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Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive haemoglobin disorder, affecting about 7.74 million individuals worldwide, but it is more prevalent among Africans and Asians. SCD is characterised by many complications, and it is a major health issue in Nigeria, the country with the largest burden of the disease globally. This work aims to present the design and implementation of electronic registries (ER) for SCD in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods: Registry design was initiated during a staff exchange programme within the ARISE initiative (EU grant agreement no. 824021). Ethical approval was obtained, and paper records were retrieved and transferred into one adult and one paediatric database, developed with Microsoft Access. Results: Data from 2659 SCD patients were entered in the ERs, including 698 (26.3%) adults and 1961 (73.7%) children. There were 287 (41%) male adults, 404 (58%) female and 7 (1%) patients whose gender was missing. There were 1041 (53.1%) male children, 906 (46.2%) female and 14 (0.7%) whose gender was missing. Information on phenotype was available for 2385 subjects, and most of them (2082, 87.3%) were SS. The most prevalent SCD-related complication was painful events (26.6% in adults and 68.7% in children, considering valid cases). Conclusions: About 60% of SCD patients in the centre were included in the ERs providing useful, hands-on recommendations for future ER design in SCD. These ERs might be an appropriate tool for collecting and analysing SCD patients’ data.

Résumé: Le présent travail, intitulé La négation et ses marqueurs : cas des verbes dynamiques en shǘpǎməm, est une description de la structure négative des verbes dynamiques en shǘpǎməm, une langue bantu du grassfield de l’Ouest-Cameroun parlée par le groupe ethnique bamun vivant majoritairement dans le département du Noun. Pour mener à bien cette étude, nous avons convoqué l’approche structuraliste à l’effet d’analyser en profondeur comment la négation est réalisée dans les verbes dynamiques en shǘpǎməm et d’examiner son influence sur la structure syntaxique et sémantique des énoncés dans cette langue. Après l’analyse de nos données, nous sommes parvenu aux résultats selon lesquels la négation des verbes dynamiques dans cette langue varie en fonction du système mode-temps-aspect. Des phrases négatives, il ressort que le marqueur de la négation génère le marqueur du sujet, sauf dans les modes impératif, infinitif, subjonctif (lorsque son négateur est ma) et conditionnel. Les verbes dynamiques, au mode indicatif, font leur négation aux : présent (- PRES 2- avec ntáp), passé avec mâ et futur avec ntáp. ʃí et ma sont respectivement les négateurs du conditionnel et de l’impératif. Au mode potentiel, la négation est marquée par mâ (présent et passé) et ntáp (futur). Elle est marquée au mode infinitif par ʃí et au subjonctif par ma lorsque ce dernier suit le verbe de la proposition principale et ntáp si celui-ci le précède. Mots-clés : négation, mode, temps, aspect, verbes dynamiques

Résumé: Cet article, intitulé La négation et ses marqueurs : cas des verbes non dynamiques en shǘpǎməm, décrit la structure négative des verbes non dynamiques en shǘpǎməm, langue bantu du grassfield parlée par le groupe ethnique bamun installé dans le département du Noun, région de l’Ouest-Cameroun. Grâce à l’approche structuraliste, notre principale préoccupation est de montrer comment la négation s’exprime, se structure et fonctionne en shǘpǎməm. Les résultats auxquels nous sommes parvenu montrent que la négation des verbes non dynamiques dans cette langue varie selon le mode, le temps et l’aspect. Il ressort des phrases négatives que le marqueur de la négation provoque l’apparition du marqueur du sujet exception faite des modes conditionnel, impératif, infinitif et subjonctif (lorsque la négation y est marquée par ma). Au mode indicatif, les verbes non dynamiques forment leur négation aux : présent (première forme -PRES1- par ndiʔ et deuxième forme -PRES2- par ntáp), passé par mâ et futur par ntáp. Aux modes conditionnel et impératif, la négation est marquée par ʃí et ma, respectivement. La négation au mode potentiel est marquée par mâ (présent et passé) et ntáp pour le futur. Au mode infinitif, la négation est marquée par ʃí. La négation au subjonctif est marquée par ma lorsque ce dernier apparaît après le verbe de la proposition principale et ntáp lorsque celui-ci le précède. Mots-clés : négation, aspect, mode, temps, shǘpǎməm

