The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 2012
Congenital heart surgeon's technical proficiency affects neonatal hospital survival.
Risk factors for mortality after neonatal cardiac surgery have been seldom studied. We sought to identify contemporary risk factors for mortality and the impact of surgical technical performance on surgical outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgery. ⋯ Our study highlights the need for optimal technical performance to minimize neonatal deaths. This has important implications when sustaining or developing a pediatric cardiac program.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 2012
Research incentive program for clinical surgical faculty associated with increases in research productivity.
To develop a research productivity scoring program within an academic department of surgery that would help realign incentives to encourage and reward research. Although research is highly valued in the academic mission, financial incentives are generally aligned to reward clinical productivity. ⋯ An objective, transparent research incentive program, through both monetary incentives and recognition, can stimulate productivity and was well-received by faculty.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Nov 2012
Knockdown of secretory phospholipase A2 IIa reduces lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo.
Group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2 IIa) plays a role in the malignant potential of several epithelial cancers. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) regulates cancer cell growth and is modulated by phospholipase activity in many cancer cells. We hypothesized that knockdown of sPLA2 in lung cancer cells would reduce cell proliferation and NF-κB activity in vitro and attenuate tumor growth in vivo. ⋯ Knockdown of sPLA2 IIa suppresses lung cancer growth in part by attenuating NF-κB activity. These findings justify further investigation into the cellular mechanisms of sPLA2 in lung cancer and its potential role as a therapeutic target.