bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PlGF/VEGFR-1 Signaling Promotes Macrophage Polarization and Accelerated Tumor Progression in Obesity
Authors: Incio Joao , Tam Josh , Rahbari Nuh N. , Suboj Priya , McManus Dan T. , Chin Shan M. , Vardam Trupti D. , Batista Ana , Babykutty Suboj , Jung Keehoon , Khachatryan Anna , Hato Tai , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Krop Ian E. , Puchner Stefan B. , Schlett Christopher L. , Hoffmman Udo , Ancukiewicz Marek , Shibuya Masabumi , Carmeliet Peter , Soares Raquel , Duda Dan G. , Jain Rakesh K. , Fukumura Dai 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Purpose: Obesity promotes pancreatic and breast cancer progression via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Although obesity is associated with increased systemic levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), the role of PlGF in obesity-induced tumor progression is not known. PlGF and its receptor VEGFR-1 have been shown to modulate tumor angiogenesis and promote tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and activity. Here, we hypothesized that increased activity of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling mediates obesity-induced tumor progression by augmenting tumor angiogenesis and TAM recruitment/activity.
Experimental Design: We established diet-induced obese mouse models of wild-type C57BL/6, VEGFR-1 tyrosine kinase (TK)-null, or PlGF-null mice, and evaluated the role of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling in pancreatic and breast cancer mouse models and in human samples.
Results: We found that obesity increased TAM infiltration, tumor growth, and metastasis in pancreatic cancers, without affecting vessel density. Ablation of VEGFR-1 signaling prevented obesity-induced tumor progression and shifted the tumor immune environment toward an antitumor phenotype. Similar findings were observed in a breast cancer model. Obesity was associated with increased systemic PlGF, but not VEGF-A or VEGF-B, in pancreatic and breast cancer patients and in various mouse models of these cancers. Ablation of PlGF phenocopied the effects of VEGFR-1-TK deletion on tumors in obese mice. PlGF/VEGFR-1-TK deletion prevented weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, but exacerbated hyperinsulinemia. Addition of metformin not only normalized insulin levels but also enhanced antitumor immunity.
Conclusions: Targeting PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling reprograms the tumor immune microenvironment and inhibits obesity-induced acceleration of tumor progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2993–3004. ©2016 AACR.
Fostering a Collaborative Atmospheric Chemistry Research Community in the Latin America and Caribbean Region
Authors: Andrade-Flores Marcos , Rojas Nestor , Melamed Megan L. , Mayol-Bracero Olga L. , Grutter Michel , Dawidowski Laura , Antuña-Marrero Juan Carlos , Rudamas Carlos , Gallardo Laura , Mamani-Paco Ruben , Andrade Maria de Fatima , Huneeus Nicolas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn 2013, the international Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (iCACGP) and the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry (IGAC) Project Americas Working Group (iCACGP/IGAC AWG) was formed to build a cohesive network and foster the next generation of atmospheric scientists with the goal of contributing to a scientific community focused on building collective knowledge for the Americas. The Latin America–Caribbean (LAC) region shares common history, culture, and socioeconomic issues but, at the same time, it is highly diverse in its physical and human geography. The LAC region is unique because approximately 80% of its population lives in urban areas, resulting in high-density hotspots of urbanization and vast unpopulated rural areas. In recent years, most countries of the region have experienced rapid growth in population and industrialization as their economies emerge. The rapid urbanization, the associated increases in mobile and industrial sources, and the growth of the agricultural activities related to biomass burning have degraded air quality in certain areas of the LAC region. Air pollution has negative implications for human health, ecosystems, and climate. In addition, air pollution and the warming caused by greenhouse gases could impact the melting of Andean glaciers, an important source of freshwater. To better understand the links between air pollution and climate, it is necessary to increase the number of atmospheric scientists and improve our observational, analytical, and modeling capacities. This requires sustained and prioritized funding as well as stronger collaboration within the LAC region.
Improvements to the WRF Seasonal Hindcasts over South Africa by Bias Correcting the Driving SINTEX-F2v CGCM Fields
