The role of allogeneic transplant for adult Ph+ ALL in CR1 with complete molecular remission: a retrospective analysis.

Historically, Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been associated with poor outcomes, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is recommended in first complete remission (CR1). However, in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era, rapid attainment of a complete molecular remission (CMR) is associated with excellent outcomes without allo-HCT, suggesting transplant may not be required for these patients. To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively identified adult patients with Ph+ ALL treated with induction therapy, including TKIs, and attained CMR within 90 days of diagnosis at 5 transplant centers in the United States. We compared outcomes of those who did and did not receive allo-HCT in first remission. We identified 230 patients (allo-HCT: 98; non-HCT: 132). The allo-HCT cohort was younger with better performance status. On multivariable analysis (MVA), allo-HCT was not associated with improved overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.05; 95% CI, 0.63-1.73) or relapse-free survival (aHR: 0.86; 95% CI, 0.54-1.37) compared with non-HCT treatment. Allo-HCT was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of relapse (aHR: 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.62) but higher non-relapse mortality (aHR: 2.59; 95% CI, 1.37-4.89). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed results of MVA. Comparison of reduced-intensity HCT to non-HCT showed no statistically significant difference in any of the above endpoints. In conclusion, adult patients with Ph+ ALL who achieved CMR within 90 days of starting treatment did not derive a survival benefit from allo-HCT in CR1 in this retrospective study.

Underutilization of Peptic Ulcer Disease Prophylaxis Among Elderly Users of Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants.

INTRODUCTION: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) develops in approximately 25% of chronic users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The incidence of uncomplicated PUD has been declining over the past 3 decades unlike that of complicated PUD in the elderly. An expert consensus document published jointly in 2008 by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), and the American Heart Association (AHA) provided recommendations on prevention of PUD among users of antiplatelets and anticoagulants. This work aimed to evaluate physicians' compliance with these guidelines in a tertiary academic setting. METHODS: We examined our medical record database for the 9 month period extending from April 2018 until December 2018. Using this database, we identified elderly patients (> 64 years old) who were chronic (> 3 months) users of low dose aspirin (81 mg once daily) and had an indication for PUD prophylaxis as per the ACG-ACCF-AHA guideline document. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients included in this study. Descriptive statistics were compared using χ2 and independent sample t tests. RESULTS: A total of 852 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 75 years old, and 43% of patients were females. In addition to aspirin, patients were prescribed P2Y12 inhibitors (45.5%), direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (23%), warfarin (12%), steroids (9%) or enoxaparin (1%). Users of DOACs were most commonly prescribed apixaban (16%), followed by rivaroxaban (6%) and dabigatran (1%). Overall, only 40% of patients with an indication for PUD prophylaxis received a proton pump inhibitor. CONCLUSION: PUD prophylaxis may be underutilized in elderly patients. This finding, along with increasing rates of NSAID use and an aging population, may help explain the increased incidence of complicated PUD in the elderly. Efforts are needed to raise physician awareness of PUD prophylaxis guidelines.

Prevalence and factors associated with diagnosed depression among hospitalized cancer patients with metastatic disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with diagnosed depression among patients with a metastatic cancer. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 39,223 hospital records from 2008 to 2013 National Inpatient Sample for patients with metastatic cancer. Diagnosed depression was defined using ICD-9-CM for major depression. Weighted, multivariable hierarchical regression model was used to examine the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and depression among patients with a metastatic cancer. RESULTS: The prevalence of clinically diagnosed depression in patients with a metastatic cancer in our study sample was 7.3% (5.9% for males and 8.6% for females). The prevalence rate of diagnosed depression increased from 5.3 to 9.4% between 2008 and 2013. In multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to be diagnosed with depression if they were females (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.25-1.66) compared to males; and had higher number of comorbidities (aOR = 1.11 per 1-unit increase in Elixhauser comorbidity score, 95% CI 1.07-1.15). In contrast, patients were less likely to be diagnosed with depression if they were blacks (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.47-0.74) or other race (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.47-0.72) compared with white patients. CONCLUSIONS: Women and individuals with more comorbidities were diagnosed with depression more frequently, whereas black patients were diagnosed less. Our findings could help providers to identify hospitalized patients with the higher risk of depression and screened patients with signs and symptoms of clinical depression.

