bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antiemetic efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at pericardium 6 acupuncture point (P6) in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced delayed nausea and vomiting (CINV) in stage I to III breast cancer patients during adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Ad/nAd).
Authors: Yared Jean , Hu Melody , Bao Ting , Chumsri Saranya , Bellavance Emily Catherine , Kesmodel Susan , Feigenberg Steven J. , Tait Nancy , Tkaczuk Katherine Hanna 
Published: March 2020

TPS648 Background: CINV remain major adverse effects of highly emetic chemotherapy for breast cancer patients (BC). Patients (PT) rate nausea & vomiting as the most feared chemotherapy-related symptoms. There is substantial evidence that P6 (located in the region in the middle of the wrist 3 finger breaths from the juncture of the hand & wrist) acupuncture is an effective antiemetic treatment in a variety of PT including the post-anesthesia, obstetrical, and motion sickness PT. We hypothesized that application of TENS at P6 point will reduce:1) the overall incidence of CINV episodes in stage 1-3 BC PT, 2) the severity & duration of CINV, 3) the requirement for rescue antiemetics 4) & that TENS is well tolerated & feasible. Maxima III Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit is utilized in this study & is self-administered by PT. Patients and Methods: We are conducting a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial to determine if self-stimulating P6 may decrease the incidence and severity of delayed CINV in stage 1-3 BC treated with the initial dose of highly emetic Ad/nAd (AC, AC-T, TAC, TC, TCH) and reduce PT' need for rescue oral antiemetic medications. PT will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the active treatment group (TENS self-stimulation at P6) & the control group (TENS self-stimulation at a point on the lateral side of the elbow that does not conform to any known acupuncture points). The assignments are blinded to the PT & the investigators. Subjects self-administer TENS at home q4 hours for 20 minutes during days 2-5 postchemotherapy. The use of conventional antiemetic therapy (corticosteroids, setrons, aprepitant, phenergan & prochlorperazine) is similar for both treatment groups. The severity of nausea symptoms, episodes of emesis, use of rescue antiemetics, and compliance are recorded daily by the PT in diaries. A brief questionnaire is also administered to evaluate PT tolerability of TENS & their ability to comply with the treatment regimen. Twenty six out of 70 planned PT have been enrolled. Recruitment is ongoing.
Dovitinib plus fulvestrant in postmenopausal endocrine resistant HER2-/ HR+ breast cancer: A phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Authors: Andre Fabrice , Neven Patrick , Musolino Antonino , Latini Luciano , Campone Mario , Cortes Javier , Barrios Carlos H. , Squires Matthew , Zhang Yong , Deudon Stephanie , Yovine Alejandro Javier , Blackwell Kimberly L. 
Published: March 2020

TPS651 Background: Overcoming endocrine resistance (ER) is a critical goal in the treatment of hormone receptor−positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC). Emerging in vitro evidence suggests that amplification and overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is associated with ER. Up to 8% pts with HR+/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2–) BC have amplification of the FGFR1 gene. Dovitinib (DOV), a potent inhibitor of FGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated BC pts with FGF-pathway amplification (FGFR1, FGFR2, or FGF3). The objective of this study is to determine if DOV plus fulvestrant (FUL) can improve outcomes in postmenopausal pts with endocrine resistant HER2-/HR+ BC. Methods: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ph II trial (NCT01528345) will enroll postmenopausal pts with HER2–/HR+ locally advanced or metastatic BC (N=150) progressing within 12 months of completion of adjuvant endocrine therapy or after ≤ 1 prior endocrine therapy in the advanced setting. Pts will be randomized 1:1 (stratified by FGF amplification and presence of visceral disease) to receive intramuscular FUL (500 mg q4w [with an additional dose 2 weeks after the initial dose]) plus oral DOV (500 mg, 5 days on/2 days off) or matching placebo until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, or discontinuation (any reason). Crossover is not permitted. Primary endpoint is progression free survival (investigator’s assessment; RECIST v1.1). Secondary endpoints include overall response rate (investigator’s assessment; RECIST v1.1), duration of response, overall survival, time to deterioration of ECOG performance status, pt-reported outcome scores over time, safety, and assessment of plasma pharmacokinetic concentrations of FUL and DOV. Additionally, the pharmacodynamic effect of DOV on FGFR-associated angiogenic pathways in tumor specimens and potential predictive biomarkers of response to DOV will be explored. As of 21 Jan 2013, 128 pts had molecular screening; 73 pts are enrolled (of these 9 pts are FGF amplified). Clinical trial information: NCT01528345.
Overcoming health care disparities in cancer treatment by instituting a patient navigation program.
Authors: Elrafei Tarek N. , Castaldi Maria , Shaker Bassam , Stanise Tina , Marquez Mariaelena , Bodner William , Reed Louis Juden , Alexis Karenza M. , Strakhan Marianna , Gralla Richard J. 
Published: March 2020

