bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Women Representation on Editorial Boards in Low and Middle-Income Countries Journals: Promoting Equity and Collaboration in Oncology
Authors: Da Silva Vieira Laynara Vitória , De Araújo Franca Bárbara Nissara 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE The analysis of gender representation within journal editorial boards is crucial to understanding its potential impact on fostering collaboration among women in the global oncology community and shaping the trajectory of their careers within oncology specialties. Significantly, there exists a gap in data about Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). In this context, our study aimed to assess the presence of women on the editorial boards of cancer journals in LMICs for the year 2023. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional analysis, obtaining journals through Scimago Journal (Metrics based on Scopus® data as of April 2023) and the World Bank List of Countries Categorized as LMIC (2023). Journals were considered for inclusion if they were currently active, centered on oncology/cancer themes, and publicly disclosed information regarding their editorial board staff. Names and roles of editorial board members were extracted from the respective journals' websites. Members were categorized into senior positions (e.g., editor-in-chief), academic roles (e.g., reviewer), and non-academic positions (e.g., administrative office). The prediction of women's representation was determined based on first names using Genderize.io. RESULTS We included 64 of 66 identified journals and analyzed 2,489 names. 64 Oncology/Cancer journals represented 12 LMICs (China, Egypt, Mexico, Ecuador, Turkey, Serbia, India, Russia, Ukraine, Thailand, Pakistan, and Iran). Women held 12,1% (302/2489) of board positions [p < 0.001;95% CI(0.09, 0.14)]. Women held fewer academic roles (10,8%, 221/2,047) compared to senior [20.4%, 62/304 (p < 0.01)] and non-academic roles [13,8%, 19/138 (p = 0.05)]. CONCLUSION Our research examined the composition of editorial boards in Oncology/Cancer journals from Low or Middle-Income Countries, revealing a persistent underrepresentation of women. The scientific collaboration potential of the female contingent cannot be ignored. Results underscore the importance of implementing regional strategies to promote the advancement of women's careers across various oncology specialties.
Association Between Hepatic Malignant Tumors and Partial Oncological Hepatectomy in Brazil: A Time Analysis From 2021 to 2023
Authors: Lech Gabriele Eckerdt , Maboni Laura Roppa , Filipin Von Muhlen Pedro Henrique , Hass Lopes Yasmin Ricarte 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of hepatic cancer, and it is an aggressive malignant tumor with high lethality. Although the only potential curative treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma is tumor resection, only a few percent of cases are manageable to operative treatment. This study aims to analyze the number of diagnoses of hepatic tumors and the variation of partial hepatectomies performed throughout 3 years among Brazilian regions. METHODS Data was collected from DATASUS, a Brazilian Health Ministry database, from 2021 to 2023. In this cross-sectional design, the study analyzed partial hepatectomies in oncology, in addition to the number of diagnoses, comparing the number of surgical procedures among Brazilian regions (North, Northeast, Southeast, South, and Midwest) between the years. Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical software 4.2.1, considering significant p values < 0.05. RESULTS In the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, a total number of 10,144 malignant hepatic tumors were diagnosed. In the same period, 3,017 partial hepatectomies in oncology were performed (p < 0.001). The lowest number of surgeries performed was 951 in the year 2021, which could have been influenced by the Pandemic of COVID-19, and the highest was 1,098, in 2023. The variance in the number of surgeries performed was analyzed with the two-way ANOVA method, which presented statistical significance in the variation between regions over the years (p < 0.001). However, concerning the years analyzed, the difference was not significant (p = 0.052). Tukey post hoc test was also performed, which showed a significant association between all the regions, except for the interaction between North and Midwest (p = 0.982). The interaction between years was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Hepatic tumors are potentially curable if discovered in their initial stages. The number of partial hepatectomies in oncology performed was statistically significant compared to the number of diagnoses, confirming that only a small number of cases are managed with surgery. The variation between the regions was also significant, showing an unequal distribution of surgeries performed between Brazilian regions. Further studies are needed to understand the factors behind those numbers.
