A National Survey of Pharmacist Involvement in Hepatitis C Virus Management in the United States.

Models estimate that the United States will not meet its 2030 hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination goal. Engagement of healthcare providers including pharmacists is critical for HCV elimination efforts. We aimed to characterise the involvement of pharmacists in HCV management. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. Investigators sent the questionnaire to pharmacy and HCV organisations' listservs and limited responses to licensed pharmacists with direct patient care. Questions assessed setting, HCV screening, prescribing, and management; and opinions, and perceived barriers and facilitators to pharmacists' HCV management. Two hundred and nine survey respondents across 45 states reported managing 24 patients/month, with 5.3 (±4.4) years' experience in HCV, and identified pharmacist-managed HCV at their site since 2013 (±5.8 years). Most practice at academic medical centres (29%, 58/203) under collaborative practice agreements (67%, 127/189), as ambulatory care pharmacists (70%, 131/187), in primary care (50%, 65/131). Many pharmacists provide screening, linkage to care, and/or referral (81%, 157/194); 99.5% (190/191) perform treatment evaluation and selection; 98% (180/183) provide treatment education, 93% (171/183) initiate treatment, and 90% (162/180) provide on- and/or post-treatment monitoring. Respondents indicated collaboration with prescribers as most helpful in their role in HCV management, whereas lack of reimbursement was a main barrier. Satisfying components include HCV cure, care and education provision; frustrations include socioeconomic factors impeding patients' follow-up and prior authorisations/insurance barriers. Survey results show the variety of pharmacists' roles in direct HCV patient care and may be used to increase other providers' awareness of pharmacists' services and contributions to HCV elimination efforts.

Predicting wound complications following lower extremity revascularization.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create a simple risk score to identify factors associated with wound complications after infrainguinal revascularization. METHODS: The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program national data set was queried from 2005 to 2021 to identify 22,114 patients undergoing elective open revascularization for peripheral arterial disease (claudication, rest pain, tissue loss) or peripheral aneurysm. Emergency and trauma cases were excluded. The data set was divided into a two-thirds derivation set and one-third validation set to create a risk prediction model. The primary end point was wound complication (wound dehiscence, superficial/deep wound surgical site infection). Eight independent risk factors for wound complications resulted from the model and were assigned whole number integer risk scores. Summary risk scores were collapsed into categories and defined as low (0-3 points), moderate (4-7 points), high (8-11 points), and very high (>12 points). RESULTS: The wound complication rate in the derivation data set was 9.7% (n = 1428). Predictors of wound complication included age ≤73 (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.46), body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.68-2.36), non-Hispanic White (vs others: OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.30-1.69), diabetes (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10-1.37), white blood cell count >9900/mm3 (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35), absence of coronary artery disease (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35), operative time >6 hours (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.37), and undergoing a femoral endarterectomy in conjunction with bypass (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.14-1.57). In both the derivation and validation sets, wound complications correlated with risk category. Among the defined categories in the derivation set, wound complication rates were 4.5% for low-risk patients, 8.5% for moderate-risk patients, 13.8% for high-risk patients, and 23.8% for very high-risk patients, with similar results for the internal validation data set. Operative indication did not independently associate with wound complications. Patients with wound complications had higher rates of reoperation and graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: This risk prediction model uses easily obtainable clinical metrics that allow for informed discussion of wound complication risk for patients undergoing open infrainguinal revascularization.

Relevance of Behavioral Research in the Evolving State of Anti-obesity Medications: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?

Obesity continues to be a significant public health challenge. While weight loss medications have been studied and available for several years, the newest generation of highly effective anti-obesity medications (AOMs) will shift how behavioral science professionals approach obesity treatment and research. With the unique skill set of behavioral science professionals, this commentary suggests ways to integrate behavioral science into the rapidly evolving landscape of AOM use to accelerate better obesity care and generate new lines of research. The goal of this commentary is to stimulate discussion and encourage responsive and relevant action to improve population health.

