bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathology and genetic connectedness of the mangrove crab (Aratus pisonii) – a foundation for understanding mangrove disease ecology
Authors: Bojko Jamie , Burgess Amy L. , Allain Thomas W. , Ross Erica P. , Pharo Devon , Kreuze Jan F. , Behringer Donald C. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMangrove forests are productive ecosystems, acting as a sink for CO2, a habitat for a diverse array of terrestrial and marine species, and as a natural barrier to coastline erosion. The species that reside within mangrove ecosystems have important roles to play, including litter decomposition and the recycling of nutrients. Crustacea are important detritivores in such ecosystems and understanding their limitations (i.e. disease) is an important endeavour when considering the larger ecological services provided.Histology and metagenomics were used to identify viral (Nudiviridae,Alphaflexiviridae), bacterial (Paracoccussp., 'CandidatusGracilibacteria sp.’, andPseudoalteromonassp.), protozoan, fungal, and metazoan diversity that compose the symbiome of the mangrove crab,Aratus pisonii. The symbiotic groups were observed at varying prevalence under histology: nudivirus (6.5%), putative gut epithelial virus (3.2%), ciliated protozoa (35.5%), gonad fungus (3.2%), gill ectoparasitic metazoan (6.5%). Metagenomic analysis of one specimen exhibiting a nudivirus infection provided the complete host mitochondrial genome (15,642 bp), nudivirus genome (108,981 bp), and the genome of a Cassava common mosaic virus isolate (6387 bp). Our phylogenetic analyses group the novel nudivirus with theGammanudivirusand protein similarity searches indicate thatCarcinus maenasnudivrius is the most similar to the new isolate. The mitochondrial genome were used to mine short fragments used in population genetic studies to gauge an idea of diversity in this host species across the USA, Caribbean, and central and southern America.This study report several new symbionts based on their pathology, taxonomy, and genomics (where available) and discuss what effect they may have on the crab population. The role of mangrove crabs from a OneHealth perspective were explored, since their pathobiome includes cassava-infecting viruses. Finally, given that this species is abundant in mangrove forests and now boasts a well-described pathogen profile, we posit thatA. pisoniiis a valuable model system for understanding mangrove disease ecology.
Whole Transcriptomic Profiling in Metastatic Liver Cancer With Distinct Molecular Signatures
Authors: Poojari Radhika , Giri Shibashish 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Genomics landscape in liver cancer is one of the most revolutionizing platforms in the era of next generation sequencing (NGS). Understanding the intra- and inter-liver cancer heterogeneity has an important role in treatment decision-making. Herein, we present a whole transcriptomic based NGS with distinct molecular signatures in metastatic liver cancer tissues of orthotopic SCID mice. METHODS High throughput whole transcriptome sequencing was carried out using Illumina platform in ex vivo metastatic liver cancer tissues of orthotopic SCID mice. Healthy normal liver tissues were also subjected to NGS analysis. Pathway analysis was performed using all differentially expressed transcripts. RESULTS Approximately 35.4 million sequencing reads and approximately 28.2 million mapped reads were obtained from metastatic liver cancer tissue samples sequenced. We identified approximately 40,018 differently expressed genes. Distinct top 50 significantly differentially expressed transcripts expressed were observed. About 3,840 novel isoforms were identified. The mapping of the differentially expressed transcripts represented major metabolic pathways, immune-related pathways, cell growth-related pathways, the genes involved in metabolism, genetic information processing, and cellular processes. CONCLUSION It gives an insight into a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms relevant to liver tumorigenesis. The unique whole transcriptomic molecular signatures could provide an important data to predict the treatment response to molecular therapies in metastatic liver cancer.
