bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced Labor in Sweden, 1999–2012: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Ekéus Cecilia , Lindgren Helena 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies show contradictory results about the impact of induced labor on the cesarean delivery rate and few studies have investigated the risk of vacuum extraction subsequent to induced labor. The aims of the present study were to describe the rate of induced labor in Sweden from 1999 to 2012, and to assess the risk of unplanned cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction after induced labor in relation to medical complications and length of gestation.MethodsA register‐based cohort study was conducted, including 1,078,536 women with spontaneous or induced onset of labor who gave birth by noninstrumental vaginal delivery, unplanned cesarean delivery, or vacuum extraction in gestational week 37 + 0 to 41 + 6. Logistic regression was used to study the association between induced labor and instrumental delivery.ResultsThe rate of induced labor increased from 7.7 to 12.9 percent among primiparous and from 7.5 to 11.8 percent among multiparous women. Induced labor was associated with 2–3 times greater risk of unplanned cesarean delivery among all women, except multiparas in gestational week 37–38, and with a 20–50 percent higher risk of vacuum extraction after the adjustment for confounding factors. Among women without a recognized medical complication, induced labor was associated with a threefold increased risk of cesarean delivery in gestational week 39–41 and a 40 percent increase in gestational week 37–38 compared with women with spontaneous onset of labor.ConclusionsThe proportion of induced labors increased substantially during the 14‐year study period and was associated with an increased risk of both cesarean delivery and vacuum extraction, even in women without a documented medical complication. The increased risk of instrumental delivery should be taken into account when counseling about the risks and benefits of induced labor.
Multicentre outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy after major open abdominal surgery
Authors: Abdullah Newaj , Rahbar Haider , Barod Ravi , Dalela Deepansh , Larson Jeff , Johnson Michael , Mass Alon , Zargar Homayoun , Allaf Mohamad , Bhayani Sam , Stifelman Michael , Kaouk Jihad , Rogers Craig 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy RAPN after major prior abdominal surgery (PAS) using a large multicentre database.Patients and methodsWe identified 1 686 RAPN from five academic centres between 2006 and 2014. In all, 216 patients had previously undergone major PAS, defined as having an open upper midline/ipsilateral incision. Perioperative outcomes were compared with those 1 470 patients who had had no major PAS. The chi‐squared test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in Charlson comorbidity index, tumour size, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score or preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between the groups. Age and body mass index were higher in patients with PAS. The PAS group had a higher estimated blood loss (EBL) but this did not lead to a higher transfusion rate. A retroperitoneal approach was used more often in patients with major PAS (11.2 vs 5.4%), although this group did not have a higher percentage of posterior tumours (38.8 vs 43.3%, P = 0.286). Operative time, warm ischaemia time, length of stay, positive surgical margin, percentage change in eGFR, and perioperative complications were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsRAPN in patients with major PAS is safe and feasible, with increased EBL but no increased rate of transfusion. Patients with major PAS had almost twice the likelihood of having a retroperitoneal approach.
