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1.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(26): e2219272120, 2023 06 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37307436

ABSTRACT

Four years after the EAT-Lancet landmark report, worldwide movements call for action to reorient food systems to healthy diets that respect planetary boundaries. Since dietary habits are inherently local and personal, any shift toward healthy and sustainable diets going against this identity will have an uphill road. Therefore, research should address the tension between the local and global nature of the biophysical (health, environment) and social dimensions (culture, economy). Advancing the food system transformation to healthy, sustainable diets transcends the personal control of engaging consumers. The challenge for science is to scale-up, to become more interdisciplinary, and to engage with policymakers and food system actors. This will provide the evidential basis to shift from the current narrative of price, convenience, and taste to one of health, sustainability, and equity. The breaches of planetary boundaries and the environmental and health costs of the food system can no longer be considered externalities. However, conflicting interests and traditions frustrate effective changes in the human-made food system. Public and private stakeholders must embrace social inclusiveness and include the role and accountability of all food system actors from the microlevel to the macrolevel. To achieve this food transformation, a new "social contract," led by governments, is needed to redefine the economic and regulatory power balance between consumers and (inter)national food system actors.


Subject(s)
Diet , Health Status , Humans , Food , Biophysics , Government
2.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(47): e2206231120, 2023 Nov 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37956274

ABSTRACT

While the negative environmental, social and health impacts of the current food system have been acknowledged and evidenced for several decades, the recent and current transformations in food systems at diverse scales are not yet addressing the many inter-related stakes at play. Due to the much wider set of interactions in this consumption-production system, new conceptual tools are required for understanding and assessing sustainability transitions and what prevents them. The article will draw on the cases of France and the UK to examine these countries' national food systems' historical trajectories and suggest a periodization of these in order to reveal common characteristics and differences. This will show that despite common major trends and common transition or inertia mechanisms, pathways differ, especially from the 1990s, due to different configurations of power relationships between the state, economic actors and civil society in a context of an increasing competition between sustainability narratives that leads to an increasing fragmentation in food systems. It will lead us to join the recent progress in the sustainability transitions' community towards a shift in the analysis from a focus on niches' trajectories and effects to a deeper focus on power configurations and competing narratives, as well as to suggest a larger inclusion of socio-ecological and spatial dimensions.


Subject(s)
Agriculture , Food , Sustainable Growth , France , United Kingdom
3.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(47): e2207888119, 2023 Nov 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37956291

ABSTRACT

Implementing electromobility is a central component in the de-carbonization of personal mobility. In recent years, the absolute number of electric vehicles (EVs) and their market share has increased sharply in many countries. This paper focuses on Norway, a pioneer market for EVs that other countries can learn from. The analysis highlights how a combination of local and national policies over a 30-y period, which targeted both industry development and vehicle demand, were important drivers of this development. It also highlights the importance of advocacy groups and strong networks in promoting EVs, as well as changes in user preferences. The paper demonstrates how the EV diffusion has been driven by alignments of multiple processes across different levels, involving interactions between multiple actors and social groups with different interests and views about desirable futures as described by the multi-level perspective (MLP). Building on the MLP, the study of EV diffusion in Norway illustrates how niches are often sustained through demonstrations, experimentation, strategic alliances, and actors securing favorable political and economic conditions. Further, it shows how local or national niches may depend on international regime actors, such as the car manufacturing industry and policies developed abroad. The paper also explores how the introduction of EVs has opened for wider effects, including innovation within production-consumption systems beyond mobility. Based on this analysis, we argue for a nuanced perspective on the relationship between incremental, regime-internal innovation, and wider transformative changes, where the merits of societal learning and experience with battery electricity for transportation are highlighted.

4.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(47): e2310070120, 2023 Nov 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37956298

ABSTRACT

The need for faster and deeper transitions toward more sustainable development pathways is now widely recognized. How to meet that need has been at the center of a growing body of academic research and real-world policy implementation. This paper presents our perspective on some of the most powerful insights that have emerged from this ongoing work. In particular, we highlight insights on how sustainability transitions can be usefully conceptualized, how they come about and evolve, and how they can be shaped and guided through deliberate policy interventions. Throughout the paper, we also highlight some of the many how questions that remain unresolved and on which progress would be especially helpful for the pursuit of sustainable development. Our approach to these "how" questions on sustainability transitions draws on two strands of solution-driven research and policy advice: one emerging from studies of how human societies interact with nature and the other emerging from studies of how those societies interact with their technologies. Consumption-production systems have been a focus of extensive work in both strands. To help build bridges between them, we recently brought together a cross-section of relevant scholars for a PNAS Special Feature on "Sustainability transitions in consumption-production systems." Their contributions are summarized in a companion paper we have written to introduce the Special Feature [F. W. Geels, F. Kern, W. C. Clark, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. (2023)]. We draw on that work in the Perspective we present here as well as our reading of the relevant literatures.

