Journals
2026 EN
Rosa Giacomo · Costa Andrea · Salvidio Sebastiano
ABSTRACT Space use and movement are fundamental aspects of organisms' ecology, mirroring individual fitness, behavior, and life‐history strategies. These mechanisms are shaped by environmental heterogeneity, which often makes it difficult to understand these dynamics. Subterranean habitats are simplified and understudied environments, potentially ideal for evaluating the fine‐scale spatial ecology of organisms. Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods allow us to investigate animal space use and movement, including spatially explicit observation data on individuals, to assess the relationship between population dynamics and landscape ecology. In this context, we assessed individual interactions, movement ecology, and activity patterns of a subterranean population of the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii , applying SCR modeling to a photographic capture–recapture dataset of 104 identified individuals (43 males, 35 females and 26 subadults). Analysis of overlap indices showed that the proportion of males' home range (HR) was more covered by females' HR than vice versa ( U = 25, p = 0.038). During the monitoring, females traveled longer distances in less time than males (0.60 vs. 0.22 m/day). Finally, salamanders tended to be more active during summer periods, showing a preference for the inner sectors of the cave and rougher cave walls. Combining the analysis of spatially explicit capture history (overlap and movement estimates) and SCR (activity pattern, sex‐specific density and space use), we enlightened new features and confirmed previous knowledge of the spatial ecology of S. strinatii . Our study demonstrates how structured capture–recapture data can be used to infer individual interactions and movement in low‐complexity habitats and is open to the application of SCR methods in more complex environments for revealing finer‐scale ecological variation with important conservation implications.
Journals
2026 EN
De Bernardis Suhei C. Zuleta · Olayinka Okeleji · Quraishi Mariam Z.
+7 more
ABSTRACT Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) and asthma share a complex relationship. Although estimates vary, asthma prevalence in children with SCD is believed to be comparable to or higher than the general population. Determining whether SCD confers an increased risk for asthma remains challenging due to overlapping symptoms and the multifactorial nature of asthma. This study seeks to clarify the association by assessing asthma risk in children with SCD in comparison to their siblings, controlling for potential confounders. Methods A prospective, case–control sibling comparison study was conducted. Children with SCD aged 2–18 years seen at our outpatient comprehensive center, along with their non‐SCD siblings, were determined for diagnosed with asthma through clinical assessment by a pediatric pulmonologist. Results A total of 576 participants (248 SCD, 328 siblings) were included. Asthma prevalence was significantly higher in the SCD group (28.6% vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001) compared to siblings. In multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, SCD status was the only factor associated with higher odds of asthma compared to their respective siblings, after adjusting for age and sex (odds ratio [OR]: 7.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.47–16.54, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression in the SCD group identified advancing age (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.11–1.27, p < 0.001), males (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.05–3.9, p = 0.04), family history of asthma (OR: 5.79, 95% CI: 2.68–12.51, p < 0.001), and hydroxyurea usage (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.1–4, p = 0.02) as risk factors for asthma. Whereas males (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.21–9.13, p = 0.02) and family history of asthma (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.01–5.86, p = 0.048) remained risk factors for the siblings group. The inferences did not change even when age was restricted to 2–18 years in the sibling group. Conclusion SCD increases the risk for asthma, independent of familial and environmental factors. Age‐related rise in prevalence highlights the importance of regular screening in this high‐risk population.
Journals
2026 EN
Treadwell Marsha · Liang Jessica · Preiss Liliana
+6 more
ABSTRACT Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events prior to age 18 that are known to have a lasting impact on individuals’ health and well‐being. There is a gap in understanding the relationship between ACEs and Other Life Stressors and health status for adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). We examined the impact of adversities within clinical and behavioral health domains that have been associated with ACEs for other populations. Procedure Sociodemographics; medical history; patient‐reported outcomes, including pain and emotional distress; and reports of de‐identified ACEs and Other Life Stressors, were collected from n = 553 participants enrolled in the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium Registry. Results Participants were a median age of 28 years; 57% female; 95% Black/African American; 55% annual household income ≤$25,000; primarily diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SS or Sβ 0 thalassemia: 69.6%). Adults with SCD evidenced a high prevalence of exposure to adversity (28.3% reporting four or more ACEs), significantly higher than general or Black/African American populations ( p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, gender, SCD genotype, annual household income, and disease‐modifying therapy, we found a graded effect for categories of original ACEs (one to three, and four or more), with progressively greater odds of being diagnosed with asthma with increasing ACEs ( p <0.0001), as well as for “ever been treated for depression” ( p < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings support the need for consistent screening for ACEs in adults with SCD and highlight the importance of trauma‐informed care approaches to improve clinical and behavioral outcomes and quality of life.
