bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Five Lifestyle Habits and Cancer Risk: Results from the E3N Cohort
Authors: Dartois Laureen , Fagherazzi Guy , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Mesrine Sylvie , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAlthough some modifiable lifestyle characteristics have been associated with decreased cancer risk, little is known about their combined effect or about the proportion of cancer cases that could be prevented by improving lifestyle behaviors. We aimed to quantify the association between lifestyle habits and all-site and site-specific cancer risk in middle-aged women. The study included 64,732 women from the French E3N prospective cohort, ages 43 to 68 years at baseline. During a 15-year follow-up period, 6,938 cases of invasive cancer were diagnosed. We defined an index that aggregated five lifestyle characteristics: smoking, body mass index, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Proportional hazard Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the association between lifestyle and cancer risk and to estimate multivariate HRs and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). In addition, population-attributable fractions were used to estimate the proportion of cancer cases that could be prevented by healthier behaviors. A significant decrease in all-site cancer risk was observed and was associated with a healthy lifestyle (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73–0.89 when comparing the highest with the lowest health index category; Ptrend across categories &lt; 0.01). Combining all five characteristics would have prevented 6.3% (2.2%–10.3%) of any-site, 6.3% (0.5%–12.1%) of postmenopausal breast, and 47.5% (26.8%–64.1%) of lung cancers. In conclusion, compliance with only five modifiable lifestyle behaviors could prevent a significant number of cancers, notably postmenopausal breast and lung cancers. Cancer Prev Res; 7(5); 516–25. ©2014 AACR.
Combination of Alphavirus Replicon Particle–Based Vaccination with Immunomodulatory Antibodies: Therapeutic Activity in the B16 Melanoma Mouse Model and Immune Correlates
Authors: Avogadri Francesca , Zappasodi Roberta , Yang Arvin , Budhu Sadna , Malandro Nicole , Hirschhorn-Cymerman Daniel , Tiwari Shakuntala , Maughan Maureen F. , Olmsted Robert , Wolchok Jedd D. , Merghoub Taha 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInduction of potent immune responses to self-antigens remains a major challenge in tumor immunology. We have shown that a vaccine based on alphavirus replicon particles (VRP) activates strong cellular and humoral immunity to tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) melanoma antigen, providing prophylactic and therapeutic effects in stringent mouse models. Here, we report that the immunogenicity and efficacy of this vaccine is increased in combination with either antagonist anti-CTL antigen-4 (CTLA-4) or agonist anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNF family–related gene (GITR) immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In the challenging therapeutic setting, VRP–TRP2 plus anti-GITR or anti–CTLA-4 mAb induced complete tumor regression in 90% and 50% of mice, respectively. These mAbs had similar adjuvant effects in priming an adaptive immune response against the vaccine-encoded antigen, augmenting, respectively, approximately 4- and 2-fold the TRP2-specific CD8+ T-cell response and circulating Abs, compared with the vaccine alone. Furthermore, while both mAbs increased the frequency of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, anti–CTLA-4 mAb also increased the quantity of intratumor CD4+Foxp3− T cells expressing the negative costimulatory molecule programmed death-1 (PD-1). Concurrent GITR expression on these cells suggests that they might be controlled by anti-GITR mAbs, thus potentially explaining their differential accumulation under the two treatment conditions. These findings indicate that combining immunomodulatory mAbs with alphavirus-based anticancer vaccines can provide therapeutic antitumor immune responses in a stringent mouse model, suggesting potential utility in clinical trials. They also indicate that tumor-infiltrating CD4+Foxp3−PD-1+ T cells may affect the outcome of immunomodulatory treatments. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(5); 448–58. ©2014 AACR.
Smoking alters circulating plasma microvesicle pattern and microRNA signatures
Authors: Badrnya Sigrun , Assinger Alice , Baumgartner Roland 
Published: February 2014

