bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test–retest repeatability and reproducibility of ADC measures by breast DWI: Results from the ACRIN 6698 trial
Authors: Newitt David C. , Zhang Zheng , Gibbs Jessica E. , Partridge Savannah C. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Rosen Mark A. , Bolan Patrick J. , Marques Helga S. , Aliu Sheye , Li Wen , Cimino Lisa , Joe Bonnie N. , Umphrey Heidi , Ojeda‐Fournier Haydee , Dogan Basak , Oh Karen , Abe Hiroyuki , Drukteinis Jennifer , Esserman Laura J. , Hylton Nola M. ,   for the ACRIN Trial Team and I‐SPY 2 TRIAL Investigators
Published: October 2018

Background

Quantitative diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) MRI is a promising technique for cancer characterization and treatment monitoring. Knowledge of the reproducibility of DWI metrics in breast tumors is necessary to apply DWI as a clinical biomarker.

Purpose

To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of breast tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in a multi‐institution clinical trial setting, using standardized DWI protocols and quality assurance (QA) procedures.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

In all, 89 women from nine institutions undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer.

Field Strength/Sequence

DWI was acquired before and after patient repositioning using a four b‐value, single‐shot echo‐planar sequence at 1.5T or 3.0T.

Assessment

A QA procedure by trained operators assessed artifacts, fat suppression, and signal‐to‐noise ratio, and determine study analyzability. Mean tumor ADC was measured via manual segmentation of the multislice tumor region referencing DWI and contrast‐enhanced images. Twenty cases were evaluated multiple times to assess intra‐ and interoperator variability. Segmentation similarity was assessed via the Sørenson–Dice similarity coefficient.

Statistical Tests

Repeatability and reproducibility were evaluated using within‐subject coefficient of variation (wCV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), agreement index (AI), and repeatability coefficient (RC). Correlations were measured by Pearson's correlation coefficients.

Results

In all, 71 cases (80%) passed QA evaluation: 44 at 1.5T, 27 at 3.0T; 60 pretreatment, 11 after 3 weeks of taxane‐based treatment. ADC repeatability was excellent: wCV = 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0, 5.7%), ICC = 0.97 (95% CI 0.95, 0.98), AI = 0.83 (95% CI 0.76, 0.87), and RC = 0.16 * 10−3 mm2/sec (95% CI 0.13, 0.19). The results were similar across field strengths and timepoint subgroups. Reproducibility was excellent: interreader ICC = 0.92 (95% CI 0.80, 0.97) and intrareader ICC = 0.91 (95% CI 0.78, 0.96).

Data Conclusion

Breast tumor ADC can be measured with excellent repeatability and reproducibility in a multi‐institution setting using a standardized protocol and QA procedure. Improvements to DWI image quality could reduce loss of data in clinical trials.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1617–1628.
Demographic and seasonal characteristics of respiratory pathogens in neonates and infants aged 0 to 12 months in the Central‐East region of Tunisia
Authors: Brini Khalifa Ines , Hannachi Naila , Guerrero Aida , Orth‐Höller Dorothea , Bhiri Sana , Bougila Jihene , Boughamoura Lamia , Merchaoui Sonia Nouri , Sboui Hassen , Mahdhaoui Nabiha , Schiela Britta , Laer Dorothee Holm‐von , Boukadida Jalel , Stoiber Heribert
Published: October 2018

Background

This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of pathogenic respiratory agents in patients aged 0 to 12 months and hospitalized for acute respiratory infections in Tunisia between 2013 and 2014.

Methods

A total of 20 pathogens, including viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and
Streptococcus pneumoniae, were detected using molecular sensitive assays, and their associations with the patient’s demographic data and season were analyzed.

Results

Viral infectious agents were found in 449 (87.2%) of 515 specimens. Dual and multiple infectious agents were detected in 31.4% and 18.6% of the samples, respectively. Viral infection was predominant in the pediatric environment (90.8%, P < 0.001), male patients (88.0%), and spring (93.8%).
Rhinovirus was the most detected virus (51.8%) followed by
respiratory syncytial virus A/B (34.4%),
coronavirus group (18.5%),
adenovirus (17.9%), and
parainfluenza viruses 1‐4 (10.9%). Respiratory Syncytial virus A/B was significantly associated with gender (38.0% male cases vs 28.3% female cases,
P = 0.02). Infections by
Adenovirus,
Bocavirus, and
Metapneumovirus A/B increased with increasing age of patients (predominated cases aged 6‐12 months,
P < 0.001).
S. pneumoniae was detected in 30.9% of th tested samples. In 18.2% of the negative viral infections, only
S. pneumoniae was identified.