Association Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epidemiology and Self-Reported Ancestry in Latin America
Authors: Loon Erica , Narvaez-Barbecho Cindy , Ortiz Jhon Prieto , Balderramo Domingo , Carrera Enrique , Dias-Ferrer Javier , Arrese Marco , Mattos Angelo Z. , Boonstra Andre , Debes Jose 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, now MASLD) is a growing health concern worldwide particularly in areas of high endemicity such as Latin America. The region has a uniquely mixed population of high ancestral diversity which has been minimally studied. We aimed to assess the role of ancestry in HCC risk factors in Latin America. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data from the ESCALON network, a European-Latin American network that prospectively follows patients with HCC to assess clinical, demographic, and ancestral parameters. A total of 429 individuals with HCC from 6 countries in Latin America were studied: Argentina (34% N: 145), Chile (15% N: 66), Ecuador (15% N: 63), Peru (15% N: 66), Colombia (14% N: 60), and Brazil (7% N: 29). Self-reported ancestry was categorized as European or Non-European which included the following: Amerindian or Indigenous, African, Asian, or other. HCC was diagnosed per standard AASLD guidelines. RESULTS 131 patients (30.5%) reported having European ancestry and 298 (69.5%) non-European ancestry. Median age in both cohorts was 68 years. 72% of patients in the European cohort were male compared to 62% in the non-European cohort. The most common etiology for HCC in the European cohort was hepatitis C virus (38%) compared to NAFLD (52%) in the non-European cohort. Alcohol use disorder was the second most common etiology in both groups (25% European, 23% Non-European). Both European and Non-European ancestry cohorts had a similar proportion of HCC diagnosed under surveillance (40% and 41%, respectively) and similar presence of extrahepatic disease (47% and 50%, respectively). Interestingly, self-reported ancestry was associated with differential proportions of certain genetic polymorphisms including STAT4 and MBOAT7, suggesting a correlation between self-reporting of ancestry and genetic expression. CONCLUSION NAFLD-HCC was more common in Latin American patients of non-European descent compared to those of European descent, suggesting that ancestry may contribute to underlying liver disease, and in turn, the risk for HCC. However, larger studies including admixture analyses are needed to better understand this interaction.
Attributable Burden of Breast Cancer in a Middle-Income Asian Country: Understanding the Impact of Known Risk Factors
Authors: Ang Boon Hong , Ho Weang Kee , Teo Soo Hwang 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE The Population Attributable Risk (PAR) is a valuable tool for gauging the influence of risk factors on the incidence of breast cancer within a population, thereby providing a better understanding of the preventable fraction of cases. Whilst developed nations use PAR from prevalence data and effect sizes from prospective studies to inform cancer control strategies, the lack of prospective studies limits PAR data availability in the majority of low- and middle-income countries. Our aim is to estimate PAR in a middle-income Asian country using population-specific distributions and literature-based estimates. METHODS We calculated attributable proportions to specific risk factors by incorporating population-specific prevalences from national surveys or relevant Malaysian studies. The associated relative risks were derived from literature based on prospective studies conducted in Asian countries. Utilizing Levin's formula for attributable proportions and applying the delta method for confidence intervals, we determined the impact of these factors on breast cancer risk. RESULTS More than 50% of breast cancer risk amongst Malaysian women is attributed to mammographic density (MD), assessed using computer-generated Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (cBIRADS), whilst family history of breast cancer and genetics (common and rare variants) collectively account for less than 2% of the risk. The predominant contributors are MD (53%, 95% confidence interval: 52-53%), postmenopausal body mass index (BMI, 5%, 5-5%), and reproductive history (5%, 5-5%) - particularly delayed parity. Notably, attributable proportion for MD amongst pre-menopausal women (49%, 49%-50%) is higher than that of post-menopausal women (26%, 25-26%). Out of the total observed risk of 91% (88-94%), the unexplored 9%, potentially linked to other factors, including environmental exposures, remains unanalyzed due to a lack of available data. CONCLUSION Up to 60% of all breast cancers could be prevented if women maintained a breast density of less than 17% (classified as cBIRADS 1-2), a BMI of less than 23 kg/m2, and considered planned pregnancies at an early age. Further investigation is required to ascertain the modifiable attributable proportion of MD, considering its hereditary nature. This information directs public health interventions, aiming to alleviate the cancer burden in Malaysia and inform policies in comparable settings.