SummaryCirculating plasma microvesicles (PMVs) and their microRNA content are involved in the development of atherosclerosis and could serve as biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. However, little is known on how smoking influences the levels of PMVs and microRNA signatures in vivo. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of smoking on circulating PMV levels and CVD-related PMV-derived microRNAs in young, healthy smokers. Twenty young (10 female, 10 male; 25 ± 4 years) healthy smokers (16 ± 6 cigarettes per day for 8 ± 4 years) and age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. While complete blood count revealed no differences between both groups, smoking significantly enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species in platelets and leukocytes as well as platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation. Total circulating PMV counts were significantly reduced in smokers, which could be attributed to decreased platelet-derived PMVs. While the number of endothelial PMVs remained unaffected, smoking propagated circulating leukocyte-derived PMVs. Despite reduced total PMVs, PMV-derived microRNA-profiling of six smoker/control pairs revealed a decrease of only a single microRNA, the major platelet-derived microRNA miR-223. Conversely, miR-29b, a microRNA associated with aortic aneurysm and fibrosis, and RNU6–2, a commonly used reference-RNA, were significantly up-regulated. Smoking leads to alterations in the circulating PMV profile and changes in the PMV-derived microRNA signature already in young, healthy adults. These changes may contribute to the development of smoking-related cardiovascular pathologies. Moreover, these smoking-related changes have to be considered when microRNA or PMV profiles are used as disease-specific biomarkers.
Gaps in translation from trials to practice: Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ko Darae , Cove Christina L. , Hylek Elaine M. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryWorldwide there is a tremendous need for affordable anticoagulants that do not require monitoring. The advent of the non-warfarin oral anticoagulant drugs represents a major advance for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). The objectives of this review are to 1) identify gaps in our current knowledge regarding use of these single target anticoagulant drugs; 2) outline the potential implications of these gaps for clinical practice, and thereby, 3) highlight areas of research to further optimise their use for stroke prevention in AF.
The Global Burden of Ischemic Heart Disease in 1990 and 2010
Authors: Moran Andrew E. , Forouzanfar Mohammad H. , Roth Gregory A. , Mensah George A. , Ezzati Majid , Flaxman Abraham , Murray Christopher J.L. , Naghavi Mohsen 
Published: February 2014

Background—
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) burden consists of years of life lost from IHD deaths and years of disability lived with 3 nonfatal IHD sequelae: nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and ischemic heart failure. Our aim was to estimate the global and regional burden of IHD in 1990 and 2010.

Methods and Results—
Global and regional estimates of acute myocardial infarction incidence and angina and heart failure prevalence by age, sex, and world region in 1990 and 2010 were estimated based on data from a systematic review and nonlinear mixed-effects meta-regression methods. Age-standardized acute myocardial infarction incidence and angina prevalence decreased globally between 1990 and 2010; ischemic heart failure prevalence increased slightly. The global burden of IHD increased by 29 million disability-adjusted life-years (29% increase) between 1990 and 2010. About 32.4% of the growth in global IHD disability-adjusted life-years between 1990 and 2010 was attributable to aging of the world population, 22.1% was attributable to population growth, and total disability-adjusted life-years were attenuated by a 25.3% decrease in per capita IHD burden (decreased rate). The number of people living with nonfatal IHD increased more than the number of IHD deaths since 1990, but >90% of IHD disability-adjusted life-years in 2010 were attributable to IHD deaths.

Conclusions—
Globally, age-standardized acute myocardial infarction incidence and angina prevalence have decreased, and ischemic heart failure prevalence has increased since 1990. Despite decreased age-standardized fatal and nonfatal IHD in most regions since 1990, population growth and aging led to a higher global burden of IHD in 2010.
Relative Importance of Step Count, Intensity, and Duration on Physical Activity's Impact on Vascular Structure and Function in Previously Sedentary Older Adults
Authors: Suboc Tisha B. , Strath Scott J. , Dharmashankar Kodlipet , Coulliard Allison , Miller Nora , Wang Jingli , Tanner Michael J. , Widlansky Michael E. 
Published: February 2014

Background

Age‐related endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening are associated with increased cardiovascular (
CV
) risk. Many groups have encouraged goals of ≥10 000 steps/day or ≥30 min/day of moderate intensity physical activity (
MPA
) to reduce age‐related
CV
risk. The impact of
MPA
on the vasculature of older adults remains unclear.

