bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Morality Policy Different? Testing Sectoral and Institutional Explanations of Policy Change
Authors: Hurka Steffen , Adam Christian , Knill Christoph 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe analyze morality policy change from the perspective of punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) to test whether reform dynamics in this policy sector follow a distinct pattern. First, we propose a new measurement scheme capturing changes in the intensity of morality policy output. Second, we demonstrate that morality policy change is strongly punctuated. Finally, and most importantly, we show that the degree of policy punctuations varies between different domains of morality policy, but not according to institutional features operating on the country level, supporting existing PET research, which has discovered similar domain‐specific dynamics in changes of public spending. Specifically, punctuations are particularly pronounced in areas of manifest morality policy, that is, policies characterized by strong value conflicts, whereas punctuations are less pronounced for latent morality policies, that is, policies in which other dimensions of conflict are present next to the value dimension. Significant differences in reform dynamics are neither discerned for countries belonging to the religious or the secular world, nor for countries with majoritarian or consensual democracies. The analysis relies on an original dataset capturing legislative changes in five manifest (abortion, euthanasia, prostitution, pornography, and homosexuality), and three latent morality policies (drugs, gambling, and handguns) in 19 European countries (1960–2010).
Prosecutorial regulation in the Global South: Environmental civil litigation by prosecutors in China compared to Brazil
Authors: Shi Yifan , van Rooij Benjamin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBrazil's successful prosecutorial civil action against polluters could be a regulatory example for the Global South. This paper analyses whether such regulation could also develop without the major political, institutional, and legal reforms that spurred it in Brazil. To do so, it analyzes China, where similar reforms have so far not occurred, but where prosecutors have recently started to initiate civil litigation against polluters. It finds that prosecutorial civil litigation in China has only a limited regulatory effect or potential. Prosecutors in China are influenced by conflicting incentive structures that reward one‐off lower level test cases with an innovation bonus, while structurally stimulating a focus on general crime fighting. Ironically, as a result of such incentives, the recent legal reform, toward providing standing for prosecutors in public interest litigation, will, in contrast to Brazil, decrease rather than increase the regulatory effect of these cases. These findings have implications for understanding how the interaction between regulatory independence, legal reform, and regime type shapes possibilities for regulatory innovation in the Global South.
Improving Perceptions of the Insurance Industry: The Influence of Insurance Professionals
Authors: Karl J. Bradley , Wells Brenda 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe “talent crisis” in the insurance industry is well documented. Solutions to this crisis, however, are not plentiful. One of the major challenges faced by the industry is its reputation. We hypothesize that opinions of the industry can be changed through brief but specific education efforts. We test our hypothesis at a major university and find very strong support for our hypothesis.
Imagining ‘Europe’: Constituting Turkey's Identity on the Path to Eu Membership
Authors: Arkan Zeynep 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the aftermath of the Cold War, Turkey, once the ‘southern bastion of NATO’, had to redefine its identity and geopolitical location in relation to not only the West and Europe, but also its neighbours to the East. In this period, the country's aspiration to join the European Union and its position vis‐à‐vis Europe proved to be determining factors in its identity transformation process, taking into consideration its traditional Western orientation. By specifically focusing on the last decade, this study analyses how Turkey's decision‐makers constituted the identity of the state in relation to a specific conception of Europe. It argues that these decision‐makers, through references to the distinctive history and geography of Turkey, reconceptualised the identity of the state in order to transform Turkey into an effective actor in the world and, in doing so, challenged the dominant inclusive, multi‐cultural and normative characterisations of the European Union's identity.
