bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA008: Altering the T cell receptor repertoire in the sarcoma tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Pollack Seth M. , Seo Y. Dave 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Our lab has been interested in characterizing the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of sarcoma subtypes as well as characterizing their immune infiltrates and studying the changes that occur on experimental immunotherapies. In this trial, 15 patients with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma STS patients with a superficial injectable lesion were treated weekly with an intratumoral (IT) toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant (GLA) for 8-12 weeks plus concurrent radiotherapy. Core biopsies and blood were collected pre and post treatment, and immune analysis was performed by T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and multiplex IHC. RECIST v1.1 and CTCAE guidelines were used to monitor clinical outcomes. No grade 3 or higher treatment-related toxicity was observed, and local tumor control was achieved in 93% (14/15). 6 (40%) had overall stable disease after IT GLA, and one had complete regression of injected tumor. 3 other patients had long term control of injected tumor past 250 days, during which the uninjected STS had progression despite radiation. In patients with durable local control after IT GLA, multiplex IHC demonstrated increased CD4 and CD8 T cell infiltration, as well as decrease in regulatory T cells. In patient #5-6, TCR sequencing revealed 5-fold increase in PBMC clonality, with selective clonal expansion of T cells present in pre-treatment biopsy. In patient #10-6 (local control to 370 days), there was clonal expansion of T cells within TME which were also found in post treatment PBMC; matched single cell sequencing revealed these clones to be CD4 T cells with Th1 gene signatures. In this trial we found that GLA with radiation induced effective local control of superficial, metastatic STS lesion, inducing a shift in the TME towards an inflammatory state with strong infiltration of T cells. There was selective expansion of clones present in pre-treatment TME in circulating PBMC post IT GLA, isolated to be Th1 cells in one patient. This suggests induction of adaptive anti-tumor response, which may further be enhanced by combination with other immunomodulators.
Citation Format: Seth M. Pollack, Y. Dave Seo. Altering the T cell receptor repertoire in the sarcoma tumor immune microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr IA008.
Abstract IA014: Stem cell and developmental hierarchies in rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Langenau David M. , Wei Yun , Qin Qian , Pinello Luca 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood and is comprised of at least two major molecular subtypes. Despite sharing features with skeletal muscle, the conservation of underlying cellular hierarchy with human muscle development and the identification of molecularly-defined tumor-propagating cells have not been reported. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of patient-derived RMS, DNA-barcode cell fate mapping, antibody enrichment and functional stem cell assays, and mouse xenograft modeling, we have uncovered tumor cell hierarchies in Fusion-negative (FN-) RMS that are shared with normal human muscle development. We also identified common developmental stages at which tumor cells become arrested. FN-RMS resemble early muscle found in embryonic and larval development, while fusion-positive (FP-) RMS express a highly specific developmental gene program found in muscle cells transiting from embryonic to fetal development at 7-7.75 weeks of age. FP-RMS also have neural-pathway enriched cell states, suggesting less-rigid adherence to muscle development hierarchies in this disease. Finally, we identify a new molecularly-defined tumor-propagating cell in FN-RMS that shares remarkable similarity to the newly described bi-potent, muscle mesenchyme stem/progenitor cell that makes both muscle and osteogenic cells.
Citation Format: David M. Langenau, Yun Wei, Qian Qin, Luca Pinello. Stem cell and developmental hierarchies in rhabdomyosarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr IA014.