ECHO Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Latin America (ECHO ELA): Lessons Learned From Promoting WHO’s Cervical Cancer Elimination Goals ‘90-70-90’
Authors: Varon Melissa Lopez , Salcedo Mila Pontremoli , Schmeler Kathleen , San Miguel-Majors Sandra , Trimble Edward L. , Lowy Doug , Arrossi Silvina , Tereza da Costa Oliveira Maria , Maza Mauricio , Montealegre Jane , Helena de Oliveira Lucia , Benitez-Majano Sara , Luciani Silvana 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in some countries in the Region of the Americas.1 CC is preventable through HPV vaccination, screening and treatment of precancerous lesions, and can be effectively treated if diagnosed early. METHODS Under the framework of the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of CC as a Public Health Problem, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson), the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) partnered to develop the Project ECHO for the elimination of CC in Latin America (ECHO ELA). ECHO ELA is modeled on Project ECHO® (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) a hub-and-spoke knowledge-sharing approach where expert teams lead virtual didactic lectures and case discussions, building capacity for participants to deliver best-practice programs to their regions.3 ECHO ELA consists of monthly, Spanish telementoring conferences to assist Latin American (LA) countries reaching the WHO CC elimination goals “90-70-90:” vaccinating 90% of girls against HPV by the age of 15, screening 70% of women for cervical cancer at ages 35 and 45 and treating 90% of women diagnosed with pre-invasive disease or cervical cancer. Program targets professionals from Ministries of Health, including Immunization and Screening Program Managers, and cervical cancer stakeholders. RESULTS In the first year of the program (2020-2021), 294 participants from 22 countries were registered. Fourteen sessions were held averaging 77 participants per session on topics spanning comprehensive program planning, presenting country experiences on HPV vaccination strategies, new technologies for screening and treatment. Eighteen participants completed the post survey addressing priorities, capacity, and desired outcomes, and two focus groups collected facilitators/barriers to achieving goals. CONCLUSION ECHO ELA is potentially an effective tool to enhance collaboration and support countries’ progress towards the elimination of CC.
Patient Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors Associated With Fidelity to Guideline-Concordant Breast Cancer Therapy Delivery in Botswana
Authors: Mokokwe Lebogang T. , Obasohan Modesty , Ralefala Tlotlo , Barg Frances , Mosepele Mosepele , Gross Robert , Martei Yehoda M. 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Breast cancer patients, including patients living with HIV (PLWH), in sub-Saharan Africa experience a disproportionate burden of mortality. Adherence to treatment guidelines improves quality of care and survival outcomes. We therefore sought to study patient socioeconomic and cultural factors associated with treatment fidelity and how this may differ for PLWH in Botswana. METHODS This was a qualitative study design with deviance sampling of high and low fidelity patients who initiated treatment for stage I-III breast cancer. One-on-one phone interviews were conducted using semi-structured interviews, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. The final sample size was determined by thematic saturation. Transcribed interviews were double-coded and analyzed in NVivo using an integrated analysis approach. We maintained a kappa statistic of 0.8 between coders. RESULTS Fifteen high and 15 low fidelity patients were enrolled from August 25-December 15, 2020. Ten out of 30 of the cohort were PLWH. Barriers to treatment adherence included concerns about safety and efficacy of chemotherapy, lack of trust in the care team, lack of psychosocial support, financial toxicity, geographical inaccessibility, and other health-system barriers. Drivers and manifestations of stigma, including intersectional stigma of cancer fatalism in PLWH were identified as prominent barriers. Conversely, self-acceptance and de-stigmatization were identified as facilitators of treatment initiation. Additional facilitators included knowledge of curative intent, anticipated management of side effects, self-motivation, social support, and peer support. COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing socioeconomic barriers especially for patients with food insecurity and geographic inaccessibility. CONCLUSION The study identified multi-level modifiable patient and related health-system factors associated with treatment initiation and adherence. PLWH experienced unique barriers including intersectional stigma, which is a critical finding and warrants further evaluation. The facilitators in this study provide opportunities for leveraging existing strengths within the specific context to design multilevel implementation strategies to increase treatment fidelity of guideline concordant breast cancer therapy.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Hybrid Model for Mobilization of Women for Cervical Cancer Screening; A Preliminary Report of a Pilot Project in Lagos, Nigeria. A Case Study of the Blue-Pink Center for Women's Health, Nigeria