Journals
2026 EN
Li Ruijie · Iniesta Raquel Revuelta · Barker Alan R.
+4 more
ABSTRACT Background Higher doses of anthracyclines and heart‐relevant radiotherapy increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study assessed CVD and CVD risk factors among adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) across cardiotoxic treatment risk groups and examined associations between lifestyle behaviors and treatment risks. Methods We invited CCSs aged ≥18 years at study, diagnosed at ages 0–20, who survived ≥5 years for an assessment of anthropometry, CVD, CVD risk factors, lifestyle, and cancer history. We classified participants into three cardiotoxic treatment risk groups (no/low risk, moderate risk, high risk) based on anthracyclines and heart‐relevant radiotherapy. Multinomial logistic regression assessed lifestyle differences across groups. Results With a median age at study of 33 years (IQR: 26–39; 53% male), 356 CCSs participated in this study divided into the no/low risk (25%), moderate risk (40%), or high risk (35%) cardiotoxic treatment groups. Overall, CVD prevalence was 6% and similar across the three risk groups. Heart valve problems were rare, though more common in the high‐risk group (no/low risk, 0%; moderate risk, 1%; vs. high risk, 4%; p = 0.037). CVD risk factors were present in 44% of CCSs—including dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes—without variation across risk groups. Overall adherence to health behavior recommendations was low, with no differences in diet adherence, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, smoking, or alcohol consumption across cardiotoxic risk groups. Conclusion We found no differences in CVD, CVD risk factors, or lifestyle behaviors across cardiotoxic treatment risk groups. Health promotion that engages diet, PA, smoking cessation, and alcohol reduction should be prioritized for all CCSs regardless of cardiotoxic treatment risk levels.
Journals
2026 EN
Kerby Katy L. · Moscato Emily L. · Schaefer Megan R.
+4 more
ABSTRACT Background Children may be referred to genetic clinics following a cancer diagnosis or disclosure of family history and may or may not receive genetic testing for cancer predisposition syndromes depending on several factors. The current multi‐method study explored psychological outcomes (distress, anxiety, and depression) of the genetic testing process and attitudes about genetic testing in caregivers of children who were recommended and not recommended for testing following genetic counseling. Methods Ninety‐four caregivers (≥18 years old) of children (<18 years old) were recruited at their first appointment at a genetic clinic at a large midwestern children's hospital. Caregivers completed standardized measures before their counseling visit (T1), 1 month (T2), and 2 months later (T3). Interested caregivers ( n = 46) participated in qualitative interviews at T3. Results From T1 to T2, the proportion of caregivers with clinical levels of anxiety decreased for those recommended (39% to 15%) and increased for those not recommended (38% to 40%) ( p = 0.03). From T2 to T3, the proportion of caregivers with clinical levels of distress increased for those recommended (31% to 65%) and decreased for those not recommended (48% to 39%) ( p = 0.01). Qualitatively, caregivers of children who were not recommended endorsed feelings of relief and reassurance, while caregivers of children recommended endorsed no impact, sadness and guilt, empowerment, and anxiety followed by relief. Conclusion Results indicate that while all caregivers may benefit from psychosocial support throughout the genetic testing process, additional support should be given to caregivers of children recommended for genetic testing.
Journals
2026 EN
Sharma Yogita · Bhat Deepa · Sridevi Parikipandla
+6 more
ABSTRACT Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses major reproductive health challenges for women. Evidence on pregnancy and maternal outcomes among women with SCD remains sparse from India. This study examined reproductive health, pregnancy‐related complications, and outcomes among women with SCD compared with age‐ and occupation‐matched controls. Methods A community‐based retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age in five SCD‐endemic tribal areas of India. Data were collected through structured interviews covering pregnancy history, hydroxyurea use during the periconceptional‐to‐antenatal period, delivery, and postpartum outcomes. Of a cohort of 108 women with SCD, data of 37 ever‐married women with SCD with a history of conceptions and their matched controls were used. Results Women with SCD showed higher rates of anaemia (43% vs. 12.5%, p < 0.001), pain crises (42% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion during pregnancy (16% vs. 1%, p < 0.001). They also had more complications during delivery, including pain, fever, and emergency caesarean sections (10% vs. 3%, p < 0.05). Postpartum complications such as pain, vaso‐occlusive crises, and ICU admissions were more frequent among SCD women. Birth preparedness was notably poorer. The proportion of live births to total conceptions was slightly lower among women with SCD (82% vs. 87%) due to a higher number of abortions and stillbirths. Only 10% of women with SCD used hydroxyurea during the periconceptional‐to‐antenatal period. Conclusion Women with SCD in tribal settings face considerable reproductive and maternal health risks. Integrating reproductive health and antenatal services into SCD care is essential to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity in high‐burden, resource‐limited regions.
