bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Mortality in Older and Younger Patients in California
Authors: Tao Li , Schwab Richard B. , San Miguel Yazmin , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Canchola Alison J. , Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Komenaka Ian K. , Murphy James D. , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Martinez Maria Elena 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Breast cancer in younger patients is reported to be more aggressive and associated with lower survival; however, factors associated with age-specific mortality differences have not been adequately assessed.

Methods:
We used data from the population-based California Cancer Registry for 38,509 younger (18–49 years) and 121,573 older (50 years and older) women diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer, 2005–2014. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate breast cancer–specific mortality rate ratios (MRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by tumor subtype, guideline treatment, and care at an NCI-designated cancer center (NCICC).

Results:
Older breast cancer patients at diagnosis experienced 17% higher disease-specific mortality than younger patients, after multivariable adjustment (MRR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11–1.23). Higher MRRs (95% CI) were observed for older versus younger patients with hormone receptor (HR)+/HER2– (1.24; 1.14–1.35) and HR+/HER2+ (1.38; 1.17–1.62), but not for HR–/HER2+ (HR = 0.94; 0.79–1.12) nor triple-negative breast cancers (1.01; 0.92–1.11). The higher mortality in older versus younger patients was diminished among patients who received guideline-concordant treatment (MRR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99–1.14) and reversed among those seen at an NCICC (MRR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.73–1.01).

Conclusions:
Although younger women tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancers, adjusting for these aggressive features results in older patients having higher mortality than younger patients, with variations by age, tumor subtype, receipt of guideline treatment, and being cared for at an NCICC.

Impact:
Higher breast cancer mortality in older compared with younger women could partly be addressed by ensuring optimal treatment and comprehensive patient-centered care.
Total Serum Cholesterol and Pancreatic Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Chen William Chang-Yuen , Boursi Ben , Mamtani Ronac , Yang Yu-Xiao 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Total serum cholesterol (TSC) may predict cancer risk, although its role independent of statins remains elusive. We examined the association between TSC and pancreatic cancer risk independent of statins.

Methods:
A nested case–control analysis was conducted among statin-naïve patients within The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a United Kingdom–based general practice database. Cases were &gt;40 years old and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after at least 6 months of follow-up. Controls were selected by incidence density sampling and matched by age, sex, practice site, and follow-up. Primary exposure was TSC (mmol/L) prior to index date. Conditional logistic regression estimated ORs for pancreatic cancer risk associated with TSC. Sensitivity analyses were conducted among nondiabetics.

Results:
Among 1,241 cases and 3,307 matched controls, an average 8% reduction was observed in pancreatic cancer risk per mmol/L increase in TSC [OR 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.00; nondiabetics: OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–0.99]. When TSC was measured at 12-month intervals prior to diagnosis, the OR between TSC and pancreatic cancer was 0.88 at 0 to 12 months (95% CI: 0.77–1.00; nondiabetics: OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.96). No significant association was seen at subsequent discrete intervals before index date.

Conclusions:
TSC is a significant predictor of short-term risk for pancreatic cancer. This risk increase associated with lower TSC was independent of statins.

Impact:
TSC could serve as a biomarker for risk stratification, screening, and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in future clinical prediction models.
Stress Resilience in Late Adolescence and Survival among Cancer Patients: A Swedish Register-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Udumyan Ruzan , Montgomery Scott , Fang Fang , Valdimarsdottir Unnur , Fall Katja 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Chronic stress has been suggested to play a role in cancer progression, but few studies have so far examined the potential influence of stress susceptibility. This national register-based cohort study utilizes a unique data source to investigate whether a stress resilience measure is associated with survival in cancer patients.

Methods:
The cohort includes 9,318 Swedish male cancer patients born during 1952 to 1956 who had their stress resilience evaluated at a semistructured interview with a psychologist during mandatory conscription examination in late adolescence.

Results:
Over a median of 3 years of follow-up from cancer diagnosis, a total of 2,541 patients died (2,322 from cancer). Overall, low (23%) compared with high (25%) stress resilience was associated with increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio estimated by Cox regression 1.45; 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.65), particularly among men with carcinomas of the oropharynx (2.62, 1.24–5.56), upper respiratory tract (4.64, 1.05–20.41), and prostate (2.20, 1.04–4.62), as well as with Hodgkin lymphoma (3.52, 1.40–8.86). An association was evident for both cancer types associated with smoking (1.35, 1.10–1.66) and malignancies without an established smoking etiology (1.32, 1.12–1.56). The association between low stress resilience and mortality could partly be explained by tumor stage, marital status, and psychiatric comorbidity at cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions:
We observed an association between low stress resilience and mortality among men diagnosed with cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancer, upper respiratory tract cancers, prostate cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.