TPS6644 Background: Cancer health disparities affecting low-income and minority patients are well documented. Causes of poor outcomes include treatment delays coupled with social and financial barriers. Navigation interventions have been more commonly applied in cancer screening and in early diagnosis programs than in improving adherence to treatment among those with barriers to care. This report examines the early impact of patient navigation on adherence to prescribed cancer treatment. Methods: We put into place a Patient Navigation Program as a pilot project (supported by an Avon Foundation grant) at our public safety net hospital. Health care coverage: 58% Medicaid, 23% uninsured or undocumented. Navigator duties included care coordination, appointment reminders, patient education materials, translation services, and transportation arrangement. During a 4 month period new medical oncology practice patients felt to be at high risk received navigated care. Data collected prospectively included patient characteristics, cancer type, time from referral to first RT, and compliance with visits; this was compared with usual care historical controls immediately prior to the 4 month period. Results: Patient Navigation Program patient characteristics: N = 52 patients (22 breast cancer, 6 prostate cancer, 5 lung cancer and 19 patients with other cancers). Mean age = 55; 48% Black, 38% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 6% White. Adherence to visits, and time to first RT results are seen in the Table. Conclusions: In the first 4 months of its initiation, this Patient Navigation Program has been associated with observed improvements in adherence to chemotherapy and follow up physician visits, but no impact on time to 1st RT to date. These results document that a Patient Navigation Program can help overcome barriers to good cancer care while identifying RT as an area for further improvement. [Table: see text]
Chemotherapy for malignancies in the post solid organ transplant (SOT) setting: A single institute experience.
Authors: Al Ustwani Omar , Gupta Neha , Chen Hongbin 
Published: March 2020

TPS6646 Background: Management of advanced malignancies in SOT recipients is not well defined. These patients need immunosuppressive agents to avoid graft rejection. Simultaneous administration of chemotherapy and immunosuppressive agents may increase treatment toxicities. We reviewed data of SOT recipients treated at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) for different malignancies to assess their tolerance to treatment and outcomes. Methods: Between 2000-2012, 126 SOT recipients were seen at RPCI for management of cancer. Patients with superficial skin cancer and PTLD or other malignancies not qualifying for therapy were excluded. Adverse events were documented per CTCAE 4.0. Results: 40 patients were included for the review. Median age was 61.5 (29-79) years, and 50% were male. Types of SOT were: 17 liver, 16 kidney, 4 heart, 2 lung and 1 liver/kidney. Types of cancers were: 12 GI, 9 breast, 6 lung, 4 AML/myeloma, 3 head & neck, 2 GYN, 2 skin requiring therapy and 2 GU. Median lag time between SOT and cancer diagnosis was 14.5 years (2m-39y). 13/36 (36%) of solid tumors were metastatic at diagnosis. At the time of analysis, 9/34 (26%) of patients with documented outcome were alive. Of all patients, median overall survival was 28.5m. 31/40 (78%) received chemotherapy and 9/40 (22%) had hormonal therapy alone. In the chemotherapy group, patients received a median of 1.8 lines of therapy (1-6), 4/31 (13%) were given definitive chemotherapy+RT and 8/31 (26%) received chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant/adjuvant setting. Treatment delays were necessary in 10/31 (32%), and dose omission or reduction in 13/31 (42%). The most common hematologic adverse events (AEs) were anemia (25/31, 80%) and thrombocytopenia (19/31, 61%). Febrile neutropenia (G3) occurred in 5/31(16%). The most common non-hematologic AEs were fatigue (23/31, 74%) and hepatic dysfunction (19/31, 61%). The most common G3/4 hematologic AEs were neutropenia (9/31, 29%) and leukopenia (7/31, 23%) while non-hematologic G3/4 AEs were diarrhea and fatigue (4/31 each, 13%). Conclusions: SOT patients tolerate chemotherapy relatively well but AEs, dose reductions and delays occur. Treating physicians should be careful when dosing chemotherapy in these cases.
A multicenter phase II randomized study of customized neoadjuvant therapy versus standard chemotherapy (CT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with resectable stage IIIA(N2) disease (CONTEST trial).
Authors: Grossi Francesco , Rijavec Erika , Barletta Giulia , Sini Claudio , Genova Carlo , Dal Bello Maria Giovanna , Ratto Giovanni Battista , Truini Mauro , Merlo Domenico Franco 
Published: March 2020

