and TNM staging system. A cox proportional‐hazards regression model was developed to highlight predictors of overall survival. Results A total of 626 patients were included in the analysis. The OS for the entire cohort was 58.2 months (50.1–67.8) with survival rates at 12, 24, and 60 months of 83%, 70%, and 49%, respectively (p

Abstract A warmer and drier future combined with rising population trends will result in increased wildfire risk. The design of robust mitigation/adaptation strategies requires the assessment of the economy‐wide risks from potentially more frequent large wildfire events under different futures. This study uses a novel interdisciplinary approach by integrating wildfire climate and land‐use forecasts into probabilistic and simulation models of wildfires to estimate direct impacts using damage curves and indirect impacts as lost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) using a computable general equilibrium model. Based on the financial concept of Value at Risk, a probabilistic measure of extreme economy‐wide impacts was developed using GDP as the representative metric, namely “GDP at Risk (G@R),” under various climatic and socio‐economic scenarios. Using the new metric in the Waikato, New Zealand as a case study, due its primary industries' national relevance, it was identified that there is a 5% probability that the region will experience GDP losses greater or equal to NZ$0.1–1.2 billion (similar to the regional GDP growth in 2021) over a 48‐year period from future potential large wildfires affecting vulnerable primary industries. The regional impacts result in larger national GDP losses by a factor of 5 due to the high dependence of downstream sectors on the regional primary industries. While “G@R” estimates are similar across socio‐economic scenarios, there are no discernible patterns when compared across midcentury climate scenarios. The approach developed could be used to assess the consequences from afforestation projects, driven by mitigation policies, and adaptation strategies to reduce wildfire risk.

Abstract Background It is estimated that more than 60 million people in Europe, that is, around 12% of the European population, have at least one tattoo. However, there is still little information on the long‐term effects of tattoos. Inks used for tattooing are a mixture of chemicals, with pigments being the main components responsible for the visual effect. The pigments used are not produced specifically as ingredients for tattooing, but mainly/primarily for the needs of industry, where lower purity requirements and quality standards are acceptable. It is therefore necessary to understand the risks associated with tattoos, but also to implement appropriate legal regulations. The aim of this article was to collect and summarise the results of research conducted so far on the type of colourants used in tattoo ink and to analyze the impact of these on human health. In addition, as part of this work, the current legal acts regulating the concentration limits and composition of inks used in tattooing as well as the psychological aspects of tattooing were collected and presented. Methods Scientific reports and articles from renowned journals from 1994 to 2022, relevant review and research publications in PubMed, and Google Scholar were analyzed. To analyze the available research literature, the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed databases were used. The following keywords were used to search for publications: tattoos, colourants used in tattoos, side effects of tattoos, legal acts, psychological aspects of tattoos. Results The result of the literature analysis indicates a risk to health and side effects associated with tattooing the body. There are still no standardised test methods to analyze tattoo inks and assess their safety. Although the art of tattooing has been known for millennia, European legal authorities have not yet implemented effective regulations. Currently, tattoo products in Europe are covered by the general REACH regulation (Resolution ResAP, 2008; EU regulation 2020/2081, 2020). on product safety. The new amendment in force since January 4, 2022 introduces concentration limits for certain substances used in tattoo and permanent makeup inks. However, these provisions do not sufficiently protect either the consumer or the tattoo industry. Conclusions The results of the research indicate a potentially harmful effect on skin health. A more stringent safety assessment of the colourants used for tattooing is recommended, supported by studies and applicable legislation.

Abstract Launched in May 2012 as part of the New Therapeutic Uses program, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)’ National Institutes of Health (NIH)‐Industry Partnerships initiative fostered collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and the biomedical research community to advance therapeutic development. Over the 10‐year life of the initiative, the industry partners included: AstraZeneca; AbbVie (formerly Abbott); Bristol‐Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly and Company; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C.; Pfizer; Sanofi; and Mereo (out licensed assets). The initiative provided researchers at academic medical centers with a rare opportunity to propose clinical trials to test ideas for new therapeutic uses for a selection of clinic‐ready and often previously proprietary experimental pharmaceutical assets that were provided by industry partners. Here, we describe the process by which collaborations between pharmaceutical companies with viable experimental assets and academic researchers with ideas for new uses of those assets were established; and how NCATS/NIH funding supported not only phase I and II clinical trials as well as any nonclinical studies needed before testing in a new patient population, it also provided an opportunity for testing innovative outcome measures for proof‐of‐concept trials. Although the program did not demonstrate improved success rates for phase II clinical trials, this collaboration model leverages the strengths of each party and with a focus toward evaluating an innovative outcome measure, could be used to reduce patient burden and trial costs, and improve patient engagement.