Journals
2026 EN
Balestrini Simona · Manodoro Francesca · Van Agtmael Tom
+1 more
COL4A1/A2 disorders are rare, congenital, multisystem disorders caused by mutations in the COL4Α1 or COL4Α2 genes, which encode α chains of collagen IV. There are no curative treatments at present, and intervention is focused on managing the symptoms. Associazione Famiglie COL4A1/A2 was established in 2021 to provide support for patients and their families, and to promote research into the basic mechanisms of the disorders. As part of FEBS Letters 's series on patient advocacy for rare disorders, we interviewed Francesca Manodoro, Vice‐President and Treasurer of Associazione Famiglie COL4A1‐A2, Tom Van Agtmael, Professor of Matrix Biology and Disease at the University of Glasgow, and Simona Balestrini, Associate Professor of Child Neurology at the University of Florence, on the history of the organisation, ongoing research into these conditions, and the challenges in securing funding for research and translating basic research findings into the clinic.
Journals
2026 EN
ToesZoutendijk Esther · Arbyn Marc · Auvinen Anssi
+17 more
The 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5) recommends sustainable, organised screening programmes for: (a) colorectal cancer using biennial quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for individuals aged 50–74 years. As an alternative strategy, once‐only endoscopy may be considered within the same age range; (b) breast cancer using biennial digital mammography for women aged 50–69 years. Implementing this strategy for women aged 45–49 years and 70–74 years can be considered. Other screening strategies or additional examinations could be considered for women with high mammographic density; (c) cervical cancer using human papillomavirus (HPV) screening at intervals no shorter than 5 years for women aged 30–65 years. It is recommended to adapt policies according to vaccination status and screening history; and (d) lung cancer using annual low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) for individuals considered to be at increased risk of lung cancer based on age, history of smoking or validated risk models, with biennial screening as an alternative. Screening should incorporate smoking cessation interventions.
Journals
2026 EN
Yi ByongYong · Rahman Shafiq Ur · Chen Shifeng
+1 more
Abstract Background Merging two radiation oncology information systems (ROISs) is often necessary due to system changes or hospital integrations. ROIS integration is a high‐risk procedure, that requires clear procedural guidelines and comprehensive QA methods to ensure safe practice. Purpose This paper presents checklists, procedures, and challenges associated with integrating a ROIS into a centralized system, providing procedural guidelines and QA methods. It also shares our experience of merging with one ROIS into another. Method The integration process comprised five major components: machine information; under‐treatment patients’ information (treatment plans, history, images, and electronic medical records [EMR]); user‐generated workflows; ROIS user information; and beam‐related information, if any (e.g., beam calibration). The procedures were divided into three parts: site survey and preparation‐phase activities, QA during integration, and QA after integration. Software tools were developed to compare data before and after the merger. Integration of legacy data was not considered in this process. Results We successfully integrated a standalone practice site into a main ROIS, which may serve multiple sites, over the course of a single weekend using the developed tools and checklists. By the following Monday, after 45‐person hours of integration work by therapists, dosimetrists and physicists, the newly integrated practice site was able to seamlessly use the centralized ROIS to continue radiation treatment for its patients already under care. The entire procedure was completed without any downtime at any site. Conclusion We have developed and successfully tested a structured set of checklists, procedures, and tools for the seamless integration of a practice site into an existing ROIS. This approach provides the radiation oncology community with a framework for achieving safe and efficient practice integration.
Journals
2026 EN
Hsu Joey · Schoedel Karen · Plotzker Alan
+1 more
ABSTRACT This case details a 35‐year‐old man with no past medical history who presents with acute paraparesis and urinary retention in the setting of progressive paresthesias and weakness of his lower and upper extremities over several months. He was found to have longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis involving the cervical to mid‐thoracic cord with concomitant findings of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. An extensive serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) workup of possible autoimmune, paraneoplastic, infectious, and toxic/metabolic etiologies was overall nonrevealing, but an endobronchial ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the enlarged hilar lymph nodes revealed noncaseating granulomas. The patient demonstrated significant improvement after completing two courses of pulse‐dose steroids and was ultimately discharged to intensive inpatient rehabilitation for further treatment.