bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International codes and agreements to restrict the promotion of harmful products can hold lessons for the control of alcohol marketing
Authors: Landon Jane , Lobstein Tim , Godfrey Fiona , Johns Paula , Brookes Chris , Jernigan David 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackground and aims The 2011 UN Summit on Non‐Communicable Disease failed to call for global action on alcohol marketing despite calls in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Non‐Communicable Diseases 2013–20 to restrict or ban alcohol advertising. In this paper we ask what it might take to match the global approach to tobacco enshrined in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), and suggest that public health advocates can learn from the development of the FCTC and the Code of Marketing on infant formula milks and the recent recommendations on restricting food marketing to children. Methods Narrative review of qualitative accounts of the processes that created and monitor existing codes and treaties to restrict the marketing of consumer products, specifically breast milk substitutes, unhealthy foods and tobacco. Findings The development of treaties and codes for market restrictions include: (i) evidence of a public health crisis; (ii) the cost of inaction; (iii) civil society advocacy; (iv) the building of capacity; (v) the management of conflicting interests in policy development; and (vi) the need to consider monitoring and accountability to ensure compliance. Conclusion International public health treaties and codes provide an umbrella under which national governments can strengthen their own legislation, assisted by technical support from international agencies and non‐governmental organizations. Three examples of international agreements, those for breast milk substitutes, unhealthy foods and tobacco, can provide lessons for the public health community to make progress on alcohol controls. Lessons include stronger alliances of advocates and health professionals and better tools and capacity to monitor and report current marketing practices and trends.
Up‐regulation of miR‐203 expression induces endothelial inflammatory response: Potential role in preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Yuping , Dong Qin , Gu Yang , Groome Lynn J. 
Published: October 2016

ProblemTo determine whether miR‐203 mediates endothelial inflammatory response in preeclampsia.Method of studyMaternal vessel miR‐203 expression was assessed by in situ hybridization. Suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOCS‐3) and ICAM expression was determined by immunostaining. Subcutaneous fat tissue sections from normal and preeclamptic pregnant women were used. miR‐203‐induced inflammatory response was evaluated by the measurements of IL‐6, IL‐8, ICAM, and VCAM expression and production and neutrophil adhesion in the endothelial cells (EC) transfected with miR‐203 precursor, pre‐miR‐203. SOCS3 expression was also determined.ResultsUp‐regulation of miR‐203 and ICAM expression and down‐regulation of SOCS‐3 expression were demonstrated in maternal vessel endothelium in preeclampsia. Overexpression of miR‐203 resulted in down‐regulation of SOCS‐3 expression and increases in the production of IL‐6, IL‐8, ICAM, and VCAM and neutrophil adhesion in ECs.ConclusionAs miR‐203 is an inflammatory microRNA, increased miR‐203 production/expression in ECs could diminish an anti‐inflammatory activity and increase the endothelial inflammatory response in preeclampsia.
Forsythia suspensa extract attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory liver injury in rats via promoting antioxidant defense mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Panfeng , Piao Xiangshu , Pan Long , Zeng Zhikai , Li Qingyun , Xu Xiao , Wang Hongliang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to have a role in inflammation. We investigated whether Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) could exert its antioxidant potential against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory liver injury in rats. Rats were orally fed FSE once daily for 7 consecutive days prior to LPS (Escherichia coli, serotype O55:B5) injection. LPS treatment caused liver dysfunction as evidenced by massive histopathological changes and increased serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities which were ameliorated by FSE pretreatment. FSE attenuated LPS‐induced depletion of cytosolic nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and suppression of Nrf2 nuclear translocation in liver, and the generation of ROS and malondialdehyde in serum and liver. FSE increased the Nrf2‐mediated induction of heme oxygenase‐1 in liver, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum and liver. Importantly, FSE attenuated LPS‐induced nuclear factor‐кB (NF‐кB) nuclear translocation in liver, and subsequently decreased tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 levels in serum and liver, which were associated with FSE‐induced activation of Nrf2 in liver. These results indicate that the protective mechanisms of FSE may be involved in the attenuation of oxidative stress and the inhibition of the NF‐кB‐mediated inflammatory response by modulating the Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response against LPS‐induced inflammatory liver injury.