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera Swadhin K. , Doi Takeshi , Ratna Satyban B. , Landman Willem A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
In an attempt to improve the forecast skill of the austral summer precipitation over South Africa, an ensemble of 1-month-lead seasonal hindcasts generated by the Scale Interaction Experiment–Frontier Research Center for Global Change (SINTEX-F2v) coupled global circulation model is downscaled using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The WRF Model with two-way interacting domains at horizontal resolutions of 27 and 9 km is used in the study. Evaluation of the deterministic skill score using the anomaly correlation coefficients shows that SINTEX-F2v has significant skill in precipitation forecasts confined to western regions of South Africa. Dynamical downscaling of SINTEX-F2v forecasts using the WRF Model is found to further improve the skill scores over South Africa. However, larger improvements in the skill scores are achieved when the WRF Model is forced by a form of bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v forecasts. The systematic biases in the original fields of the SITNEX-F2v forecasts are removed by superimposing the SINTEX-F2v 6-hourly anomalies over the ERA-Interim 6-hourly climatological fields. The WRF Model forced by the bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v shows significant skill in the forecast anomalies of precipitation over most parts of South Africa. Interestingly, the WRF Model runs with the bias correction did not help to improve the SINTEX-F2v forecast of 2-m air temperatures. Perhaps this is because of the large biases in the precipitation forecast by the WRF Model driven by the bias-corrected SINTEX-F2v. These results are important for potentially improving seasonal forecasts over South Africa.
Enhanced Diapycnal Diffusivity in Intrusive Regions of the Drake Passage
Authors: Merrifield Sophia T. , Laurent Louis St. , Owens Breck , Thurnherr Andreas M. , Toole John M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDirect measurements of oceanic turbulent parameters were taken upstream of and across Drake Passage, in the region of the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts. Values of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate ε estimated by microstructure are up to two orders of magnitude lower than previously published estimates in the upper 1000 m. Turbulence levels in Drake Passage are systematically higher than values upstream, regardless of season. The dissipation of thermal variance χ is enhanced at middepth throughout the surveys, with the highest values found in northern Drake Passage, where water mass variability is the most pronounced. Using the density ratio, evidence for double-diffusive instability is presented. Subject to double-diffusive physics, the estimates of diffusivity using the Osborn–Cox method are larger than ensemble statistics based on ε and the buoyancy frequency.
Novel Anatomic Characteristics of the Laryngeal Framework
Authors: Sagiv Doron , Eyal Ana , Mansour Jobran , Nakache Gabriel , Wolf Michael , Primov‐Fever Adi 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe thyroid cartilage (TC) in men has a more prominent thyroid notch and a narrower interlaminae angle (ILA) as compared with women. Anatomy textbooks classically stipulate that the ILA is 90° in men and 120° in women. Our observation, based on thyroid chondroplasty operations, of a much narrower angle led to the current investigation.Study DesignCohort imaging study.SettingTertiary academic referral center.Subjects and MethodsComputed tomography angiography neck images of adult patients were studied. The ILA was measured on 2 axial planes: at the level of the vocal processes (and the upper portion of thyroarytenoid muscles) and 5 mm superior and parallel to the former. The anterior projection of the TC and the vertical dimensions of the midline cricothyroid membrane (CTM) were also measured.ResultsA total of 126 patients were included in the study. The average ILAs were 63.5°±20.6° and 93.3°±16.6° for men and women, respectively (P < 10−14), and were significantly narrower at the upper level in comparison with the vocal process level (P < 10−7 for men, P =. 004 for women). The anterior projection of the TC in men was more prominent as compared with women (P =. 0003) and significantly correlated with the ILA (P =. 0159). The length of the midline CTM was 11.1±2.3 mm in men and 10.3±1.7 mm in women (P =. 0355).ConclusionsThe ILA is narrower than that reported in the classic anatomy textbooks. In male patients, the upper part of the TC becomes narrower and projects anteriorly like a “jug’s spout.” The mean vertical dimension of the midline CTM was 10 to 11 mm.
Environment, Social Identity and Individual Freedom in the Current Historiography of Northeast India
Authors: Zou David Vumlallian 
Published: February 2016