Conclusion

A predominance of the rhinovirus infection was observed in this study. Coronavirus subtypes were described for the first time in Tunisia. The observed different pathogenic profiles across age groups could be helpful to avoid the misclassification of patients presenting with ARIs at the triage level when no standardized protocol is available. This study will provide clues for physicians informing decisions regarding preventive strategies and medication in Tunisia.
Differential block frequency compensation for low‐power multistage amplifiers
Authors: Asiyabi Tayebeh , Torfifard Jafar
Published: October 2018

A new power‐efficient frequency compensation structure is presented, named the differential block frequency compensation (DBFC) topology. The new compensation technique employs a fully differential stage to organize feedforward and feedback paths. The DBFC technique relieves feedforward and able to amplify feedback currents to move poles and zeros accordingly, which leads to pole‐zero cancelation scenario. Initially, the proposed structure uses only small compensation capacitance, which means very compact and refined design. The proposed circuit along with several state‐of‐the‐art designs from the literature have been extensively analyzed and compared together. The results reveal the improvement regarding to figure of merit factors, which highlight size of compensation circuits, stability, and power dissipation issues. Moreover, the gain‐bandwidth product increases more than 30 times than of other compared circuits.
Atmospheric responses to oceanic mesoscale eddies based on an idealized model
Authors: Shan Haixia , Dong Changming
Published: October 2018

In this study, we investigate atmospheric responses to sea surface temperature anomalies associated with oceanic mesoscale eddies using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The atmosphere model is an idealized one: horizontally homogeneous and on an f‐plane. As expected, the cold (warm) eddies cause sea‐level pressure (SLP) to increase (decrease) and reduce (increase) latent and sensible heat fluxes, surface winds, marine atmospheric boundary layer height, and atmospheric precipitable water. The buoyancy term mainly contributes to the production of turbulent kinetic energy in control case. When the advection is weak, the SLP adjustment mechanism is important while in strong advection condition, both the SLP adjustment mechanism and mixing processes have effects on the atmospheric response to mesoscale eddy. Through a series of sensitivity tests, we also examine atmospheric responses to mesoscale eddies under different atmospheric conditions and oceanic mesoscale eddy dynamic features.
A comparison of physicochemical characteristics, texture, and structure of meat analogue and meats
Authors: Samard Sasimaporn , Ryu Gi‐Hyung
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The continuous increase of global consumer's dietary behaviors towards reducing meat consumption due to health benefits, ecological, ethical, and social aspects. Texturized vegetable protein (TVP) transformed from plant protein‐based ingredient can impart fibrous structure like muscle meat. However, there is limited information on a comparison of product properties of TVP and meats. In this study, the comparison of physicochemical properties, texture, and structure of TVP and different types of meats (beef, pork, and chicken) were investigated.

RESULTS

The nitrogen solubility and integrity index, chewiness and cutting strength of TVP were similar to that of the chicken sample compared to other meats. However, water absorption capacity of TVP (2173.84 g kg−1) was significantly higher than all meat samples (1095.37 to 1653.52 g kg−1). The color and amino acids of TVP were different from meat samples due to the difference in protein types. TVP showed a fibrous structure with non‐uniform air cells.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that some textural and chemical characteristics of texturized vegetable protein under intermediate moisture extrusion exhibited the most similarity to chicken meat. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of antimicrobial active packaging film made of semolina flour, nano zinc oxide and nano‐kaolin to maintain the quality of low‐moisture mozzarella cheese during low‐temperature storage
Authors: Jafarzadeh Shima , Rhim Jong‐Whan , Alias Abd Karim , Ariffin Fazilah , Mahmud Shahrom
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Active food packaging films with improved properties and strong antimicrobial activity were prepared by blending mixed nanomaterials with different ratio [1:4 (40 mg:160 mg), 3:2 (120 mg: 80 mg), 0:5 (0 mg: 200 mg) and 5:0 (200 mg:0 mg)] of ZnO and kaolin with semolina using a solvent casting method and used for the packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to test the effect of packaging on the quality change of the cheese for long‐term (up to 72 days) refrigerated storage.

RESULTS

Compared with the neat semolina film, mechanical strength (TS) of the nanocomposite films increased significantly (increase in 21–65%) and water vapor barrier (WVP) and O2 gas barrier (OP) properties decreased significantly (decrease in 43–50% and 60–65%, respectively) depending on the blending ratio of ZnO and kaolin nanoclay. The nanocomposite films also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus), yeast (C. albicans), and mold (A. niger). The nanocomposite packaging films were effectively prevented the growth of microorganisms (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi) of the cheese during storage at low‐temperature and showed microbial growth of less than 2.5 log CFU/g after 72 days of storage compared to the control group, and the quality of the packaged cheese was still acceptable.

CONCLUSION

The semolina‐based nanocomposite films, especially Sem/Z3K2 film, were effective for packaging of low moisture mozzarella cheese to maintain the physicochemical properties (pH, moisture, and fat content) and quality (color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability) of the cheese as well as preventing microbial growth (coliforms, total microbial, and fungi). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Vegetation and prescribed fire: Implications for Stone's sheep and elk
Authors: Sittler Krista L. , Parker Katherine L. , Gillingham Michael P.
Published: October 2018

