bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suicide rates and socioeconomic factors in Eastern European countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union: trends between 1990 and 2008
Authors: Kõlves Kairi , Milner Allison , Värnik Peeter 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAfter the collapse of the Soviet Union the various Eastern European (EE) countries adapted in different ways to the social, political and economic changes. The present study aims to analyse whether the factors related to social integration and regulation are able to explain the changes in the suicide rate in EE. A separate analysis of suicide rates, together with the undetermined intent mortality (UD), was performed. A cross‐sectional time‐series design and applied a panel data fixed‐effects regression technique was used in analyses. The sample included 13 countries from the former Soviet bloc between 1990 and 2008. Dependent variables were gender‐specific age‐adjusted suicide rates and suicide plus UD rates. Independent variables included unemployment, GDP, divorce rate, birth rate, the Gini index, female labour force participation, alcohol consumption and general practitioners per 100,000 people. Male suicide and suicide or UD rates had similar predictors, which suggest that changes in suicide were related to socioeconomic disruptions experienced during the transition period. However, male suicide rates in EE were not associated with alcohol consumption during the study period. Even so, there might be underestimation of alcohol consumption due to illegal alcohol and differences between methodologies of calculating alcohol consumption. However, predictors of female suicide were related to economic integration and suicide or UD rates with domestic integration.
Effects of tampons and menses on the composition and diversity of vaginal microbial communities over time
Authors: Hickey RJ , Abdo Z , Zhou X , Nemeth K , Hansmann M , Osborn TW , Wang F , Forney LJ 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of menses on the vaginal microbiota and determine whether tampons that differ in material composition influence these bacterial communities in different ways.DesignA single‐centre trial with randomised, complete block design.SettingProcter & Gamble facility.SampleSeven self‐declared healthy, female volunteers of reproductive age.MethodsVolunteers used a pad and two types of tampons during the study, one product exclusively each month for three sequential menstrual cycles. During menses and once each mid‐cycle, vaginal bacterial community composition was characterised by cultivation‐independent methods based on pyrosequencing of V1–V2 variable regions of 16S ribosomal RNA genes.Main outcome measuresChanges in the species composition, abundance and diversity in vaginal bacterial communities over time and between treatments.ResultsThe vaginal microbiotas of all seven women were dominated by Lactobacillus spp. at mid‐cycle, and the compositions of those communities were largely consistent between cycles. Community dynamic patterns during menses varied considerably and were more or less individualised. In three of the seven women the community diversity during pad use was significantly different from at least one tampon cycle.ConclusionsChanges in the composition of the vaginal microbiota during menses were common, but the magnitude of change varied between women. Despite these changes, most communities were capable of resuming a composition similar to previous mid‐cycle sampling times following menstruation. Overall we conclude that the two tampons tested do not significantly impact the vaginal microbiota in different ways; however, larger studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
Caesarean section and subsequent ectopic pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: O'Neill SM , Khashan AS , Kenny LC , Greene RA , Henriksen TB , Lutomski JE , Kearney PM 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundCaesarean section rates are increasing worldwide, and the long‐term effects are unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancy in women with a previous caesarean section, compared with vaginal delivery.Search strategySystematic review of the literature using CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Knowledge, published from 1945 until 17 July 2011.Selection criteriaCohort and case–control designs reporting on the mode of delivery and subsequent ectopic pregnancy. Two reviewers independently assessed the titles, abstracts, and full articles to identify eligible studies, using a standardised data collection form, and also assessed the study quality. Reference lists of the studies included were also cross‐checked.Data collection and analysisOdds ratios (ORs) were combined using a random‐effect model to estimate the overall association between caesarean section delivery and the risk of subsequent ectopic pregnancy.Main resultsThirteen studies were included, which recruited a total of 61 978 women. Five studies reported adjustment for confounding factors, and the pooled OR of subsequent ectopic pregnancy following a caesarean section was 1.05 (95% CI 0.51–2.15). The removal of one study that reported outlier results yielded a pooled OR of 0.82 (95% CI 0.42–1.61). The pooled crude OR for all 13 studies was 1.36 (95% CI 0.99–1.88).Author's conclusionsThis review found no evidence of an association between prior caesarean section delivery and the occurrence of a subsequent ectopic pregnancy, but the studies included were of poor or variable quality, and only a small number adjusted for potential confounding factors. Further research of a higher methodological quality is required to assess any potential association between mode of delivery and subsequent ectopic pregnancy.
