bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: a systematic review
Authors: Stewart EA , Cookson CL , Gandolfo RA , Schulze‐Rath R 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundUterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common neoplasm affecting women that can cause significant morbidity and may adversely impact fertility.ObjectivesTo examine UF epidemiology and to evaluate the relative strengths of putative risk factors.Search strategyMEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies published in English between January 1995 and April 2015.Selection criteriaPublications reporting relevant data from registries and other observational studies with over 1000 patients and single‐centre studies with over 100 patients were selected.Data collection and analysisData on UF incidence, prevalence and associated risk factors were extracted from 60 publications.Main resultsWide ranges were reported in both UF incidence (217–3745 cases per 100 000 women‐years) and prevalence (4.5–68.6%), depending on study populations and diagnostic methods. Black race was the only factor that was recurrently reported to increase UF risk, by two–threefold compared with white race. Eleven other factors affected UF risk to a magnitude similar to or greater than race. Age, premenopausal state, hypertension, family history, time since last birth, and food additive and soybean milk consumption increased UF risk; use of oral contraceptives or the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, smoking in women with low body mass index and parity reduced UF risk.ConclusionsWe identified 12 risk factors that play an important role in UF epidemiology. The UF risk factor with the strongest evidence is black race. High‐quality prospective observational data are needed to improve our understanding of UF epidemiology, and thus its aetiology and optimal management.Tweetable abstractUterine fibroids occur in about 70% of women. Black race and 11 other factors affect uterine fibroid risk.
Hospital Readmission and Social Risk Factors Identified from Physician Notes
Authors: Navathe Amol S. , Zhong Feiran , Lei Victor J. , Chang Frank Y. , Sordo Margarita , Topaz Maxim , Navathe Shamkant B. , Rocha Roberto A. , Zhou Li 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of seven social factors using physician notes as compared to claims and structured electronic health records (EHRs) data and the resulting association with 30‐day readmissions.Study SettingA multihospital academic health system in southeastern Massachusetts.Study DesignAn observational study of 49,319 patients with cardiovascular disease admitted from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013, using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for patient characteristics.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsAll‐payer claims, EHR data, and physician notes extracted from a centralized clinical registry.Principal FindingsAll seven social characteristics were identified at the highest rates in physician notes. For example, we identified 14,872 patient admissions with poor social support in physician notes, increasing the prevalence from 0.4 percent using ICD‐9 codes and structured EHR data to 16.0 percent. Compared to an 18.6 percent baseline readmission rate, risk‐adjusted analysis showed higher readmission risk for patients with housing instability (readmission rate 24.5 percent; p < .001), depression (20.6 percent; p < .001), drug abuse (20.2 percent; p = .01), and poor social support (20.0 percent; p = .01).ConclusionsThe seven social risk factors studied are substantially more prevalent than represented in administrative data. Automated methods for analyzing physician notes may enable better identification of patients with social needs.
