bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Singal Amit G. , Conjeevaram Hari S. , Volk Michael L. , Fu Sherry , Fontana Robert J. , Askari Fred , Su Grace L. , Lok Anna S. , Marrero Jorge A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recommended in patients with cirrhosis, but the effectiveness of a surveillance program in clinical practice has yet to be established.
Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a surveillance program with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to detect early HCCs.
Methods: Four hundred and forty-six patients with Child A/B cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled between January 2004 and September 2006 and followed until July 2010. HCC surveillance using ultrasound and AFP was conducted per the treating hepatologist, although the standard was every 6 to 12 months. HCC was diagnosed using American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) guidelines and early HCC defined by Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging. Performance characteristics were determined for surveillance using AFP, ultrasound, or the combination.
Results: After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 41 patients developed HCCs, of whom 30 (73.2%) had early HCCs. The annual incidence of HCC was 2.8%, with cumulative 3- and 5-year incidence rates of 5.7% and 9.1%, respectively. Surveillance ultrasound and AFP had sensitivities of 44% and 66% and specificities of 92% and 91%, respectively, for the detection of HCCs. Sensitivity significantly improved to 90%, with minimal loss in specificity (83%) when these tests were used in combination.
Conclusions: When used as a surveillance program in a real-world clinical setting, combination of ultrasound and AFP is the most effective strategy to detect HCC at an early stage.
Impact: Our results differ from the guidelines of the AASLD. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 793–9. ©2012 AACR.
Screening Mammography Use among Current, Former, and Never Hormone Therapy Users May Not Explain Recent Declines in Breast Cancer Incidence
Authors: Buist Diana S.M. , Walker Rod , Bowles Erin J. Aiello , Carney Patricia A. , Taplin Stephen H. , Onega Tracy , Kerlikowske Karla , Clinton Walter , Miglioretti Diana L. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Screening mammography and invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) rates recently declined in the United States; screening mammography declines among former hormone therapy (HT) users may be an important contributor. We longitudinally examined women and compared mammography use and cancer rates by HT use [current, former, and never users of estrogen + progestin (EPT) and estrogen only (ET)].
Methods: We studied 163,490 unique women aged 50–79 years enrolled in Group Health (Washington State) between 1994–2009. Electronic data identified HT dispensing, mammography use and incident breast cancer diagnosis. We calculated age-adjusted screening compliance as a time-varying variable (screened-within-the-past-26 months, yes/no).
Results: Before 2002, screening compliance differed significantly by HT with current EPT users having the highest rates (83%) followed by former EPT (77%), current ET (77%), former ET (72%), and never users (56%). After 2002, screening was high (∼81%) among current and former EPT and ET users and significantly increased among never users (∼62%). Invasive breast cancer rates significantly decreased over the whole study period (Ptrend ≤ 0.05) for all HT users, except EPT current users (Ptrend = 0.68); DCIS rates did not change in any group.
Conclusions: Differential screening mammography rates by HT use do not explain invasive breast cancer incidence declines. Our data suggest discontinuing HT has an immediate effect on breast cancer rates, lending support to the mechanism that cessation leads to tumor regression.
Impact: Studies examining the influence of a changing exposure in relation to outcomes should account for varying exposures, individuals' characteristics, as well as screening methods and frequency. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 720–7. ©2012 AACR.
Patient, Hospital, and Neighborhood Factors Associated with Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer among Asian American Women in California
Authors: Gomez Scarlett Lin , Press David J. , Lichtensztajn Daphne , Keegan Theresa H.M. , Shema Sarah J. , Le Gem M. , Kurian Allison W. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Clinical guidelines recommend breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with radiation as a viable alternative to mastectomy for treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Yet, Asian Americans are more likely than other groups to have mastectomy or omit radiation after BCS.
Methods: We applied polytomous logistic regression and recursive partitioning to analyze factors associated with mastectomy, or BCS without radiation, among 20,987 California Asian Americans diagnosed with stage 0 to II breast cancer from 1990 to 2007.
