bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation in the rate and route of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Albright Benjamin B. , Heyward Quetrell D. , Erkanli Alaattin , Loehrer Andrew P. , Myers Evan R. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Moss Haley A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo describe population rate of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA, including geographic variation across states and Hospital Service Areas (HSAs; areas defined by common patient flows to healthcare facilities).DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingFour US states including 322 HSAs.PopulationA total of 316 052 cases of hysterectomy from 2012 to 2016.MethodsWe compiled annual hysterectomy cases, merged female populations, and adjusted for reported rates of previous hysterectomy. We assessed small‐area variation and created multi‐level Poisson regression models.Main Outcome MeasuresPrior‐hysterectomy‐adjusted population rates of hysterectomy for benign disease.ResultsThe annual population rate of hysterectomy for benign disease was 49 per 10 000 hysterectomy‐eligible residents, declining slightly over time, mostly among reproductive‐age populations. Rates peaked among residents ages 40–49 years, and declined with increasing age, apart from an increase with universal coverage at age 65 years. We found large differences in age‐standardised population rates of hysterectomy across states (range 42.2–69.0), and HSAs (range: overall 12.9–106.3; 25th–75th percentile 44.0–64.9). Among the non‐elderly population, those with government‐sponsored insurance had greater variation than those with private insurance (coefficient of variation 0.61 versus 0.32). Proportions of minimally invasive procedures were similar across states (71.0–74.8%) but varied greatly across HSAs (27–96%). In regression models, HSA population characteristics explained 31.8% of observed variation in annual rates. Higher local proportions of government‐sponsored insurance and non‐White race were associated with lower population rates.ConclusionsWe found substantial variation in rate and route of hysterectomy for benign disease in the USA. Local population characteristics explained less than one‐third of observed variation.
Optimal management decisions are robust to unknown dynamics in an amphibian metapopulation plagued by disease
Authors: Gerber B. D. , Mosher B. A. , Bailey L. L. , Muths E. , Crockett H. J. , Converse S. J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIdentifying conservation actions to recover threatened species can be challenging due to many ecological uncertainties. For example, major threats to a species' conservation are commonly known or suspected, but the specific impacts on population or metapopulation dynamics can be uncertain. This is frequently the case with emerging infectious diseases, including chytridiomycosis, a global driver of amphibian population declines caused by the fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans. While these diseases are known to cause amphibian declines and extirpations, the mechanisms of their landscape‐scale spread are still largely unknown. Such uncertainty can lead to inaction which may jeopardize timely recovery of a species. Decision analysis is a pragmatic approach to making transparent and defensible decisions while dealing with uncertainties. We investigated whether optimal actions aimed at recovering boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) metapopulations in the southern Rocky Mountains are robust to the unknown dynamics of Bd spread using value of information and regret analyses. Value of information is a decision‐analytic tool for calculating the value of new information in terms of performance on management objectives, while regret measures the cost of acting under incorrect information. We further conducted a stochastic sensitivity analysis to identify the relative effects of metapopulation parameters on system dynamics. We found optimal actions were robust to the unknown dynamics of Bd spread. While boreal toad breeding occurrence is highly sensitive to Bd distribution, the optimal decision is not. Resolving the unknown dynamics of Bd spread would lead to a minimal gain of less than one breeding toad subpopulation at the end of 50 years, given the currently available management actions. Applying a decision‐analytic framework coupled with value of information and regret analyses can help frame how uncertainties affect decisions in a way that empowers decision makers.
Assessing and minimizing risk of bias in randomized controlled trials of tobacco cessation interventions: Guidance from the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group
Authors: Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Lindson Nicola 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group has created risk of bias tools, which are topic‐agnostic. In 2012 the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group created guidance specific to considerations for reviews of randomized controlled trials of tobacco cessation interventions, building on existing Cochrane tools. The guidance covers issues relating to selection bias, performance bias, detection bias, attrition bias and selective reporting. In this paper, we set out to make this guidance publicly available, so that others can use and cite it. We provide advice for using this tool to appraise trials critically as a systematic reviewer. We also provide guidance for triallists on ways to use this tool to improve trial design and reporting.
