bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary metastasectomy for sarcoma: a systematic review of reported outcomes in the context of Thames Cancer Registry data
Authors: Treasure Tom , Fiorentino Francesca , Scarci Marco , Møller Henrik , Utley Martin 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesSarcoma has a predilection to metastasis to the lungs. Surgical excision of these metastases (pulmonary metastasectomy) when possible has become standard practice. We reviewed the published selection and outcome data.DesignSystematic review of published reports that include survival rates or any other outcome data. Survival data were put in the context of those in a cancer registry.SettingSpecialist thoracic surgical centres reporting the selection and outcome for pulmonary metastasectomy in 18 follow-up studies published 1991–2010.ParticipantsPatients having one or more of 1357 pulmonary metastasectomy operations performed between 1980 and 2006.InterventionsAll patients had surgical pulmonary metastasectomy. A first operation was reported in 1196 patients. Of 1357 patients, 43% had subsequent metastasectomy, some having 10 or more thoracotomies. Three studies were confined to patients having repeated pulmonary metastasectomy.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSurvival data to various time points usually 5 years and sometimes 3 or 10 years. No symptomatic or quality of life data were reported.ResultsAbout 34% and 25% of patients were alive 5 years after a first metastasectomy operation for bone or soft tissues sarcoma respectively. Better survival was reported with fewer metastases and longer intervals between diagnosis and the appearance of metastases. In the Thames Cancer Registry for 1985–1994 and 1995–2004 5 year survival rates for all patients with metastatic sarcoma were 20% and 25% for bone, and for soft tissue sarcoma 13% and 15%.ConclusionsThe 5 year survival rate among sarcoma patients who are selected to have pulmonary metastasectomy is higher than that observed among unselected registry data for patients with any metastatic disease at diagnosis. There is no evidence that survival difference is attributable to metastasectomy. No data were found on respiratory or any other symptomatic benefit. Given the certain harm associated with thoracotomy, often repeated, better evidence is required.
Knowledge of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer among young women recruited using a social networking site
Authors: Gunasekaran Bharathy , Jayasinghe Yasmin , Fenner Yeshe , Moore Elya E , Wark John D , Fletcher Ashley , Tabrizi Sepehr N , Garland Suzanne M 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the commonest sexually transmitted infection. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with HPV-related diseases, previous studies have demonstrated low HPV knowledge in the general population. The objectives of this study were to assess knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV among young women and investigate predictors of high knowledge.MethodsFemale subjects, aged 16–25 years living in Victoria, Australia, were recruited using targeted advertising on Facebook from May to September 2010. A web-based questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional pilot study for a large longitudinal study on women's health, The Young Female Health Initiative.ResultsA total of 278 women completed the questionnaire. The geographic region, indigenous status and socio-economic status of participants were representative of the target population. Overall, 63% knew what HPV was, but only 48% knew it was a common virus. Predictors of high HPV knowledge on multivariate analyses were older age (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.78, 95% CI 0.77 to 10.04), higher socio-economic status (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.95), being Australian-born (aOR 3.10, 95% CI 1.15 to 8.36), older age at first vaginal intercourse (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 0.66 to 5.14), awareness of HPV vaccines (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 0.68 to 6.85) and chlamydia (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.94), and self-reported HPV vaccination status (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 4.41).ConclusionsHPV and cervical cancer knowledge among participants were relatively high compared with other studies conducted both worldwide and in Australia. However, deficits in knowledge exist and warrant address in educational initiatives.
α-Catulin Drives Metastasis by Activating ILK and Driving an αvβ3 Integrin Signaling Axis
Authors: Liang Chen-Hsien , Chiu Szu-Ying , Hsu I-Ling , Wu Yi-Ying , Tsai Yao-Tsung , Ke Jhen-Yu , Pan Szu-Hua , Hsu Yi-Chiung , Li Ker-Chau , Yang Pan-Chyr , Chen Yuh-Ling , Hong Tse-Ming 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
α-Catulin is an oncoprotein that helps sustain proliferation by preventing cellular senescence. Here, we report that α-catulin also drives malignant invasion and metastasis. α-Catulin was upregulated in highly invasive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, where its ectopic expression or short-hairpin RNA–mediated attenuation enhanced or limited invasion or metastasis, respectively. α-Catulin interacted with integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in cancer cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Attenuation of ILK or α-catulin reciprocally blocked cell migration and invasion induced by the other protein. Mechanistic investigations revealed that α-catulin activated Akt-NF-κB signaling downstream of ILK, which in turn led to increased expression of fibronectin and integrin αvβ3. Pharmacologic or antibody-mediated blockade of NF-κB or αvβ3 was sufficient to inhibit α-catulin–induced cell migration and invasion. Clinically, high levels of expression of α-catulin and ILK were associated with poor overall survival in patients with NSCLC. Taken together, our study shows that α-catulin plays a critical role in cancer metastasis by activating the ILK-mediated Akt-NF-κB-αvβ3 signaling axis. Cancer Res; 73(1); 428–38. ©2012 AACR.