Abstract IA025: Using genetically engineered mouse models to study sarcoma metastasis
Authors: Kirsch David G. , Patel Rutulkumar , Finkelstein Sophie R. , Ban Joy , Tang Yuning J , Huang Jianguo , Alman Benjamin A. , Mowery Yvonne M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Despite aggressive conventional therapy, many patients with high-risk soft-tissue sarcoma develop metastatic disease. To investigate mechanism(s) of sarcoma metastasis, our lab has utilized genetically engineered mouse models. For example, we injected an adenovirus expressing Cre recombinase (adeno-Cre) into the gastrocnemius muscle of LSL-KrasG12D; p53Flox/Flox (KP) mice to initiate high grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, and after amputation approximately 40% of the mice develop lung metastasis. Using a genetic approach, we found that miR-182, NEAT-1, and HIF-1a regulate metastasis to the lung. We also performed lineage tracing with complementary fluorescent proteins and CRISPR-generated bar codes to find that lung metastases from KP sarcomas arise from clones with specific gene expression profiles. Although the KP sarcoma model is useful for studying metastasis, one limitation of this model is that there are few non-synonymous mutations to engage the immune system. Therefore, we generated a high mutational load primary mouse model of soft tissue sarcoma by injecting adeno-Cre into the gastrocnemius muscle of p53Flox/Flox mice to delete p53 and also injected 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) to generate primary p53/MCA undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas. In this p53/MCA model, the overall rate of lung metastasis after amputation was surprisingly low (~12%). We hypothesized that the immune system suppressed lung metastasis in this model. However, when we generated p53/MCA sarcomas in Rag2 −/− mice that lack mature B and T cells, we still observed a low rate of lung metastasis after amputation. These data suggest that mutations caused by MCA may have disabled tumor intrinsic factors needed to drive sarcoma metastasis. We are currently performing genome-wide screens in the p53/MCA model to search for genes required for sarcoma metastasis.
Citation Format: David G. Kirsch, Rutulkumar Patel, Sophie R. Finkelstein, Joy Ban, Yuning J Tang, Jianguo Huang, Benjamin A. Alman, Yvonne M. Mowery. Using genetically engineered mouse models to study sarcoma metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr IA025.
Abstract PR004: Fusion protein-driven IGF-IR signals deregulate hippo pathway promoting oncogenic cooperation of YAP1 and FUS-DDIT3
Authors: Berthold Ruth , Isfort Ilka , Erkut Cihan , Heinst Lorena , Grünewald Inga , Wardelmann Eva , Kindler Thomas , Åman Pierre , Grünewald Thomas G.P. , Cidre-Aranaz Florencia , Trautmann Marcel , Fröhling Stefan , Scholl Claudia , Hartmann Wolfgang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) is molecularly characterized by a recurrent chromosomal translocation which generates a chimeric FUS-DDIT3 fusion gene. The FUS-DDIT3 oncoprotein, acting as a transcriptional dysregulator, has been shown to be essential in MLS pathogenesis, among others through deregulation of IGF-IR/PI3K/AKT signaling, but its exact mode of function remains incompletely understood. Recently, a particular reliance on the Hippo pathway effector and transcriptional co-regulator YAP1 was found in MLS; however, the molecular mechanism of FUS-DDIT3-dependent YAP1 activation and its contribution to MLS pathogenesis remain unclear. Experimental Procedures: The expression of IGF-IR and YAP1 was analyzed in a large cohort of MLS specimens by immunohistochemistry. In vitro analyses were performed employing a human mesenchymal stem cell system stably expressing FUS-DDIT3 and human MLS cell lines. RNA interference-based approaches, experiments with small-molecule kinase inhibitors, co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assays, transcriptome sequencing and adipogenic differentiation assays were performed to determine the interplay of FUS-DDIT3, IGF-IR-dependent signals, and YAP1 in MLS cells. Results: Immunohistochemically, a significant subset of MLS samples showed concurrent expression of IGF-IR and nuclear YAP1. In vitro, FUS-DDIT3-driven IGF-IR signaling was found to promote stability and nuclear accumulation of YAP1 via deregulation of the Hippo pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays revealed nuclear co-localization of FUS-DDIT3 and YAP1 in FUS-DDIT3-expressing mesenchymal stem cells and MLS cell lines. Transcriptome sequencing of MLS cells demonstrated that FUS-DDIT3 and YAP1 co-regulate specific oncogenic gene signatures related to proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and adipogenesis. In differentiation assays, FUS-DDIT3 and YAP1 were found to cooperate in adipogenic differentiation arrest. Conclusions: Our study provides molecular insights into a complex FUS-DDIT3-driven network involving IGF-IR signals acting on Hippo/YAP1, and uncovers cooperative effects of YAP1 and FUS-DDIT3 in the pathogenesis of MLS.