Results: The percentage receiving mastectomy ranged from 40% among U.S.-born Chinese to 58% among foreign-born Vietnamese. Factors associated with mastectomy included tumor characteristics such as larger tumor size, patient characteristics such as older age and foreign birthplace among some Asian Americans ethnicities, and additional factors including hospital [smaller hospital size, not National Cancer Institute cancer center, low socioeconomic status (SES) patient composition, and high hospital Asian Americans patient composition] and neighborhood characteristics (ethnic enclaves of low SES). These hospital and neighborhood characteristics were also associated with BCS without radiation. Through recursive partitioning, the highest mastectomy subgroups were defined by tumor characteristics such as size and anatomic location, in combination with diagnosis year and nativity.
Conclusions: Tumor characteristics and, secondarily, patient, hospital, and neighborhood factors are predictors of mastectomy and omission of radiation following BCS among Asian Americans.
Impact: By focusing on interactions among patient, hospital, and neighborhood factors in the differential receipt of breast cancer treatment, our study identifies subgroups of interest for further study and translation into public health and patient-focused initiatives to ensure that all women are fully informed about treatment options. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 821–34. ©2012 AACR.
Human Papillomavirus Infection and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Guo Fangcen , Liu Ying , Wang Xueqian , He Zhonghu , Weiss Noel S. , Madeleine Margaret M. , Liu Fangfang , Tian Xiuyun , Song Yuqin , Pan Yaqi , Ning Tao , Yang Haijun , Shi Xiaotian , Lu Changdong , Cai Hong , Ke Yang 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: The risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the high-incidence areas of China remain unclear.
Methods: A total of 300 patients with ESCC and 900 controls matched for age and sex were enrolled in Anyang (China), a high-risk area for ESCC in China. In tumor tissue of the cases and in esophageal biopsies of controls, the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was assessed by an SPF1/GP6+-mediated PCR followed by sequencing. The presence of serum antibody against the HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein was assessed by use of the ELISA. ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated via unconditional logistic regression models.
Results: The presence of HPV in the esophagus (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 4.4–9.2) was associated with increased risk of ESCC. Moreover, infection with “oncogenic” types of HPV (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 6.3–16.8) was more strongly associated with ESCC than other types of HPV (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.4–4.2). The presence of HPV-16 (OR, 12.8; 95% CI, 7.6–21.7) was particularly strongly associated with ESCC. In addition, a higher proportion of cases than controls had serum antibodies against HPV-16 E7 (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 3.7–10.0).
Conclusion and Impact: This study provides the strongest epidemiologic evidence to date in support of the important role of HPV in the development of ESCC in high-incidence areas of China. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 780–5. ©2012 AACR.
Gastric Cancer Incidence among Hispanics in California: Patterns by Time, Nativity, and Neighborhood Characteristics
Authors: Chang Ellen T. , Gomez Scarlett Lin , Fish Kari , Schupp Clayton W. , Parsonnet Julie , DeRouen Mindy C. , Keegan Theresa H. M. , Clarke Christina A. , Glaser Sally L. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Better understanding about gastric cancer incidence patterns among Hispanics by birthplace, socioeconomic status (SES), and acculturation can improve preventive strategies and disease models.
Methods: Incidence rates, rate ratios, and estimated annual percent change (EAPC) in rates of anatomic and histologic subtype-specific gastric cancer were calculated by age, sex, and nativity among Hispanics using California Cancer Registry data from 1988 through 2004. Incidence rates in 1998 to 2002 were compared by neighborhood SES and Hispanic enclave status according to 2000 US Census data.
