bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taking the P out of pollution: an English perspective on phosphorus stewardship and the Water Framework Directive
Authors: Leaf Simon 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFreshwater eutrophication is an international concern caused by increases in the supply of nutrients to water bodies from their catchments. It has been recognised as an issue in England since the late 1980s and 1990s. However, the problem had started to develop in earlier decades. The current state of play and future prospects in reducing phosphorus concentrations in English rivers and lakes are discussed. This includes an exploration of the challenges in attempting to achieve stringent phosphorus standards, in order to control eutrophication, while also wishing to manage phosphorus better, as a non‐renewable resource. Phosphorus stewardship ultimately needs to address both the resource efficiency aspects of phosphorus management and the environmental objectives. However, some tension between these aspirations is identified and potential future management approaches are outlined.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Obtained from Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Lira Felipe , García-León Guillermo , Oliver Antonio , Martínez José L. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Patients suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are frequently infected by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Nevertheless, the number of sequenced isolates causing this type of infection is low. Here, we present the draft genomes of four
P. aeruginosa
isolates obtained from patients presenting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain Belonging to the East African-Indian Family in the Indo-Oceanic Lineage, Isolated in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Wada Takayuki , Hijikata Minako , Maeda Shinji , Hang Nguyen Thi Le , Thuong Pham Huu , Hoang Nguyen Phuong , Hung Nguyen Van , Keicho Naoto 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

The East African-Indian (EAI) family of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is an endemic group mainly observed in Southeast Asia. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an
M. tuberculosis
strain isolated as a member of the EAI family in Hanoi, Vietnam, a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.
Early termination of cardiovascular trials as a consequence of poor accrual: analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov 2006–2015
Authors: Baldi Ileana , Lanera Corrado , Berchialla Paola , Gregori Dario 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo present a snapshot of experimental cardiovascular research with a focus on geographical and temporal patterns of early termination due to poor accrual.SettingThe Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT) database, reflecting ClinicalTrials.gov as of 27 March 2016.DesignThe AACT database was searched for all cardiovascular clinical trials that started from January 2006 up to December 2015.ResultsThirteen thousand and seven hundred twenty-nine cardiovascular trials were identified. Of these, 8900 (65%) were classified as closed studies. Globally, 11% of closed trials were terminated. This proportion varied from 9.6% to 14% for trials recruiting from Europe and Americas, respectively, with a slightly decreasing trend (p=0.02) over the study period. The most common reason for trials failing to complete was poor accrual (41%). Intercontinental trials exhibited lower figures of poor accrual as the reason for their early stopping, as compared with trials recruiting in a single continent (28% vs 44%, p=0.002).ConclusionsPoor accrual significantly challenges the successful completion of cardiovascular clinical trials. Findings are suggestive of a positive effect of globalisation of cardiovascular clinical research on the achievement of enrolment goals within a reasonable time frame.
Detection of peripheral and central sensitisation at acupoints in patients with unilateral shoulder pain in Beijing: a cross-sectional matched case–control study
Authors: Yan Chao-Qun , Zhang Shuai , Li Qian-Qian , Zhang Li-Wen , Wang Xue-Rui , Fu Qing-Nan , Shi Guang-Xia , Liu Cun-Zhi 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the pattern of experimental pain responses at acupoints in patients with unilateral shoulder pain.DesignA cross-sectional matched study.SettingAcupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University.ParticipantsVolunteer samples of 60 participants (30 patients with unilateral shoulder pain, 30 healthy controls).InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresPressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured at four acupoints—namely,Tianzong(SI 11),Jianliao(SJ 14),Jianyu(LI 15) andJianzhen(SI 9), on the painful/non-painful side in patients with unilateral shoulder pain or healthy controls, respectively. The correlations between the Peripheral Sensitisation Index (PSI) and Central Sensitisation Index (CSI) were compared.ResultsAnalysis showed significantly lower PPT values at acupoints on the painful side compared with the non-painful side in patients with shoulder pain (p<0.025). Meanwhile, PPTs on the non-painful side of these patients were lower than those on the ipsilateral side of healthy controls (p<0.025). No significant differences in PPT values were found between the non-acupoint of the painful/non-painful side in patients with shoulder pain and the ipsilateral side of healthy controls (p>0.05). Additionally, it was observed that the pressure pain assessment acupoints have a strong association with PSI and CSI; three acupoints, in particular, SJ 14, LI 15 and SI 9, showed a correlation with PSI and CSI.ConclusionThe results suggest the presence of peripheral and central sensitisation at acupoints in participants with unilateral shoulder pain. There exists an obvious relationship among the three acupoints SJ 14, LI 15 and SI 9, which are usually chosen to treat shoulder pain. The results provide evidence for the selection of acupoints to treat shoulder pain by acupuncture.
