Publications by authors named "Pal H"

Background: Treatment for childhood cancer may increase the risk of long-term pulmonary complications and dysfunction. Pulmonary surveillance is recommended after established pulmonary toxic exposures, including bleomycin, busulfan, carmustine (BCNU), lomustine (CCNU), radiotherapy to a field exposing the lungs, and pulmonary surgery. However, the role of cyclophosphamide as a pulmonary toxic agent is debated.

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Background: Because the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) might contribute to childhood cancer survivor's excess risk of cardiovascular disease, the authors assessed the prevalence and determinants of MetS in the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS-LATER2) cohort.

Methods: In total, 2338 adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) were cross-sectionally assessed for the prevalence of MetS, using the Lifelines cohort (N = 132,226 adults without a history of cancer) as references. The prevalence of MetS was clinically assessed using existing classifications, as well as an alternative method using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry fat% instead of waist circumference to define abdominal adiposity.

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Cerebrovascular events (CVEs) are serious late adverse events among childhood cancer survivors. We estimated the incidence and risk factors of symptomatic CVEs and described the clinical characteristics among childhood cancer survivors after upper body radiotherapy. The Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort study includes 5-year childhood cancer survivors diagnosed View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in agricultural crops, particularly vegetables, is a matter of global concern due to its potential health risks to humans. Commercially growing vegetable samples were analyzed for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for leafy greens and fruit vegetables collected during winter from highly susceptible zones, in the vicinity of Kolkata. ICP-MS is advantageous over Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, faster turnaround time, cost-effectiveness, etc.

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Article Synopsis
  • Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have a higher likelihood of developing dyslipidemia, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease, compared to adults without a cancer history.
  • A study analyzed data from 2,338 CCS and found various lipid abnormalities in the survivors, indicating a prevalence of issues like high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.
  • Factors influencing dyslipidemia in CCS included age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and treatment history, highlighting the need for tailored health monitoring for these individuals.
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Background: Childhood cancer survivors face high risks of adverse late health effects. Long-term follow-up care for childhood cancer survivors is crucial to improve their health and quality of life. However, implementation remains a challenge.

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Objective: This study examines the association between psychosocial risk and protective factors and a wide range of psychosocial outcomes including emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods: CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001) part 2 (age ≥ 18 years, diagnosed < 18 years, ≥ 5 years since diagnosis) completed questionnaires on psychosocial risk and protective factors (Benefit and Burden Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Impact of Cancer Scale), and psychosocial outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Self-Rating Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult Health-Related Quality of Life, and Short Form-36). Associations were assessed with regression analysis, adjusting for attained age, sex, number of health conditions, and time since diagnosis, while correcting for multiple testing (p < 0.

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Purpose: Neuroblastoma survivors have an increased risk of developing subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs), but the risk of subsequent nonmalignant neoplasms (SNMNs) and risk factors are largely unknown. We analyzed the long-term risks and associated risk factors for developing SMNs and SNMNs in a well-characterized cohort of 5-year neuroblastoma survivors.

Methods: We included 563 5-year neuroblastoma survivors from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort, diagnosed during 1963-2014.

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Background: Healthy behaviors are paramount in preventing long-term adverse health outcomes in childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors. We systematically reviewed and synthesized existing literature on barriers, facilitators, and other factors associated with health behaviors in this population.

Methods: MEDLINE and PsycInfo were searched for qualitative and quantitative studies including survivors aged 16-50 years at study, a cancer diagnosis ≤25 years and ≥2 years post diagnosis.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the factors that prevent parents from seeking early intervention for strabismus in their children, aiming to find ways to improve access to care.
  • Researchers surveyed 110 parents of children with strabismus at a health clinic in India, examining their knowledge about the condition and reasons for not pursuing treatment.
  • Results showed that many parents are worried about surgical outcomes and costs, and educational efforts are needed to change perceptions about the importance and nature of strabismus treatment.
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Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at risk for developing subsequent neoplasms, but there is limited information on long-term risks and risk factors for both subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and subsequent non-malignant neoplasms (SNMNs). We analyzed long-term risk and risk factors for SMNs and SNMNs among 3291 5-year ALL survivors from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study-LATER cohort (1963-2014). We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and cumulative incidences and used multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses for analyzing risk factors.

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Purpose: Splenectomy might be a risk factor for valvular heart disease (VHD) in adult Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. As this risk is still unclear for childhood cancer survivors (CCS), the aim of this study is to evaluate the association between treatments affecting splenic function (splenectomy and radiotherapy involving the spleen) and VHD in CCS.

Methods: CCS were enrolled from the DCCSS-LATER cohort, consisting of 6,165 five-year CCS diagnosed between 1963 and 2002.

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The aim of this review is to raise awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals and policymakers about late adverse effects in survivors of childhood leukemia. With contemporary treatment, over 90% of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and over 60% with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are cured. Large cohort studies demonstrate that 20% of ALL and most AML survivors have at least one chronic health condition by 20-25 years after diagnosis.