A lay navigator-led, early palliative care intervention for African American and rural family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer (Project Cornerstone): Results of a pilot randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of ENABLE (Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends) Cornerstone-a lay navigator-led, early palliative care telehealth intervention for African American/Black and/or rural-dwelling family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03464188). METHODS: This was a pilot randomized trial (November 2019 to March 2021). Family caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed, stage III/IV, solid-tumor cancers were randomized to receive either an intervention or usual care. Intervention caregivers were paired with a specially trained lay navigator who delivered 6 weekly, 20-minute to 60-minute telehealth coaching sessions plus monthly follow-up for 24 weeks, reviewing skills in stress management, self-care, getting help, staying organized, and future planning. Feasibility was assessed according to the completion of sessions and questionnaires (predefined as a completion rate ≥80%). Acceptability was determined through intervention participants' ratings of their likelihood of recommending the intervention. Measures of caregiver distress and quality of life were collected at 8 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Sixty-three family caregivers were randomized (usual care, n = 32; intervention, n = 31). Caregivers completed 65% of intervention sessions and 87% of questionnaires. Average ratings for recommending the program were 9.4, from 1 (not at all likely) to 10 (extremely likely). Over 24 weeks, the mean ± SE Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score improved by 0.30 ± 1.44 points in the intervention group and worsened by 1.99 ± 1.39 points in the usual care group (difference, -2.29; Cohen d, -0.32). The mean between-group difference scores in caregiver quality of life was -1.56 (usual care - intervention; d, -0.07). Similar outcome results were observed for patient participants. CONCLUSIONS: The authors piloted ENABLE Cornerstone, an intervention for African American and rural-dwelling advanced cancer family caregivers. The acceptability of the intervention and data collection rates were high, and the preliminary efficacy for caregiver distress was promising. LAY SUMMARY: To date, very few programs have been developed to support under-resourced cancer family caregivers. To address this need, the authors successfully pilot tested an early palliative care program, called Educate, Nurture, Advise, Before Life Ends (ENABLE) Cornerstone, for African American and rural family caregivers of individuals with advanced cancer. Cornerstone is led by specially trained lay people and involves a series of weekly phone sessions focused on coaching caregivers to manage stress and provide effective support to patients with cancer. The authors are now testing Cornerstone in a larger trial. If the program demonstrates benefit, it may yield a model of caregiver support that could be widely implemented.

Cancer disparities in the context of rurality: risk factors and screening across various U.S. rural classification codes.

PURPOSE: Prior cancer research is limited by inconsistencies in defining rurality. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors across various county-based rural classification codes, including measures reflecting a continuum, to inform our understanding of cancer disparities according to the extent of rurality. METHODS: Using an ecological cross-sectional design, we examined differences in cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and National Health Interview Survey (2008-2013) across rural counties and between rural and urban counties using four rural-urban classification codes for counties and county-equivalents in 2013: U.S. Office of Management and Budget, National Center for Health Statistics, USDA Economic Research Service's rural-urban continuum codes, and Urban Influence Codes. RESULTS: Although a rural-to-urban gradient was not consistently evident across all classification codes, the prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and binge alcohol use increased (all ptrend < 0.03), while colorectal, cervical and breast cancer screening decreased (all ptrend < 0.001) with increasing rurality. Differences in the prevalence of risk factors and screening behaviors across rural areas were greater than differences between rural and urban counties for obesity (2.4% vs. 1.5%), physical activity (2.9% vs. 2.5%), binge alcohol use (3.4% vs. 0.4%), cervical cancer screening (6.8% vs. 4.0%), and colorectal cancer screening (4.4% vs. 3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Rural cancer disparities persist across multiple rural-urban classification codes, with marked variation in cancer risk factors and screening evident within rural regions. Focusing only on a rural-urban dichotomy may not sufficiently capture subpopulations of rural residents at greater risk for cancer and cancer-related mortality.

Late type III endoleaks are common in early generation Endologix AFX stent grafts.