Results: Incidence rates of diffuse gastric cancer increased from 1988 through 2004 among foreign-born Hispanic men (EAPC: 3.5%, 95% CI: 1.5%–5.5%) and U.S.-born Hispanic women (EAPC: 3.0%, 95% CI: 0.7%–5.3%). During the same time period, incidence rates of intestinal gastric cancer declined significantly and both cardia and noncardia gastric cancer were steady or declined among foreign-born and U.S.-born Hispanic men and women. Noncardia and both intestinal and diffuse gastric cancer were more common in foreign-born than U.S.-born Hispanic men and women, and in those from lower SES, higher enclave neighborhoods. By contrast, among younger and middle-aged Hispanic men, cardia tumors were more common in the U.S.-born than the foreign-born, and in higher SES, lower enclave neighborhoods.
Conclusions: Varying gastric cancer risk factors among Hispanic subgroups and increasing rates of diffuse gastric cancer in foreign-born Hispanic men and U.S.-born Hispanic women merit further investigation to identify separate disease etiologies.
Impact: Age, sex, birthplace, SES, and acculturation modify gastric cancer incidence in Hispanics and should be considered when examining disease risk and prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 709–19. ©2012 AACR.
Weight Cycling and Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Jacobs Eric J. , Sun Juzhong , McCullough Marjorie L. , Patel Alpa V. , Gaudet Mia M. , Teras Lauren R. , Gapstur Susan M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground: Obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), is an established risk factor for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. Weight cycling, which consists of repeated cycles of weight loss followed by regain, occurs frequently in overweight and obese women. It is unclear whether weight cycling is associated with risk of endometrial cancer independent of BMI.Methods: This analysis included 38,148 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, of whom 559 were diagnosed with endometrial cancer between enrollment in 1992 and June 30, 2007. Number of lifetime weight cycles was determined from questions on the baseline questionnaire asking how many times 10 or more pounds were intentionally lost and later regained. Multivariable-adjusted hazard rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression.Results: Weight cycling was positively associated with endometrial cancer incidence (RR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.63–2.78 for 10+ weight cycles vs. no weight cycles; Ptrend &lt; 0.0001). However, after adjustment for BMI in 1992, this association was null (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.77–1.42; Ptrend = 0.82). Weight cycling was not associated with endometrial cancer in analyses stratified by BMI or by weight change after adjustment for BMI.Conclusions: After adjustment for BMI, weight cycling was not associated with the risk of endometrial cancer.Impact: These findings suggest that weight loss with subsequent regain is unlikely to increase risk of endometrial cancer. Therefore, weight loss for better health should be encouraged. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 747–52. ©2012 AACR.
Central Adiposity and Prostate Cancer in a Black Population
Authors: Nemesure Barbara , Wu Suh-Yuh , Hennis Anselm , Leske M. Cristina 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: The relationship between central adiposity and prostate cancer remains unclear.
Methods: This report includes 963 newly diagnosed cases of histologically confirmed prostate cancer and 941 randomly selected age-matched controls ascertained from the population-based Prostate Cancer in a Black Population study conducted between July 2002 and January 2011 in Barbados, West Indies. Trained nurse interviewers obtained data on height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, family and medical history, and lifestyle factors. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess associations between anthropometric measures and prostate cancer.
Results: A two-fold increased risk of prostate cancer was found among men in the highest quartile of waist–hip ratio compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 2.11, 95% CI, 1.54–2.88). Similarly, men with the largest waist circumferences had an OR of 1.84 (95% CI, 1.19–2.85) compared with those with the smallest waist sizes.
Conclusions: These results suggest that measures of central rather than global adiposity may be more predictive of prostate cancer, especially in westernized African populations, where patterns of visceral fat distribution are different than other groups.
Impact: The findings highlight the need to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between central adiposity and prostate cancer in populations of predominantly African descent. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 851–8. ©2012 AACR.