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Purpose: Investigate the association between presence, number and type of clinically relevant health conditions and a range of psychosocial outcomes (emotional, social, cognitive, physical) in survivors of childhood cancer (CCS).

Methods: CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed between 1963-2001, attained age ≥ 18, diagnosed < 18, ≥ 5 years since diagnosis) completed a questionnaire on health conditions (2013-2014), and questionnaires on psychosocial outcomes (2017-2020): Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short form 36, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult Health-Related Quality of Life, and the Self-Rating Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Associations among health conditions and psychosocial outcomes were assessed with regression analysis, adjusting for attained age, sex, and time since diagnosis, and adjusting for multiple testing (p < 0.

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A skull- base defect with grade-3 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak following a pituitary macroadenoma removal is rare and challenging. We provide a simple sample model of multilayer closure with naturally available hard and soft tissue components. Tamponade was provided to the reconstructed site with a simple inflated Foley's catheter bulb.

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Background: Childhood cancer survivors at risk for heart failure undergo lifelong echocardiographic surveillance. Previous studies reported the limited diagnostic accuracy of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in detecting left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, potential enhanced diagnostic accuracy through the combination of biomarkers and clinical characteristics has been suggested.

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Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) is an important type III interferon triggered mainly by viral infection. IFN-λ binds to their heterodimeric receptors and signals through JAK-STAT pathways similar to type I IFN. In this study, we deduced the buffalo IFN-λ sequences through the polymerase chain reaction, and then studied IFN-λ's expression patterns in different tissues, and post induction with poly I:C and live MRSA using RT-qPCR.

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This review aims to explore advancements in perioperative ischemic stroke risk estimation for asymptomatic patients with significant carotid artery stenosis, focusing on Circle of Willis (CoW) morphology based on the CTA or MR diagnostic imaging in the current preoperative diagnostic algorithm. Functional transcranial Doppler (fTCD), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are discussed in the context of evaluating cerebrovascular reserve capacity and collateral vascular systems, particularly the CoW. These non-invasive diagnostic tools provide additional valuable insights into the cerebral perfusion status.

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Objective: To discover new variants associated with low ovarian reserve after gonadotoxic treatment among adult female childhood cancer survivors using a genome-wide association study approach.

Design: Genome-wide association study.

Setting: Not applicable.

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Background: To overcome knowledge gaps and optimize long-term follow-up (LTFU) care for childhood cancer survivors, the concept of the Survivorship Passport (SurPass) has been invented. Within the European PanCareSurPass project, the semiautomated and interoperable SurPass (version 2.0) will be optimized, implemented, and evaluated at 6 LTFU care centers representing 6 European countries and 3 distinct health system scenarios: (1) national electronic health information systems (EHISs) in Austria and Lithuania, (2) regional or local EHISs in Italy and Spain, and (3) cancer registries or hospital-based EHISs in Belgium and Germany.

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Background: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, overweight, and obesity in Dutch childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compared with sibling controls and the Dutch general population. Other aims were to assess associated factors of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, overweight, and obesity and to identify subgroups of CCSs at risk for these unhealthy statuses.

Methods: The authors included 2253 CCSs and 906 siblings from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study-Late Effects After Childhood Cancer cohort, part 1, and added data from the Dutch general population.

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Pig-to-human xenotransplantation is rapidly approaching the clinical arena; however, it is unclear which immunomodulatory regimens will effectively control human immune responses to pig xenografts. Here, we transplant a gene-edited pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient on pharmacologic immunosuppression and study the human immune response to the xenograft using spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing. Human immune cells are uncommon in the porcine kidney cortex early after xenotransplantation and consist of primarily myeloid cells.

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Introduction: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether subtypes of chronic fatigue (CF) can be identified in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), and if so, to determine the characteristics of participants with a specific subtype.

Methods: Participants were included from the nationwide DCCSS LATER cohort. The Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) was completed to assess fatigue.

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Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS), of whom there are about 500,000 living in Europe, are at an increased risk of developing health problems [1-6] and require lifelong Survivorship Care. There are information and knowledge gaps among CCS and healthcare providers (HCPs) about requirements for Survivorship Care [7-9] that can be addressed by the Survivorship Passport (SurPass), a digital tool providing CCS and HCPs with a comprehensive summary of past treatment and tailored recommendations for Survivorship Care. The potential of the SurPass to improve person-centred Survivorship Care has been demonstrated previously [10,11].

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Background: We assessed the prevalence and diagnostic value of ECG abnormalities for cardiomyopathy surveillance in childhood cancer survivors.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1381 survivors (≥5 years) from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study part 2 and 272 siblings underwent a long-term follow-up ECG and echocardiography. We compared ECG abnormality prevalences using the Minnesota Code between survivors and siblings, and within biplane left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) categories.

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