No difference in survival for primary cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma after Mohs micrographic surgery and wide local excision.

BACKGROUND: The preferred treatment for clinically node-negative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is surgical excision in conjunction with sentinel lymph node biopsy. There is limited large-scale research on survival outcomes by surgical approach for management of the primary tumor. OBJECTIVE: To compare overall and MCC-specific survival outcomes in clinically and pathologically, node-negative MCC patients treated with wide-local excision (WLE) and Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: Overall and MCC-specific survival outcomes for primary MCC tumors contained in the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results)-18 database from 1989 to 2015 were stratified by surgical modality and analyzed via competing risk analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2359 US adults with MCC were included in the analysis. For overall and MCC-specific survival, there was no significant difference in survival outcomes between WLE and MMS on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.88-1.22]; subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.53-1.09]). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was associated with improved overall survival and MCC-specific survival. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design of SEER and the lack of covariates such as comorbidities and immunostaining. CONCLUSION: There is no survival disadvantage for MMS compared to WLE as the surgical modality for primary cutaneous MCC. Sentinel lymph node biopsy should be coordinated prior to MMS.

Cervical cancer sociodemographic and diagnostic disparities in Florida: a population-based study (1981-2013) by stage at presentation.

Objective: Florida has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates and socioeconomically diverse populations in the United States. We used statewide population-based cancer registry data to assess disparities in cervical cancer stage at diagnosis. Design: Primary invasive adult female cervical cancer patients in the Florida Cancer Data Registry (1981-2013) were linked with 2000 United States Census data. Early (localized) and advanced (regional and distant) stage at diagnosis was assessed by age, race, ethnicity, neighborhood socioeconomic-, marital-, and smoking- status. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify factors associated with the risk of advanced cervical cancer stage at diagnosis. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Results: Of 18,279 women (meanage 51.3 years old), most were non-Hispanic (83.5%), white (79.1%), middle-low neighborhood socioeconomic status (NSES) (34.7%), married (46.0%), and never smoked (56.0%). Higher odds of advanced stage was observed for blacks (aOR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.30-1.55, p < 0.001) compared to whites, Hispanics (1.15, 1.06-1.25, p = 0.001) compared to non-Hispanics, and middle-low (1.13, 1.02-1.25, p = 0.02) and low NSES (1.42, 1.28-1.57, p < 0.001) compared to high NSES. Previously (1.30, 1.21-1.39, p < 0.001) and never married (1.37, 1.27-1.48, p < 0.001) had higher odds of presenting with advanced stage versus married women. Never smokers had decreased odds of presenting with advanced stage compared to women with history of (1.41, 1.32-1.52, p < 0.001) or current (1.29, 1.18-1.42, p < 0.001)smoking status. Conclusions: There are cancer disparities in women of black race, Hispanic ethnicity and of middle-low and lowest NSES in Florida. Evidence-based interventions targeting these vulnerable groups are needed. Abbreviations: HPV: Human Papilloma Virus; CDC: Center for Disease Control and Prevention; SES: socioeconomic status; FCDS: Florida Cancer Data System; NSES: Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status; NPCR: National Program of Cancer Registries; IRB: Institutional Review Board; ACS: American Community Survey; SEER: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results; OR: Odds Ratio; CI: Confidence Interval.

The socialization of boys and men in the modern era: An evolutionary mismatch.

This paper examines the misalignment between modern human society and certain male phenotypes, a misalignment that has been highlighted and explored in great detail in the work of Tom Dishion. We begin by briefly enumerating the ongoing developmental difficulties of many boys and young men and how these difficulties affect them and those around them. We then suggest that the qualities that have been advantageous for men and their families in our earlier evolution but that are often no longer functional in modern society are a source of these problems. Finally, we provide a brief review of prevention programs that can contribute to preventing this type of problematic development and eliciting more prosocial behavior from at-risk boys and men. We conclude with an overview of research and policy priorities that could contribute to reducing the proportion of boys and young men who experience developmental difficulties in making their way in the world.

Evaluating the efficacy of the Family Check-Up Online: A school-based, eHealth model for the prevention of problem behavior during the middle school years.

