bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring policy and actions on food environments: rationale and outline of the INFORMAS policy engagement and communication strategies
Authors: Brinsden H. , Lobstein T. , Landon J. , Kraak V. , Sacks G. , Kumanyika S. , Swinburn B. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Ma J. , Macmullen J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Vandevijvere S. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) proposes to collect performance indicators on food policies, actions and environments related to obesity and non‐communicable diseases. This paper reviews existing communications strategies used for performance indicators and proposes the approach to be taken for INFORMAS. Twenty‐seven scoring and rating tools were identified in various fields of public health including alcohol, tobacco, physical activity, infant feeding and food environments. These were compared based on the types of indicators used and how they were quantified, scoring methods, presentation and the communication and reporting strategies used. There are several implications of these analyses for INFORMAS: the ratings/benchmarking approach is very commonly used, presumably because it is an effective way to communicate progress and stimulate action, although this has not been formally evaluated; the tools used must be trustworthy, pragmatic and policy‐relevant; multiple channels of communication will be needed; communications need to be tailored and targeted to decision‐makers; data and methods should be freely accessible. The proposed communications strategy for INFORMAS has been built around these lessons to ensure that INFORMAS's outputs have the greatest chance of being used to improve food environments.
Monitoring the price and affordability of foods and diets globally
Authors: Lee A. , Mhurchu C. N. , Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Snowdon W. , Vandevijvere S. , Hawkes C. , L'Abbé M. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryFood prices and food affordability are important determinants of food choices, obesity and non‐communicable diseases. As governments around the world consider policies to promote the consumption of healthier foods, data on the relative price and affordability of foods, with a particular focus on the difference between ‘less healthy’ and ‘healthy’ foods and diets, are urgently needed. This paper briefly reviews past and current approaches to monitoring food prices, and identifies key issues affecting the development of practical tools and methods for food price data collection, analysis and reporting. A step‐wise monitoring framework, including measurement indicators, is proposed. ‘Minimal’ data collection will assess the differential price of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ foods; ‘expanded’ monitoring will assess the differential price of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ diets; and the ‘optimal’ approach will also monitor food affordability, by taking into account household income. The monitoring of the price and affordability of ‘healthy’ and ‘less healthy’ foods and diets globally will provide robust data and benchmarks to inform economic and fiscal policy responses. Given the range of methodological, cultural and logistical challenges in this area, it is imperative that all aspects of the proposed monitoring framework are tested rigorously before implementation.
Monitoring the impacts of trade agreements on food environments
Authors: Friel S. , Hattersley L. , Snowdon W. , Thow A.‐M. , Lobstein T. , Sanders D. , Barquera S. , Mohan S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , L'Abbe M. , Lee A. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Vandevijvere S. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe liberalization of international trade and foreign direct investment through multilateral, regional and bilateral agreements has had profound implications for the structure and nature of food systems, and therefore, for the availability, nutritional quality, accessibility, price and promotion of foods in different locations. Public health attention has only relatively recently turned to the links between trade and investment agreements, diets and health, and there is currently no systematic monitoring of this area. This paper reviews the available evidence on the links between trade agreements, food environments and diets from an obesity and non‐communicable disease (NCD) perspective. Based on the key issues identified through the review, the paper outlines an approach for monitoring the potential impact of trade agreements on food environments and obesity/NCD risks. The proposed monitoring approach encompasses a set of guiding principles, recommended procedures for data collection and analysis, and quantifiable ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ measurement indicators to be tailored to national priorities, capacity and resources. Formal risk assessment processes of existing and evolving trade and investment agreements, which focus on their impacts on food environments will help inform the development of healthy trade policy, strengthen domestic nutrition and health policy space and ultimately protect population nutrition.
INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support): summary and future directions
Authors: Kumanyika S. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThis supplement presents the foundational elements for INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support). As explained in the overview article by Swinburn and colleagues, INFORMAS has a compelling rationale and has set forth clear objectives, outcomes, principles and frameworks for monitoring and benchmarking key aspects of food environments and the policies and actions that influence the healthiness of food environments. This summary highlights the proposed monitoring approaches for the 10 interrelated INFORMAS modules: public and private sector policies and actions; key aspects of food environments (food composition, labelling, promotion, provision, retail, prices, and trade and investment) and population outcomes (diet quality). This ambitious effort should be feasible when approached in a step‐wise manner, taking into account existing monitoring efforts, data sources, country contexts and capacity, and when adequately resourced. After protocol development and pilot testing of the modules, INFORMAS aims to be a sustainable, low‐cost monitoring framework. Future directions relate to institutionalization, implementation and, ultimately, to leveraging INFORMAS data in ways that will bring key drivers of food environments into alignment with public health goals.