Abstract Background The non-medical use of prescription drugs is a growing public health problem worldwide. Recent trends in Cameroon show that the use of psychoactive substances, among which are prescription drugs by adolescents is becoming a public health issue and is linked to juvenile delinquency and violence in schools. However, there is a paucity of data on the burden of this phenomenon among adolescent secondary school students in the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of non-prescription drugs in secondary schools in Buea, South West region of Cameroon. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from 1st February 2021 to 30th April 2021. Secondary school students were recruited using a multistage stratified cluster sampling. A modified and standardized version of the World Health Organization student drug-use survey model questionnaire was used. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea (No. 2021/1273–02/UB/SG/IRB/FHS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of participants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore associated factors of non-medical use of prescription drugs. Results A total of 570 participants were enrolled for the study, and 510 participants responded giving a response rate of 89.5%. The prevalence of non-medical use of prescription drugs was 15.3%, tramadol being the most used. Motivators for non-medical use of prescription drugs were “to work longer”, “to be courageous”, and “curiosity”. Logistic regression results showed that alcohol consumption [OR 3.68; 95% CI: 2.24–6.06; p

Résumé : Le présent article tente de dépasser le stade de la collecte et présentation des proverbes pour amorcer leur analyse. La traduction des proverbes shǘpǎməm[1] vers le français soulève des enjeux importants liés à la préservation de leur sens original, de leur essence culturelle et de leur impact émotionnel. Notre principale préoccupation étant la promotion des valeurs culturelles du peuple bamun par la traduction des proverbes, ce travail explore les défis linguistiques et culturels rencontrés lors de la traduction de ces proverbes spécifiques, mettant en lumière l’importance de trouver des équivalents appropriés qui préservent le sens et l’essence des proverbes d’origine. C’est à ce titre qu’il urge d’élaborer soigneusement des stratégies (directe et oblique) de traduction pour capturer la richesse linguistique et culturelle des proverbes shǘpǎməm tout en les rendant accessibles et compréhensibles pour les locuteurs francophones. Ce qui pourrait, nous l’espérons, favoriser une meilleure compréhension interculturelle, encourager un dialogue interculturel enrichissant entre les locuteurs de ces deux langues et mettre en avant la célébration de l’interculturalité pour un monde unifié dans sa diversité. Il y est démontré que dans des langues qui ont une certaine familiarité à l’instar de certaines langues africaines entre elles ou de certaines langues indo-européennes entre elles, certains proverbes présentent des similarités structurelles, lexicales et sémantiques. Mots-clés : proverbe, shǘpǎməm, traduction

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the public health diseases causing global health problems. It is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Blood transfusion is a major route of its transmission and screening of blood is suboptimal in our environment. Occult HBV infection describes the presence of HBV DNA in blood or liver tissue in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative. This study documented the common genotypes of HBV a blood-borne infection in the population of blood donors in Lagos. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the blood donor clinics of ten Lagos State Government-owned hospitals in Lagos State. A total of 1400 participants were recruited consecutively from November 2020 to June 2021. All participants' samples were screened using Diaspot Rapid Test Kit (RTK) and Dialabenzyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Furthermore, some of the plasma samples were used for HBV DNA extraction and genotyping using the real time-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 and P value was considered significant at ≤0.05. Results: The sero-prevalence of HBsAg using RTK and ELISA was 19.9% and 22.4%, respectively. The prevalence of occult HBV infection was 5.2%. A total of 278 and 313 HBsAg RTK and ELISA positive samples were obtained, respectively. HBV genotype result had A (46.6%) as the most prevalent followed closely by B (44.7%), E (23.8%), D (20.9%) and C (11.2%). Conclusion: HBV infection has a high prevalence among blood donors. ELISA is a more sensitive screening tool and its use should be advocated nationally. HBV genotype A is the most prevalent genotype from our study.