Abstract Advances in experimental design and equipment have simplified the collection of maximum metabolic rate (MMR) data for a more diverse array of water‐breathing animals. However, little attention has been given to the consequences of analytical choices in the estimation of MMR. Using different analytical methods can reduce the comparability of MMR estimates across species and studies and has consequences for the burgeoning number of macroecological meta‐analyses using metabolic rate data. Two key analytical choices that require standardization are the time interval, or regression window width, over which MMR is estimated, and the method used to locate that regression window within the raw oxygen depletion trace. Here, we consider the effect of both choices by estimating MMR for two shark and two salmonid species of different activity levels using multiple regression window widths and three analytical methods: rolling regression, sequential regression, and segmented regression. Shorter regression windows yielded higher metabolic rate estimates, with a risk that the shortest windows (

Summary 6‐Aminohexanoic acid (6AHA) is a vital polymer building block for Nylon 6 production and an FDA‐approved orphan drug. However, its production from cyclohexane is associated with several challenges, including low conversion and yield, and severe environmental issues. We aimed at overcoming these challenges by developing a bioprocess for 6AHA synthesis. A mixed‐species approach turned out to be most promising. Thereby, Pseudomonas taiwanensis VLB120 strains harbouring an upstream cascade converting cyclohexane to either є‐caprolactone (є‐CL) or 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid (6HA) were combined with Escherichia coli JM101 strains containing the corresponding downstream cascade for the further conversion to 6AHA. ε‐CL was found to be a better ‘shuttle molecule’ than 6HA enabling higher 6AHA formation rates and yields. Mixed‐species reaction performance with 4 g l‐1 biomass, 10 mM cyclohexane, and an air‐to‐aqueous phase ratio of 23 combined with a repetitive oxygen feeding strategy led to complete substrate conversion with 86% 6AHA yield and an initial specific 6AHA formation rate of 7.7 ± 0.1 U gCDW‐1. The same cascade enabled 49% 7‐aminoheptanoic acid yield from cycloheptane. This combination of rationally engineered strains allowed direct 6AHA production from cyclohexane in one pot with high conversion and yield under environmentally benign conditions.

Abstract Background Congenital ISG15 deficiency is a rare autoinflammatory disorder that is driven by chronically elevated systemic interferon levels and predominantly affects central nervous system and skin. Methods and results We have developed induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived macrophages and endothelial cells as a model to study the cellular phenotype of ISG15 deficiency and identify novel treatments. ISG15–/– macrophages exhibited the expected hyperinflammatory responses, but normal phagocytic function. In addition, they displayed a multifaceted pathological phenotype featuring increased apoptosis/pyroptosis, oxidative stress, glycolysis, and acylcarnitine levels, but decreased glutamine uptake, BCAT1 expression, branched chain amino acid catabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, β‐oxidation, and NAD(P)H‐dependent oxidoreductase activity. Furthermore, expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory chain complexes II–V was diminished in ISG15–/– cells. Defective mitochondrial respiration was restored by transduction with wild‐type ISG15, but only partially by a conjugation‐deficient variant, suggesting that some ISG15 functions in mitochondrial respiration require ISGylation to cellular targets. Treatment with itaconate, dimethyl‐itaconate, 4‐octyl‐itaconate, and the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib ameliorated increased inflammation, propensity for cell death, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the treatments greatly improved mitochondria‐related gene expression, BCAT1 levels, redox balance, and intracellular and extracellular ATP levels. However, efficacy differed among the compounds according to read‐out and cell type, suggesting that their effects on cellular targets are not identical. Indeed, only itaconates increased expression of anti‐oxidant genes NFE2L2, HMOX1, and GPX7, and dimethyl‐itaconate improved redox balance the most. Even though itaconate treatments normalized the elevated expression of interferon‐stimulated genes, ISG15–/– macrophages maintained their reduced susceptibility to influenza virus infection. Conclusions These findings expand the cellular phenotype of human ISG15 deficiency and reveal the importance of ISG15 for regulating oxidative stress, branched chain amino acid metabolism, and mitochondrial function in humans. The results validate ruxolitinib as treatment for ISG15 deficiency and suggest itaconate‐based medications as additional therapeutics for this rare disorder.