Quality‐of‐life outcomes from the Prostate Adenocarcinoma: TransCutaneous Hormones (PATCH) trial evaluating luteinising hormone‐releasing hormone agonists versus transdermal oestradiol for androgen suppression in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Gilbert Duncan C. , Duong Trinh , Kynaston Howard G. , Alhasso Abdulla A. , Cafferty Fay H. , Rosen Stuart D. , Kanaga‐Sundaram Subramanian , Dixit Sanjay , Laniado Marc , Madaan Sanjeev , Collins Gerald , Pope Alvan , Welland Andrew , Nankivell Matthew , Wassersug Richard , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Langley Ruth E. , Abel Paul D. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo compare quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcomes at 6 months between men with advanced prostate cancer receiving either transdermal oestradiol (tE2) or luteinising hormone‐releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa) for androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT).Patients and methodsMen with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer participating in an ongoing randomised, multicentre UK trial comparing tE2 versus LHRHa for ADT were enrolled into a QoL sub‐study. tE2 was delivered via three or four transcutaneous patches containing oestradiol 100 μg/24 h. LHRHa was administered as per local practice. Patients completed questionnaires based on the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire 30‐item core (EORTC QLQ‐C30) with prostate‐specific module QLQ PR25. The primary outcome measure was global QoL score at 6 months, compared between randomised arms.ResultsIn all, 727 men were enrolled between August 2007 and October 2015 (412 tE2, 315 LHRHa) with QoL questionnaires completed at both baseline and 6 months. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between arms: median (interquartile range) age of 74 (68–79) years and PSA level of 44 (19–119) ng/mL, and 40% (294/727) had metastatic disease. At 6 months, patients on tE2 reported higher global QoL than those on LHRHa (mean difference +4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.2–7.1; P = 0.006), less fatigue, and improved physical function. Men in the tE2 arm were less likely to experience hot flushes (8% vs 46%), and report a lack of sexual interest (59% vs 74%) and sexual activity, but had higher rates of significant gynaecomastia (37% vs 5%). The higher incidence of hot flushes among LHRHa patients appear to account for both the reduced global QoL and increased fatigue in the LHRHa arm compared to the tE2 arm.ConclusionPatients receiving tE2 for ADT had better 6‐month self‐reported QoL outcomes compared to those on LHRHa, but increased likelihood of gynaecomastia. The ongoing trial will evaluate clinical efficacy and longer term QoL. These findings are also potentially relevant for short‐term neoadjuvant ADT.
Analogue modelling of inverted domino‐style basement fault systems
Authors: Jagger Lydia J. , McClay Ken R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInversion of pre‐existing extensional fault systems is common in rift systems, back‐arc basins and passive margins. It can significantly influence the development of structural traps in hydrocarbon basins. The analogue models of domino‐style basement fault systems shown in this paper produced, on extension, characteristic hangingwall growth stratal wedges that, when contracted and inverted, formed classic inversion harpoon geometries and asymmetric hangingwall contractional fault‐propagation folds. Segmented footwall shortcut faults formed as the basement faults were progressively back‐rotated and steepened. The pre‐existing extensional fault architectures, basement fault geometries and the relative hangingwall and footwall block rotations exerted fundamental controls on the inversion styles. Digital image correlation (DIC) strain monitoring illustrated complex vertical fault segmentation and linkage during inversion as the major faults were reactivated and strain was progressively transferred onto footwall shortcut faults. Hangingwall deformation during inversion was dominated by significant back‐rotation as the inversion progressed. The mechanical stratigraphy of the cover sequences strongly influenced the fold and fault evolution of the reactivated fault systems. The implications of the experimental results for the interpretation and analysis of inversion structures are discussed and are compared with natural examples of inverted basement‐involved extensional faults observed in seismic datasets.
Steering Dynamics in Complex Education Systems. An Agenda for Empirical Research
Authors: Theisens Henno , Hooge Edith , Waslander Sietske 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany policy systems and education systems have grown more complex in the last three decades. Power has moved away from central governments in different directions: upwards towards international organisations, sideways towards private institutions and non‐governmental organisations and downwards towards local governments and public enterprises such as schools. Where once we had central government, we now have governance, which can be defined as the processes of establishing priorities, formulating and implementing policies, and being accountable in complex networks with many different actors. Steering in such complex education systems emerges from the activities, tasks and responsibilities of state and non‐state actors, operating at different levels and from different positions and often has un‐deliberate, un‐intentional and un‐foreseen consequences. There are many conceptual models that encapsulate this complexity, but this article suggests that there is a real need for empirical research. Without empirical research it remains unknown whether and how steering in complex networks works out in practice, what are its effects and for whom. Moreover, it is only through empirical research that we can find out whether central government has become less dominant, or rather whether its appearance has changed and it has become less visible, but not necessarily less influential. Foucault's governmentality perspective is a useful notion on which to build such a framework for empirical research which allows for a careful study of the interactions that signify steering. Inspired by Foucault, this article develops a trilogy of assumed conditions for steering to take effect in modern societies. Following this reasoning, ‘something' first needs to be made thinkable, calculable and practicable by different actors for steering to occur. This trilogy is a promising starting point for empirical research into very specific phenomena which can help us to understand how steering in complex education systems works.