Impact:
These results suggest that individual variation in stress resilience may influence survival among men with some cancer types.
Body Fatness, Adipose Tissue Compartments, and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer: The ColoCare Study
Authors: Himbert Caroline , Ose Jennifer , Nattenmüller Johanna , Warby Christy A. , Holowatyj Andreana N. , Böhm Jürgen , Lin Tengda , Haffa Mariam , Gigic Biljana , Hardikar Sheetal , Scherer Dominique , Zielske Lin , Schrotz-King Petra , Kölsch Torsten , Siegel Erin M. , Shibata David , Ulrich Alexis , Schneider Martin , Hursting Stephen D. , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Ulrich Cornelia M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background:
Adiposity has been linked to both risk and prognosis of colorectal cancer; however, the impact of different fat areas [visceral (VFA) vs. subcutaneous fat area (SFA)] is unclear. We investigated associations between adiposity and biomarkers of inflammation and angiogenesis among patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods:
Preoperative serum samples and computed tomography scans were obtained from 188 patients diagnosed with primary invasive stage I–IV colorectal cancer enrolled in the ColoCare Study. Adiposity was assessed by area-based quantification of VFA, SFA, and VFA:SFA ratio on spinal levels L3/L4 and L4/L5. Circulating levels of inflammation (CRP, SAA, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1) and angiogenesis (VEGF-A and VEGF-D) were assessed from patient sera on the Meso Scale Discovery platform. Partial correlations and regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, and tumor stage, were performed.

Results:
VFA was moderately correlated with CRP and SAA (CRP: L3/L4 and L4/L5:r = 0.21, P = 0.01; SAA: L3/L4:r = 0.17, P = 0.04). The correlation between SFA and the measured biomarkers were weak (r ≤ 0.13, not significant). The ratio of VFA:SFA at L3/L4 was moderately correlated with VEGF-A (r = 0.28, P = 0.0008) and SAA (r = 0.24, P = 0.006), and less so with CRP (r = 0.18, P = 0.04) and sICAM-1 (r = 0.18, P = 0.04). Similar correlations were found for the VFA:SFA ratio at L4/L5.

Conclusions:
We observed an association between visceral adiposity and biomarkers of inflammation and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. In particular, the VFA:SFA ratio was correlated with circulating levels of the proangiogenic biomarker VEGF-A.

Impact:
Our findings support a direct association of visceral adipose tissue with inflammatory and angiogenic processes, which play fundamental roles in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
Advanced Neuroimaging in Stroke Patient Selection for Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Schellinger Peter D. , Köhrmann Martin , Caso Valeria , Palaiodimou Lina , Magoufis Georgios , Arthur Adam , Fischer Urs , Alexandrov Andrei V. 
Published: October 2018

Background and Purpose—
There is clinical equipoise about the use of advanced imaging for selecting acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) during the first 6 hours from symptom onset. However, accumulating evidence indicates that advanced neuroimaging represents an invaluable and time-independent prognostic factor.

Methods—
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized clinical trials to evaluate the impact of patient selection with advanced neuroimaging on the 3-month: (1) functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2), (2) favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores, 0–1), (3) all-cause mortality, and (4) functional improvement (assessed with ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin Scale-scores). We compared patients with perfusion imaging documented penumbra to patients who did not have documented penumbra or perfusion imaging.

Results—

Among the 10 eligible randomized clinical trials (2227 total patients, mean age: 67 years), 5 studies reported the use of advanced imaging. Studies using advanced neuroimaging showed higher treatment effects of MT on 3-month functional independence (odds ratio [OR], 3.79; 95% CI, 2.71–5.28 versus OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.52–2.35;
P
for subgroup differences <0.001), favorable functional outcome (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.94–5.14 versus OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.30–2.34;
P
for subgroup differences=0.04), and functional improvement (common OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.95–3.63 versus common OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.32–1.95;
P
for subgroup differences=0.007) compared with studies using conventional neuroimaging. The pooled rate of successful reperfusion after MT was higher in studies with advanced neuroimaging (
P
for subgroup differences=0.003). No difference in the mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates was found between the 2 groups. No evidence of heterogeneity was documented in all reported analyses.