Methods and Results

We randomized 114 sedentary older adults ages ≥50 to 12 weeks of either no intervention (group 1), a pedometer‐only intervention (group 2), or a pedometer with an interactive website employing strategies to increase the adoption of habitual physical activity (
PA
, group 3). Endothelial function by brachial flow‐mediated dilation (
FMD
%), vascular stiffness by tonometry, step‐count by pedometer, and
PA
intensity/distribution by accelerometer were measured. Step‐count increased in groups 2 (5136±1554 to 9596±3907,
P
<0.001) and 3 (5474±1512 to 8167±3111,
P
<0.001) but not in group 1 (4931±1667 to 5410±2410). Both groups 2 and 3 increased
MPA
≥30 min/day. Only group 3 increased
MPA
in continuous bouts of ≥10 minutes (
P
<0.001) and improved
FMD
% (
P
=0.001). Neither achievement of ≥10 000 steps/day nor ≥30 min/day of
MPA
resulted in improved
FMD
%. However, achieving ≥20 min/day in
MPA
bouts resulted in improved
FMD
%. No changes in vascular stiffness were observed.

Conclusions

MPA
reverses age‐related endothelial dysfunction, but may require
MPA
to be performed in bouts of ≥10 minutes duration for ≥20 min/day to be effective. Commonly encouraged
PA
goals do not guarantee improved endothelial function and may not be as effective in reducing
CV
risk.

Clinical Trial Registration
URL: Clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT‐01212978.
The Mesopotamian Background of the Enochic Giants and Evil Spirits
Authors: Drawnel Henryk 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In the myth of the fallen Watchers (1 En. 6–11) the giants, illegitimate offspring of the fallen angels, are depicted as exceedingly violent beings that consume the labour of all the sons of men. They also kill men, devour them, and drink blood. Finally, they sin against all the animals of the earth. The violent behaviour of the giants in 1 En. 7:2–5 continues in 1 En. 15:11 where the spirits of the giants attack humanity, thus it appears that the spirits behave in a manner similar to that of the giants. The present article argues that the description of the giants in 1 En. 7:2–5 and their spirits in 15:11 is modeled after the violent behaviour of the demons found in the Mesopotamian bilingual series Utukkū Lemnūtu. The giants, therefore, are not to be identified with the Mesopotamian warrior-kings, but their behaviour rather indicates that they actually are violent and evil demons.
Overt Acknowledgement of Practical Considerations in Legal Texts from Qumran
Authors: Novick Tzvi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Scholars typically suppose that legal texts from Qumran do not distinguish between principle and practice. The law does not legitimate lenient accommodations to reality, nor does it explicitly implement stringencies merely as precautions. While this view is no doubt largely correct, there are notable exceptions. This article collects and analyzes these exceptions, and weighs their significance.
When Visa-free Travel Becomes Difficult to Achieve and Easy to Lose: The EU Visa Free Dialogues after the EU’s Experience with the Western Balkans
Authors: Trauner Florian , Manigrassi Emanuele 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In the wake of the visa liberalisation for Western Balkan states, the sudden increase of Balkan asylum seekers has become a salient issue in the eu. This article elaborates on how this issue has made the eu alter its instruments of visa-free travel. With regard to the pre-visa liberalisation phase, the eu now places more emphasis on issues relating to the fundamental rights and social inclusion of marginalised groups, in particular Roma. Also, the ongoing Visa Free Dialogues with countries such as Ukraine and Russia have become more political and include more instances of decision-making where member states can slow down the process. The most significant modification to the EU’s approach is probably the fact that the eu has developed a structured post-visa liberalisation phase. With its post-visa liberalisation monitoring and the visa safeguard clause, the EU has established new (lower level) instruments to keep track of and push for further reforms post-visa liberalisation. The incentive of visa-free travel has turned into a moving target not only used as a source of external eu influence on domestic policy-making pre-visa liberalisation but also post-visa liberalisation.
The first discovery of the genus Meira Jacquelin du Val outside the western mediterranean area, with description of a new species (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: Bellò Cesare , Baviera Cosimo 
Published: February 2014