Clinical evaluation of a hemochromatosis next‐generation sequencing gene panel
Authors: Lanktree Matthew B. , Sadikovic Bekim , Waye John S. , Levstik Alexander , Lanktree Bruce B. , Yudin Jovana , Crowther Mark A. , Pare Guillaume , Adams Paul C. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundNext‐generation sequencing of an iron metabolism gene panel could identify pathogenic mutations, improving on standard hemochromatosis genetic testing and providing a molecular diagnosis in patients with suspected iron overload.MethodsA next‐generation sequencing panel of 15 genes with known roles in iron metabolism was constructed. A total of 190 patients were sequenced: 94 from a tertiary hemochromatosis clinic and 96 submitted for HFE testing with biochemical evidence of iron overload [elevated ferritin (>450 μg/L) or transferrin saturation (>55%)] obtained from a chart review.ResultsFrom the hemochromatosis clinic cohort, six patients were diagnosed with non‐HFE hemochromatosis due to homozygous hemojuvelin (HFE2) mutations. Ten additional heterozygous pathogenic mutations were observed. From the chart review cohort, a C‐terminus ferritin light chain (FTL) frameshift mutation was observed consistent with neuroferritinopathy. Heterozygous deletion of HFE2 and four additional rare pathogenic or likely pathogenic heterozygous mutations were identified in seven patients.ConclusionsAn iron metabolism gene panel provided a molecular diagnosis in six patients with non‐HFE iron overload and is suitable for diagnostic purposes in exceptional cases in specialized clinics. Further research will be required to assess the modifier effect of rare heterozygous mutations in iron metabolism genes.
Long‐term results of splenectomy in adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Guan Yue , Wang Shixuan , Xue Feng , Liu Xiaofan , Zhang Lei , Li Huiyuan , Yang Renchi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectivesWe performed this study in adult patients with chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia to explore the long‐term efficacy and safety of splenectomy.MethodsData of 174 patients who underwent splenectomy in our hospital from 1994 to 2014 were analyzed.ResultsAfter splenectomy, 126 (72.4%) patients achieved a complete response (CR) and 28 (16.1%) achieved a response (R). Thirty‐two (20.8%) responders relapsed with a median time of 24 months. Compared with non‐responders and recurrent patients, the stable responders were younger and had higher preoperation and postoperation peak platelet count, later peak platelet count emergence time, and more megakaryocytes. Corticosteroid‐dependent patients were more likely to response to splenectomy than those refractory to corticosteroid. We performed a relapse‐free survival analysis among the 154 responders. In univariate analyses, corticosteroid dependent and time from diagnosis to splenectomy ≤24 months showed predictive value to persistent response. But only corticosteroid dependent was a significant predictor in multivariate analysis. The 30‐d complication rate after the surgery was 25.9%. There were five (2.9%) patients experienced thrombosis and three (1.7%) refractory patients died during follow‐up.ConclusionsSplenectomy was a safe treatment with a cure rate of 58.0%. Corticosteroid dependent showed predictive value to persistent response.
Structural explanation of poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the non‐demented state
Authors: Kim H.‐J. , Oh S.‐I. , de Leon M. , Wang X. , Oh K.‐W. , Park J.‐S. , Deshpande A. , Buj M. , Kim S. H. 
Published: October 2016

Background and purposeAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, is associated with various cortical symptoms including mild cognitive decline with behavior changes, suggesting the involvement of extra‐motor areas in ALS. Our aim was to investigate the specific patterns of brain atrophy in sporadic, impaired ALS patients without commonly known genetic mutations using voxel‐based morphometry.Materials and methodsForty‐seven patients with sporadic ALS and 28 age‐matched healthy controls were recruited. ALS participants were divided into three groups according to comprehensive neuropsychological testing: pure (ALS‐pure), cognitive impairment (ALSci) and behavioral impairment (ALSbi). Quantitative comparison of brain atrophy patterns was performed amongst these three groups using voxel‐based analysis. All analyses were adjusted for total intracranial volume, age, sex, disease duration and functional disability score.ResultsThe ALSci group exhibited decreased volume in the left cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, optic radiations and corticospinal tracts compared to healthy controls. ALSci patient imaging showed decreased brain volume in the bilateral cerebellum, right putamen gray matter and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculi white matter compared to pure ALS patients (P < 0.001 uncorrected, corrected for the entire volume). Compared to healthy controls, ALS‐pure and ALSbi groups did not show any significant volume changes in gray and white matter.ConclusionsThese findings also support the hypothesis that ALS pathogenesis has a dual focality of onset (cortex and anterior horn) with contiguous spread outwards. Additionally, neuropsychological features may be an important predictor of progression and survival rates in ALS.
Can we stop immunomodulatory treatments in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Bonenfant J. , Bajeux E. , Deburghgraeve V. , Le Page E. , Edan G. , Kerbrat A. 