This study evaluated the efficacy of a family-centered preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), delivered as an online, eHealth model to middle school families. To increase accessibility of family-centered prevention in schools, we adapted the evidence-based FCU to an online format, with the goal of providing a model of service delivery that is feasible, given limited staffing and resources in many schools. Building on prior research, we randomly assigned participants to waitlist control (n = 105), FCU Online as a web-based intervention (n = 109), and FCU Online with coaching support (n = 108). We tested the effects of the intervention on multiple outcomes, including parental self-efficacy, child self-regulation, and child behavior, in this registered clinical trial (NCT03060291). Families engaged in the intervention at a high rate (72% completed the FCU assessment) and completed 3-month posttest assessments with good retention (94% retained). Random assignment to the FCU Online with coaching support was associated with reduced emotional problems for children (p = .003, d = -0.32) and improved parental confidence and self-efficacy (p = .018, d = 0.25) when compared with waitlist controls. Risk moderated effects: at-risk youth showed stronger effects than did those with minimal risk. The results have implications for online delivery of family-centered interventions in schools.

Sociodemographic and survival disparities for histologic variants of bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the impact of perioperative factors on overall survival among patients with histologic variants of bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Data Base was utilized to identify patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (cT2-4, N0, M0) from 2004-2013. Variant histology bladder cancers (non-mucinous adenocarcinoma, mucinous/signet ring adenocarcinoma, micropapillary urothelial carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) were compared to urothelial carcinoma with respect to overall survival. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from a multivariable Cox regression model to examine factors affecting overall survival, T upstaging, N upstaging, and positive surgical margins. Median survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5,856 patients were included in this study. Significant predictors of worse overall survival included: African-American ancestry (aHR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03-1.48, p = 0.021), age (1.03, 1.02-1.03, p < 0.001), comorbidity (1.30, 1.20-1.40, p < 0.001), cT3 stage (1.41, 1.26-1.57, p < 0.001), and cT4 stage (1.59, 1.38-1.84, p < 0.001). Small cell carcinoma (2.10, 1.44-3.06, p < 0.001) and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (1.59, 1.15-2.20, p = 0.005) were significant predictors of worse overall survival compared to urothelial carcinoma. Small cell carcinoma had the worst 5 year overall survival (15.5%, 95% CI: 5.2%-30.9%) compared to urothelial carcinoma (48.7%, 95% CI: 47.2%-50.2%). Micropapillary urothelial carcinoma was a significant predictor of increased progression to node positivity and positive margin status after radical cystectomy compared to urothelial carcinoma (6.01, 3.11-11.63, p < 0.001; 4.38, 2.05-9.38; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among bladder cancer patients with equal treatment and staging, small cell carcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma variant histologies were predictive of worse overall survival compared to urothelial carcinoma. Patient demographics such as African-American ancestry and age were also predictive of worse overall survival among variant histology bladder cancer and urothelial carcinoma.

Survival of children and young adults with skin cancer: Analysis of a population-based Florida cancer registry: 1981-2013.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although pediatric and young adult skin cancer is uncommon, recent epidemiologic studies have shown pediatric melanoma to be on the rise in the United States. Using a population-based cancer registry, this study examined skin cancer burden and survival disparities in children and young adults. METHODS: Linked data from the Florida Cancer Data System and U.S. Census were analyzed to elucidate skin cancer burden distribution and survival disparities in 1543 Florida children (0-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), and young adults (20-24 years). These disparities were assessed according to sociodemographic groups such as sex, race, ethnicity, and neighborhood level socioeconomic status. A multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics was used to predict survival. RESULTS: Boys had a slightly greater burden of skin cancer among children (50.9%), whereas girls had the greatest burden for adolescents (54.5%) and young adults (60%). Survival differed between white, black, and other races; 1-year survival was 91.5% for whites and 77.9% for blacks. Average 3- and 5-year survival was comparable for blacks and whites. "Other" race had a 1- and 3-year survival of 96.2%. CONCLUSION: Because skin cancer is on the rise, it is important to elucidate the burden and determinants associated with survival outcomes to identify high-risk pediatric and young adult populations. Understanding these factors in the Florida pediatric population may provide a base for future endeavors to create culturally competent cancer prevention programs through screening, health promotion, and literacy.