OBJECTIVE: Early generation Endologix AFX endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) stent graft devices are at risk of developing type IIIa (intercomponent/overlap-related) as well as type IIIb (fabric tear) endoleaks over time. Current follow-up studies are limited to short (<24 months) and midterm (24-48 months) reports. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of type III endoleaks associated with these endografts over a long-term follow-up (>4 years) period and discuss current management strategies. METHODS: A retrospective, single-institution cohort analysis of all Endologix AFX endografts implanted from October 2011 to October 2016 was performed. Patient characteristics, imaging, and follow-up were obtained via chart review. Type III endoleaks were characterized based on computed tomography angiogram/operative findings and confirmed by two surgeons. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS v9.4. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients underwent AFX stent graft implantation for aneurysmal disease. Forty-seven patients comprised the final cohort for analysis after exclusions were made for primary iliac aneurysms as well as off-label use of the device (eg, hypogastric snorkel) or primary occlusive indications. The average age was 73.3 years, with the longest follow-up being 8.7 years (median, 5.2 years). Most AAAs (89.2%) were fusiform, with initial median diameter 5.5 cm. Initial 30-day mortality was 0%. Of the initial cohort, 10 (21.3%) type III endoleaks were treated, of which six (60%) were type IIIa and four (40%) were type IIIb. By time-to-event analysis at latest follow-up, freedom from type III intervention was 48% at 8 years. The median time to type III endoleak discovery was 4.7 years (range, 1.1-7.2 years), an interval that was similar for type IIIa and type IIIb leak types (P = .73). Patients with type III endoleaks had average sac growth of 1.3 cm over the follow-up interval compared with a net decrease for patients without type III endoleaks (P < .0001). Of the 10 patients treated for type III leaks, seven (70%) underwent complete endovascular re-lining, one (10%) had partial re-lining, and two (20.0%) underwent open endograft explant with aortic graft reconstruction. Reintervention 30-day mortality was 0% for all approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Early generation Endologix AFX stent grafts have a high rate of type III endoleaks, with freedom from type III leak <50% at 8-year follow-up. Most of these are not detected until several years (>4.5 years) after initial implantation, beyond the range of the follow-up interval of most published reports. Long-term imaging surveillance is critical, and a low threshold for complete relining should be considered with any sign of sac enlargement, even if endoleak is not clearly demonstrated in patients with early generation Endologix AFX grafts.

Percutaneous radial artery access for peripheral vascular interventions is a safe alternative for upper extremity access.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous radial artery access has been increasingly used for peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Our goal was to characterize the practice patterns and perioperative outcomes among patients treated using PVI performed via radial artery access. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried from 2016 to 2020 for PVI performed via upper extremity access. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the periprocedure outcomes of radial artery access cases. A separate sample of brachial artery access cases was used as a comparator. RESULTS: A total of 520 radial artery access cases were identified. The mean age was 69 ± 10 years, and 41.3% were women. Most procedures were performed in the hospital outpatient setting (71.7%). The sheath size was ≤5F for 10%, 6F for 78%, and 7F for 12%. Ultrasound-guided access and protamine were used in 68.3% and 17.3% of cases, respectively. The interventions were aortoiliac (55%), femoropopliteal (55%), and infrapopliteal (9%). Stenting and atherectomy were performed in 55% and 19% of cases, respectively, and more often with 7F sheaths. Access site complications were any hematoma (4.8%), including hematomas resulting in intervention (0.8%), pseudoaneurysms (1%), and access stenosis or occlusion (0.8%). On multivariable analysis, sheath size was not associated with access site complications. Percutaneous brachial artery access (n = 1135) compared with radial access was independently associated with more overall hematomas (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.81; P = .03). However, access type was not associated with hematomas resulting in intervention (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-6.72; P = .19). CONCLUSIONS: PVIs via radial artery access exhibited a low prevalence of postprocedural access site complications and were associated with fewer minor hematoma complications compared with interventions performed using brachial artery access. Radial artery access compared with brachial artery access should be the preferred technique for PVIs.

Adapting MultiPLe behavior Interventions that eFfectively Improve (AMPLIFI) cancer survivor health: program project protocols for remote lifestyle intervention and assessment in 3 inter-related randomized controlled trials among survivors of obesity-related cancers.