Income Eligibility Thresholds, Premium Contributions, and Children's Coverage Outcomes: A Study of CHIP Expansions
Authors: Gresenz Carole Roan , Edgington Sarah E. , Laugesen Miriam J. , Escarce José J. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo understand the effects of Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) income eligibility thresholds and premium contribution requirements on health insurance coverage outcomes among children.Data Sources2002–2009 Annual Social and Economic Supplements of the Current Population Survey linked to data from multiple secondary data sources.Study DesignWe use a selection correction model to simultaneously estimate program eligibility and coverage outcomes conditional upon eligibility. We simulate the effects of three premium schedules representing a range of generosity levels and the effects of income eligibility thresholds ranging from 200 to 400 percent of the federal poverty line.Principal FindingsPremium contribution requirements decrease enrollment in public coverage and increase enrollment in private coverage, with larger effects for greater contribution levels. Our simulation results suggest minimal changes in coverage outcomes from eligibility expansions to higher income families under premium schedules that require more than a modest contribution (medium or high schedules).ConclusionsOur simulation results are useful counterpoints to previous research that has estimated the average effect of program expansions as they were implemented without disentangling the effects of premiums or other program features. The sensitivity to premiums observed suggests that although contribution requirements may be effective in reducing crowd‐out, they also have the potential, depending on the level of contribution required, to nullify the effects of CHIP expansions entirely. The persistence of uninsurance among children under the range of simulated scenarios points to the importance of Affordable Care Act provisions designed to make the process of obtaining coverage transparent and navigable.
Practice Variation, Bias, and Experiential Learning in Cesarean Delivery: A Data‐Based System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Ghaffarzadegan Navid , Epstein Andrew J. , Martin Erika G. 
Published: February 2013

ObjectivesTo simulate physician‐driven dynamics of delivery mode decisions (scheduled cesarean delivery [CD] vs. vaginal delivery [VD] vs. unplanned CD after labor), and to evaluate a behavioral theory of how experiential learning leads to emerging bias toward more CD and practice variation across obstetricians.Data Sources/Study SettingHospital discharge data on deliveries performed by 300 randomly selected obstetricians in Florida who finished obstetrics residency and started practice after 1991.Study DesignWe develop a system dynamics simulation model of obstetricians' delivery mode decision based on the literature of experiential learning. We calibrate the model and investigate the extent to which the model replicates the data.Principal FindingsOur learning‐based simulation model replicates the empirical data, showing that physicians are more likely to schedule CD as they practice longer. Variation in CD rates is related to the way that physicians learn from outcomes of past decisions and accumulate experience.ConclusionsThe repetitive nature of medical decision making, learning from past practice, and accumulating experience can account for increases in CD decisions and practice variation across physicians. Policies aimed at improving medical decision making should account for providers' feedback‐based learning mechanisms.
Microsimulation of Financial Impact of Demand Surge on Hospitals: The H1N1 Influenza Pandemic of Fall 2009
Authors: Braithwaite Sabina , Friedman Bernard , Mutter Ryan , Handrigan Michael 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveMicrosimulation was used to assess the financial impact on hospitals of a surge in influenza admissions in advance of the H1N1 pandemic in the fall of 2009. The goal was to estimate net income and losses (nationally, and by hospital type) of a response of filling unused hospital bed capacity proportionately and postponing elective admissions (a “passive” supply response).MethodsEpidemiologic assumptions were combined with assumptions from other literature (e.g., staff absenteeism, profitability by payer class), Census data on age groups by region, and baseline hospital utilization data. Hospital discharge records were available from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Hospital bed capacity and staffing were measured with the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Annual Survey.ResultsNationwide, in a scenario of relatively severe epidemiologic assumptions, we estimated aggregate net income of $119 million for about 1 million additional influenza‐related admissions, and a net loss of $37 million for 52,000 postponed elective admissions.ImplicationsAggregate and distributional results did not suggest that a policy of promising additional financial compensation to hospitals in anticipation of the surge in flu cases was necessary. The analysis identified needs for better information of several types to improve simulations of hospital behavior and impacts during demand surges.
Drosophila melanogaster as a model system of aluminum toxicity and aging
Authors: Kijak Ewelina , Rosato Ezio , Knapczyk Katarzyna , Pyza Elżbieta 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum (Al) on the model organism–Drosophila melanogaster. The study is especially concerned with the effects of aluminum on the fruit fly's development, life span, and circadian rhythm in rest and activity. Flies were exposed to aluminum in concentrations from 40 to 280 mg/kg in rearing media or the flies were raised on control medium. Moreover, the life span of insects exposed to aluminum containing 40, 120, or 240 mg/kg of Al in the medium, only during their larval development, during the whole life cycle and only in their adult life was tested. To check if aluminum and aging cause changes in D. melanogaster behavior, the locomotor activity of flies at different ages was recorded. Results showed that aluminum is toxic in concentrations above 160 mg/kg in the rearing medium. Depending on Al concentration and time of exposure, the life span of the flies was shortened. At intermediate concentrations (120 mg/kg), however, Al had a stimulating effect on males increasing their life span and level of locomotor activity. At higher concentration the aluminum exposure increased or decreased the level of locomotor activity of D. melanogaster depending on age of flies. In addition, in the oldest insects reared on aluminum supplemented media and in mid‐aged flies reared on the highest concentration of Al the daily rhythm of activity was disrupted.
