bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Breast Cancer Subtypes and Treatment on Survival: An Analysis Spanning Two Decades
Authors: Haque Reina , Ahmed Syed A. , Inzhakova Galina , Shi Jiaxiao , Avila Chantal , Polikoff Jonathan , Bernstein Leslie , Enger Shelley M. , Press Michael F. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: We investigated the impact of breast cancer molecular subtypes and treatment on survival in a cohort of medically insured women followed for more than 20 years.
Methods: We examined 934 female members of an integrated health care delivery system newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1988 and 1995 and followed them through 2008. Tumors were classified into four molecular subtypes on the basis of their expression profile: luminal A; luminal B; basal-like; and HER2-enriched. We followed women from the surgery date to death, health plan disenrollment, or study's end. HR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were fit using Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for cancer treatments and tumor characteristics.
Results: A total of 223 (23.9%) women died because of breast cancer during the 21-year study period. Compared with women with luminal A tumors, women with HER2-enriched (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.53–4.29) and luminal B tumors (HR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.08–3.54) had roughly a two-fold increased adjusted risk of breast cancer mortality. In addition, the survival curves suggest that risk of late mortality persists in women with luminal A tumors.
Conclusion: Among women with health care coverage, molecular subtypes were important predictors of breast cancer mortality. Women with HER2-enriched tumors and luminal B subtypes had the poorest survival despite adjusting for important covariates.
Impact: In a cohort followed for more than 20 years, women with HER2-enriched tumors had worse survival, but interestingly, the survival curve for women with luminal A tumors continued to steadily decline after 10 years of follow-up. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1848–55. ©2012 AACR.
Patient Navigation for Breast and Colorectal Cancer Treatment: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Fiscella Kevin , Whitley Elizabeth , Hendren Samantha , Raich Peter , Humiston Sharon , Winters Paul , Jean-Pierre Pascal , Valverde Patricia , Thorland William , Epstein Ronald 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: There is limited high-quality evidence about the impact of patient navigation (PN) on outcomes for patients with diagnosed cancer.
Methods: We pooled data from two sites from the national Patient Navigation Research Program. Patients (n = 438) with newly diagnosed breast (n = 353) or colorectal cancer (n = 85) were randomized to PN or usual care. Trained lay navigators met with patients randomized to PN to help them assess treatment barriers and identify resources to overcome barriers. We used intent-to-treat analysis to assess time to completion of primary treatment, psychologic distress (impact of events scale), and satisfaction (patient satisfaction with cancer-related care) within 3 months after initiation of cancer treatment.
Results: The sample was predominantly middle-aged (mean age = 57) and female (90%); 44% were race-ethnic minorities (44%), 46% reported lower education levels, 18% were uninsured, and 9% reported a non-English primary language. The randomized groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. Primary analysis showed no statistically significant group differences in time to completion of primary cancer treatment, satisfaction with cancer-related care, or psychologic distress. Subgroup analysis showed that socially disadvantaged patients (i.e., uninsured, low English proficiency, and non-English primary language) who received PN reported higher satisfaction than those receiving usual care (all P &lt; 0.05). Navigated patients living alone reported greater distress than those receiving usual care.
Conclusions: Although the primary analysis showed no overall benefit, the subgroup analysis suggests that PN may improve satisfaction with care for certain disadvantaged individuals.
Impact: PN for cancer patients may not necessarily reduce treatment time nor distress. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1673–81. ©2012 AACR.
Patient Navigation Improves Cancer Diagnostic Resolution: An Individually Randomized Clinical Trial in an Underserved Population
Authors: Raich Peter C. , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Thorland William , Valverde Patricia , Fairclough Diane 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Barriers to timely resolution of abnormal cancer screening tests add to cancer health disparities among low-income, uninsured, and minority populations. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the impact of lay patient navigators on time to resolution and completion of follow-up testing among patients with abnormal screening tests in a medically underserved patient population.
