bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impatience and Humanity's Sinful State in Tertullian of Carthage
Authors:   Steenberg
Published: February 2008

AbstractTertullian's unique use of 'patience' as a salvific paradigm, grounds a conception of human nature, and particularly sin and 'fallen nature', articulated in economic terms. This article takes this conception, together with Tertullian's bipartite anthropology, to disclose a unique understanding of humanity's sinful condition. As the two composite 'parts' of man art interrelated in an economy of relation to God, so we will argue Tertullian grounds his concept of soteriology in his vision of the human person, linking it intrinsically to the life of Christ and the offering of the cross, uniting the human to the trinitarian life of Father, Son and Spirit.
Mice lacking the extracellular matrix protein MAGP1 display delayed thrombotic occlusion following vessel injury
Authors: Werneck Claudio C. , Vicente Cristina P. , Weinberg Justin S. , Shifren Adrian , Pierce Richard A. , Broekelmann Thomas J. , Tollefsen Douglas M. , Mecham Robert P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMice lacking the extracellular matrix protein microfibril-associated glycoprotein-1 (MAGP1) display delayed thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery following injury as well as prolonged bleeding from a tail vein incision. Normal occlusion times were restored when recombinant MAGP1 was infused into deficient animals prior to vessel wounding. Blood coagulation was normal in these animals as assessed by activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Platelet number was lower in MAGP1-deficient mice, but the platelets showed normal aggregation properties in response to various agonists. MAGP1 was not found in normal platelets or in the plasma of wild-type mice. In ligand blot assays, MAGP1 bound to fibronectin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor, but von Willebrand factor was the only protein of the 3 that bound to MAGP1 in surface plasmon resonance studies. These findings show that MAGP1, a component of microfibrils and vascular elastic fibers, plays a role in hemostasis and thrombosis.
Vascular dermatan sulfate regulates the antithrombotic activity of heparin cofactor II
Authors: He Li , Giri Tusar K. , Vicente Cristina P. , Tollefsen Douglas M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHeparin cofactor II (HCII)–deficient mice form occlusive thrombi more rapidly than do wild-type mice following injury to the carotid arterial endothelium. Dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS) increase the rate of inhibition of thrombin by HCII in vitro, but it is unknown whether vascular glycosaminoglycans play a role in the antithrombotic effect of HCII in vivo. In this study, we found that intravenous injection of either wild-type recombinant HCII or a variant with low affinity for HS (K173H) corrected the abnormally short thrombosis time of HCII-deficient mice, while a variant with low affinity for DS (R189H) had no effect. When HCII was incubated with frozen sections of the mouse carotid artery, it bound specifically to DS in the adventitia. HCII was undetectable in the wall of the uninjured carotid artery, but it became concentrated in the adventitia following endothelial injury. These results support the hypothesis that HCII interacts with DS in the vessel wall after disruption of the endothelium and that this interaction regulates thrombus formation in vivo.
Maturing dendritic cells are an important source of IL-29 and IL-20 that may cooperatively increase the innate immunity of keratinocytes
Authors: Wolk Kerstin , Witte Katrin , Witte Ellen , Proesch Susanna , Schulze-Tanzil Gundula , Nasilowska Katarzyna , Thilo John , Asadullah Khusru , Sterry Wolfram , Volk Hans-Dieter , Sabat Robert 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26, IL-28, and IL-29 are new members of the IL-10 interferon family. Monocytes are well-known sources of IL-19, IL-20, and IL-24. We demonstrated here that monocytes also expressed IL-29, and monocyte differentiation into macrophages (Mφ) or dendritic cells (DCs) strongly changed their production capacity of these cytokines. Maturation of DCs with bacterial stimuli induced high expression of IL-28/IL-29 and IL-20. Simulated T cell interaction and inflammatory cytokines induced IL-29 and IL-20 in maturing DCs, respectively. Compared with monocytes, DCs expressed only minimal IL-19 levels and no IL-24. The differentiation of monocytes into Mφ reduced their IL-19 and terminated their IL-20, IL-24, and IL-29 production capacity. Like monocytes, neither Mφ nor DCs expressed IL-22 or IL-26. The importance of maturing DCs as a source of IL-28/IL-29 was supported by the much higher mRNA levels of these mediators in maturing DCs compared with those in CMV-infected fibroblasts, and the presence of IL-28 in lymph nodes but not in liver of lipopolysaccharide-injected mice. IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, and IL-26 do not seem to affect Mφ or DCs as deduced from the lack of corresponding receptor chains. The significance of IL-20 and IL-28/IL-29 coexpression in maturing DCs may lie in the broadly amplified innate immunity in neighboring tissue cells like keratinocytes. In fact, IL-20 induced the expression of antimicrobial proteins, whereas IL-28/IL-29 enhanced the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the response to TLR ligands. However, the strongest response to TLR2 and TLR3 activation showed keratinocytes in the simultaneous presence of IL-20 and IL-29.