Revealed versus concealed criteria for placental insufficiency in an unselected obstetric population in late pregnancy (RATIO37): randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Figueras Francesc , Gratacos Eduard , Rial Marta , Gull Ilan , Krofta Ladislav , Lubusky Marek , Rogelio Cruz-Martinez , Mónica Cruz-Lemini , Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez , Socias Pamela , Aleuanlli Cristina , Cordero Mauro C Parra 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionFetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5%–10% of all pregnancies, contributing to 30%–50% of stillbirths. Unfortunately, growth restriction often is not detected antenatally. The last weeks of pregnancy are critical for preventing stillbirth among babies with FGR because there is a pronounced increase in stillbirths among growth-restricted fetuses after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Here we present a protocol (V.1, 23 May 2016) for the RATIO37 trial, which evaluates an integrated strategy for accurately selecting at-risk fetuses for delivery at term. The protocol is based on the combination of fetal biometry and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). The primary objective is to reduce stillbirth rates. The secondary aims are to detect low birth weights and adverse perinatal outcomes.Methods and analysisThe study is designed as multicentre (Spain, Chile, Mexico,Czech Republic and Israel), open-label, randomised trial with parallel groups. Singleton pregnancies will be invited to participate after routine second-trimester ultrasound scan (19+0–22+6weeks of gestation), and participants will be randomly allocated to receive revealed or concealed CPR evaluation. Then, a routine ultrasound and Doppler scan will be performed at 36+0–37+6weeks. Sociodemographic and clinical data will be collected at enrolment. Ultrasound and Doppler variables will be recorded at 36+0–37+6weeks of pregnancy. Perinatal outcomes will be recorded after delivery. Univariate (with estimated effect size and its 95% CI) and multivariate (mixed-effects logistic regression) comparisons between groups will be performed.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study was accepted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clinic Barcelona on 23May 2016. Subsequent approval by individual ethical committees and competent authorities was granted. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT02907242; pre-results.
Protocol for a multicentre, multistage, prospective study in China using system-based approaches for consistent improvement in surgical safety
Authors: Yu Xiaochu , Jiang Jingmei , Liu Changwei , Shen Keng , Wang Zixing , Han Wei , Liu Xingrong , Lin Guole , Zhang Ye , Zhang Ying , Ma Yufen , Bo Haixin , Zhao Yupei 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSurgical safety has emerged as a crucial global health issue in the past two decades. Although several safety-enhancing tools are available, the pace of large-scale improvement remains slow, especially in developing countries such as China. The present project (Modern Surgery and Anesthesia Safety Management System Construction and Promotion) aims to develop and validate system-based integrated approaches for reducing perioperative deaths and complications using a multicentre, multistage design.Methods and analysisThe project involves collection of clinical and outcome information for 1 20 000 surgical inpatients at four regionally representative academic/teaching general hospitals in China during three sequential stages: preparation and development, effectiveness validation and improvement of implementation for promotion. These big data will provide the evidence base for the formulation, validation and improvement processes of a system-based stratified safety intervention package covering the entire surgical pathway. Attention will be directed to managing inherent patient risks and regulating medical safety behaviour. Information technology will facilitate data collection and intervention implementation, provide supervision mechanisms and guarantee transfer of key patient safety messages between departments and personnel. Changes in rates of deaths, surgical complications during hospitalisation, length of stay, system adoption and implementation rates will be analysed to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the institutional review boards of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, First Hospital of China Medical University, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Central South University and the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and patent papers.
Multiple health behaviour change interventions for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alageel Samah , Gulliford Martin C , McDermott Lisa , Wright Alison J 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundIt is uncertain whether multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) interventions are effective for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in primary care. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of MHBC interventions on CVD risk and CVD risk factors; the study also evaluated associations of theoretical frameworks and intervention components with intervention effectiveness.MethodsThe search included randomised controlled trials of MHBC interventions aimed at reducing CVD risk in primary prevention population up to 2017. Theoretical frameworks and intervention components were evaluated using standardised methods. Meta-analysis with stratification and meta-regression were used to evaluate intervention effects.ResultsWe identified 31 trials (36 484 participants) with a minimum duration of 12 months follow-up. Pooled net change in systolic blood pressure (16 trials) was −1.86 (95% CI −3.17 to −0.55; p=0.01) mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure (15 trials), −1.53 (−2.43 to −0.62; p=0.001) mm Hg; body mass index (14 trials), −0.13 (−0.26 to −0.01; p=0.04) kg/m2; serum total cholesterol (14 trials), −0.13 (−0.19 to −0.07; p<0.001) mmol/L. There was no significant association between interventions with a reported theoretical basis and improved intervention outcomes. No association was observed between intervention intensity (number of sessions and intervention duration) and intervention outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity for some risk factor analyses, leading to uncertain validity of some pooled net changes.ConclusionsMHBC interventions delivered to CVD-free participants in primary care did not appear to have quantitatively important effects on CVD risk factors. Better reporting of interventions’ rationale, content and delivery is essential to understanding their effectiveness.