The current and future potential geographic range of West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Fu Liao , Li Zhi‐Hong , Huang Guan‐Sheng , Wu Xing‐Xia , Ni Wen‐Long , Qü Wei‐Wei 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), is one of the most important pests throughout the Americas. CLIMEX 3.0 and ArcGIS 9.3 were used to model the current and future potential geographical distribution of this pest. Under current climatic conditions, A. obliqua is predicted to be able to establish throughout much of the tropics and subtropics, including not only North and South America, where it has been reported, but also southern Asia, northeastern Australia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. The main factors limiting the pest's range expansion may be cold stress. Climate change expands the potential distribution of A. obliqua poleward as cold stress boundaries recede, but the predicted distribution in northwestern Australia and northern parts of Sub‐Saharan Africa will decrease because of heat stress. Considering the widely suitable range for A. obliqua globally and in China, enhanced quarantine and monitoring measures should be implemented in areas that are projected to be suitable for the establishment of the pest under current and future climatic conditions.
Predicting polymorphic EST‐SSRs in silico
Authors: Duran Chris , Singhania Richa , Raman Harsh , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe public availability of large quantities of gene sequence data provides a valuable resource of the mining of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular genetic markers for genetic analysis. These markers are inexpensive, require minimal labour to produce and can frequently be associated with functionally annotated genes. This study presents the characterization of barley EST‐SSRs and the identification of putative polymorphic SSRs from EST data. Polymorphic SSRs are distinguished from monomorphic SSRs by the representation of varying motif lengths within an alignment of sequence reads. Two measures of confidence are calculated, redundancy of a polymorphism and co‐segregation with accessions. The utility of this method is demonstrated through the discovery of 597 candidate polymorphic SSRs, from a total of 452 642 consensus expressed sequences. PCR amplification primers were designed for the identified SSRs. Ten primer pairs were validated for polymorphism in barley and for transferability across species. Analysis of the polymorphisms in relation to SSR motif, length, position and annotation is discussed.
Extent and variability of interstitial telomeric sequences and their effects on estimates of telomere length
Authors: Foote Christopher G. , Vleck David , Vleck Carol M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTelomeres often shorten with time, although this varies between tissues, individuals and species, and their length and/or rate of change may reflect fitness and rate of senescence. Measurement of telomeres is increasingly important to ecologists, yet the relative merits of different methods for estimating telomere length are not clear. In particular the extent to which interstitial telomere sequences (ITSs), telomere repeats located away from chromosomes ends, confound estimates of telomere length is unknown. Here we present a method to estimate the extent of ITS within a species and variation among individuals. We estimated the extent of ITS by comparing the amount of label hybridized to in‐gel telomere restriction fragments (TRF) before and after the TRFs were denatured. This protocol produced robust and repeatable estimates of the extent of ITS in birds. In five species, the amount of ITS was substantial, ranging from 15% to 40% of total telomeric sequence DNA. In addition, the amount of ITS can vary significantly among individuals within a species. Including ITSs in telomere length calculations always underestimated telomere length because most ITSs are shorter than most telomeres. The magnitude of that error varies with telomere length and is larger for longer telomeres. Estimating telomere length using methods that incorporate ITSs, such as Southern blot TRF and quantitative PCR analyses reduces an investigator's power to detect difference in telomere dynamics between individuals or over time within an individual.
Accuracy of pointing movements relies upon a specific tuning between anticipatory postural adjustments and prime mover activation
Authors: Caronni A. , Bolzoni F. , Esposti R. , Bruttini C. , Cavallari P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimEquilibrium‐perturbing forces associated with a voluntary upper‐limb movement can be strong enough to displace the whole‐body centre of mass. In this condition, anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), developing in muscles other than the prime mover, are essential in maintaining the whole‐body balance. Here, we test the hypothesis that APAs preceding an upper‐limb target‐reaching movement could play a role also in controlling the movement accuracy.MethodsStanding subjects (10) were asked to flex the right shoulder and touch with the index fingertip the centre of a target positioned in front of them. The reaching task was also performed while wearing and after doffing prismatic lenses (shifting the eye field rightward). EMGs from different upper‐ and lower‐limb muscles and the mechanical actions to the ground were recorded.Results(i) Before wearing prisms, subjects were very accurate in hitting the target, and the pointing movements were accompanied by APAs in quadriceps (Q) and tibialis anterior (TA) of both sides, and in right hamstrings (H) and soleus (SOL). (ii) After donning prisms, rightward pointing errors occurred, associated with a significant APA increase in right Q and TA, but without changes in the recruitment of right anterior deltoid (prime mover) and biceps brachii. (iii) These pointing errors were progressively compensated in about 10 trials, indicating a sensorimotor adaptation, and APAs returned to values recorded before wearing prisms. (iv) After doffing prisms, pointing errors occurred in the opposite direction but changes in APAs did not reach significance.ConclusionWe propose that, besides preserving the whole‐body balance, APAs are also tailored to obtain an accurate voluntary movement.