BACKGROUND: Scalable, multiple behavior change interventions are needed to address poor diet, inactivity, and excess adiposity among the rising number of cancer survivors. Efficacy-tested diet (RENEW) and exercise (BEAT Cancer) programs were adapted for web delivery among middle-aged and older cancer survivors for the AMPLIFI study, a National Cancer Institute-funded, multi-site, program project. METHODS: Throughout the continental U.S., survivors of several obesity-related cancers are being recruited for three interconnected randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Projects 1 and 2 test 6-month diet or exercise interventions versus a wait-list control condition. Upon completion of the 6-month study period, the intervention participants receive the next behavior change sequence (i.e., diet receives exercise, exercise receives diet) and the wait-list control arm initiates a 12-month combined diet and exercise intervention. Project 3 tests the efficacy of the sequential versus simultaneous interventions. Assessments occur at baseline and semi-annually for up to 2-years and include: body mass index, health behaviors (diet quality, accelerometry-assessed physical activity/sleep), waist circumference, D3 creatine-assessed muscle mass, physical performance, potential mediators/moderators of treatment efficacy, biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic regulation, health care utilization, cost, and overall health. Four shared resources support AMPLIFI RCTs: 1) Administrative; 2) Adaptation, Dissemination and Implementation; 3) Recruitment and Retention; and 4) Assessment and Analysis. DISCUSSION: Representing a new generation of RCTs, AMPLIFI will exclusively use remote technologies to recruit, intervene and assess the efficacy of the newly-adapted, web-based diet and exercise interventions and determine whether sequential or combined delivery works best for at-risk (older, rural, racial minority) cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04000880 . Registered 27 June 2019.

Factors predicting staging and treatment initiation for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection: insurance a key predictor.

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection affects over 2.4 million Americans and accounts for 18 000 deaths per year. Treatment initiation in this population continues to be low even after introduction of highly effective and shorter duration direct-acting antivirals. This study assesses factors that influence key milestones in the HCV care continuum. METHODS: Retrospective time-to-event analyses were performed to assess factors influencing liver fibrosis staging and treatment initiation among individuals confirmed with chronic HCV infection at University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System between 1 August 2015 and 24 October 2016 and followed through 28 January 2018. Cox regression models were utilized for multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Individuals tested at the liver clinic (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-3.46) and at the federally qualified health center (HR = 3.51; 95% CI: 2.19-5.64) had higher instantaneous probability of being staged compared with individuals tested at the emergency department (ED) or inpatient setting. And probability of treatment initiation increased with advancing liver fibrosis especially for Medicaid beneficiaries (HR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.35-1.99). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a need for improving access for patients with early stages of the disease in order to reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality, especially those tested at nontraditional care locations such as the ED or the inpatient setting.

Scalp Staples Placed in a Pediatric Emergency Department: Feasibility and Benefits of Home Removal.

OBJECTIVES: Scalp lacerations are a common occurrence in the pediatric population. A preferred method of closure in a busy pediatric emergency department (PED) is skin staples, because of their ease of use and rapid application. However, using skin staples also demands that the child have a follow-up visit for their removal. This study examines whether caregivers can be taught how to safely remove their child's skin staples at home, obviating the need for a return clinic visit and its associated costs. METHODS: This is a prospective, convenience study of 30 children older than 4 years presenting with a scalp laceration that the attending physician chose to close with skin staples. Caregivers of enrolled children completed an initial survey and received training in skin staple removal in the PED. Upon discharge, caregivers were given the staple removal device and specific instructions indicating the date for staple removal and how to access an online video reviewing proper staple removal technique. Caregivers were contacted after anticipated staple removal for completion of a follow-up survey. We recorded caregiver success rate at staple removal and measured potential benefits with regard to lost wages, transportation costs, and missed school time. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (93%) of 30 enrolled caregivers were successful in completely removing their child's staples; one caregiver did not attempt removal and another was lost to follow-up. Twenty-five caregivers (83%) completed follow-up surveys. All caregivers reported that if given a future choice, they would prefer to remove their child's staples at home rather than return to a clinic and all said that they would be "very comfortable" if they needed to remove staples again in the future. Sixty-four percent of caregivers estimated that it would have taken greater than 2 hours to attend a clinic for staple removal. Thirty-two percent of caregivers would have lost greater than US $100 in wages. Eighty-eight percent of children would have missed school time, with 46% having to miss an entire school day. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers who were taught how to remove their child's scalp staples in the PED before discharge were highly successful at home. Ninety-three percent of enrolled patients had their staples completely removed and no complications were reported. Benefits included avoiding lost wages, lost time attending a follow-up clinic, and lost time from school. Staple removal is a simple technique that can easily be taught to caregivers in a matter of minutes and lead to greater patient and parent satisfaction.