Circulating Biomarkers of Iron Storage and Clearance of Incident Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Siegel Erin M. , Patel Nitin , Lu Beibei , Lee Ji-Hyun , Nyitray Alan G. , Huang Xi , Villa Luisa L. , Franco Eduardo L. , Giuliano Anna R. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Background: Iron is an essential mineral for both cellular and pathogen survival and is essential for viral replication. In turn, iron metabolism has been shown to be altered by several viral infections. However, little is known about the association between iron status and human papillomavirus (HPV) natural history. We hypothesize iron to be an HPV cofactor that is associated with longer duration of infection.
Methods: Ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured in baseline serum samples from 327 women enrolled in the Ludwig–McGill cohort. Incident HPV clearance rates (any-type, oncogenic HPV, nononcogenic HPV, and HPV-16) over a 3 year time period were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models accounting for correlations between multiple infections.
Results: Women with ferritin levels above the median were less likely to clear incident oncogenic HPV [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55–0.96] and HPV-16 infections (AHR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11–0.73). Using physiologic cutoff points, women with enriched iron stores (&gt;120 μg/L) were less likely to clear incident oncogenic HPV infections than those with low levels of iron (&lt;20 μg/L; AHR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15–0.81).
Conclusion: This study observed that women with the highest ferritin levels were less likely to clear incident oncogenic and HPV-16 infections than women with low ferritin. Rising iron stores may decrease probability of clearing new HPV infection, possibly by promoting viral activity and contributing to oxidative DNA damage.
Impact: This novel study suggests that elevated iron stores may put women at risk for persistent HPV infection, an early event in cervical carcinogenesis. Further examination of the association between iron status and HPV natural history is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(5); 859–65. ©2012 AACR.
A New Parallel to the Jewish Babylonian Aramaic Magic Bowl IM 76106 (Nippur 11 N78)
Authors: Ford J.N. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This study comprises a new edition of the Jewish Babylonian Aramaic magic bowl IM 76106, first published in 1975 by S.A. Kaufman (as Nippur 11 N 78) and recently re-edited by A.H. Faraj, together with an edition of a new parallel bowl in a private collection. The bowls contain a number of new additions to the JBA lexicon, namely, (var.) 'hemorrhoids'; 'languor'; 'aches' // 'afflictions'; the cognate verbs and; and possibly 'rot/weakness'. Almost all the new words have cognates in Mandaic and/or Syriac. In addition, IM 76106 proves to be the most important source for the phonetic spelling of the subordinating particle (relative pronoun) as discovered to date. In an appendix the meanings of 'periodic fever' and other terms for types of fever are discussed.
Some Lexicographic and Etymological Notes on 'A Jewish Neo-Aramaic Dictionary'
Authors: Mutzafi Hezy 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The present article refers to several selected lexical oddities which appear in Yona Sabar's A Jewish Neo-Aramaic Dictionary. The article seeks to clarify the etymologies of these lexical items, to refine their definitions whenever necessary, and to offer extensive comparative data related to cognates and missing links in various other Neo-Aramaic varieties, in particular North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA) dialects. All lexical items in question are proven to be inherited from pre-modern Aramaic, and five of them appear to be part of the inventory of Akkadian loanwords in NENA and other Aramaic languages. Mere recourse to Classical Aramaic is inadequate for uncovering the origins of most of these lexical items due to far-reaching semantic, phonological and morphological changes that have distanced them from their precursors. In most cases, therefore, a comparative inter-dialectal study is crucial for securing well-founded etyma for these puzzling words. Each etymological discussion specifies the diachronic processes involved in the development of the lexical item under consideration.
A Biblical Aramaic Pastiche from the Cairo Geniza
Authors: Smelik Willem 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Two fragments in the Cambridge Genizah Collections preserve an odd specimen of Aramaic liturgical poetry in two copies. The poem is a pastiche from Biblical Aramaic phrases, recycled with occasional later Aramaic or Hebrew supplements and supplemented with Biblical Hebrew citations. The biblical lexemes were lifted out of their original co-text and rearranged as an acrostic. The poem celebrates the reconstruction of the Temple and the city walls in the face of fierce opposition, a theme markedly enriched with eschatological motifs. It is quite difficult to date this specimen of mixed Aramaic poetry, but the dialect admixture and some dialect features suggest a relative date in the last quarter of the second millennium CE.
