bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking at Diagnosis Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Cancer-Specific Survival in Head and Neck Cancer: Findings from a Large, Population-Based Study
Authors: Sharp Linda , McDevitt Joseph , Carsin Anne-Elie , Brown Christopher , Comber Harry 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Background: Some studies suggest smoking may result in poorer clinical outcomes in head and neck cancer, but the evidence is heterogeneous and some of it is poor quality. In a large, population-based, study we investigated: (i) whether smoking at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival in head and neck cancer; and (ii) whether the association varies by site and treatment.
Methods: Head and neck cancers (ICD10 C01-C14, and C30–32) diagnosed from 1994 to 2009 were abstracted from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, and classified by smoking status at diagnosis. Follow-up was for 5 years or until December 31, 2010. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare cancer-specific death rates in current, ex-, and never smokers. Subgroup analyses by site and treatment were conducted.
Results: In total, 5,652 head and neck cancers were included. At diagnosis, 24% were never smokers, 20% ex-smokers, and 56% current smokers. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had a significantly raised death rate from cancer [multivariate HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–1.53]. The association was similar after restriction to squamous cell tumors. A significantly increased cancer-related death rate was seen for current smokers with oral cavity, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers. The association was stronger in surgically treated patients [HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.25–1.79; P(interaction) = 0.01]. Neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy modified the effect of smoking.
Conclusions: Patients with head and neck cancer who smoke at diagnosis have a significantly increased cancer death rate.
Impact: Greater efforts are needed to encourage and support smoking cessation in those at risk of, and diagnosed with, head and neck cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2579–90. ©2014 AACR.
p38 MAPK in Pancreatic Cancer: Finding a Protective Needle in the Haystack
Authors: Korc Murray 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Activated p38 MAPK alpha (pp38α) is a good prognostic marker in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that could be used to personalize therapy. pp38α suppresses JNK-mediated proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. These findings support the testing of combination therapies that include JNK targeting and/or suppressing negative regulators of pp38α. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 5866–8. ©2014 AACR.
Quantitative Effect of Natural Killer–Cell Licensing on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Curative Hepatectomy
Authors: Tanimine Naoki , Tanaka Yuka , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tashiro Hirotaka , Miki Daiki , Imamura Michio , Aikata Hiroshi , Tanaka Junko , Chayama Kazuaki , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells have a potential role in immune surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Self-recognition of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) through killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) confers competence to NK cells—a process termed “licensing.” We investigated the effect of NK-cell licensing on the susceptibility of patients to HCC recurrence. A total of 170 Japanese patients with HCC who underwent primary curative hepatectomy between 1996 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up period was 5.4 years. We analyzed their KIR-HLA genotypes with sequence-specific polymorphism-based typing and estimated their susceptibility to HCC recurrence by performing propensity score–matching analyses. The presence of KIR2DL1-C2, KIR2DL2-C1, KIR3DL1-BW4, or KIR3DL2-A3/11, functional compound genotypes that intrinsically license NK cells, did not markedly affect HCC recurrence. However, the multiplicity of those compound KIR-HLA genotypes was significantly associated with the HCC recurrence rate, i.e., the cumulative risk of recurrence in patients with at least three compound genotypes was significantly lower than that in patients with one or two compound genotypes, suggesting that the effect of NK-cell licensing on HCC recurrence is quantitative. Patients at high risk of HCC recurrence after curative hepatectomy could be identified by KIR-HLA genotyping. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(12); 1142–7. ©2014 AACR.
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Block Tumor Growth Both by Lytic Activity and IFNγ-Dependent Cell-Cycle Arrest
Authors: Matsushita Hirokazu , Hosoi Akihiro , Ueha Satoshi , Abe Jun , Fujieda Nao , Tomura Michio , Maekawa Ryuji , Matsushima Kouji , Ohara Osamu , Kakimi Kazuhiro 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo understand global effector mechanisms of CTL therapy, we performed microarray gene expression analysis in a murine model using pmel-1 T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells as effectors and B16 melanoma cells as targets. In addition to upregulation of genes related to antigen presentation and the MHC class I pathway, and cytotoxic effector molecules, cell-cycle–promoting genes were downregulated in the tumor on days 3 and 5 after CTL transfer. To investigate the impact of CTL therapy on the cell cycle of tumor cells in situ, we generated B16 cells expressing a fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell-cycle indicator (B16-fucci) and performed CTL therapy in mice bearing B16-fucci tumors. Three days after CTL transfer, we observed diffuse infiltration of CTLs into the tumor with a large number of tumor cells arrested at the G1 phase of the cell cycle, and the presence of spotty apoptotic or necrotic areas. Thus, tumor growth suppression was largely dependent on G1 cell-cycle arrest rather than killing by CTLs. Neutralizing antibody to IFNγ prevented both tumor growth inhibition and G1 arrest. The mechanism of G1 arrest involved the downregulation of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and the accumulation of its target cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 in the B16-fucci tumor cells. Because tumor-infiltrating CTLs are far fewer in number than the tumor cells, we propose that CTLs predominantly regulate tumor growth via IFNγ-mediated profound cytostatic effects rather than via cytotoxicity. This dominance of G1 arrest over other mechanisms may be widespread but not universal because IFNγ sensitivity varied among tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(1); 26–36. ©2014 AACR.See related commentary by Riddell, p. 23
Correlates and Prognosis of Early Recurrence After Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia due to Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Choi Eue-Keun , Tedrow Usha B. , Koplan Bruce A. , Michaud Gregory F. , John Roy M. , Epstein Laurence M. , Tokuda Michifumi , Inada Keiichi , Kumar Saurabh , Lin Kaity Y. , Barbhaiya Chirag R. , Chinitz Jason S. , Enriquez Alan D. , Helmbold Alan F. , Stevenson William G. 
Published: August 2014