Conclusions—
The present indirect comparisons indicate that acute ischemic stroke patient selection for MT using advanced neuroimaging appears to be associated with improved clinical outcomes. The use of advanced neuroimaging for both the selection and prediction of prognosis for MT candidates should not depend on the elapsed time from symptom onset.
God in the Crucified People
Authors: Adiprasetya Joas 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This article examines Martin Luther’s theology of the cross (theologia crucis) and its implications for the Asian struggle for humanity. It is argued that, although Luther’s influence on many Asian theologians is significant, his inconsistent position with regard to sociopolitical issues requires Asian theologians to reinterpret their own theologies of the cross beyond Luther’s initial position. Moreover, the article explores Kosuke Koyama’s appropriation of Luther’s theologia crucis in the Asian context by imaginatively constructing his own theology of the cross that critically addresses Asian sociopolitical realities.
Average Protein Content and Its Variability in Winter Wheat: A Forecast Model based on Weather Parameters
Authors: Vollmer Elisabeth , Mußhoff Oliver 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In this article, the effect of different weather parameters on the mean height and the variability of the protein content in winter wheat is investigated. The analysis is based on the proteins of 148 800 wheat deliveries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania during 2004–15. From April to July, the forecast model was estimated with the following weather parameters: temperature sum, daily temperature range, precipitation, and sunshine duration. A Just and Pope function was estimated as a random intercept model. In addition to the weather parameters, a dummy variable is integrated into the forecast model to record differences in quality between A and B wheat varieties. The results show that 76.5% of the annual variability of the mean protein content can be explained on the basis of these weather parameters. In contrast, weather variables can only explain a small part of the variance in protein content per se.
Quality and Value of Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts Issued by the West African Regional Climate Outlook Forum
Authors: Bliefernicht J. , Waongo M. , Salack S. , Seidel J. , Laux P. , Kunstmann H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSeasonal climate forecasts for an early warning of climate anomalies are produced by regional climate outlook forums (RCOF) worldwide. This study presents a verification of one of the earliest RCOF products, the precipitation outlook for the West African monsoon peak period (July–September). The basis of this outlook is countrywide precipitation forecasts from various statistical (downscaling) models, which are subjectively reinterpreted by experts on the basis of information from observed SST pattern analysis and global forecasts. The forecast quality was analyzed from 1998 to 2013 using a novel database of rain gauge measurements established for several West African countries, among other references. The analysis indicated skill forabove normalandbelow normalon different spatial scales but also showed typical limitations of seasonal forecasting such as lack of sharpness and poor skill fornear normal. A specific feature of the RCOF product is a strong overforecasting ofnear normal, very likely a result of the risk aversion of experts. To better illustrate the usefulness of the outlooks, they were evaluated with respect to a binary warning system by determining the maximum economic valueVmax. This verification indicated moderate valuable precipitation warnings for dry (Vmax= 0.39) and wet (Vmax= 0.34) years for four climatological zones (Sahel, Sudan–Sahel, Sudan, and Guinean) and five river basins (Volta, Senegal, and three Niger subbasins) but with strong regional differences (0.14 <Vmax< 0.54). The bootstrap analysis illustrated large uncertainties, indicating the relevance of uncertainty margins when seasonal forecast products with small sample sizes like RCOF outlooks are evaluated.
Coupling of Precipitation and Cloud Structures in Oceanic Extratropical Cyclones to Large-Scale Moisture Flux Convergence
Authors: Wong Sun , Naud Catherine M. , Kahn Brian H. , Wu Longtao , Fetzer Eric J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPrecipitation (from TMPA) and cloud structures (from MODIS) in extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are modulated by phases of large-scale moisture flux convergence (from MERRA-2) in the sectors of ETCs, which are studied in a new coordinate system with directions of both surface warm fronts (WFs) and surface cold fronts (CFs) fixed. The phase of moisture flux convergence is described by moisture dynamical convergence Qcnvg and moisture advection Qadvt. Precipitation and occurrence frequencies of deep convective clouds are sensitive to changes in Qcnvg, while moisture tendency is sensitive to changes in Qadvt. Increasing Qcnvg and Qadvt during the advance of the WF is associated with increasing occurrences of both deep convective and high-level stratiform clouds. A rapid decrease in Qadvt with a relatively steady Qcnvg during the advance of the CF is associated with high-level cloud distribution weighting toward deep convective clouds. Behind the CF (cold sector or area with polar air intrusion), the moisture flux is divergent with abundant low- and midlevel clouds. From deepening to decaying stages, the pre-WF and WF sectors experience high-level clouds shifting to more convective and less stratiform because of decreasing Qadvt with relatively steady Qcnvg, and the CF experiences shifting from high-level to midlevel clouds. Sectors of moisture flux divergence are less influenced by cyclone evolution. Surface evaporation is the largest in the cold sector and the CF during the deepening stage. Deepening cyclones are more efficient in poleward transport of water vapor.
Estimation Methods for Nonhomogeneous Regression Models: Minimum Continuous Ranked Probability Score versus Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Gebetsberger Manuel , Messner Jakob W. , Mayr Georg J. , Zeileis Achim 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Nonhomogeneous regression models are widely used to statistically postprocess numerical ensemble weather prediction models. Such regression models are capable of forecasting full probability distributions and correcting for ensemble errors in the mean and variance. To estimate the corresponding regression coefficients, minimization of the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) has widely been used in meteorological postprocessing studies and has often been found to yield more calibrated forecasts compared to maximum likelihood estimation. From a theoretical perspective, both estimators are consistent and should lead to similar results, provided the correct distribution assumption about empirical data. Differences between the estimated values indicate a wrong specification of the regression model. This study compares the two estimators for probabilistic temperature forecasting with nonhomogeneous regression, where results show discrepancies for the classical Gaussian assumption. The heavy-tailed logistic and Student’s t distributions can improve forecast performance in terms of sharpness and calibration, and lead to only minor differences between the estimators employed. Finally, a simulation study confirms the importance of appropriate distribution assumptions and shows that for a correctly specified model the maximum likelihood estimator is slightly more efficient than the CRPS estimator.
Changes in Timing of Swallow Events in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schiffer Breanne L. , Kendall Katherine 
Published: October 2018