Published: October 2016

Background and purposeThe benefits of immunomodulatory treatments in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) are unclear, calling into question their continuation. In the present observational study, we investigated the effect of treatment withdrawal on the clinical course of SPMS.MethodsWe included 100 consecutive patients with SPMS who regularly attended our multiple sclerosis clinic. Inclusion criteria were (i) secondary progressive phenotype for at least 2 years, (ii) immunomodulatory treatment for at least 6 months and (iii) treatment stopped with no plans to switch to another. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data before and after treatment discontinuation were assessed. Factors associated with relapses and/or MRI activity were identified.ResultsMean treatment duration was 60.4 ± 39.3 months, and mean follow‐up duration after treatment withdrawal was 62.4 ± 38.4 months. The annualized relapse rate remained stable at 1 and 3 years after treatment withdrawal [0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05–0.17 and 0.07, 95% CI, 0.05–0.11, respectively], relative to the 3 years prior to treatment withdrawal (0.12, 95% CI, 0.09–0.16). Sixteen patients experienced a relapse and 19 had a gadolinium‐positive MRI scan without relapse during follow‐up. A gadolinium‐positive MRI scan within the previous 3 years before treatment withdrawal and Expanded Disability Status Scale score of <6 were positively associated with relapse and/or MRI activity after discontinuation (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.03, respectively).ConclusionIn this retrospective study, including a limited number of patients with SPMS, the annualized relapse rate remained stable after treatment withdrawal, relative to before treatment withdrawal. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this result and provide evidence‐based guidelines for daily practice.
Assessment of transient elastography in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Seki Kojiro , Shima Toshihide , Oya Hirohisa , Mitsumoto Yasuhide , Mizuno Masayuki , Okanoue Takeshi 
Published: October 2016

AimTransient elastography (TE) is a non‐invasive method for predicting liver fibrosis. However, there are limited data regarding the performance of TE in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to evaluate the association between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by TE and liver fibrosis stage, and define a cut‐off value for predicting liver fibrosis.MethodsA total of 171 Japanese patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD underwent LSM using TE with FibroScan. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM and other non‐invasive markers of liver fibrosis were compared to determine the most accurate method of predicting liver fibrosis.ResultsLiver stiffness measurement significantly correlated with fibrosis stage (P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of LSM for fibrosis stage ≥1 and ≥3 was 0.85 and 0.91, respectively and were higher than those of the aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis‐4 index, and NAFLD fibrosis score. The best cut‐off values of LSM fibrosis stage ≥1 and ≥3 were 7.2 kPa (sensitivity 78.5%, specificity 78.3%) and 10.0 kPa (sensitivity 89.5%, specificity 87.6%), respectively. The combination of LSM (≥10 kPa) and type IV collagen 7 s (≥6.0 ng/mL) had a specificity of 97.6% for advanced fibrosis. The LSM in patients with high alanine aminotransferase levels or high body mass index was associated with false positive results regarding advanced fibrosis.ConclusionsIn NAFLD patients, TE has excellent utility for the assessment of liver fibrosis, particularly for advanced stage cases. The cut‐off value of LSM by TE for predicting liver fibrosis stage ≥3 is 10.0 kPa in Japanese NAFLD patients.
Electron microscopic investigation and elemental analysis of titanium dioxide in sun lotion
Authors: Sysoltseva M. , Winterhalter R. , Wochnik A. S. , Scheu C. , Fromme H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this research was to determine the size, shape and aggregation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles which are used in sun lotion as UV‐blocker.MethodsOverall, six sunscreens from various suppliers and two reference substances were analysed by electron microscopy (EM) techniques in combination with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Because of a high fat content in sun lotion, it was impossible to visualize the TiO2 particles without previous EM sample preparation. Different defatting methods for TiO2 from sun screens were tested. A novel sample preparation method was developed which allowed the characterization of TiO2 particles with the help of EM and EDS.ResultsAggregates of titanium dioxide with the size of primary particles varying between 15 and 40 nm were observed only in five products. In the sun lotion with the highest SPF, only few small aggregates were found. In the sun screen with the lowest SPF, the largest aggregates of TiO2 particles were detected with sizes up to 1.6 μm. In one of the sun lotions, neither TiO2 nor ZnO was found in spite of the labelling. Instead, approx. 500 nm large diamond‐shaped particles were observed. These particles are composed of an organic material as only carbon was detected by EDS.ConclusionA novel defatting method for sample preparation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles used in sun cosmetics was developed. This method was applied to six different sun lotions with SPF between 30 and 50+. TiO2 particles were found in only five sunscreens. The sizes of the primary particles were below 100 nm and, according to the EU Cosmetic Regulation, have to be listed on the package with the term ‘nano’.