bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal search strategies for identifying sound clinical prediction studies in EMBASE
Authors: Holland Jennifer L , Wilczynski Nancy L , Haynes R Brian ,   The Hedges Team
Published: May 2005

AbstractBackgroundClinical prediction guides assist clinicians by pointing to specific elements of the patient's clinical presentation that should be considered when forming a diagnosis, prognosis or judgment regarding treatment outcome. The numbers of validated clinical prediction guides are growing in the medical literature, but their retrieval from large biomedical databases remains problematic and this presents a barrier to their uptake in medical practice. We undertook the systematic development of search strategies ("hedges") for retrieval of empirically tested clinical prediction guides from EMBASE.MethodsAn analytic survey was conducted, testing the retrieval performance of search strategies run in EMBASE against the gold standard of hand searching, using a sample of all 27,769 articles identified in 55 journals for the 2000 publishing year. All articles were categorized as original studies, review articles, general papers, or case reports. The original and review articles were then tagged as 'pass' or 'fail' for methodologic rigor in the areas of clinical prediction guides and other clinical topics. Search terms that depicted clinical prediction guides were selected from a pool of index terms and text words gathered in house and through request to clinicians, librarians and professional searchers. A total of 36,232 search strategies composed of single and multiple term phrases were trialed for retrieval of clinical prediction studies. The sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of search strategies were calculated to identify which were the best.Results163 clinical prediction studies were identified, of which 69 (42.3%) passed criteria for scientific merit. A 3-term strategy optimized sensitivity at 91.3% and specificity at 90.2%. Higher sensitivity (97.1%) was reached with a different 3-term strategy, but with a 16% drop in specificity. The best measure of specificity (98.8%) was found in a 2-term strategy, but with a considerable fall in sensitivity to 60.9%. All single term strategies performed less well than 2- and 3-term strategies.ConclusionThe retrieval of sound clinical prediction studies from EMBASE is supported by several search strategies.
Oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants in diabetes: Linking basic science to clinical practice
Authors: Johansen Jeanette Schultz , Harris Alex K , Rychly David J , Ergul Adviye 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Cardiovascular complications, characterized by endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes. There is growing evidence that excess generation of highly reactive free radicals, largely due to hyperglycemia, causes oxidative stress, which further exacerbates the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Overproduction and/or insufficient removal of these free radicals result in vascular dysfunction, damage to cellular proteins, membrane lipids and nucleic acids. Despite overwhelming evidence on the damaging consequences of oxidative stress and its role in experimental diabetes, large scale clinical trials with classic antioxidants failed to demonstrate any benefit for diabetic patients. As our understanding of the mechanisms of free radical generation evolves, it is becoming clear that rather than merely scavenging reactive radicals, a more comprehensive approach aimed at preventing the generation of these reactive species as well as scavenging may prove more beneficial. Therefore, new strategies with classic as well as new antioxidants should be implemented in the treatment of diabetes.
Weight reduction is not a major reason for improvement in rheumatoid arthritis from lacto-vegetarian, vegan or Mediterranean diets
Authors: Sköldstam Lars , Brudin Lars , Hagfors Linda , Johansson Gunnar 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Objectives
Several investigators have reported that clinical improvements of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), from participating in therapeutic diet intervention studies, have been accompanied by loss of body weight. This has raised the question whether weight reduction per se can improve RA. In order to test this hypothesis, three previously conducted diet intervention studies, comprising 95 patients with RA, were pooled. Together with Age, Gender, and Disease Duration, change during the test period in body weight, characterised dichotomously as reduction or no reduction (dichoΔBody Weight), as well as Diet (dichotomously as ordinary diet or test diet), were the independent variables. Dependent variables were the difference (Δ) from baseline to conclusion of the study in five different disease outcome measures. ΔESR and ΔPain Score were both characterised numerically and dichotomously (improvement or no improvement). ΔAcute Phase Response, ΔPhysical Function, and ΔTender Joint Count were characterised dichotomously only. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyse associations between the independent and the disease outcome variables.

Results
Statistically significant correlations were found between Diet and three disease outcome variables i.e. ΔAcute-Phase Response, ΔPain Score, and ΔPhysical Function. Δ Body Weight was univariately only correlated to ΔAcute-Phase Response but not significant when diet was taken into account.

