bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse in labor when amniotomy is used and with spontaneous rupture of membranes: A Swedish nationwide register study
Authors: Tallhage Sofia , Årestedt Kristofer , Schildmeijer Kristina , Oscarsson Marie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionUmbilical cord prolapse (UCP) is a rare but severe obstetric complication in the presence of a rupture of the membranes. Although it is not possible to prevent a spontaneous rupture of the membranes (SROM), it is possible to prevent an amniotomy, which is a commonly used intervention in labor. This study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors that are associated with UCP in labor when amniotomy is used vs SROM.Material and methodsA retrospective nationwide register study was conducted of all births in Sweden from January 2014 to June 2020 that were included in the Swedish Pregnancy Register (n = 717 336). The main outcome, UCP, was identified in the data by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) diagnosis code O69.0. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors.ResultsAmniotomy was performed in 230 699 (43.6%) of all pregnancies. A UCP occurred in 293 (0.13%) of these cases. SROM occurred in 298 192 (56.4%) of all cases, of which 352 (0.12%) were complicated by UCP. Risk factors that increased the odds of UCP for both amniotomy and SROM were: higher parity, non‐cephalic presentation and an induction of labor. Greater gestational age reduced the odds of UCP. Risk factors associated with only amniotomy were previous cesarean section and the presence of polyhydramnios. Identified risk factors for UCP in labor with SROM were a higher maternal age and maternal origin outside of the EU.ConclusionsUCP is a rare complication in Sweden. Beyond confirming the previously recognized risk factors, this study found induction of labor and previous cesarean section to be risk factors in labor when amniotomy is used.
Low liver fat in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensation and mortality
Authors: Lee Sung Won , Huang Daniel Q. , Bettencourt Ricki , Ajmera Veeral , Tincopa Monica , Noureddin Nabil , Amangurbanova Maral , Siddiqi Harris , Madamba Egbert , Majzoub Abdul M. , Nayfeh Tarek , Tamaki Nobuharu , Izumi Namiki , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masato , Idilman Ramzan , Gumussoy Mesut , Oz Digdem Kuru , Erden Ayse , Loomba Rohit 
Published: November 2023

SummaryBackgroundProgression to cirrhosis in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with a decrease in liver fat. However, the prognostic significance of liver fat content in NASH‐related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is unclear.AimTo investigate the risk of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality stratified by liver fat content in NASH‐related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.MethodsIn this meta‐analysis of individual participant data, 456 patients with both magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and MRI‐derived protein density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) were enrolled, and 296 patients with longitudinal follow‐up were analysed. MRE combined with fibrosis‐4 (MEFIB‐index), and MRI‐PDFF were used to measure liver fibrosis and fat, respectively. MEFIB‐negative, MEFIB‐positive+ MRI‐PDFF ≥5% and MEFIB‐positive+ MRI‐PDFF <5% were defined as no significant liver fibrosis, NASH with significant fibrosis and higher liver fat content, and NASH with significant fibrosis and low liver fat content groups, respectively. The primary outcome was hepatic decompensation, HCC and death.ResultsThe rates of decompensation, HCC and mortality were highest in the NASH with significant fibrosis and low liver fat group (33%, 17% and 17%, respectively), followed by the NASH with significant fibrosis and higher liver fat group (18%, 13% and 13% respectively), and lowest in the no significant fibrosis (MEFIB‐negative) group (0%, 1% and 2% respectively). In multivariable‐adjusted analysis, low liver fat content was strongly associated (HR = 42.2 [95% CI: 7.5–235.5, p < 0.0001]) with HCC, decompensation and death. Sensitivity analyses for patients with cirrhosis (MRE ≥5 kPa) determined consistent findings.ConclusionsLow liver fat content in patients with burnt‐out NASH‐related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is associated with an increase in hepatic decompensation, HCC and mortality.
