bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Science and alcohol policy: a case study of the EU Strategy on Alcohol
Authors: Gordon Rebecca , Anderson Peter 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAims To describe the extent to which the content of the European Commission's Communication on alcohol reflects public health‐based scientific evidence.Design Document retrieval and content analysis.Setting European Union.Participants Background documents leading up to the European Commission's Communication on alcohol, the Communication itself and implementation actions following the Communication.Measurements Documents were read and analyzed for evidence‐based alcohol policy content.Findings Although the Communication acknowledges and supports existing interventions which have high evidence for effectiveness, such as enforcing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for drivers, it extensively promotes other interventions which have been shown to be ineffective; for example, recommending education and persuasion strategies as a measure across all its five priority areas. Measures to influence price are mentioned only once in relation to sales in drinking venues limiting two‐for‐one drinks offers. Measures to control physical availability are mentioned infrequently.Conclusions The Communication reflects the science, in that it acknowledges the significance of alcohol as a social and health determinant in Europe. However, it places more emphasis on policy actions with less evidence for effectiveness than on those with strong evidence. It also focuses its efforts more on mapping member state actions and coordinating knowledge exchange than on providing concrete recommendations for action or developing Europe‐wide policy measures. This may be a compromise between the rights of Member States to develop national policy and legislation and the obligation of the European Union as a collaborative body to protect health. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the European Union's roots as a trading block emphasizes collaboration with industry stakeholders and this influences the ability to prioritize health over trade considerations.
Do infrastructures impact on alcohol policy making?
Authors: König Claudia , Segura Lidia 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTIntroduction The importance of building and strengthening effective infrastructures within the field of public health has increasingly been recognized. A wide variety of actors and structures can be identified for alcohol policy, including systems for policy development, monitoring, research and work‐force development, but too little is known about the complex systems of infrastructure available across European countries and their impact on alcohol policy.Objective This study is part of the Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance (AMPHORA) project, and aims to map existing infrastructures, but also to examine the relationship between infrastructures and alcohol policy change.Methods A survey of alcohol policy infrastructure and infrastructure needs at the national level will be conducted using an updated and adapted questionnaire based on the Health Promotion (HP) Source Project tool. Case studies involving in‐depth interviews will be conducted for a selection of countries. Data will be analysed descriptively, mapping alcohol policy infrastructure and identifying needs to reveal any relationship between infrastructure and alcohol policy.Expected results This study can contribute to building the scientific knowledge base on this topic as well to policy development. First, the Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance will produce an extended map of alcohol policy infrastructures in a wide range of European countries. Secondly, the Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance will foster a better understanding and expand the knowledge base on the role and influence of infrastructure on alcohol policy and practice. Recommendations deriving from this study will identify the need for better utilization of existing infrastructures and for the development of new infrastructures, necessary to develop and implement effective alcohol policy from a public health perspective.
Epidemiology and alcohol policy in Europe
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Zatonksi Witold , Taylor Ben , Anderson Peter 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To describe three aspects of the epidemiology of alcohol‐attributable deaths in Europe, dose, demography and place, and to illustrate how such knowledge can better be used to inform alcohol policy formulation and implementation.Design  epidemiological and population health modeling.Setting  Europe.Participants  Based on country‐specific aggregate statistics.Measurements  Exposure: country‐specific adult per capita consumption triangulated with survey data; outcomes: mortality statistics.Findings  The absolute risk of dying from an alcohol‐attributable disease and injury (accounting for a protective effect for ischaemic diseases) increases with increasing daily alcohol consumption beyond 10g alcohol per day, the first data point. Over 2/3 of all alcohol‐attributable deaths occurring amongst the 20–64 year old population of the European Union (minus Cyprus and Malta) occur in the 45–64 year olds. About 25% of the difference in life expectancy between western and eastern Europe for men aged 20–64 years in 2002 can be attributed to alcohol, largely, but not exclusively, as a result of differences in heavy episodic drinking patterns.Conclusions  Any reduction in the dose of alcohol consumed, at least down to 10g/day, will reduce the annual and lifetime risk of an alcohol‐related death. There is a need for alcohol policy to focus on measures in reducing alcohol consumption, throughout middle age, with immediacy of impact. Policy should strive to reduce alcohol‐related health inequalities, with the specific recommendations for policy depending on the cost‐effectiveness of interventions related to the epidemiological profile of the country or region under consideration. Fortunately, there are evidence‐based policy options that reduce the amount of alcohol consumed and many alcohol‐related harms with immediate effect, that reduce the risk of an alcohol‐related death in middle age, and that would help to close the health gap between eastern and western Europe.