Sounds of Silence in Biblical Hebrew: A Lexical Study
Authors: Eidevall Göran 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article explores the semantic resources of biblical Hebrew, when it comes to speaking about silence. The aim is to reach more clarity concerning the sense and function of pertinent lexemes, and to contribute to a better understanding of the “semantic field” of silence. It is demonstrated that biblical Hebrew had several verbs with the sense “to be silent” (= abstain from speech), but no noun corresponding to the English word “silence” (denoting a situation characterized by the absence of speech or by the complete lack of audible sounds). However, the domains of silence and stillness overlap. Thus, when the biblical writers wanted to describe a situation of “silence”, they could choose one of several words associated with the wider concept of stillness.
The Descriptive Phenomenological Psychological Method
Authors: Giorgi Amedeo 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The author explains that his background was in experimental psychology but that he wanted to study the whole person and not fragmented psychological processes. He also desired a non-reductionistic method for studying humans. Fortunately he came across the work of Edmund Husserl and discovered in the latter’s thought a way of researching humans that met the criteria he was seeking. Eventually he developed a phenomenological method for researching humans in a psychological way based upon the work of Husserl and Merleau-Ponty. This article briefly describes the method.
The Employment of the Phenomenological Psychological Method in the Service of Art Education
Authors: Cloonan Thomas F. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The concern of this study is the consequences of art education information on the experiencing of a painting that has already been experienced in a condition naïve to such information. It is believed that experiential data of viewers with respect to such consequences can be accessed by way of the phenomenological approach. The phenomenological psychology and methodology that are representative of this approach are that of Amedeo P. Giorgi. The employment of Giorgi’s phenomenological psychological method in this study is in the service of education and pedagogy. Giorgi’s history of research on a phenomenological psychology and the method specific to it goes back a number of decades. Four major presentations by Giorgi (1985, 2009; Giorgi & Giorgi, 2003, 2008) are the sources for designing the study here in the use of his method. Giorgi’s (2009) book is the major source for the understanding of his development and use of the method.
The Possibility of Citizen Theology: Public Theology after Christendom and the Enlightenment
Authors: Brown Malcolm , Pattison Stephen , Smith Graeme 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
In this article the authors outline and critique two models of public theology in order to advance a new, more helpful, approach. The context is British but the intention is to draw lessons for public theology in the global west. The state of British public theology is briefly surveyed and found to be in some disarray. The most common models—characterized as ‘disciple theology’ and ‘liberal activist theology’—are critically analysed and found in significant ways to be inadequate for purpose. The model of ‘citizen theology’ as an approach to doing public theology is advanced, developed and discussed as an alternate. The central features of citizen theology are put forward for analysis. These include the importance of developing the virtues, creating poetic and parabolic discourse, and creating imaginative theological categories and theories.
Seeing God in Philo of Alexandria: Means, Methods, and Mysticism
Authors: Mackie Scott D. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
For Philo of Alexandria, seeing God represents the pinnacle of human experience. This essay examines three important aspects of that experience: the effectual means of the vision, the methods employed in evoking it, and the function and influence of Philo’s mysticism in the experience. While in some contexts Philo emphasizes the singular role of God in empowering the contemplative ascent and affording the vision, many others highlight the part played by human effort. Philo’s accounts of the practices that evoke the ascent and vision of God are also varied. Though Platonic philosophical contemplation and the practice of virtue are occasionally implicated, in most cases exegetical text work is instrumental. Finally, while some have attempted to divorce Philo’s mystical praxis from the vision of God, contending that “seeing” is simply a metaphor for “knowing” (i.e., “achieving a rational awareness of God’s existence”), a number of factors indicate the importance of Philo’s mysticism in the experience and suggest that an actual, mystical visual encounter underlies and informs these textual representations.