Concurrent lithium and haemodialysis treatment: Clinical recommendations based on the literature and a multicentre survey
Authors: Kuiper Wytse J. , Grootens Koen P. , Kerckhoffs Angèle P. M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionLithium has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of severe mood disorders, but declining renal function associated with its use leads to clinical dilemmas. Although not often applied, and requiring close monitoring and multidisciplinary actions, concurrent lithium and haemodialysis treatment (CLHT) is a feasible option. To our knowledge, however, there are no detailed consensus‐ or evidence‐based treatment guidelines or directives on its delivery.MethodsTo fill this gap, we reviewed the literature and surveyed psychiatrists and nephrologists with experience in CLHT using a self‐designed questionnaire. Our goal was to form an integrated picture of the current knowledge and clinical practices of CLHT and formulate practical recommendations for colleagues being confronted with patients with renal dysfunction requiring lithium to help manage their mood disorder.ResultsWe identified 14 case reports and case series describing CLHT and one systematic review concluding CLHT to be effective. Ten nephrologists and six psychiatrists practising in the Netherlands completed our questionnaire, providing details on collaboration, lithium dosing regimens, serum level evaluations and additional amenities and services they deemed necessary during CLHT delivery.DiscussionWe found that CLHT appears to be safe and effective and argue that delivery is a shared responsibility and needs continuous multidisciplinary finetuning. To facilitate delivery, we provide a flowchart for the initiation or reinstatement of lithium therapy in haemodialysis patients and a practical guide for CLHT, including an easy‐to‐use rule of thumb for calculating the lithium target dose.
Health care use and health consequences of geographic lack of access to abortion and maternity care
Authors: Wallace Maeve E. , Vilda Dovile , Dyer Lauren , Johnson Iman , Funke Lillian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecent years have brought substantial declines in geographic access to abortion facilities and maternity care across the US. The purpose of this study was to identify the reproductive health consequences of living in a county without access to comprehensive reproductive health care services.MethodsWe analyzed National Center for Health Statistics data on all live births occurring in the US in 2020. We used data on locations of abortion facilities and availability of maternity care in order to classify counties by level of access to comprehensive reproductive health care services and defined comprehensive reproductive health care deserts as counties that did not have an abortion facility in the county or in any neighboring county and did not have any maternity care practitioners. We fit modified Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations to estimate the degree to which living in a comprehensive reproductive health care desert was associated with receipt of timely and adequate prenatal care and risk of preterm birth, controlling for individual‐level and county‐level characteristics.ResultsIn 2020, one third of counties in the US were comprehensive reproductive health care deserts (n = 1082), and 136,272 births occurred in these counties. In adjusted models, there was no difference in prenatal health care use (timeliness or adequacy of care) between persons in comprehensive reproductive health care deserts and those with full access to care, but the risk of preterm birth was significantly elevated (aRR =1.09, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.13).ConclusionsLack of access to comprehensive reproductive health care services may increase the incidence of preterm birth.
Parents' experiences of receiving their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of the qualitative literature
Authors: Dandy Shannon , Wittkowski Anja , Murray Craig D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeThis systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative research on parents' psychological experiences following their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD).MethodsA systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science) was completed, inclusive of all years up to May 2022. Any included articles were synthesized using thematic synthesis and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist.ResultsTwenty‐six articles were included. Four main themes, and 11 subthemes, emerged from the synthesis. Theme 1 (unpreparedness for the diagnosis) concerned parents' shock, guilt and anger regarding the diagnosis. Theme 2 (the overwhelming reality of CHD) described parental fear about decision‐making and the child's prognosis, and the influence of professionals on parents' well‐being. Theme 3 (mourning multiple losses) detailed parents' sadness at losing their envisioned pregnancy, birth and parenthood experiences. Theme 4 (redefining hopes to reach an acceptance of CHD) described parents' adjustment to the diagnosis.ConclusionsReceiving a child's CHD diagnosis was a uniquely challenging situation for parents. The findings provided insight into the emotions parents experienced and how they adjusted to the diagnosis psychologically. As parents' experiences were significantly influenced by their interactions with professionals, clinicians should offer compassion, validation and clear information throughout the diagnosis process.