Palliative care knowledge, information sources, and beliefs: Results of a national survey of adults in the USA.

OBJECTIVE: Despite its established benefits, palliative care (PC) is not well known among patients and family/caregivers. From a nationally representative survey, we sought to assess the following associated with PC: knowledge, knowledge sources, and beliefs. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Health Information National Trends Study (HINTS 5 Cycle 2), a cross-sectional, survey of non-institutionalized adults aged 18+ years in the USA. Data were weighted and assessed by proportional comparison and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 3504 respondents were identified, and approximately 29% knew about PC. In the adjusted model, less PC knowledge was associated with: lower age (those aged <50), male gender, lower education (

Description of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Metastatic Cancer: A National Sample.

Background: This study aimed to determine patient-, tumor-, and hospital-level characteristics associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), and to assess the impact of VTE on in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in hospitalized patients with metastatic cancer. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, a cross-sectional analysis was performed of patients aged ≥18 years with at least 1 diagnosis of primary solid tumor and subsequent secondary or metastatic tumor between 2008 and 2013. Results: Among 850,570 patients with metastatic cancer, 6.6% were diagnosed with VTE. A significant trend for increasing VTE rates were observed from 2008 to 2013 (5.7%-7.2%; P<.0001). Using an adjusted multilevel hierarchical regression model, higher odds of VTE were seen among women (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), black versus white patients (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11-1.18), and those with an Elixhauser comorbidity index score of ≥3 (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.38-2.63). Hospital-level correlates of VTE included treatment in a teaching hospital (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11) and an urban location (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.27), and admission to hospitals in the Northeast (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.24) and West (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.16) versus the South. Patients with metastasis to the liver, brain, or respiratory organs and those with multiple (≥2) metastatic sites had higher odds of VTE, whereas those with metastasis to lymph nodes and genital organs had lower odds. Patients diagnosed with versus without VTE had higher odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.38-1.63) and prolonged hospital stay (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.57-1.73). Conclusions: The frequency of VTE in patients with metastatic cancer is increasing. Patient characteristics, hospital factors, and site of metastasis independently predict the occurrence of VTE and allow for better stratification of patients with cancer according to their VTE risk.

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with depression among hospitalized patients with head and neck cancer-Results from a national study.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is a significant problem for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). This study explored the prevalence of and sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depression, among patients with HNC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 71 541 cases of HNC using a national dataset, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, from 2008 to 2013. Weighted, multivariate logistic regression analysis estimated association between sociodemographic/clinical factors and tumor anatomical site with diagnosis of a major depressive disorder. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of major depressive disorder in HNC was 9.3%; highest prevalence was found in patients with laryngeal cancer (28.5%). Compared with laryngeal cancer, there were lower odds of depression among patients with oral cavity cancer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.97) and other anatomic sites (aOR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81-0.94), except oropharyngeal cancer (aOR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.93-1.08). For every unit increase in comorbidities, odds of depression increased by 20% (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.19-1.23). Sociodemographic factors associated with increased odds of depression included being female (aOR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.68-1.87), white (aOR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.59-1.92), and having Medicaid (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19) or Medicare insurance (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: Depression odds vary depending on HNC anatomic site, and one in four patients with laryngeal cancer may be depressed. Since depression is prevalent in this survivor cohort, it is important that psychosocial assessment and intervention are integrated into mainstream clinical care for patients with HNC.

Rural-urban differences in human papillomavirus knowledge and awareness among US adults.

Rural residents of the United States have higher HPV-associated cancer incidence and mortality, and suboptimal HPV vaccine uptake compared to urban residents. This study aimed to assess differences in knowledge and awareness of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers among rural and urban residents. We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2013-2017 on 10,147 respondents ages ≥18 years. Multivariable logistic regression analyses compared urban/rural differences in knowledge and awareness of HPV, associated cancers, and HPV vaccine. Models were adjusted for sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, household income, census region, health insurance, regular provider, internet use, and personal history of cancer. Overall, 67.2% and 65.8% of urban residents were aware of HPV and HPV vaccine, respectively, compared to only 55.8% and 58.6% of rural residents. Adjusted models illustrated that compared to urban residents, rural residents were less likely to be aware of HPV (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53-0.86) and HPV vaccine (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.63-0.97). Among those who were aware of HPV, rural residents were less likely to know that HPV causes cervical cancer (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.46-0.84) and that HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact (OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.56-0.94). No significant differences between rural and urban residents were noted for knowledge that HPV is transmitted sexually and that it causes oral, anal, and penile cancers. This study highlights significant rural health disparities in knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine compared to urban counterparts.