Effect of an Intensive Nurse Home Visiting Program on Adverse Birth Outcomes in a Medicaid-Eligible Population: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Improving birth outcomes for low-income mothers is a public health priority. Intensive nurse home visiting has been proposed as an intervention to improve these outcomes. Objective: To determine the effect of an intensive nurse home visiting program on a composite outcome of preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, or perinatal mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a randomized clinical trial that included 5670 Medicaid-eligible, nulliparous pregnant individuals at less than 28 weeks' gestation, enrolled between April 1, 2016, and March 17, 2020, with follow-up through February 2021. Interventions: Participants were randomized 2:1 to Nurse Family Partnership program (n = 3806) or control (n = 1864). The program is an established model of nurse home visiting; regular visits begin prenatally and continue through 2 postnatal years. Nurses provide education, assessments, and goal-setting related to prenatal health, child health and development, and maternal life course. The control group received usual care services and a list of community resources. Neither staff nor participants were blinded to intervention group. Main Outcomes and Measures: There were 3 primary outcomes. This article reports on a composite of adverse birth outcomes: preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age, or perinatal mortality based on vital records, Medicaid claims, and hospital discharge records through February 2021. The other primary outcomes of interbirth intervals of less than 21 months and major injury or concern for abuse or neglect in the child's first 24 months have not yet completed measurement. There were 54 secondary outcomes; those related to maternal and newborn health that have completed measurement included all elements of the composite plus birth weight, gestational length, large for gestational age, extremely preterm, very low birth weight, overnight neonatal intensive care unit admission, severe maternal morbidity, and cesarean delivery. Results: Among 5670 participants enrolled, 4966 (3319 intervention; 1647 control) were analyzed for the primary maternal and neonatal health outcome (median age, 21 years [1.2% non-Hispanic Asian, Indigenous, or Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander; 5.7% Hispanic; 55.2% non-Hispanic Black; 34.8% non-Hispanic White; and 3.0% more than 1 race reported [non-Hispanic]). The incidence of the composite adverse birth outcome was 26.9% in the intervention group and 26.1% in the control group (adjusted between-group difference, 0.5% [95% CI, -2.1% to 3.1%]). Outcomes for the intervention group were not significantly better for any of the maternal and newborn health primary or secondary outcomes in the overall sample or in either of the prespecified subgroups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this South Carolina-based trial of Medicaid-eligible pregnant individuals, assignment to participate in an intensive nurse home visiting program did not significantly reduce the incidence of a composite of adverse birth outcomes. Evaluation of the overall effectiveness of this program is incomplete, pending assessment of early childhood and birth spacing outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03360539.

A Web-based Lifestyle Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Feasibility and Acceptability of SurvivorSHINE.

Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a healthy lifestyle website, SurvivorSHINE ( www.survivorshine.org ), for cancer survivors using a mixed-methods approach. Formative research included a comprehensive literature review and four focus groups on website preferences with diagnosis-diverse cancer survivors (N = 17). Their feedback informed a web adaptation of a telephone counseling and mailed-print lifestyle intervention previously found effective for cancer survivors. The resulting web-based intervention was examined in a 3-week, single-arm trial among 41 cancer survivors. Assessments of physical activity, diet, body weight, and knowledge related to exercise and diet guidelines for cancer survivors occurred at baseline and 3 weeks later, along with exit interviews. Themes from focus groups indicated cancer survivors' desire for easy-to-use, interactive web-based platforms to access credible diet and exercise information. The study sample was recruited within 12 months, and study retention was high (85.4%). Participants showed significant pre- to post-test improvements in diet and exercise knowledge (t = 5.31, p < .0001) and physical activity (t = 2.40, p = .02). Improvements in body weight and some dietary components (red meat, alcohol) were observed, but did not reach statistical significance. Results support the feasibility and acceptability of SurvivorSHINE. The significant increases in healthy lifestyle knowledge and physical activity found in the current study are promising, but a larger, randomized-controlled trial is needed to determine efficacy.