Pediatric allergy and immunology in Japan
Authors: Ebisawa Motohiro , Nishima Sankei , Ohnishi Hidenori , Kondo Naomi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JSPACI) was started in 1966 and currently has 3613 members as of August 1, 2012. The number of pediatricians specializing in allergies who have been certified by the Japanese Society of Allergology is 817. Among these, there are 125 training directors and training facilities for allergy and clinical immunology. The JSPACI first published an asthma guideline specific for children in 2000, and this has been revised every 3 yrs, contributing to better control of pediatric asthma. Food allergy management guidelines were first developed in 2005, which have helped to improve the care of food allergy patients. Among 514 pediatric training programs by the Japanese Society of Pediatrics, there are 312 facilities routinely performing oral food challenges. Among these, there were already 53 facilities performing oral immunotherapy at the end of 2011, treating 1400 cases of food allergy. The prevalence of pediatric allergic diseases has increased in Japan over the past 50 yrs. A number of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood surveys have been conducted in the past at specific times. The prevalence of wheezing among children aged 13–14 yrs in 2002 was 13.0%. Multi‐year surveys found a 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase every 10 yrs until 2002. However, according to the latest data in 2012, asthma prevalence seems to have slightly decreased in Japan. Food allergy mainly associated with infantile atopic eczema among infants younger than 1 yr of age is the most common form as with other developed countries. The estimated food allergy prevalence based on data from several surveys is 5–10% among infants (0–6 yrs) and 1–2% among schoolchildren (6–15 yrs). A variety of patients suffering from primary deficiency syndrome have been actively analyzed. Previously, antibody defects and well‐defined syndromes with immunodeficiency were analyzed, but recent research is focusing on not only acquired immune disorders but also on innate immune disorders. In contrast to the widespread use of oral immunotherapy, one immediate issue is to develop and reassess subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapies for mite and Japanese cedar pollen antigens that have been disused in Japan since the 1990s.
Exposures to molds in school classrooms of children with asthma
Authors: Baxi Sachin N. , Muilenberg Michael L. , Rogers Christine A. , Sheehan William J. , Gaffin Jonathan , Permaul Perdita , Kopel Lianne S. , Lai Peggy S. , Lane Jeffrey P. , Bailey Ann , Petty Carter R. , Fu Chunxia , Gold Diane R. , Phipatanakul Wanda 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundStudents spend a large portion of their day in classrooms which may be a source of mold exposure. We examined the diversity and concentrations of molds in inner‐city schools and described differences between classrooms within the same school.MethodsClassroom airborne mold spores, collected over a 2 day period, were measured twice during the school year by direct microscopy.ResultsThere were 180 classroom air samples collected from 12 schools. Mold was present in 100% of classrooms. Classrooms within the same school had differing mold levels and mold diversity scores. The total mold per classroom was 176.6 ± 4.2 spores/m3 (geometric mean ± standard deviation) and ranged from 11.2 to 16,288.5 spores/m3. Mold diversity scores for classroom samples ranged from 1 to 19 (7.7 ± 3.5). The classroom accounted for the majority of variance (62%) in the total mold count, and for the majority of variance (56%) in the mold diversity score versus the school. The species with the highest concentrations and found most commonly included Cladosporium (29.3 ± 4.2 spores/m3), Penicillium/Aspergillus (15.0 ± 5.4 spores/m3), smut spores (12.6 ± 4.0 spores/m3), and basidiospores (6.6 ± 7.1 spores/m3).ConclusionsOur study found that the school is a source of mold exposure, but particularly the classroom microenvironment varies in quantity of spores and species among classrooms within the same school. We also verified that visible mold may be a predictor for higher mold spore counts. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of mold exposure relative to asthma morbidity in sensitized and non‐sensitized asthmatic children.