The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of gold mining on the water quality of the Lom River at Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon). Forty-eight (48) water samples are systematically collected during the dry and the rainy season. These water samples are characterized to determine the physico-chemical parameters, major ions and metals. A local geological study is conducted to determine the relationship between the geological units encountered and water contamination. Hydrochemical assessment, multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) and geostatistical modeling (GM) are used to assess contamination. The results indicate that the waters of the Lom River draining the gold mining site are acidic to neutral (5.3–6.9), very turbid (117–510 NTU) with high concentrations of suspended solids (22.89–471 mg/L). The mean concentrations of Fe, Pb, and As exceed the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Pb, As, Cd and Hg concentrations decrease in the rainy season mainly due to dilution by rainwater. The predominant water type is Ca–Mg–HCO3. This surface water is unsuitable for drinking purpose (997.5, Water Quality Index >300) with high level of metal pollution. MSA reveal strong linear correlations between EC-TDS, EC-Na+, TDS-Na+, Pb–As, Cl− –SO42- and TSS-Cd suggesting that the correlated parameters can have common origin. Finally, GM reveal that the lowest values of metals and pollution indices are found upstream of the gold mining site. The weathering of geological units encountered, mining activities and seasons have a major influence on the water quality. Therefore, it appears that decision-makers must take immediate action to decrease pollution and adopt suitable and sustainable remedial solutions.

Abstract The impact of gold mining activities on the Lom River in Wakaso (Adamawa Cameroon) and the potential of Moringa Oleifera seeds for the removal of pollutants from wastewater is evaluated on this paper. Water samples were collected for physicochemical (hydrogen potential, electrical conductivity, turbidity and suspended solids) and chemical (major ions and heavy metals) analyses. To evaluate the effect of mining activities on waters and sediments, a combination of multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) and methods to assess the sediment quality was used. The restorative effect of Moringa oleifera seeds was studied with the determination of the maximum removal efficiencies and the maximum adsorption capacities. The results of the physicochemical characterization of waters showed that these waters were slightly acidic to slightly basic (6.12–8.12), weakly conductive (185.8–584.1 μS cm−1), turbid (345–801NTU) and had high content of suspended solids (167–700 mg L−1). The average concentrations of studied heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Fe, Mn, As and Hg) in waters exceeded the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Physicochemical characterization of sediments revealed that they were acidic to neutral (5.95–6.80) and organic matter (OM) content ranged from 11.11 to 15.78%. The concentrations of studied trace metals (Ni, Cd, Fe, Hg, Mn and As) in sediments were below the limits recommended by the WHO except for Cd and Hg. The study of the capacity of Moringa oleifera seeds to remove pollutants in waters showed that 54% of the electrical conductivity, 80% of turbidity and 94% of suspended solids were reduced. The maximum removal efficiency of 91.66, 92.30 and 24.48 and the maximum adsorption capacity of 2.4, 2.6 and 16.6 mg g−1were observed for Cd (II), Hg (II) and Fe (II), respectively. Thus, the Moringa oleifera seeds which are locally available natural bio-adsorbent exhibit attractive property to treat wastewater.