Sexual and reproductive health information and referrals for resettled refugee women: A survey of resettlement agencies in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Refugee resettlement offices are the first point of contact for newly arrived refugees and play a significant role in helping refugees acclimate and settle into life in the United States. Available literature suggests that refugee women are vulnerable to poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes, including sexually transmitted infections and HIV infections as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes, but little is known about the role that refugee resettlement offices play in supporting refugee women's SRH. This study examines the capacity and interest of resettlement offices in providing SRH information and referrals to newly arrived refugees. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The research team conducted an online survey of staff members at refugee resettlement offices throughout the US in 2018 to determine (1) available SRH resources and workshops; (2) referrals to and assistance with making appointments for SRH and primary care appointments; (3) barriers to addressing SRH needs of clients; and (4) interest in building the capacity of office staff to address SRH issues. The survey was created for this study and had not been previously used or validated. Survey data underwent descriptive analysis. A total of 236 resettlement offices were contacted, with responses from 100 offices, for a total response rate of 42%. Fifteen percent (N = 15) of refugee resettlement agencies (RRAs) who responded to the survey provide materials about SRH to clients, and 49% (N = 49) incorporate sexual health into the classes they provide to newly arrived refugee clients. Moreover, 12% (N = 12) of responding RRAs screen clients for pregnancy intention, and 20% (N = 20) directly refer to contraceptive care and services. This study is limited by the response rate of the survey; no conclusions can be drawn about those offices that did not respond. In addition, the survey instrument was not validated against any other sources of information about the practices of refugee resettlement offices. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that many resettlement offices do not routinely provide information or referrals for SRH needs. Responding offices cite lack of time and competing priorities as major barriers to providing SRH education and referrals to clients.

Seal body condition and atmospheric circulation patterns influence polar bear body condition, recruitment, and feeding ecology in the Chukchi Sea.

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are experiencing loss of sea ice habitats used to access their marine mammal prey. Simultaneously, ocean warming is changing ecosystems that support marine mammal populations. The interactive effects of sea ice and prey are not well understood yet may explain spatial-temporal variation in the response of polar bears to sea ice loss. Here, we examined the potential combined effects of sea ice, seal body condition, and atmospheric circulation patterns on the body condition, recruitment, diet, and feeding probability of 469 polar bears captured in the Chukchi Sea, 2008-2017. The body condition of ringed seals (Pusa hispida), the primary prey of females and subadults, was related to dietary proportions of ringed seal, feeding probability, and the body condition of females and cubs. In contrast, adult males consumed more bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) and exhibited better condition when bearded seal body condition was higher. The litter size, number of yearlings per adult female, and the condition of dependent young were higher following winters characterized by low Arctic Oscillation conditions, consistent with a growing number of studies. Body condition, recruitment, and feeding probability were either not associated or negatively associated with sea ice conditions, suggesting that, unlike some subpopulations, Chukchi Sea bears are not currently limited by sea ice availability. However, spring sea ice cover declined 2% per year during our study reaching levels not previously observed in the satellite record and resulting in the loss of polar bear hunting and seal pupping habitat. Our study suggests that the status of ice seal populations is likely an important factor that can either compound or mitigate the response of polar bears to sea ice loss over the short term. In the long term, neither polar bears nor their prey are likely robust to limitless loss of their sea ice habitat.

Determining patient needs to enhance exercise program implementation and uptake in rural settings for women after a cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively explore exercise barriers and facilitators experienced by rural female cancer survivors from the program interventionist and recipient perspective for the purpose of enhancing exercise program implementation and uptake in rural settings. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study design was utilized. Focus groups were conducted prior to implementation of an evidence-based exercise program by a rural non-research cancer clinical site. Nineteen rural female cancer survivors (mean age = 61.7 ± 10.9 years) and 11 potential interventionists (mean age = 42.3 ± 15.3 years) completed focus groups (stratified by participant role). Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with NVivo 11. RESULTS: Cancer survivors identified 12 barrier themes (cancer specific adverse effects, lack of support, lack of knowledge, perceived negative aspects of exercise, cost, lack of resources, motivation, inconvenience, lack of program flexibility, time, weather, safety) and eight facilitator themes (knowledge, ease of access, resources, awareness, cost, options, organized, fun) related to exercise. Interventionists identified seven barrier themes (cost, transportation, lack of cancer survivor and interventionist knowledge, fear, motivation, lack of support, lack of resources) and four facilitator themes (resources, support, knowledge, motivation). Narratives revealed differing role-specific perspectives on shared themes between survivors and interventionists as well as potential implementation strategies for enhancing exercise participation and exercise program uptake among rural female cancer survivors. CONCLUSION: Exploring multi-level stakeholder perspectives on cancer survivors' exercise needs and related strategies yields important information for organizations to consider when implementing exercise programs in rural contexts.