A new species of Meira Jacquelin du Val, 1852 from northeast Italy is described: Meira mariaesilvanae sp. n. This is the first discovery of the genus Meira in the northeast of Italy outside the hitherto known distribution. Ecological and distributional data are provided for the new species. Photos of habitus, some morphological details, genitalia and of the type locality illustrate the work. In addition we provide a dichotomous key to Italian species and a checklist to known Meira species.
Utility of Dense Pressure Observations for Improving Mesoscale Analyses and Forecasts
Authors: Madaus Luke E. , Hakim Gregory J. , Mass Clifford F. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The use of dense pressure observations is investigated for creating mesoscale ensemble analyses and improving short-term mesoscale forecasts. By exploiting additional observation platforms, the number of pressure observations over the Pacific Northwest region is increased by an order of magnitude over standard airport observations. Quality control and bias correction methods for these observations are discussed, including the use of pressure tendency as an alternative observation type with fewer bias concerns. The enhanced station density provided by these observations contributes to localized adjustments for a variety of mesoscale phenomena. These adjusted analyses yield improved forecasts, including more accurate forecasts of frontal passages and convective bands. Assimilating dense 3-h pressure tendency observations also reduces the error in some forecast surface fields similarly to raw pressure observations, suggesting further investigation into pressure tendency as a mesoscale observation type.
Simulation Model for Tracheotomy Education for Primary Health-Care Providers
Authors: Dorton LeighAnne H. , Lintzenich Catherine Rees , Evans Adele K. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives: We performed this study to evaluate the competency of health-care providers managing patients with tracheotomies, and assess the need for, and efficacy of, a multidisciplinary educational program incorporating patient simulation. Methods: The prospective observational study included 87 subjects who manage patients with tracheotomies within a tertiary-care hospital. The subjects completed self-assessment questionnaires and objective multiple-choice tests before and after attending a comprehensive educational course using patient simulation. The outcome measurements included pre-course and post-course questionnaire and test scores, as well as observational data collected during recorded patient simulation sessions. Results: Before the education and simulation, the subjects reported an average comfort level of 3.3 on a 5-point Likert scale across 10 categories in the questionnaire, which improved to 4.4 after the training (p < 0.0001). The subjects’ mean scores improved from 56% on the pre-course test to 91% on the post-course test (p < 0.0001). The specific deficiencies observed during patient simulation scenarios included unfamiliarity with different tracheotomy tube types, misunderstanding of speaking valve physiology, and delayed recognition and treatment of a plugged or dislodged tracheotomy tube. Conclusions: There is a significant need for improved tracheotomy education among primary health-care providers. Incorporating patient simulation into a comprehensive tracheotomy educational program was effective in improving provider confidence, increasing provider knowledge, and teaching the skills necessary for managing patients with a tracheotomy.
Quality of Life After Cholesteatoma Surgery
Authors: Quaranta Nicola , Iannuzzi Lucia , Petrone Paolo , D’Elia Alessandra , Quaranta Antonio 
Published: February 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of the Chronic Ear Survey (CES), the quality of life of patients who had undergone either intact–canal wall tympanoplasty (ICWT) or canal wall–down tympanoplasty (CWDT) with mastoid obliteration. Methods: This was a retrospective case review study performed at a tertiary referral center. Among 379 patients affected by middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma operated on between November 2000 and December 2009, 50 patients who underwent ICWT and 50 who underwent CWDT with mastoid obliteration were randomly selected. The CES scores were analyzed for both groups. Results: The mean scores on the CES were 6.5 ± 2.1 in patients who underwent CWDT and 6.9 ± 2.2 in patients treated with ICWT ( t = −0.93; p > 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were found on the activity restriction, symptom, or medical resource subscales (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that CWDT with mastoid obliteration resulted in a quality of life comparable with that after ICWT. Postoperative hearing loss is the most frequently reported problem for both techniques.