Fire is the dominant single natural disturbance influencing northern mountain and boreal landscapes. We evaluated fire‐induced changes in forage resources for 2 focal ungulates, Stone's sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) and elk (Cervus canadensis), in northern British Columbia, Canada. We implemented 4 prescribed fires and monitored short‐term vegetation (quantity and quality) and ungulate (Stone's sheep and elk) responses. We took measurements prior to burning, the year of burning, and 1 year after burning in treatment areas and adjacent unburned control areas in winter and summer at 2 scales. At a fine scale, we used vegetation transects and pellet counts; at the landscape scale, we used Landsat imagery for vegetation and aerial survey flights for animals. Following prescribed fire, shrub cover declined and burned communities increased in herbaceous cover. Plant species diversity also declined but increased to almost that of unburned areas by 1 year after burning. Burning increased quality of forage most (2–7 percentage points more digestibility and 0.3–6.3 percentage points more crude protein than unburned areas) in the summer of the burn. In winter, forage biomass and available digestible dry matter increased to pre‐burn levels by 1 year after burning. Stone's sheep and elk always used burned areas more than unburned control areas in winter at both scales. Whereas elk used sites with higher forage quantity, Stone's sheep appeared to respond to forage quality at the fine scale. Ungulate grazing during the 2 years of this study did not alter forage quantity on burned or unburned sites, as determined from range exclosures. Based on our findings in this area, maximum benefits to elk would be achieved from large prescribed fires on south‐aspect slopes that result in the greatest amounts of forage biomass. Smaller prescribed fires at high burn intensities on west‐aspect slopes intermixed with rocky outcrops and talus scree (less frequented by elk) would most benefit Stone's sheep requirements for high‐quality forage and escape terrain. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Dietary Oat Bran Increases Some Proinflammatory Polyunsaturated Fatty‐Acid Oxidation Products and Reduces Anti‐Inflammatory Products in Apolipoprotein E−/− Mice
Authors: Lee Jetty Chung‐Yung , AlGhawas Dalal Samir , Poutanen Kaisa , Leung Kin Sum , Oger Camille , Galano Jean‐Marie , Durand Thierry , El‐Nezami Hani
Published: October 2018

Oat bran is suggested to attenuate atherosclerotic conditions by regulating dyslipidemia, endothelial function, and oxidative damage. Through the measurement of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), oxidative stress, and inflammation status in liver and heart tissues of apolipoprotein E−/− (ApoE
−/−), mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) or HFD with oat bran (HFD + Oat) were investigated. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), PUFA and over 40 types of its oxidized products were assessed. The HFD + Oat group had augmented adrenic acid (ADA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and suppressed n‐3 docosapentaenoic acid levels in the liver tissues compared to the HFD group. Arachidonic acid (ARA) and α‐linolenic acid (ALA) levels were elevated and ADA was suppressed in the heart tissues of the HFD + Oat group compared to the HFD group. Furthermore, enzymatically mediated oxidized ARA product levels (9‐, 11‐ and 20‐HETE [hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid], and PGF2α) were augmented and those of the oxidized DHA products (4‐, 7‐, 10‐, 11‐, 13‐, and 14‐HDHA [hydroxy‐docosahexaenoic acid]) were reduced in the liver tissues of the HFD + Oat group. It also increased 17‐F2t‐dihomo‐isoprostane and 7‐F2t‐dihomo‐isofuran derived from nonenzymatic oxidation of ADA in the heart and liver tissues, and those from ALA namely 16‐F1t‐phytoprostane and 16(RS)‐13‐epi‐STΔ14‐9‐phytofuran. Our study showed oat bran to be a weak antioxidant and lacked anti‐inflammatory properties in atherosclerotic mice. Elevation of oxidized PUFA products that are potentially proinflammatory and vasoconstrictors (HETE, PGF2α) with simultaneous reduction of those that are anti‐inflammatory (HDHA) may not be desirable in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Preparation of Polyester PolyMIPEs by Polycondensation of Low‐Molecular Weight Polyol and Divinyl Ester Using Microwave Activation
Authors: Barbara Imane , Dourges Marie‐Anne , Deleuze Hervé
Published: October 2018

Several stable non‐aqueous apolar‐in‐polar medium internal phase emulsions (MIPEs) containing divinyl adipate and pentaerythritol in the continuous phase are formulated by varying the nature of the hydrocarbon. Polycondensation is then conducted either under conventional heating or microwave irradiation after addition of a commercially available organocatalyst. Solvent elimination and drying lead to the corresponding polyester polyMIPEs. A tremendous morphological difference between materials is observed according to the heating method employed. The particular efficiency of microwave activation in the polycondensation of the continuous phase of a non‐aqueous emulsion is discussed.
Facile Thermally Impacted Water‐Induced Phase Separation Approach for the Fabrication of Skin‐Free Thermoplastic Polyurethane Foam and Its Recyclable Counterpart for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Pan Yamin , Shen Changyu , Liu Chuntai , Liu Xianhu
Published: October 2018

Developing a facile large‐scale strategy to fabricate polymer foams with excellent wettability and recycling its counterpart for oil–water separation is in urgent demand. Here, a facile template‐free thermally impacted water‐induced phase separation approach for the fabrication of skin‐free thermoplastic polyurethane foam with a water contact angle of 147°, porosity more than 90%, density less than 14 mg cm−3, and excellent compressibility (>1000 cycles) is proposed. The foams show high efficiency of oil recovery (>98%) during the squeezing and pumping oil–water separation test. Moreover, the used foams could be recycled and reused to form refresh foams without sacrificing their high performance, which makes this method a promising prospect for environmental applications.
High‐Performance Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cells Based on a Wide‐Bandgap Polymer without Extra Treatment
Authors: Li Guangda , Xu Qingqing , Chang Chunmei , Fan Qunping , Zhu Xiaoqian , Li Wanbin , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: October 2018

