Journals
2026 EN
Wang Jiayu · Ludwig Megan L. · Kulkarni Aditi
+11 more
ABSTRACT Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a malignancy with poor prognosis and survival. While epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a known driver of HNSCC, EGFR inhibitors show limited efficacy as monotherapies, suggesting that effective combination therapies are needed. Methods We performed GeCKO and Kinase CRISPR library screens to identify candidate knockouts that increase EGFR inhibitor sensitivity in resistant HNSCC cells. We validated a candidate using the CellTiter‐Glo viability assay following RNA interference and investigated the mechanisms using apoptosis and cell cycle flow cytometry analysis. Results Kinase CRISPR library screens identified that PIK3C2A gene downregulation enhanced EGFR inhibitor sensitivity in resistant HNSCC cells. Viability assays further validated that PIK3C2A knockdown overcame EGFR inhibitor resistance in HNSCC cells. Conclusions Our data suggests that PIK3C2A is a novel mediator of EGFR inhibitor resistance in HNSCC. Future studies are required to determine the mechanisms by which PIK3C2A drives EGFR inhibitor resistance.
Journals
2026 EN
Halle Tyler R. · Cao Austin C. · Naik Anusha G.
+16 more
ABSTRACT Objectives (1) To determine the incidence of occult contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with early‐stage HPV‐associated base‐of‐tongue (BOT) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with primary surgery; and (2) to compare survival and recurrence in patients who did and did not undergo contralateral neck treatment. Background Contralateral neck management in patients with early‐stage HPV+ OPSCC of the BOT treated surgically remains controversial. Despite lacking data, most patients receive surgery and/or radiation to the contralateral neck based on historical incidence of occult lymph node metastasis in OPSCC. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with AJCC 7th edition pT1‐2, pN0‐1 HPV+ BOT OPSCC undergoing transoral robotic BOT resection and ipsilateral neck dissection with adjuvant treatment was conducted. The incidence of occult contralateral nodal metastasis was assessed. Overall and disease‐free survival were compared between patients who did and did not undergo contralateral neck treatment. Results Of 106 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 46 (43.3%) did not undergo treatment of the contralateral neck with radiation or lymphadenectomy, whereas 29 (27.4%) received radiation alone to the contralateral neck, and 31 (29.2%) underwent elective contralateral neck dissection without identification of occult metastasis in any case. Overall survival (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.23–4.00) and disease‐free survival (HR: 1.43, CI: 0.55–3.71) did not significantly differ between patients who did and did not receive treatment to the contralateral neck. Conclusion Risk of occult contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with early‐stage HPV‐associated BOT OPSCC treated with primary surgery was low, prompting consideration of forgoing contralateral neck treatment in these patients.
Journals
2026 EN
Risch Zachary · Bellile Emily · Bughrara Moneb S.
+17 more
ABSTRACT Background University of Michigan Cancer Center (UMCC) protocol 9520 treated stage III/IV locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (LASCCL) with cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil to select for definitive therapy based on response. Studies have shown that neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte‐monocyte ratio (LMR) are potential prognostic markers in p16‐negative LASCCL. This study analyzes the predictive value of NLR and LMR. Methods Samples from 193 LASCCL patients treated with chemotherapy were reviewed. Response to induction chemotherapy was tested with logistic regression. Optimal cut‐points were determined by Youden's index. Survival was tested with Cox proportional hazards models. Results LMR had a positive association, NLR had a negative association with response to chemotherapy ( p = 0.004;0.07). Response was higher in patients with LMR ≥ 2.8 ( p = 0.0007) and NLR ≤ 2.8 ( p = 0.04). Overall and disease‐specific survival improved with LMR ≥ 2.8 ( p = 0.0002;0.004) and NLR ≤ 2.8 ( p = 0.10;0.03). Conclusions Low NLR and high LMR were associated with favorable responses to chemotherapy and survival in LASCCL.
Journals
2026 EN
Zhu Youwen · Liu Kun · Rosen Steven T.