Citation Format: Ruth Berthold, Ilka Isfort, Cihan Erkut, Lorena Heinst, Inga Grünewald, Eva Wardelmann, Thomas Kindler, Pierre Åman, Thomas G.P. Grünewald, Florencia Cidre-Aranaz, Marcel Trautmann, Stefan Fröhling, Claudia Scholl, Wolfgang Hartmann. Fusion protein-driven IGF-IR signals deregulate hippo pathway promoting oncogenic cooperation of YAP1 and FUS-DDIT3 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PR004.
Abstract PR007: A single cysteine in PAX3-FOXO1 is relevant for transactivation and survival of rhabdomyosarcoma cells
Authors: Schäfer Beat W. , Benischke Katharina , Wurth Jakob , Laubscher Dominik , Ngo Quy A. , Danielli Sara , Wachtel Marco 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The fusion transcription factor PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F) is the major driver of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Since these tumors are characterized by a mostly quiet mutational landscape and a paucity of druggable oncogenes, the fusion protein itself remains the most important drug target. Transcription factors are challenging proteins for drug development since they lack enzymatic activities and are, apart from DNA binding domains, largely intrinsically disordered. Identification of defined and possibly druggable structures in such proteins is therefore of great clinical interest. Towards this aim, we performed a CRISPR/Cas9-based domain screen in P3F-positive rhabdomyosarcoma cells and identified a small, structured and highly important domain within the transactivation domain of P3F. Further, we demonstrate that cysteine C793 located in this region is indispensable for target gene activation by P3F. Its mutation significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced differentiation of RMS cells. Mechanistically, we identified p300/CBP proteins as important co-factors and interactors of C793 that co-regulate a majority of P3F target genes. Their inhibition/degradation by small molecules efficiently reduces rhabdomyosarcoma cell survival. These data suggest that mainly one single amino acid drives oncogenicity of P3F and identify a potentially targetable structure within the fusion protein.
Citation Format: Beat W. Schäfer, Katharina Benischke, Jakob Wurth, Dominik Laubscher, Quy A. Ngo, Sara Danielli, Marco Wachtel. A single cysteine in PAX3-FOXO1 is relevant for transactivation and survival of rhabdomyosarcoma cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PR007.
Abstract PR011: Characterization of the precancerous and cancer microenvironment in a zebrafish sarcoma model
Authors: Shive Heather R. , House John S. , Ferguson Jordan L. , Jima Dereje D. , Selmek Aubrie A. , Lloyd Dillon T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Contributions of the microenvironment to soft tissue sarcoma progression are relatively undefined, representing a major impediment to identifying essential regulatory networks in sarcomagenesis. Furthermore, genetic and molecular characteristics that distinguish precancerous versus cancerous microenvironments are not well known across human cancer types. While animal models have the potential to reveal these complex processes, significant impediments to such inquiries include (1) the difficulty in distinguishing microenvironmental cells from precancerous or cancer cells in tissue specimens; and (2) the challenge in defining a discrete tissue with known cancer predilection that represents a precancerous microenvironment. We developed a unique zebrafish model that allows segregation of microenvironmental, precancerous, and cancerous cell populations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. This model exhibits high predilection for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), a type of soft tissue sarcoma with a particularly poor prognosis due to aggressive growth, limited response to conventional treatment, and ineffective targeted therapy options. Using RNA-seq, we profiled the transcriptomes of microenvironmental cells from our zebrafish MPNST model and determined that the precancerous and cancerous microenvironments exhibit broad activation of inflammatory and immune-associated signaling networks. Markers for both M1 and M2 macrophage polarization were upregulated in precancerous and cancerous microenvironments, suggesting the presence of a mixed macrophage population during sarcomagenesis. Patterns of ligand and receptor expression based on a previously defined human ligand-receptor network identified significant upregulation of multiple tumor-promoting ligands in both precancerous and cancerous microenvironments. We also identified specific ligand-receptor pairs that may mediate key signaling events during sarcoma initiation and progression. Together this work provide new insight into distinguishing characteristics of the cancer-prone cellular microenvironment that may promote MPNST initiation and progression in vertebrates.