Not just a woman's business! Understanding men and women's knowledge of HPV, the HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers.

Few studies have included men when assessing differences in knowledge about HPV, and HPV-associated cancers. We examined gender differences in knowledge about HPV, HPV vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze data of 3,677 survey respondents aged 18 years and older from the 2014 Health Information National Trends Survey. Covariates included age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income level, regular provider, general health, internet use, and family structure aged 9 to 27 years. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Sixty-four percent of respondents had heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Seventy-eight percent of respondents knew HPV causes cervical cancer, but only 29% knew it causes penile cancer, 26% knew it causes anal cancer, and 30% knew it causes oral cancer. In multivariable analyses, males were less likely to have heard of HPV (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.25-0.45), and less likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine (aOR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.18-0.32) compared to females. No differences existed between males and females regarding knowledge about HPV-associated cancers. In conclusion, knowledge of HPV, the vaccine, and HPV-associated cancers in both males and females in the United States remains very low, especially among men.

Factors Associated With Parents' Intent to Vaccinate Adolescents for Human Papillomavirus: Findings From the 2014 National Immunization Survey-Teen.

INTRODUCTION: While factors associated with receipt of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination have been well characterized, less is known about the characteristics associated with parents' intent to have their adolescent children vaccinated. This study aimed to examine factors associated with parental intention toward HPV vaccination. METHODS: We analyzed data on 10,354 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years from the 2014 National Immunization Survey-Teen. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and adolescents, as well as a health care provider recommendation with parents' intention to have their children receive HPV vaccine. RESULTS: Among unvaccinated adolescents, Hispanic ethnicity (boys adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-2.61; and girls AOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.05-2.35), mothers with less than a high school diploma (boys AOR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.58-3.67; and girls AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.02-3.38), and having a health care provider recommend the vaccine (boys AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.52-2.31; and girls AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.05-1.82) were significantly associated with parents' intention to have their adolescent child vaccinated within the next 12 months. In addition, non-Hispanic black race was a significant predictor of parents' intent to vaccinate for boys (AOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.35-2.65). CONCLUSION: Maternal education and Hispanic ethnicity were the strongest predictors of parental intent to vaccinate against HPV, followed by provider recommendation. As HPV vaccination rates in the United States remain below the Healthy People 2020 goal, messages may need to be targeted based on maternal education, race/ethnicity, and provider recommendation.

Change in Age at Diagnosis of Oropharyngeal Cancer in the United States, 1975-2016.

The emergence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) as the primary etiology of oropharyngeal cancer has changed head and neck cancer (HNC) epidemiology. This study described change in the age at diagnosis of oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal HNC in the United States in the last four decades. Using a retrospective cohort analysis, the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset from 1975 to 2016 was queried for eligible adult cases of HNC, grouped as oropharyngeal (n = 31,702) versus non-oropharyngeal (n = 87,108). Age at diagnosis was compared by gender (female, male) using independent t-test, and by race/ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic other) using analysis of variance. Joinpoint regression estimated yearly increases/decreases in age of diagnosis by sex and race/ethnicity through annual percent changes (APC), which were summarized with average annual percent changes (AAPC). Mean age at diagnosis for oropharyngeal cancer was 60.3 years. While there was initially a decrease in age at diagnosis, a 0.37% annual increase occurred from 2002 to 2016 (APC = 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28, 0.45). For non-oropharyngeal cancer, mean age at diagnosis was 63.2 years, with a continuous increase in age at diagnosis throughout the study period (1975-2016 AAPC = 0.08, 95% CI 0.04, 0.12). Females had higher average age at diagnosis than males for both sites, while blacks (57.4 years for oropharyngeal cancer; 59.0 years for non-oropharyngeal) had the lowest age at diagnosis of all races/ethnicity. Age at diagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer has increased significantly since 2002, while non-oropharyngeal HNC has increased significantly in the last four decades.