Do stones still kill? An analysis of death from stone disease 1999–2013 in England and Wales
Authors: Kum Francesca , Mahmalji Wasim , Hale Jemma , Thomas Kay , Bultitude Matthew , Glass Jonathan 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo analyse the trends in the number of deaths attributable to urolithiasis in England and Wales over the past 15 years (1999–2013). Urolithiasis has an estimated lifetime risk of 12% in males and 6% in females and is not perceived as a life‐threatening pathology. Admissions with urinary calculi contribute to 0.5% of all inpatient hospital stays, and the number of deaths attributable to stone disease has yet to be identified and presented.Materials and MethodsOffice of National Statistics data relating to causes of death from urolithiasis, coded as International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 N20–N23, was collated and analysed for the 15‐year period from 1999 to 2013 in England and Wales. These data were sub‐categorised into anatomical location of calculi, age, and gender.ResultsIn all, 1954 deaths were attributed to urolithiasis from 1999 to 2013 (mean 130.3 deaths/year). Of which, 141 were attributed to ureteric stones (mean 9.4 deaths/year). Calculi of the kidney and ureter accounted for 91% of all deaths secondary to urolithiasis; lower urinary tract (bladder or urethra) calculi contributed to only 7.9% of deaths. The data revealed an overall increasing trend in mortality from urolithiasis over this 15‐year period, with an increase of 3.8 deaths/year based on a linear trend (R2 = 0.65). Overall, the number of deaths in females was significantly higher than in males (ratio 1.5:1, P < 0.001); kidney and ureteric calculi causing death had a female preponderance (1.7:1, female:male); whereas calculi of the lower urinary tract was more common in males (1:2.2, female:male).ConclusionsStone disease still causes death in the 21st century in England and Wales. This trend of increasing deaths must be placed in the context of the concurrent rising incidence of urolithiasis in the UK and the number of stone‐related hospital episodes. The primary cause of death relating to complications of stone disease for each individual case should be further investigated to facilitate prevention of complications of urolithiasis.
Endogenous and exogenous testosterone and the risk of prostate cancer and increased prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Boyle Peter , Koechlin Alice , Bota Maria , d'Onofrio Alberto , Zaridze David G. , Perrin Paul , Fitzpatrick John , Burnett Arthur L. , Boniol Mathieu 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo review and quantify the association between endogenous and exogenous testosterone and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and prostate cancer.MethodsLiterature searches were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Prospective cohort studies that reported data on the associations between endogenous testosterone and prostate cancer, and placebo‐controlled randomized trials of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) that reported data on PSA and/or prostate cancer cases were retained. Meta‐analyses were performed using random‐effects models, with tests for publication bias and heterogeneity.ResultsTwenty estimates were included in a meta‐analysis, which produced a summary relative risk (SRR) of prostate cancer for an increase of 5 nmol/L of testosterone of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96, 1.02) without heterogeneity (I² = 0%). Based on 26 trials, the overall difference in PSA levels after onset of use of TRT was 0.10 ng/mL (−0.28, 0.48). Results were similar when conducting heterogeneity analyses by mode of administration, region, age at baseline, baseline testosterone, trial duration, type of patients and type of TRT. The SRR of prostate cancer as an adverse effect from 11 TRT trials was 0.87 (95% CI 0.30; 2.50). Results were consistent across studies.ConclusionsProstate cancer appears to be unrelated to endogenous testosterone levels. TRT for symptomatic hypogonadism does not appear to increase PSA levels nor the risk of prostate cancer development. The current data are reassuring, although some caution is essential until multiple studies with longer follow‐up are available.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn stones: a randomised trial comparing high‐power holmium laser versus ultrasonic lithotripsy
Authors: EL‐Nahas Ahmed R. , Elshal Ahmed M. , EL‐Tabey Nasr A. , EL‐Assmy Ahmed M. , Shokeir Ahmed A. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo compare high‐power holmium laser lithotripsy (HP‐HLL) and ultrasonic lithotripsy (US‐L) for disintegration of staghorn stones during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Patients and MethodsA non‐inferiority randomised controlled trial was conducted between August 2011 and September 2014. Inclusion criteria were patients' aged >18 years who had complete staghorn stones (branching to the three major calyces), without contraindications to PCNL. Eligible patients were randomised between two groups: HP‐HLL and US‐ . A standard PCNL in the prone position was performed for all patients. The only difference between the treatment groups was the method of stone disintegration. In the first group (HP‐HLL), a laser power of 40–60 W (2 J, 20–30 Hz) was used to pulverise the staghorn stone into very small fragments, which could pass through the Amplatz sheath with the irrigation fluid. US‐L,with suction of the fragments, was used in the second group. The primary outcome (stone‐free rate) was evaluated with non‐contrast computed tomography after 3 months. Secondary outcomes of complications, blood transfusion, operative time, and haemoglobin deficit were compared. The outcome assessor was ‘blinded’ to the treatment arm.ResultsThe study included 70 patients (35 in each group). The baseline characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, side, stone volume, and density) and operative technique (number, size of tracts, and need for second PCNL session) were comparable for both groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in US‐L group, at a mean (SD) of 130 (34) vs 148.7 (35) min (P = 0.028). The haemoglobin deficit was significantly more with in the US‐L group, at a mean (SD) of 1.7 (0.9) vs 1.3 (0.6) g/dL (P = 0.037). The differences in blood transfusion (17% for US‐L vs 11% for HP‐HLL) and the complication rates (34% for US‐L vs 23% for HP‐HLL) were not significant (P = 0.495 and P = 0.290, respectively). The stone‐free rates at 3 months were comparable (60% for US‐L and 66% for HPL‐L; P = 0.621).ConclusionsCompared with US‐L for intracorporeal lithotripsy of staghorn stones during PCNL, HP‐HLL showed comparable safety and efficacy with a lower haemoglobin deficit but longer operative time.