Conclusion
Body weight reduction did not significantly contribute to the improvement in rheumatoid arthritis when eating lacto-vegetarian, vegan or Mediterranean diets.
Maternal mortality in the rural Gambia, a qualitative study on access to emergency obstetric care
Authors: Cham Mamady , Sundby Johanne , Vangen Siri 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Maternal mortality is the vital indicator with the greatest disparity between developed and developing countries. The challenging nature of measuring maternal mortality has made it necessary to perform an action-oriented means of gathering information on where, how and why deaths are occurring; what kinds of action are needed and have been taken. A maternal death review is an in-depth investigation of the causes and circumstances surrounding maternal deaths. The objectives of the present study were to describe the socio-cultural and health service factors associated with maternal deaths in rural Gambia.

Methods
We reviewed the cases of 42 maternal deaths of women who actually tried to reach or have reached health care services. A verbal autopsy technique was applied for 32 of the cases. Key people who had witnessed any stage during the process leading to death were interviewed. Health care staff who participated in the provision of care to the deceased was also interviewed. All interviews were tape recorded and analyzed by using a grounded theory approach. The standard WHO definition of maternal deaths was used.

Results
The length of time in delay within each phase of the model was estimated from the moment the woman, her family or health care providers realized that there was a complication until the decision to seeking or implementing care was made. The following items evolved as important: underestimation of the severity of the complication, bad experience with the health care system, delay in reaching an appropriate medical facility, lack of transportation, prolonged transportation, seeking care at more than one medical facility and delay in receiving prompt and appropriate care after reaching the hospital.

Conclusion
Women do seek access to care for obstetric emergencies, but because of a variety of problems encountered, appropriate care is often delayed. Disorganized health care with lack of prompt response to emergencies is a major factor contributing to a continued high mortality rate.
Preventive and curative effect of melatonin on mammary carcinogenesis induced by dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in the female Sprague–Dawley rat
Authors: Lenoir Véronique , Yon de Jonage-Canonico Marianne Beau , Perrin Marie-Hélène , Martin Antoine , Scholler Robert , Kerdelhué Bernard 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Introduction
It has been well documented that the pineal hormone, melatonin, which plays a major role in the control of reproduction in mammals, also plays a role in the incidence and growth of breast and mammary cancer. The curative effect of melatonin on the growth of dimethylbenz [a]anthracene-induced (DMBA-induced) mammary adenocarcinoma (ADK) has been previously well documented in the female Sprague–Dawley rat. However, the preventive effect of melatonin in limiting the frequency of cancer initiation has not been well documented.

Methods
The aim of this study was to compare the potency of melatonin to limit the frequency of mammary cancer initiation with its potency to inhibit tumor progression once initiation, at 55 days of age, was achieved. The present study compared the effect of preventive treatment with melatonin (10 mg/kg daily) administered for only 15 days before the administration of DMBA with the effect of long-term (6-month) curative treatment with the same dose of melatonin starting the day after DMBA administration. The rats were followed up for a year after the administration of the DMBA.

Results
The results clearly showed almost identical preventive and curative effects of melatonin on the growth of DMBA-induced mammary ADK. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the inhibitory effects of melatonin. However, the mechanisms responsible for its strong preventive effect are still a matter of debate. At least, it can be envisaged that the artificial amplification of the intensity of the circadian rhythm of melatonin could markedly reduce the DNA damage provoked by DMBA and therefore the frequency of cancer initiation.

Conclusion
In view of the present results, obtained in the female Sprague–Dawley rat, it can be envisaged that the long-term inhibition of mammary ADK promotion by a brief, preventive treatment with melatonin could also reduce the risk of breast cancer induced in women by unidentified environmental factors.
The Sequence Ontology: a tool for the unification of genome annotations
Authors: Eilbeck Karen , Lewis Suzanna E , Mungall Christopher J , Yandell Mark , Stein Lincoln , Durbin Richard , Ashburner Michael 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe Sequence Ontology (SO) is a structured controlled vocabulary for the parts of a genomic annotation. SO provides a common set of terms and definitions that will facilitate the exchange, analysis and management of genomic data. Because SO treats part-whole relationships rigorously, data described with it can become substrates for automated reasoning, and instances of sequence features described by the SO can be subjected to a group of logical operations termed extensional mereology operators.
Long-Term Results of the R-CHOP Study in the Treatment of Elderly Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Study by the Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes de l'Adulte
Authors: Feugier P. , Van Hoof A. , Sebban C. , Solal-Celigny P. , Bouabdallah R. , Fermé C. , Christian B. , Lepage E. , Tilly H. , Morschhauser F. , Gaulard P. , Salles G. , Bosly A. , Gisselbrecht C. , Reyes F. , Coiffier B. 
Published: May 2005