Correlates, Trends, and Short-Term Outcomes of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence and overall mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the US have been increasing over the past decade. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. This study aims at examining the epidemiology, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of VTE in hospitalized patients with HCC. METHODS: We utilized the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2008-2013. Using the International Classification of Diseases codes, ninth edition, we identified hospitalized adult patients with a prior diagnosis of HCC who were diagnosed with VTE. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on the occurrence of VTE, and to evaluate the impact of VTE on in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: We identified a total of 54,275 hospitalized patients with a prior diagnosis of HCC. The prevalence of VTE in the study cohort was 2.8% (2.5% in 2008 to 3.0% in 2013, a statistically significant increase). Older age, African American ethnicity, history of metastasis, and higher Elixhauser comorbidity index were associated with higher odds of VTE. However, having a prior diagnosis of cirrhosis, hepatitis C, or diabetes mellitus were associated with lower odds of VTE in HCC patients. Furthermore, development of VTE was associated with longer hospital stay and increased in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Our work highlights significant age, racial, and comorbid factors in the development of VTE in hospitalized patients with HCC in the US. These findings can help in stratification of HCC patients according to their VTE risk. Patients at higher risk of VTE may benefit from more aggressive pharmacologic prophylaxis, an area for future investigation.

Radiation and Second Primary Thyroid Cancer Following Index Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Radiation is thought to increase risk of developing second primary thyroid cancer (SPTC). This study estimated the rate of SPTC following index head and neck cancer (HNC) and determined whether radiation treatment among HNC survivors increased SPTC risk. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data analysis. METHOD: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1975-2014) was queried for cases of index HNC (N = 127,563) that developed SPTC. Adjusted multivariable competing risk proportional hazards model tested risk of developing a SPTC following index HNC. Sensitivity analyses using proportional hazards models were also performed restricting data to patients who 1) received both radiation and chemotherapy and 2) radiation alone. RESULTS: Only 0.2% of index HNC survivors (n = 229) developed SPTC, yielding a rate of 26.1 per 100,000 person-years. For every increasing year of age at diagnosis, patients were 3% less likely to develop an SPTC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96-0.98). Males were also less likely to develop an SPTC (aHR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.55-0.96). Radiation (aHR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68-1.25), surgery (aHR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56-1.11), and chemotherapy (aHR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.76-1.69) were not significantly associated with developing SPTC. The sensitivity models also did not find an association between treatment and risk of SPTC. CONCLUSIONS: Rate of developing SPTC following index HNC was very low, and previous exposure to radiation did not significantly increase risk in our study population. More studies are needed to understand the increasing incidence of thyroid cancer across the United States. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 129:1014-1020, 2019.

Incidence of Sinusitis Associated With Endotracheal and Nasogastric Tubes: NIS Database.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal and nasogastric tubes are recognized risk factors for nosocomial sinusitis. The extent to which these tubes affect the overall incidence of nosocomial sinusitis in acute care hospitals is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To use data for 2008 through 2013 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to compare the incidence of sinusitis in patients with nasogastric tubes with that in patients with an endotracheal tube alone or with both an endotracheal tube and a nasogastric tube. METHODS: Patients' data with any of the following International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were abstracted from the database: (1) 96.6, enteral infusion of concentrated nutritional substances; (2) 96.07, insertion of other (naso-)gastric tube; or (3) 96.04, insertion of an endotracheal tube. Sinusitis was defined by the appropriate codes. Weighted and unweighted frequencies and weighted percentages were calculated, categorical comparisons were made by χ2 test, and logistic regression was used to examine odds of sinusitis development by tube type. RESULTS: Of 1 141 632 included cases, most (68.57%) had an endotracheal tube only, 23.02% had a nasogastric tube only, and 8.41% had both types of tubes. Sinusitis was present in 0.15% of the sample. Compared with patients with only a nasogastric tube, the risk for sinusitis was 41% greater in patients with an endotracheal tube and 200% greater in patients with both tubes. CONCLUSION: Despite the low incidence of sinusitis, a significant association exists between sinusitis and the presence of an endotracheal tube, especially when a nasogastric tube is also present.

