bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated VEGFA mRNA levels in oral squamous cell carcinomas and tumor margins: a preliminary study
Authors: Sales Caroline Brandi Schlaepfer , Buim Marcilei Eliza Cavichiolli , de Souza Renata Oliveira , de Faro Valverde Ludmila , Mathias Machado Maria Cecília , Reis Mitermayer Galvão , Soares Fernando Augusto , Ramos Eduardo Antônio Gonçalves , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa Araújo 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundNew blood vessel formation events are essential for tumor clonal expansion and progression. Despite the importance of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) for tumor angiogenesis, few studies have evaluated the expression profile of this gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and tumor margins (TM). This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the VEGFA gene and its protein in OSCC and TM.MethodsGene expression was evaluated in cryopreserved samples of OSCCs (n = 44), TM (n = 7), and normal mucosa from healthy patients (n = 3; NM). Quantitative PCRs were performed using the TaqMan system for the VEGFA gene, and gene expression was determined using the 2−∆∆CQ method. For immunohistochemical evaluation, 27 OSCC samples were embedded in a tissue microarray (TMA) block and reactions were performed using the Advance system.ResultsVEGFA transcript levels were 1.7‐fold higher in OSCC than in NM samples. VEGFA mRNA was overexpressed in TM samples compared to NM (3.4‐fold) and OSCC (2.0‐fold) samples. VEGFA transcript level was overexpressed in T3–T4 tumors, metastatic lymph nodes, and stage III‐IV OSCCs. Immunoreactivity of the VEGFA protein was detected in the cytoplasm of parenchymal and stromal cells, mainly in endothelial cells and fibroblasts.ConclusionOur results show that VEGFA was overexpressed in aggressive OSCCs and that VEGFA expression may be an important prognostic factor in this type of cancer. Finally, tumor margins may be involved in the production of angiogenic molecules.
Effect of Age, Season, Body Condition, and Endocrine Status on Serum Free Cortisol Fraction and Insulin Concentration in Horses
Authors: Hart K.A. , Wochele D.M. , Norton N.A. , McFarlane D. , Wooldridge A.A. , Frank N. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundIncreased free cortisol fraction is associated with insulin dysregulation (ID) in people with Metabolic Syndrome and Cushing's Disease. Free cortisol has not been investigated in equine endocrine disorders.Hypotheses(1) In healthy horses, sex, age, body condition score (BCS), and season impact free cortisol; (2) free cortisol is increased in horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).AnimalsFifty‐seven healthy horses; 40 horses and ponies with PPID (n = 20) or EMS (n = 20).MethodsProspective study. Serum collected seasonally from healthy animals and archived serum from PPID and EMS animals was analyzed for insulin, total and free cortisol concentrations, and free cortisol fraction (FCF). Linear mixed models were used to determine effects of age, sex, season, and BCS on hormones in controls. Hormone measurements were compared between disease groups and age‐ and season‐matched controls with t‐tests. EMS and hyperinsulinemic PPID animals were combined in an ID (hyperinsulinemia) group.ResultsFree cortisol concentrations were increased in overweight/obese controls (0.3 ± 0.1 μg/dL) compared to lean controls (0.2 ± 0.1 μg/dL; P = .017). Mean FCF was significantly higher in animals with PPID (8.8 ± 5.8 μg/dL, P = .005) or ID (8.8 ± 10.2 μg/dL, P = .039) than controls (5.0 ± 0.9 μg/dL), but total cortisol concentrations were similar (P ≥ .350) (PPID: 4.2 ± 4.3 μg/dL; ID: 5.0 ± 4.5 μg/dL; controls: 4.6 ± 1.7 and 5.1 ± 2.1 μg/dL).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIncreased FCF is associated with obesity in healthy horses and with ID (hyperinsulinemia) in horses and ponies with endocrine disease. Decreased plasma cortisol‐binding capacity could be a component of these endocrine disorders in horses.
Depression in dialysis patients
Authors: Ma Terry King‐Wing , Li Philip Kam‐Tao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDepression is the most common psychiatric illness in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The reported prevalence of depression in dialysis population varied from 22.8% (interview‐based diagnosis) to 39.3% (self‐ or clinician‐administered rating scales). Such differences were attributed to the overlapping symptoms of uraemia and depression. Systemic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies showed that depression was a significant predictor of mortality in dialysis population. The optimal screening tool for depression in dialysis patients remains uncertain. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) have been validated for screening purposes. Patients who scored ≥14 using BDI should be referred to a psychiatrist for early evaluation. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SCID) remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Non‐pharmacological treatment options include cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise training programs. Although frequent haemodialysis may have beneficial effects on patients' physical and mental well‐being, it cannot and should not be viewed as a treatment of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally effective and safe in ESRD patients, but most studies were small, non‐randomized and uncontrolled. The European Renal Best Practice (ERBP) guideline suggests a trial of SSRI for 8 to 12 weeks in dialysis patients who have moderate–major depression. The treatment effect should be re‐evaluated after 12 weeks to avoid prolonging ineffective medication. This review will discuss the current understanding in the diagnosis and management of depression in dialysis patients.