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a chronic disease presenting with acute and painful exacerbations with multi-organ affectation. An alteration in the components of hemostasis such as the fibrinolytic system is observed among patients with SCA. Routine care of patients with SCA rarely involves the investigation of this component, and little attention is paid to the role of this system in the evaluation of patients with vaso-occlusive crisis. Objectives: To determine the D-dimer levels and some hematological parameters of adult patients with sickle cell anemia in steady state attending the hematology clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case-control study involving 50 patients with SCA (HbSS) in steady state and 25 healthy volunteers with normal hemoglobin (HbAA) as controls. Steady state refers to absence of acute painful crisis or any changes due to therapy for at least four consecutive weeks after a previous painful crisis. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelet count were determined by hematology analyzer. D-dimer levels were determined by ELISA method using Microplate Reader (Rayto RT-2100C), calibrated to a wavelength of 450 nm. Results were summarized as frequencies, proportions, and median with interquartile range (IQR) where appropriate and the level of significance was set at ≤0.05. Results: The mean age of the patients was 23.80 ± 7.46 years while that of the controls was 24.28 ± 4.8 years (P = 0.76), respectively. The mean hematological parameters of both groups were Hb (8.57 ± 1.33 vs 13. ± 1.29 g/dL, P value <0.0001), WBC (10.63 ± 3.19 vs 5. 76 ± 1.21 × 109/L, P value <0.0001), platelet count (494.38 ± 213.88 vs 220.83 ± 75.26 × 109/L, P value <0.0001), respectively. The median and IQR of D-dimer levels of the patients and the controls was 1730.25 ng/mL (12359.2-36.2 ng/mL) and 324.00 ng/mL (1034.0-127.8 ng/mL), respectively. Conclusion: Marked increase in D-dimer levels in patients with sickle cell anemia in this study suggested that multiple sites were involved in thrombi formation and this requires extensive fibrinolytic activity to dissolve these thrombi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Roc Blanc Pb-Zn-Ag-Au vein deposit is located in the NW of Marrakech, in the Central Jebilet massif. It is spatially related to Bramram-Tabouchennt-Bamega (BTB) granodioritic pluton (ca. 330 Ma) metamorphism aureole. The main veins hosted in black shales are oriented N-S to NNW-SSE. Pb-Zn-Ag-Au ore is associated with quartz, chlorite, sericite, and carbonate gangue minerals. Two major stages of ore deposition were distinguished. The preore stage (stage I) comprises two quartz-mineralised vein generations with Fe, As, Zn, and Cu ores (vg1 and vg2). The main ore stage (stage II) consists mainly on Ag, Au, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sb ores, which is hosted by carbonaceous vein (vg3) and by two late quartz generations veins (vg4 and vg5 with a geodic quartz). Three types of fluid inclusions have been recognized in silver mineralisation bearing quartz veins according to petrographic investigations, microthermometry, and Raman spectroscopy studies: (i) liquid-rich H2O-N2-CH4±CO2-(salt) fluid inclusions (type 1), (ii) vapour-rich H2O-CO2-CH4-N2-(salt) fluid inclusions (type 2), and (iii) aqueous H2O-(salt) fluid inclusions (type 3). The interpretation of fluid inclusion data shows a mixing of two fluids that are metamorphic and surface to subsurface origin, trapped at boiling state. The first mineralised stage was deposited at 350±20°C (this temperature of ore deposition was supported also by chlorite geothermometry) with salinity of 13.7 wt% NaCl equiv., while the deposition of the argentiferous stage, which consists of the main economic mineralisation of the Roc Blanc deposit, occurs during decreasing temperature at 150°C with a salinity of 12.1 wt% NaCl equiv. The all-mineralised ore was deposited at relatively low pressure, below ~1-1.1 kbar. So, fluid dilution and cooling are probably the main factor for silver deposition in the Roc Blanc polymetallic vein deposit. In addition, fluid inclusion studies reveal that the mineralising fluid corresponds to a mixture of metamorphic fluid (H2O-CH4-N2-CO2) with surface to subsurface aqueous gas-free fluids (H2O-salt, meteoric, or brine).

BACKGROUND: Vascular E- and P-selectins play important roles in sickle cell anemia (SCA), vaso-occlusive crises (VOC); however, the extent to which they determine VOC has not been studied. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to assess vascular selectin levels and the extent to which they determine VOC among SCA patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional comparative study conducted among patients with SCA in a tertiary hospital, Northwestern Nigeria. Eighty-eight participants were enrolled (44 each in VOC and steady state). Soluble E (sE) and P (sP) selectin levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The frequency of blood transfusion and bone pains was collated. RESULTS: Patients with VOC compared to those in steady state had higher levels of sP-selectin (5.5 ± 4.6 ng/ml vs. 3.2 ± 0.8 ng/ml, P = 0.001) and mean rank sE-selectin (53.2 vs. 35.8, P = 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for sE-selectin levels and VOC was 1.135 (P = 0.009), while that of sP-selectin was 2.693 (P = 0.002). The adjusted ORs for sE-selectin and sP-selectin were 1.184 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.021, 1.373) and 3.748 (95% CI: 1.475, 9.524), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in VOC have elevated sP-and E-selectin levels. sP-selectin level is a better predictor of VOC compared to sE-selectin.