Cancer Data Systems in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nyambega Benson , Wattanga Lilac , Anyango Victor , Okama Edwin , Ndeda Laureen , Hantel Andrew , Rotimi Solomon 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Cancer is the third most common cause of death in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and rates are rising quickly. Standardized, high-quality cancer registries are essential for the research and policy needed to reduce cancer incidence and death. To date, best practices and challenges for African cancer registries are unclear, limiting our ability to optimally inform these stakeholders. METHODS We conducted a scoping review that evaluated challenges, use of, and opportunities for improvement of Cancer registries in Africa. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Databases included in the search were PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Scopus. Peer-reviewed studies published between January 2018 to August 2023 were included. A cross-sectional, stakeholder-informed qualitative approach was used to validate the scoping review findings and establish data needs and desired targets for data availability, analysis, and use. RESULTS Among the 212 peer reviewed articles initially identified, 28 were eligible for review and documented either Facility Based Cancer Registries (FBCRs) and/or Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) across 20 African countries. Major challenges identified included inadequate legislation and/or implementation, funding, office space, staffing, hardware, software, and capacity building; information contributed by limited departments; biased data collection; lack of accurate records and lack of sample archiving for research. Identified remedies, including from the African Cancer Registry Network (ACRN), were: frequent and longitudinal needs assessment, engagement of trained data registrars, continuous on-site training, alternative data sources, use of accession numbers to enhance linkage between registry data and pathologic samples, creation of an administrative structure to promote logistical success and good governance, enhanced government support, partnerships for external support, establishing jurisdiction of operation. CONCLUSION The challenges identified from the few countries implementing their registries can be broadly grouped under lack of legislative frameworks, inadequate finances, limited physical infrastructure, incompetent human resource, incomplete data, and inadequate data demand and use. The successes of African countries with advanced registries and the best practices proposed by ACRN provide substantial grounds for the establishment of effective FBCRs and PBCRs in LMICs.
Characterizing Baseline Prevalence and Causes of Complications of Tracheostomy and Gastrostomy Tubes Among Cancer Patients at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Morales Leyda Marrero , Maina Ivy , Nkya Aslam , Mushi Beatrice P. , Xu Mary Jue , Dharsee Nazima , Elias Nashivai , Van Loon Katherine , Mmbaga Elia , Selekwa Msiba 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube interventions are common procedures for patients with head and neck and esophageal cancer, which are both highly prevalent at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), the largest referral hospital in Tanzania. Reported complications lead to unplanned hospital readmissions and increased disease burden, negatively impacting patient outcomes. While there are described approaches to quality improvement for complications in these procedures, these have mostly been in high-income countries. We aimed to study patients at MNH in Tanzania to tailor interventions to low-middle-income country (LMIC) settings. This project is part of the pre-intervention phase of a longitudinal multifaceted implementation science study with the MNH Global Cancer Program. METHODS Two patient surveys aimed to study indications for, and complications of tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes were created. The surveys, created in English but translated to the local language Swahili, inform on the patient's social drivers of health, clinical characteristics, caregiver support, complication and readmission rates, and quality of life. Survey administration was piloted and optimized for data entry to REDCap while minimizing clinical burden in a resource-constrained healthcare system. An automated study tracker was also created to facilitate follow-up for the enrolled patients. RESULTS The surveys enable the collection of important patient data that will ultimately determine the direction of the multifaceted intervention to address complication rates with tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube care at MNH in Tanzania. These surveys, the REDCap database, and the study tracker were all created in a context-appropriate manner to promote independent sustainability of data collection and maintenance for the team at MNH. Additionally, stakeholder meetings were held with the General Surgery and Otolaryngology Departments to ensure partnership with the healthcare teams at MNH. These highlighted important areas to refine the proposed interventions to fit the local context. Data collection has begun and is expected to continue in the coming months. CONCLUSION This project, to our knowledge, will be the first to apply an implementation science framework to adopt quality improvement strategies for tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube care in an LMIC setting. The tools developed and this multifaceted approach can be adopted regionally and by other LMICs.