Best practice recommendations for prehospital veterinary care of dogs and cats
Authors: Hanel Rita M. , Palmer Lee , Baker Janice , Brenner Jo‐Anne , Crowe Dennis T. (Tim) , Dorman David , Gicking John C. , Gilger Brian , Otto Cynthia M. , Robertson Sheilah A. , Rozanski Elizabeth , Trumpatori Brian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine available evidence on prehospital care in human and veterinary trauma and emergency medicine and develop best practice guidelines for use by both paramedical and nonparamedical personnel in the approach to the prehospital care of dogs and cats.DesignSystematic evaluation of the literature gathered via medical databases searches of Medline, CAB abstracts, and Google Scholar.SynthesisFrom a review and systematic evaluation of the available evidence, consensus guidelines on the approach to prehospital care of dogs and cats in 18 scenarios were developed.ConclusionsDue to the lack of current evidence in the veterinary prehospital arena, best practice guidelines were developed as an initial platform. Recommendations were based on a review of pertinent human and available veterinary literature as well as a consensus of the authors’ professional opinions. It is anticipated that evidence‐based additions will be made in the future.
Natural History of C282Y Homozygotes for Hemochromatosis
Authors: Wojcik John P , Speechley Mark R , Kertesz Ann E , Chakrabarti Subrata , Adams Paul C 
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: To study the clinical outcomes of subjects who are homozygous for the C282Y mutation of the hemochromatosis gene.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All patients referred to a tertiary referral centre for hemochromatosis were included. The study also included 16 C282Y homozygotes detected in a population screening study.RESULTS: The study comprised 277 C282Y homozygotes, including 16 nonexpressing C282Y homozygotes. The mean follow-up period was 7.3 years (range zero to 44 years). The actuarial survival rates of C282Y homozygotes at five, 10 and 20 years were 95%, 93% and 66%, respectively. Life-threatening diseases (cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, diabetes, heart disease) were present in 36% of male C282Y homozygotes and 19% of female C282Y homozygotes. Cirrhosis of the liver and diabetes were the major clinical symptoms affecting long term survival. Only one nonexpressing homozygote required venesection therapy during the follow-up period.CONCLUSIONS: Long term survival is excellent in C282Y homozygotes diagnosed and treated before the development of cirrhosis and diabetes.
Distal Ulcerative Colitis Refractory to Rectal Mesalamine: Role of Transdermal Nicotine versus Oral Mesalamine
Authors: Guslandi Mario , Frego Roberto , Viale Edi , Testoni Pier Alberto 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Distal ulcerative colitis usually responds to treatment with rectal mesalamine, but the management of refractory cases is poorly defined.AIM: To evaluate the possible therapeutic benefit of transdermal nicotine versus oral mesalamine.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis unresponsive to treatment with a mesalamine 4 g enema at bedtime were randomly allocated to additional therapy with either transdermal nicotine 15 mg daily or oral mesalamine 800 mg tid for four weeks. Clinical remission was evaluated by Rachmilewitz’s activity index and confirmed by sigmoidoscopy.RESULTS: Remission was observed in 12 of 15 patients receiving additional treatment with nicotine and in five of 15 patients receiving additional treatment with oral mesalamine (P=0.027).CONCLUSIONS: The addition of transdermal nicotine to treatment with mesalamine enemas is significantly superior to combined therapy with oral and rectal mesalamine in patients with distal ulcerative colitis refractory to rectal mesalamine alone.
Identifying Contraindication to Resection in Patients with Pancreatic Carcinoma: The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Wiersema Maurits J 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To present recently published material comparing the performance of endosonography relative to other imaging modalities when evaluating the patient with a suspected or known pancreas carcinoma.METHODS: Medline was searched using the terms ‘endosonography’ and ‘pancreas neoplasms’. References from retrieved papers were reviewed to identify other reports. Emphasis was placed on peer-reviewed material published within the past three years that included comparison with other imaging modalities.RESULTS: Despite advances in cross-sectional imaging modalities, endosonography remains the most sensitive and specific method for identifying pancreatic mass lesions. The resectability of pancreatic carcinoma is best determined with dual-phase helical computed tomography, although endosonography may be slightly more accurate for lymph node assessment. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy has a high sensitivity (93%) and specificity (100%) when used in patients with masses in whom pancreatic cancer is suspected but prior biopsies have been negative.CONCLUSIONS: Endosonography helps in the diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms through definitive inclusion or exclusion of a mass lesion as well as biopsy confirmation of malignancy. The role of endosonography in the determination of resectability has been eclipsed by dual-phase helical computed tomography. However, endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration of nonperitumoral lymph nodes may identify advanced disease with sufficient frequency to justify its routine use in patients with lesions that are thought to be resectable based on helical computed tomography.