Synergy of Topical Toll-like Receptor 7 Agonist with Radiation and Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide in a Mouse Model of Cutaneous Breast Cancer
Authors: Dewan M. Zahidunnabi , Vanpouille-Box Claire , Kawashima Noriko , DiNapoli Sara , Babb James S. , Formenti Silvia C. , Adams Sylvia , Demaria Sandra 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose: This study tested the hypothesis that topical Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonist imiquimod promotes antitumor immunity and synergizes with other treatments in a model of skin-involving breast cancer.Experimental Design: TSA mouse breast carcinoma cells were injected s.c. into syngeneic mice. Imiquimod 5% or placebo cream was applied topically on the shaved skin overlying tumors three times/wk. In some experiments, local ionizing radiation therapy (RT) was delivered to the tumor in three fractions of 8 Gy, given on consecutive days. Cyclophosphamide was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) in one dose of 2 mg/mouse. Mice were followed for tumor growth and survival.Results: Treatment with imiquimod significantly inhibited tumor growth, an effect that was associated with increased tumor infiltration by CD11c+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells, and abolished by depletion of CD8+ cells. Administration of imiquimod in combination with RT enhanced significantly tumor response compared with either treatment alone (P &lt; 0.005), and 11% to 66% of irradiated tumors completely regressed. Importantly, the addition of topical imiquimod also resulted in growth inhibition of a secondary tumor outside of the radiation field. Low-dose cyclophosphamide given before start of treatment with imiquimod and RT further improved tumor inhibition and reduced tumor recurrence. Mice that remained tumor-free rejected a tumorigenic inoculum of TSA cells, showing long-term immunologic memory.Conclusions: Topical imiquimod inhibits tumor growth and synergizes with RT. Addition of cyclophosphamide further increases the therapeutic effect and induces protective immunologic memory, suggesting that this combination is a promising strategy for cutaneous breast cancer metastases. Clin Cancer Res; 18(24); 6668–78. ©2012 AACR.
Mechanisms of Activity of the TORC1 Inhibitor Everolimus in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Roccaro Aldo M. , Sacco Antonio , Jia Xiaojing , Banwait Ranjit , Maiso Patricia , Azab Feda , Flores Ludmila , Manier Salomon , Azab Abdel Kareem , Ghobrial Irene M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurpose: The TORC1 inhibitor everolimus has previously shown significant activity as a single agent in hematologic malignancies, with reported responses of 30% to 70% in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. However, the specific mechanisms by which this class of mTOR inhibitors exerts anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity have not been fully investigated. We therefore sought to dissect the mechanisms of everolimus-dependent modulation of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cell survival.Experimental Design: We confirmed that everolimus targets mTOR in patients treated with everolimus and responding to therapy. We evaluated the effect of everolimus on proliferation and survival of primary Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as well as of other IgM-secreting lymphoma cell lines. Everolimus-dependent mechanisms of induced apoptosis and its effect on Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells in the context of bone marrow microenvironment have been also evaluated. miRNA-155 loss-of-function studies were conducted. Moreover, the combinatory effect of bortezomib and rituximab has been tested.Results: We showed that everolimus targeted mTOR downstream signaling pathways, ex vivo, in patients responding to everolimus treatment. Everolimus induced toxicity in primary Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as well as in other IgM-secreting lymphoma cells, supported by cell-cycle arrest and caspase-dependent and -independent induction of apoptosis. Importantly, everolimus targeted Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells even in the context of bone marrow milieu, where it affected migration, adhesion, and angiogenesis. Everolimus-dependent anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity was partially driven by miRNA-155. Moreover, everolimus synergized with bortezomib and rituximab in targeting Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia cells, as shown by synergistic inhibition of p65/ and p50/NF-κB activities.Conclusions: These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that are responsible for everolimus-induced anti–Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia activity. Clin Cancer Res; 18(24); 6609–22. ©2012 AACR.
Predictive Value of Low Relative Lymphocyte Count in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Vaduganathan Muthiah , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Greene Stephen J. , Mentz Robert J. , Subacius Haris P. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Swedberg Karl , Nodari Savina , Zannad Faiez , Konstam Marvin A. , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai 
Published: October 2012