Peritumoral brain edema in angiomatous supratentorial meningiomas: an investigation of the vascular endothelial growth factor A pathway
Authors: Nassehi Damoun , Sørensen Lars P. , Dyrbye Henrik , Thomsen Carsten , Juhler Marianne , Laursen Henning , Broholm Helle 
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work was to study the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) pathway and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) through comparison of non‐angiomatous and angiomatous meningiomas. Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors, which often have PTBE. VEGF‐A is an integral part of PTBE formation and angiogenesis, and the capillary‐rich angiomatous meningiomas are known for their PTBE. The VEGF‐A receptor VEGFR‐2 is responsible for the angiogenic effect of VEGF‐A on endothelial cells, which is enhanced by the co‐receptor neuropilin‐1. Forty non‐angiomatous, 22 angiomatous meningiomas, and 10 control tissue samples were collected for the study. Magnetic resonance images were available for 40 non‐angiomatous and 10 angiomatous meningiomas. Tissue sections were immunostained for CD34, MIB‐1, estrogen‐ and progesterone receptors. ELISA, chemiluminescence, and RT‐qPCR were used for VEGF‐A, VEGFR‐2, and neuropilin‐1 protein and mRNA quantification. Angiomatous meningiomas had larger PTBE (695 vs 218 cm3, p = 0.0045) and longer capillary length (3614 vs 605 mm/mm3, p < 0.0001). VEGF‐A mRNA, neuropilin‐1 mRNA, and VEGFR‐2 protein levels were higher in angiomatous meningiomas independently of the capillary length (p < 0.05). Neuropilin‐1 protein levels were lower in angiomatous meningiomas (p < 0.0001). The VEGF‐A pathway and tumor capillary length may be essential for PTBE‐formation in meningiomas. Further investigations of this pathway could lead to earlier therapy and targeted pharmacological treatment options.
Exploring an intensive meditation intervention for incarcerated youth
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Himelstein Samuel , Herbert Sarah , Garcia‐Romeu Albert , Chamberlain Lisa J. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundWe examined the experiences of incarcerated adolescent males (N = 29) who participated in a one‐day meditation retreat and 10‐week meditation programme.MethodSelf‐report surveys assessing mindfulness, self‐regulation, impulsivity and stress; behavioural assessments; and focus group data were examined.ResultsWe observed significantly higher scores in self‐regulation (p = .012) and psychometric markers demonstrated psychological enhancement. No behavioural change was observed. Six themes emerged: enhanced well‐being, increased self‐discipline, increased social cohesiveness, expanded self‐awareness, resistance to meditation and future meditation practice.ConclusionsEarly evidence suggests that meditation training for incarcerated youth is a feasible and promising intervention.
Psychopathology among youths who were victims of documented childhood maltreatment
Authors: Pinto Ricardo J. , Maia Ângela C. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThere is an established relationship between childhood maltreatment and later psychopathology, but most studies have used self‐reports and only consider a small number of experiences. The main aim of this study was to examine predictors of psychopathology by comparing two sources (official records vs. self‐reports) of ten different childhood adversities among youths who were identified by Child Protective Services (CPS). We also used a comparison group that was not identified by CPS. This study also compared, in terms of psychopathology, three groups of respondents (under‐report; agreement; and over‐report) based on the discrepancy between the two sources of childhood adversity.MethodThe sample included 136 youths, ages 14–23 years, identified by CPS prior to age 12 as being maltreated and who lived with their family for at least 5 years. The comparison group included 80 youths.ResultsThe identified youths were not different from the comparison group in global psychopathology. Psychopathology was associated only with the total amount of self‐reported adverse experiences, with depressive symptoms being predicted by both documented and self‐reported sexual abuse. Females reported and had more documented adversities, presenting an increased risk for psychopathology. The under‐report group had a higher mean of documented experiences and a lower mean in psychopathology.ConclusionsDespite the limitations of a self‐report methodology, our findings attest to its contribution in predicting health outcomes. Professionals from CPS need to be thorough when assessing and documenting the multiple experiences that may co‐occur in a household, paying particular attention when young girls are involved, as the experience of sexual abuse has been shown to be independently associated with later risk of developing depressive symptoms. This process may increase the appropriateness of the chosen interventions.