The Australia and New Zealand Cardio-Oncology Registry: evaluation of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity in a national cohort of paediatric cancer patients.

Cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an area of increasing focus, particularly during the survivorship period, for paediatric, adolescent and adult cancer survivors. With the advent of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, there is a new set of mechanisms from which paediatric and young adult patients with cancer may suffer cardiovascular injury. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the survivorship period. The recently established Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry is the largest and only population-based cardiotoxicity database of paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients in the world, and the first paediatric registry that will document cardiotoxicity caused by chemotherapy and novel targeted therapies using a prospective approach. The database is designed for comprehensive data collection and evaluation of the Australian practice in terms of diagnosis and management of CTRCD. Using the Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry critical clinical information will be collected regarding predisposing factors for the development of CTRCD, the rate of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and transition to overt heart failure, further research into protectant molecules against cardiac dysfunction and aid in the discovery of which genetic variants predispose to CTRCD. A health economic arm of the study will assess the cost/benefit of both the registry and cardio-oncology clinical implementation. Finally, an imaging arm will establish if exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and VO2 max testing is a more sensitive predictor of cardiac reserve in paediatric and adolescent and young adult oncology patients exposed to cardiac toxic therapies.

Bias and stereotyping among research and clinical professionals: Perspectives on minority recruitment for oncology clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, extensive attention has been paid to the possibility that bias among health care professionals contributes to health disparities. In its 2003 report, the Institute of Medicine concluded that bias against racial minorities may affect communication or care offered. However, to the authors' knowledge, the role of bias within the context of recruitment of racial and ethnic minorities to cancer clinical trials has not been explored to date. Therefore, the authors assessed the experiences of clinical and research personnel related to factors influencing the recruitment of racial and ethnic minorities for cancer clinical trials. METHODS: A total of 91 qualitative interviews were conducted at 5 US cancer centers among 4 stakeholder groups: 1) cancer center leaders; 2) principal investigators; 3) referring clinicians; and 4) research staff. Data analysis was conducted using a content analysis approach to generate themes from the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Five prominent themes emerged: 1) recruitment interactions with potential minority participants were perceived to be challenging; 2) potential minority participants were not perceived to be ideal study candidates; 3) a combination of clinic-level barriers and negative perceptions of minority study participants led to providers withholding clinical trial opportunities from potential minority participants; 4) when clinical trial recruitment practices were tailored to minority patients, addressing research misconceptions to build trust was a common strategy; 5) for some respondents, race was perceived as irrelevant when screening and recruiting potential minority participants for clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Not only did some respondents view racial and ethnic minorities as less promising participants, some respondents reported withholding trial opportunities from minorities based on these perceptions. Some providers endorsed using tailored recruitment strategies whereas others eschewed race as a factor in trial recruitment. The presence of bias and stereotyping among clinical and research professionals recruiting for cancer clinical trials should be considered when designing interventions to increase minority enrollment.