Nonfullerene polymer solar cells (PSCs) are developed based on a fluorinated thienyl‐based wide‐bandgap (WBG) polymer PBBF as the electron donor and nonfullerene small molecule IDIC as the electron acceptor. PBBF exhibits a strong absorption in the range of 300–605 nm with a wide optical bandgap of 2.05 eV, which is complementary with that of IDIC. Meanwhile, it possesses a deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of  −5.52 eV and a higher hole mobility of 7.3 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 compared to the nonfluorinated polymer PBDTT. The PSCs based on PBBF:IDIC without extra treatment show a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.5% with a V
oc of 0.95 V, a J
sc of 15.3 mA cm−2, and an FF of 58.8%, which is much higher than that of the devices based on PBDTT:IDIC (a PCE of 5.3% with a V
oc of 0.88 V, a J
sc of 13.7 mA cm−2, and an FF of 43.9%). These results indicate that PBBF is a promising WBG polymer donor material for the photovoltaic applications in nonfullerene PSCs.
Singular localised boundary‐domain integral equations of acoustic scattering by inhomogeneous anisotropic obstacle
Authors: Chkadua Otar , Mikhailov Sergey E. , Natroshvili David
Published: October 2018

We consider the time‐harmonic acoustic wave scattering by a bounded anisotropic inhomogeneity embedded in an unbounded anisotropic homogeneous medium. The material parameters may have discontinuities across the interface between the inhomogeneous interior and homogeneous exterior regions. The corresponding mathematical problem is formulated as a transmission problems for a second‐order elliptic partial differential equation of Helmholtz type with discontinuous variable coefficients. Using a localised quasi‐parametrix based on the harmonic fundamental solution, the transmission problem for arbitrary values of the frequency parameter is reduced equivalently to a system of singular localised boundary‐domain integral equations. Fredholm properties of the corresponding localised boundary‐domain integral operator are studied and its invertibility is established in appropriate Sobolev‐Slobodetskii (Bessel potential) spaces, which implies existence and uniqueness results for the localised boundary‐domain integral equations system and the corresponding acoustic scattering transmission problem.
Weyl almost periodic solutions to abstract linear and semilinear equations with Weyl almost periodic coefficients
Authors: Bedouhene Fazia , Ibaouene Youcef , Mellah Omar , Raynaud de Fitte Paul
Published: October 2018

In this work, we study the existence and uniqueness of bounded Weyl almost periodic solution to the abstract differential equation u′(t)  =  Au(t) + f(t),
, in a Banach space
, where
is a linear operator (unbounded) that generates an exponentially stable C0‐semigroup on
and
is a Weyl almost periodic function. We also investigate the semilinear problems of the form u′(t)  =  Au(t) + f(t,u(t)).
Non‐self‐adjoint singular second‐order dynamic operators on time scale
Authors: Allahverdiev Bilender P.
Published: October 2018

In this study, maximal dissipative second‐order dynamic operators on semi‐infinite time scale are studied in the Hilbert space
, that the extensions of a minimal symmetric operator in limit‐point case. We construct a self‐adjoint dilation of the dissipative operator together with its incoming and outgoing spectral representations so that we can determine the scattering function of the dilation as stated in the scheme of Lax‐Phillips. Moreover, we construct a functional model of the dissipative operator and identify its characteristic function in terms of the Weyl‐Titchmarsh function of a self‐adjoint second‐order dynamic operator. Finally, we prove the theorems on completeness of the system of root functions of the dissipative and accumulative dynamic operators.
Ultra‐low‐dose CT image denoising using modified BM3D scheme tailored to data statistics
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Hoffman John , McNitt‐Gray Michael , Ruan Dan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

It is important to enhance image quality for low‐dose CT acquisitions to push the ALARA boundary. Current state‐of‐the‐art block‐matching three‐dimensional (BM3D) denoising scheme assumes white Gaussian noise (WGN) model. This study proposes a novel filtering module to be incorporated into the BM3D framework for ultra‐low‐dose CT denoising, by accounting for its specific power spectral properties.

Methods

In the current BM3D algorithm, the Wiener filtering is applied in the transform domain to a post‐thresholding signal for enhanced denoising. However, unlike most natural/synthetic images, low‐dose CTs do not obey the ideal Gaussian noise model. Based on the specific noise properties of ultra‐low‐dose CT, we derive the optimal transform‐domain coefficients of Wiener filter based on the minimum mean‐square‐error (MMSE) criterion, taking the noise spectrum and the signal/noise cross spectrum into consideration. In the absence of ground‐truth signal, the hard‐thresholding denoising module in the previous stage is used as a plug‐in estimator. We evaluate the denoising performance on thoracic CT image datasets containing paired full‐dose and ultra‐low‐dose images simulated by a well‐validated clinical engine (or pipeline). We also assess its clinical implication by applying the denoising methods to the emphysema quantification task. Our modified BM3D method is compared with the current one, using peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and emphysema scoring results as evaluation metrics.