+2 more
ABSTRACT Programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) blockade offers a survival advantage over antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) treatment in classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). As such, an updated pharmacoeconomic analysis of these different therapeutic strategies is indicated. This study therefore assessed the cost‐effectiveness of nivolumab combined with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (N‐AVD) to that of brentuximab vedotin with AVD (BV‐AVD). A three‐state Markov model was developed to assess lifetime costs and efficacy for N‐AVD and BV‐ACVD regimens as treatments for adolescent and adult cHL patients from the perspectives of payers in China and the USA, using respective willingness to pay (WTP) thresholds of $37,608 and $150,000 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). Primary analytical outcomes included direct medical costs, lifetime efficacy, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICERs), and incremental net health benefit (INHB). Model stability was tested through sensitivity and subgroup analyses. N‐AVD treatment yielded 1.41–2.01 and 1.06–1.39 QALYs over BV‐AVD for cHL patients in the USA and China, respectively. Incremental healthcare costs for first‐line N‐AVD treatment were −$746,249 to $393,009 and −$109,358 to $292,324 compared to BV‐AVD treatment, for corresponding ICERs of –$432,098/QALY to $288,541/QALY and −$79,173/QALY to $275,376/QALY in the USA and China, respectively. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the utility of progression‐free survival had an influence on the results of these cost‐effectiveness analyses. N‐AVD and BV‐AVD are cost‐effective approaches to treating patients with cHL in both the USA and China. N‐AVD and BV‐AVD may respectively be best suited to use as treatments for adolescents and elderly individuals.
Journals
2026 EN
Job Sasha · Heales Luke · Obst Steven
ABSTRACT Objective In Australia, the beach is a favoured destination for recreational activities linked to physical, psychological, and social health benefits. Unfortunately, older people and people with disability face barriers to beach access that limit their participation in recreational activities. This study aimed to identify beach use behaviours, preferred beach activities, and perceived benefits for older people and people with disability in Australia. Methods A 39‐item anonymous online survey was administered. Descriptive statistics reported beach use, preferences, and benefits. Results The survey had 350 respondents (69% female; mean age 52 years, range 2–90). Almost half (44.8%) could not visit the beach due to accessibility issues. Those who could visit did so year‐round, with one third (34%) visiting weekly and 94% spending ≥ 30 min per visit. Factors for beach selection related to accessibility (95%) and the environment (76%). Preferred activities were swimming (56%), walking (51%), and socialising (49%). Perceived benefits included enjoyment/wellbeing (99%), reduced stress (95%), and physical benefits (86%). Conclusion Despite limited access, older people and people with disability engage or want to engage in beach‐based activities and self‐report a range of perceived health benefits. So What? Removing the barriers to beach access would improve participation in beach‐based health‐promoting activities for older people and people with disability.
Journals
2026 EN
Bennett Rebecca · Duff Laura · Mallia Kate
+4 more
ABSTRACT Introduction Food retail outlets represent a setting where a healthy diet can be promoted. Community public health practitioners need user‐friendly tools to collect real‐time data, engage with local food retailers, and customise health‐enabling initiatives in supermarkets. We aimed to examine the distribution and variation of Store Scout App ( SS ‐App ) scores to demonstrate the influence of health‐enabling changes within the participant supermarkets. Methods Data were collected from 10 supermarkets (5 implementation, 5 control) using the SS ‐App. The SS ‐App is a decision‐support tool that evaluates health‐promoting store practices and provides real‐time feedback to retailers. Data were collected through a series of dichotomous (yes/no) questions related to the App's 4Ps of marketing: Promotion, Price, Product, and Placement. The Reach for the Stars programme included promotional and informational materials based on the health star rating of healthier products. Two‐way analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) was used to test the effects of time group (implementation vs. control) and their interaction on overall mean SS ‐App scores within the study arm. Results SS ‐App scores improved from pre‐ to post‐implementation ( p < 0.01). A larger increase in SS ‐App scores was observed in the implementation group ( M = 8.7, SD = 3.7) compared to the control group ( M = 1.4, SD = 6.1), ( t (8) = −2.28, p < 0.05). Conclusions The SS ‐App was key in implementing the programme by ensuring stores aligned with its goals and objectives, supporting and enhancing retailer participation and sustained engagement.
Journals
2026 EN
Sun Jia · Zhang Yiming · Xian Hong
+8 more
Abstract Objective To assess how maternal work shifts impact preterm birth (PTB) onset and to evaluate the modifying effect of maternal household income on this association. Methods We analyzed a prospective cohort nested case–control sample, of all residents in Wuhan from 2011 to 2013. All births in the city‐center districts were included, and a home‐visit interview was conducted for all sampled births to collect data on factors such as maternal health, behaviors, and occupational and environmental exposures. Logistic regression models were developed to assess how maternal work shifts influence the onset of PTB, while controlling for potential confounders. The modifying effect of maternal household income was further evaluated through a stratified analysis. We tested result stability using sensitivity analyses. Results Our study included 2393 PTBs and 4263 controls. Increased PTB risk was observed among women engaged in shift work (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.34), with this association being stronger among women whose monthly household income was below the median income level in the city (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09–1.45). Conclusion Higher PTB risk was observed among pregnant women engaged in shift work, with those from lower‐income households being more vulnerable to this effect. Future studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Journals
2026 EN
Irwin Adriane N. · Spinler Sarah A. · Baye Jordan F.