Changes in Serum Bicarbonate Levels Caused by Acetate‐Containing Bicarbonate‐Buffered Hemodialysis Solution: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Panesar Mandip , Shah Neal , Vaqar Sarosh , Ivaturi Kaushik , Gudleski Gregory , Muscarella Mary , Lambert Judy , Su Winnie , Murray Brian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFresenius Medical Care's NaturaLyte dialysate has been associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death by causing metabolic alkalosis from its acetate content based on retrospective data using pre‐dialysis bicarbonate levels only. The study objective was to measure inter/intra‐dialytic changes in serum bicarbonate and degree of alkalosis conferred by varying concentrations of NaturaLyte bicarbonate dialysate. Thirty‐nine hemodialysis patients were divided into four groups based on prescribed bicarbonate dialysate concentrations; Group 1 (N = 9): 30–32 mEq/L, Group 2 (N = 5): 33–34 mEq/L, Group 3 (N = 10): 35–36 mEq/L, Group 4 (N = 15): 37–40 mEq/L. Serial (pre‐dialysis, immediate post‐dialysis, 2 h post‐dialysis, and 68 h post‐dialysis) bicarbonate levels were measured. Mean pre‐dialysis serum bicarbonate levels (representing 44 h post‐dialysis levels) in all four groups were not statistically different. Pre‐dialysis and 68 h post‐dialysis bicarbonate levels in each group were also not significantly different. However, immediate post‐dialysis and 2 h post‐dialysis bicarbonate levels were significantly increased in all four groups proportional to dialysate dose. There was statistically significant inter‐group bicarbonate level difference (P < 0.05) except between the first and second (P = 0.43) and second and third (P = 0.07) groups in the immediate post‐dialysis period. Similar results were obtained for the 2 h post‐dialysis period. High bicarbonate dialysate causes large and rapid fluctuations in serum bicarbonate levels during the intra/inter‐dialytic period, which returns to baseline within 44 to 68 h after dialysis. This refutes the necessity to correct pre‐dialysis acidosis with high bicarbonate dialysate since rapid equilibration is likely to occur and unnecessarily exposes patients to large shifts in their acid base balance.
Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) registry:VIII. Influence of socioeconomic and geographical variables on disease phenotype and activity in Chinese patients with SLE
Authors: Cheng Yongjing , Li Mengtao , Zhao Jiuliang , Ye Zhizhong , Li Caifeng , Li Xiaofeng , Zhu Ping , Wang Zhengang , Zheng Yi , Li Xiangpei , Zhang Miaojia , Huang Cibo , Zeng Xiaofeng ,   CSTAR co‐authors
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to estimate the influence of socioeconomic and geographical variables on disease phenotype and activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese population.MethodsData on 904 therapy‐naïve SLE patients from the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR), which is a nation‐wide database of SLE patients, were used to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical regions on disease phenotypes. The influence of regional climate and economic variables (i.e., data from the database of the Chinese Statistical Yearly Annals) on disease activity and nephropathy was further analyzed in a multivariate analysis to identify some of the environmental factors contributing to SLE.ResultsPhenotype differences in SLE were found between patients with different SES. In the multivariate regression analysis that considered regional economic and climate factors, after adjusting for age, gender and disease duration, lower educational levels (β: −0.122, P = 0.001), lower availability of medical technical personnel (MTP) per 1000 people (β: −0.192, P < 0.001), higher annual duration of sunshine (β: 0.178, P = 0.010) and residence in southern China (β: 0.165, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher disease activity scores. Living in southern China (odds ratio [OR]: 1.907, P = 0.002) seemed to be a significant risk factor for nephropathy. A high number of MTP per 1000 people (OR: 0.951, P = 0.014) and relatively high temperatures were determined to be protective factors for nephropathy (OR: 0.946, P = 0.011).ConclusionsThe phenotype pattern and disease activity varied between SLE patients by SES and other regional variables, such as educational level, availability of medical technical personnel, annual sunshine duration and regional temperature.
Hierarchical mutational events compensate for glutamate auxotrophy of a Bacillus subtilis gltC mutant
Authors: Dormeyer Miriam , Lübke Anastasia L. , Müller Peter , Lentes Sabine , Reuß Daniel R. , Thürmer Andrea , Stülke Jörg , Daniel Rolf , Brantl Sabine , Commichau Fabian M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryGlutamate is the major donor of nitrogen for anabolic reactions. The Gram‐positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis either utilizes exogenously provided glutamate or synthesizes it using the gltAB‐encoded glutamate synthase (GOGAT). In the absence of glutamate, the transcription factor GltC activates expression of the GOGAT genes for glutamate production. Consequently, a gltC mutant strain is auxotrophic for glutamate. Using a genetic selection and screening system, we could isolate and differentiate between gltC suppressor mutants in one step. All mutants had acquired the ability to synthesize glutamate, independent of GltC. We identified (i) gain‐of‐function mutations in the gltR gene, encoding the transcription factor GltR, (ii) mutations in the promoter of the gltAB operon and (iii) massive amplification of the genomic locus containing the gltAB operon. The mutants belonging to the first two classes constitutively expressed the gltAB genes and produced sufficient glutamate for growth. By contrast, mutants that belong to the third class appeared most frequently and solved glutamate limitation by increasing the copy number of the poorly expressed gltAB genes. Thus, glutamate auxotrophy of a B. subtilis gltC mutant can be relieved in multiple ways. Moreover, recombination‐dependent amplification of the gltAB genes is the predominant mutational event indicating a hierarchy of mutations.