Post-Traumatic Stress Outcomes in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors
Authors: Smith Sophia K. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Williams Christianna S. , Preisser John S. , Clipp Elizabeth C. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose A large body of evidence suggests that being diagnosed with and treated for cancer adversely affects functioning and quality of life, yet less is known about longer term outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in survivors of adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who are at least 2 years postdiagnosis and identify the risk factors associated with PTSD symptoms, with a focus on those that are amenable for screening and modifiable. Patients and Methods A total of 886 NHL survivors identified from the cancer registries of two hospitals in North Carolina participated, ranging in age from 25 to 92 years old and ranging from 2 to 44 years postdiagnosis. Survivors were mailed a survey that assessed PTSD symptoms and quality of life. Results Participants averaged 10.2 years postdiagnosis, and most (61%) reported no PTSD symptoms. The adjusted prevalence for full PTSD was 7.9%, with an additional 9.1% meeting criteria for partial PTSD. Modifiable risk factors that were independently associated with PTSD in multiple linear regression included less social support, negative appraisals of life threat and treatment intensity, and more employment and insurance issues. Additionally, several demographic characteristics (nonwhite race, less education, and younger age) and clinical or health-related factors (active disease, more recent diagnosis, and more comorbidity) were independently associated with PTSD. Conclusion Although only 8% of survivors met PTSD diagnostic criteria, the impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment persists for many survivors, as evidenced in 39% of this sample. Early identification of those at risk could enable treatment to minimize PTSD symptomatology.
Impact of a Mixed Strength and Endurance Exercise Intervention on Insulin Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ligibel Jennifer A. , Campbell Nancy , Partridge Ann , Chen Wendy Y. , Salinardi Taylor , Chen Haiyan , Adloff Kristie , Keshaviah Aparna , Winer Eric P. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Accumulating data suggest that exercise may affect breast cancer risk and outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that high levels of insulin, often seen in sedentary individuals, are associated with increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and death. We sought to analyze whether exercise lowered insulin concentrations in breast cancer survivors. Methods One hundred one sedentary, overweight breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned either to a 16-week cardiovascular and strength training exercise intervention or to a usual care control group. Fasting insulin and glucose levels, weight, body composition, and circumference at the waist and hip were collected at baseline and 16 weeks. Results Baseline and 16-week measurements were available for 82 patients. Fasting insulin concentrations decreased by an average of 2.86 μU/mL in the exercise group (P = .03), with no significant change in the control group (decrease of 0.27 μU/mL, P = .65). The change in insulin levels in the exercise group seemed greater than the change in controls, but the comparison did not reach statistical significance (P = .07). There was a trend toward improvement in insulin resistance in the exercise group (P = .09) but no change in fasting glucose levels. The exercise group also experienced a significant decrease in hip measurements, with no change in weight or body composition. Conclusion Participation in an exercise intervention was associated with a significant decrease in insulin levels and hip circumference in breast cancer survivors. The relationship between physical activity and breast cancer prognosis may be mediated, in part, through changes in insulin levels and/or changes in body fat or fat deposition.