This paper firstly evaluates the influence of semi-mechanized artisanal gold mining in Djouzami (Adamawa, Cameroon) on the water quality of the site. Samples of runoff, stagnant water and sediments are collected in the study area. These waters are characterized from a physical (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity and suspended solids) and chemical point of views. The results obtained show that the waters of the semi-mechanized artisanal gold mining site of Djouzami are slightly acid to neutral (5.93

A study of zooplankton and ichthyoplankton was carried out from samples collected along the Senegal-Guinea maritime area on board the Norwegian research vessel 'Dr Fridtjof Nansen' in November 2011. Nineteen groups of zooplankton were identified with a dominance of copepods representing 68.5%. The Copepods included 35 species, where Paracalanus parvus was dominant (21.5%). As to ichthyoplankton, 29 fish families were encountered, and Clupeidae were dominant (35.8%). They were represented by Sardinella spp (98.0%) and by Sardina pilchardus (2.0%). An area of high density of copepods (5250 individuals/m3) was located at the mouth of the Gambia River. Two areas of high densities of fish eggs were identified in the waters off Senegal and Guinea; one was characterized by high surface temperature and salinity (29 °C and 35) and moderately oxygenated (3.8 ml/l), while the other was slightly warm (25.5–27.5 °C), less salty (31.5) and highly oxygenated (4.8 ml/l). Areas of high zooplankton biomass correspond to the zones of high dissolved oxygen concentration (4–4.5 ml/l) of low salinity (31.5–34.5). This pattern is supported by the results of the PCA, through the station PL4. Keywords: Distribution, Ichthyoplankton, Zooplankton, Hydrography, West Africa

Background: Reports from various studies showed that patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have altered components of hemostasis such as platelet function, the procoagulant, anticoagulant, and the fibrinolytic pathways. These altered components may be different or the same based on regions, racial, or environment. Determining the basic hemostatic parameters in our environment is imperative because from records this may be the first time such a study is being carried out and the altered components so involved may give an insight as to the clinical phenotypes we have in our setting. The data obtained from this study may also provide reference values appropriate for therapeutic intervention. The objective of this study is to determine some basic hemostatic parameters in patients with SCA in steady state attending the hematology clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We conducted a case–control study involving fifty patients with SCA (HbSS) in steady state and 25 healthy volunteers with normal hemoglobin (HbAA) as controls between the ages of 15 and 50 years, with females comprising 40 (53.0%) and 35 (47.0%) males. Steady state refers to a point in time where a patient with SCA is not experiencing an acute painful crisis or any changes due to therapy for at least four consecutive weeks after a previous painful crisis. Platelet count was determined by hematology analyzer (Sysmex XT–2000i, Sysmex Corporation, CPO Box1002 Kobe 650–8691, Japan) while bleeding time (BT) was performed using Ivy's method, using disposable Bevel lancet with the test carried out in duplicate and superficial veins were avoided. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were estimated using semi-automated coagulation analyzer. Results: The age ranges of both the patients and the controls were 15–50 years and 15–34 years with mean ages of both was 23.80 ± 7.46 and 24.28 ± 3.48 years (P = 0.76) respectively. Females comprised 53.0% of all the study participants. The mean values of hemostatic parameters in the SCA and controls groups were: Platelets (499.82 ± 208.23 vs. 230.36 ± 106.65 × 109/L, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 180.9881, 357.9319, P < 0.0001), BT (2.99 ± 0.98 vs. 2.94 ± 0.92 min, −0.4219, 0.5139, P = 0.845), PT (12.43 ± 3.11 vs. 13.18 ± 1.11 s, 95% CI; −2.0335, 0.5335, P 0.248), ±8.80 vs. 17.20 ± 5.11 s, 95% CI; 0.4874, 8.0846, P = 0.028), respectively. Conclusion: A significant increase in platelet count, TT and a significant decrease in APTT were observed in patients with SCA. These can be an evidence of hypercoagulable nature of SCA. We recommend that patients with SCA, especially those with frequent and severe vaso-occlusive crises should have these basic hemostatic tests as a baseline and during routine clinic follow-up for improved patient management.