5.
Immunol Rev ; 308(1): 25-39, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35643905

ABSTRACT

Reproductive physiology and immunology as scientific disciplines each have rich, largely independent histories. The physicians and philosophers of ancient Greece made remarkable observations and inferences to explain regeneration as well as illness and immunity. The scientific enlightenment of the renaissance and the technological advances of the past century have led to the explosion of knowledge that we are experiencing today. Breakthroughs in transplantation, immunology, and reproduction eventually culminated with Medawar's discovery of acquired immunological tolerance, which helped to explain the transplantation success and failure. Medawar's musings also keenly pointed out that the fetus apparently breaks these newly discovered rules, and with this, the field of reproductive immunology was launched. As a result of having stemmed from transplantation immunology, scientist still analogizes the fetus to a successful allograft. Although we now know of the fundamental differences between the two, this analogy remains a useful tool to understand how the fetus thrives despite its immunological disparity with the mother. Here, we review the history of reproductive immunology, and how major and minor histocompatibility antigens, blood group antigens, and tissue-specific "self" antigens from the fetus and transplanted organs parallel and differ.


Subject(s)
Antigens , Placenta , Female , Fetus , Humans , Immune System , Immune Tolerance , Pregnancy
6.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 119(4)2022 01 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35064077

ABSTRACT

Community structure, including relationships between and within groups, is foundational to our understanding of the world around us. For dissimilarity-based data, leveraging social concepts of conflict and alignment, we provide an approach for capturing meaningful structural information resulting from induced local comparisons. In particular, a measure of local (community) depth is introduced that leads directly to a probabilistic partitioning conveying locally interpreted closeness (or cohesion). A universal choice of threshold for distinguishing strongly and weakly cohesive pairs permits consideration of both local and global structure. Cases in which one might benefit from use of the approach include data with varying density such as that arising as snapshots of complex processes in which differing mechanisms drive evolution locally. The inherent recalibrating in response to density allows one to sidestep the need for localizing parameters, common to many existing methods. Mathematical results together with applications in linguistics, cultural psychology, and genetics, as well as to benchmark clustering data have been included. Together, these demonstrate how meaningful community structure can be identified without additional inputs (e.g., number of clusters or neighborhood size), optimization criteria, iterative procedures, or distributional assumptions.


Subject(s)
Models, Theoretical , Residence Characteristics , Social Sciences , Algorithms , Humans
7.
Nano Lett ; 2024 Apr 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38619280

ABSTRACT

Developing highly active yet stable catalysts for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in alkaline media remains a significant challenge. Herein, we designed a novel catalyst of atomic PtPd-layer shelled ultrasmall PdCu hollow nanoparticles (HPdCu NPs) on partially unzipped carbon nanotubes (PtPd@HPdCu/W-CNTs), which can achieve a high mass activity, 5 times that of the benchmark Pt/C, and show exceptional stability with negligible decay after 20,000 cycles of accelerated degradation test. The atomically thin PtPd shell serves as the primary active site for the HOR and a protective layer that prevents Cu leaching. Additionally, the HPdCu substrate not only tunes the adsorption properties of the PtPd layer but also prevents corrosive Pt from reaching the interface between NPs and the carbon support, thereby mitigating carbon corrosion. This work introduces a new strategy that leverages the distinct advantages of multiple components to address the challenges associated with slow kinetics and poor durability toward the HOR.