HAS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION RESTRAINED SMOG POLLUTION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: HUANG SHOUFENG , CHEN DENGTA 
Published: June 2017

We studied how environmental regulation affects the ecological environment from the perspective of an underground economy. The theoretical model shows that environmental regulation exerts both direct and indirect effects — via the underground economy — on environmental pollution, and that the underground economy is unfavorable for the environment. Empirical results show that all the effects (direct, indirect, and total) of environmental regulation are insignificant, and the enforcement of environmental regulation may increase smog emissions with the expansion of the underground economy; smog pollution will increase with the strengthening of environmental regulation. Moreover, the underground economy shows a remarkable spatial effect when using spatial distance or spatial economics weights matrix.
Activated Notch signaling cascade is correlated with stem cell differentiation toward absorptive progenitors after massive small bowel resection in a rat
Authors: Sukhotnik Igor , Coran Arnold G. , Pollak Yulia , Kuhnreich Eviatar , Berkowitz Drora , Saxena Amulya K. 
Published: June 2017

Notch signaling is thought to act to drive cell versification in the lining of the small intestine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the Notch signaling pathway in stem cell differentiation in the late stages of intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in a rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups of eight rats each: Sham rats underwent bowel transection and reanastomosis, while SBS rats underwent 75% small bowel resection. Rats were euthanized on day 14. Illumina's Digital Gene Expression (DGE) analysis was used to determine Notch signaling gene expression profiling. Notch-related gene and protein expression was determined using real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. From seven investigated Notch-related (by DGE analysis) genes, six genes were upregulated in SBS vs. control animals with a relative change in gene expression level of 20% or more. A significant upregulation of Notch signaling-related genes in resected animals was accompanied by a significant increase in Notch-1 protein levels (Western blot analysis) and a significant increase in the number of Notch1 and Hes1 (target gene)-positive cells (immunohistochemistry) compared with sham animals. Evaluation of cell differentiation has shown a strong increase in total number of absorptive cells (unchanged secretory cells) compared with control rats. In conclusion, 2 wk after bowel resection in rats, stimulated Notch signaling directs the crypt cell population toward absorptive progenitors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of cell proliferation following massive small bowel resection. We show that 2 wk after bowel resection in rats, enhanced stem cell activity was associated with stimulated Notch signaling pathway. We demonstrate that activated Notch signaling cascade directs the crypt cell population toward absorptive progenitors.
The effects of RSR13 on microvascular Po2 kinetics and muscle contractile performance in the rat arterial ligation model of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Watanabe Aiko , Poole David C. , Kano Yutaka 
Published: June 2017

Exercise intolerance and claudication are symptomatic of peripheral arterial disease. There is a close relationship between muscle O2 delivery, microvascular oxygen partial pressure (P mvO2), and contractile performance. We therefore hypothesized that a reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 would maintain a higher P mvO2 and enhance blood-muscle O2 transport and contractile function. In male Wistar rats (12 wk of age), we created hindlimb ischemia via right-side iliac artery ligation (AL). The contralateral (left) muscle served as control (CONT). Seven days after AL, phosphorescence-quenching techniques were used to measure P mvO2 at rest and during contractions (electrical stimulation; 1 Hz, 300 s) in tibialis anterior muscle (TA) under saline ( n = 10) or RSR13 ( n = 10) conditions. RSR13 at rest increased TA P mvO2 in CONT (13.9 ± 1.6 to 19.3 ± 1.9 Torr, P < 0.05) and AL (9.0 ± 0.5 to 9.9 ± 0.7 Torr, P < 0.05). Furthermore, RSR13 extended maintenance of the initial TA force (i.e., improved contractile performance) such that force was not decreased significantly until contraction 240 vs. 150 in CONT and 80 vs. 20 in AL. This improved muscle endurance with RSR13 was accompanied by a greater ΔP mvO2 (P mvO2 decrease from baseline) (CONT, 7.4 ± 1.0 to 11.2 ± 1.3; AL, 6.9 ± 0.5 to 8.6 ± 0.6 Torr, both P < 0.05). Whereas RSR13 did not alter the kinetics profile of P mvO2 (i.e., mean response time) substantially during contractions, muscle force was elevated, and the ratio of muscle force to P mvO2 increased. In conclusion, reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 in AL increased P mvO2 and improved muscle contractile performance most likely via enhanced blood-muscle O2 diffusion. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first investigation to examine the effect of RSR13 (erythrocyte allosteric effector) on skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen partial pressure kinetics and contractile function using an arterial ligation model of peripheral arterial disease in experimental animals. The present results provide strong support for the concept that reducing hemoglobin-O2 affinity via RSR13 improved tibialis anterior muscle contractile performance most likely via enhanced blood-muscle O2 diffusion.