Background—
Low lymphocyte count has been shown to be an independent prognostic marker in heart failure (HF) in the outpatient setting. Limited data exist regarding whether relative lymphocyte count correlates with postdischarge outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF.

Methods and Results—

We performed a post hoc analysis of the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial, which randomized 4133 patients hospitalized for worsening HF with an ejection fraction ≤40% within 48 hours of admission to tolvaptan or placebo for a median follow-up of 9.9 months. The primary end points of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization were analyzed in patients with available baseline complete blood counts (n=3717). Lymphocyte percentage was analyzed as a continuous variable. Times to events were compared using log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models. Patients with low lymphocyte percentage tended to be older and had higher rates of comorbid disease (diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and renal insufficiency). Low lymphocyte counts were associated with wide QRS duration, high natriuretic peptides, and low ejection fraction, blood pressure, and serum sodium. These patients were less likely to receive evidence-based HF medications. After adjusting for 22 known clinical risk factors, a 10% decrease in lymphocytes was associated with an increased hazard of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.31 [95% CI: 1.14–1.150],
P
<0.001) and cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 1.14 [95% CI: 1.04–1.25],
P
=0.007) in the first 100 days postdischarge. Lymphopenia during hospitalization normalizes in majority of patients in the early postdischarge period.

Conclusions—
Low relative lymphocyte count during hospitalization for HF is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in the early postdischarge period, beyond traditional prognostic indicators.
Mentored Simulation Training Improves Procedural Skills in Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Bagai Akshay , O’Brien Sean , Al Lawati Hatim , Goyal Prateek , Ball Warren , Grantcharov Teodor , Fam Neil 
Published: October 2012

Background—
Despite valuable supplemental training resources for surgical skill acquisition, utility of virtual reality simulators to improve skills relevant to performing cardiac catheterization has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