8.
Neuroimage ; 285: 120487, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38072339

ABSTRACT

Visuospatial perspective-taking (VPT) is the ability to imagine a scene from a position different from the one used in self-perspective judgments (SPJ). We typically use VPT to understand how others see the environment. VPT requires overcoming the self-perspective, and impairments in this process are implicated in various brain disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. However, the underlying brain areas of VPT are not well distinguished from SPJ-related ones and from domain-general responses to both perspectives. In addition, hierarchical processing theory suggests that domain-specific processes emerge over time from domain-general ones. It mainly focuses on the sensory system, but outside of it, support for this hypothesis is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to spatiotemporally distinguish brain responses domain-specific to VPT from the specific ones to self-perspective, and domain-general responses to both perspectives. In particular, we intended to test whether VPT- and SPJ specific responses begin later than the general ones. We recorded intracranial EEG data from 30 patients with epilepsy who performed a task requiring laterality judgments during VPT and SPJ, and analyzed the spatiotemporal features of responses in the broad gamma band (50-150 Hz). We found VPT-specific processing in a more extensive brain network than SPJ-specific processing. Their dynamics were similar, but both differed from the general responses, which began earlier and lasted longer. Our results anatomically distinguish VPT-specific from SPJ-specific processing. Furthermore, we temporally differentiate between domain-specific and domain-general processes both inside and outside the sensory system, which serves as a novel example of hierarchical processing.


Subject(s)
Electrocorticography , Schizophrenia , Humans , Brain/physiology , Judgment/physiology
9.
Neuroimage ; 300: 120856, 2024 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39299662

ABSTRACT

The interplay between personality traits and impulsivity has long been a central theme in psychology and psychiatry. However, the potential association between Greed Personality Traits (GPT) and impulsivity, encompassing both trait and state impulsivity and future time perspective, remains largely unexplored. To address these issues, we employed questionnaires and an inter-temporal choice task to estimate corresponding trait/state impulsivity and collected multi-modal neuroimaging data (resting-state functional imaging: n = 430; diffusion-weighted imaging: n = 426; task-related functional imaging: n = 53) to investigate the underlying microstructural and functional substrates. Behavioral analyses revealed that GPT mediated the association between time perspective (e.g., present fatalism) and trait impulsivity (e.g., motor impulsivity). Functional imaging analyses further identified that brain activation strengths and patterns related to delay length, particularly in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, superior parietal lobule, and cerebellum, were associated with GPT. Moreover, individuals with similar levels of greed exhibited analogous spontaneous brain activity patterns, predominantly in the Default Mode Network (DMN), Fronto-Parietal Network (FPN), and Visual Network (VIS). Diffusion imaging analysis observed specific microstructural characteristics in the spinocerebellar/pontocerebellar fasciculus, internal/external capsule, and corona radiata that support the formation of GPT. Furthermore, the corresponding neural activation pattern, spontaneous neural activity pattern, and analogous functional couplings among the aforementioned brain regions mediated the relationships between time perspective and GPT and between GPT and motor impulsivity. These findings provide novel insights into the possible pathway such as time perspective → dispositional greed → impulsivity and uncover their underlying microstructural and functional substrates.


Subject(s)
Impulsive Behavior , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Personality , Humans , Impulsive Behavior/physiology , Male , Female , Adult , Young Adult , Personality/physiology , Brain/physiology , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Brain Mapping
10.
Neuroimage ; : 120879, 2024 Oct 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39369803

ABSTRACT

The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) plays a crucial role in social cognitive functions, including perspective-taking. Although perspective-taking has been linked to self-control, the mechanism by which the dmPFC might facilitate self-control remains unclear. Using the multimodal neuroimaging dataset from the Human Connectome Project (Study 1, N =978 adults), we established a reliable association between the dmPFC and self-control, as measured by discounting rate-the tendency to prefer smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones. Experiments (Study 2, N = 36 adults) involving high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation showed that anodal stimulation of the dmPFC reduces the discounting of delayed rewards and decreases the congruency effect in egocentric but not allocentric perspective in the visual perspective-taking tasks. These findings suggest that the dmPFC promotes self-control by inhibiting the egocentric perspective, offering new insights into the neural underpinnings of self-control and perspective-taking, and opening new avenues for interventions targeting disorders characterized by impaired self-regulation.