Identifying the gap between need and intervention for alcohol use disorders in Europe
Authors: Drummond Colin , Gual Antoni , Goos Cees , Godfrey Christine , Deluca Paolo , Von Der Goltz Christoph , Gmel Gerhard , Scafato Emanuele , Wolstenholme Amy , Mann Karl , Coulton Simon , Kaner Eileen 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAims  A literature review of existing research on the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and availability of alcohol interventions in Europe was conducted. The review also explored what is known about the gap between need and provision of alcohol interventions in Europe.Methods  The review search strategy included: (i) descriptive studies of alcohol intervention systems in Europe; (ii) studies of alcohol service provision in Europe; and (iii) studies of prevalence of AUD and alcohol needs assessment in Europe.Results  Europe has a relatively high level of alcohol consumption and the resulting disabilities are the highest in the world. Most research on implementation of alcohol interventions in Europe has been restricted to screening and brief interventions. Alcohol needs assessment methodology has been developed but has not been applied in comparative studies across countries in Europe.Conclusions  This review points to key gaps in knowledge related to alcohol interventions in Europe. There is a lack of comparative data on variations in alcohol treatment systems across European countries and there is also a lack of comparative data on the prevalence of alcohol use disorders across European countries and the relative gap between need and access to treatment. The forthcoming Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance (AMPHORA) research project work package on ‘Early identification and treatment’ aims to address these gaps.
Reflections on science and the governance of alcohol policy
Authors: Anderson Peter , Gual Antoni 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To consider, briefly, science's role in informing alcohol policy, and how science could help reframe the present governance of alcohol policy.Design  Expression of the two project coordinators’ reflections based on discussions during project meetings of the Alcohol Measures for Public Health Research Alliance (AMPHORA) project.Results  Three endeavours are considered important for science's role in informing alcohol policy: modelling studies that help predict the outcomes of differing policy approaches; studying the impact of live policy changes as a powerful set of natural experiments; and, improved study of the impact of integrated, coordinated and joined up alcohol policies, as opposed to the impact of individual alcohol policy measures. Three areas where science can contribute to strengthened alcohol policy governance include: analysis of different governance architectures that might promote joined‐up actions between different sectors; the design of better metrics that measure the impact of public and private sector actions on health; and, by identifying incentives that help consumers make choices on the use of alcohol that improve health.Conclusions  The impact of science on better alcohol policy governance can only happen if there is more and better dialogue between scientists and those who design alcohol policy.
Past lessons and future prospects: plant breeding for yield and persistence in cool‐temperate pastures
Authors: Parsons A. J. , Edwards G. R. , Newton P. C. D. , Chapman D. F. , Caradus J. R. , Rasmussen S. , Rowarth J. S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPastoral‐based animal production systems are under increasing pressure to provide the high quantity and quality of feed needed for optimal ruminant performance. The capacity of farmers to increase forage yield further, solely by increasing fertilizer inputs or through improved pasture management, is limited. Emerging requirements to balance industry production targets against the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and N losses pose further challenges. Plant breeding is being asked to deliver results more urgently than at any time previously, and this review attempts to highlight issues that might limit the prospects for future progress by seeking lessons from four past examples: (i) white clover breeding gains and the need to consider the complexity of the grazed grass‐clover mixed sward, with its tendency for cycling in plant species composition; (ii) a systems field trial of new and old grass/clover cultivars, and how the complexity of growth of perennial forage crops, and the dynamic optimality required for sustainable harvesting might limit our ability to breed for ‘yield’per se; (iii) the manipulation of a physiological trait (low ‘maintenance’ respiration) and the implications of such changes for plant fitness and G × E interactions; and (iv) an hypothesis‐driven development of a trait (high‐sugar grasses) and the value of ‘proof of concept’ studies, the requirement of scientific understanding of the mechanisms of trait expression, and how one might in future go about assessing breeding achievements. We discuss the general ecological considerations around shifts in the frequency distribution of traits in new populations, whether altered conventionally or by genetic modification, and how selection for a particular trait might inadvertently reduce both fitness and persistence. A major priority for breeding, we propose, might be to revisit previously abandoned traits that affected the physiological performance of forage species, armed now with a capacity to monitor gene expression at the molecular level, and so unravel/control the G × E interactions that limited their benefits. We also discuss how a ‘loss of yield advantage’ of new cultivars, seen when tested several years after sowing, requires urgent investigation and propose this might be associated with fitness costs of perenniality. Finally, we argue for a careful reconsideration of what are realistic expectations for systems field trials and that focus on forage breeding might be shifted more to ‘proof of concept’ studies, critical experimental design, comparing ‘traits’ rather than ‘cultivars’, and the wider ecological assessment of fitness and function of traits in the plant, community and ecosystem.