Effect of perioperative high‐dose transdermal nicotine patch on pain sensitivity among male abstinent tobacco smokers undergoing abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Zhu Chengcheng , Bi Yanzhi , Wei Kai , Tao Kunming , Hu Li , Lu Zhijie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPrevious studies have focused on the role of perioperative nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in improving the success rate of long‐term smoking cessation in tobacco smokers. This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of high‐dose NRT in alleviating postoperative pain for male abstinent smokers receiving abdominal surgery.DesignThis was a parallel‐group, randomized, double‐blind and controlled pilot trial.Setting and participantsIn total, 101 male smoking‐abstinent patients from the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China, from 8 October 2018 to 10 December 2021.InterventionsPatients started smoking cessation on admission to the hospital ward. Patients received 24‐hour transdermal nicotine patches (n = 50) or placebo (n = 51) every day from admission until 48 hours after surgery.MeasurementsThe primary outcomes were pre‐surgery pain thresholds and total consumption of analgesics within the first 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain and sedation scores, nausea, vomiting and fever frequency within the treatment period.FindingsBoth pre‐surgery electrical and mechanical pain thresholds in the NRT group were higher than those in the placebo group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.020, respectively). The 48‐hour postoperative analgesic consumption was significantly lower for smoking‐abstinent patients receiving NRT than those receiving placebo (standardized morphine equivalent requirement, median [interquartile range], 1.80 [1.47, 2.32] mg/kg vs 2.22 [1.62, 2.82] mg/kg, P = 0.011). Postoperative pain intensity was significantly lower in the NRT group than that in the placebo group at 1st hour and 24th hour post‐surgery (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). The incidence of treatment‐related adverse events was not significantly different between groups.ConclusionsPerioperative high‐dose nicotine replacement therapy may help to relieve postoperative pain among male smoking‐abstinent patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Breast cancer characteristics and pathological prognostic determinants in indigenous Australians: Retrospective cohort study in the Northern Territory
Authors: Mencel Justin , Hong Hooi Wen , Charakidis Michail , Pokorny Adrian , Aldridge Emily , Karanth Narayan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is a disparity in health outcomes between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians, with higher chronic disease burden and shorter life expectancy in this minority population. Although rates of breast cancer among indigenous women are lower than nonindigenous women, they face a higher breast cancer‐associated mortality, which may not entirely be explained by socio‐economic disadvantage.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study investigated previously described pathologic prognostic factors in indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory.ResultsData analyzed confirmed that indigenous women were more likely to have poorer prognostic disease features, including ER/PR negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 amplified tumors, larger tumors, and higher stage disease.ConclusionThese pathologic features portend to a poor prognosis, raising the possibility these factors contribute to the disparity in health outcomes between indigenous and nonindigenous women with breast cancer, in addition to known socio‐economic factors.
Predictive value of D‐dimer in patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure during freeze‐thaw embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Li Xin , Zeng Cheng , Wu Peili , Shang Jing , Xue Qing 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate whether D‐dimer can predict the clinical outcomes of patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure (URIF) during freeze‐thaw embryo transfer (FET) cycles.MethodsOur study was divided into two parts. The first part was a retrospective study that included 433 patients. Plasma D‐dimer levels were monitored in all patients before FET, and the patients were classified into two groups according to whether they delivered at least one live infant or not. D‐dimer was compared between groups, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to analyze the impact of D‐dimer on live birth. The second part was a prospective study that included 113 patients who were categorized into high and low D‐dimer groups based on the ROC curve analysis from the retrospective study. Clinical outcomes were compared between these two groups.ResultsIn the first part, we found that plasma D‐dimer levels in patients with live birth were significantly lower than those in patients without live birth. According to the ROC curve, 0.22 mg/L was the cutoff value for D‐dimer in the prediction of the live birth rate (LBR) (AUC 0.806, 95% CI: 0.763, 0.848). The second part of the study confirmed that clinical pregnancy rate (50.98% vs. 32.26%, P = .044) and LBR (41.18% vs. 22.58%, P = .033) of patients with D‐dimer ≤0.22 mg/L were all significantly higher than those of patients with D‐dimer > 0.22 mg/L.ConclusionsOur study indicates that D‐dimer > 0.22 mg/L is a useful index for predicting URIF during FET cycles.