Citation Format: Heather R. Shive, John S. House, Jordan L. Ferguson, Dereje D. Jima, Aubrie A. Selmek, Dillon T. Lloyd. Characterization of the precancerous and cancer microenvironment in a zebrafish sarcoma model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr PR011.
Time‐Dependent Risk of Cardiovascular Events Following an Exacerbation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Post Hoc Analysis From the IMPACT Trial
Authors: Dransfield Mark T. , Criner Gerard J. , Halpin David M. G. , Han MeiLan K. , Hartley Benjamin , Kalhan Ravi , Lange Peter , Lipson David A. , Martinez Fernando J. , Midwinter Dawn , Singh Dave , Wise Robert , Kunisaki Ken M. 
Published: September 2022

Background
The association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and increased cardiovascular event risk has not been adequately studied in a heterogenous population with both low and high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and Results
This post hoc analysis of the IMPACT (Informing the Pathway of COPD Treatment) trial (N=10 355 symptomatic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at risk of exacerbations) evaluated time‐dependent risk of cardiovascular adverse events of special interest (CVAESI) following exacerbations and impact of exacerbation history, cardiovascular risk factors, and study treatment on this association. Risk (time‐to‐first) of CVAESI or CVAESI resulting in hospitalization or death was assessed during and 1 to 30, 31 to 90, and 91 to 365 days after resolution of moderate or severe exacerbations. CVAESI risk was compared between the period before and during/after exacerbation. CVAESI risk increased significantly during a moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 2.63 [95% CI, 2.08–3.32]) or severe (HR, 21.84 [95% CI, 17.71–26.93]) exacerbation and remained elevated for 30 days following an exacerbation (moderate: HR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.28–2.08]; severe: HR, 1.75 [95% CI, 0.99–3.11; nonsignificant]) and decreased over time, returning to baseline by 90 days. Risk of CVAESI resulting in hospitalization or death also increased during an exacerbation (moderate: HR, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.53–3.97]; severe: HR, 41.29 [95% CI, 30.43–56.03]) and decreased in a similar time‐dependent pattern. Results were consistent regardless of exacerbation history, cardiovascular risk at screening, or study treatment.

Conclusions
Overall risk of cardiovascular events was higher during and in the 30 days following chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, even among those with low cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for exacerbation prevention and vigilance for cardiovascular events following exacerbations.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02164513
; Unique identifier: NCT02164513
Contemporary National Patterns of Eligibility and Use of Novel Lipid‐Lowering Therapies in the United States
Authors: Shen Miles , Aghajani Nargesi Arash , Nasir Khurram , Bhatt Deepak L. , Khera Rohan 
Published: September 2022

Background
The emergence of PCSK9i (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitor) and icosapent ethyl (IPE) has expanded the role of lipid‐lowering therapies beyond statins. Despite recommendations by clinical practice guidelines, their national eligibility and use rates remain unclear.

Methods and Results
In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2017 to 2020, we assessed eligibility and the use of statins, PCSK9i, and IPE among US adults according to American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline recommendations. Eligibility for PCSK9i and IPE were determined in the following 2 scenarios: (1) assuming existing lipid‐lowering therapy as the maximum tolerated before assessing eligibility for novel therapies and (2) assessing eligibility after assuming initiation and maximal escalation of preexisting lipid‐lowering therapies and accounting for expected lipid improvements. Of 2729 sampled individuals, representing 149.3 million adults, 1376 had indications for statins, representing 65.8 million or 44.0% (95% CI, 40.9%–47.2%) of adults. Current statin use was 45% of those eligible and was low across demographic groups. A total of 9.7 and 11.6 million adults would benefit from PCSK9i and IPE, respectively, based on lipid profiles and existing therapies. Assuming maximal escalation of statins and addition of ezetimibe, 4.1% (95% CI, 2.8%–5.4%) of adults or 6.1 million would benefit from PCSK9i and 6.8% (95% CI, 5.4%–8.3%) or 10.2 million from IPE.