TPS7606 Background: Stage IIIA NSCLC constitutes 30% of all NSCLC patients (pts). The most powerful prognostic factor that has been identified in this stage is clearance of mediastinal lymph nodes and pathologic complete response (pCR). A pCR is obtained in 5-15% of pts with a significant survival prolongation. The identification of molecular biomarkers, such as excision repair cross-complementation 1 (ERCC1), ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1), and thymidylate synthase (TS), may predict response to CT. Similarly, EGFR mutations may predict response to EGFR inhibitors. Methods: CONTEST, a multicenter (19 Italian centers), randomized (2:1) 2-arm phase II study, recruits pts with resectable stage IIIA (N2) NSCLC. Pts will be randomized to receive before resection either standard CT with Cisplatin (CDDP) 75 mg/m2 + Docetaxel (Doc) 75 mg/m2 on day (d) 1 q 21 d for 3 cycles (cys) or customized therapy using predetermined values for ERCC1, RRM1, TS, and EGFR mutations. The choices of customized arms are as follows: -EGFR+: Gefitinib 250 mg/d for 8 weeks. -EGFR-/non-squamous (NS)/TS-/ERCC1-: CDDP 75 mg/m2 + Pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 d 1 q 21 d for 3 cys. -EGFR-/squamous (S) or NS TS+/ERCC1-/RRM1+: CDDP 75 mg/m2 + Doc 75 mg/m2 d 1 q 21 d for 3 cys. -EGFR-/S or NS TS+/ERCC1-/RRM1-: CDDP 75 mg/m2 d 1+ Gemcitabine (Gem) 1250 mg/m2 d 1,8 q 21 d for 3 cys. -EGFR-/S or NS TS+/ERCC1+/RRM1+: Doc 75 mg/m2 d 1 + Vinorelbine 20 mg/m2 d 1,8 q 21 d for 3 cys. -EGFR-/S or NS TS+/ERCC1+/RRM1-: Doc 40 mg/m2 y 1, 8 + Gem 1200 mg/m2 d 1,8 q 21 d for 3 cys. The primary end point will be obtained by comparing the pCR in all randomized pts based on treatment arm. Because pCR is a surrogate endpoint and given the expected proportion of pCR's in the control group pc= 5%, the minimal clinically worthwhile effect of this customized treatment is an increase in this proportion to 20%. To detect such an effect at the 0.05 (1-sided) significance level with 80% power, a total of 168 pts will be enrolled. This study is open for accrual; further details can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01784549). Funded by Italian Ministry of Health – RF 2009-1530324. Clinical trial information: NCT01784549.
Baseline Plasma Aldosterone Level and Renin Activity Allowing Omission of Confirmatory Testing in Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Kawashima Junji , Araki Eiichi , Naruse Mitsuhide , Kurihara Isao , Takahashi Katsutoshi , Tamura Kouichi , Kobayashi Hiroki , Okamura Shintaro , Miyauchi Shozo , Yamamoto Koichi , Izawa Shoichiro , Suzuki Tomoko , Tanabe Akiyo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Context
Previous studies have proposed cutoff value of baseline plasma aldosterone concentration (bPAC) under renin suppression that could diagnose primary aldosteronism (PA) without confirmatory testing. However, those studies are limited by selection bias due to a small number of patients and a single-center study design.

Objective
This study aimed to determine cutoff value of bPAC and baseline plasma renin activity (bPRA) for predicting positive results in confirmatory tests for PA.