Effect of Weight Loss on Short-Term Outcomes and Costs of Care After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Gourin Christine G. , Couch Marion E. , Johnson Jonas T. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) frequently present with weight loss secondary to dysphagia and malnutrition. We sought to determine the relationship between weight loss and in-hospital mortality, complications, length of hospitalization, and costs in HNC surgery. Methods: We analyzed discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 93,663 patients who underwent an ablative procedure for malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasms between 2003 and 2008. Results: Weight loss was significantly associated with dysphagia (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.0; p < 0.001), alcohol abuse (RRR = 2.0; p < 0.001), advanced comorbidity (RRR = 1.8; p < 0.001), Medicaid payor status (RRR = 1.6; p = 0.002), urgent or emergent admission (RRR = 1.7; p = 0.015), and major surgical procedures (RRR = 2.3; p < 0.001). Patients with weight loss had increased risks of acute cardiac events, pneumonia, renal failure, sepsis, pulmonary failure (RRR = 2.6; p < 0.001), and postoperative wound healing complications, including fistula, dehiscence, and surgical site infection (RRR = 2.0; p < 0.001). After we controlled for all other variables, weight loss was associated with significantly increased length of hospitalization and hospital-related costs. Conclusions: Weight loss is associated with increases in medical complications, surgical complications, length of hospitalization, and hospital-related costs in HNC surgical patients. Aggressive preoperative identification and treatment of underlying dysphagia and malnutrition may reduce the medical and surgical morbidity in this high-risk population.
Endoscopic and Three-Dimensional Radiographic Imaging of the Pterygopalatine and Infratemporal Fossae
Authors: Bryant Lucas , Goodmurphy Craig W. , Han Joseph K. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives: We sought to define the surgical endoscopic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and infratemporal fossa (ITF) through endoscopic cadaver dissections and radiographic imaging analysis. Methods: Eleven fresh cadavers were submitted to computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic dissection. We used 3-dimensional (3-D) CT reconstruction and endoscopic video imaging for analysis of the bony and soft tissue landmarks. One fixed cadaver head was grossly dissected to confirm the endoscopic anatomic findings. Results: The CT and 3-D CT reconstruction measurements between the pterygoid canal and the foramen rotundum averaged 4.36 mm and 5.09 mm, respectively. An osseous ridge (pterygoid ridge) was identified on the anterior face of the pterygoid process as a novel identifiable anatomic landmark in all of the specimens. The average length of the pterygoid ridge on 3-D CT reconstruction was 7.84 mm. The internal maxillary artery entered the PPF posteromedial to the temporalis tendon and anterolateral to the lateral pterygoid muscle. The average distance from the anterior edge of the lateral pterygoid plate to the foramen ovale was 17.1 mm. Conclusions: The pterygoid ridge is a novel and reliable osseous landmark that could assist surgeons during endoscopic surgery on the PPF and ITF. The neurovascular and muscular anatomic relationships were characterized for both the PPF and the ITF.
Attendance in Voice Therapy
Authors: Starmer Heather M. , Liu Zaneta , Akst Lee M. , Gourin Christine 
Published: February 2014

Objectives: We sought to determine the effect of referral patterns on attendance in voice therapy. Methods: Patients who were seen by a laryngologist for vocal concerns and referred for voice therapy comprised the study population. Outcomes were compared between those who were initially evaluated through the interdisciplinary voice clinic (IDC), which combined speech-language pathology and laryngology care, and those who were evaluated by a laryngologist alone. Adherence was measured by completion of the plan of care. Results: There were 79 patients evaluated through the IDC and 100 patients evaluated initially by a laryngologist. Patients evaluated through the IDC had more visits with the speech-language pathologist (mean, 3.1 versus 1.24; p < 0.0001). Those initially evaluated through the IDC were more likely to complete their plan of care (p = 0.02). Completion of voice therapy was significantly more likely for individuals coded as being of “other” race (odds ratio, 7.98; p = 0.002) and for patients who participated in the IDC (odds ratio, 2.56; p = 0.018). The cause of dysphonia, sex, marital status, insurance status, days from laryngology referral to the initial speech-language pathologist consultation, the initial Voice-Related Quality of Life score, and distance to the clinic were not associated with patient attendance. Conclusions: Patients evaluated in a coordinated IDC should be more likely to attend voice therapy and complete their plan of care, regardless of other factors.