Collaborative Action for Public Health: The Esophageal Cancer Consortium's Approach to Policy Influence and Capturing Policy Makers' Attention in Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Biniyam Tefera , Deybasso Haji Aman , Megerso Abebe , Adem Jibril Bashir , Tekeba Dagim , Mama Mohammedaman , Batu Didha , Bude Bonso , Agero Gebi , Hinika Gudeta , Tura Ismael , Kabeto Mohammed , Abdo Abdella Amano , Fikadu Desalegn , Lencho Abashamo , Tiba Melik 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Esophageal cancer disproportionately affects specific regions in Ethiopia, particularly the Arsi Bale areas. 1 , 2 Studies reveal that more than 50% of esophageal cancer cases in Ethiopia originate from Arsi-Bale region. 3 Collaborative efforts by individuals and institutions from this region-initiated actions to elevate esophageal cancer as a national concern. This abstract illustrates the collaborative process and the formation of the Esophageal Cancer Consortium in Ethiopia. METHODS The method encompasses collaborative discussions, real-time documentation during detailed dialogues, and iterative reviews aimed at capturing the program's evolution and key achievements. Experts from clinical and public health fields, actively involved throughout the program's lifecycle, contributed insights from its inception to its current state. RESULTS Initiatives to prioritize esophageal cancer as a public health concern in Arsi-Bale regions were spearheaded by individuals and diasporas from these regions. These efforts led to the first conference at Arsi University in 2022, involving clinicians, researchers, public figures, and community leaders, along with four educational institutions, namely Arsi University, Madda Wallabu University, Adama Hospital Medical College, and Arsi Negelle General Hospital and Medical College, and International Oromo Health Professional Association (IOHPA). This conference resulted in forming the Southeast Esophageal Cancer Task Force (SEECTF). Progressive efforts, including regular weekly meetings under the structured SEECTF, led to the implementation of a first-of-its-kind endoscopy curriculum in Ethiopia, initiation of endoscopy diagnosis in previously unequipped hospitals, and the development of the first Esophageal cancer treatment guidelines and training manuals in Ethiopia. Community education pamphlets in local languages and community education through mass media were implemented. During the second national esophageal cancer conference in 2023, which led to national recognition, MOUs were signed with the Ministry of Health, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, the four educational institutions, and IOHPA. This conference resulted in the formation of a centralized consortium involving these institutions under one umbrella, working on research, advocacy, and capacity building, channeling esophageal cancer actions nationally. CONCLUSION Collaborative efforts by individuals and institutions are crucial in influencing policymakers, addressing public health concerns, and garnering national attention and action to reduce the burden of esophageal cancer and enhance patients' quality of life in Ethiopia.
