bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anopheles cinereus implicated as a vector of malaria transmission in the highlands of north-west Ethiopia
Authors: Lemma Wossenseged , Alemu Kassahune , Birhanie Meserete , Worku Ligabaw , Niedbalski Julie , McDowell Mary Ann , Lobo Neil F. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Transmission of malaria in the highlands of Ethiopia is poorly understood and usually attributed to importation by mobile populations or local transmission by Anopheles arabiensis. To characterize and identify Anopheles species present in a highland area of northern Ethiopia, adult and larval collections were performed in Gondar town and the neighboring Senbet Debir village (Dembia district, > 2000 meters above sea level, masl), in addition to Bahir Dar town (capital of Amhara region) and Kumer Aftit village (Metema district, < 2000 masl).

Methods
CDC-light traps were used to collect adult mosquitoes and larval collections were performed from rain pools for rearing into adults for species identification. Collections were made September-March 2016–2018. Adult mosquitoes were identified morphologically and a subset of randomly chosen specimens were identified to species by sequencing the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1).

Results
The primary species of Anopheles identified at elevations higher than 2000 masl was An. cinereus, which was confirmed molecularly by ITS2 and cox1 sequencing. Interestingly, two unknown species were also sequenced, in addition to two specimens of An. pretoriensis. The species collected at sites with elevations less than 2000 masl (Bahir Dar town and Kumer Aftit village) was An. arabiensis. Three Plasmodium falciparum-positive specimens were identified molecularly as An. cinereus.

Conclusions
The presence of Plasmodium-positive An. cinereus in areas greater than 2000 masl incriminates this species as a potential vector contributing to non-peak malaria transmission in Ethiopian highland areas.
Potential of Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and their mixture on the management of Meloidogyne incognita, Pectobacterium betavasculorum, and Rhizoctonia solani disease complex of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Khan Manzoor R. , Siddiqui Zaki A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEffects of Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis alone, and in combinations for the management of Meloidogyne incognita, Pectobacterium betavasculorum, and Rhizoctonia solani disease complex of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), were studied. Application of P. putida or B. subtilis to plants with M. incognita or P. betavasculorum or R. solani singly or in combinations caused a significant increase in plant growth parameters and the activities of defense enzymes. A significant increase in chlorophyll fluorescence attributes, viz., Fv/Fm, ɸPSII, qP, NPQ, and ETR were recorded in plants treated with P. putida or B. subtilis over pathogen-inoculated plants. Inoculation of P. putida results in a higher reduction in galling and nematode multiplication than B. subtilis. Maximum reduction in nematode multiplication and galling occurred when a mixture of P. putida and B. subtilis was used. Soft rot and root rot indices were 3 when Pectobacterium betavasculorum and Rhizoctonia solani were inoculated alone. The disease indices were rated 5 when these pathogens and M. incognita were inoculated in combinations. Inoculation of P. putida/B. subtilis with P. betavasculorum or R. solani reduced soft rot and root rot indices to 2 out of 3, while the use of P. putida + B. subtilis reduced indices to 1. Disease indices were reduced to 2–3 out of 5, when P. putida + B. subtilis were used to plants inoculated with two or three pathogens. The principal component analysis showed significant correlations among the various studied attributes. Two principal components explained a total of 86.1 and 93.4% of the overall data variability. Therefore, the use of P. putida together with B. subtilis had the potential for successful management of disease complex of beetroot.
Effect of certain organic amendments and Trichoderma species on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, infecting pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants
Authors: El-Nagdi Wafaa M. A. , Youssef Mahmoud M. A. , El-Khair Hassan Abd , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three fungal species, Trichoderma harzianum (Th), T. viride (Tv), and T. vierns (Tvi), and ground seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vierns) and caraway (Carum carvi), and powdered leaves of basil (Ocimum basilicum) as soil amendments against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on pea root, Pisum sativum under screen house conditions. The treatments were compared to a nematicide, carbofuran 10G, and untreated check. The tested materials significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced M. incognita on pea as indicated by the numbers of galls, egg masses, and J2 per root system in pots, either as single or combined treatments. The combined treatments caused higher average total percentages of nematode reduction than those achieved by single ones. The single treatments recorded the averages total percentages of nematode reduction ranged from 72.4 to 82.0%. Basil waste as single was superior in reducing nematode numbers of J2 and egg masses in root system per plant, as it achieved the highest average total percentages of nematode reduction (77.9%) than 73. 9 and 72.4% caused by fennel and caraway, respectively. In combined treatments, the average total percentages of nematode reduction ranged from 72.4 to 86.4%. Basil + (Th) caused the highest reduction (86.4%), followed by caraway+Tvi (86.3%) and caraway+Th (86.2%). The nematicide, carbofuran was as effective as most as the treatments in reducing nematode parameters. Also, the treatments highly increased growth and yield criteria of pea infected with M. incognita as indicated by shoot length and fresh and dry weights and root fresh weight, number and fresh and dry weights of pods.
Understanding barriers to oral medication adherence in adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Authors: Bryant Ashley Leak , Chan Ya-Ning , Richardson Jaime , Foster Matthew Charles , Wujcik Debra 
Published: November 2019