Post baseline cardiac catheterization performance assessment, 27 cardiology trainees were randomized to either mentored training on a virtual reality simulator (n=12) or no simulator training (control; n=15). Cardiac catheterization performance was reassessed 1 week post baseline assessment. Performance scores at 1 week were compared with baseline within each group, and change in score from baseline to 1 week was compared between groups. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess the effect of simulator training as a function of baseline performance. Technical performance improved postintervention in the simulator group (24 versus 18;
P
=0.008) and changed marginally in the control group (20 versus 18;
P
=0.054). Improvement in technical performance was greater in the simulator group (6 versus 1;
P
=0.04). Global performance improved postintervention in both groups (simulator, 24 versus 17,
P
=0.01; control, 20 versus 18,
P
=0.02), with a trend toward greater improvement in the simulator group (5 versus 2;
P
=0.11). Lower scores at baseline were associated with larger differences in postintervention scores between the simulator and control groups (technical performance,
P
=0.0006; global performance,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—
Skills required to perform cardiac catheterization can be learned via mentored simulation training and are transferable to actual procedures in the catheterization laboratory. Less proficient operators derive greater benefit from simulator training than more proficient operators.
Blood Transfusion and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Nuis Rutger-Jan , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Sinning Jan-Malte , van Garsse Leen , Kefer Joelle , Bosmans Johan , Dager Antonio E. , van Mieghem Nicolas , Urena Marina , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos , Maessen Jos , Astarci Parla , Perez Sergio , Benitez Luis M. , Dumont Eric , van Domburg Ron T. , de Jaegere Peter P. 
Published: October 2012

Background—
Blood transfusion is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to elucidate in more detail the relation between blood transfusion and AKI and its effects on short- and long-term mortality.

Methods and Results—
Nine hundred ninety-five patients with aortic stenosis underwent TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve or the Edwards Valve in 7 centers. AKI was defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium (absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL [≥26.4 μmol/L] or ≥50% increase ≤72 hours). Logistic and Cox regression was used for predictor and survival analysis. AKI occurred in 20.7% (n=206). The number of units of blood transfusion ≤24 hours was the strongest predictor of AKI (≥5 units, OR, 4.81 [1.45–15.95], 3–4 units, OR, 3.05 [1.24–7.53], 1–2 units, OR, 1.47 [0.98–2.22]) followed by peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.48 [1.05–2.10]), history of heart failure (OR, 1.43 [1.01–2.03]), leucocyte count ≤72 hours after TAVI (OR, 1.05 [1.02–1.09]) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE; OR, 1.02 [1.00–1.03]). Potential triggers of blood transfusion such as baseline anemia, bleeding-vascular complications, and perioperative blood loss were not identified as predictors. AKI and life-threatening bleeding were independent predictors of 30-day mortality (OR, 3.15 [1.56–6.38], OR, 6.65 [2.28–19.44], respectively), whereas transfusion (≥3 units), baseline anemia, and AKI predicted mortality beyond 30 days.

Conclusions—
AKI occurred in 21% of the patients after TAVI. The number of blood transfusions but not the indication of transfusion predicted AKI. AKI was a predictor of both short- and long-term mortality, whereas blood transfusion predicted long-term mortality. These findings indicate that outcome of TAVI may be improved by more restrictive use of blood transfusions.
Changes in Glomerular Filtration Rate After Renal Revascularization Correlate With Microvascular Hemodynamics and Inflammation in Swine Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Zhang Xin , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Tang Hui , Crane John A. , Lerman Amir , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O. 
Published: October 2012

Background—
The selection of patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) likely to improve glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty is difficult. We examined basal hemodynamic and inflammatory factors linked to improved stenotic kidney (STK) function after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty in swine RAS.

Methods and Results—
Fifteen pigs after 6 weeks of hemodynamically significant RAS were studied before and 4 weeks after technically successful percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty+stenting. STK and contralateral kidney hemodynamics and function were evaluated by multidetector computed-tomography before and after acetylcholine challenge. Single-kidney deoxyhemoglobin (R2*, reciprocal to blood relaxation) and energy-dependent tubular function were assessed using blood-oxygen-level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging before and after furosemide. Baseline renal vein and inferior vena cava levels of inflammatory markers were measured and their gradient and net release calculated. Baseline parameters were compared with normal (n=7) and sham-RAS (n=7) pigs and correlated with the change in STK-GFR after revascularization (ΔGFR). Four weeks after percutaneous transluminal, renal angioplasty blood pressure was normalized in all animals, but STK-GFR improved in 10 of 15 (ΔGFR =+22.0±8.5 mL/min). ΔGFR correlated inversely with basal STK-GFR, renal release of inflammatory markers, and medullary R2* response to furosemide, but directly with GFR response to acetylcholine. Basal contralateral kidney GFR correlated directly with ΔGFR.