Purpose To analyze the long-term outcome of patients included in the Lymphome Non Hodgkinien study 98-5 (LNH98-5) comparing cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) to rituximab plus CHOP (R-CHOP) in elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Patients and Methods LNH98-5 was a randomized study that included 399 previously untreated patients, age 60 to 80 years, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Patients received eight cycles of classical CHOP (cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2, and prednisone 40 mg/m2 for 5 days) every 3 weeks. In R-CHOP, rituximab 375 mg/m2 was administered the same day as CHOP. Survivals were analyzed using the intent-to-treat principle. Results Median follow-up is 5 years at present. Event-free survival, progression-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival remain statistically significant in favor of the combination of R-CHOP (P = .00002, P < .00001, P < .00031, and P < .0073, respectively, in the log-rank test). Patients with low-risk or high-risk lymphoma according to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index have longer survivals if treated with the combination. No long-term toxicity appeared to be associated with the R-CHOP combination. Conclusion Using the combination of R-CHOP leads to significant improvement of the outcome of elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with significant survival benefit maintained during a 5-year follow-up. This combination should become the standard for treating these patients.
Inactivation of the Lamin A/C Gene by CpG Island Promoter Hypermethylation in Hematologic Malignancies, and Its Association With Poor Survival in Nodal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Agrelo Ruben , Setien Fernando , Espada Jesus , Artiga Maria Jesus , Rodriguez Maria , Pérez-Rosado Alberto , Sanchez-Aguilera Abel , Fraga Mario F. , Piris Miguel Angel , Esteller Manel 
Published: May 2005

Purpose Lamins support the nuclear envelope and provide anchorage sites for chromatin, but they are also involved in DNA synthesis, transcription, and apoptosis. Although the lack of expression of A-type lamins in lymphoma and leukemia has been reported, the mechanism was unknown. We investigated the possible role of CpG island hypermethylation in lamin A/C silencing and its prognostic relevance. Patients and Methods The promoter CpG island methylation status of the lamin A/C gene, encoding the A-type lamins, was analyzed by bisulfite genomic sequencing and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in human cancer cell lines (n = 74; from 17 tumor types), and primary leukemias (n = 60) and lymphomas (n = 80). Lamin A/C expression was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Results Lamin A/C promoter CpG island methylation was found in hematologic malignancies: seven (50%) of 14 leukemia- and five (42%) of 13 lymphoma cell lines. The presence of hypermethylation was associated with the loss of gene expression while a demethylating agent restored expression. In primary malignancies, lamin A/C hypermethylation was present in 18% (nine of 50) of acute lymphoblastic leukemias and 34% (14 of 41) of nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The presence of lamin A/C hypermethylation in nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphomas correlated strongly with a decrease in failure-free survival (Kaplan-Meier, P = .0001) and overall survival (Kaplan-Meier, P = .0005). Conclusion Epigenetic silencing of the lamin A/C gene by CpG island promoter hypermethylation is responsible for the loss of expression of A-type lamins in leukemias and lymphomas. The finding that lamin A/C hypermethylation is associated with poor outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas suggests important clinical implications.
Characteristics of Family/Friend Care Networks of Frail Seniors
Authors: Fast Janet , Keating Norah , Otfinowski Pam , Derksen Linda 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTThis paper tests assumptions often made by policy makers and practitioners that networks of family, friends, and neighbours are able to provide sustained care to frail elderly Canadians. Using national survey data, we examined characteristics of the care networks of 1,104 seniors living with a long-term health problem. Care networks were found to vary considerably in size, relationship composition, gender composition, age composition, and proximity, and these network characteristics were found to help explain variations in the types and amounts of care received. As a result, network characteristics that might place seniors at risk of receiving inadequate care (including small size and higher proportions of non-kin, male, and geographically distant members) were identified. These risk factors appear to be poorly reflected in most existing policy.
Who Wants to be involved? Decision-Making Preferences among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Funk Laura M. 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTWhile the benefits of participating in care or medical decision making are widely reported, research on decision-making participation preferences usually reveals some portion of individuals who do not want to be involved. Data collected through structured, in-person interviews with 100 residents of six long-term care (LTC) facilities in Victoria, British Columbia, were used to examine participation preferences with respect to four types of care decisions (bedtimes, medication choice, room transfer, and advance directives), as well as predictors of these preferences. Residents with higher levels of formal education, a greater number of chronic conditions, and greater confidence about the worth of their input tend to prefer more active involvement in decision making. This research also suggests that predictors of preference for independent control over decision making (active involvement) differ from predictors of preference for joint or shared decision making. Implications for the empowerment of LTC facility residents and the meaning of decision-making involvement in these environments are discussed.
Old Age and Loneliness: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses in the Tampere Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Jylhä Marja 
Published: May 2005