Sanghamitra Misra, Becoming a Borderland: Space and Identity in Colonial Northeastern India, Routledge, New Delhi, 2011, 236 + xiv pp., ₹695. Indrani Chatterjee, Forgotten Friends: Monks, Marriages, and Memories of Northeast India, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2013, 451 + xiv pp., ₹1025. Gunnel Cederlöf, Founding an Empire on India’s North-eastern Frontiers 1790–1840: Climate, Commerce, Polity, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2014, 272 + xv pp., ₹895. Arupjyoti Saikia, A Century of Protests: Peasant Politics in Assam since 1900, Routledge, New Delhi, 2014, 480 + xix pp., ₹1195. Joy L.K. Pachuau, Being Mizo: Identity and Belonging in Northeast India, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2014, 273 + xv pp., ₹895. Udayon Misra, India’s North East: Identity Movements, State, and Civil Society, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2014, 366 + ix pp., ₹995.
MRI of the left atrium at 3T: evaluation of measurement reproducibility in healthy volunteers and patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Gandy Stephen J , Matthew Shona , Rekhraj Sushma , Szwejkowski Benjamin , Crowe Elena , Struthers Allan D , Houston J Graeme 
Published: February 2016

Background Left ventricular (LV) function has traditionally been the focus for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations, but similar methods can also be applied to the left atrium (LA). Previous studies elsewhere have almost entirely involved the use of 1.5T systems, but 3T MRI can provide faster data acquisition with thinner image slices, and may be more suitable for quantifying the structure and function of the LA. Purpose To evaluate 3T-MRI for LA volume assessments in: (i) healthy volunteers (HV); (ii) patients with LV-hypertrophy and ischemia (LVHI); and (iii) patients with LV-hypertrophy and diabetes (LVHD). Material and Methods Participants were imaged using a balanced steady-state free precession sequence. Healthy volunteers were scanned twice and patients were scanned on one occasion. Volumes were segmented by two observers, and coefficients of repeatability (CoR) were derived. Results For LA volumes (indexed to body surface area), CoRs were in the range of 1.3–4.6 mL/m2. The LVHI patients had enlarged LA volumes (diastolic, 46.4 mL/m2; systolic, 25.9 mL/m2) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) (44.9%) relative to the HV (diastolic, 39.0 mL/m2; systolic, 17.8 mL/m2; EF, 54.5%) and LVHD groups (diastolic, 41.4 mL/m2; systolic, 20.2 mL/m2; EF, 50.7%). LA volumes were moderately correlated with LV mass in the HV group (R2 = 0.59 for LA end-systolic volume), but became weaker (R2 ≤ 0.17) for patient groups. Conclusion 3T-MRI derived LA volume measurements are simple and repeatable, and can elicit clear differences between LVHI patients and HVs. These MRI endpoints provide scope for improved radiological interpretation of LA structure and function, and the high degree of repeatability validates their use for longitudinal investigations where precision work is essential.
Blood gene expression studies in migraine: Potential and caveats
Authors: Gerring Zachary , Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Powell Joseph E , Griffiths Lyn R , Montgomery Grant W , Nyholt Dale R 
Published: February 2016

Background Global gene expression analysis may be used to obtain insights into the functional processes underlying migraine. However, there is a shortage of high-quality post-mortem brain tissue samples for genetic analysis. One approach is to use a more accessible tissue as a surrogate, such as peripheral blood. Purpose Discuss the benefits and caveats of blood genomic profiling in migraine and its potential application in the development of biomarkers of migraine susceptibility and outcome. Demonstrate the utility of blood-based expression profiles in migraine by analysing pilot Illumina HT-12 expression data from 76 (38 case, 38 control) whole-blood samples. Conclusion Current evidence suggests peripheral blood is a biologically valid substrate for genetic studies of migraine, and may be used to identify biomarkers and therapeutic pathways. Pilot blood gene expression data confirm that expression profiles significantly differ between migraine case and non-migraine control individuals.
The Association Between Diabetes and Dementia Among Elderly Individuals
Authors: Sherzai Dean , Sherzai Ayesha , Lui Keith , Pan Deyu , Chiou Daniel , Bazargan Mohsen , Shaheen Magda 
Published: February 2016