Perceptions of Cancer Risks and Predictors of Colon and Endometrial Cancer Screening in Women Undergoing Genetic Testing for Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Hadley Donald W. , Jenkins Jean F. , Steinberg Seth M. , Liewehr David , Moller Stephanie , Martin Jean C. , Calzone Kathleen A. , Soballe Peter W. , Kirsch Ilan R. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Lynch syndrome poses multiple cancer risks, yet attention has focused on screening for colorectal cancer. Estimated risks for endometrial cancer equal risks for colorectal cancer. This study (1) evaluated women's perceived risks for cancers, (2) compared endometrial cancer screening and colonoscopy, and (3) identified predictors of screening before and after genetic testing. Patients and Methods Sixty-five adult women at 50% risk for carrying a cancer-predisposing mutation, without a history of endometrial cancer or hysterectomy, participated in genetic counseling and received unequivocal genetic test results for Lynch syndrome. Participants completed questionnaires before and after receipt of genetic results. Results Pretest, perceived risks for colon cancer were significantly higher than for extracolonic cancers (P < .0001). Use of colonoscopy was significantly higher (P = .006) than endometrial cancer screening. Post-test, carriers demonstrated a significant (P < .0001) increase in their perceived risk for extracolonic cancers and increased both colonoscopy (P = .79) and endometrial cancer screening (P = .11). Mutation status, age, perceived likelihood of carrying a mutation, and communication of test results to their physician independently predicted cancer screening at follow-up. Conclusion Women in families with Lynch syndrome are less aware of their risks for extracolonic cancers and undergo endometrial cancer screening significantly less often than colonoscopy before genetic counseling. Given the significantly increased risks for endometrial and ovarian cancers and the mortality associated with ovarian cancer, additional efforts to inform families of cancer risks and screening recommendations seem prudent. Physicians play a critical role in ensuring appropriate cancer screening in women with Lynch syndrome.
Non-Overlapping and Non–Cell-Type–Specific Gene Expression Signatures Predict Lung Cancer Survival
Authors: Sun Zhifu , Wigle Dennis A. , Yang Ping 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Gene expression profiling for outcome prediction of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains clouded by heterogeneous and unvalidated results. This study applied multivariate approaches to identify and evaluate value-added gene expression signatures in two types of NSCLC. Materials and Methods Two NSCLC oligonucleotide microarray data sets of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were used as training sets to select prognostic genes independent of conventional predictors. The top 50 genes from each set were used to predict the outcomes of two independent validation data sets of 84 and 91 NSCLC cases. Results Adenocarcinomas with the 50-gene signature from adenocarcinoma in both validation data sets had a 2.4-fold (95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4 and 1.0 to 5.8) increased mortality after adjustment for conventional predictors. Squamous cell carcinoma with this high-risk signature had an adjusted risk of 1.1 (95% CI, 0.4 to 3.2) in one data set and 2.5 (95% CI, 1.1 to 5.8) in another consisting of stage I tumors. Adenocarcinoma with the 50-gene signature from squamous cell carcinoma had an elevated risk of 3.5 (95% CI, 1.4 to 9.0) after adjustment for conventional predictors. Squamous cell carcinoma with this high risk signature had an adjusted risk of 1.8 (95% CI, 0.7 to 4.6). Despite the little overlap in individual genes, the two gene signatures had significant functional connectedness in molecular pathways. Conclusion Two non-overlapping but functionally related gene expression signatures provide consistently improved survival prediction for NSCLC regardless of histologic cell type. Multiple sets of genes may exist for NSCLC with predictive value, but ones with independent predictive value beyond clinical predictors will be required for clinical translation.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Erlotinib or Standard Chemotherapy in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer and a Performance Status of 2
Authors: Lilenbaum Rogerio , Axelrod Rita , Thomas Sachdev , Dowlati Afshin , Seigel Leonard , Albert Donald , Witt Karsten , Botkin David 
Published: February 2008

Purpose A multicenter randomized phase II trial to evaluate two treatment strategies in the first-line management of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with a performance status (PS) of 2. Patients and Methods Patients were assigned to erlotinib 150 mg orally daily until progression or to carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 6) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m2 day 1 every 3 weeks) for up to four cycles. Patients who experienced progression or did not tolerate or refused further chemotherapy were allowed to cross over to erlotinib. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were response, survival, quality of life (QOL), and a retrospective molecular correlation. Results Fifty-two patients were randomly assigned to erlotinib and 51 to chemotherapy. Partial responses were 2% and 12%, respectively. Median PFS was 1.9 months in the erlotinib arm and 3.5 months in the chemotherapy arm (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.15; P = .06). Median survival times were 6.5 and 9.7 months, respectively (HR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.73; P = .018). Patients who crossed over to erlotinib had a median survival of 14.9 months. Sex, histology, skin rash, and smoking history predicted outcome with erlotinib. Rash and diarrhea were more common with erlotinib; emesis, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue were more common with chemotherapy. QOL was similar between the two arms. Molecular correlation was limited by available samples. Conclusion Unselected patients with advanced NSCLC and PS 2 are best treated with combination chemotherapy as first-line therapy. Erlotinib may be considered in patients selected by clinical or molecular markers.