Methods: Denver Health, the safety-net health care system serving Denver, is one of 10 performance sites participating in the Patient Navigation Research Program. Of 993 eligible subjects with abnormal screening tests randomized to navigation and no-navigation (control) arms and analyzed, 628 had abnormal breast screens (66 abnormal clinical breast examinations, 304 BIRADS 0, 200 BIRADS 3, 58 BIRADS 4 or 5) whereas 235 had abnormal colorectal and 130 had abnormal prostate screens.
Results: Time to resolution was significantly shorter in the navigated group (stratified log rank test, P &lt; 0.001). Patient navigation improved diagnostic resolution for patients presenting with mammographic BIRADS 3 (P = 0.0003) and BIRADS 0 (P = 0.09), but not BIRADS 4/5 or abnormal breast examinations. Navigation shortened the time for both colorectal (P = 0.0017) and prostate screening resolution (P = 0.06). Participant demographics included 72% minority, 49% with annual household income less than $10,000, and 36% uninsured.
Conclusions: Patient navigation positively impacts time to resolution of abnormal screening tests for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers in a medically underserved population.
Impact: By shortening the time to and increasing the proportion of patients with diagnostic resolution patient navigation could reduce disparities in stage at diagnosis and improve cancer outcomes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1629–38. ©2012 AACR.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Patient Navigation for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients: Effects on Quality of Life
Authors: Hendren Samantha , Griggs Jennifer J. , Epstein Ronald , Humiston Sharon , Jean-Pierre Pascal , Winters Paul , Sanders Mechelle , Loader Starlene , Fiscella Kevin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Patient navigation is a promising intervention to ameliorate cancer health disparities. This study objective was to measure patient navigation effects on cancer-specific quality of life (QOL) among patients with newly diagnosed cancer.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial of patient navigation was conducted in Rochester, NY. Patients with breast cancer and colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to receive a patient navigation intervention or usual care. QOL was measured at baseline and four subsequent time points, using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B, FACT-C) instruments.
Results: Among 319 randomized patients (165 patient navigation, 154 control), median age was 57 years and 32.5% were from minority race/ethnicity groups. Patient navigation and control groups were comparable on baseline factors, except home ownership versus renting (more home ownership among controls, P = 0.05) and race (more whites among controls, P = 0.05). Total and subscale FACT scores did not differ between groups when analyzed as a change from baseline to 3 months, or at various time points. The emotional well-being subscale change from baseline approached significance (better change among patient navigation group, P = 0.05). Time trends of QOL measures did not differ significantly between groups. Adjustment for baseline patient factors did not reveal a benefit of patient navigation on QOL.
Conclusions: In this randomized trial of patient navigation, there was no statistically significant effect on disease-specific QOL.
Impact: These results suggest that patient navigation may not affect QOL during cancer treatment, that social/medical support are adequate in this study's setting, or that the trial failed to target patients likely to experience QOL benefit from patient navigation. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1682–90. ©2012 AACR.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Haplotypes and Polymorphisms and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Engel Lawrence S. , Orlow Irene , Sima Camelia S. , Satagopan Jaya , Mujumdar Urvi , Roy Pampa , Yoo Sarah , Sandler Dale P. , Alavanja Michael C. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Observational and experimental studies suggest that vitamin D may influence breast cancer etiology. Most known effects of vitamin D are mediated via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Few polymorphisms in the VDR gene have been well studied in relation to breast cancer risk and results have been inconsistent.
Methods: We investigated VDR polymorphisms and haplotypes in relation to breast cancer risk by genotyping 26 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) that (i) had known/suspected impact on VDR function, (ii) were tagging SNPs for the three VDR haplotype blocks among whites, or (iii) were previously associated with breast cancer risk. We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in relation to breast cancer risk among 270 incident cases and 554 matched controls within the Agricultural Health Study cohort.