Background/Aim: To date, few studies have cross-examined the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and dementia nationally. There is also a lack of evidence regarding dementia subtypes and how this relationship changes among older individuals. The objective was to better delineate this relationship and influence of multiple comorbidities using a nationwide sample. Methods: Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1998 to 2011 using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Version codes. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. Multivariate nominal logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, and comorbidities explored the independent relationship between Alzheimer dementia (AD), non-Alzheimer dementia (VaD), and diabetes. Results: 21% of the participants were diabetic patients, 3.7% had AD, and 2.2% had VaD. Diabetes prevalence in AD, VaD, and no dementia groups were 20.6%, 24.3%, and 26.2%, respectively. In the unadjusted model, those with DM had lower odds of AD (odds ratio [OR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.74) and VaD (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.89-0.92). Adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, diabetic patients had significantly higher odds of VaD (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.08-1.11) and lower odds of AD (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.86-0.88). Inclusion of interaction terms (age, race/ethnicity, depression, stroke, and hypertension) made the relationship between diabetes and VaD not significant (OR 1.002, 95% CI 0.97-1.03), but the relationship of DM with AD remained significant (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.56-0.58; P < .05). Conclusion: Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus had lower odds of having AD. Age, race/ethnicity, depression, stroke, and hypertension modified the relationship between DM and both VaD and AD. Further exploration of the relationship between DM and AD is warranted.
The role of Dementia Champion in dementia care: Its aspirations, development and training needs (innovative practice)
Authors: Mayrhofer Andrea , Goodman Claire , Smeeton Nigel 
Published: February 2016

Background The conceptualisation and development of the role of Dementia Champions in clinical practice is ongoing, and dementia specific training has a significant impact on the scope of the role. Aim This survey aimed to elicit Dementia Champions’ views on their role and associated training needs. Methods Data were collected via an online survey. Findings Of 188, 34 Dementia Champions (response rate 18%) participated. Most perceived dementia awareness training as useful, but limited. Areas suggested for further development were context specific skills training, education programmes that were formally recognised, and clarification around the expectations of the role. Conclusion Expectations of ‘champion roles’ in dementia need to be re-visited, specifically in relation to the remit of the role and the level of education, preparation and support required for Dementia Champions to become change agents in dementia care.
Rupture Risk and Etiology of Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Regus Susanne , Lang Werner 
Published: February 2016

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze differences in rupture risk and etiology of visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) and visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) in a single-center experience. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a VAA or VAPA after treatment by open surgical or endovascular repair (ER) in our institution. Patient history, treatment details, and outcome were recorded and analyzed. Results: From January 1996 to April 2014, 29 (12 women) patients with 33 aneurysms (26 VAAs and 7 VAPAs) were treated in elective and urgent settings by open repair or ER. Etiology was quite different, most common was atherosclerosis (61.5%) in VAA and chronic pancreatitis (85.7%) in VAPA. Rupture rate was 19.2% in VAA and 42.9% in VAPA, whereas mean size of ruptured VAA was 4.4 cm and of ruptured VAPA was 2 cm. Open repair (suture, ligation, and aneurysmectomy with or without arterial reconstruction) and ER (coil embolization in the packing technique) were performed in half of all cases. After follow-up (72-month VAA and 82-month VAPA), aneurysm-free survival was reported to be 95% in VAA and 100% in VAPA. Conclusion: Chronic pancreatitis seems to be a prominent risk factor for the development of VAPA in this single-center experience. Modern endovascular techniques with promising short- and long-term results could broaden indications to treat asymptomatic VAA and VAPA.
A Rare Case of Glomus Tumor of the Great Toe
Authors: Mohindra Mukul , Sambandam Balaji , Gautam V. K. , Maini Lalit 
Published: February 2016