Objectives: The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) increases as the population ages. Dysphagia and subsequent aspiration pneumonia are common causes of morbidity and mortality in those with PD. To maximize the benefit of swallowing therapy, protocol design should be based on an understanding of the physiologic swallowing deficits present in the PD population. The aim of this study was to compare the timing of swallow events in a cohort of patients with PD with that in normal age-matched control subjects to characterize variations in the coordination of structural displacement and bolus movement that may contribute to dysphagia. Methods: This retrospective study included 68 adults with diagnoses of PD. Liquid bolus swallows during modified barium swallow studies were analyzed and compared with those from an age- and sex-matched cohort of 48 adults without PD. Results: Patients with PD were significantly slower in initiating and completing airway closure. Hyoid elevation was prolonged in this patient population. Conclusions: Patients with PD demonstrate slower initiation of airway closure and a delay in relaxation of hyoid elevation during swallow. Delays increased with larger boluses. These findings may be related to impaired pharyngeal sensation and increased muscular rigidity. The results of this study will be helpful in guiding swallow therapy for patients with PD.
Overcoming the Challenges of Experimental Research: Lessons From a Criminal Justice Case Study Involving TASER Exposure
Authors: Todak Natalie , White Michael D. , Dario Lisa M. , Borrego Andrea R. 
Published: October 2018

Objective: To provide guidance to criminologists for conducting experiments in light of two common discouraging factors: the belief that they are overly time-consuming and the belief that they can compromise the ethical principles of human subjects’ research. Method: A case study approach is used, based on a large-scale randomized controlled trial experiment in which we exposed participants to a 5-s TASER shock, to describe how the authors overcame ethical, methodological, and logistical difficulties. Results: We derive four pieces of advice from our experiences carrying out this experimental trial: (1) know your limitations, (2) employ pilot testing, (3) remain flexible and patient, and (4) “hold the line” to maintain the integrity of the research and the safety of human subjects. Conclusions: Criminologists have an obligation to provide the best possible evidence regarding the impact and consequences of criminal justice practices and programs. Experiments, considered by many to be the gold standard of empirical research methodologies, should be used whenever possible in order to fulfill this obligation.
Health insurance status and risk factors of mortality in patients with septic acute kidney injury in Ningbo, China
Authors: Fan Heng , Zhao Yu , Chen Guo-dong , Sun Min , Zhu Jian-Hua 
Published: October 2018

Objective To investigate the relationship between health insurance status and outcomes of septic acute kidney injury (AKI) related hospitalizations in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Ningbo, China. Methods For this retrospective study, information was extracted from patients notes and billing records for patients >18 years of age with a diagnosis of AKI admitted to the ICU department, Ningbo First Hospital from April 2013 to March 2018. Results Of the 368 patients with sepsis admitted to ICU, 167 (45%) developed AKI; 95 patients were insured and 72 were uninsured. Compared with insured patients, uninsured patients were younger, had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, but had less catheter interventions and received less renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results from a multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of ICU mortality were age, APACHE II scores, MODS scores, use of RRT and lack of insurance. Conclusions Uninsured patients with septic AKI were younger, stayed a shorter time in ICU, had higher illness severity scores and a higher ICU mortality than insured patients. Importantly a major risk factor for ICU mortality in this group was lack of insurance.