Results: In individual SNP analyses, homozygous carriers of the minor allele for rs2544038 had significantly increased breast cancer risk (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0–2.5) and homozygous carriers of the minor allele for rs11168287 had significantly decreased risk (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4–1.0). Carriers of the minor allele for rs2239181 exhibited marginally significant association with risk (OR = 1.4; 95% CI: 0.9–2.0). Haplotype analyses revealed three haplotype groups (blocks “A,” “B,” and “C”). Haplotype GTCATTTCCTA in block B was significantly associated with reduced risk (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9).
Conclusions: These results suggest that variation in VDR may be associated with breast cancer risk.
Impact: Our findings may help guide future research needed to define the role of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1856–67. ©2012 AACR.
Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Concentration and Hemodilution among Chinese Middle-Aged Obese Men: A Hematocrit-Based Equation for Plasma Volume Estimation Is Induced
Authors: Li Feng , Shen Zhenhai , Lu Yun , Yun Jingting , Fan Yupeng 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: A hematocrit (HCT)-based and a body surface area (BSA)–based equations were applied for plasma volume (PV) estimation, respectively, to confirm and quantify the hemodilution effect in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening among obese men. The agreement between the equations was additionally investigated.
Methods: A total of 1,444 men were retrospectively collected, with ages 40 to 65 years, PSA 0 to 4 ng/mL, and no prostate cancer. PSA mass was calculated as PSA concentration multiplied by PV. Multivariable linear regression models, theoretical models, and the Bland–Altman method were used.
Results: PSA concentration significantly decreased with increasing body mass index (BMI; β = −0.011, P &lt; 0.001); however, PSA mass estimated by HCT- (β = 0.004, P = 0.132) and BSA (β = −0.003, P = 0.094)-based equations remained consistent. A screening PSA of 4.0 ng/mL in nonobese men was found to be corresponding to 3.32 and 3.68 ng/mL in obese men extrapolated by PV on the basis of HCT and BSA, respectively. Moreover, the mean (95% confidence interval) difference of PV between the two equations was 0.33 (−0.06 to 0.73) L.
Conclusions: The inverse relationship between PSA concentration and BMI might be explained by a hemodilution effect among obese men. There is significant variation in PV calculated by the two equations.
Impact: A value between 3.32 and 3.68 ng/mL might be recommended for PSA screening in middle-aged obese Asian men. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1731–4. ©2012 AACR.
Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length with Colorectal Cancer Risk: Nested Case–Control Findings from the Shanghai Women's Health Study
Authors: Cui Yong , Cai Qiuyin , Qu Shimian , Chow Wong-Ho , Wen Wanqing , Xiang Yong-Bing , Wu Jie , Rothman Nathaniel , Yang Gong , Shu Xiao-Ou , Gao Yu-Tang , Zheng Wei 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Telomeres are specialized chromatin structures essential for maintenance of chromosomal integrity and stability. Abnormal alteration of telomere length has been linked to several cancers; however, epidemiologic evidence about the association of telomere length with colorectal cancer risk has been conflicting.
Methods: We conducted a nested case–control study to evaluate the association between telomere length and colorectal cancer risk using peripheral blood samples collected before cancer diagnosis. The study included 441 women with incident colorectal cancer and 549 matched controls. Monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR was applied to measure relative telomere length. Multiple logistic regressions were used to derive adjusted OR with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as the measure of association between telomere length and subsequent colorectal cancer risk.
Results: A U-shaped association was observed between telomere length and colorectal cancer risk (test for nonlinearity P = 0.0112). Women with telomere length in the third quintile (40th–60th percentiles) had the lowest risk of colorectal cancer, and the risks were elevated with a shorter or longer telomere length. This U-shaped association did not statistically differ for colon cancer and rectum cancer.
Conclusions and Impact: Our prospective study revealed a U-shaped association between telomere length in peripheral blood cells and colorectal cancer risk. Our findings provide strong evidence that both very short and very long telomeres are associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1807–13. ©2012 AACR.