106 Background: AML is a disease of older adults (median age 67 years). Although standard AML treatment is intravenous (IV) chemotherapy, availability of oral anti-cancer medications has increased , providing benefits and risks to patients. Patients prefer their convenience, absence of IV infusions, potential for fewer clinic visits, and increased subjective feeling of control over their disease. Poor adherence can increase toxicity risk and compromise treatment effectiveness. We aim to identify barriers to adherence to oral medications in patients with AML and proposed solutions for improvements. Methods: Following IRB approval, patients with AML and their caregivers were recruited to participate in focus groups. An experienced moderator conducted the groups using an interview guide developed by AML experts. Participants received gift cards for their participation. Sessions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic content using Dedoose qualitative software. Results: 11 patients (5 <65 years; 6 >65 years) and 4 caregivers participated in sessions lasting 60-75 minutes. Three central themes emerged: medication adherence challenges, managing an oral adherence plan, and strategies to improve oral adherence. Adherence challenges: number and size of pills, different directions, cost, availability, and side effects. An adherence plan was recommended: written schedules, take medications around meals, and use of pillboxes and alarms. Main sources of information: health care team and bottle directions. Recommendations for providing adherence assistance included better instructions, assistance with scheduling, making pills smaller, and consistency in packaging. Conclusions: Patients are an important source of insight into barriers and solutions to oral medication adherence. These responses were used to develop a survey to be administered to 100 patients with AML. Results will inform development of an intervention to improve oral medication adherence in the AML population.
Two-year review of the electronic Patient Reported Outcome (ePRO) system in the Prostate Clinic at the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC).
Authors: Wu Eugenia , Arsovska Olga , Hedden Lindsay , Spillane Maria , Vivar Michaela , Gleave Martin , Black Peter C. , So Alan , Goldenberg Larry , Higano Celestia S. 
Published: November 2019

107 Background: The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) implemented an electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) system in April 2017 to collect data on a research protocol in collaboration with University Health Network of Toronto, funded by Prostate Cancer Canada. Responses to ePRO questionnaires collected on iPads were entered into the national PC360 registry initially and a global TrueNorth registry thereafter funded by Movember Foundation. Herein we describe our experience implementing the ePRO system over the last two years. Methods: All patients (pts) with a new diagnosis of localized prostate cancer, either before or just after therapy, were identified using the electronic medical record and were consented in person in clinic. After signing consent, pts were asked to complete ePROs, including EPIC-26, EQ-5D-5L, WHODAS 2.0, and Distress Thermometer, on iPads at designated clinic appointment. Results: Between April 3, 2017-March 31, 2019, 1027 pts were identified as being eligible to complete ePRO: 878 pts (85.5%) consented and completed ePRO at least once. In Year 1 (Apr 2017-Mar 2018), 76.7% of the 1075 planned ePRO questionnaires were completed vs 75% completed of 1258 planned in year 2. Most pts (82.3%,723/878) agreed to be contacted for future research. Of those, 424/723 were recruited to at least one additional registry study. Data for consented pts was missing for 155/878 (17.7%) each year, usually due to difficulty locating the pt to give him the iPad before he left the clinic. In a small percentage of cases, ePRO reports were incomplete due to fluctuating WiFi connectivity, inadequate time to complete the questions before the clinic appointment, refusal, or no show. Conclusions: ePROs for research were successfully implemented into clinical practice in the PCSC program as evidenced by high completion and low refusal rates but required significant manpower due to ethics board requirements. Challenges encountered included: training clinic staff and coordinators to direct pts to the iPad system to minimize missing ePRO assessments, technical difficulties with WiFi connectivity, requirement of ethics board mandating that staff interact with each pt individually to ensure the ePRO assessments are completed. The next step is to incorporate ePROs into clinical practice, in which case consent will not be required.
Whole-brain radiation practice pattern at a tertiary hospital with high-volume radiosurgery practice.
Authors: Boreta Lauren , Yee Emily , Wu Susan Y. , Braunstein Steve E. 
Published: November 2019