11.
Int J Cancer ; 154(4): 659-669, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37819155

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this perspective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer in China. This study was conducted under the China Urban Cancer Screening Program (CanSPUC). The analysis was based on participants aged 40 to 74 years from 2012 to 2019. A total of 255 569 eligible participants were recruited in the study. Among the 58 136 participants at high risk of lung cancer, 20 346 (35.00%) had a single LDCT scan (defined as the screened group) and 37 790 (65.00%) not (defined as the non-screened group). Overall, 1162 participants were diagnosed with lung cancer at median follow-up time of 5.25 years. The screened group had the highest cumulative incidence of lung cancer and the non-screened group had the highest cumulative lung cancer mortality and all-cause cumulative mortality. We performed inverse probability weighting (IPW) to account for potential imbalances, and Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the weighted association between mortality and LDCT scans. After IPW adjusted with baseline characteristics, the lung cancer incidence density was significantly increased (37.0% increase) (HR1.37 [95%CI 1.12-1.69]), lung cancer mortality was decreased (31.0% decrease) (HR0.69 [95%CI 0.49-0.97]), and the all-cause mortality was significantly decreased (23.0% lower) (HR0.77 [95% CI 0.68-0.87]) in the screened group. In summary, a single LDCT for lung cancer screening will reduce the mortality of lung cancer and all-cause mortality in China.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Proportional Hazards Models , China/epidemiology , Mass Screening
12.
Cancer Immunol Immunother ; 73(6): 111, 2024 Apr 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38668781

ABSTRACT

The increase in the detection rate of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) has posed remarkable clinical challenges due to the limited understanding of its pathogenesis and molecular features. Here, comprehensive comparisons of genomic and immunologic features between MPLC and solitary lung cancer nodule (SN), as well as different lesions of the same patient, were performed. Compared with SN, MPLC displayed a lower rate of EGFR mutation but higher rates of BRAF, MAP2K1, and MTOR mutation, which function exactly in the upstream and downstream of the same signaling pathway. Considerable heterogeneity in T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire exists among not only different patients but also among different lesions of the same patient. Invasive lesions of MPLC exhibited significantly higher TCR diversity and lower TCR expansion than those of SN. Intriguingly, different lesions of the same patient always shared a certain proportion of TCR clonotypes. Significant clonal expansion could be observed in shared TCR clonotypes, particularly in those existing in all lesions of the same patient. In conclusion, this study provided evidences of the distinctive mutational landscape, activation of oncogenic signaling pathways, and TCR repertoire in MPLC as compared with SN. The significant clonal expansion of shared TCR clonotypes demonstrated the existence of immune commonality among different lesions of the same patient and shed new light on the individually tailored precision therapy for MPLC.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms , Mutation , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/immunology , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/immunology , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/genetics , Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged
13.
J Transl Med ; 22(1): 483, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773621

ABSTRACT

The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has garnered increasing attention for its potential protective effects against gastric cancer (GC). The MD's rich content of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds contributes to its ability to modulate gene expression, inhibit tumor growth, and regulate apoptosis. Studies have shown significant reductions in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) among individuals adhering to the MD, suggesting its pivotal role in mitigating chronic inflammation-associated with cancer development. Furthermore, the MD's anti-angiogenic properties, particularly in components like olive oil, red wine, fish, and tomatoes, offer promising avenues for reducing GC risk by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Additionally, the MD's influence on intestinal microbiota composition underscores its potential in maintaining immune homeostasis and reducing systemic inflammation, factors crucial in GC prevention. Despite challenges such as variability in dietary adherence scoring systems and the need for further gender and geographical-specific studies, evidence supports the MD as a cost-effective and holistic approach to GC prevention. Emphasizing the role of nutrition in public health is a promising strategy with broad implications for global health and cancer prevention initiatives. Therefore, this review explores the multifaceted impacts of the MD on GC prevention, delving into its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and molecular mechanisms.


Subject(s)
Diet, Mediterranean , Stomach Neoplasms , Humans , Stomach Neoplasms/prevention & control , Patient Compliance , Inflammation , Gastrointestinal Microbiome
14.
Genet Med ; 26(6): 101122, 2024 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38493336

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Digital tools are increasingly incorporated into genetics practice to address challenges with the current model of care. Yet, genetics providers' perspectives on digital tool use are not well characterized. METHODS: Genetics providers across Canada were recruited. Semistructured interviews were conducted to ascertain their perspectives on digital tool use and the clinical practice factors that might inform digital tool integration. A qualitative interpretive description approach was used for analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three genetics providers across 5 provinces were interviewed. Participants had favorable attitudes toward digital tool use. They were open to using digital tools in the pretest phase of the genetic testing pathway and for some posttest tasks or in a hybrid model of care. Participants expressed that digital tools could enhance efficiency and allow providers to spend more time practicing at the top of scope. Providers also described the need for careful consideration of the potential impact of digitalization on the clinician-patient dynamic, access to and equity of care, and unintended digital burden on providers. CONCLUSION: Genetics providers considered digital tools to represent a viable solution for improving access, efficiency, and quality of care in genetics practice. Successful use of digital tools in practice will require careful consideration of their potential unintended impacts.