Authors: Ola Idris , Shoyinka Aishat , Ayinuola Olufunmilayo , Ariomaghwa Loveth 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer in Nigeria, accounting for 14.8% of all cancer-related deaths in Nigeria. Studies have demonstrated poor knowledge and attitude of women toward cervical cancer, with screening rates as low as 0.7% among Nigerian women. Besides poor awareness and poverty, lack of easy access to cancer education and screening is among the biggest barriers to its effective prevention and control. Our project aimed to increase access to cervical cancer education and screening among rural and suburban women in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS We introduced an integrated approach to mobilize women for cervical cancer screening (using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid [VIA]) in four local councils in Lagos. This model involved a hybrid of a facility- and community-based provision of screening services. Daily, skilled nurses and community health extension workers actively mobilize community women for screening through a purpose-built screening center and regular community outreaches to mirror organized and opportunistic screening. Extensive community stakeholders engagement was used to mobilize women groups. Women were charged up to $2.92 to identify if putting a price deters willingness to screen and to evaluate the model's sustainability. Project evaluation was conducted by a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative assessments. RESULTS Within nine months of the pilot, 13,892 women received cancer education, 1,250 women had VIA, and 181 had cryotherapy. Knowledge about cervical cancer rose from an average of 13.7% in our pre-participation survey to 80% in the post-participation surveys. Increased trust in the screening was the commonest theme in the qualitative survey which increased service uptake. CONCLUSION Our preliminary findings show that this hybrid model increased access to, and uptake of, cervical cancer screening, even when a cost was attached. Provision of screening services in an organized and strategic people-oriented manner may yield better and sustained outcomes in resource-poor settings than either opportunistic screening or screening offered only as part of routine hospital services.
Implementation of a Breast Cancer Specific Multidisciplinary Tumor Board to Improve Treatment Planning and Completion
Authors: Joo Emma , Kirahi Matagoro , Friebel-Klingner Tara , Washington Leonard , Rositch Anne 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Bugando Medical Center (BMC) is the only tertiary cancer referral hospital in Northern Tanzania serving a population of 15 million, burdened with high breast cancer (BC) mortality rates. Multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTB) are an evidence-based strategy shown to improve quality of treatment. Therefore, we integrated and evaluated a BC-specific MDTB as part of the standard care pathway. METHODS A MDTB was implemented in February 2020 after working with key stakeholders and identifying a physician to lead, prepare, and guide the meetings. Once patients aged 18 and older receive appropriate diagnostics tests, results are brought to the meetings for collaborative review, resulting in a treatment planning form per patient. A standardized observational checklist was completed by a research associate at each meeting and a provider survey was conducted 3-months post-implementation to assess provider perspectives on the MDTB process. RESULTS From February 2020 to August 2021, 630 patients with breast concerns presented to BMC. Of these, 21% (n = 131) were diagnosed with BC, of which 64% (n = 84) were discussed at tumor board and 86% (n = 72) of those discussed received a treatment plan. This occurred over 33 biweekly meetings, each averaging 1.3 hours with 14 attendees who were doctors and residents from six specialties. Survey results revealed that providers thought the MDTB improved treatment plans for BC patients (78% agree or strongly agree) and patients experienced improved outcomes (57% agree or strongly agree). Challenges included not meeting before the start of patient treatment (64%) and not having enough diagnostic information (57% often or always). CONCLUSION The BC-specific MDTB has been in place for 20 months and has already positively impacted treatment planning and provider perspectives on breast cancer care at BMC. We will continue applying stakeholder feedback to enhance our program and focus on evaluating the completion of treatment according to the MDTB planning forms.