Recommendations for the Appropriate Use of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Era of the Coxibs: Defining the Role of Gastroprotective Agents
Authors: Hunt Richard H , Barkun Alan N , Baron David , Bombardier Claire , Bursey Ford R , Marshall John R , Morgan David G , Paré Pierre , Thomson Alan BR , Whittaker J Scott 
Published: March 2016

Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and the analgesic efficacy of conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are compromised by a two- to fourfold increased risk of gastrointestinal complications. This increased risk has resulted in an increasing use of the new selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors or coxibs, which, in clinical trials and outcomes studies, reduced gastrointestinal adverse events by 50% to 65% compared with conventional NSAIDs. However, the coxibs are not available to all patients who need them, and NSAIDs are still widely used. Moreover, treatment with a coxib cannot heal pre-existing gastrointestinal lesions, and cotherapy with an anti-secretory drug or mucosal protective agent may be required.This paper addresses the management of patients with risk factors for gastrointestinal complications who are taking NSAIDs and makes recommendations for the appropriate use of ‘gastroprotective’ agents (GPAs) in patients who need to take an NSAID or a coxib. When economically possible, a coxib alone is preferable to a conventional NSAID plus a GPA to minimize exposure to potential gastrointestinal damage and avoid unnecessary dual therapy. Patients at high risk require a GPA in addition to a coxib.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Nondiabetic Obese Patients
Authors: Zamin Idilio , de Mattos Angelo Alves , Zettler Cláudio Galeano 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major disorder in patients with persistent changes in aminotransferase activity who test negative for viral markers and autoantibodies. Although NASH has been correlated with obesity, no study has been carried out exclusively with nondiabetic obese patients.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the occurrence of NASH in obese patients without diabetes mellitus and to assess the severity of histological involvement of the liver.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum aminotransferase levels were evaluated in 912 obese patients seen at an outpatient clinic in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 1997 to 1999. Sixty-eight patients were found to have altered aminotransferase levels in more than one test. Thirty-five patients were excluded due to the presence of diabetes mellitus (n=12), the presence of viral markers (n=11), alcohol consumption (n=8) and the use of hepatotoxic drugs (n=4). NASH was diagnosed when histological findings revealed macrovesicular steatosis associated with lobular inflammatory infiltrate and hepatocellular injury.RESULTS: Of the 912 obese patients studied, 33 patients with altered aminotransferase levels underwent liver biopsy. Four patients were excluded because they had steatosis only; the remaining 29 patients (3.18%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria established for NASH. The mean age of the 29 patients was 42.2±11.9 years; 65.52% of the patients were women. Grading of histological findings revealed mild disease in 58.6% of cases; important proliferation of fibrous tissue was absent in most cases.CONCLUSIONS: NASH is a common disease among nondiabetic obese patients with altered aminotransferase levels, and it usually manifests as a mild clinical condition, although more severe lesions may be observed.