Associations of Serum Sex Steroid Hormone and 5α-Androstane-3α,17β-Diol Glucuronide Concentrations with Prostate Cancer Risk Among Men Treated with Finasteride
Authors: Kristal Alan R. , Till Cathee , Tangen Catherine M. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Chu Lisa W. , Patel Sherfaraz K. , Thompson Ian M. , Reichardt Juergen K. , Hoque Ashraful , Platz Elizabeth A. , Figg William D. , Van Bokhoven Adrie , Lippman Scott M. , Hsing Ann W. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Finasteride, an inhibitor of 5α-reductase (type II), lowers intraprostatic dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is reflected in serum as reduced 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol glucuronide (3α-dG). It also modestly increases serum testosterone (T), estrone (E1), and estradiol (E2). In this altered hormonal milieu, it is unknown whether serum concentrations of these hormones are associated with prostate cancer risk.
Methods: In this nested case–control study of men in the finasteride arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, sex steroid hormones and sex hormone binding globulin were measured at baseline and approximately 3-year posttreatment in 553 prostate cancer cases and 694 controls.
Results: Median posttreatment changes in concentrations of 3α-dG, T, E1, and E2 were −73.8%, +10.1%, +11.2%, and +7.5% (all P &lt; 0.001), respectively. Neither the pre- nor posttreatment concentrations of 3α-dG, nor its change, were associated with risk. Pretreatment, high concentrations of E1 and low concentrations of T were associated with increased cancer risk [OR; 95% confidence interval (CI) quartile 4 vs. 1: 1.38 (0.99–1.93) Ptrend = 0.03; 0.64 (0.43–0.93) Ptrend = 0.07, respectively]. Posttreatment, high concentrations of both E1 and E2 were associated with increased cancer risk [OR; 95% CI quartile 4 vs. 1: 1.54 (1.09–2.17) Ptrend = 0.03; 1.49 (1.07–2.07) Ptrend = 0.02, respectively].
Conclusions: Among finasteride-treated men, concentrations of 3α-dG were not associated with total or Gleason grades 2 to 6, 7 to 10, or 8 to 10 cancer. High serum estrogens may increase cancer risk when intraprostatic DHT is pharmacologically lowered.
Impact: Low posttreatment serum estrogens may identify men more likely to benefit from use of finasteride to prevent prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1823–32. ©2012 AACR.
Statin Use and Risk of Prostate Cancer in the Prospective Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study
Authors: Chan June M. , Litwack-Harrison Stephanie , Bauer Scott R. , Daniels Nicholas A. , Wilt Timothy J. , Shannon Jackilen , Bauer Douglas C. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Background: Statins are a common medication for cholesterol control that may also have effects on cancer-related pathways. The evidence of an association between statins and prostate cancer risk remains ambiguous.
Methods: We examined statin use in a prospective cohort of 5,069 elderly U.S. men and the risk of incident total, low/high stage, and low/high grade prostate cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2008. We used multivariate logistic regression models to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle characteristics.
Results: There was no evidence of an association between statin use and any of the prostate cancer endpoints (total, low/high stage, low/high grade prostate cancer), adjusting for age, study site, race, body mass index, marital status, family history of prostate cancer, number of comorbidities, physical activity, and smoking history.
Conclusions and Impact: In this study of elderly U.S. men, we observed a null association between statin use and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(10); 1886–8. ©2012 AACR.