INTRODUCTION: Despite availability of an effective vaccine, the measles epidemic continue to occur in Nigeria. In February 2015, we investigated a suspected measles outbreak in an urban slum in Rigasa, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was to confirm the outbreak, determine the risk factors and implement appropriate control measures. METHODS: we identified cases through active search and health record review. We conducted an unmatched case-control (1:1) study involving 75 under-5 cases who were randomly sampled, and 75 neighborhood controls. We interviewed caregivers of these children using structured questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics and vaccination status of children. We collected 15 blood samples for measles IgM using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed using Epi-info software. Confidence interval was set at 95%. RESULTS: we recorded 159 cases with two deaths {case fatality rate = 1.3%}. 50.3% (80) of the cases were male. Of the 15 serum samples, 11(73.3%) were confirmed IgM positive for measles. Compared to the controls, the cases were more likely to have had no or incomplete routine immunization (RI) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)]: 28.3 (2.1, 392.0), contact with measles cases [AOR (95% CI)]: 7.5 (2.9, 19.7), and having a caregiver younger than 20 years [AOR (95% CI)]: 5.2 (1.2, 22.5). Measles serum IgM was positive in 11 samples. CONCLUSION: we identified low RI uptake and contact with measles cases as predictors of measles outbreak in Rigasa, Kaduna State. We recommended strengthening of RI and education of care-givers' on completing RI schedule.

This study investigated the quantitative polyphenolic constituents and gastroprotective effects of aqueous leaf extracts of Spondias mombin and Ficus exasperata against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Ulceration was induced by a single oral administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg body weight). Wistar rats were pretreated with esomeprazole (reference drug) at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, S. mombin or F. exasperata at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight once daily for 21 days prior to ulcer induction. At the end of the experiment, gastric secretions and antioxidant parameters were evaluated. We observed that the significantly increased (p

The stock of the Senegalese flat sardinella, Sardinella maderensis, is highly exploited in Senegal, West Africa. Its growth and reproduction parameters are key biological indicators for improving fisheries management. This study reviewed these parameters using landing data from small-scale fisheries in Senegal and literature information dated back more than 25 years. Age was estimated using length-frequency data to calculate growth parameters and assess the growth performance index. With global climate change there has been an increase in the average sea surface temperature along the Senegalese coast but the length-weight parameters, sex ratio, size at first sexual maturity, period of reproduction and condition factor of S. maderensis have not changed significantly. The above parameters of S. maderensis have hardly changed, despite high exploitation and fluctuations in environmental conditions that affect the early development phases of small pelagic fish in West Africa. This lack of plasticity of the species regarding of the biological parameters studied should be considered when planning relevant fishery management plans.

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the multidisciplinary management of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPC)., Methods: ASCO convened a multidisciplinary Expert Panel to evaluate the evidence and formulate recommendations. The literature search included studies published between January 1, 2002, and August 31, 2024, and comprised systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies. Outcomes of interest include overall and disease-free survival, functional outcomes, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: A total of 58 publications were identified to inform the evidence base for this guideline., Recommendations: Evidence-based recommendations address the evaluation and workup of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive OPC, the role of TORS, patient selection, adjuvant therapy, HPV-negative OPC, and use of TORS in salvage or recurrent setting.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

ASCO Rapid Recommendation Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options. Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating clinician and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, online only) .

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating clinician and do not account for individual variation among patients. See the Appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 , online only). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .

ASCO Rapid Recommendation Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options. Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, online only) .

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations for prevention and management of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaw secondary to head and neck radiation therapy in patients with cancer., Methods: The International Society of Oral Oncology-Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (ISOO-MASCC) and ASCO convened a multidisciplinary Expert Panel to evaluate the evidence and formulate recommendations. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies, published between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2023. The guideline also incorporated systematic reviews conducted by ISOO-MASCC, which included studies published from January 1, 1990, through December 31, 2008., Results: A total of 1,539 publications were initially identified. There were 487 duplicate publications, resulting in 1,052 studies screened by abstract, 104 screened by full text, and 80 included for systematic review evaluation., Recommendations: Due to limitations of available evidence, the guideline relied on informal consensus for some recommendations. Recommendations that were deemed evidence-based with strong evidence by the Expert Panel were those pertaining to best practices in prevention of ORN and surgical management. No recommendation was possible for the utilization of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin or photobiomodulation for prevention of ORN. The use of hyperbaric oxygen in prevention and management of ORN remains largely unjustified, with limited evidence to support its practice.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations., Methods: This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Ten new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date., Recommendations: Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients without driver alterations.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines.