Detection of lethal yellowing phytoplasma in coconut plantlets obtained through in vitro germination of zygotic embryos from the seeds of infected palms
Authors: Oropeza C. , Cordova I. , Puch‐Hau C. , Castillo R. , Chan J.L. , Sáenz L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLethal yellowing (LY) is a disease caused by 16SrIV phytoplasmas that has devastated coconut plantations in the Americas. An alternative means of phytoplasma spread is through seeds. Therefore, we used a novel approach based on plumules from the embryos of LY‐diseased coconut palms. We cultured the plumules in vitro to determine the presence of phytoplasma DNA in the plantlets. In the first assay, 185 embryos were obtained. The results showed positive detection in 20 samples (11%) with the nested PCR and in 59 samples (32%) with the TaqMan real‐time PCR. A second assay was designed to trace plumules to their respective embryos and haustorial tissues to determine whether they had derived from an embryo with positive LY detection; a total of 124 embryos were obtained. The results showed no positive detection with the nested PCR and positive detection in 42 of the haustorial tissue samples (32%) with the TaqMan real‐time PCR. The 124 plumules isolated from the embryos were cultivated under in vitro conditions and divided into two groups. Group A was followed for shoot formation and Group B was followed to the plantlet stage. After 3 months of cultivation, 33 cultures (50%) within Group A became necrotic; the rest were analysed to evaluate LY phytoplasma DNA with the TaqMan real‐time PCR assay and 14 (42%) tested positive. After 18 months of cultivation, 20 cultures (34%) within Group B became necrotic. The rest were analysed for the detection of the LY phytoplasma DNA, and 15 and 11 (39% and 29%) of the samples tested positive with the TaqMan real‐time PCR and nested PCR assays, respectively. Blast analysis of the sequenced products revealed that the sequences showed 99% homology with LY‐phytoplasma subgroup 16SrIV‐A. The results presented here demonstrate, for the first time, the occurrence of the transmission of LY phytoplasmas from coconut embryos to plantlets.
Rabbits killing hares: an invasive mammal modifies native predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Cerri J. , Ferretti M. , Bertolino S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInvasive species management requires practical evidence of the impacts of introduced species over ecosystem structure and functioning. Theoretical ecology and empirical data support the potential of introduced mammals to drive native species to extinction, indeed the majority of practical evidence comes from insular environments, where conditions may differ from the mainland. We analyzed the effects of an introduced lagomorph, the eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus on two native mammals, the European hare Lepus europaeus and the red fox Vulpes vulpes. We used relative abundances collected over 8 years at 30 protected areas in Italy. A generalized linear mixed model was fit to test various hypotheses about the relationships between cottontails, foxes and climatic conditions over the abundance of native hares. In our model, hare and cottontail abundances did not show a negative relationship and we believe that no direct competition occurs between the two species. However, the relationship between fox and hare abundances, positive when cottontails were scarce, became more and more negative as cottontails increased: this supports the hypothesis that indirect dynamics like apparent competition exists between the two lagomorphs. Climatic conditions, expressed through the North Atlantic Oscillation, did not affect the relationship between cottontail and hare abundances. As the impact of parasites on mammal populations is generally climate dependent, we believe that cottontails do not play a direct role in the cycle of parasites affecting hares. Our results provide a clue that an invasive mammal, the eastern cottontail, is modifying the predator–prey relationship between two native species in a non‐insular environment. The existence of such dynamics should lead wildlife managers to account for the effect of introduced species in their decision making, directing control activities on cottontails and not on native foxes.