Spatial Distribution of Incident Pediatric Burkitt Lymphoma in Central and Northern Malawi and Association With Malaria Prevalence
Authors: Gondwe Yolanda , Ozuah Nmazuo , Gopal Satish , Tomoka Tamiwe , Fedoriw Yuri , Westmoreland Kate 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for 90% of pediatric lymphomas in sub-Saharan Africa. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria is considered an etiological factor of BL. We describe the geographic distribution of pediatric BL in Malawi and association with malaria prevalence (PfPR). We also examine the influence of travel time to cancer referral center as a potential confounder. METHODS We enrolled pathologically confirmed incident pediatric BL cases (2013-2018) into a prospective observational cohort at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, the main tertiary cancer referral center serving central and northern Malawi. District of residence was recorded for all participants. We calculated district-level average annual BL incidence rate (BLIR) using census population estimates. PfPR was extracted from the National Malaria Control Program 2010 report. BLIR and PfPR maps were constructed in QGIS. Moran's I was used to identify BL spatial clusters. Travel time to KCH was modeled in AccessMod. Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression was used to statistically examine the relationship between PfPR, travel time to KCH and BL. RESULTS Of 220 participants, 69 (31%) resided in Lilongwe. BLIR was higher in central region districts (0.86 cases per 100,000) than northern districts (0.32 cases per 100,000). BLIR was elevated in lakeshore districts. Districts with elevated PfPR tended to have elevated BLIR. A low-risk BL cluster was detected in the northern region. BLIR was lower in districts where travel time to KCH exceeded 4 hours, particularly the north. Statistically, BLIR was positively correlated with PfPR ( r = 0.77, P < .01) and negatively correlated with travel time to KCH ( r = –0.67, P < .01). A 1% increase in PfPR predicted an increase in BLIR of 0.02 cases per 100,000 ( P = .03) when controlling for travel time to KCH. CONCLUSION Our study supports evidence for an association between Pf and BL. Additionally, our results may indicate a need to improve geographic accessibility to tertiary cancer services in Malawi's northern region.
Flavonoid and Organosulphur Phytoconstituents From Allium Sativum Inhibits Antiapoptotic Protein Bcl-2: A Computational Molecular Modeling Study
Authors: Ibrahim Mutiat , Adegboyega Abayomi , Adegboro Rotimi , Ilomuanya Margaret , Abdulkareem Fatimah 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Apoptosis resistance to anticancer treatments can occur due to over-expression of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Studies have shown the use of Allium sativum (garlic) as a herbal supplement among cancer patients. In this study, the inhibitory activity of phytochemicals from Allium sativum against Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein was demonstrated using a computational technique. METHODS Identified phytoconstituents from A. sativum were docked in receptor grid generated active sites of Bcl-2 (PDB-ID: 4AQ3) protein using the Glide-Ligand docking tool of Schrödinger Maestro 12.5. Receptor-ligand complex pharmacophore models were generated using the PHASE module, and the binding free energy of the complex was calculated using the MM-GBSA Prime panel. Potential lead compounds were screened for drug likeness using the Lipinski rule of five (RO5) and Veber rule. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME/T) predictions of the leads were carried out using the PROTOX-II tool. Induced fit docking simulation was performed on the top ranked hit compound. RESULTS Extra precision docking results showed that myricetin, kaempferol, and apigenin (flavonoid); α and β-phellandrene (cyclic monoterpene); 3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiin, 3-vinyl-1,2-dithiin and 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiine (organosulphur) were ranked highest, with docking scores range from -6.00 to -3.78 kcal/mol compared with -3.62 kcal/mol demonstrated by co-crystallized ligand. Apigenin (CID: 5280443), 3-vinyl-1,2-dithiin (CID: 10219489), and 3-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiin (CID: 150636) were identified as the top three lead compounds with free binding energies of -33.83, -30.36, and -29.70 kcal/mol respectively. The identified lead compounds from A. sativum were in accordance with RO5 and Veber rule with good oral bio-availability and ADME/T profile. Similar to the co-crystallized ligand, apigenin interacted with important active site amino acid residues like Try 67, Asp 70, Leu 96, Arg 105, Ala 108 among others. CONCLUSION Some bioactive phytochemicals from A. sativum can be explored for development toward inhibition of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in apoptosis resistance to anticancer treatments.