VEGF Polymorphisms and Survival in Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Heist Rebecca Suk , Zhai Rihong , Liu Geoffrey , Zhou Wei , Lin Xihong , Su Li , Asomaning Kofi , Lynch Thomas J. , Wain John C. , Christiani David C. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Polymorphisms in the VEGF gene have been identified that are believed to have functional activity. We hypothesized that such polymorphisms may affect survival outcomes among early-stage non—small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Patients and Methods We evaluated the relationship between VEGF polymorphisms and overall survival (OS) among patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with surgical resection at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1992 to 2001. We specifically investigated the VEGF polymorphisms +936C>T (rs3025039), −460T>C ( rs833061 ), and +405G>C (rs2010963). Analyses of genotype associations with survival outcomes were performed using Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier methods, and the log-rank test. Results There were 462 patients and 237 deaths. Patients carrying the variant C allele of the VEGF +405G>C polymorphism had significantly improved survival (crude hazard ratio [HR] = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.90; P = .006; adjusted HR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.91; P = .008). Five-year OS for patients carrying the variant C allele of the VEGF +405G>C polymorphism was 61% (95% CI, 54% to 67%) versus 51% (95% CI, 43% to 59%) for those who had the wild-type variant. There was a trend toward improved survival among patients carrying the variant T allele of the VEGF +936C>T polymorphism (crude HR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53 to 1.03; P = .07; adjusted HR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.03; P = .07). Moreover, patients with higher number of variant alleles of the +405G>C and +936C>T polymorphisms had better survival. There was no association found with the −460T>C polymorphism. Conclusion Polymorphisms in VEGF may affect survival in early-stage lung cancer.
Eicosanoid Modulation in Advanced Lung Cancer: Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression Is a Positive Predictive Factor for Celecoxib + Chemotherapy—Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 30203
Authors: Edelman Martin J. , Watson Dee , Wang Xiaofei , Morrison Carl , Kratzke Robert A. , Jewell Scott , Hodgson Lydia , Mauer Ann M. , Gajra Ajeet , Masters Gregory A. , Bedor Michelle , Vokes Everett E. , Green Mark J. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose Increased expression of eicosanoids in cancer has been associated with adverse prognosis. We performed a randomized phase II trial to test the hypothesis that inhibitors of two eicosanoid pathways (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], celecoxib and 5-lipoxygenase [5-LOX], zileuton) added to chemotherapy would improve outcome in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Patients with advanced NSCLC, a performance status of 0 to 2, and no prior therapy were eligible. All patients received carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 5.5 mg/mL · min day 1 + gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) days 1 and 8. Patients were randomly assigned to: (a) zileuton 600 mg PO qid, (b) celecoxib 400 mg PO bid, or (c) celecoxib and zileuton at the same doses. Immunohistochemical staining for COX-2 and 5-LOX was performed without knowledge of outcomes. Results One hundred forty patients were entered and 134 were eligible and treated. There was no survival difference between the arms. COX-2 expression was a negative prognostic marker for overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.51, P = .019 for index ≥ 4; HR = 4.16, P = .005 for index = 9) for patients not receiving celecoxib. Patients with increased COX-2 expression (index ≥ 4), receiving celecoxib had better survival than did COX-2–expressing patients not receiving drug (HR = .342, P = .005 for OS; HR = .294, P = .002 for failure-free survival). Multivariate analysis confirmed the interaction of COX-2 and celecoxib on survival. 5-LOX expression was neither prognostic nor predictive. Conclusion This study failed to demonstrate the value of dual eicosanoid inhibition or benefit from either agent alone in addition to chemotherapy. However, a prospectively defined subset analysis suggests an advantage for celecoxib and chemotherapy for patients with moderate to high COX-2 expression.