Subject(s)
Genetic Testing , Humans , Canada , Genetic Testing/methods , Attitude of Health Personnel , Health Personnel , Female , Male , Genetics, Medical , Adult
15.
Am J Kidney Dis ; 2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39033956

ABSTRACT

About 37 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease, a disease that encompasses multiple causes. About 10% or more of kidney diseases in adults and as many as 70% of selected chronic kidney diseases in children are expected to be explained by genetic causes. Despite the advances in genetic testing and an increasing understanding of the genetic bases of certain kidney diseases, genetic testing in nephrology lags behind other medical fields. More understanding of the benefits and logistics of genetic testing is needed to advance the implementation of genetic testing in chronic kidney diseases. Accordingly, the National Kidney Foundation convened a Working Group of experts with diverse expertise in genetics, nephrology, and allied fields to develop recommendations for genetic testing for monogenic disorders and to identify genetic risk factors for oligogenic and polygenic causes of kidney diseases. Algorithms for clinical decision making on genetic testing and a road map for advancing genetic testing in kidney diseases were generated. An important aspect of this initiative was the use of a modified Delphi process to reach group consensus on the recommendations. The recommendations and resources described herein provide support to nephrologists and allied health professionals to advance the use of genetic testing for diagnosis and screening of kidney diseases.

16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38321360

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is an unmet need to develop patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures for Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM). To investigate the feasibility, compliance, and psychometric properties of NIH's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function-20 (PF-20) in a large U.S. IIM population. METHODS: "Myositis Patient Centered Tele-Research" (My PACER) is a multicentre prospective observational study of IIM patients, competitively recruited through traditional in-person clinic visits (Center-Based Cohort [CBC]), and remotely using smartphone and web-based technology (Tele-Research Cohort [TRC]). The CBC was further randomly divided (1:1 ratio) into a traditional local sub-cohort, and a remote sub-cohort. Data collected included PRO and other patient self-assessments monthly for 6 months. Clinician-reported outcomes were obtained at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: 120 IIM patients were enrolled (82 TRC/38 CBC, mean age 55 ± 13.4, 75% females, 81% Caucasians), with similar demographics and mean PROMIS PF-20 score between cohorts. The PROMIS PF-20 score was not associated with age, sex or race. The compliance and completion rates were similar between TRC and CBC as well as sub-cohorts. PROMIS PF-20 showed strong test-retest reliability at 1 month. PROMIS PF-20 was significantly associated with all core set measures except extra-muscular global and CK, as well as with most of symptoms, function and physical activity measures. PROMIS PF-20 illustrated concordant change with myositis response criteria and patient assessment, with a large effect size. CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS PF-20 demonstrates favorable psychometric properties including reliability, validity and responsiveness in a large cohort of myositis patients, with similar adherence in local or remotely enrolled patients.

17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38547392

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: A rapidly expanding number of prediction models is being developed aiming to improve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and treatment. However, few are actually implemented in clinical practice. This study explores factors influencing the acceptance of prediction models in clinical decision-making by RA patients. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used with thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was applied to capture a complete overview of influencing factors. The interview topic list was based on pilot data. RESULTS: Data saturation was reached after 12 interviews. Patients were generally positive about the use of prediction models in clinical decision-making. Six key themes were identified from the interviews. First, patients have the need for information on prediction models. Second, factors influencing trust in model-supported treatment are described. Third, patients envision the model to have a supportive role in clinical decision-making. Fourth, patients hope to personally benefit from model-supported treatment in various ways. Fifth, patients are willing to contribute time and effort to contribute to model input. And lastly, we discuss the theme on effects of the relationship with the caregiver in model-supported treatment. CONCLUSION: Within this study RA patients were generally positive about the use of prediction models in their treatment given some conditions were met and concerns addressed. The results of this study can be used during the development and implementation in RA care of prediction models in order to enhance patient acceptability.