113 Background: Whole brain radiation (WBRT) is standard therapy used for palliation of brain metastases (BM). SRS is also used as primary treatment in patients with multiple BM, with WBRT reserved for salvage. We sought to describe WBRT practice patterns at a tertiary cancer center with a high-volume radiosurgical practice, and hypothesized that patients treated with WBRT at our institution had limited survival. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed for patients treated with WBRT for BM from January 2013-Jan 2019. Patients with complete records were included in the analysis. Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests were for comparison of clinical factors. Results: Data for 100 patients receiving WBRT were available for analysis. Patients had NSCLC (32%) breast cancer (30%) and melanoma (9%). Median age was 52 (IQR 23). 43% of patients had SRS prior to WBRT, and 41% had 2+ SRS treatments prior to WBRT. 44% of patients had WBRT only. Median survival from diagnosis of BM was 9.3 months (IQR 17.9) and median survival from WBRT was 2.7 months (IQR 11.3). 35% of patients died within 30 days of WBRT, and 3% of patients died on treatment. 77% of patients had uncontrolled extracranial metastases and 43% of patients had imaging evidence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD). Of those with documented cause of death, 65% of patients with LMD died of neurologic causes, compared with 22% of those without LMD (p < 0.001). Patients with KPS < 70 had median survival of 2 months after WBRT, compared with 3.7 months in those with KPS > 70. Patients treated with WBRT alone and those treated with salvage WBRT after SRS had median survival after WBRT of 2.1 months, however median survival from time of brain met diagnosis was 3.3 months in those treated with WBRT alone, versus 12.8 months in those treated with salvage WBRT (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study reveals the poor prognosis of patients requiring WBRT at a tertiary cancer center. 35% patients died within 30 days of WBRT, in contrast to a prior study demonstrating 10% 30-day mortality after SRS, owing to differences in patient selection. The potential for poor outcome should be discussed with patients during shared-decision making, balancing toxicity or futility with potential benefits of treatment.
Patterns of storage, use, and disposal of prescription opioids by parents of children with cancer.
Authors: Madden Kevin , Reddy Akhila Sunkepally , De la Cruz Maxine Grace , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: November 2019

114 Background: Multiple studies have demonstrated that adults do not store prescription opioids safely. Increased prescription opioid rates have led to an increased incidence of opioid poisonings in children and adolescents. We investigated whether parents of children with cancer that were prescribed opioids practiced safe storage, use, and disposal techniques. Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey of parents whose children were prescribed opioids and asked them about their patterns of storage, use, and disposal of prescription opioids. Results: Virtually all parents (106/109, 97%) completed the survey. Most parents (95/106, 90%) did not store opioids safely. Six of 106 parents (6%) gave their child's opioid pain medication to someone else with pain, and 3 of 106 parents (3%) personally took some of their child’s opioid. Parents who personally took their child’s opioid ( P = .01) or gave it to another person ( P < .001) were more likely to use opioids unsafely with their child. A minority of parents (22/106, 21%) did not use opioids safely in their child. A small number of parents (3/22, 14%) did not dispose of opioids safely. Conclusions: Universal education about the safe, use, and disposal of opioids should be adopted when prescribing opioids. Pediatricians need to maintain vigilance about the nonmedical use of prescription opioid use by parents of children.
Palliative medical management of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction with “triple therapy”: Dexamethasone, octreotide, and metoclopramide at a comprehensive cancer center.
Authors: Wey Winston , Mian Moeena , Calabrese Rebecca , Hansen Eric , Walter Michelle , Wang Chong , Case Amy Allen 
Published: November 2019