Hypospadias repair with onlay preputial graft: a 25‐year experience with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Cambareri Gina M. , Yap Michael , Kaplan George W. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long‐term outcomes of hypospadias repair using an onlay preputial graft.Patients and MethodsPatient records from 1989 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. One surgeon performed all cases and surgical technique was the same for all patients.ResultsThere were 62 patients in the cohort, with a mean (range) follow‐up of 47.4 (1–185) months. The meatal location was separated into distal (one patient), midshaft (19) and proximal (42). In all, 22 (35.5%) patients had complications. There were three main types of complications, including meatal stenosis in three (4.8%), stricture in three (4.8%), and fistula in 21 (33.9%). The mean (range) timing of presentation with a complication after surgery was 24.9 (1–127) months. In all, 54.5% of the patients with complications presented at ≥1 year after the initial surgery and 31.8% presented at ≥3 years. On univariable analysis age at the time of surgery, length of the graft, presence of chordee or meatal location (proximal or midshaft) did not predict a complication. The width of the graft was associated with a complication, with each 1 mm increase in width decreasing the odds of a complication by 56%. On multivariable analysis width remained statistically significant (odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.230–0.840; P = 0.013) for predicting a complication.ConclusionHypospadias repair with onlay preputial graft is an option for single‐stage repair, especially in cases of proximal hypospadias or where the urethral plate width and/or the glanular groove is insufficient for other types of repair. Compared with flaps, the use of grafts may decrease the risk of penile torsion and prevent less bulk around the urethra, improving skin and glans closure.
Old versus New Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of ALS
Authors: Rossi Simona , Cozzolino Mauro , Carrì Maria Teresa 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is recognized as a very complex disease. As we have learned in the past 20 years from studies in patients and in models based on the expression of mutant SOD1, ALS is not a purely motor neuron disease as previously thought. While undoubtedly motor neurons are lost in patients, a number of alterations in those cell‐types that interact functionally with motor neurons (astrocytes, microglia, muscle fibers, oligodendrocytes) take place even long before onset of symptoms. At the same time, disturbance of several, only partly inter‐related physiological functions play some role in the onset and progression of the disease. Traditionally, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, altered axonal transport, ER stress, protein aggregation and defective removal of toxic proteins have been considered as key factors in the pathogenesis of ALS, with the relatively recent addition of disturbances in RNA metabolism. This complexity makes the search for an effective treatment extremely difficult and prompts further studies to reveal other possible, previously unappreciated aspects of the pathogenesis of ALS. In this review, we focus on previous knowledge on ALS mechanisms as well as new facets emerging from studies on genetic ALS patients and models that may both provide precious information for a novel therapeutic approach.