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing clinicians on the management of patients with small-cell lung cancer., Methods: An Expert Panel of medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2022. Outcomes of interest included response rates, overall survival, disease-free survival or recurrence-free survival, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: The literature search identified 95 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline., Recommendations: Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address systemic therapy options, timing of therapy, treatment in patients who are older or with poor performance status, role of biomarkers, and use of myeloid-supporting agents in patients with small-cell lung cancer.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines.

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations to health care providers on integrative approaches to managing anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living with cancer., Methods: The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, methodology, and patient advocacy representatives. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2023. Outcomes of interest included anxiety or depression symptoms as measured by validated psychometric tools, and adverse events. Expert panel members used this evidence and informal consensus with the Guidelines into Decision Support methodology to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: The literature search identified 110 relevant studies (30 systematic reviews and 80 randomized controlled trials) to inform the evidence base for this guideline., Recommendations: Recommendations were made for mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), yoga, relaxation, music therapy, reflexology, and aromatherapy (using inhalation) for treating symptoms of anxiety during active treatment; and MBIs, yoga, acupuncture, tai chi and/or qigong, and reflexology for treating anxiety symptoms after cancer treatment. For depression symptoms, MBIs, yoga, music therapy, relaxation, and reflexology were recommended during treatment, and MBIs, yoga, and tai chi and/or qigong were recommended post-treatment., Discussion: Issues of patient-health care provider communication, health disparities, comorbid medical conditions, cost implications, guideline implementation, provider training and credentialing, and quality assurance of natural health products are discussed. While several approaches such as MBIs and yoga appear effective, limitations of the evidence base including assessment of risk of bias, nonstandardization of therapies, lack of diversity in study samples, and lack of active control conditions as well as future research directions are discussed.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options. See the Appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2, online only).

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis; as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis; as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual. ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines. Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information (Appendix 1 and Appendix 2). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-da-living-guideline .

Living guidelines are developed for selected topic areas with rapidly evolving evidence that drives frequent change in recommended clinical practice. Living guidelines are updated on a regular schedule by a standing expert panel that systematically reviews the health literature on a continuous basis, as described in the ASCO Guidelines Methodology Manual . ASCO Living Guidelines follow the ASCO Conflict of Interest Policy Implementation for Clinical Practice Guidelines . Living Guidelines and updates are not intended to substitute for independent professional judgment of the treating provider and do not account for individual variation among patients. See appendix for disclaimers and other important information ( Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 ). Updates are published regularly and can be found at https://ascopubs.org/nsclc-non-da-living-guideline .

Purpose: To provide evidence-based recommendations for practicing physicians and other health care providers on immunotherapy and biomarker testing for head and neck cancers., Methods: ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and patient advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2000 through 2022. Outcomes of interest included survival, overall response, and locoregional control. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: The literature search identified 28 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline., Recommendations: When possible, evidence-based recommendations were developed to address biomarker testing, first-line treatment regimens based on programmed death ligand-1 scores, immunotherapy in platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and radiation therapy in combination with immunotherapy for treatment of local recurrence.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Purpose: The aim of this joint guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other health care providers on integrative approaches to managing pain in patients with cancer., Methods: The Society for Integrative Oncology and ASCO convened an expert panel of integrative oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, palliative oncology, social sciences, mind-body medicine, nursing, and patient advocacy representatives. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials published from 1990 through 2021. Outcomes of interest included pain intensity, symptom relief, and adverse events. Expert panel members used this evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations., Results: The literature search identified 227 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline., Recommendations: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain. Hypnosis may be recommended to patients who experience procedural pain. Massage may be recommended to patients experiencing pain during palliative or hospice care. These recommendations are based on an intermediate level of evidence, benefit outweighing risk, and with moderate strength of recommendation. The quality of evidence for other mind-body interventions or natural products for pain is either low or inconclusive. There is insufficient or inconclusive evidence to make recommendations for pediatric patients. More research is needed to better characterize the role of integrative medicine interventions in the care of patients with cancer.Additional information is available at https://integrativeonc.org/practice-guidelines/guidelines and www.asco.org/survivorship-guidelines.