18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39259211

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of loneliness among patients with IA with a specific focus on the associations with disease activity and impact. METHODS: We used data from a Danish cross-sectional survey comprising information on socio-demographics, mental health status, and social contacts among 12 713 patients with IA (rheumatoid arthritis (RA)/psoriatic arthritis (PsA)/axial spondylarthritis (axSpA)). Data were linked to the DANBIO Rheumatology Registry and the National Patient Registry. Loneliness was measured by asking: "Are you ever alone, although you would prefer to be together with others?". Association with disease activity and disease impact (Patient Global Assessment, pain, fatigue, physical function) was estimated using multivariable logistic regression (age, sex, cohabitation status, educational level, mental health status (depression, anxiety), and co-morbidity). RESULTS: Approximately one-third reported loneliness. Prevalence was lowest for patients with RA (31.6% (95%CI: 30.5; 32.6)) compared with PsA and axSpA (36.0 (34.0; 38.0)) and (36.3 (34.1; 38.4), respectively). It was highest among axSpA patients reporting high levels of depression (66.2% (60.0; 72.8)). A positive association was observed between loneliness and disease activity. For disease impact, prevalence estimates were between 40-60% when patients experienced high levels of pain, fatigue, low levels of physical function, and high Patient Global Assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness was highly prevalent in IA and associated with disease activity and impact. Therefore, loneliness is an important target for future mental health interventions in IA.

19.
Mov Disord ; 2024 Sep 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39221849

ABSTRACT

Previous reviews on the cost of illness (COI) of Parkinson's disease (PD) have often focused on health-care costs due to PD, underestimating its effects on other sectors. This systematic review determines the COI of PD from a societal perspective. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023428937). Embase, Medline, and EconLit were searched up to October 12, 2023, for studies determining the COI of PD from a societal perspective. From 2812 abstracts, 17 studies were included. The COI of PD averaged €20,911.37 per patient per year, increasing to almost €100,000 in the most severely affected patients. Health-care costs accounted for 46.1% of total costs, followed by productivity loss (37.4%) and costs to patient and family (16.4%). The COI of PD strongly varied between different geographical regions, with costs in North America 3.6 times higher compared to Asia. This study is the first to identify the relative importance of different cost items. Most important were reduced employment, government benefits, informal care, medication, nursing homes, and hospital admission. There was strong variety in the cost items that were included, with 55.2% of cost items measured in fewer than half of articles. Our review shows that PD-COI is high and appears in various cost sectors, with strong variety in the cost items included in different studies. Therefore, a guideline for the measurement of COI in PD should be developed to harmonize this. This article provides a first step toward the development of such a tool by identifying which cost items are most relevant. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

20.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol ; 185(6): 527-535, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38447548

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Given the lack of data, we aimed to explore which therapeutic endpoints pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and their parents consider to be relevant. METHODS: We created an educational brochure on EoE and a questionnaire, both of which were content-validated by pediatric patients and parents. Validated documents were sent to 112 patients and parents. They ranked the importance (5 levels) of short (during next 3 months) and long-term (≥1 year) treatment effect on symptoms, quality of life, endoscopic inflammation, stricture formation, histological inflammation, and fibrosis. RESULTS: A total of 45 parents and 30 pediatric patients ≥11 years completed the questionnaires. Pediatric patients identified improvement in the following domains as most important in the short- and long-term, respectively: symptoms (73% vs. 77%), QoL (53% vs. 57%), histologic inflammation (47% vs. 50%), histologic fibrosis (40% vs. 33%), endoscopic inflammation (47% vs. 40%), and strictures (33% vs. 40%). Parents of children ≥11 years old classified improvement in the following domains as most important in the short- and long-term, respectively: symptoms (70% vs. 83%), QoL (63% vs. 80%), histologic inflammation (67% vs. 77%), histologic fibrosis (47% vs. 63%), endoscopic inflammation (77% vs. 80%), and strictures (40% vs. 53%). Agreement between caregiver and children on the short-term importance of treatment outcomes was as follows: symptoms (77%), QoL (40%), histologic inflammation and fibrosis (47% and 43%), endoscopic inflammation and strictures (50% and 40%). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients and parents attributed most importance to improvement in symptoms and QoL. Agreement between parents and patients regarding therapy goals is limited.


Subject(s)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis , Parents , Quality of Life , Humans , Eosinophilic Esophagitis/therapy , Eosinophilic Esophagitis/diagnosis , Parents/psychology , Child , Surveys and Questionnaires , Male , Female , Treatment Outcome , Adolescent , Child, Preschool
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