The oral health landscape in Singapore: A commentary on key features, challenges and future policies
Authors: Lee Gabriel Keng Yan , Wong Kuan Yee , Lee Wan Zhen , Chng Chai Kiat 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOver the last decade, Singapore has grappled with substantial healthcare challenges, chiefly a bourgeoning aging population and a mounting burden of chronic diseases. The oral health landscape has also changed, with the Ministry of Health placing a greater focus on a life‐course approach supported by policies that facilitate Singaporeans to receive dental care appropriately and affordably. A pivotal oral health policy is the National Dental Strategy, a comprehensive framework governing dental services in the public sector. This strategy encompasses aspects such as financing, workforce management, and capacity considerations. To facilitate affordability and accessibility to dental services in the public sector, the government extends subsidies to reduce out‐of‐pocket costs. Those attending private dental clinics also benefit from the Community Health Assist Scheme, introduced in 2012, which alleviates treatment costs for enrolled Singaporeans. Furthermore, additional age‐banded subsidies have been introduced for older Singaporeans born before 1960, enhancing financial support when accessing dental services in both private and public sectors. In 2019, a national adult oral health survey was commissioned to gauge the oral health status of Singaporeans aged 21 and above. The findings reported 34.8% having untreated dental caries, and 15.7% and 41.2% experiencing moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. While over half (53.9%) of respondents visited the dentist at least annually, about 60% of eligible individuals did not utilize their government dental subsidies. In response, the Ministry of Health is committed to strengthening oral disease prevention, integrating oral health into general healthcare services, expanding dental financing schemes to enhance service utilization, improving the quality and transparency of dental care, and leveraging advancements in tele‐dentistry and other modes of dental services. It is imperative to adapt Singapore's oral health policies and service delivery models to meet the evolving needs of the population and ensure a sustainable, equitable and resilient oral healthcare system.
Insulin independence following islet transplantation improves long‐term metabolic outcomes
Authors: Stanley Adam K. , Duncan Kirsty , Anderson Debbie , Irvine Lora , Sutherland Andrew , Forbes Shareen , Casey John 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimsPancreatic islet allotransplantation is an effective therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus, restoring glycaemic control and hypoglycaemic awareness in patients with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia. Insulin independence following transplant is being increasingly reported; however, this is not a primary endpoint in the UK. Having surpassed 10 years of islet transplantation in Scotland, we aimed to evaluate the impact of insulin independence following transplant on metabolic outcomes and graft survival.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on data collected prospectively between 2011 and 2022. Patients who underwent islet transplantation in Scotland up to the 31st January 2020 were included. Primary endpoint was graft survival (stimulated C‐peptide >50 pmol/L). Secondary endpoints included GOLD score, HbA1c, C‐peptide and insulin requirement. Outcomes were compared between patients who achieved insulin independence at any point following transplant versus those who did not.Results60 patients were included. 74.5% experienced >50 severe hypoglycaemic episodes in the year preceding transplant. There was a 55.0% decrease in insulin requirement following transplant and 30.0% achieved insulin independence. Mean graft survival time was 9.0 years (95% CI 7.2–10.9) in patients who achieved insulin independence versus 4.4 years (95% CI 3.4–5.3) in patients who did not. Insulin independence was associated with significantly improved graft function, glycaemic control and hypoglycaemic awareness at 1 year.ConclusionsThis is the largest UK single‐centre study on islet transplant to date. Our findings demonstrate significantly improved outcomes in patients who achieved insulin independence following islet transplantation.