The Conservation Value of Small Fragments For Atlantic Forest Reptiles
Authors: Lion Marília B. , Garda Adrian A. , Santana Diego J. , Fonseca Carlos Roberto 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLoss and fragmentation of natural habitats are key contributors to the decline of populations and impoverishment of biological communities. The response to these disturbances can vary substantially among taxa and depends on spatial metrics of habitat fragments and the surrounding landscape. Herein we test how fragment area, shape, isolation, and matrix quality affect reptile richness, abundance, and occurrence in Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragments, a biodiversity hotspot with a poorly studied reptile fauna. We used 23 forest fragments, ranging from 2 to 30 hectares, surrounded by different matrix types, including sugarcane crop fields, cattle ranching, subsistence farmlands and rural communities. Species richness, total reptile abundance, population abundance, and occurrence probability of many species decreased with fragment area. Model selection suggested that fragment area is the main predictor of both richness and abundance, but matrix quality as well as fragment shape are also important predictors. For population abundance and occurrence probability, fragment area and proximity were the most important predictors followed by fragment shape and matrix quality, but the strength and even the sign of predictors varied substantially among species. We highlight that the value of small fragments should not be neglected for the conservation of Atlantic Forest reptiles.
White‐sand Ecosystems in Amazonia
Authors: Adeney J. Marion , Christensen Norman L. , Vicentini Alberto , Cohn‐Haft Mario 
Published: January 2016

AbstractVegetation on sandy soils, ranging from open grasslands and shrublands to closed‐canopy, thin‐trunked forests, can be found in patches throughout the Amazon. Despite variation in names, appearance, ecological correlates, and suggested origins, these ‘white‐sand ecosystems’ (WSE) share distinctive characteristics and biological communities. Here, in the first Amazon‐wide review of WSE, we review the variation in WSE and the factors underlying this variation. We present the most comprehensive Amazon‐wide map to date of WSE and calculate their total area. We find that WSE are still not completely mapped, and we use biological correlates as a proxy to indicate where white‐sand vegetation patches likely occur. Through our synthesis of the literature, we find that key factors, such as geologic origin, soil characteristics, hydrology, and fire regimes, vary widely and have differing impacts in different regions on vegetation structure and on floral, faunal, and fungal species composition. Although studies of WSE have increased dramatically in recent years, WSE in many parts of the Amazon remain understudied, and there is little synthesis of the interaction of factors across different areas. In response, we suggest priorities for future research. Finally, we find that WSE are inadequately protected and, where accessible, are regularly mined for sand, logged, or burned and cleared for agriculture. We argue that due to their island‐like distribution patterns and resultant complex metapopulation dynamics, their extremely slow recovery after disturbance, and their important contributions to basin‐wide diversity patterns and ecosystem services, WSE should be given special consideration in conservation efforts to ensure their persistence in Amazonia.
Diversity and Distribution of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi from Amazonian Lowland White‐sand Forests in Brazil and French Guiana
Authors: Roy Mélanie , Schimann Heidy , Braga‐Neto Ricardo , Da Silva Rosa A. E. , Duque Jaime , Frame Dawn , Wartchow Felipe , Neves Maria A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWhite‐sand forests are thought to host many ectomycorrhizal fungi, as demonstrated by the numerous fruiting body collections made by Rolf Singer in the lower Rio Negro in the late 1970s. Despite recognition of the importance of ectomycorrhizal fungi in white‐sand forests, there has not yet been a systematic examination of diversity and taxonomic composition across white‐sand forests, or more widely across lowland Amazonian forests. In an effort to broaden our view of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and distribution on white‐sand forests, we collected ectomycorrhizal fruiting bodies in 10 plots of white‐sand forests in Brazil and French Guiana between 2012 and 2014. We collected 221 specimens and 62 morphospecies, from the 10 plots, confirming that all studied white‐sand forests host ectomycorrhizal fungi. Additionally, we searched for taxa associated with white sands among specimens deposited in Brazilian herbaria. We report 1006 unique ectomycorrhizal specimen records in 18 Brazilian herbaria, of which 137 specimens and 64 species are reported from white‐sand forests, mainly in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. Russulaceae and Amanitaceae were frequent in all habitats, and Cortinarius were more frequent on white sands. Our results highlight the high diversity and heterogeneity of ectomycorrhizal communities on white‐sand forests, and the wide distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungi throughout Brazil, irrespective of soil type.