125 Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a complication of advanced malignancy. For inoperable patients, symptoms are often treated using analgesics, anticholinergics, and anti-emetics. There are, however, few published guidelines or algorithms for the medical management of MBO. Therefore, the objective was to measure the effect of the combination of dexamethasone, octreotide, and metoclopramide (“triple therapy”) in patients with MBO, compared to patients who received none of the three medications (“no drug therapy”). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done of patients with malignant bowel obstruction admitted between 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2018. The outcome measures were a patient having de-obstruction (defined as toleration of oral intake and resolution of nausea and vomiting), as well as time to de-obstruction. Results: Medical staff identified 34 patients who received triple therapy and 34 patients who received no drug therapy. Patients who received triple therapy were more likely to reach de-obstruction, compared to patients who had no drug therapy (OR: 9.02 [1.43, 56.99], p=0.0194), after adjusting for related covariates (i.e. length of stay and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy [PEG] placement). Patients who reached de-obstruction in the triple therapy arm, however, took longer to reach de-obstruction than those in the no drug therapy arm (5.4 days versus 3.4 days, p=0.045). Conclusions: Triple drug therapy with dexamethasone, octreotide, and metoclopramide leads to higher rates of de-obstruction in patients with inoperable MBO, compared to patients who received none of the three drugs, though time to de-obstruction is longer.
Systemic inflammatory markers may predict survival in advanced cancer patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit.
Authors: Lee Si Won , Kim Yu Jung 
Published: November 2019

134 Background: The Acute Palliative Care Unit (APCU) is an inpatient palliative care program that provides intensive symptom management and facilitates the transition from hospital discharge to hospice. Often patients are admitted to the APCU very late at the end of their disease trajectory. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether systemic inflammatory markers can predict remaining survival in these patients. Methods: Advanced cancer patients admitted to the APCU at a tertiary cancer center in Korea between April 2015 and March 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Of the 405 consecutive APCU admissions during this time period, there were 312 individual patients. Within this cohort, 267 patients were eligible for this study. Systemic inflammatory markers including albumin level, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Advanced Lung cancer Inflammation index (ALI = BMI x Albumin / NLR) were analyzed. Results: Of the 267 patients analyzed, the median age of patients was 66 (range, 23-97), and 45% were female. Primary cancer types were lung cancer (21%), gastric cancer (17%), colorectal cancer (15%), and pancreatobiliary cancer (14%). Overall survival after admission to the APCU was 21 days. Patients with low albumin level ( < 3.3g/dL) showed shorter survival compared with those with normal albumin level (16 days vs 32 days, hazard ratio [HR] 1.79, 95% CI 1.37-2.33, P < 0.001). Median NLR was 8.7, and patients with high NLR (≥8.7) exhibited poorer survival (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.68, P = 0.028). Patients with low ALI ( < 18) had poor prognosis compared with those with high ALI (≥18) (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15-2.08, P = 0.004). Conclusions: Low albumin level ( < 3.3), high NLR (≥8.7), and low ALI ( < 18) may indicate poor prognosis in advanced cancer patients admitted to the APCU. A prospective cohort studies are necessary to validate these results.
Impact of depression and anxiety on cancer patients' perceptions of lifestyle behaviors.
Authors: Corbett Kathryn , Huang Jingyue , Liu Sophia , Smith Elliot Charles , Farzanfar Delaram , Balaratnam Karmugi , Pinto Dixon , McCartney Alexandra , Chen RuiQi , Basgaran Amedra , Alton Devon , Brown M. Catherine , Howell Doris , Li Madeline , Xu Wei , Liu Geoffrey , Eng Lawson 
Published: November 2019