Design
The multi-institutional, retrospective, cohort study was conducted using the PA registry in Japan (JPAS/JRAS). We compared bPAC in patients with PA who showed positive and negative captopril challenge test (CCT) or saline infusion test (SIT) results.

Patients
Patients with PA who underwent CCT (n = 2256) and/or SIT (n = 1184) were studied.

Main outcome measures
The main outcomes were cutoff value of bPAC (ng/dL) and bPRA (ng/mL/h) for predicting positive CCT and/or SIT results.

Results
In patients with renin suppression (bPRA ≤ 0.3), the cutoff value of bPAC that would give 100% specificity for predicting a positive SIT result was lower than that for predicting a positive CCT result (30.85 vs 56.35, respectively). Specificities of bPAC cutoff values ≥ 30.85 for predicting positive SIT and CCT results remained high (100.0% and 97.0%, respectively) in patients with bPRA ≤ 0.6. However, the specificities of bPAC cutoff values ≥ 30.85 for predicting positive SIT and CCT results decreased when patients with bPRA &gt; 0.6 were included.

Conclusion
Confirmatory testing could be omitted in patients with bPAC ≥ 30.85 in the presence of bPRA ≤ 0.6.
Androgens Stimulate EPC-Mediated Neovascularization and Are Associated with Increased Coronary Collateralization
Authors: Lam Yuen Ting , Hsu Chi-Jen , Simpson Philippa J L , Dunn Louise L , Chow Renee W , Chan Kim H , Yong Andy S C , Yu Young , Sieveking Daniel P , Lecce Laura , Yuan Jun , Celermajer David S , Wise Steven G , Ng Martin K C 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a key role in neovascularization and have been linked to improved cardiovascular outcomes. Although there is a well-established inverse relationship between androgen levels and cardiovascular mortality in men, the role of androgens in EPC function is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of androgens on 2 subpopulations of EPCs, early EPCs (EEPCs) and late outgrowth EPCs (OECs), and their relationships with coronary collateralization. Early EPCs and OECs were isolated from the peripheral blood of young healthy men and treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with or without androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, hydroxyflutamide, in vitro. Dihydrotestosterone treatment enhanced AR-mediated proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis of EEPCs and OECs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, DHT augmented EPC sensitivity to extracellular stimulation by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via increased surface VEGF receptor expression and AKT activation. In vivo, xenotransplantation of DHT pretreated human EPCs augmented blood flow recovery and angiogenesis in BALB/c nude male mice, compared to mice receiving untreated EPCs, following hindlimb ischemia. In particular, DHT pretreated human OECs exhibited higher reparative potential than EEPCs in augmenting postischemic blood flow recovery in mice. Furthermore, whole blood was collected from the coronary sinus of men with single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent elective percutaneous intervention (n = 23). Coronary collateralization was assessed using the collateral flow index. Serum testosterone and EPC levels were measured. In men with CAD, circulating testosterone was positively associated with the extent of coronary collateralization and the levels of OECs. In conclusion, androgens enhance EPC function and promote neovascularization after ischemia in mice and are associated with coronary collateralization in men.
The Influence of Comorbidity on Health-Related Quality of Life After Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Backemar Lovisa , Johar Asif , Wikman Anna , Zylstra Janine , Gossage James , Davies Andrew , Lagergren Jesper , Lagergren Pernilla 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Esophageal cancer surgery reduces patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study examined whether comorbidities influence HRQoL in these patients.

Methods
This prospective cohort study included esophageal cancer patients having undergone curatively intended esophagectomy at St Thomas’ Hospital London in 2011–2015. Clinical data were collected from patient reports and medical records. Well-validated cancer-specific and esophageal cancer-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OG25) were used to assess HRQoL before and 6 months after esophagectomy. Number of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA), and specific comorbidities were analyzed in relation to HRQoL aspects using multivariable linear regression models. Mean score differences with 95% confidence intervals were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
Among 136 patients, those with three or more comorbidities at the time of surgery had poorer global quality of life and physical function and more fatigue compared with those with no comorbidity. Patients with ASA III–IV reported more problems with the above HRQoL aspects and worse social function and pain compared with those with ASA I–II. Cardiac comorbidity was associated with worse global quality of life and dyspnea, while pulmonary comorbidities were related to coughing. Patients assessed both before and 6 months after surgery (n = 80) deteriorated in most HRQoL aspects regardless of comorbidity status, but patients with several comorbidities had worse physical function and fatigue and more trouble with coughing compared with those with fewer comorbidities.