Amazonian Deforestation: Impact of Global Warming on the Energy Balance and Climate
Authors: Moraes E. C. , Franchito Sergio H. , Rao V. Brahmananda 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA coupled biosphere–atmosphere statistical–dynamical model is used to study the relative roles of the impact of the land change caused by tropical deforestation and global warming on energy balance and climate. Three experiments were made: 1) deforestation, 2) deforestation + 2 × CO2, and 3) deforestation + CO2, CH4, N2O, and O3 for 2100. In experiment 1, the climatic impact of the Amazonian deforestation is studied. In experiment 2, the effect of doubling CO2 is included. In experiment 3, the concentrations of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) correspond to the A1FI scenario from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emissions Scenarios. The results showed that the percentage of the warming caused by deforestation relative to the warming when the increase in GHG concentrations is included is higher than 60% in the tropical region. On the other hand, with the increase in GHG concentrations, a reduction in the decrease of evapotranspiration and precipitation in the tropical region occurs when compared with the deforestation case. Because of an increase in the net longwave flux at the surface, there is a reduction in the decrease of the surface net radiation flux when compared with the case of only deforestation. This leads to an increase in the surface temperature. Although the changes are higher at 5°S, the percentage of them when the increase in GHG concentrations is included together with deforestation relative to the case of only deforestation is higher at 5°N (higher than 50% for the surface temperature and higher than 90% for the foliage and air foliage temperatures) in both experiments 2 and 3.
Spatializing Growth Suitability for Spring Soybean Cultivation in Northeast China
Authors: He Yingbin , Liu Dongmei , Yao Yanmin , Huang Qing , Li Jianping , Chen Youqi , Shi Shuqin , Wan Li , Yu Shikai , Wang Deying 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this paper, an integrated indicator-based system is established to map the suitability of spring soybean cultivation in northeast China. The indicator system incorporates both biophysical and socioeconomic factors, including the effects of temperature, precipitation, and sunshine on the individual development stages of the spring soybean life cycle. Spatial estimates of crop suitability derived using this indicator system are also compared with spring soybean planting areas to identify locations where there is scope for structural adjustment in soybean farming. Results of this study indicate that northeast China is moderately suited to spring soybean cultivation. Areas classified as suitable, moderately suitable, and unsuitable for soybean cultivation, respectively, occupy approximately 9.09 × 104, 11.45 × 104, and 7.99 × 104 km2, accounting for 11.5%, 10.11%, and 14.49% of the total area of northeast China. The Songnen and Sanjiang Plains are identified as the most and least suitable places, respectively, for spring soybean growth. A comparative analysis indicates that the suitable, moderately suitable, and unsuitable areas account for 24.78%, 46.30%, and 28.92%, respectively, of the total area presently under soybean cultivation. The analysis suggests that soybean cultivation in Heilongjiang Province is generally unfavorable, with equivalent percentages of 15.39%, 51.70%, and 32.91%. Results suggest that agricultural structural adjustment may be required to encourage farmers to grow spring soybeans. It is anticipated that this study will provide a basis for follow-up studies on crop cultivation suitability.
Links between Central West Western Australian Rainfall Variability and Large-Scale Climate Drivers
Authors: Fierro Alexandre O. , Leslie Lance M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOver the past century, and especially after the 1970s, rainfall observations show an increase (decrease) of the wet summer (winter) season rainfall over northwest (southwest) Western Australia. The rainfall in central west Western Australia (CWWA), however, has exhibited comparatively much weaker coastal trends, but a more prominent inland increase during the wet summer season. Analysis of seasonally averaged rainfall data from a group of stations, representative of both the coastal and inland regions of CWWA, revealed that rainfall trends during the 1958–2010 period in the wet months of November–April were primarily associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and with the southern annular mode (SAM) farther inland. During the wet months of May–October, the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) showed the most robust relationships. Those results hold when the effects of ENSO or IOD are excluded, and were confirmed using a principal component analysis of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, rainfall wavelet analyses, and point-by-point correlations of rainfall with global SST anomaly fields. Although speculative, given their long-term averages, reanalysis data suggest that from 1958 to 2010 the increase in CWWA inland rainfall largely is attributable to an increasing cyclonic anomaly trend over CWWA, bringing onshore moist tropical flow to the Pilbara coast. During May–October, the flow anomaly exhibits a transition from an onshore to offshore flow regime in the 2001–10 decade, which is consistent with the observed weaker drying trend during this period.