141 Background: Health behaviors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical activity (PA) can impact outcomes in cancer survivors. While the peri-diagnostic period can be a "teachable moment" for behavior change, patients may face barriers including mental health comorbidities. We have previously identified that patient perceptions of behaviors can influence behavior change. Here, we evaluated the impact of anxiety and depression on patient perceptions of these behaviors. Methods: Cancer patients from all disease sites were surveyed (2016-17) on their smoking, alcohol habits, and PA, and perceptions of the impact of these behaviors on fatigue, survival, and quality of life (QofL). Survey data were linked with same day Edmonton Symptom Assessment Symptom (ESAS) anxiety and depression scores. Logistic regression models evaluated the impact of anxiety and depression on patient perceptions. Results: Of 496, 53% were male; median age, 60 years. At diagnosis, 20% were current smokers, 47% were current drinkers, and 67% were not meeting PA guidelines. 30% screened positive for anxiety (ESAS anxiety > 3) and 34% screened positive for depression (ESAS depression > 2); mean [standard deviation] scores were 1.9 [2.3] for anxiety and 1.5 [2.2] for depression. Most current smokers (> 80%) perceived smoking to negatively impact fatigue, survival and QofL. Smokers screening positive for anxiety were more likely to perceive smoking as harmful on survival (OR=9.09, 95% CI (1.15-100), P=0.04); greater ESAS anxiety scores were associated with perceiving smoking to worsen survival (OR=1.51 per point, 95% CI (1.04-2.17), P=0.03). While those less physically active at diagnosis (> 65%) felt that PA improves fatigue, survival and QofL and half of current drinkers (45%-50%) felt that alcohol worsens outcomes, anxiety and depression were not found associated with perceptions (P > 0.10). Conclusions: Among current smokers, greater anxiety scores and those screening positive for anxiety were more likely to perceive continued smoking as harmful to survival. Mental health comorbidities were not found to have an impact on patient perceptions of the effect of alcohol consumption and PA on fatigue, survival, and QofL.
Characteristics of caregiving: A prospective, observational study of lung cancer patients and their informal caregivers.
Authors: Lee Charlotte T. , Gonsalves Clarelle L. , Gao-Kang Jenny , McKay Brittney Jayne , Pickrell Wyatt G. , Sabzvari Tara , Yalda Sandra , Barker Ruth F. 
Published: November 2019

18 Background: Cancer self-management involves active partnership between patients and their informal caregivers (ICs). There is a dearth of literature on ICs to lung cancer patients. Multi-modality treatment and profound challenges in symptom management and lifestyle adjustment are hallmarks of this population. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of, and resources utilized by ICs to lung cancer patients and examine the association between symptom severity and a) caregiver burden and b) perceived support. Methods: This study was conducted at a cancer centre north of Toronto, Canada. Dyads of lung cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment and their self-identified ICs (N = 39) were recruited. Upon consent, participants completed a one-time survey which assessed study variables employing previously validated instruments, including: patient’s functional status, caregiver burden, caregiver’s perceived social support and utilization of resources to enhance self-management. Descriptive analysis was used to describe our sample and frequency of resource utilization. Pearson’s correlation was used to examine the association between symptom severity and a) caregiver burden and b) perceived support. Results: The study sample consisted of middle-aged patients and caregivers (median 55-64 years). A majority of caregivers were female (76.2%), received education above college level (56.1%) and were immediate family members (80.9%). The most frequently utilized resources were the lung cancer patient handbook (48.8%), followed by personal support worker (29.3%). Caregiver support group was the least utilized (10%) resource. Patient’s symptom severity was negatively correlated with one aspect of caregiver burden, caregiver’s self-esteem (r = -0.36, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings indicated similarities in caregiver demographics to carers of other patient populations. Informational support and material aid appeared to be the most important resources. Patients’ well-being had the greatest impact on caregivers’ self-esteem, indicating implications on person-centred care and collaborative patient-provider relationships to support patient self-management.