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine whether older age is associated with increasing loneliness in people aged 60 and over. Data came from TamELSA, a population-based prospective longitudinal study in Tampere, Finland. The follow-up time was 20 years. Loneliness was measured by a single question – “Do you feel lonely?“ – with the possible answers often, sometimes, or never. Cross-sectional analysis showed that the percentage of subjects feeling lonely increased toward older age groups, but in a multivariate analysis, only household composition and social participation were independently associated with loneliness. Longitudinal analysis showed that loneliness increased with higher age. Over a 10-year period, loneliness increased most in those who, at baseline, were married and living alone with their spouse. In conclusion, only a minority of older people continuously suffer from loneliness. Loneliness does increase with age, not because of age per se, but because of increasing disability and decreasing social integration.
The long arm of childhood: The influence of early-life social conditions on men’s mortality
Authors: Hayward Mark D. , Gorman Bridget K. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractIncreasingly, social scientists are turning to childhood to gain a better understanding of the fundamental social causes of adult mortality. However, evidence of the link between childhood and the mortality of adults is fragmentary, and the intervening mechanisms remain unclear. Drawing on the National Longitudinal Survey of Older Men, our analysis shows that men’s mortality is associated with an array of childhood conditions, including socioeconomic status, family living arrangements, mother’s work status, rural residence, and parents’ nativity. With the exception of parental nativity, socioeconomic-achievement processes in adulthood and lifestyle factors mediated these associations. Education, family income, household wealth, and occupation mediated the influence of socioeconomic status in childhood. Adult lifestyle factors, particularly body mass, mediated the effects of family living arrangements in childhood, mother’s work status, and rural residence. Our findings bring into sharp focus the idea that economic and educational policies that are targeted at children’s well-being are implicitly health policies with effects that reach far into the adult life course.
Segregation of minorities in the metropolis: two decades of change
Authors: Logan John R. , Stults Brian J. , Farley Reynolds 
Published: May 2005

AbstractData from Census 2000 show that black-white segregation declined modestly at the national level after 1980, while Hispanic and Asian segregation rose in most metropolitan areas. Changes that may have produced greater changes for blacks proved to have insignificant effects: there was no net shift of the black population toward less-segregated areas, segregation at the metropolitan level did not decline more in areas where the incomes of blacks came closer to the incomes of whites over time, and the emergence of more multiethnic metropolises had no impact. As in the past, declines were centered in the South and West and in areas with smaller black populations. Increases in Hispanic and Asian segregation in individual metropolitan areas were counterbalanced by a net movement of these two groups toward areas of lower segregation. These increases were associated especially with the more rapid growth in the Hispanic and Asian populations. Hispanic segregation increased more in regions where group members had declining incomes relative to the incomes of whites and included a growing share of immigrants.
Insight into ethnic flux: Marriage patterns among jews of mixed ancestry in Israel
Authors: Okun Barbara S. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractIncreases in ethnic and racial intermarriage in immigrant countries have led to growing proportions of persons of mixed ancestry and backgrounds. The marriage patterns of these persons both reflect and affect the salience and meaning of current forms of ethnicity and race in these societies. This article analyzes the marriage behavior of children of ethnically mixed unions in the Jewish population of Israel. Among persons of mixed ancestry, educational attainment plays a large role in whether they marry Ashkenazim or less economically advantaged Mizrahim. Such patterns suggest that intermarriage in Israel does not necessarily reduce ethnic differences in socioeconomic status or the salience of ethnicity among disadvantaged groups.
Hypersegregation in the twenty-first century
Authors: Wilkes Rima , Iceland John 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
We used metropolitan-level data from the 2000 U.S. census to analyze the hypersegregation of four groups from whites: blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. While blacks were hypersegregated in 29 metropolitan areas and Hispanics were hypersegregated in 2, Asians and Native Americans were not hypersegregated in any. There were declines in the number of metropolitan areas with black hypersegregation, although levels of segregation experienced by blacks remained significantly higher than those of the other groups, even after a number of factors were controlled. Indeed, although socioeconomic differences among the groups explain some of the difference in residential patterns more generally, they have little association with hypersegregation in particular, indicating the overarching salience of race in shaping residential patterns in these highly divided metropolitan areas.
The household registration system and social stratification in China: 1955–1996
Authors: Wu Xiaogang , Treiman Donald J. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe Chinese household registration system (hukou), which divides the population into “agricultural” and “nonagricultural” sectors, may be the most important determinant of differential privileges in state socialist China, determining access to good jobs, education for one’s children, housing, health care, and even the right to move to a city. Transforming one’s hukou status from rural to urban is a central aspect of upward social mobility. Using data from a 1996 national probability sample, we show that education and membership in the Chinese Communist Party are the main determinants of such mobility.