Phase I Clinical Trial of Cilengitide in Children With Refractory Brain Tumors: Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium Study PBTC-012
Authors: MacDonald Tobey J. , Stewart Clinton F. , Kocak Mehmet , Goldman Stewart , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Phillips Peter , Lafond Deborah , Poussaint Tina Young , Kieran Mark W. , Boyett James M. , Kun Larry E. 
Published: February 2008

Purpose A phase I trial of the antiangiogenesis agent cilengitide (EMD 121974), an alpha v beta 3,5 integrin antagonist, was performed to estimate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and describe dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the incidence and severity of other toxicities when administered to children with refractory brain tumors. Patients and Methods Thirty-one assessable patients received intravenous cilengitide over 1 hour twice a week for up to 52 weeks at dosages from 120 to 2,400 mg/m2. Serial blood and urine samples for clinical pharmacology studies were obtained in a subset of consenting patients. Results No DLTs were observed, and thus, the MTD was not estimated. Three of 13 patients at the dosage level of 2,400 mg/m2 experienced grade 3 or 4 intratumoral hemorrhage (ITH) possibly related to the study drug; however, two of the ITH events were asymptomatic and, by the current toxicity criteria, would be classified as grade 1. For patients treated at cilengitide 2,400 mg/m2, the 6-month cumulative incidence estimate of ITH is 23% (SE = 13%). No ITH was observed at 1,800 mg/m2. Three patients completed 1 year of protocol therapy; one patient with glioblastoma multiforme demonstrated complete response, and two patients had stable disease (SD). An additional patient had SD for more than 5 months. Conclusion The phase II dosage of intravenous cilengitide in children with refractory brain tumors is 1,800 mg/m2. A phase II trial to assess the efficacy of cilengitide therapy for children with refractory brain tumors is being developed by the Children's Oncology Group.
Randomized Phase II Study of Carboplatin and Etoposide With or Without thebcl-2Antisense Oligonucleotide Oblimersen for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: CALGB 30103
Authors: Rudin Charles M. , Salgia Ravi , Wang Xiaofei , Hodgson Lydia D. , Masters Gregory A. , Green Mark , Vokes Everett E. 
Published: February 2008

PurposeTo assess the efficacy and toxicity of carboplatin, etoposide, and the bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide oblimersen as initial therapy for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). bcl-2 has been implicated as a key factor in SCLC oncogenesis and chemotherapeutic resistance.Patients and MethodsA 3:1 randomized phase II study was performed to evaluate carboplatin and etoposide with (arm A) or without oblimersen (arm B) in 56 assessable patients with chemotherapy-naïve ES-SCLC. Outcome measures including toxicity, objective response rate, complete response rate, failure-free survival, overall survival, and 1-year survival rate.ResultsOblimersen was associated with slightly more grade 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity (88% v 60%; P = .05). Response rates were 61% (95% CI, 45% to 76%) for arm A and 60% (95% CI, 32% to 84%) for arm B. The percentage of patients alive at 1 year was 24% (95% CI, 12% to 40%) with oblimersen, and 47% (95% CI, 21% to 73%) without oblimersen. Hazard ratios for failure-free survival (1.79; P = .07) and overall survival (2.13; P = .02) suggested worse outcome for patients receiving oblimersen. These results hold when adjusted for other prognostic factors, such as weight loss, in multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionDespite extensive data supporting a critical role for Bcl-2 in chemoresistance in SCLC, addition of oblimersen to a standard regimen for this disease did not improve any clinical outcome measure. Emerging data from several groups suggest that this lack of efficacy may be due to insufficient suppression of Bcl-2 in vivo. Additional evaluation of this agent in SCLC is not warranted.