Conclusions—
Low basal STK-GFR with preserved response to acetylcholine may predict benefit from revascularization in RAS, whereas renal inflammation and robust STK-R2* responses to furosemide (possibly reflecting avid tubular oxygen consumption) are associated with less favorable outcomes. These tools may be useful for identification of patients likely to improve renal function after revascularization.
Strategic Decision-Making with Information and Extraction Externalities: A Structural Model of the MultiStage Investment Timing Game in Offshore Petroleum Production
Authors: Lin C.-Y. Cynthia 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
When individual petroleum-producing firms make their exploration and development investment timing decisions, positive information externalities and negative extraction externalities may lead them to interact strategically with their neighbors. This paper examines whether these inefficient strategic interactions take place by estimating a structural econometric model of the firms' multi-stage investment timing game. Results show that firms interact strategically on small tracts but not on large tracts. For small tracts, having a neighboring tract explored reduces real profits by about $26 million, while having a neighboring tract developed raises real profits by about $3.5 million.
Commodity Market Dynamics and the Joint Executive Committee, 1880–1886
Authors: Mariuzzo Franco , Walsh Patrick Paul 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Using weekly spot and future commodity prices in Chicago and New York, we construct expected transportation rates for grain between these two cities, expected inventory levels in New York, and realized errors in the expectations of such variables. We incorporate these exogenous commodity market dynamics into Porter's (1983) structural modeling of the Joint Executive Committee Railroad Cartel. As in Porter, we model marginal cost as a parametric function of (instrumented) output, among other factors. Unlike Porter, we model pricing over marginal cost as a nonparametric function of a set of variables, which include expectations of deterministic demand cycles and cartel stability. We estimate the pricing and demand equation simultaneously and semiparametrically. Our estimated weekly markups during periods of cartel stability are shown to reflect optimal collusive pricing over deterministic business cycles, as modeled in Haltiwanger and Harrington (1991). Periods of cartel instability are proven to be triggered by realized mistakes in expectations of New York grain prices.
Can Self-Control Explain Avoiding Free Money? Evidence from Interest-Free Student Loans
Authors: Cadena Brian C. , Keys Benjamin J. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
This paper uses insights from behavioral economics to explain a particularly surprising borrowing phenomenon: one in six undergraduate students offered interest-free loans turns them down. Models of impulse control predict that students may optimally reject subsidized loans to avoid excessive consumption during school. Using the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, we investigate students' take-up decisions and identify a group of students for whom the loans create an especially tempting liquidity increase. Students who would receive the loan in cash are significantly more likely to turn it down, suggesting that consumers choose to limit their liquidity in economically meaningful situations.
Skill-Biased Technological Change and the Business Cycle
Authors: Balleer Almut , van Rens Thijs 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Over the past two decades, technological progress in the United States has been biased toward skilled labor. What does this imply for business cycles? We construct a quarterly skill premium from the CPS and use it to identify skill-biased technology shocks in a VAR with long-run zero and sign restrictions. Hours fall in response to skill-biased technology shocks, indicating that part of the technology-induced fall in hours is due to a compositional shift in labor demand. Investment-specific technology shocks reduce the skill premium, indicating that capital and skill are not complementary in aggregate production.
Inequality and City Size
Authors: Baum-Snow Nathaniel , Pavan Ronni 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A strong positive monotonic relationship between wage inequality and city size developed between 1979 and 2007 in the United States. After accounting for differences in skill composition across cities of different sizes, we find that at least 23% of the nationwide increase in the variance of log hourly wages is explained by the more rapid growth in wage inequality in larger locations than in smaller locations. This influence occurred throughout the wage distribution, was most prevalent during the 1990s, and was mostly driven by more rapid growth in within-skill-group inequality in larger cities.