Background—
Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) from structural heart disease has a significant risk of recurrence, but the optimal duration for in-hospital monitoring is not defined. This study assesses the timing, correlates, and prognostic significance of early VT recurrence after ablation.

Methods and Results—

Of 370 patients (313 men; aged 63.0±13.2 years) who underwent a first radiofrequency ablation for sustained monomorphic VT associated with structural heart disease from 2008 to 2012, sustained VT recurred in 81 patients (22%) within 7 days. In multivariable analysis, early recurrence was associated with New York Heart Association classification ≥III (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.48;
P
=0.04), dilated cardiomyopathy (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.03–3.57;
P
=0.04), prevalence of VT storm before the procedure (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.48–4.65;
P
=0.001), a greater number of induced VTs (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.45;
P
=0.006), and acute failure or no final induction test (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.40;
P
=0.04). During a median of 2.5 (1.2, 4.0) years of follow-up, early VT recurrence was an independent correlates of mortality (hazard ratio 2.59, 95% CI 1.52–4.34;
P
=0.0005).

Conclusions—
Patients who have early recurrences of VT after ablation are a high risk group who may be identifiable from their clinical profile. Further study is warranted to define the optimal treatment strategies for this patient group.
Trends in Hospitalizations and Outcomes for Acute Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, 1999–2011
Authors: Krumholz Harlan M. , Normand Sharon-Lise T. , Wang Yun 
Published: August 2014

Background—
During the past decade, efforts focused intensely on improving the quality of care for people with, or at risk for, cardiovascular disease and stroke. We sought to quantify the changes in hospitalization rates and outcomes during this period.

Methods and Results—
We used national Medicare data to identify all Fee-for-Service patients ≥65 years of age who were hospitalized with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischemic stroke, and all other conditions from 1999 through 2011 (2010 for 1-year mortality). For each condition, we examined trends in adjusted rates of hospitalization per patient-year and, for each hospitalization, rates of 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and 1-year mortality overall and by demographic subgroups and regions. Rates of adjusted hospitalization declined for cardiovascular conditions (38.0% for 2011 compared with 1999 [95% confidence interval (CI), 37.2–38.8] for myocardial infarction, 83.8% [95% CI, 83.3–84.4] for unstable angina, 30.5% [95% CI, 29.3–31.6] for heart failure, and 33.6% [95% CI, 32.9–34.4] for ischemic stroke compared with 10.2% [95% CI, 10.1–10.2] for all other conditions). Adjusted 30-day mortality rates declined 29.4% (95% CI, 28.1–30.6) for myocardial infarction, 13.1% (95% CI, 1.1–23.7) for unstable angina, 16.4% (95% CI, 15.1–17.7) for heart failure, and 4.7% (95% CI, 3.0–6.4) for ischemic stroke. There were also reductions in rates of 1-year mortality and 30-day readmission and consistency in declines among the demographic subgroups.