Effective treatment with rituximab for the maintenance of remission in frequently relapsing minimal change disease
Authors: Papakrivopoulou Eugenia , Shendi Ali M. , Salama Alan D. , Khosravi Maryam , Connolly John O. , Trompeter Richard 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTreatment of frequently relapsing or steroid‐dependent minimal change disease (MCD) in children and adults remains challenging. Glucocorticoids and/or other immunosuppressive agents are the mainstay of treatment, but patients often experience toxicity from prolonged exposure and may either become treatment dependent and/or resistant. Increasing evidence suggests that rituximab (RTX) can be a useful alternative to standard immunosuppression and allow withdrawal of maintenance immunosuppressants; however, data on optimal treatment regimens, long‐term efficacy and safety are still limited.MethodsWe undertook a prospective study of RTX to allow immunosuppression minimization in 15 young adults with frequently relapsing or steroid‐dependent, biopsy‐proven MCD. All patients were in remission at the start of treatment and on a calcineurin inhibitor. Two doses of RTX (1 gr) were given 6 months apart. A subset of patients also received an additional dose 12 months later, in order to examine the benefit of re‐treatment. Biochemical and clinical parameters were monitored over an extended follow‐up period of up to 43 months.ResultsMedian steroid‐free survival after RTX was 25 months (range 4–34). Mean relapse frequency decreased from 2.60 ± 0.28 to 0.4 ± 0.19 (P < 0.001) after RTX. Seven relapses occurred, five of which (71%) when CD19 counts were greater than 100 µ. Immunoglobulin levels remained unchanged, and no major side effects were observed throughout the follow‐up period.ConclusionsRituximab therapy is effective at maintaining prolonged steroid‐free remission and reducing relapse frequency in this group of patients. Our study lends further support for the role of RTX in the treatment of patients with frequently relapsing or steroid‐dependent MCD.
Hyperpigmented Plaques of the Alar Crease: An Unusual Presentation of Acanthosis Nigricans
Authors: Guffey Darren , Narahari Swetha , Alinia Hossein 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlthough acanthosis nigricans of the posterior neck and intertriginous areas is common, acanthosis nigricans of the supra‐alar creases is rare. We present the case of an obese 16‐year‐old African American boy with hyperpigmented plaques along the supra‐alar creases of his nose. Clinicians should be aware of this rare manifestation, because newly diagnosed acanthosis nigricans should prompt examination for insulin resistance.
Predictors of alcohol consumption on dates and sense of intimacy
Authors: IP SONIA H. L. , HEUBECK BERND G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe drinking culture in Western societies infiltrates many aspects of life, including early romantic relationships. This study investigated factors that predict drinking on dates and the impact of date drinking on feelings of intimacy. Regression analyses of questionnaire data revealed that expectancies, general drinking tendencies, and partner's drinking as well as their interactions with gender and ethnicity contributed to explaining alcohol consumption on dates. Intimacy was significantly predicted by alcohol usage on dates, but the effects of drinking by self and partner varied by gender. Women's own drinking positively predicted their sense of intimacy, but their partner's drinking was linked to decreased intimacy. Men's reports showed significant effects but in the opposite direction. The Discussion section considers implications for dating and future research.
Four‐model approach to adolescent–parent attachment relationships and adolescents' loneliness, school belonging, and teacher appraisal
Authors: AL‐YAGON MICHAL , KOPELMAN‐RUBIN DAPHNE , BRUNSTEIN KLOMEK ANAT , MIKULINCER MARIO 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study tested monotropy, hierarchy, independence, and integration conceptual models of adolescent–mother and adolescent–father attachment to explain adolescents' perceived social interrelationships with extrafamilial attachment figures (peers, teachers). Participants included 356 Israeli adolescents (12–15 years). More adolescents were significantly classified as securely attached to mothers than to fathers, but high concordances emerged. Results supported two of the attachment models, hierarchy and integration, as explaining variation in adolescents' perceived extrafamilial interrelationships. As per the hierarchy attachment model, adolescent–mother attachment outweighed adolescent–father attachment to some extent in predicting adolescents' perceived social interrelationship measures. As per the integration attachment model, significant differences emerged on most social interrelationship measures between the 4 distinct subgroups: secure attachment to both parents, neither, only father, only mother. The Discussion section focuses on the unique importance of attachment to each parent for typically developing junior high students.