Enhancing Cancer Control Through a Population-Based Cancer Registry in Cali, Colombia: Results From 20-Year Cancer Survival Trends
Authors: García Luz Stella , Riano Ivy , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Collazos Paola , Holguín Jorge 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Population-based survival is a strategic measure of the health system efficiency when managing cancer in a country. By analyzing data from a city in a middle-income country, we aimed to generate further hypotheses about cancer survival that may have a national impact on cancer control. METHODS Cancer cases were collected using the Population-Based Cancer Registry from Cali, Colombia, from 1998 to 2017. We examined the survival of nine cancers or groups of malignancies in patients aged 15-99 years old. The 5-year net survival (NS) was estimated using the Pohar-Perme method. Survival analyses were calculated using the life table method for each calendar year, single year of age, and sex. We used the cohort approach for patients diagnosed in 1998-2012 and the period approach during 2013-2017. RESULTS A total of 59,911 patients were available for analysis. The cancer types included n = 7,460 (12.5%) stomach, n = 6,760 (11.3%) colorectal, n = 6,760 (11.3%) lung, n = 5,164 (8.6%) breast, n = 11,755 (19.6%) cervix, n = 11,284 (18.8%) prostate, n = 4,054 (6.8%) thyroid, n = 2,076 (3.5%) myeloid neoplasia, and n = 6,735 (11.2%) lymphoma. For men, prostate cancer had the highest NS (79.9%-90.1%), whereas thyroid cancer (87.1%-95.7%) in women. Lung and stomach cancer had the lowest survival rate (< 25%) in both sexes. Myeloid neoplasia had the largest variation in survival (15.9%-52.7% for men; 12.5%-49.8% for women), followed by lymphoma (27.6%-55.4% for men; 37.3%-53.4% for women) and colorectal cancer (38.5%-54% for men; 37.1%-55.7% for women). Patients with cervix cancer experienced no change in survival (54.4%-53%) and breast cancer increased approximately 10% (70.8%-81.1%) but remained stable during the last decade. CONCLUSION Our results in survival trends provide insights into the main types of cancer and their burden to the health system. These data contribute to evidence for national cancer prevention policies and the monitoring of the Cancer Control Plan launched by the Colombian government.
Efficacy of Thermal Ablation for Treatment of High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia Among HIV-Positive Women: Preliminary Results From Western Kenya
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Ogollah Cyrillus , Ambaka Jennifer , Omoto Jackton , Cohen Craig 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed thermal ablation (TA) for use within “screen-and-treat” cervical cancer prevention programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including among women living with HIV (WLWH). We evaluated TA efficacy for treatment of biopsy-confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 (CIN2/3) among WLWH in western Kenya (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04191967). METHODS Between August 2019 and November 2020, WLWH age 25-65 years underwent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) self-collection. hrHPV-positive women underwent colposcopy-directed biopsies, and thermal ablation treatment if eligible per WHO guidelines. Women with biopsy-confirmed CIN2/3 had colposcopy-directed biopsies at 12-months to determine treatment efficacy. RESULTS Sixty-eight hrHPV-positive WLWH with biopsy-confirmed CIN2/3 at baseline; 14 CIN2, 54 CIN3, underwent thermal ablation. Mean age and parity were 41.2 years and 4, respectively. The mean CD4 count was 473.98 cells/mm3 and 96.9% had HIV viral suppression. Fifty-eight women (83.8%) have been seen for a 12-month follow-up visit, and pathology results are available for 54 (79.4%). Of these, 35 (66.0%) had successful treatment, defined as biopsy-confirmed CIN1 or normal findings 12-months following treatment, while 18 (34.0%) had treatment failure - persistent biopsy-confirmed CIN2/3. Treatment failure was 23.1% 95% CI (13.0 to 45.9) and 37.5%, 95% CI (22.1 to 52.0) among women with CIN2 and CIN3 at baseline, respectively. CONCLUSION Hand-held thermal ablation devices are affordable, portable, easy to use, and hence highly scaleable within screen-and-treat programs in LMICs. However, our preliminary results, with rigorous disease status verification at both baseline and follow-up find higher than previously reported treatment failure rates for CIN3 among WLWH, a high-risk population for cervical cancer. If replicated by larger studies, this highlights a potential limitation of the current WHO cervical cancer elimination strategy, calling for better risk stratification in this population, and/or consideration of adjuvant therapy to prevent CIN2/3 recurrence following thermal ablation.