Helicobacter pyloriAnti-CagA Antibodies: Prevalence in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Subjects in Turkey
Authors: Abasiyanik M Fatih , Sander Ersan , Salih Barik A 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Several reports have shown the prevalence of anti-CagA antibodies to be associated with the development of peptic ulcer diseases, while others have indicated that there is no such association.AIM: To examine the prevalence of antibodies to CagA and otherHelicobacter pyloriantigens in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects in Turkey.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six symptomatic subjects, 16 to 74 years of age, were examined forH pyloriby biopsy-based tests and ELISA. One hundred nineteen asymptomatic subjects, 20 to 65 years of age, were also tested serologically for the presence ofH pylori. Samples from both groups that were found to be positive forH pyloriby ELISA were then tested by immunoblotting.RESULTS: Fifty-four (82%) symptomatic subjects and 76 (64%) asymptomatic subjects were found to beH pylori-positive by ELISA. Samples from 30 symptomatic subjects who were found to beH pylori-positive by ELISA were analyzed by immunoblotting. Antibodies to CagA (116 kDa) antigen were detected in immunoblots of 11 of 14 (79%) with chronic gastritis, 12 of 13 (92%) with duodenal ulcer and three of three (100%) with gastric cancer. Antigens of the following molecular weights were also detected in these 30 subjects: 89 kDa (VacA) in 21 (70%), 37 kDa in 21 (70%), 35 kDa in 19 (63%), 30 kDa in 27 (90%) and 19.5 kDa in 19 (63%). Immunoblots of 40 ELISA-positive asymptomatic subjects showed that 33 (83%) had antibodies to CagA antigen, 26 (65%) to VacA antigen, 30 (75%) to a 37 kDa antigen, 30 (75%) to a 35 kDa antigen, 39 (98%) to a 30 kDa antigen and 36 (90%) to a 19.5 kDa antigen.CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies to CagA antigen were prevalent in both groups, regardless of the presence of gastroduodenal disease.
Curative Treatment for Esophageal Cancer: Vancouver Island Cancer Centre Experience from 1993 to 1998
Authors: Wilson Kenneth S , Wilson Amanda G , Dewar Gary J 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: To review outcomes after curative treatment for esophageal cancer in the Vancouver Island Cancer Centre from 1993 to 1998. Curative treatments included esophagectomy alone, and chemoradiotherapy with ‘selective surgery’ for patients with post-treatment-positive endoscopic biopsy or less than 75% regression on computed axial tomography scan, or with resectable local recurrence.METHODS: Patients undergoing esophagectomy alone, or primary chemoradiotherapy and ‘selective surgery’ were reviewed. This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, institutional experience. Surgical complication, relief of dysphagia, disease-specific survival rates and prognostic factors were analyzed.RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent esophagectomy alone. A total of 56 patients underwent primary chemoradiotherapy, of whom 16 had ‘selective surgery’. Relief of dysphagia was similar in both groups of esophagectomy patients. Exploration for ‘selective surgery’ was performed in 12 patients after their first postchemo-radiotherapy endoscopy (two patients had unresectable disease), and in seven for relapse, one of whom died intraoperatively. Overall, the mortality rate due to surgery was 3%. Chemoradiotherapy was not associated with more frequent serious surgical complications. For patients who underwent esophagectomy alone and those who underwent chemoradiotherapy plus selective surgery, the median survival times were 12.9 and 16.4 months, respectively, and the three-year survival rates were 21% and 37%, respectively. Seventeen of 25 patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy and who survived more than two years have not required selective surgery. For the two groups of patients combined, no single prognostic factor for survival was significant in multivariate analysis, but for patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy plus selective surgery, negative endoscopic biopsy was highly significant.CONCLUSIONS: Surgical complication and disease-specific survival rates after primary chemoradiotherapy with selective surgery compare favourably with esophagectomy alone in the curative treatment of esophageal cancer. A prospective, randomized trial is necessary for the definitive evaluation of the strategy of chemoradiotherapy and selective surgery.