Adverse reactions to orthodontic materials
Authors: Sifakakis I , Eliades T 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAdverse effects can arise from the clinical use of orthodontic materials, due to the release of constituent substances (ions from alloys and monomers, degradation by‐products, and additives from polymers). Moreover, intraoral aging affects the biologic properties of materials. The aim of this review is to present the currently identified major adverse effects of the metallic and polymeric components found in orthodontic appliances and materials. Corrosion in metallic orthodontic attachments releases metal ions, mainly iron, chromium, and nickel. The latter has received the greatest attention because of its reported potential for an allergic response. The formation of an oxide layer may inhibit the outward movement of ions, thereby acting as an obstacle for release. Titanium alloys have superior corrosion resistance than stainless steel. The efficiency of polymerisation is considered an essential property for all polymers. A poor polymer network is susceptible to the release of biologically reactive substances, such as bisphenol‐A (BPA), which is capable of inducing hormone‐related effects. The close proximity of a light‐curing tip to the adhesive, pumice prophylaxis after bonding, indirect irradiation and mouth rinsing during the first hour after bonding may decrease BPA release. The adverse effects of some orthodontic materials should be considered during material selection and throughout orthodontic treatment, in order to minimise possible undesirable implications.
Poorer detection rates of severe fetal growth restriction in women of likely refugee background: A case for re‐focusing pregnancy care
Authors: Biro Mary Anne , East Christine 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundSevere fetal growth restriction (FGR) (< third centile) in a singleton pregnancy undelivered by 40 weeks is one of a number of Victorian Perinatal Services Performance Indicators, which aim to provide a measure of the quality and safety of maternity care. Women of refugee background have been found to have poorer perinatal outcomes compared to others and these outcomes can in part be explained by previous history. However, less access to and engagement with pregnancy care may also be contributing factors. This study examined the impact of likely refugee background on severe FGR in a singleton pregnancy undelivered by 40 weeks.MethodsA retrospective study was undertaken utilising data on women who gave birth to a severely growth‐restricted infant at Monash Health during January 2013–July 2015. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were undertaken to examine the association between the mother being of likely refugee background and severe FGR in singletons delivered after 40 weeks.ResultsThere was an association between the mother being of likely refugee background and giving birth to a severely growth‐restricted baby after 40 weeks with these mothers at two and half times the odds compared to mothers of non‐refugee background (adjusted odds ratio 2.52; 95% confidence interval: 1.44–4.42).ConclusionsWhile detecting FGR is clinically challenging, our findings suggest that maternity services need to be supported to offer care tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. Providing quality, culturally responsive and accessible care is fundamental to addressing refugee maternal and perinatal health inequalities.
Working hours of obstetrics and gynaecology trainees in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Acton Jade , Tucker Paige E. , Bulsara Max K. , Cohen Paul A. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe importance of doctors' working hours has gained significant attention with evidence suggesting long hours and fatigue may compromise the safety and wellbeing of both patients and doctors. This study aims to quantify the working hours of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) specialist trainees in order to better inform discussions of working hours and safety within our region.MethodsAn anonymous, online survey of RANZCOG trainees was conducted. Demographic data were collected. The primary outcomes were: hours per week at work and hours per week on‐call. Secondary outcomes included the frequency of long days (>12 h) and 24‐h shifts, time spent studying, staff shortages and opinions regarding current rostering.ResultsResponse rate was 49.5% (n = 259). Full‐time trainees worked an average of 53.1 ± 10.0 h/week, with 11.6% working on‐call. Long‐day shifts were reported by 85.8% of respondents, with an average length of 14.2 h. Fifteen percent reported working 24‐h shifts, with a median duration of uninterrupted sleep during this shift being 1–2 h. Trainees in New Zealand worked 7.0 h/week more than Australian trainees (P ≤0.001), but reported less on‐call (P = 0.021). Trainees in Western Australia were more likely to work on‐call (P ≤0.001) and 24‐h shifts (P ≤0.001).ConclusionWhile 53.1 h/week at work is similar to the average Australian hospital doctor, high rates of long days and 24‐h shifts with minimal sleep were reported by RANZCOG trainees in this survey.