Identification and characterization of more than 4 million intervarietal SNPs across the group 7 chromosomes of bread wheat
Authors: Lai Kaitao , Lorenc Michał T. , Lee Hong Ching , Berkman Paul J. , Bayer Philipp Emanuel , Visendi Paul , Ruperao Pradeep , Fitzgerald Timothy L. , Zander Manuel , Chan Chon‐Kit Kenneth , Manoli Sahana , Stiller Jiri , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David 
Published: August 2014

SummaryDespite being a major international crop, our understanding of the wheat genome is relatively poor due to its large size and complexity. To gain a greater understanding of wheat genome diversity, we have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms between 16 Australian bread wheat varieties. Whole‐genome shotgun Illumina paired read sequence data were mapped to the draft assemblies of chromosomes 7A, 7B and 7D to identify more than 4 million intervarietal SNPs. SNP density varied between the three genomes, with much greater density observed on the A and B genomes than the D genome. This variation may be a result of substantial gene flow from the tetraploid Triticum turgidum, which possesses A and B genomes, during early co‐cultivation of tetraploid and hexaploid wheat. In addition, we examined SNP density variation along the chromosome syntenic builds and identified genes in low‐density regions which may have been selected during domestication and breeding. This study highlights the impact of evolution and breeding on the bread wheat genome and provides a substantial resource for trait association and crop improvement. All SNP data are publically available on a generic genome browser GBrowse at www.wheatgenome.info.
MC1R, Eumelanin and Pheomelanin: Their Role in Determining the Susceptibility to Skin Cancer
Authors: Nasti Tahseen H. , Timares Laura 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSkin pigmentation is due to the accumulation of two types of melanin granules in the keratinocytes. Besides being the most potent blocker of ultraviolet radiation, the role of melanin in photoprotection is complex. This is because one type of melanin called eumelanin is UV absorbent, whereas the other, pheomelanin, is photounstable and may even promote carcinogenesis. Skin hyperpigmentation may be caused by stress or exposure to sunlight, which stimulates the release of α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) from damaged keratinocytes. Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a key signaling molecule on melanocytes that responds to α‐MSH by inducing expression of enzymes responsible for eumelanin synthesis. Persons with red hair have mutations in the MC1R causing its inactivation; this leads to a paucity of eumelanin production and makes red‐heads more susceptible to skin cancer. Apart from its effects on melanin production, the α‐MSH/MC1R signaling is also a potent anti‐inflammatory pathway and has been shown to promote antimelanoma immunity. This review will focus on the role of MC1R in terms of its regulation of melanogenesis and influence on the immune system with respect to skin cancer susceptibility.
A Field Study to Unravel Factors that are Significantly Associated with the Secretory Activity of the Corpus Luteum During the First Three Postpartum Cycles in High Yielding Dairy Cows, Based on the Amount of Steroidogenic and Endothelial Cells Present in the Luteal Tissue
Authors: Cools S , Van den Broeck W , Bossaert P , Hostens M , Opsomer G 
Published: August 2014

ContentsFourteen multi‐ and eight primiparous high‐yielding dairy cows were followed from the first till the fourth ovulation postpartum. Cows were randomly divided into two groups and supplemented with soybean (group I; n = 11) or rapeseed meal (group II; n = 11). Both groups were subjected to a biopsy sampling of the corpus luteum (CL) at cycle day 9. The luteal capillary network (visualized by Bandeiraea simplicifolia) was denser in cycles 2 and 3 (p = 0.0005). The same was seen for the surface occupied by steroidogenic cells (visualized by 3β‐hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase) (p = 0.0001). The peripheral blood progesterone concentration showed an increasing trend with increasing cycle number and was higher in primiparous cows (p = 0.013), which had also larger glands on cycle day 9. The area occupied by endothelial cells was positively correlated with the area occupied by steroidogenic cells (r = 0.59; p < 0.0001). Both the areas occupied by endothelial and by steroidogenic cells were negatively correlated with the blood concentration of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) (respectively, r = −0.377; p = 0.004 and r = −0.355; p = 0.007). We can conclude that primiparous cows generally have higher peripheral progesterone levels during the first three cycles after calving which is associated with a larger CL. In comparison with those of the first post‐partum cycle, corpora lutea of cycles 2 and 3 have a denser capillary network and a larger area of steroidogenic cells, while these are only associated with a trend of higher peripheral progesterone concentrations.
Getting Lost in Cities: Spatial Patterns of Phonetically Confusing Street Names
Authors: Chan Keith , Vasardani Maria , Winter Stephan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA large street network is likely to contain duplicated or similar sounding street names. These conflicts can cause confusion in communication between people or in machine‐human interaction. Municipal authorities have begun to see the importance of uncovering these existing street name conflicts and mitigating future ones, for improved record keeping, emergency response, etc. However the commonly used Soundex phonetic algorithm is generally considered to produce poor similarity results in terms of uncovering street name conflicts. This study reports on a new fusion algorithm that combines phonetic methods and approximate string matching for street names, weighted by street type suffix (Avenue, Boulevard, Court, etc.), to quantitatively measure the collision/confusion potential presented by a pair of streets. This algorithm is then applied to the entire street network in Greater Melbourne, Australia, and the pattern of collisions at various spatial scales, and within municipalities, is mapped. The goal of this work is to produce better tools that can aid policy makers, administrators and industries dealing with location‐based services to make better decisions when assigning and disambiguating street names.