IGFBP7 Deletion Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Akiel Maaged , Guo Chunqing , Li Xia , Rajasekaran Devaraja , Mendoza Rachel G. , Robertson Chadia L. , Jariwala Nidhi , Yuan Fang , Subler Mark A. , Windle Jolene , Garcia Dawn K. , Lai Zhao , Chen Hung-I Harry , Chen Yidong , Giashuddin Shah , Fisher Paul B. , Wang Xiang-Yang , Sarkar Devanand 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Activation of IGF signaling is a major oncogenic event in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this setting, the insulin-like growth factor binding protein IGFBP7 inhibits IGF signaling by binding the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), functioning as a candidate tumor suppressor. IGFBP7 abrogates tumors by inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing cancer-specific senescence and apoptosis. Here, we report that Igfbp7-deficient mice exhibit constitutively active IGF signaling, presenting with proinflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironments and spontaneous liver and lung tumors occurring with increased incidence in carcinogen-treated subjects. Igfbp7 deletion increased proliferation and decreased senescence of hepatocytes and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, effects that were blocked by treatment with IGF1 receptor inhibitor. Significant inhibition of genes regulating immune surveillance was observed in Igfbp7−/− murine livers, which was associated with a marked inhibition in antigen cross-presentation by Igfbp7−/− dendritic cells. Conversely, IGFBP7 overexpression inhibited growth of HCC cells in syngeneic immunocompetent mice. Depletion of CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes abolished this growth inhibition, identifying it as an immune-mediated response. Our findings define an immune component of the pleiotropic mechanisms through which IGFBP7 suppresses HCC. Furthermore, they offer a genetically based preclinical proof of concept for IGFBP7 as a therapeutic target for immune management of HCC. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4014–25. ©2017 AACR.
Stool DNA Test of Methylated Syndecan-2 for the Early Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia
Authors: Niu Feng , Wen Jialing , Fu Xinhui , Li Chujun , Zhao Rongsong , Wu Shan , Yu Hao , Liu Xianglin , Zhao Xia , Liu Side , Wang Xinying , Wang Jianping , Zou Hongzhi 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Background: Although the incidence of colorectal cancer is steadily increasing, screening for colorectal cancer with conventional approaches is not routinely performed in China. Noninvasive screening methods are attractive options to resolve this issue. Syndecan-2 (SDC2) is frequently methylated in colorectal cancer. However, the value of a stool test of methylated SDC2 for the detection of colorectal cancer is unknown.
Methods: Methylation status of SDC2 was tested in cell lines and 398 colorectal tissue samples and further evaluated with 497 stool samples, including 196 from colorectal cancer patients, 122 from adenoma patients, and 179 from normal individuals, using real-time methylation-specific PCR. The impacts of one quantitative partial stool sampling device and 17 potentially interfering substances on the performance of fecal methylated SDC2 were also analyzed. SDC2 expression was also measured.
Results: SDC2 methylation level was higher in 96.8% (120/124) of colorectal cancer tissues compared with paired adjacent normal epithelia. Stool test of methylated SDC2 detected 81.1% (159/196) of colorectal cancer and 58.2% (71/122) of adenomas at a specificity of 93.3% (167/179). No significant difference was found between partial and whole stool collection on colorectal cancer detection (P &gt; 0.05, R2 = 0.80). Among 17 interfering substances, only berberine at high concentrations inhibited fecal detection of methylated SDC2. SDC2 was overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues compared with normal epithelia.
Conclusions: Fecal methylated SDC2 is a valuable biomarker for the noninvasive detection of colorectal neoplasms.
Impact: Stool DNA test of methylated SDC2 would serve as an alternative method for screening colorectal neoplasms. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(9); 1411–9. ©2017 AACR.