A generalised NGINAR(1) process with inflated‐parameter geometric counting series
Authors: Borges Patrick , Bourguignon Marcelo , Molinares Fabio Fajardo 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn this paper we propose a new stationary first‐order non‐negative integer valued autoregressive process with geometric marginals based on a generalised version of the negative binomial thinning operator. In this manner we obtain another process that we refer to as a generalised stationary integer‐valued autoregressive process of the first order with geometric marginals. This new process will enable one to tackle the problem of overdispersion inherent in the analysis of integer‐valued time series data, and contains the new geometric process as a particular case. In addition various properties of the new process, such as conditional distribution, autocorrelation structure and innovation structure, are derived. We discuss conditional maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters. We evaluate the performance of the conditional maximum likelihood estimators by a Monte Carlo study. The proposed process is fitted to time series of number of weekly sales (economics) and weekly number of syphilis cases (medicine) illustrating its capabilities in challenging cases of highly overdispersed count data.
Monitoring daily intraocular pressure fluctuations with self‐tonometry in healthy subjects
Authors: Quérat Laurence , Chen Enping 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by healthy subjects with icare® Home and to observe the IOP fluctuation and pattern of IOP fluctuation in healthy subjects over three consecutive days.MethodsSixty healthy subjects were recruited to the study. IOP was measured by the subjects themselves and by study staff using icare® Home tonometers on visits 1 and 2, as well as by study staff using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). Furthermore, the subjects measured their IOP at home for three consecutive days.ResultsTwenty‐three per cent of the study eyes were excluded in the statistical analysis due to dropout or non‐compliance to the schedule. Approximately 70% of the icare® Home measurements were within 3 mmHg of the GAT measurements. Ten to 16% of the study eyes had IOP peaks outside office hours. Sixty‐three per cent of the study eyes had different IOP patterns on consecutive days.ConclusionRebound self‐tonometry appears to be accurate and could be used to monitor short‐ and long‐term IOP variations. The difference between IOP patterns on consecutive days raises questions as to the certainty of a single IOP measurement as a measure of treatment effect.
Unpacking socio‐economic risks for reading and academic self‐concept in primary school: Differential effects and the role of the preschool home learning environment
Authors: Crampton Alexandria , Hall James 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundUncertainty remains concerning how children's reading and academic self‐concept are related and how these are differentially affected by social disadvantage and home learning environments.AimsTo contrast the impacts of early socio‐economic risks and preschool home learning environments upon British children's reading abilities and academic self‐concept between 7 and 10 years.Samplen = 3,172 British children aged 3–10 years and their families.MethodsA secondary analysis of the nationally representative UK EPPE database. Multilevel structural equation modelling calculated the direct, indirect, and total impacts of early socio‐economic risks (0–3 years) and preschool home learning environments (3–5 years) upon children's reading ability and academic self‐concept between 7 and 10 years.ResultsEarly socio‐economic risk had different effects upon children's reading ability and academic self‐concept. Early socio‐economic risks affected children's reading at ages 7 and 10 both directly and indirectly via effects upon preschool home learning environments. By contrast, early socio‐economic risks had only indirect effects upon children's academic self‐concept via less stimulating home learning environments in the preschool period and by limiting reading abilities early on in primary school.ConclusionsAlthough the impacts of early socio‐economic risks are larger and more easily observed upon reading than upon academic self‐concept, they can impact both by making it less likely that children will experience enriching home learning environments during the preschool period. This has implications for social policymakers, early educators, and interventionists. Intervening early and improving preschool home learning environments can do more than raise children's reading abilities; secondary benefits may also be achievable upon children's self‐concept.