High Dose Consensus Interferon in Nonresponders to Interferon Alpha-2B and Ribavirin with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Moskovitz David N , Manoharan Pooma , Heathcote E Jenny 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 60% of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with a combination of interferon (IFN) alpha-2b and ribavirin are nonresponders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with high dose consensus IFN (CIFN) (15 µg/day) in nonresponders.METHODS: Patients were administered 15 µg CIFN/day. Treatment was stopped in those whose serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA remained detectable at 12 weeks. Those with undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks continued on 15 µg three times per week for a further 36 weeks.RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were recruited; six (25%) withdrew before 12 weeks because of side effects. Of the 18 patients who completed 12 weeks of therapy, nine (38%) had undetectable HCV RNA. Seven of nine patients who were HCV RNA-negative at week 12 completed 48 weeks of treatment and two withdrew because of intolerable side effects. At 48 weeks, HCV RNA remained undetectable in three patients. After six months of follow-up off treatment, two patients (8%) continued with no detectable HCV RNA in their sera.CONCLUSIONS: High dose induction therapy with CIFN 15 µg/day in prior nonresponders to IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin led to loss of detectable HCV RNA in 50% of patients, but this response was only sustained in 8% of patients on completion of therapy.
Early Prediction of Nonresponders to Treatment with Interferon Alpha-2B and Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Liu Louis WC , Tomlinson George , Mazzulli Tony , Murray Alison , Heathcote Jenny 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin is costly in terms of side effects, medical resources and drug costs. Furthermore, less than 50% of patients overall have a sustained virological response (SVR).OBJECTIVE: To determine if the log fall in HCV RNA between baseline and week 1 (b-wk1) and between baseline and week 4 (b-wk4) after starting treatment could identify the nonresponders.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients who had completed a full course of therapy were identified. Quantitative measurements of HCV RNA were analyzed from stored sera, collected prospectively.RESULTS: SVR was achieved in 47.1% and 47.3% of patients in the b-wk1 and b-wk4 groups, respectively. No patients had an SVR with a fall in HCV RNA of less than 0.35 log10and 1.05 log10at week 1 and week 4, respectively. This accounted for 44.4% and 51.7% of the nonresponders in the b-wk1 and b-wk4 groups, respectively. Once the decline in viral load was known, genotype, age, sex and baseline viral load did not provide additional power in predicting treatment responses.CONCLUSION: A fall of 1.05 log10in HCV RNA at week 4 predicts those patients who will not respond, identifying one-half of all nonresponders; this allows therapy to be stopped early, without depriving any patient who would have an SVR from treatment.
A Randomized Trial Comparing Seven-Day Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate and Clarithromycin Dual Therapy to Seven-Day Omeprazole, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin Triple Therapy for the Eradication ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: van Zanten Sander Veldhuyzen , Chiba Naoki , Barkun Alan , Fallone Carlo , Farley Alain , Cockeram Alan , Dallaire Chrystian , Simms Lorinda , Nicholls Barbara 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To assessHelicobacter pylorieradication after one week dual ranitidine bismuth citrate-clarithromycin (RBC-C) or triple omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin (OCA) therapy.METHODS: In this multicentre Canadian trial,H pylori-positive patients with functional dyspepsia or inactive peptic ulcer disease were randomized to open-label treatment with RBC-C (ranitidine bismuth citrate 400 mg plus clarithromycin 500 mg) or OCA (omezaprole 20 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg), given twice a day for seven days. Treatment allocation was randomly assigned.H pyloriinfection was confirmed by positive13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT).H pyloristatus was reassessed by UBT at least four and 12 weeks after treatment (negative: δ13CO2below 3.5 per mil). Intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were determined for all patients with confirmedH pyloriinfection. Per protocol (PP) rate was determined for all patients treated with at least two evaluable follow-up visits.RESULTS: Three hundred five patients were included in the ITT and 222 in the PP analysis. The ITT eradication rates were 66% for RBC-C and 78% for OCA. The PP success rates were 84% for RBC-C and 96% for OCA. The difference for both ITT 12% (95% CI 2 to 22) and PP 12% (95% CI 4 to 19) were statistically significant, P=0.030 and P=0.007, respectively. Treatment was generally well tolerated.CONCLUSION: The eradication rate for the seven-day dual RBC-C regimen was lower than that for OCA.