Handling of radical prostatectomy specimens: total or partial embedding?
Authors: Vainer Ben , Toft Birgitte Grønkær , Olsen Karen Ege , Jacobsen Grete Krag , Marcussen Niels 
Published: February 2011

Vainer B, Toft B G, Olsen K E, Jacobsen G K & Marcussen N (2011) Histopathology58, 211–216 Handling of radical prostatectomy specimens: total or partial embedding?Aims:  Proper examination and accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens (RPS) is essential in determining post‐surgical treatment and predicting patient outcome. Surveys have demonstrated the absence of consensus on handling of RPS. The aim of this study was to determine whether significant information is lost when only half the horizontal tissue sections are examined.Methods and results:  During a 1‐year period, 238 RPS were sectioned into horizontal slices. Apex and basis was cut sagittally, and remaining slices were embedded in quadrants. Glass slides from every second horizontal slice were withheld. The remaining slides were evaluated microscopically, and essential pathological parameters were recorded. Subsequently, a full report was compiled, including the withheld slides. A median of 12 slides (30%) were withheld during initial assessment. In eight RPS (3.2%) the pTNM stage had to be changed; in six cases (2.6%) from pT2b to pT2c and in two cases (0.8%) from pT2c to pT3a. In one RPS (0.4%) the surgical margin status was changed.Conclusions:  Only little information is lost with systematic partial embedding, overlooking features significant for the postoperative treatment in only 1.2%. Partial embedding as suggested, decreasing the laboratory workload by 30%, is concluded to be acceptable for valid histopathological assessment.
Cluster analysis of immunohistochemical profiles delineates CK7, vimentin, S100A1 and C‐kit (CD117) as an optimal panel in the differential diagnosis of renal oncocytoma from its mimics
Authors: Carvalho Jason C , Wasco Matthew J , Kunju Lakshmi P , Thomas Dafydd G , Shah Rajal B 
Published: February 2011

Carvalho J C, Wasco M J, Kunju L P, Thomas D G & Shah R B (2011) Histopathology58, 169–179 Cluster analysis of immunohistochemical profiles delineates CK7, vimentin, S100A1 and C‐kit (CD117) as an optimal panel in the differential diagnosis of renal oncocytoma from its mimics Aims:  To develop an immunohistochemical strategy for distinguishing renal oncocytoma (RO) from the eosinophilic variant of chromophobe (ChRCC), and papillary (PRCC) and clear cell (CRCC) renal cell carcinoma containing eosinophilic cytoplasm in core biopsy specimens.Methods and results:  Cluster analysis was performed on immunohistochemical data from 21 RO, 16 ChRCC, 16 CRCC and 20 PRCC patients. A panel of CK7, C‐kit, S100A1 and vimentin clustered into four groups. Cluster A (94% ChRCC) expressed C‐kit and CK7 and lacked S100A1 and vimentin. Cluster B (95% RO) expressed C‐kit, S100A1, focal CK7 (single or small clusters of cells) and lacked vimentin. Cluster C comprised a mixture of PRCC and CRCC with no expression of C‐kit or CK7 and variable S100A1 and vimentin. PRCC with strong expression of CK7 clustered into group D. A panel of S100A1 (positive) and focal CK7 expression distinguished RO from ChRCC with 91% sensitivity and 93% specificity. A panel of vimentin (negative) and C‐kit (positive) distinguished RO from CRCC with 83% sensitivity and 86% specificity and RO from PRCC with 79% sensitivity and 88% specificity.Conclusions:  Hierarchical cluster analysis is an effective approach to analyse high‐volume immunohistochemical data to generate an optimal panel in the differential diagnosis of oncocytoma from its mimics.