Comparison of Gene Expression Differences in Gastrointestinal Cancer Between Developing and Developed Countries
Authors: Zheng Andrew , Li Bin , Chen Wenqiang 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Gastric cancer is the third most lethal malignancy, but its incidence varies widely in different countries. Currently, most of the cancer treatment options used in most countries come from a few developed countries in Europe and North America. However, with the continuous development of cancer targeting and immunotherapy, do different countries need to develop specific treatments based on the tumor gene expression characteristics of their patients? We hypothesized that there are significant differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and related signaling pathways in gastric cancer tissues from different countries. METHODS To test this hypothesis, this study used data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to compare DEGs and associated metabolic pathways in tumor samples from different countries, including developing and developed countries. RESULTS The results showed that only a very small number of DEGs were shared in tumor tissues from cases from different countries, and accordingly, there were also very few metabolic pathways that were altered in cancer tissues shared by cases from various countries. This strongly supports our hypothesis that patients from different countries have very different tumorigenesis pathways and, presumably, different therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION It is proposed that for the treatment of gastric cancer, different countries should develop treatment protocols suitable for the tissue characteristics of gastric cancer patients in their own countries. Simply applying treatment options from developed countries may have limited effect. Analysis of the genome, transcriptome, and proteome of cancer tissues will greatly advance the development of cancer treatments.
Development of miRNA-Based Therapeutics for Liver Cancer Using Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Pritam Manisha , Dutta Somenath 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause chronic infection and can induce high risk of liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a predominant form of all liver cancers. Despite the availability of an effective HBV vaccine, all people are not vaccinated. Previously, it was reported that human miRNA can inhibit the HBV replication and can be used as biomarker or therapeutics. METHODS In our present study, we have used the CDS region of capsid protein, protein X, and small S protein of HBV. We used miRNAProtPred tool for prediction of potential human miRNAs. Tertiary structure prediction and miRNA-RNA docking was performed using RNA composer and HNADOCK server, respectively. We have used PyMol and GROMACs for molecular docking analysis and MD simulation, respectively. RESULTS We have identified a total of 120 human miRNA against the HBV CDS region. However, only 31 human miRNAs were identified as potential human miRNA that can inhibit the protein expression of HBV and can be used as potential therapeutics or biomarkers. Interestingly, some of the identified miRNAs were experimentally validated by other research groups such as hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-15a and others. However, experimental validation is required for the remaining miRNAs. CONCLUSION The current approach will facilitate the research of development of miRNA-based therapeutics and biomarkers against liver cancer and/or HBV infection. The current approach is rapid and cost effective. The identified human miRNA can be used as therapeutics against HBV after experimental validation.
Discovering Novel and Unique Saliva and Serum miRNA and mRNA Signatures for Oral Cancer Detection Using Whole Transcriptome and Small Non-Coding RNA Sequencing: Prediction of Their Association With the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Vageli Dimitra , Doukas Panagiotis , Judson Benjamin 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Identification of molecular biomarkers in the saliva and serum of oral cavity cancer patients represents a first step in the development of essential and efficient clinical tools for early detection and post-treatment monitoring. Molecular analyses of paired saliva and serum samples from an individual patient will likely yield better results than analyses of either serum or saliva alone. METHODS We performed whole-transcriptome and small non-coding RNA sequencing analyses on sixteen paired saliva and serum samples from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and healthy controls (HC). RESULTS We identified twelve novel saliva and serum miRNAs and a panel of unique miRNA and mRNA signatures, significantly differentially expressed in saliva and serum of OSCC patients versus HC (log2foldchange: 2.6–26.8 DE 0.02–0.000001). We utilized a panel of the 10 top-deregulated miRNA and mRNA markers, hsa-miR-7704, hsa-miR-3648-5p, TNC, MMP10, TP63 in saliva and hsa-miR-23a-5p, hsa-miR-499a-5p, hsa-miR-556-5p, RELA(p65), and TCAIM in serum, and evaluated its putative diagnostic potential (>87% sensitivity 100% specificity). Based on this preliminary analysis, we recommended a set of 10 biomarkers for further validation as a biomarker panel for the detection of oral cancer. Functional and pathway analyses based on the discovered miRNAs and mRNAs and their targets indicated interactions with canonical pathways, including PI3K/AKT signaling. CONCLUSION We have identified a panel of miRNA and mRNA markers exhibiting promise as non-invasive biomarkers for oral cavity cancer and recommend further clinical testing.