Decline in overall, smear‐negative and HIV‐positive TB incidence while smear‐positive incidence stays stable in Guinea‐Bissau 2004–2011
Authors: Lemvik G. , Rudolf F. , Vieira F. , Sodemann M. , Østergaard L. , Rodrigues A. , Gomes V. , Aaby P. , Wejse C. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo calculate Tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates in Guinea‐Bissau over an 8‐year period.MethodsSince 2003, a surveillance system has registered all TB cases in six suburban districts of Bissau. In this population‐based prospective follow‐up study, 1205 cases of pulmonary TB were identified between January 2004 and December 2011. Incidence rates were calculated using census data from the Bandim Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS).ResultsThe overall incidence of pulmonary TB was 279 per 100 000 person‐years of observation; the male incidence being 385, and the female 191. TB incidence rates increased significantly with age in both sexes, regardless of smear or HIV status. Despite a peak with unknown cause of 352 per 100 000 in 2007, the overall incidence of pulmonary TB declined over the period. The incidence of HIV infected TB cases declined significantly from 108 to 39 per 100 000, while the incidence of smear‐positive TB cases remained stable; the overall figure was 188 per 100 000.ConclusionsOverall incidence of pulmonary TB in Guinea‐Bissau has declined from 2004 to 2011. The decline was also seen in the subgroups of smear‐negative and HIV‐positive TB cases, probably due to antiretroviral treatment. Smear‐positive TB incidence remains stable over the period.
Active MR‐temperature feedback control of dynamic interstitial ultrasound therapy in brain: In vivo experiments and modeling in native and coagulated tissues
Authors: N’Djin W. A. , Burtnyk M. , Lipsman N. , Bronskill M. , Kucharczyk W. , Schwartz M. L. , Chopra R. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose:The recent clinical emergence of minimally invasive image‐guided therapy has demonstrated promise in the management of brain metastasis, although control over the spatial pattern of heating currently remains limited. Based on experience in other organs, the delivery of high‐intensity contact ultrasound energy from minimally invasive applicators can enable accurate spatial control of energy deposition, large treatment volumes, and high treatment rate. In this acute study, the feasibility of active MR‐Temperature feedback control of dynamic ultrasound heat deposition for interstitial thermal ablation in brain was evaluatedin vivo.Methods:A four‐element linear ultrasound transducer (f = 8.2 MHz) originally developed for transurethral ultrasound therapy was used in a porcine model for generating thermal ablations in brain interstitially. First, the feasibility of treating and retreating preciselyin vivo brain tissues using stationary (non‐rotating device) ultrasound exposures was studied in two pigs. Experimental results were compared to numerical simulations for maximum surface acoustic intensities ranging from 5 to 20 W cm−2. Second, active MRT feedback‐controlled ultrasound treatments were performed in three pigs with a rotating device to coagulate target volumes of various shapes. The acoustic power and rotation rate of the device were adjusted in real‐time based on MR‐thermometry feedback control to optimize heat deposition at the target boundary. Modeling of in vivo treatments were performed and compared to observed experimental results.Results:Overall, the time‐space evolution of the temperature profiles observedin vivo could be well estimated from numerical simulations for both stationary and dynamic interstitial ultrasound exposures. Dynamic exposures performed under closed‐loop temperature control enabled accurate elevation of the brain tissues within the targeted region above the 55 °C threshold necessary for the creation of irreversible thermal damage. Treatment volumes ranging from 1 to 9 cm3 were completed within 8 ± 3 min with a radial targeting error <2 mm on average (treatment rate: 0.7 ± 0.5 cm3/min). Tissue changes were visible on T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced (T1w‐CE) images immediately after treatment. These changes were also evident on T2‐weighted (T2w) images acquired 2 h after the 1st treatment and correlated well with the MR‐thermometry measurements.Conclusions:These results support the feasibility of active MRT feedback control of dynamic interstitial ultrasound therapy ofin vivo brain tissues and confirm the feasibility of using simulations to predict spatial heating patterns in the brain.