Minimally invasive adrenalectomy: a cohort study of surgical approach and outcomes
Authors: Birtwistle Lucy , Leong David , Aniss Ahmad , Glover Anthony , Sidhu Stan , Papachristos Alexander , Sywak Mark 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the context of minimally invasive adrenal surgery, there remains debate about whether the transperitoneal adrenalectomy (TPA) and posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) approach have equivalent indications. This study aims to examine complication and conversion rates associated with three surgical approaches for adrenal tumours over the last 17 years in a specialized endocrine surgical unit.MethodsAll adrenalectomy cases performed in the period 2005–2021 were identified within a prospectively maintained surgical database. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken with patients divided into two cohorts (2005–2013 and 2014–2021). Surgical approach (open adrenalectomy (OA), TPA, PRA), tumour size, histopathology, complication and conversion rates were compared.ResultsDuring the study period, 596 patients underwent adrenalectomy with 31 and 40 cases each year per cohort. The dominant surgical approach per cohort significantly changed from TPA (79% versus 17%) to PRA (8% versus 69%, P < 0.001), whilst the frequency of OA remained stable (13% versus 15%). TPA removed larger tumours (3.0 ± 2.9 cm) than PRA (2.8 ± 2.2 cm, P = 0.02), with the median size increasing from 3.0 ± 2.5 to 4.5 ± 3.5 cm per cohort (P < 0.001). The maximum tumour sizes treated by TPA and PRA were 15 and 12 cm, respectively. Adrenocortical adenoma was the commonest pathology treated by either laparoscopic technique. Complication rates were greatest for OA (30.1%) with no significant difference between minimally invasive approaches (TPA 7.3%, PRA 8.3%, P = 0.7). Both laparoscopic techniques had equivalent conversion rates (3.6%). PRA was preferably converted to TPA (2.8%) over OA (0.8%).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the transition from TPA to PRA, offering similarly low complication and conversion rates.
Effect of child benefit payments on child outcome expenditures in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jinwoo , Pollard Michael S. , Dossani Rafiq 
Published: May 2023

AbstractExtensive research has shown the positive impact of conditional child benefits on child outcomes. However, there is limited work on the impact of universal child benefit payments on how families spend on child outcomes. Our study explores this issue. This study examined the relationship between child benefit payments on child outcome expenditures using longitudinal data from the Korean National Survey of Tax and Benefit (N = 3681 households) and a household‐ and year‐fixed effects regression model. We found that child benefit payments are positively associated with child outcome expenditures across family income groups. Furthermore, the analysis results suggest that compared to high‐income family groups, low‐ and middle‐income family groups increase spending on child outcome expenditures in response to child benefit payments. Finally, the policy implications of this are discussed.
Kazakhstan's implementation of international conventions on the protection of children's rights (juvenile responsibility)
Authors: Duissenkyzy Elmira , Baideldinov Daulet , Zhatkanbayeva Aizhan , Akhatov Ualikhan , Zhumagulov Marat 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to analyze international experience and legislation on the protection of children's rights, to assess the state of this issue in the national space of Kazakhstan, to conduct a comparative analysis and the level of implementation of the provisions of international conventions. To achieve the set goals and tasks, to ensure the reliability of the results and conclusions obtained, a system of methods of scientific cognition was used, which, in conjunction with general logical methods and techniques, made it possible to comprehensively and effectively investigate the administrative and legal support for the formation and implementation of state policy in the field of child protection. The formation of the international legal framework for the formation of a system for the protection of children's rights is studied. The level of Kazakhstan's accession to the implementation of international documents in the field of children's rights protection has been determined. The main directions of non‐compliance with international regulations in Kazakhstan according to the conclusions of the UN (United Nations) committees are described. The level of priority of this direction of state policy for the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its normative regulation is assessed. The system of juvenile justice in the country and the situation of children in the Republic of Kazakhstan is analyzed according to the reports of the relevant authorities.
Pathological Imaging-Assisted Cancer Gene–Environment Interaction Analysis
Authors: Fang Kuangnan , Li Jingmao , Zhang Qingzhao , Xu Yaqing , Ma Shuangge 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Gene–environment (G–E) interactions have important implications for cancer outcomes and phenotypes beyond the main G and E effects. Compared to main-effect-only analysis, G–E interaction analysis more seriously suffers from a lack of information caused by higher dimensionality, weaker signals, and other factors. It is also uniquely challenged by the “main effects, interactions” variable selection hierarchy. Effort has been made to bring in additional information to assist cancer G–E interaction analysis. In this study, we take a strategy different from the existing literature and borrow information from pathological imaging data. Such data are a “byproduct” of biopsy, enjoys broad availability and low cost, and has been shown as informative for modeling prognosis and other cancer outcomes/phenotypes in recent studies. Building on penalization, we develop an assisted estimation and variable selection approach for G–E interaction analysis. The approach is intuitive, can be effectively realized, and has competitive performance in simulation. We further analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The outcome of interest is overall survival, and for G variables, we analyze gene expressions. Assisted by pathological imaging data, our G–E interaction analysis leads to different findings with competitive prediction performance and stability.