+11 more
ABSTRACT Interactions between clinical pharmacists and industry partners continue to evolve as health care increases in complexity and technology assumes a more dominant role. To address the corresponding ethical challenges, the 2025 Industry Relations Committee of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) was charged with updating the 2008 ACCP position statement, Pharmacists and Industry: Guidelines for Ethical Interactions . This update expands its perspective, reflecting the broader and more influential roles pharmacists play across the health care ecosystem. All clinical pharmacist–industry interactions should be grounded in improving patient care. Through this lens, six recommendations are provided: (1) Pharmacists should not engage in industry partnerships or collaborations that might unduly influence objectivity, independence, or fairness in clinical and professional judgments; (2) Pharmacists should disclose and mitigate financial, consulting, or other relationships that constitute potential conflicts of interest and should not participate in activities where an existing conflict cannot be resolved; (3) Pharmacists who participate in industry‐sponsored research should follow accepted ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards; (4) Pharmacists providing continuing education programs or developing drug information materials should maintain control of content; ensure their content is fair, balanced, and free from bias; and disclose and mitigate any conflicts; (5) Formal instruction on ethical interactions with industry professionals should begin early and continue through all stages of pharmacist education, training, and professional development; (6) Pharmacists should maintain the confidentiality and privacy of patients and other health care professionals when working with industry partners. Questions to guide personal industry interactions are provided. This paper does not detail every emerging area (e.g., artificial intelligence, social media), but recommendations are applicable wherever clinical pharmacists leverage their professional expertise. By maintaining a critical, discerning, and ethical approach to industry collaborations, clinical pharmacists can uphold professional obligations while contributing to the advancement of evidence‐based practice, ultimately prioritizing patient welfare.
Journals
2026 EN
Wang Miao · Shi Ruizhe · Ngai Steven Sekyum
+2 more
ABSTRACT Background Career‐related competencies (CLCs) are essential for nonengaged youths (NEYs) to achieve a successful school‐to‐work transition. However, there is limited research identifying the characteristics of distinct subgroups based on CLCs. Objective This study aimed to classify patterns of NEYs based on CLCs and to examine differences in demographic characteristics, mental health (i.e., depression and anxiety), and social well‐being (i.e., civic engagement, social contribution, and social integration) among the classes identified. Methods This study involved 249 NEYs in China ( M age = 24.65). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed using Mplus to classify CLCs patterns. t ‐tests and chi‐square tests were used to examine differences in demographic characteristics, mental health, and social well‐being between subgroups. Results LCA results indicated that NEYs were grouped into three subgroups: the high CLCs group, the middle CLCs group, and the low CLCs group. The low CLCs group exhibited the lowest performance across all CLC dimensions, the highest prevalence of mental health issues, and the most challenges in social well‐being. Conclusions The findings highlighted the significance of CLCs for the mental health and social well‐being of NEYs during their school‐to‐work transition. Despite limitations, this study contributed to understanding the subtypes of NEYs regarding CLCs and offered insights for intervention services aimed at enhancing NEYs' CLCs.
Journals
2026 EN
Leach Timothy S. · Albertson Steven · Clapp Phillip W.
+6 more
ABSTRACT Despite the well‐known risks of tobacco use, tobacco exposure remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although cigarette use has declined, the popularity of novel tobacco products (NTPs), such as electronic cigarettes (ECs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs), has increased. Given the evolving landscape of the tobacco industry, robust in vitro models are needed to evaluate the potential for harm of novel products on the airways. We applied a 3D in vitro human airway organ tissue equivalent (OTE) model to evaluate its ability to characterize the acute effects of aerosol exposure from a combustible cigarette, an HTP, and two ECs using a VITROCELL VC1 Smoking Machine. Each product was tested using a nicotine‐matched single exposure dose, providing a standardized benchmark relevant to real‐world use. To deliver comparable amounts of nicotine (~35–38 μg), exposures ranged from 20 to 64 min depending on the product. Following exposure, OTEs were evaluated for cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, epithelial barrier function, ciliary function, inflammatory cytokine release, and inflammatory gene expression changes. Compared to cigarettes, NTP exposures resulted in reduced OTE cytotoxicity and inflammation. HTP exposure resulted in moderate cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, an increased inflammatory response, reduced epithelial barrier function, and temporary impairment of ciliary function. For the selected nicotine‐matched dose, neither EC notably induced cytotoxicity nor inflammation or disrupted epithelial barrier or ciliary function. This work establishes a methodology for comparing NTPs using a physiologically relevant human in vitro model and supports further examination of NTPs using delivered nicotine as a benchmark.