Lessons from the field: Isn't it just common sense? Naïve realism as a barrier to learning
Authors: Dyer Kathleen D. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe goal was to determine whether or not there is an association between the belief that human development and family science (HDFS) is “just common sense” and academic performance in a rigorous research methods class in HDFS.BackgroundNaïve realism is a cognitive bias that creates a belief in common sense that is difficult to challenge. It is unknown whether student commitment to common sense impedes students' ability to learn.MethodStudents (N = 112) in an HDFS research methods class were followed for a semester. Potential barriers to learning were measured through a self‐report survey before the start of the semester. The outcome variable was objective performance in the course as measured by exam scores.ResultsExam scores were positively correlated with prior academic achievement and negatively correlated with student belief that the discipline is just common sense.ConclusionNaïve realism, expressed as the belief that HDFS is just common sense, predicts poor performance in a research methods class.ImplicationsHigher education faculty in HDFS must directly confront the problem that our discipline is perceived as just common sense. Naïve realism must be challenged directly in coursework if students are to learn about the science of HDFS.
DNA double‐strand breaks regulate the cleavage‐independent release of Rec8‐cohesin during yeast meiosis
Authors: Fajish Ghanim , Challa Kiran , Salim Sagar , VP Ajith , Mwaniki Stephen , Zhang Ruihao , Fujita Yurika , Ito Masaru , Nishant Koodali T. , Shinohara Akira 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe mitotic cohesin complex necessary for sister chromatid cohesion and chromatin loop formation shows local and global association to chromosomes in response to DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Here, by genome‐wide binding analysis of the meiotic cohesin with Rec8, we found that the Rec8‐localization profile along chromosomes is altered from middle to late meiotic prophase I with cleavage‐independent dissociation. Each Rec8‐binding site on the chromosome axis follows a unique alternation pattern with dissociation and probably association. Centromeres showed altered Rec8 binding in late prophase I relative to mid‐prophase I, implying chromosome remodeling of the regions. Rec8 dissociation ratio per chromosome is correlated well with meiotic DSB density. Indeed, the spo11 mutant deficient in meiotic DSB formation did not change the distribution of Rec8 along chromosomes in late meiotic prophase I. These suggest the presence of a meiosis‐specific regulatory pathway for the global binding of Rec8‐cohesin in response to DSBs.
Environmental correlates of aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in garden ponds: Implications for pond management
Authors: Hill Matthew J. , Wood Paul J. , White James C. , Thornhill Ian , Fairchild Win , Williams Penny , Nicolet Pascale , Biggs Jeremy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Garden ponds are a ubiquitous feature of urban landscapes and have the potential to be an important resource for biodiversity. However, the environmental and spatial factors influencing ecological communities within garden ponds have been poorly quantified to date, despite such evidence being critical to the development of effective management strategies that support biodiversity.
This study aims to identify the environmental and spatial factors influencing macroinvertebrate richness, abundance and compositional variation among garden ponds and provide management recommendations at the local and landscape scale. In total, 99 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded from 30 garden ponds.
A negative association was recorded between ecological uniqueness (measured as the Local Contribution to Beta‐Diversity) and taxonomic richness among the garden ponds, and those ponds with high ecological uniqueness typically displayed high replacement (turnover) values. Surface area, total plant richness and non‐native plant richness were positively associated with macroinvertebrate richness. Taxonomic richness and abundance predominantly displayed a negative association with conductivity levels.
Current management practices for garden ponds are highly variable, often focussed on individual ponds. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that management should focus on making garden pond surface areas as large as possible, ensure that there is a wide variety of native aquatic plant species present and manage conductivity levels. Garden ponds likely comprise a significant component of the urban freshwater network, and considering their management at both local and landscape scales will ensure that biotic communities inhabiting urban landscapes can be more effectively supported.