Monitoring status and trends in genetic diversity for the Convention on Biological Diversity: An ongoing assessment of genetic indicators in nine countries
Authors: Hoban Sean , da Silva Jessica M. , Mastretta‐Yanes Alicia , Grueber Catherine E. , Heuertz Myriam , Hunter Margaret E. , Mergeay Joachim , Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Fukaya Keiichi , Ishihama Fumiko , Jordan Rebecca , Köppä Viktoria , Latorre‐Cárdenas María Camilla , MacDonald Anna J. , Rincon‐Parra Victor , Sjögren‐Gulve Per , Tani Naoki , Thurfjell Henrik , Laikre Linda 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRecent scientific evidence shows that genetic diversity must be maintained, managed, and monitored to protect biodiversity and nature's contributions to people. Three genetic diversity indicators, two of which do not require DNA‐based assessment, have been proposed for reporting to the Convention on Biological Diversity and other conservation and policy initiatives. These indicators allow an approximation of the status and trends of genetic diversity to inform policy, using existing demographic and geographic information. Application of these indicators has been initiated and here we describe ongoing efforts in calculating these indicators with examples. We specifically describe a project underway to apply these indicators in nine countries, provide example calculations, address concerns of policy makers and implementation challenges, and describe a roadmap for further development and deployment, incorporating feedback from the broader community. We also present guidance documents and data collection tools for calculating indicators. We demonstrate that Parties can successfully and cost‐effectively report these genetic diversity indicators with existing biodiversity observation data, and, in doing so, better conserve the Earth's biodiversity.
Glycated albumin and risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in patients with and without dialysis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Huilei , Hu Qingwen , Chen Jiawei , Ling Qin , Yan Zhiwei , Yu Peng , Zhang Jing , Liu Xiao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have shown that glycated albumin (GA) is a more accurate measure of short‐term blood sugar control in patients with dialysis. We aim to investigate the relationship between GA and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and mortality in patients both with and without dialysis.Materials and MethodsWe searched cohort studies of associations between GA level and CVD and mortality in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases. The effect size was summarized by the random effects model, and the dose‐response association was determined by robust error meta‐regression method.ResultsThis meta‐analysis included data from 80 024 participants in 17 cohort studies, 12 of which were prospective and five were retrospective. The results showed that higher levels of GA were associated with increased risk of CV mortality [hazard ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22‐2.98], all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio = 1.64; 95% CI 1.41‐1.90), major adverse cardio‐cerebral events (risk ratio = 1.41; 95% CI 1.17‐1.71), coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% CI 1.75‐2.86) and stroke (risk ratio = 1.72; 95% CI 1.24‐2.38). The dose‐response analysis showed that GA levels were positively and linearly associated with the risk of CV mortality (p = .38), all‐cause mortality (p = .57) and coronary artery disease (p = .18). Subgroup analysis showed that high levels of GA were associated with the risk of CV and all‐cause mortality, regardless of dialysis status, with significant differences between subgroups of dialysis (CV mortality: p = .02; all‐cause mortality: p = .03).ConclusionHigh GA levels are associated with an increased risk of CVDs and mortality, regardless of dialysis status.
Virtual counselling of tobacco cessation during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study on the experiences and perceptions of Malaysian dental undergraduates and their patients
Authors: Roslan Nurliyana , Yusof Norashikin , Md Bohari Nor Faezah , Md Sabri Budi Aslinie , Mohd Radzi Nawwal Alwani , Bakri Noor Nazahiah , Mohd Yani Azri Aliah 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroductionWhen dental institutions had to close down during the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, dental students were faced with delays in completing their tobacco cessation schedule. An alternative was to allow students to conduct virtual counselling (VC) for smoking cessation for their patients to address their clinical requirements. This study aimed to explore Malaysian dental undergraduates' and patients' experiences undergoing smoking cessation counselling through virtual platforms.Materials and MethodsThe study consisted of qualitative, semi‐structured Focus Group Discussions (for students, n = 23) and in‐depth interviews (for patients, n = 9); to phenomenologically describe the perceptions of participants involved in the VC. Each session was recorded with the participants' permission. The recorded session was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using the qualitative data analysis software, NVivo™.ResultsThe major themes that emerged were: (1) General opinions and experiences, (2) Content of VCs, (3) Remote access to counselling, (4) Patient‐clinician relationships, (5) Technical issues, (6) Changes after VCs, and (7) Future application. Most students and patients were quite comfortable with VC as it is convenient, allowing students to be creative and avoid the hassle of transport and traffic. However, some of the students felt that it lacked the personal touch and guidance from lecturers who would normally be present during physical class.ConclusionVirtual counselling enables remote access to counselling, but it is also subjected to some limitations, especially regarding lack of clinical assessments, human touch and internet issues. Though participants were optimistic about adapting it in the future, multiple factors must be considered. Ultimately, the behavioural change will depend on the patient's motivation in making a difference.