Results of pediatric living donor compared to deceased donor liver transplantation in the PELD/MELD era: Experience from two centers on two different continents
Authors: Yankol Yucel , Fernandez Luis A. , Kanmaz Turan , Leverson Glen E. , Mezrich Joshua D. , Foley David , Mecit Nesimi , D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Acarli Koray , Kalayoglu Munci 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe LDLT option in the pediatric population allows recipients to be transplanted early. A total of 202 consecutive pediatric liver transplants from two different institutions—108 (LDLT) and 94 (DDLT)—were retrospectively compared. Overall, one‐ and three‐yr patient and graft survival were similar between DDLT and LDLT. ACR was greater in recipients of DDLT at one and three yr (50.8% and 61.0%) compared to LDLT (30.8% and 32.2%) (p = 0.002). When the data were stratified according to PELD/MELD score, LDLT with a low score had better one‐ and three‐yr graft survival (96.2% and 96.2%) compared to DDLT (88.2% and 85.2%) (p = 0.02), with comparable patient survival (p = 0.75). Patient and graft survival were similar between DDLT and LDLT in the high PELD/MELD group. Lower incidence of ACR in both low and high PELD/MELD groups was (29.6% and 34.3%) for LDLT compared to DDLT (50.3% and 53.3%, p = 0.002 and p = 0.028, respectively). Regardless of PELD/MELD score, status, age group, and recipient weight, LDLT provides excellent patient and graft survival with a lower incidence of rejection compared to DDLT.
Multisensory Processing and Perceptual Consciousness: Part I
Authors: Briscoe Robert Eamon 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMultisensory processing encompasses all of the various ways in which the presence of information in one sensory modality can adaptively influence the processing of information in a different modality. In Part I of this survey article, I begin by presenting a cartography of some of the more extensively investigated forms of multisensory processing, with a special focus on two distinct types of multisensory integration. I briefly discuss the conditions under which these different forms of multisensory processing occur as well as their important perceptual consequences and interrelations. In Part II, I then turn to examining of some of the different possible ways in which the structure of conscious perceptual experience might also be characterized as multisensory. In addition, I discuss the significance of research on multisensory processing and multisensory consciousness for philosophical attempts to individuate the senses.
Introductions and Histories: How, When, and Where of Race in Philosophy
Authors: Peterson Charles F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroductions and Histories: How, When, and Where of Race in Philosophy Africana Philosophy has successfully argued itself to be an important area of philosophical discourse. Fundamental to this effort is Africana Philosophy's work to bring race, race thinking, and racism to the fore of philosophical examination. In the wake of Africana Philosophy's influence, discussions of race, race thinking, and racism are becoming central to regular philosophical discourse. The production of introductory works on race and philosophy and works examining the place of race and race thinking in the history of European canonical philosophy points to philosophy's growing self awareness of race as foundational to what philosophy as a body of knowledge is and its self awareness of how race and race thinking informed the development of the field. These types of texts contribute to the normalization of race as a subfield of philosophy. Specifically, this essay will analyze four contemporary texts that exemplify this trend and what they contribute to mainstream philosophy's evolution as a site that understands race and race's role as a part of human experience and a necessary part of the larger philosophical project.
The Questionable Presupposition Underlying Hartian Accounts of Legal Facts
Authors: Sciaraffa Stefan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPer the standard reading of his view, Hart held that the legally valid norms of any legal system are those identified as such by the criteria of validity effectively accepted in common by the system's officials (i.e. the system's rule of recognition). Here, I focus on the presupposition underlying this Hartian account of legal facts – namely, that the officials of any legal system share a perspective that fixes the identity of their system's legally valid norms. Below, I hope to establish the appeal of this presupposition and the attendant Hartian project of providing an account of the identity of the legally valid norms of any legal system. Nonetheless, as I explain, the phenomenon of disagreement that Ronald Dworkin describes threatens Hart's crucial presupposition, thereby posing a mortal threat to his account of legal facts. Moreover, as I hope the following survey illustrates, the phenomenon of disagreement similarly threatens many other contemporary theories of law (including Dworkin's), for these theories join the project of providing a Hartian account of legal facts. A final objective of this survey is to highlight two mutually exclusive strategies for responding to the phenomenon of disagreement: rejecting the Hartian presupposition and commitment to legal facts or affirming this Hartian project by explaining how officials share a legal fact‐fixing perspective despite disagreeing about their system's criteria of validity.