Immunohistochemical analysis of p53, APE1, hMSH2 and ERCC1 proteins in actinic cheilitis and lip squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Souza Ludmilla R , Fonseca‐Silva Thiago , Pereira Camila S , Santos Erivelton P , Lima Lucianne C , Carvalho Heloísa A , Gomez Ricardo S , Guimarães André L S , De Paula Alfredo M B 
Published: February 2011

Souza L R, Fonseca‐Silva T, Pereira C S, Santos E P, Lima L C, Carvalho H A, Gomez R S, Guimarães A L S & De Paula A M B (2011) Histopathology58, 352–360 Immunohistochemical analysis of p53, APE1, hMSH2 and ERCC1 proteins in actinic cheilitis and lip squamous cell carcinomaAims:  This study has compared the tissue expression of the p53 tumour suppressor protein and DNA repair proteins APE1, hMSH2 and ERCC1 in normal, dysplastic and malignant lip epithelium.Methods and results: Morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed on archived specimens of normal lip mucosa (n = 15), actinic cheilitis (AC) (n = 30), and lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) (n = 27). AC samples were classified morphologically according to the severity of epithelial dysplasia and risk of malignant transformation. LSCC samples were morphologically staged according to WHO and invasive front grading (IFG) criteria. Differences between groups and morphological stages were determined by bivariate statistical analysis. Progressive increases in the percentage of epithelial cells expressing p53 and APE1 were associated with increases in morphological malignancy from normal lip mucosa to LSCC. There was also a significant reduction in epithelial cells expressing hMSH2 and ERCC1 proteins in the AC and LSCC groups. A higher percentage of malignant cells expressing APE1 was found in samples with an aggressive morphological IFG grade.Conclusions: Our data showed that epithelial cells from premalignant to malignant lip disease exhibited changes in the expression of p53, APE1, hMSH2 and ERCC1 proteins; these molecular change might contribute to lip carcinogenesis.
HER2 status in gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas assessed by two rabbit monoclonal antibodies (SP3 and 4B5) and two in situ hybridization methods (FISH and SISH)
Authors: Boers James E. , Meeuwissen Harriëtte , Methorst Natalie 
Published: February 2011

Boers J E, Meeuwissen H & Methorst N (2011) Histopathology58, 383–394 HER2 status in gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas assessed by two rabbit monoclonal antibodies (SP3 and 4B5) and two in situ hybridization methods (FISH and SISH)Aims:  HER2 gene amplification has been detected in 10–20% of gastric adenocarcinomas. In view of the recently demonstrated clinical benefit of the anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drug trastuzumab in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, reliable HER2 testing is of key importance. The aim of this study was to examine HER2 status in gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas comparing SP3 and 4B5 immunohistochemistry (IHC) with dual probe HER2 [fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and silver in situ hybridization (SISH)].Methods and results:  IHC and SISH were carried out on biopsy specimens of 146 patients with adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus and stomach. All SP3‐IHC‐positive cases and 91% of 4B5‐IHC‐positive cases were amplified. Sensitivity of SP3‐IHC‐positivity and 4B5‐IHC‐positivity for amplification was 77% and 96%, respectively. Results of FISH performed in 42 cases were identical to SISH. Amplification was heterogeneous in 73% of the adenocarcinomas; 24% of the oesophago‐gastric carcinomas and 7% of distal stomach tumours were amplified.Conclusions:  HER2‐positivity is present in a significant proportion of oesophago‐gastric adenocarcinomas (24%), but at a lower rate in the distal stomach (7%). Sensitivity for amplification is higher with 4B5 IHC than with SP3. FISH and SISH yield identical results, but assessment is much easier with SISH. Our findings provide important guidance for HER2‐testing in gastro‐oesophageal adenocarcinomas for patients in whom anti‐HER2 treatment is considered.
Human IgG isotypes and activating Fcγ receptors in the interaction of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with phagocytic cells
Authors: Goh Yun S. , Grant Andrew J. , Restif Olivier , McKinley Trevelyan J. , Armour Kathryn L. , Clark Michael R. , Mastroeni Pietro 
Published: February 2011

SummarySeveral classes and multiple subclasses of immunoglobulins are produced towards protein and polysaccharide antigens in response to Salmonella infection and play a key role in protection against systemic disease. The targeting of Salmonella to Fc receptors (FcR) on phagocytes is a key step in the antibody‐mediated antibacterial functions of host cells. We wished to compare the relative efficiency of different human IgG subclasses, which targeted the Salmonella enterica OmpA surface protein in modulating the interaction of bacteria with human phagocytes. To this end, we developed a novel system by tagging OmpA with a foreign CD52 mimotope (TSSPSAD) and opsonizing the bacteria with a panel of humanized CD52 antibodies that share the same antigen‐binding V‐region, but have constant regions of different subclasses. Our data revealed that opsonization with all the IgG subclasses increases Salmonella uptake by human phagocytes. IgG3 resulted in the highest level of bacterial uptake and the highest average bacterial load per infected cell, which was closely followed by IgG1, then IgG4 and lastly IgG2. Phagocytosis mediated by IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 had a higher dependency on FcγRI than FcγRIIA, whereas IgG2‐mediated phagocytosis required FcγRIIA more than FcγRI. The results show that IgG binding to OmpA increases the uptake of Salmonella by human phagocytic cells and that the efficiency of this process depends both on the subclass of the IgG and the type of FcR that is available for antibody binding.