Abstract Background Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of larynx is a common head and neck cancer. For cases that are node negative, the role of definitive concurrent chemoradiation is unclear and not supported by guidelines but used at provider discretion. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the oncological outcomes with additional chemotherapy and factors correlated with the chemotherapy administration. Methods We queried the National Cancer Database for patients with early stage (T2N0M0) laryngeal SCC treated nonsurgically. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of chemotherapy. Multivariable Cox regression evaluated predictors of survival. Propensity matching accounted for indication biases. Results We identified 7181 patients meeting the eligibility criteria, of which 1568 (22%) patients received chemotherapy in addition to radiation. Predictors of chemotherapy use included younger age, Caucasian race, more remote year of treatment, higher grade, sites other than glottis, treatment at a community cancer center, and use of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Median overall survival was not significantly different in the two arms analyzed—65 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 60, 72months) with chemotherapy compared to 70 months without chemotherapy (95% CI 66, 75 months, P

Background Surgery is the standard of care for early stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is another definitive treatment option for those patients who have not been treated surgically. Comparison of approaches is being explored in NSCLC, but has yet to be compared exclusively in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung. We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to conduct such a comparison. Methods We accessed the NCDB for patients with LCNEC who were recorded as having lung stage T1‐2N0M0 treated with lobectomy/pneumonectomy or SBRT. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of SBRT. Multivariable Cox regression was used to identify predictors of survival propensity matching and account for indication bias. Results A total of 3209 patients met the criteria, of which 238 (7%) received SBRT. The median SBRT dose was 50 Gy (48–60) in four fractions (3–5). Predictors of SBRT were age >68, T1 disease, and most recent year of treatment. Predictors of survival were younger age, surgical treatment, female sex, and T1 disease. After propensity matching, median survival was 57 months versus 35 months in favor of surgical resection, P

Abstract A major challenge of agriculture is to improve the sustainability of food production systems in order to provide enough food for a growing human population. Pests and pathogens cause vast yield losses, while crop protection practices raise environmental and human health concerns. Decision support systems provide detailed information on optimal timing and necessity of crop protection interventions, but are often based on phenology models that are time‐, cost‐, and labor‐intensive in development. Here, we aim to develop a data‐driven approach for pest damage forecasting, relying on big data and deep learning algorithms. We present a framework for the development of deep neural networks for pest and pathogen damage classification and show their potential for predicting the phenology of damages. As a case study, we investigate the phenology of the pear leaf blister moth (Leucoptera malifoliella, Costa). We employ a set of 52,322 pictures taken during a period of 19 weeks and establish deep neural networks to categorize the images into six main damage classes. Classification tools achieved good performance scores overall, with differences between the classes indicating that the performance of deep neural networks depends on the similarity to other damages and the number of training images. The reconstructed damage phenology of the pear leaf blister moth matches mine counts in the field. We further develop statistical models to reconstruct the phenology of damages with meteorological data and find good agreement with degree‐day models. Hence, our study indicates a yet underexploited potential for data‐driven approaches to enhance the versatility and cost efficiency of plant pest and disease forecasting.

Abstract Objective Mutations in Fused in Sarcoma (FUS or TLS) are the fourth most prevalent in Western European familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) populations and have been associated with causing both early and very late disease onset. FUS aggregation, DNA repair deficiency, and genomic instability are contributors to the pathophysiology of FUS‐ALS, but their clinical significance per se and their influence on the clinical variability have yet to be sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze genotype–phenotype correlations and malignancy rates in a newly compiled FUS‐ALS cohort. Methods We cross‐sectionally reviewed FUS‐ALS patient histories in a multicenter cohort with 36 novel cases and did a meta‐analysis of published FUS‐ALS cases reporting the largest genotype–phenotype correlation of FUS‐ALS. Results The age of onset (median 39 years, range 11–80) was positively correlated with the disease duration. C‐terminal domain mutations were found in 90%. Among all, P525L and truncating/ frameshift mutations most frequently caused juvenile onset, rapid disease progression, and atypical ALS often associated with negative family history while the R521 mutation site was associated with late disease onset and pure spinal phenotype. Malignancies were found in one of 40 patients. Interpretation We report the largest genotype–phenotype correlation of FUS‐ALS, which enables a careful prediction of the clinical course in newly diagnosed patients. In this cohort, FUS‐ALS patients did not have an increased risk for malignant diseases.