Age-Specific Risk Factors for Advanced Stage Colorectal Cancer, 1981-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies have identified an increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger adults. By using a statewide population-based cancer registry, this study examines sociodemographic and clinical disparities in CRC and characterizes advanced stage CRC risk factors with specific attention to age-specific risk factors. METHODS: Data from the Florida Cancer Data System from 1981 through 2013 were analyzed for adult CRC patients. Patients were divided into 2 age groups: younger than 50 years and 50 years or older. Stage of presentation was categorized as early (localized) or advanced (regional or distant). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were fitted to identify risk factors for advanced stage CRC presentation. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: From 1981 through 2013, there were 182,095 Florida adults diagnosed with CRC. Those aged younger than 50 years were significantly more likely to have advanced stage CRC compared with those aged 50 or older. Among those younger than 50 years, current and former tobacco smokers and those of black or other race were significantly more likely to have advanced stage CRC. Among those aged 50 or older, Hispanics had significantly higher risk of advanced stage presentation compared with non-Hispanics, although this association was not significant in those younger than 50 years. CONCLUSION: We identified significant age-specific risk factors for advanced stage CRC presentation. With CRC incidence on the rise among younger adults, it is important to identify and to target screening and interventions for groups at high risk for advanced stage CRC presentation.

Effectiveness of photopneumatic technology: a descriptive review of the literature.

Usage of photopneumatic technology has recently increased for treatment of different skin conditions such as acne, keratosis pilaris (KP), and rosacea. Photopneumatic devices combine gentle negative pressure with broad band pulsed light simultaneously to attack multiple targets in the skin for better treatment outcomes. In this literature review, we evaluate the efficacy of photopneumatic therapy on treatment of acne, keratosis pilaris (KP), and rosacea.

Glycaemic indices and haemoglobin A1c as predictors for non-healing ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: Non-healing lower extremity ulcers (NHLU) are a common podiatric complication of diabetes, with poor glycaemic control as a risk factor for development. Glycaemic indices, such as haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), are used to diagnose and to monitor diabetes. Using a population-based, nationally representative sample, we evaluate the relationship between glycaemic indices and NHLU (as defined by the patient) to propose glycaemic thresholds for clinical suspicion of patient NHLU status. METHOD: Using data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), a total of 9769 adults (≥40 years old) with available self-reported diabetes and NHLU status were analysed. Glycaemic index markers, including FPG and HbA1c, were assessed via laboratory analysis from serum blood samples. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine optimal thresholds for FPG and HbA1c to predict NHLU status. RESULTS: Compared with those without NHLU, NHLU patients were older, male, had higher rates of diabetes, were more likely to take insulin, and had lower total cholesterol. Youden's Index for NHLU identified the optimal FPG threshold as 117.7mg/dl (sensitivity: 33.5%; specificity: 82.6%). The optimal HbA1c threshold was 5.9% (sensitivity: 43.2%; specificity: 77.3%). HbA1c (Odds ratio (OR) 2.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.96-3.05; Area under curve (AUC) 0.62) was a stronger discriminator of NHLU compared to FPG (OR 2.19; 95%CI 1.57-3.05; AUC 0.60). CONCLUSION: This study identified glycaemic thresholds for suspicion of NHLU development that are lower than the glucose goal levels recommended as optimal by the American Diabetes Association. Health professionals should be aware of these glycaemic indices when screening patients with diabetes for NHLU. Future longitudinal and validation studies are necessary to better discern the ideal glycaemic index thresholds to identify NHLU.

Laser therapy for the treatment of pearly penile papules.

Pearly penile papules (PPP) present as dome-shaped papules of no more than 3 mm in diameter that line the base of the glans of the penis. These benign lesions affect between 14.3 and 48 % of men. While often asymptomatic, PPP can cause a great deal of psychological distress that may warrant treatment. Current treatment options include cryotherapy, electrodessication, and curettage (ED&C). However, these modalities may have considerable adverse cosmetic effects, including scarring, pain, and pigmentary changes. Laser modalities offer clear potential for improved cosmetic outcome in PPP treatment, but is not routinely used. Thus, a systematic review of available literature using the National Library of Medicine database PubMed was completed to find articles relevant to the treatment of PPP with laser and light therapy. The systematic search and screening of articles resulted in inclusion of eight articles discussing a total of 55 patients with PPP treated by laser therapy. The present systematic review found that erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) and CO2 laser were the most commonly reported (n = 45 and 7, respectively). Furthermore, the use of CO2, Er:YAG, pulsed dye laser, and fractional photothermolysis therapies demonstrated complete clearance of PPP in all cases with minimal complications and discomfort. Thus, based on the currently available evidence, laser therapy is a well-tolerated and efficacious method for treating PPP with minimal long-term adverse effects and a cosmetically desirable outcome. Although the included studies are limited in power, this systematic review offers clinically relevant insight into the potential for laser therapy.