New scoring classification for primary biliary cholangitis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are two major immune-mediated chronic liver diseases. Overlap syndrome (OS) is diagnosed if patients have features of both AIH and PBC; however, there is no consensus on the definition or diagnostic criteria for OS. Here, we report a new scoring classification for OS and evaluate its usefulness. This new scoring classification was developed by modifying the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group classification by selecting histologic features of AIH and PBC along with modifications of biochemical and immunologic characteristics. We evaluated 272 patients with chronic liver disease, including 105 with AIH, 102 with PBC, and 65 with OS. The best performance for the diagnosis of OS was noted among patients with an overlap score of ≥21 who had a sensitivity of 98.5%, a specificity of 92.8%, a positive predictive value of 81.0%, and a negative predictive value of 99.5%. By using a cut-off score of 21, 64 (98.5%) patients were diagnosed with OS as opposed to 9 (8.8%) and 6 (5.7%) with PBC and AIH, respectively. All patients with OS had an aggregate score of >19, whereas most patients with PBC or AIH scored <19, making this a safe discriminatory cut-off point against OS. Conclusion: The new scoring system for the diagnosis of OS has a high sensitivity and specificity for scores ≥21, while a score <19 suggests a diagnosis other than OS. This classification can identify patients and diagnose OS with a reasonable amount of accuracy and may be superior to current OS scoring systems in detecting mild forms of OS. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:245-253).

Correlates of health information seeking between adults diagnosed with and without cancer.

PURPOSE: To examine predictors of information seeking behavior among individuals diagnosed with cancer versus those without. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycles 1-3 (October 2011 to November 2013) were analyzed for 10,774 survey respondents aged ≥18 years. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the effect of socio-demographic and behavioral factors on health information seeking. RESULTS: Cancer diagnosis did not predict health information seeking. However, respondents diagnosed with cancer were more likely to seek health information from a healthcare practitioner. Compared to males, females were more likely to seek health information irrespective of cancer diagnosis. Regardless of cancer diagnosis, those without a regular healthcare provider were less likely to seek health information. Likelihood of seeking health information declined across education strata, and significantly worsened among respondents without high school diplomas irrespective of cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents sought health information irrespective of cancer diagnosis. However, the source of health information sought differed by cancer diagnosis. Gender, education, and having a regular healthcare provider were predictors of health information seeking. Future health communication interventions targeting cancer patients and the general public should consider these findings for tailored interventions to achieve optimal results.

Approaching a decade since HPV vaccine licensure: Racial and gender disparities in knowledge and awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine.

Purpose: Gaps remain in the public's knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV). We assessed racial/ethnic and gender disparities in knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among US adults. METHODS: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 3 (September - December 2013) and Cycle 4 (August - November 2014) were analyzed for 6,862 respondents aged 18 years and older. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate racial/ethnic and gender disparities in HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination awareness. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of respondents had heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine (57% of men vs. 75% of women). In multivariable analyses, compared with men, women were 225% (95% CI: 2.60 - 4.07) more likely to have heard of HPV, and 281% (95% CI: 3.06 - 4.74) more likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine. Non-Hispanic Blacks were 33% (95% CI: 0.47 - 0.96) and 44% (95% CI: 0.39 - 0.81) less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to have heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine, respectively. Hispanics were 27% (95% CI: 0.52 - 1.02) and 53% (95% CI: 0.34 - 0.64) less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to have heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of disparities in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness among men compared with women and non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic Whites. To foster improvements in HPV vaccine uptake and reduce disparities in HPV associated cancers, future interventions must target men and minority populations, for whom knowledge gaps exist.

A Comparison of Parent- and Provider-Reported Human Papillomavirus Vaccination of Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: There is considerable effort at the state and national levels to monitor human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake and understand the factors that influence who gets vaccinated. Accurate measurement of vaccination coverage is critical for monitoring HPV vaccination. This study aimed to determine comparability between parent- and provider-reported HPV vaccination status for a sample of adolescents in the U.S. METHODS: Data from the 2014 National Immunization Survey-Teen were analyzed in 2016 for 20,827 adolescents. Information on HPV vaccine uptake (initiation [one or more dose] and completion [three or more doses]) was obtained using parental (recall) and provider reports (electronic medical records). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and κ-coefficient were computed to determine how comparable parental and provider (ref group) reports were for HPV vaccination. RESULTS: Prevalence of HPV vaccine initiation was comparable between parental and provider report (51.3% vs 50.0%) and for completion (30.7% vs 27.3%). Compared with provider report, parent-reported HPV vaccine initiation had high sensitivity (86.0%), specificity (87.4%), PPV (87.5%), NPV (85.9%), and acceptable κ-coefficient (0.73). Compared with provider report, parent-reported HPV vaccine completion had a sensitivity of 71.5%, specificity of 91.1%, PPV of 78.5%, NPV of 87.6%, and κ-coefficient of 0.64. Similar characteristics-adolescent age, sex, number of doctor visits, and region-were associated with HPV vaccine uptake using parental and provider reports. CONCLUSIONS: Parental recall is comparable to provider report in monitoring HPV vaccine uptake for adolescents, although parental recall is less comparable for HPV vaccine completion.