Publishing journal articles in Canadian geography
Authors: Moore Tim R. , Coomes Oliver T. 
Published: January 2016

Key Messages

Over the past 30 years, Canadian geographers published in a wide range of journals, but few journals had many articles in each year.
Commercial presses dominate publishing, with a decline in society and university presses; papers published per faculty increased from 0.5 yr−1 in 1981–82 to 1.7 yr−1 in 2011–12.
Canadian geographers are publishing well beyond the field, engaging with much larger audiences, and reaching top journals, to the benefit of the discipline.
Longitudinal changes in developmental defects of enamel
Authors: Wong Hai Ming , Wen Yi Feng , King Nigel Martyn , McGrath Colman Patrick Joseph 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesEpidemiological studies on developmental defects of enamel (DDE) have focused on its potential contributory factors and prevalence while there is limited evidence on the longitudinal changes in the epidemiological profile of DDE. Thus, the objective of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether any type of DDE changes with time.MethodsA total of 668 participants were initially recruited in 2010, and 432 participants were successfully followed up and examined for DDE both at the age of 12 in 2010 and 15 in 2013. The central incisor, lateral incisor and first molar in each quadrant were chosen as index teeth and were examined ‘wet’ by two trained and calibrated examiners using the modified FDI (DDE) Index.ResultsThe mouth prevalence and tooth prevalence of ‘any defect’ showed a significant decrease from 2010 to 2013 (P < 0.001). This was predominantly due to the decrease in diffuse opacities (P < 0.001). Significant difference in the distribution of the extent of DDE was also found for diffuse opacities at both the participant and tooth levels irrespective of the types of tooth (P < 0.0001). Median extent score for diffuse opacities in 2013 was lower than those in 2010 at both participant and tooth level irrespective of the types of tooth (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDiffuse opacities, in terms of prevalence and severity, did fade out over time. The observed overall change in DDE was due to the dominating effect of diffuse opacities over demarcated opacities and hypoplasia.
A proteomics analysis reveals that A2M might be regulated by STAT3 in persistent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Chen X. , Xie Z. H. , Lv Y. X. , Tang Q. P. , Zhang H. , Zhang J. Y. , Wu B. , Jiang W. H. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundProteomics tools can be used to identify the differentially expressed proteins related to allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the large numbers of proteins related to AR have not yet been explored using an advanced quantitative proteomics approach, known as isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ).ObjectivesTo identify differentially expressed proteins in persistent AR patients and to explore the regulatory signalling pathways involving the identified proteins.MethodsForty‐five persistent AR patients and 20 healthy controls were recruited for this study. iTRAQ was used to identify the proteins that were differentially expressed between these two groups, and a bioinformatics analysis was then conducted to identify the signalling pathways associated with the identified proteins. Immunofluorescence labelling was performed to detect alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M), STAT3, p‐STAT3 and IL17 in the nasal mucosa.ResultsA total of 133 differentially expressed proteins were identified. We then determined the top 10 regulatory pathways associated with these proteins and found that the blood coagulation pathway had the most significant association. A2M, a protein involved in the blood coagulation pathway, was found to be differentially expressed in the serum of AR patients. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that STAT3 is an upstream transcription factor that might regulate A2M expression. An immunofluorescence study further confirmed that STAT3 and A2M are co‐localized in nasal mucosa cells. Additionally, A2M, STAT3, p‐STAT3, and IL17 are elevated in AR patients. The expressional level of A2M is positively related to IL17 and the symptom of the congestion in AR subjects.ConclusionsThe blood coagulation pathway may be a key regulatory network pathway contributing to the allergic inflammatory response in AR patients. A2M, which is regulated by STAT3, may be an important protein in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in AR patients.