Conclusions—
Hospitalizations for acute cardiovascular disease and stroke from 1999 through 2011 declined more rapidly than for other conditions. For these conditions, mortality and readmission outcomes improved.
Assessment of SCaMPR and NEXRAD Q2 Precipitation Estimates Using Oklahoma Mesonet Observations
Authors: Stenz Ronald , Dong Xiquan , Xi Baike , Kuligowski Robert J. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Although satellite precipitation estimates provide valuable information for weather and flood forecasts, infrared (IR) brightness temperature (BT)-based algorithms often produce large errors for precipitation detection and estimation during deep convective systems (DCSs). As DCSs produce greatly varying precipitation rates below similar IR BT retrievals, using IR BTs alone to estimate precipitation in DCSs is problematic. Classifying a DCS into convective-core (CC), stratiform (SR), and anvil cloud (AC) regions allows an evaluation of estimated precipitation distributions among DCS components to supplement typical quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) evaluations and to diagnose these IR-based algorithm biases. This paper assesses the performance of the National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor Next Generation Quantitative Precipitation Estimation System (NMQ Q2), and a simplified version of the Self-Calibrating Multivariate Precipitation Retrieval (SCaMPR) algorithm, over the state of Oklahoma using Oklahoma Mesonet observations. While average annual Q2 precipitation estimates were about 35% higher than Mesonet observations, strong correlations exist between these two datasets for multiple temporal and spatial scales. Additionally, the Q2-estimated precipitation distribution among DCS components strongly resembled the Mesonet-observed distribution, indicating Q2 can accurately capture the precipitation characteristics of DCSs despite its wet bias. SCaMPR retrievals were typically 3–4 times higher than Mesonet observations, with relatively weak correlations during 2012. Overestimates from SCaMPR retrievals were primarily caused by precipitation retrievals from the anvil regions of DCSs when collocated Mesonet stations recorded no precipitation. A modified SCaMPR retrieval algorithm, employing both cloud optical depth and IR temperature, has the potential to make significant improvements to reduce the wet bias of SCaMPR retrievals over anvil regions of a DCS.
Ion chromatography for the precise analysis of chloride and sodium in sweat for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
Authors: Doorn J , Storteboom TTR , Mulder AM , de Jong WHA , Rottier BL , Kema IP 
Published: August 2014

Background Measurement of chloride in sweat is an essential part of the diagnostic algorithm for cystic fibrosis. The lack in sensitivity and reproducibility of current methods led us to develop an ion chromatography/high-performance liquid chromatography (IC/HPLC) method, suitable for the analysis of both chloride and sodium in small volumes of sweat. Methods Precision, linearity and limit of detection of an in-house developed IC/HPLC method were established. Method comparison between the newly developed IC/HPLC method and the traditional Chlorocounter was performed, and trueness was determined using Passing Bablok method comparison with external quality assurance material (Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia). Results Precision and linearity fulfill criteria as established by UK guidelines are comparable with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry methods. Passing Bablok analysis demonstrated excellent correlation between IC/HPLC measurements and external quality assessment target values, for both chloride and sodium. With a limit of quantitation of 0.95 mmol/L, our method is suitable for the analysis of small amounts of sweat and can thus be used in combination with the Macroduct collection system. Conclusions Although a chromatographic application results in a somewhat more expensive test compared to a Chlorocounter test, more accurate measurements are achieved. In addition, simultaneous measurements of sodium concentrations will result in better detection of false positives, less test repeating and thus faster and more accurate and effective diagnosis. The described IC/HPLC method, therefore, provides a precise, relatively cheap and easy-to-handle application for the analysis of both chloride and sodium in sweat.
The management of secondary lower limb lymphoedema in cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Leung Elaine YL , Tirlapur Seema A , Meads Catherine 
Published: August 2014

Background: Lower limb lymphoedema is a recognised complication of cancer commonly encountered in palliative care, associated with reduced mobility and poor quality of life. Aim: To evaluate the available evidence for the treatment of secondary lower limb lymphoedema in patients with malignancies. Design: A systematic review of the literature. Data sources: The MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Databases and conference proceedings for published data from date of inception to July 2014 were searched. Relevant unpublished studies via relevant databases, Internet searches and hand-searches of the bibliographies of relevant papers were performed. Results: From 1617 citations, 32 papers were selected for full-text assessment. Two randomised trials and five observational studies were identified. The two randomised controlled trials evaluated graded compression stockings and Coumarin capsules, respectively. The five observational studies evaluated lymphovenous microsurgical shunts, pneumatic compression devices, compression bandages alone, manual lymphatic drainage with compression and a herbal remedy combining Coumarin, Ginkgo and Melitoto (with or without manual lymphatic drainage), respectively. The extracted studies showed substantial heterogeneity. Hence, a meta-analysis was inappropriate and not performed. Conclusion: Few studies have evaluated the clinical effectiveness and potential side effects of treatments for lower limb lymphoedema. Moreover, symptoms and quality-of-life assessments were inconsistently reported. All included studies report lower limb volume reduction after treatment, which includes complex decongestion therapy, graded compression stockings and lymphovenous microsurgical shunts. Adequately powered randomised controlled trials of these interventions are recommended. Effort should be made to establish standardised outcomes, to minimise bias and to improve reporting quality in future trials of treatment for lower limb lymphoedema.
Making sense of austerity: The rationality in an irrational system
Authors: Dunn Bill 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis article understands contemporary austerity through historical comparisons informed by Marxist insights into the nature of the state. It argues that austerity policies make sense from the perspective of capital–labour, inter-capitalist and international competition. Differences among states over time, in terms of their size and international situation and contested domestic relations, produce varied imperatives towards austerity and prospects of effective resistance.
The Euro: A currency in search of a state
Authors: Lucarelli Bill 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo understand the structural dynamics of the current eurozone crisis, it is necessary to examine the longstanding internal contradictions that the system has inherited from its inception under the Maastricht Treaty and the neoliberal strategy which has governed its evolution from the first experiments in economic and monetary union in the 1970s. A brief narrative of the evolution of the European Monetary Union yields some insights into its peculiar institutional design. More specifically, the article examines the dangerously self-reinforcing logic between speculative bond markets and cascading, deflationary policies of austerity imposed on those countries encountering severe debt crises. This examination reveals the fragile foundations upon which the eurozone was constructed.
Correlation Between Subchondral Bone Plate Thickness and Cartilage Degeneration in Osteoarthritis of the Ankle
Authors: Nakasa Tomoyuki , Adachi Nobuo , Kato Tomohiro , Ochi Mitsuo 
Published: August 2014