Correlates of Hookah Pipe Awareness and Perceived Harmfulness Among U.S. Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Hookah smoking has recently become a common form of smoking, and its prevalence has increased worldwide. This study determined the prevalence and correlates of hookah awareness and perceived harmfulness among U.S. adults. METHODS: Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on 6,711 adults aged ≥18 years collected from the 2013-2014 Health Information National Trends Survey (Cycles 3 and 4). Analysis was conducted in 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 74.3% were aware of hookah. Of these, 73.4% believed hookah pipes were equally harmful as cigarettes whereas 15.7% believed otherwise. Older (OR=0.13, 95% CI=0.09, 0.18), black (OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.38, 0.71), Hispanic (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.37, 0.71), and less-educated (OR=0.42, 95% CI=0.27, 0.65) respondents had lower odds of being aware of hookah. Compared with non-smokers, former smokers had 83% (95% CI=1.44, 2.33) higher odds of hookah awareness. Among those aware of hookah, older (OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.31, 0.62), black (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.43, 0.96), and less-educated (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.33, 0.92) respondents had lower odds of perceiving hookah as less harmful than cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Most adults in U.S. are aware of hookah, but only 15.7% believe it is less harmful than cigarettes. This small proportion are mostly young, white, and college graduates. Targeted behavioral interventions will be necessary to increase individuals' perceived risk, knowledge, and perceived harmfulness of hookah smoking.

Pineal Gland Calcification in Kurdistan: A Cross-Sectional Study of 480 Roentgenograms.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the incidence of Pineal Gland Calcification (PGC) by age group and gender among the populations living in the Kurdistan Region-Iraq. METHODS: This prospective study examined skull X-rays of 480 patients between the ages of 3 and 89 years who sought care at a large teaching public hospital in Duhok, Iraq from June 2014 to November 2014. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of PGC among the study population was 26.9% with the 51-60 age group and males having the highest incidence. PGC incidence increased after the first decade and remained steady until the age of 60. Thereafter the incidence began to decrease. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both age and gender significantly affected the risk of PGC. After adjusting for age, males were 1.94 (95% CI, 1.26-2.99) times more likely to have PGC compared to females. In addition, a one year increase in age increases the odds of developing PGC by 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01-1.03) units after controlling for the effects of gender. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrated a close relationship between PGC and age and gender, supporting a link between the development of PGC and these factors. This study provides a basis for future researchers to further investigate the nature and mechanisms underlying pineal gland calcification.

Disparities in Provider Recommendation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for U.S. Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of and examine factors associated with provider recommendation of human papillomavirus vaccination for U.S. adolescents. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen 2014 on 34,478 adolescents aged 13-17 years. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of vaccine recommendation was 72.6% for girls and 51.8% for boys. Lower rates were observed among girls aged 13 years, living below poverty line, adolescents of lesser educated mothers, and those residing in the South. Overall, girls had higher odds of vaccine recommendation (odds ratio [OR] = 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.35-2.82). Correlates of higher vaccine recommendation for girls were: older age-17 versus 13 (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20-1.89), living above versus below poverty line, and residing in Northeast (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.21-1.73) and Midwest (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.11-1.50) versus South. For boys, correlates of higher vaccine recommendation were: non-Hispanic black (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.07-1.58) and Hispanic (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.03-1.48) versus non-Hispanic white race and residing in Northeast (OR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.54-2.08) and West (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.17-1.70) versus South. Other factors associated with vaccine recommendation were having a college-educated mother and frequent doctor visits in the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights significant disparities in provider recommendation of human papillomavirus vaccination for U.S. adolescents. Findings suggest possible areas for tailored interventions to bridge the gap in vaccine recommendation and uptake in high-risk populations.