Results

The noise in ultra‐low‐dose CT presented distinct non‐Gaussian characteristics and was correlated with image intensity. Performance evaluation showed that the current Wiener filter in basic BM3D algorithm yielded little denoising enhancement on ultra‐low‐dose CT images. In contrast, the proposed Wiener filter achieved (1.46, 1.91) dB performance gain in mean and median peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) for 5%‐dose image denoising and (0.93, 0.95) dB improvement for 10% dose. A paired t‐test of the PSNRs between denoising using the current and the proposed Wiener filters demonstrated statistically significant improvement, yielding P‐values of 1.45E‐12 and 1.34E‐7 on 5% and 10%‐dose images, respectively. In addition, emphysema quantification on the denoised images using the modified BM3D method also had statistically significant advantage over that using the current BM3D scheme, resulting in a P‐value of 6.30E‐5 with the commonly used measure.

Conclusions

This work tailors the Wiener filter in BM3D algorithm to data statistics and demonstrates statistically significant performance improvement on ultra‐low‐dose CT image denoising and a subsequent emphysema quantification task. Such performance gain is more pronounced with a lower dose level. The development and rationale are generally enough for other image denoising tasks when the WGN assumption is violated.
An application of Bayesian measurement invariance to modelling cognition over time in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Williams Benjamin David , Chandola Tarani , Pendleton Neil
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Recommended cut‐off criteria for testing measurement invariance (MI) using the comparative fit index (CFI) vary between −0.002 and −0.01. We compared CFI results with those obtained using Bayesian approximate MI for cognitive function.

Methods

We used cognitive function data from Waves 1–5 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA; Wave 1 n = 11,951), a nationally representative sample of English adults aged ≥50. We tested for longitudinal invariance using CFI and approximate MI (prior for a difference between intercepts/loadings ~N(0,0.01)) in an attention factor (orientation to date, day, week, and month) and a memory factor (immediate and delayed recall, verbal fluency, and a prospective memory task).

Results

Conventional CFI criteria found strong invariance for the attention factor (CFI + 0.002) but either weak or strong invariance for the memory factor (CFI −0.004). The approximate MI results also supported strong MI for attention but found 9/20 intercepts or thresholds were noninvariant for the memory factor. This supports weak rather than strong invariance.

Conclusions

Within ELSA, the attention factor is suitable for longitudinal analysis but not the memory factor. More generally, in situations where the appropriate CFI criteria for invariance are unclear, Bayesian approximate MI could alternatively be used.
Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome: Two sides of the same coin? A scoping review to determine the lexicon of the current diagnostic criteria
Authors: Bourgaize Sheryl , Janjua Imtisal , Murnaghan Kent , Mior Silvano , Srbely John , Newton Genevieve
Published: October 2018

Objective

Consistent terminology to describe the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is required to address the reported inadequacies in diagnosis. The present review investigated intervention studies in FM and MPS populations to determine the lexicon of the current diagnostic criteria used to identify chronic musculoskeletal pain patients.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review to review systematically the literature obtained from five scientific databases between 1997 and February 2017. Included studies consisted of intervention studies that involved symptomatic musculoskeletal pain patients, of any age or gender, presenting with FM or MPS. Included studies were evaluated for musculoskeletal condition and the diagnostic criteria used to identify patient conditions. Extraction of study criteria focused on whether diagnostic criteria were explicitly stated, the diagnostic criteria used, physical findings, symptomatic duration and the profession of the healthcare provider who confirmed diagnosis.

Results

We identified 493 interventions, of which 410 were related to FM and 83 to MPS. The lexicon of the diagnostic criteria used for MPS tended to be less consistent in comparison to FM criteria, with notable differences in all comparative categories.

Conclusions

The current review identified inconsistencies associated with the lexicon of the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose FM and MPS, and showed that there is wide variability in the terminology currently being used. These findings may have important implications for future development of consistent criteria to diagnose FM and MPS patients accurately.
Pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in children: Assessment of symptom scores in responders and non‐responders
Authors: Taylor Abby S. , Cabo Jackson J. , Lauderdale Chelsea , Maskan Narges , Thomas John C. , Tanaka Stacy T. , Pope John C. , Adams Mark C. , Brock John W. , Shannon Chevis N. , Clayton Douglass B.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Pelvic Floor Biofeedback Therapy (PFBT) can be an effective treatment for pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Due to differing perceptions of efficacy and practice patterns, we sought to further evaluate PFBT in our practice. We hypothesized that PFBT results in quiescence of EMG activity during voiding and improves questionnaire scores in patients with LUTS.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing PFBT and refined the analysis to females ≥6 years old with ≥2 sessions with completed voiding questionnaires pre‐ and post‐treatment, active EMG during voiding, with non‐neurogenic urinary tract complaints refractory to standard urotherapy. Validated Bladder Bowel Dysfunction (BBD) questionnaires were collected at each visit. Quiescence of EMG activity and changes in BBD score were the primary outcomes.

Results

229 patients underwent ≥1 PFBT session, of which 64 females ≥6 years of age with ≥2 PFBT sessions and completed pre and post PFBT voiding questionnaires were identified. In this group, mean age at PFBT start was 10.1 (6.2‐17.0). Patients completed 3.1 sessions (2‐6). No difference was seen in post‐void residual (PVR) between first and last session (23.8 vs 22.6 mL, P = 0.55). Median questionnaire score decreased from 18 (4‐42) before to 13 (2‐28) following PFBT (P < 0.0001). Responders, characterized by silencing of the EMG after PFBT, occurred in 31% (20/64). Non‐responders were younger (P = 0.007) with higher pre‐PFBT questionnaire scores.