Conclusions
Six and 10 million individuals have clinical profiles whereby PCSK9i and IPE, respectively, would be expected to improve cardiovascular outcomes even after maximum escalation of statins and ezetimibe use, but remain undertreated with lipid‐lowering therapies. Optimal use of lipid‐targeted agents that include these novel agents is needed to improve population health outcomes.
Health Care Usage Among Adolescents With Congenital Heart Defects at 5 Sites in the United States, 2011 to 2013
Authors: Lui George K. , Sommerhalter Kristin , Xi Yizhao , Botto Lorenzo D. , Crume Tessa , Farr Sherry , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Glidewell Jill , Hsu Daphne , Khanna Amber , Krikov Sergey , Li Jennifer , Raskind‐Hood Cheryl , Sarno Lauren , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Zaidi Ali , Soim Aida , Book Wendy M. 
Published: September 2022

Background
We sought to characterize health care usage for adolescents with congenital heart defects (CHDs) using population‐based multisite surveillance data.

Methods and Results
Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with ≥1 CHD‐related diagnosis code and residing in 5 US sites were identified in clinical and administrative data sources for the years 2011 to 2013. Sites linked data on all inpatient, emergency department (ED), and outpatient visits. Multivariable log‐binomial regression models including age, sex, unweighted Charlson comorbidity index, CHD severity, cardiology visits, and insurance status, were used to identify associations with inpatient, ED, and outpatient visits. Of 9626 eligible adolescents, 26.4% (n=2543) had severe CHDs and 21.4% had Charlson comorbidity index >0. At least 1 inpatient, ED, or outpatient visit was reported for 21%, 25%, and 96% of cases, respectively. Cardiology visits, cardiac imaging, cardiac procedures, and vascular procedures were reported for 38%, 73%, 10%, and 5% of cases, respectively. Inpatient, ED, and outpatient visits were consistently higher for adolescents with severe CHDs compared with nonsevere CHDs. Adolescents with severe and nonsevere CHDs had higher health care usage compared with the 2011 to 2013 general adolescent US population. Adolescents with severe CHDs versus nonsevere CHDs were twice as likely to have at least 1 inpatient visit when Charlson comorbidity index was low (Charlson comorbidity index =0). Adolescents with CHDs and public insurance, compared with private insurance, were more likely to have inpatient (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.3–1.7]) and ED (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4–1.7]) visits.

Conclusions
High resource usage by adolescents with CHDs indicates a substantial burden of disease, especially with public insurance, severe CHDs, and more comorbidities.
The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Graduate-Level, Military-Affiliated Students
Authors: Stutey Diane M. , Solis Abigail E. , Notestine Lori , Wehrman Joseph 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Dogs have been companions on college campuses and with military personnel in a variety of therapeutic ways. Although research has been con-ducted regarding college students’ perceptions of therapy dog programs, research specifically examining military-affiliated students’ experiences with therapy dogs is limited. In this study, a therapy dog, registered with Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), was introduced into a classroom with military-affiliated students over the course of one semester. All participants were Field-Grade Officers in a branch of the United States Military and were also recent graduates of a Department of Defense-approved (DOD) Civilian Institution (CI) graduate educational program. Participants shared that the presence of a therapy dog in the classroom positively impacted their mental health and wellbeing. Four themes emerged from the individual and group interviews with participants: Relational Connections, Emotional and Social Support, Positive Change in Climate, and Basic Needs.