Financial Support to Medicaid-Eligible Mothers Increases Caregiving for Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of financial support on maternal caregiving activities for preterm infants. METHODS: We conducted a small randomized controlled trial (RCT) in two Massachusetts Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). We enrolled 46 Medicaid-eligible mothers of preterm infants between January 2017 and June 2018 and randomly assigned them to a treatment group (up to 3 weekly financial transfers of $200 each while their infant was in the hospital) or a control group. We collected hospital-record data while the infant was admitted. The primary outcome was a binary variable indicating skin-to-skin care (STSC) was provided during a hospital day. Secondary outcomes included daily maternal visitation, daily provision of breastmilk, neonatal growth and length of stay (LOS). Multilevel generalized linear models with random effects were used to estimate treatment effects on daily maternal behaviors and ordinary least squares models were used to estimate impacts on neonatal growth and LOS. RESULTS: We assigned 25 women to the intervention and 21 to the control and observed them over 703 days of their infants' hospitalization. Mothers who received financial support were more likely to provide STSC (adjusted risk ratio: 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-2.62) and breastmilk (adjusted risk ratio: 1.36; 95% CI 1.06-1.75) while their infant was in the NICU. We see no statistically significant impact on neonatal growth outcomes or LOS, though estimated confidence intervals are imprecise. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence demonstrates the potential for financial support to increase mothers' engagement with caregiving behaviors for preterm infants during the NICU stay.

Risk prediction of 30-day mortality after lower extremity major amputation.

OBJECTIVE: Universal risk calculators may underestimate mortality risk, whereas purely observational administrative data may lack appropriate granularity to individualize risk. The purpose of this study was to create a simple risk prediction model to identify the factors associated with 30-day morality after lower extremity major amputation for ischemic vascular disease. METHODS: The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program national data set was queried from 2005 to 2015 to identify 14,890 patients undergoing elective above-knee or below-knee amputation for rest pain, tissue loss, or gangrene. The data set was divided into a two-thirds derivation set and one-third validation set for the purpose of creating a risk prediction model. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Eight independent risk factors for mortality resulted from the model and were assigned whole number integer risk scores. Summary risk scores were collapsed into categories and defined as low (0-3 points), moderate (4-7 points), high (8-10), and very high (>10). RESULTS: Mortality in the derivation data set was 4.6% (n = 453). By multivariable backward elimination, predictors of 30-day mortality (odds ratio [95% confidence limits]) included preoperative do not resuscitate order (3.1 [2.3-4.0]), congestive heart failure (2.8 [2.1-3.6]), age >80 years (1.8 [1.4-2.2]), chronic renal insufficiency (2.1 [1.7-2.5]), above-knee amputation (1.8 [1.4-2.2]), dependent functional status (2.0 [1.6-2.5]), coronary artery disease (1.3 [1.1-1.6]), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.3 [1.0-1.6]); the final model held a C statistic of 0.74. In both the derivation and validation sets, 30-day mortality correlated with risk category. Among the defined categories in the derivation set, 30-day mortality rates were 2.3% for low-risk patients, 4.3% for moderate-risk patients, 7.5% for high-risk patients, and 17.5% for very-high-risk patients, with similar results for the validation data set. CONCLUSIONS: This risk prediction model uses eight easily obtainable clinical metrics that allow early assessment of 30-day mortality risk of patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation for ischemic indications. The internal validation of the risk score demonstrates the increased mortality with increasing risk category. Reliable expected mortality prediction is critically important for surgeons to make recommendations in accordance with a patient's or family's goals of care. These data may also be used to set realistic expectations for hospital-based quality initiatives and to provide guidance in preoperative medical optimization.

Peer support opportunities across the cancer care continuum: a systematic scoping review of recent peer-reviewed literature.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests peer support (PS) is as an effective strategy for enhancing prevention and control of chronic and infectious diseases, including cancer. This systematic scoping review examines the range and variety of interventions on the use of PS across the cancer care continuum. METHOD: We used a broad definition of PS to capture a wide-range of interventions and characterize the current status of the field. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL to identify relevant articles published from January 2011 to June 2016. We screened the title and abstracts of 2087 articles, followed by full-text screening of 420 articles, resulting in a final sample of 242 articles of which the most recent 100 articles were reviewed (published June 2014 to May 2016). RESULTS: A number of the recent intervention studies focused on breast cancer (32%, breast cancer only) or multiple cancer sites (23%). Although the interventions spanned all phases of the cancer care continuum, only 2% targeted end-of-life care. Seventy-six percent focused on clinical outcomes (e.g., screening, treatment adherence) and 72% on reducing health disparities. Interventions were primarily phone-based (44%) or delivered in a clinic setting (44%). Only a few studies (22%) described the impact of providing PS on peer supporters. CONCLUSION: PS appears to be a widely used approach to address needs across the cancer care continuum, with many opportunities to expand its reach.