Natural Law Theories
Authors: Crowe Jonathan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article considers natural law perspectives on the nature of law. Natural law theories are united by what Mark Murphy calls thenatural law thesis: law is necessarily a rational standard for conduct. The natural law position comes in strong and weak versions: the strong view holds that a rational defect in a norm renders it legally invalid, while the weak view holds that a rational defect in a legal norm renders it legally defective. The article explores the motivations for the natural law position, before considering three lines of natural law argument found in the literature. I conclude by examining the arguments offered by John Finnis and Murphy in support of the weak natural law view. I suggest that these arguments fail to impugn the strong natural law thesis. Indeed, the functional argument outlined by Murphy provides a plausible route to a hybrid natural law view that incorporates both weak and strong claims.
Development and Validation of an Algorithm to Determine Spontaneous versus Provider‐Initiated Preterm Birth in US Vital Records
Authors: Klebanoff Mark A. , Yossef‐Salameh Lina , Latimer Cheryl , Oza‐Frank Reena , Kachoria Rashmi , Reagan Patricia B. , Oliver Emily A. , Buhimschi Catalin S. , Buhimschi Irina A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundDetermining whether initiation of preterm birth was spontaneous, or through labour induction or caesarean without labour or membrane rupture is critical in surveillance and aetiological research on preterm birth, although this information is not explicitly included on the US Birth Certificate. Algorithms combining several fields from birth certificates have been developed to infer the initiating event, but none has been validated against manual review of original obstetric records. Our objective was to develop a birth certificate‐based algorithm to determine initiation of preterm birth and validate it by manual review of original records.MethodsWe developed an algorithm from the 2003 US Standard Birth Certificate to determine spontaneous vs. indicated preterm birth. The algorithm was first tested on obstetrical records from 80 preterm (<37 weeks) births in Columbus OH (2006–12) abstracted by an obstetrics research nurse and reviewed by an obstetrician–gynecologist. Onset of delivery was spontaneous if the initiating event was premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or contractions, or indicated if the initiating event was induction or caesarean without labour or PROM. The algorithm was validated in an independent sample of 100 preterm births from four hospitals.ResultsCodes for tocolysis, fetal intolerance of labour, and anaesthesia during labour did not predict labour and were dropped. The final algorithm correctly classified 73/80 cases, kappa = 0.83. In the validation, 86/100 cases were correctly classified. The kappa statistic was 0.68 (0.52, 0.83); predictive values for spontaneous and indicated onset were 85% (75%, 92%) and 89% (71%, 98%).ConclusionsThe algorithm distinguished spontaneous from indicated preterm birth, using birth certificates, with good accuracy.
Using trait‐based ecology to restore resilient ecosystems: historical conditions and the future of montane forests in western North America
Authors: Laughlin Daniel C. , Strahan Robert T. , Huffman David W. , Sánchez Meador Andrew J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHistorical reference conditions have provided empirical benchmarks for guiding ecological restoration but the relevance of historical conditions has been questioned in this era of rapid global change. Trait‐based ecology offers an alternative approach for setting restoration objectives. If we understand which phenotypic traits confer high survival in a given environment, then we can restore assemblages of species with favorable trait combinations to reduce mortality risk, achieve functional outcomes, and enhance restoration success. Our objective was to compare restoration prescriptions based on historical reference conditions versus trait‐based objectives in southwestern United States mixed conifer forests. To optimize survival and enhance resilience under projected increasing frequencies of fire and drought, we constructed and evaluated models based on combinations of three traits: thick bark, dense wood, and moderate leaf nitrogen concentration. Models with multiple traits accurately derived historical species abundance distributions, which is a necessary condition for the application of trait‐based models under less certain future conditions. Model results indicated that trait‐based restoration objectives could be achieved in two ways: by manipulating abundances of species that already coexist at a site or by adding native species from warmer climates to the local species pool. The latter approach may create no‐analog communities of native species. Restoration goals based on either historical reference conditions or future projections are special cases of a more general class of desired future conditions that are derived from trait‐based objectives. Functional ecology provides a general, flexible, and theory‐based approach to restoring resilient ecosystems at a time of rapid environmental change.
Quality of Life of Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Conservative Care without Dialysis
Authors: Song Mi‐Kyung 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWith the evidence that dialysis may not necessarily be beneficial for older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is a growing interest in promoting conservative care without dialysis as a viable treatment option for these individuals. This review summarizes the current empirical evidence of symptom experiences and quality of life of patients receiving conservative care. Data suggest that conservative care may yield symptom experiences and quality of life that are compatible with those of patients on dialysis. However, these data are exclusively from studies conducted outside of the United States in which there were often no comparison groups or study designs that could provide high quality evidence. There is an urgent need for further research and developing a conservative care model suitable for CKD populations in the U.S.