Abstract Importance Primary Adenocarcinoma of the anus is a rare disease with a poor prognosis and thus tends to have a more aggressive treatment algorithm, typically involving a surgical approach. Prior to 2001, a few retrospective studies outlined improved outcomes with the incorporation of surgery with chemoradiation. However, since the publication of these studies, advancement in radiotherapy modalities and imaging have left the question of improved outcomes while reserving surgery for salvage. Objective We conducted this National Cancer Database (NCDB)‐driven retrospective study to analyze treatment trends and outcomes in the current time from 2004 to 2015 with respect to chemoradiation and surgery. Design Retrospective NCDB tumor registry data review—using propensity score‐adjusted multivariable analyses for survival. Setting Database review. Participants We selected for patients listed in the NCDB with AJCC stage 1‐3 anal adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 and selected out patients with undocumented/stage 4 disease, those with radiation outside the pelvis, not treated with systemic therapy and patients lost to follow‐up. Exposure(s) None. Main outcomes and measures Overall survival and use of surgery in the up‐front management of anal adenocarcinoma. Results Of the 1729 patients eligible in this study, 1028 were treated with surgery as up‐front management and 701 had definitive chemoradiation. Median overall survival for all patients was 55 months with a 5‐year survival rate of 55%. Patients treated without surgery had worse overall survival, median survival of 45 months compared to 87 months (P

Abstract Molecular doping allows enhancement and precise control of electrical properties of organic semiconductors, and is thus of central technological relevance for organic (opto‐) electronics. Beyond single‐component molecular electron acceptors and donors, organic salts have recently emerged as a promising class of dopants. However, the pertinent fundamental understanding of doping mechanisms and doping capabilities is limited. Here, the unique capabilities of the salt consisting of a borinium cation (Mes2B+; Mes: mesitylene) and the tetrakis(penta‐fluorophenyl)borate anion [B(C6F5)4]− is demonstrated as p‐type dopant for polymer semiconductors. With a range of experimental methods, the doping mechanism is identified to comprise electron transfer from the polymer to Mes2B+, and the positive charge on the polymer is stabilized by [B(C6F5)4]−. Notably, the former salt cation leaves during processing and is not present in films. The anion [B(C6F5)4]− even enables the stabilization of polarons and bipolarons in poly(3‐hexylthiophene), not yet achieved with other molecular dopants. From doping studies with high ionization energy polymer semiconductors, the effective electron affinity of Mes2B+[B(C6F5)4]− is estimated to be an impressive 5.9 eV. This significantly extends the parameter space for doping of polymer semiconductors.

Background Psoriasis is a frequent chronic inflammatory cytokine‐mediated skin disease and was identified to be an independent risk factor for the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI). However, data about the impact of psoriasis on mortality and other in‐hospital adverse events in the setting of MI are sparse and inconsistent. Methods and Results The nationwide German inpatient sample of the years 2005 to 2016 was used for statistical analysis. Hospitalized patients with MI were stratified for the presence of psoriasis and the impact of psoriasis on in‐hospital events was investigated. Overall, 3 307 703 patients with MI (37.6% females, 56.8% aged ≥70 years) were treated in Germany (2005–2016); among them 9028 (0.3%) were diagnosed with psoriasis. Patients with MI with psoriasis were significantly younger (68.0 [58.0–76.0] versus 73.0 [62.0–81.0] years; P

Abstract A subset of patients receiving radiation therapy for pelvic cancer develop radiation cystitis, a complication characterized by mucosal cell death, inflammation, hematuria, and bladder fibrosis. Radiation cystitis can reduce bladder capacity, cause incontinence, and impair voiding function so severely that patients require surgical intervention. Factors influencing onset and severity of radiation cystitis are not fully known. We tested the hypothesis that genetic background is a contributing factor. We irradiated bladders of female C57BL/6, C3H, and BALB/c mice and evaluated urinary voiding function, bladder shape, histology, collagen composition, and distribution of collagen‐producing cells. We found that the genetic background profoundly affects the severity of radiation‐induced bladder fibrosis and urinary voiding dysfunction. C57BL/6 mice are most susceptible and C3H mice are most resistant. Irradiated C57BL/6 mouse bladders are misshapen and express more abundant collagen I and III proteins than irradiated C3H and BALB/c bladders. We localized Col1a1 and Col3a1 mRNAs to FSP1‐negative stromal cells in the bladder lamina propria and detrusor. The number of collagen I and collagen III‐producing cells can predict the average voided volume of a mouse. Collectively, we show that genetic factors confer sensitivity to radiation cystitis, establish C57BL/6 mice as a sensitive preclinical model, and identify a potential role for FSP1‐negative stromal cells in radiation‐induced bladder fibrosis.