Conclusion

The use of PFBT appears to result in a significant reduction in symptom scores, though quiescence of EMG was observed following therapy in less than 1/3 of patients.
Can dynamic ultrasonography replace urodynamics in the follow‐up of patients with myelomeningocele? A prospective concurrent study
Authors: Bortolini Tiago , Lucena Iara Regina Siqueira , da Silva Batezini Nelson Sivonei , Rosito Tiago Elias , Araújo Thiago , Carneiro Bruna Brasil , Tavares Patric Machado , Souza Pablo Cambeses , Neto Brasil Silva
Published: October 2018

Aims

To evaluate the accuracy of dynamic ultrasonography (DUS), as a feasible alternative diagnostic method to identify detrusor overactivity (DO) in patients with neurogenic bladder.

Methods

We performed concurrent analysis of 81 pairs of urodynamic study (UDS) and DUS, in 63 patients with myelomeningocele (MMC), from June 2014 to February 2017. The assessment focused on bladder behavior during the filling phase, DO evaluation, DO with leakage, compliance, and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC).

Results

Patient age ranged from 3 months to 34 years (median, 84 months); 47.6% were male. Overall, 9.5% of patients had chronic kidney disease, 20.6% had recurrent urinary tract infection, 19.05% had vesicoureteral reflux, and 69.8% had constipation. Anticholinergic therapy was used by 41.3% of patients. DO was observed in 45.67% of patients and DO with leakage in 42.6%. Mean bladder compliance was 10.39 mL/cmH2O and normal MCC was 56.79%. DUS had 91.89% sensitivity in identifying DO, 88.64% specificity, 87.18% positive predictive value, 92.86% negative predictive value, and 90.12% accuracy, with a kappa coefficient of 0.8 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

MMC follow‐up is essential because urinary parameters can change during patient growth. The standard examination is invasive and has related complications, making noninvasive evaluation a desirable alternative, like DUS. Our data suggest that DO and MCC can be evaluated using DUS in patients with MMC. UDS should be performed in patients with abnormal findings on ultrasound evaluation or those with worsening of urinary tract function.
Long‐term functional outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty in adult spina bifida patients: A single‐center experience in a multidisciplinary team
Authors: Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée , Léon Priscilla , Denys Pierre , Mongiat‐Artus Pierre , Chartier‐Kastler Emmanuel , Phé Véronique
Published: October 2018

Aim

To report the very long‐term functional outcomes of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in adult spina bifida patients.

Methods

All consecutive adult spina bifida patients who underwent AC between 1991 and 2008 were enrolled. Early postoperative complications (Clavien‐Dindo classification) and long‐term outcomes (voiding modalities, urodynamic parameters, renal function, continence, and quality of life) were assessed.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients with a median age of 20 years (IQR 17‐25) were included. They all underwent AC with a supratrigonal cystectomy (SC). The median follow‐up was 13.6 years (IQR 6‐16.5). Thirteen early postoperative complications (12 grade I‐II, 1 grade III) were observed in 11 patients (39%). Eight patients (29%) had upper urinary tract infections managed with antibiotics, with 2 patients requiring ureteral stents. Bladder stones occurred in 2 patients (7%) and were managed with endoscopy and cystostomy. One bladder perforation was reported. One bladder cancer was observed 26 years after surgery. Creatinine clearance and all urodynamic parameters were significantly improved post‐operatively. The overall complication and reoperation rates were 57% and 14%, respectively. At last follow up, the continence rate was 71% (n = 20), with 93% (n = 26) performing intermittent self‐catheterization. Quality of life was improved for 71% of patients.

Conclusion

In adult spina bifida population, AC is a high‐risk procedure with an overall complication rate of 57% and a reoperation rate of 14%. However, AC is beneficial to the overall health of the patients since it provides a satisfying continence rate, an improvement of quality of life, and long‐term protection of the upper urinary tract.
Effects of oral immunomodulation therapy on urinary tract infections in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Krebs Jörg , Fleischli Stefanie , Stoyanov Jivko , Pannek Jürgen
Published: October 2018

Aims

To investigate the effect of an oral immunomodulation therapy with E. coli fractions on the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) in a retrospective cohort study with a follow‐up of 12 months.

Methods

The patient database of a tertiary urologic referral center was screened for patients with chronic (>12 months) SCI who were taking a lyophilized lysate of 18 E. coli strains from 2008 to 2016. Patient characteristics, annual number of patient‐reported UTIs and urine culture results were collected. The change in the number of UTIs, categorized as no UTIs, sporadic UTIs (1‐2/year) and recurrent UTIs (≥3/year), from before to during immunomodulation therapy was investigated. Furthermore, the effect of different possible confounders (eg, age, duration of SCI, use of catheters, and concurrent antibiotic treatment) was investigated.

Results

The data of 136 individuals with a mean age of 49 ± 14 years and a median time since SCI of 18 (15‐22) years were analyzed. The proportion of patients with recurrent UTIs decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) from 93.4% (87.8‐96.9%) to 59.6% (50.8‐67.9%) during immunomodulation therapy, whereas the proportion of patients without UTIs increased significantly (P < 0.0001) from 2.2% (0.5‐6.3%) to 20.6% (14.1‐28.4%). The investigated confounders had no significant (P ≥ 0.15) effect on the outcome.