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized not only by cartilage degeneration, but also subchondral bone changes. The subchondral bone plate (SBP) plays an important role in cartilage metabolism, and elucidation of the relationship between the SBP and cartilage degeneration would be helpful to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for ankle OA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the SBP and to compare it with cartilage degeneration with arthroscopic findings. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) was used to compare the thickness of the SBP of 11 ankle OA patients with that of 11 non–ankle OA patients in 9 areas of the talar dome. The French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA) grading system was used to analyze the relationship between findings on the thickness of SBP and on articular cartilage degeneration in ankle OA. Results: The SBP in ankle OA was significantly thicker than that of the non-OA ankle. The more severe the articular cartilage degeneration, the thicker the SBP became. The SBP on the sclerotic trabecular bone was significantly thicker than that on decreased trabecular bone. The SFA grade for sclerotic subchondral bone was significantly higher than that for decreased trabecular bone. Conclusion: This study shows that the thickness of SBP and the findings of subchondral bone such as decreased trabecular bone and sclerosis in CT are related to the cartilage degeneration of ankle OA, although a small number of patients were analyzed. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
Serial intralesional injections of infliximab in small bowel Crohn's strictures are feasible and might lower inflammation
Authors: Hendel Jakob , Karstensen John Gásdal , Vilmann Peter 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundCrohn's disease can cause strictures throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is a well‐established treatment, but recurrence is seen in up to three out of four cases. Infliximab is playing an increasingly important role in the modern systemic treatment of severe Crohn's disease. Combining the anti‐inflammatory effects of infliximab with the proven effect of endoscopic balloon dilatation could possibly improve outcome. In small studies, intralesional injections in perianal fistulas have been effective and endoscopic injection therapy in colonic strictures is feasible.ObjectiveWe wanted to assess whether serial intralesional injection of infliximab in small bowel strictures is feasible and reduces local inflammation.MethodsWe included six patients with Crohn's disease and inflammatory small bowel strictures. They were treated with endoscopic serial balloon dilatation. Subsequent to each dilatation, 40 mg infliximab was injected submucosally. A modified simplified endoscopic score for Crohn's disease was used for the involved area before the initial treatment and at the final follow‐up after six months. Complications and development of symptoms were registered.ResultsBalloon dilatation and serial injection of infliximab were accomplished in five out of six patients. One patient completed the serial balloon dilatations and follow‐up but received only one infliximab injection. The modified simplified endoscopic score for Crohn's disease decreased in all patients. There were no adverse events registered and all patients described themselves as feeling well.ConclusionsCombining balloon dilatation of strictures with serial intralesional injection of infliximab in Crohn's disease of the small bowel is feasible and seems successful in reducing inflammation.
New algorithms designed for the split common fixed point problem of quasi-pseudocontractions
Authors: Zhu Li-Jun , Liou Yeong-Cheng , Yao Jen-Chih , Yao Yonghong 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we study the split common fixed point problem, which is to find a fixed point of a quasi-pseudocontractive mapping in one space whose image under a linear transformation is a fixed point of anther quasi-pseudocontractive mapping in the image space. We design and analyze a new iterative algorithm for solving this split common fixed point problem. A weak convergence theorem is given.MSC:49J53, 49M37, 65K10, 90C25.
Sensing and identification of carbon monoxide using carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Buntat Zolkafle , Enzevaee Aria , Yazdi Mahsa Khoshkhooy , Bahadoran Mahdi , Nikoukar Ali 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Carbonaceous materials have recently received attention in electronic applications and measurement systems. In this work, we demonstrate the electrical behavior of carbon films fabricated by methane arc discharge decomposition technique. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of carbon films are investigated in the presence and absence of gas. The experiment reveals that the current passing through the carbon films increases when the concentration of CO2 gas is increased from 200 to 800 ppm. This phenomenon which is a result of conductance changes can be employed in sensing applications such as gas sensors.