Conclusion
Comorbidity appears to negatively influence HRQoL before esophagectomy, but appears not to severely impact 6-month recovery of HRQoL.
Diagnostic analysis of abnormal increase of PASP in fetus in middle- and late-stage pregnancy by color Doppler echocardiography
Authors: Cui Hong , Su Juan , Liang Wen-Wen , Wang Hong-Ling , Wang Hui-Feng 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
Our study was conducted with an attempt to investigate the diagnostic analysis of abnormal increase of fetal pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) in middle and late pregnancy by color Doppler echocardiography.

Methods:
From August 2017 to January 2019, 52 fetuses with moderate or greater tricuspid high-speed regurgitation were retrospectively analyzed and selected as Group A. 88 fetuses with full-color blood flow of the two ventricles and symmetrical sizes of the cardiac cavities on both sides harboring tricuspid valve and mild regurgitation or a small amount of regurgitation were selected as Group B. The pulmonary artery blood flow acceleration time (AT) and right ventricular ejection time (ET) was measured, and the PASP was calculated.

Results:
The tricuspid regurgitation velocity, tricuspid regurgitation pressure difference and PASP in Group A were higher than those in Group B (p &lt; 0.05), and the AT and AT/ET values in Group A were lower than those in Group B (p &lt; 0.05). Gestational age, tricuspid regurgitation velocity and tricuspid regurgitation pressure difference were positively correlated with PASP. However, AT/ET and AT value were negatively correlated with PASP.

Conclusion:
The abnormal increase of pulmonary artery can be assessed by color Doppler echocardiography of fetal tricuspid regurgitation, which is worth popularizing and applying in clinic.

Advances in knowledge:
It was suggested that the middle- and late-stage fetuses with moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation and with &gt;20 mmHg regurgitation pressure difference should be followed up in clinic. If PASP was ≥70 mmHg with symptoms of right heart failure, fetuses should be closely observed until 35–36 weeks old to ensure fetal safety and early delivery would be recommended.
Η διαχείριση της πολιτισμικής ετερότητας στην πρωτοβάθμια εκπαίδευση
Authors: Καραγιάννη Ευαγγελία 
Published: March 2020

Οι μετακινήσεις μεγάλων πληθυσμιακών ομάδων στις δυτικές, κυρίως, χώρες κατά τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες, επέφεραν σημαντικές αλλαγές στη σύνθεση του πληθυσμού τους. Οι αλλαγές αυτές άγγιξαν και τον χώρο της εκπαίδευσης με αποτέλεσμα ο μαθητικός πληθυσμός να παρουσιάζει μία πολιτισμική ποικιλία, που συχνά κλονίζει αντιλήψεις βασισμένες στην ομοιογενή εθνικά και πολιτισμικά σύνθεση του πληθυσμού σε πολλές χώρες, μεταξύ των οποίων και η Ελλάδα. Η νέα αυτή πραγματικότητα κατέστησε επιτακτική την ανάγκη διαχείρισης της πολιτισμικής ετερότητας, σε διεθνές αλλά και εθνικό επίπεδο. Ως εκ τούτου, αρχικά, επιχειρήθηκε η διερεύνηση των απόψεων των εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης αναφορικά με τη διαχείριση της πολιτισμικής ετερότητας και στη συνέχεια αξιολογήθηκε η εν λόγω διαχείριση. Πραγματοποιήθηκε ποσοτική έρευνα σε 207 εκπαιδευτικούς πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης του νομού Αττικής κατά τους μήνες Φεβρουάριο-Μάρτιο 2017. Προέκυψαν σημαντικά ευρήματα όπως: ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί του δείγματος δεν ακολουθούν στην πολυπολιτισμική τάξη, ως στρατηγική, την εξατομικευμένη διδασκαλία και δεν χρησιμοποιούν στοιχεία από τον πολιτισμό των αλλοδαπών/μεταναστών/προσφύγων μαθητών. Επιπλέον δεν δημιουργούν το κατάλληλο διδακτικό υλικό για τους συγκεκριμένους μαθητές.