Glomus tumor, originally known as an angioneuromyoma, is a benign neoplasm arising from specialized structures called glomus bodies, involved in thermoregulation. Although it has been reported at a number of sites in the body, this rare tumor is most commonly seen in the subungual areas of the digits of the hand. Only a handful of lesions have been reported in the toes. Because most foot conditions are treated by podiatrists and dermatologists, orthopaedic surgeons are generally unaccustomed to making early diagnoses. The purpose of this case report is to alert the attending surgeon regarding the possibility of glomus tumor as a cause of chronic toe pain. Also it has been observed that the behavior of this tumor varies with the site of occurrence—whether digital or extradigital. So we have extensively reviewed all similar reports in the literature to analyze the behavior of this tumor at this unusual location, apart from comparing it with the more common finger variety, to ensure it possibly is not a misclassification like the chemodectomas that were earlier thought to be glomus tumors. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV: Case Study
‘Simplicity’ radiofrequency neurotomy of sacroiliac joint: a real life 1-year follow-up UK data
Authors: Anjana Reddy Vinay S , Sharma Chhaya , Chang Kuang-Yi , Mehta Vivek 
Published: February 2016

Background: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is considered to be the third most common cause of low back pain with the prevalence of 13–25% in all low back pain patients. Its diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge with the poor evidence base for interventional procedures. Patients with SIJ pain experience a low quality of life, worse than some of the chronic health conditions. Simplicity radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy is a novel technique which tackles some of the problems faced by conventional RF neurotomy and may offer better results in managing pain arising from SIJ. Aim: The purpose of this retrospective review of practice was to look into the effectiveness of Simplicity RF neurotomy in terms of pain relief, quality of health improvement in patients suffering from SIJ pain and complications associated with the procedure. Methodology: Retrospective review of the patients undergoing Simplicity RF neurotomy at a tertiary hospital (April 2012 to June 2013). Pain scores and responses to SF (Short Form) 12 questionnaire before and at 12 months after treatment were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Out of 26 patients, 16 were considered for analysis. There was statistically significant reduction in both mean pain score (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS from 8.8 pre-intervention to 4.3 post-intervention) and median pain score (NRS from 9 pre-intervention to 5 post-intervention) with a p-value of <0.001 at 12 months. Reduction in the inter-quartile range of pain score was observed from 8–10 to 2.25–6 (p-value of <0.001). Global health as per SF12 scores showed statistically significant improvement, except in some of the psychological subcategories. The procedure-related pain was the only complication noted. Conclusion: From our data, we can conclude that Simplicity RF neurotomy of lateral branches of S1-S3 along with conventional RF denervation of L5 dorsal ramus may improve pain scores and many components of global health in carefully selected patients.
Negative prognostic impact of MRI spinal lesions in the early stages of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: D’Amico E , Patti F , Leone C , Lo Fermo S , Zappia M 
Published: February 2016

Background The presence of spinal cord (SC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions can be expected to affect the mobility of people with relapsing–remitting MS (pwRRMS), but reports are ambiguous. Objective The objective of this paper is to determine whether the presence of SC MRI lesions in early diagnosed pwRRMS could be considered a predictor of long-term disability. Methods pwRRMS with an SC MRI performed within two years from the onset of symptoms and followed up for at least seven years were included. Patients were grouped into: (a) pwRRMs with at least one SC T2 MRI lesion, and (b) pwRRMs without SC T2 MRI lesions. The primary end point was to evaluate the effects of independent factors on reaching an Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) of 4.0. Results A total of 239 pwRRMS matched the required criteria: 116 in the group with SC lesions and 123 in the group without SC lesions. At baseline, there were no statistical differences between the two groups. The presence of SC lesions (Exp(b) 4.4, CI 2.1–9.0, p < 0.001) and higher basal EDSS (Exp(b) 3.3, CI 2.3–4.8, p < 0.001) proved to be the best predictors of reaching EDSS 4.0. Conclusion The presence of T2 SC MRI lesions detected early from MS onset of RRMS predicts a worse prognosis.