Conclusions

Oral immunomodulation therapy with E. coli fractions resulted in a significant and clinically relevant decrease in the frequency of UTIs in patients with SCI and thus, seems to be a promising option for the prevention of UTIs.
Sensory pudendal nerve stimulation increases bladder capacity through sympathetic mechanisms in cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis rats
Authors: Gonzalez Eric J. , Grill Warren M.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome is a prevalent health concern with inadequate treatments. Neuromodulation has emerged as a therapeutic option to treat patients refractory to standard care. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and mechanism(s) of sensory pudendal nerve stimulation on bladder function in cystitis rats.

Methods

Female rats were administered saline (n = 8) or cyclophosphamide (CYP, 150 mg/kg IP, n = 16) and single‐trial cystometry experiments were conducted under urethane anesthesia 48 h after injection. Electrical stimulation (0.02‐0.22 mA, 10‐20 Hz) was delivered to the sensory branch of the pudendal nerve and its effect on the bladder and external urethral sphincter were measured. Stimulation trials were also conducted following bilateral hypogastric nerve transection (HGNT) or pharmacological inhibition of beta‐adrenergic receptors (propranolol, 1 mg/kg IV) to determine the mechanisms of bladder inhibition.

Results

CYP‐induced cystitis decreased bladder capacity (P = 0.0352) and bladder compliance (P = 0.024) by up to 38% of control. Electrical stimulation of the sensory pudendal nerve increased bladder capacity (P < 0.0001) in control and CYP rats by up to 51‐52% of their respective baselines. HGNT did not influence bladder inhibition generated by sensory pudendal nerve stimulation in control rats, whereas HGNT and propranolol decreased the efficacy of electrical stimulation in CYP rats.

Conclusions

Sympathetic reflex activity mediates sensory pudendal nerve stimulation in CYP treated but not control rats. These studies demonstrate an alternative approach to neuromodulation in cystitis and establish mechanistic changes during stimulation that may enable the development of novel therapeutics.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: Relationship to patient phenotype and clinical practice implications
Authors: McKernan Lindsey C. , Johnson Benjamin N. , Reynolds William S. , Williams David A. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Crofford Leslie J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The relationship between exposure to abuse and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is well‐documented. However, studies have yet to examine posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which develops following exposure to trauma and worsens health outcomes in chronic pain. We aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of PTSD in patients with IC/BPS, including their relation to genitourinary symptom presentation and widespread pain phenotype.

Materials and Methods

We recruited 202 participants with chronic pain from an academic medical center and classified 64 individuals as IC/BPS based on validated epidemiological criteria. Participants completed self‐reported questionnaires assessing trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, emotional distress, pain, and urinary symptoms. Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests assessed study aims comparing IC/BPS to other chronic pain.

Results

Although elevated, IC/BPS trauma exposure rates were equivalent to that of other chronic pain conditions in the sample. Despite this equivalence, in comparison, IC/BPS patients had significantly higher rates of PTSD symptoms, with 42% meeting provisional diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Among IC/BPS, those meeting provisional criteria for PTSD had significantly higher incidence of lifetime sexual abuse, childhood trauma, and presentations consistent with the widespread pain phenotype. In IC/BPS, there was no association between PTSD and genitourinary symptoms, but provisional PTSD was associated with more pain, emotional distress, and poorer quality of life.

Conclusions

We recommend that patients with IC/BPS and widespread pain have ongoing screening and monitoring of PTSD. We recommend using trauma‐informed care practices with these patients to increase trust and safety, which could improve treatment compliance and follow‐up.
Association of genetic polymorphisms in the pore domains of mechano‐gated TREK‐1 channel with overactive lower urinary tract symptoms in humans
Authors: Nedumaran Balachandar , Pineda Ricardo H. , Rudra Pratyaydipta , Lee Sanghee , Malykhina Anna P.
Published: October 2018

Aims

Mechanosensitivity of the urinary bladder is regulated by many factors including mechano‐gated two‐pore domain (K2P, KCNK) potassium channels. TWIK‐related K+ channel, TREK‐1, is a predominantly expressed member of K2P channel family in the human detrusor, and its expression and function are diminished in patients with overactive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The changes in channel activity may result from spontaneously occurring gene mutations. The aim of this study was to compare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TREK‐1 channel between patients with LUTS and healthy donors.

Methods

Six SNPs (rs370266806, rs373919966, rs758937019, rs769301539, rs772497750, and rs775158737) in two pore domains of human TREK‐1 gene were analyzed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay with manufacturer‐designed primers and allele‐specific probes. The screening was done in control bladders and detrusor specimens from patients with overactive LUTS. Statistical analyses were performed using R, Fisher's exact test and Hardy‐Weinberg Equilibrium.