Grain morphology‐dependent dielectric and piezoelectric properties of lead‐free KBT ceramics
Authors: Badole Manish , Vasavan Hari Narayanan , Saxena Samriddhi , Das Asish Kumar , Gami Pratiksha , Kumar Sunil 
Published: November 2023

AbstractK0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramics with cuboid (KBT‐C), rod (KBT‐R), and plate (KBT‐P)‐shaped grains were fabricated via solid‐state reaction and reactive template grain growth (using K2Ti6O13 and K0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15) methods, and the strong dependence of electrical properties on the grain morphology was demonstrated. The average grain sizes of KBT‐R, KBT‐P, and KBT‐C were ∼30 ± 10 μm, 7 ± 1 μm, and 350 ± 50 nm, respectively. While the room temperature dielectric constant decreased for KBT‐R (∼240) and KBT‐P (∼230) from ∼500 for KBT‐C, a significant enhancement in the piezoelectric charge coefficient (d33) was noticed for KBT‐R (∼95 pC/N) and KBT‐P (∼105 pC/N) samples compared to that of KBT‐C ceramic (∼60 pC/N). Accordingly, a large improvement in piezoelectric voltage coefficient (g33) of almost 300% in poled KBT‐R (∼45 × 10−3 Vm/N) and 400% in KBT‐P (∼54 × 10−3 Vm/N) samples over the KBT‐C ceramic was obtained. Interestingly, a significantly lower activation energy (Ea) for KBT‐C (∼0.71 eV) below the temperature of the dielectric maximum (Tm) was noticed compared to KBT‐R (∼1.07 eV) and KBT‐P (∼1.00 eV), suggesting a strong dependence of DC conduction on grain morphology. Furthermore, chronoamperometry measurements confirmed a mixed electronic and ionic conduction at higher temperatures in all samples.
Improvement of τf in HfTiO4 microwave dielectric ceramics with Zr‐ and Sn‐substitution
Authors: Ding Yi Han , Wang Xi , Guo Rui Ze , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract(Hf1‐xZrx)TiO4 and (Hf1‐xSnx)TiO4 ceramics were prepared through a standard solid‐state reaction route, and the microwave dielectric characteristics were determined together with the microstructures. The single‐phase solid solution in space group Pbcn was obtained in (Hf1‐xZrx)TiO4, while the two‐phase structure with (HfTiO4(s.s.) major phase in space group Pbcn and Sn0.3Ti0.7O2 secondary phase in space group P42/mnm) was determined in (Hf1‐xSnx)TiO4. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf could be significantly improved to near‐zero in both systems, and the best combination of microwave dielectric characteristic was achieved at x = 0.5 in (Hf1‐xZrx)TiO4: εr = 39.0, Qf = 43,150 GHz at 5.3 GHz and τf = 3 ppm/°C, and at x = 0.225 in (Hf1‐xSnx)TiO4: εr = 37.2, Qf = 52,600 GHz at 5.5 GHz and τf = ‐6 ppm/°C. In the solid solutions, the obvious improvement of τf could be deeply linked with the degree of covalency and the restoring forces of structure. While, the intermediate near‐zero τf is achieved by mixing the phases with opposite τf in multiphase materials. The present work provided an effective way to modify the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency in microwave dielectric ceramics.
Analysing students' self‐assessment practice in a distance education environment: Student behaviour, accuracy, and task‐related characteristics
Authors: Radović Slaviša , Seidel Niels , Haake Joerg M. , Kasakowskij Regina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐assessment serves to improve learning through timely feedback on one's solution and iterative refinement as a way to improve one's competence. However, the complexity of the self‐assessment process is widely recognized, as well as that students can benefit from it only if their assessment is accurate enough.ObjectivesIn order to gain more insight into the self‐assessment process we analysed students' behaviour, accuracy, and question‐related characteristics that influence the capability of self‐assessment in two studies.MethodsThe initial study examined 131 undergraduate students using voluntary self‐assessment questions in an online course in a B.Sc. Computer Science program while a year later a replication study with the same research settings was applied to a different cohort of 264 undergraduate students with minor modifications to the question design, in the light of the original findings.Results and ConclusionsResults from both studies show that similar patterns could be observed for usage and of accuracy and score distribution for almost all questions. Item difficulty and comprehensiveness of the sample solution were identified as features of self‐assessment questions affecting student's self‐assessment capability. The replication study showed that task design can be modified to affect students' accuracy. Recommendations to make self‐assessment tasks effective and efficient for learning are provided.