Effects of video feedback on early coercive parent-child interactions: the intervening role of caregivers' relational schemas.

We examined the effect of adding a video feedback intervention component to the assessment feedback session of the Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention (Dishion & Stormshak, 2007). We hypothesized that the addition of video feedback procedures during the FCU feedback at child age 2 would have a positive effect on caregivers' negative relational schemas of their child, which in turn would mediate reductions in observed coercive caregiver-child interactions assessed at age 5. We observed the caregiver-child interaction videotapes of 79 high-risk families with toddlers exhibiting clinically significant problem behaviors. A quasi-random sample of families was provided with direct feedback on their interactions during the feedback session of the FCU protocol. Path analysis indicated that reviewing and engaging in feedback about videotaped age 2 assessment predicted reduced caregivers' negative relational schemas of the child at age 3, which acted as an intervening variable on the reduction of observed parent-child coercive interactions recorded at age 5. Video feedback predicted improved family functioning over and above level of engagement in the FCU in subsequent years, indicating the important incremental contribution of using video feedback procedures in early family-based preventive interventions for problem behaviors. Supportive video feedback on coercive family dynamics is an important strategy for promoting caregiver motivation to reduce negative attributions toward the child, which fuel coercive interactions. Our study also contributes to the clinical and research literature concerning coercion theory and effective intervention strategies by identifying a potential mechanism of change.

Walking Meeting Effects on Productivity and Mood Among White-Collar Workers: Evidence From the Walking Meeting Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Walking Meetings (WaM) have shown to be acceptable, feasible, and implementable among white-collar workers. This pilot study examines the effects of WaM on worker mood, productivity, and physical activity. METHODS: Eighteen white-collar workers were recruited from a university in Florida. Participants wore accelerometers for 3 consecutive weeks. During baseline week, participants continued their normal seated meetings. In weeks 2 and 3, participants conducted one walking meeting in groups of two to three people. RESULTS: Increased moderate occupational physical activity was correlated with increased productivity measured by decreased work time missed due to health reasons (r = -0.59; P = 0.03) and decreased impairment while working due to health reasons (r = -0.61; P = 0.02). In week 3, very vigorous physical activity was significantly correlated with negative mood (r = 0.69, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: WaM affected worker mood and productivity and increased occupational physical activity-levels.

The Flipped Classroom: An Innovative Approach to Medical Education in Ophthalmology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to report the creation of a flipped ophthalmology course and preclinical medical student perceptions and knowledge gains before and after a flipped ophthalmology course. DESIGN: The form of the study discussed is an observational study. SUBJECTS: The subjects involved in the study are second-year (U.S.) United States medical students at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine (n = 401). METHODS: Second-year medical students participated in a 1-week "flipped classroom" ophthalmology course geared toward primary care providers at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Eleven hours of traditional classroom lectures were condensed into 4.5 hours of short videos with self-assessment quizzes, small group discussions, and a large group case-based discussion. Fifty-seven short videos (<9 minutes) focused on major ophthalmology topics and common conditions were viewed by the students at their leisure. Students completed a pre- and post-course evaluation on their perceptions and opinions of the flipped classroom approach. Final exam scores in the flipped classroom cohort were compared with the final exam scores in the traditional didactic format used in years prior. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures include: student final exam performance; student satisfaction, opinions, and perceptions. RESULTS: Over the course of 2 years, 401 second-year U.S. medical students participated in the flipped classroom ophthalmology course. The majority of students enjoyed the flipped classroom experience (75.3%) and expressed interest in using the approach for future lessons (74.6%). The flipped classroom videos were preferred to live lectures (61.2%). Over 90% of students stated the self-assessment quizzes were useful, 79% reported that the small group discussions were an effective way to apply knowledge, and 76% cited the large group case-based discussion as useful. Pre-course knowledge assessment scores averaged 48%. Final examination scores in the flipped group (average ± standard deviation [SD] = 92.1% ± 6.1) were comparable to that of the traditional group when evaluating identical questions (average ± SD = 91.7% ± 5.54), p = 0.34. CONCLUSION: The flipped classroom approach proved to be a well-received and successful approach to preclinical medical education for ophthalmology. This was achieved using 35% less course time than our traditional course. This innovative approach has potential for expansion to other medical schools, medical education abroad, and for other medical school modules.