Results

Six SNPs in two pore domains of the human TREK‐1 gene were analyzed in human bladder specimens. The frequencies of rs758937019‐CT genotype (P = 0.0016) and rs758937019‐T allele (P = 0.0022) were significantly higher in the group with overactive LUTS. There was no significant association of rs775158737‐GA genotype and rs775158737‐A allele with the overactive LUTS, though they were present only in the overactive LUTS group.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that altered expression and function of TREK‐1 channel in patients with overactive LUTS could be due to genetic polymorphisms in the pore domains of TREK‐1 channel (rs758937019).
Meta‐analysis of the efficacy and safety of mirabegron and solifenacin monotherapy for overactive bladder
Authors: Wang Jipeng , Zhou Zhongbao , Cui Yuanshan , Li Yongwei , Yuan Hejia , Gao Zhenli , Zhu Zhe , Wu Jitao
Published: October 2018

Aim

We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mirabegron (50 mg) and solifenacin (5 mg) monotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB) during a 12‐week cycle.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mirabegron and solifenacin for OAB were searched systematically by using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also perused.

Results

Five RCTs which compared solifenacin with mirabegron were studied. Mirabegron achieved the same effect as solifenacin in treating OAB. The mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (P = 0.20), mean number of micturitions per 24 h (P = 0.11), mean number of urgency episodes per 24 h (P = 0.23), and mean volume voided per micturition (P = 0.05) suggested that mirabegron and solifenacin had no significant differences in terms of OAB treatment. With regard to drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events (DR‐TEAEs) and dry mouth, mirabegron showed better tolerance than solifenacin. Post‐voiding residual volume showed a distinct difference in the two groups. Hypertension and tachycardia did not show a significant difference between the two groups, but the pulse rate did.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effect of mirabegron is similar to that of solifenacin, and mirabegron does not increase the risk of adverse events (AEs).
NFIB promotes cell survival by directly suppressing p21 transcription in TP53‐mutated triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Liu Rong‐Zong , Vo The M , Jain Saket , Choi Won‐Shik , Garcia Elizabeth , Monckton Elizabeth A , Mackey John R , Godbout Roseline
Published: October 2018

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to identify and understand the key factors and signalling pathways driving TNBC tumour progression, relapse, and treatment resistance. In this study, we report that gene copy numbers and expression levels of nuclear factor IB (NFIB), a recently identified oncogene in small cell lung cancer, are preferentially increased in TNBC compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, increased levels of NFIB are significantly associated with high tumour grade, poor prognosis, and reduced chemotherapy response. Concurrent TP53 mutations and NFIB overexpression (z‐scores > 0) were observed in 77.9% of TNBCs, in contrast to 28.5% in non‐TNBCs. Depletion of NFIB in TP53‐mutated TNBC cell lines promotes cell death, cell cycle arrest, and enhances sensitivity to docetaxel, a first‐line chemotherapeutic drug in breast cancer treatment. Importantly, these alterations in growth properties were accompanied by induction of CDKN1A, the gene encoding p21, a downstream effector of p53. We show that NFIB directly interacts with the CDKN1A promoter in TNBC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of combined p21 and NFIB reverses the docetaxel‐induced cell growth inhibition observed upon NFIB knockdown, indicating that NFIB's effect on chemotherapeutic drug response is mediated through p21. Our results indicate that NFIB is an important TNBC factor that drives tumour cell growth and drug resistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Thus, targeting NFIB in TP53‐mutated TNBC may reverse oncogenic properties associated with mutant p53 by restoring p21 activity. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PLA biocomposites toughened with silylated bamboo cellulose nanowhiskers
Authors: Ma Yaorui , Qian Shaoping , Hu Lang , Qian Jun , Fontanillo Lopez Cesar A. , Xu Linqiong
Published: October 2018

To improve the surface compatibility between hydrophobic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and hydrophilic bamboo cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNWs), four commercial available silane coupling agents were employed to modify their interfaces with different concentrations (0, 1, 8, and 16 wt%). PLA/BCNW biocomposite films were fabricated by solution casting. The effects of silylated BCNW on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of PLA biocomposites were investigated. The coupled reaction between coupling agents and cellulose via Si‐O‐C bonding and hydrogen bonding was confirmed. Both, tensile strength and tensile modulus, decreased with the four silane treatments. The maximum elongation at break values increased to 213.8, 111.3, 255.3, and 209.8% after 16 wt% A‐151, 8 wt% A‐1100, 8 wt% A‐174, and 8 wt% A‐189 silane treatments, respectively, with respect to 12.4% of the untreated composite. A wire‐drawing phenomenon was observed on the tensile fractural surface. Glass transition temperature and crystallinity decreased after the surface modifications. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3012–3019, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Epoxy—MWCNT composites prepared from master batch and powder dilution: Effect of ionic liquid on dispersion and multifunctional properties
Authors: Alves Fabrício F. , Silva Adriana A. , Soares Bluma G.
Published: October 2018

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the form of powder or as epoxy‐based masterbatch were compounded with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)‐based epoxy resin in order to evaluate the effect of the dispersion state on the main properties of the epoxy‐based nanocomposites. 1‐Butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmim.BF4) as ionic liquid was also employed to assist the CNT dispersion. The use of 1phr of CNT from ER‐based masterbatch is beneficial for improving the dispersion of CNT, as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the processability of the resulting system, as indicated by rheological properties. The improved dispersion also promotes an improvement of the dynamic‐mechanical properties (glass transition temperature and storage modulus) as well as better adhesive properties. However, the CNT as powder displays better electrical and thermal conductivities. The presence of ionic liquid improves the electrical conductivity, but decreases the Tg and the adhesive properties. CNT also accelerates the curing process, which is also enhanced by the presence of ionic liquid. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1689–1697, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers