bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting response to a community‐based educational workshop on incontinence among community‐dwelling older women: Post hoc analysis of the CACTUS‐D trial
Authors: Fritel Xavier , van den Heuvel Eleanor , Wagg Adrian , Ragot Stéphanie , Tannenbaum Cara 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsOur goal was to identify which women participating in an educational workshop on incontinence were most likely to benefit from it.MethodsWe included women aged 65 or older, living in the community, and not treated for incontinence despite reporting urinary leakage at least twice a week. The workshop's aims were to change beliefs about accepting incontinence as a normal part of ageing, explain that incontinence is not irreversible, and that solutions exist. We performed structured interviews at 6 and 12 months to assess impressions of improvement (PGI‐I) and changes in both continence (ICIQ‐FLUTS) and quality of life (I‐QOL).ResultsThe analysis included 392 women, 39% aged 80 or older and 57% with daily urinary incontinence. Twelve months after the workshop, 16% of women were “much better” (PGI‐I); factors associated with impression of improvement were refusal to believe that incontinence is part of normal ageing at baseline and improvement of urinary symptoms. The median improvement was 4 points on the ICIQ‐FLUTS and 8 on the I‐QOL. Factors associated with a clinically significant improvement in urinary symptoms were more severe baseline urinary incontinence, obesity, and starting Kegel exercises. Factors associated with a clinically significant improvement in quality of life were a poor urinary quality of life at baseline and an age younger than 81 years.ConclusionsA short, inexpensive and nonmedical intervention can change the mind‐set and behavior of older women with incontinence who are not seeking care. A clinically significant improvement is possible even in women with severe symptoms.
Potential associations of adult nocturia. Results from a national prevalence study
Authors: Azuero Julian , Santander Jessica , Trujillo Carlos Gustavo , Caicedo Juan Ignacio , Zuluaga Laura , Becerra Ana María , Daza Fabián , Rondón Martin , Plata Mauricio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo determine the prevalence of nocturia and associated risk factors in the Colombian population aged ≥18 years old.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional population‐based study conducted in 1060 participants in Colombia. Nocturia was assessed with the Spanish version of the ICIQ‐OAB, using the ICS terminology. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate nocturia prevalence. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the association of nocturia with predefined variables.ResultsThe prevalence of nocturia was 55.9% and it was more common in women than men (53.96% vs. 46.04%; p = .004). At least three episodes of nocturia were observed in 20.37% of the participants who had a severe alteration in their quality of life (p < .01). The bivariate model showed an association between nocturia and obesity (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 90% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–2.34), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.99; 90% CI: 1.86–4.83), high blood pressure (OR, 2.04; 90% CI: 1.52–2.72), cardiovascular disease (OR, 1.75; 90% CI: 1.08 – 2.83), depression (OR, 1.89; 90% CI: 1.23–2.89), obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.70; 90% CI: 1.17 ‐ 2.46), and childhood enuresis (OR, 1.45; 90% CI: 1.04–2.02). The multivariate model showed an association with obesity (OR, 2.0; 95% CI: 1.14 ‐ 3.51) in women, as well as age ≥ 65 years (OR, 3.18; 95% CI: 1.26 – 8.02) and erectile dysfunction (OR, 3.44; 95% CI: 1.21 – 9.72) in men. Childhood enuresis was significantly associated with nocturia in both genders (OR, 1.61; 95% CI: 1.09 ‐ 2.40 in women and OR, 1.66; 95% CI: 1.09–2.52 in men).ConclusionThere is a significant prevalence of nocturia in our population and a clear association with impaired quality of life. We consider important to inquire about history of childhood enuresis to define the risk of presenting nocturia in adulthood. Nocturia was associated with multiple comorbidities. Obesity and erectile dysfunction play an important role as modifiable risk factor.
Terminal‐cost design for model predictive control with linear stage‐costs: A set‐theoretic method
Authors: Danielson Claus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article presents a method for designing stabilizing terminal‐costs for linear model predictive controllers whose stage‐costs are a mixture of weighted 1‐norms and∞‐norms of the system states and inputs. This problem is abstracted by replacing the 1/∞‐norm stage‐costs with convex Minkowski functions. We show that a convex Minkowski terminal‐cost is a control Lyapunov function if and only if the dual of its defining set satisfies a set‐inclusion condition. Furthermore, we show that this set‐inclusion is satisfied by all robust positive invariant sets of a certain dual system. In particular, we show that the minimal convex set that satisfies the set‐inclusion produces the optimal terminal‐cost which is the cost‐to‐go of the corresponding unconstrained infinite‐horizon optimal control problem with convex Minkowski stage‐costs. To reduce the number of constraints in the MPC, we show that the defining set of the Minkowski function can be used as an invariant terminal‐constraint. Finally, we demonstrate our terminal‐cost design procedure for three case studies; a double‐integrator, a galvanometer laser scanner, and a nanosatellite.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gonzalez Lucas , Bardach Ariel , Palacios Alfredo , Peckaitis Claudia , Ciapponi Agustin , Pichón-Riviere Andres , Augustovski Federico 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. It imposes a huge disease burden and a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Our study focused on HRQoL of patients with BC in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We conducted a systematic review to identify relevant articles published between 2008 and August 2018. We conducted several meta-analyses and subgroup analyses by country, disease stage, and instrument used (Prospective Register Of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42018106835).ResultsFrom 2,265 initial references, we finally included 75 articles (8,806 participants) that assessed HRQoL. The European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and B23 modules (34 studies; 8 countries; 4,866 participants) were the most used instruments, followed by the Short Form 36-item, the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Breast instrument. Only four studies reported specific HRQoL data of patients with metastatic disease. Half the studies were rated as having moderate quality (38/75), and 38% (29/75) as high quality. We identified substantial heterogeneity. As expected, the meta-analyses revealed that patients with metastatic disease reported lower HRQoL values and high symptom burden compared with patients at earlier stages. Similar results can be observed when we compared patients with early breast cancer in active treatment phases versus those in follow-up.ConclusionThis study provides a synthesis of breast cancer HRQoL reported in LAC and exposes existing evidence gaps. Patients with BC in active treatment or with metastatic disease had worse HRQoL compared with survivors during the follow-up period.Implications for PracticeThis systematic review provides an exhaustive synthesis of breast cancer health-related quality of life in women in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Patients with breast cancer in active treatment or with metastatic disease had worse health-related quality of life compared with survivors during the different follow-up periods. This study also shows important evidence and methods gaps that can help inform future research.
Factors influencing the ballistic impact mechanisms of textile composite materials: a review
Authors: Dewangan Mithilesh Kumar , Panigrahi Sashi Kanta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study highlights the critical review of several parameters that will affect the ballistic behavior of textile composites. Initially, the paper focusses on the projectile parameters and how its influence will change the overall behavior. Secondly, the effect of the target plate on the overall energy absorption, which is controlled by its material as well as architectures. The further review summarizes the gaps which are still needed to be covered.
Improvement in mechanical properties of recycled polypropylene composite by controlling the length distribution of glass fibers
Authors: Kang Donghoon , Lee Jeong‐Moo , Moon Chorok , Kim Hyung‐Il 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA change in the length distribution of glass fiber was induced by mixing long glass fiber 30%‐ reinforced polypropylene composites with recycled composites of short glass fiber 30%‐reinforced polypropylene, and the improvement in mechanical properties was investigated. Changes in mechanical properties were confirmed as a function of the number of recycles and mixing ratio of the composites, and the average fiber length and length distribution of the glass fibers were analyzed using a three‐dimensional measuring machine. The tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength of the blend of a once‐recycled composite of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene and once‐recycled composite of long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene in a ratio of 40:60 were 99%, 102%, 100%, and 100% those of a virgin composite of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene, respectively. In addition, the average length of the glass fiber of this blend was 0.305 mm, which was similar to that of the virgin composite of short glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene (0.313 mm); furthermore, the distribution ratio of long fibers of length 1 mm or more was 5%. The length distribution of the glass fibers was significantly altered by the combination of the recycled composites and the long glass fiber‐reinforced composite; accordingly, the deteriorated mechanical properties of the recycled composites could be significantly recovered.
Clinical and economic evaluation of a surveillance protocol to manage hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection receiving rituximab
Authors: Tan Chia Jie , Kumar Rajneesh , Koomanan Narendran , Loo Wei Sheng , Farid Mohamad , Tao Miriam , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Poon Eileen , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Yang Valerie Shiwen , Chang Esther , Lim Soon Thye , Chow Wan Cheng , Chan Alexandre , Tang Tiffany 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectiveTo evaluate a surveillance protocol in managing the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection receiving rituximab.DesignProspective, single‐arm study.SettingNational Cancer Centre, Singapore.PatientsLymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection and scheduled to receive rituximab‐based treatment.InterventionClose monitoring of HBV DNA levels, ie. every 4–6 weeks during rituximab treatment, every 6–8 weeks in the first year post‐treatment, and every 3–4 months in the second year post‐treatment.MeasurementsThe efficacy of the surveillance protocol was examined by evaluating the rates of reactivation‐related events. Feasibility was evaluated based on patient adherence. An economic analysis using a cost‐minimization approach was conducted to compare the costs between the surveillance protocol and universal prophylaxis with entecavir 0.5 mg daily up to 1 year after cessation of rituximab.Main Results:A total of 66 patients provided analyzable data with a follow‐up period of 966.6 months. No hepatitis flare or reactivation‐related events were detected. The median adherence rate to the surveillance protocol was 90.5%. Cost savings of US$946.40 per patient over the entire surveillance period were achieved if the surveillance protocol was adopted and was most affected by changes in prophylaxis duration and the cost of antiviral prophylaxis.ConclusionsThe surveillance protocol is an effective, feasible and cost‐saving strategy to manage HBV reactivation among lymphoma patients with resolved HBV infection receiving rituximab.
Ground‐penetrating radar, electromagnetic induction, terrain, and vegetation observations coupled with machine learning to map permafrost distribution at Twelvemile Lake, Alaska
Authors: Campbell Seth William , Briggs Martin , Roy Samuel G. , Douglas Thomas A. , Saari Stephanie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe collected ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and frequency‐domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) profiles in 2011 and 2012 to identify the extent of permafrost relative to surface biomass and solar insolation around Twelvemile Lake near Fort Yukon, Alaska. We compared a Landsat‐derived biomass estimate and modeled solar insolation from a digital elevation model to the geophysical measurements. We show correspondence between vegetation type and biomass relative to permafrost extent and seasonal freeze–thaw. Thicker permafrost (≥25 m) was covered by greater biomass, and seasonal thaw depths in these regions were minimal (1 m). Shallow (1–3 m depth) and thin (20–50 cm) newly forming permafrost or frozen layers from the previous winter occurred below northward oriented slopes with thin biomass cover. South‐facing slopes exhibited permafrost when there was enough biomass to shield incoming solar energy. We developed an artificial neural network to predict permafrost extent across the broader region by mapping GPR‐observed instances of permafrost to FDEM, biomass, and terrain observations with 90.2% accuracy. We identified a strong linear correlation (r = −0.77) between permafrost probability and seasonal thaw depth, indicating that our models may also be used to explore thaw patterns and variability in active layer thickness. This study highlights the combined influence of biomass and terrain on the presence of permafrost and the value of evaluating such parameters via remote sensing to predict permafrost spatial or temporal variability. Incorporating diverse geophysical datasets with in‐situ validation into machine learning models demonstrates a useful approach to upscale estimated permafrost extent across large Arctic expanses.
1,3,5‐Trichloro‐2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzene: The Elusive Impurity Standard
Authors: Kelly Kristin , Brown Geoff 
Published: February 2021

Abstract1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) is an insensitive high explosive synthesized in two steps; 1,3,5‐trichloro‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TCTNB) is the only intermediate. Due to solubility limitations, TATB is often dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analyses; however, DMSO is capable of participating in a wide variety of reactions. Intending to use it as an impurity standard, TCTNB was dissolved in DMSO. A stark color change from colorless to yellow accompanied by wavelength and ion chromatogram changes occurred over 24 hours. Three compounds were identified as causing the color change. All three were present in both acetone and DMSO solutions, but, overtime the absorbance spectra of the DMSO solution changed indicating an underlying reaction occurs between these compounds and DMSO. The chemical formulas of impurities present in the TCTNB sample as well as reaction products are identified via quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. The chemical structures are also proposed. The combination of the solvent system, ionization technique, and halogenated/nitrated aromatic ring structures resulted in substitutions of both the chlorine and nitro groups to hydroxyl groups. Three proposed structures were closely related to TCTNB, but only one was detected at a consistent mass and absorbance wavelength in both acetone and DMSO. This compound had undergone a chlorine to hydroxyl substitution and should be utilized for TCTNB detection.
MicroRNA signatures as predictive biomarkers in transarterial chemoembolization‐treated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fawzy Manal S. , Toraih Eman A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed at a late stage with a delay in the optimal timing for tumor resection. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is currently considered the standard of care for patients with unresectable HCC Barcelona system class B classification. However, the treatment response of HCC patients to TACE varies widely, and there is no reliable marker for predicting a patient's response to TACE. Thus, the identification of patients who are sensitive or resistant to TACE is important for individualized therapy. Recently, our understanding of cancer cell biology has progressed enormously. Much of this progress has been driven by technological advances enabling previously unachievable studies to be performed and yield a constantly evolving picture of the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in tumor biology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of ncRNA molecules that regulate nearly one‐third of all protein‐coding RNAs. The existing literature indicates that the deregulation of miRNAs can contribute to tumorigenesis and metastasis in multiple cancers, including HCC, via the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, or metastasis. Analysis and evaluation of this type of regulatory RNA could shed new light on the behavior of many cancers and provide new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as pharmacological targets for novel treatment strategies. To this end, this review highlights the expression and functional roles of miRNAs in TACE‐treated HCC and explores the potential applications of miRNAs as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
HABS‐Silicate Controlled Synthesis of Worm‐Like Calcite via Orientated Attachment
Authors: Liu Xiangbin , Wang Yanling , Ma Zaiqiang , Zhou Wanfu , Wang Xin , Zhou Huajian , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Jun , Shi Weiguang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWorm‐like calcite crystals were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method in heavy alkylbenzene sulfonate (HABS)‐ silicate hybrid aqueous system at 45 °C for 48 h. The result indicated that HABS can affect step/kink sites on the growth face of {104} calcite by alternating Ca2+ or CO32− layers, resulting a slight rotation or stacking faults of the subunits, which lead to the worm shape of crystalline aggregates by elongating parallel to the c‐axis of the rhombohedral lattice. The overlapping worm structures were obtained with the synergistic effect of HABS and silicate, which presents an additives‐mediated crystallographically self‐assembly of worm‐like units and also the inheritance of orientated attachment with rhombohedral calcite habits.
Monodisperse Ultrahigh Nitrogen‐Containing Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres from Melamine‐Formaldehyde Resin
Authors: Guo Dingyi , Fu Yubin , Bu Fanxing , Liang Haichen , Duan Linlin , Zhao Zaiwang , Wang Changyao , El‐Toni Ahmed Mohamed , Li Wei , Zhao Dongyuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn aqueous emulsion polymerization self‐assembly approach is demonstrated for the first time to synthesize ultrahigh nitrogen containing mesoporous polymer nanospheres, using melamine‐formaldehyde resin oligomers as precursors. In the synthesis, change from alkaline to acidic conditions is critical for the formation of monodisperse mesostructured polymer nanospheres. Owing to unique structure of triazine stabilized in the covalent polymeric networks during the pyrolysis process, the derived mesoporous carbon nanospheres possess an ultrahigh nitrogen content (up to 15.6 wt%) even after pyrolysis at 800 °C, which is the highest nitrogen content among mesoporous carbon nanospheres. Furthermore, these monodisperse mesoporous carbon nanospheres possess a high surface area (≈883 m2 g−1) and large pore size (≈8.1 nm). As an anode for sodium‐ion batteries, the ultrahigh nitrogen‐containing mesoporous carbon nanospheres exhibit superior rate capability (117 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 3 A g−1) and high reversible capacity (373 mAh g−1 at 0.06 A g−1), indicating a promising material for energy storage.
Development of Bioplastic Films from γ − Irradiated Kithul (Caryota urens) Starch; Morphological, Crystalline, Barrier, and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Sudheesh Cherakkathodi , Sunooj Kappat Valiyapeediyekkal , Jamsheer Vattaparambil , Sabu Sarasan , Sasidharan Abhilash , Aaliya Basheer , Navaf Muhammed , Akhila Plachikkattu Parambil , George Johnsy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractImportant properties of bioplastic film made from γ − irradiated kithul starch such as crystalline, morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties are studied. The films are made from native and irradiated kithul starch using the casting method. Relative crystallinity is higher for the film made from irradiated kithul starch. The film made from 100 kGy irradiated starch shows the highest relative crystallinity (2.26%) among the starch films. The film prepared from irradiated kithul starch exhibits lower water vapor permeability (WVP). The solubility of film made from irradiated starch decrease with an increase in irradiation dose. Irradiation of starch cause higher surface compactness, which decrease the oxygen permeability of the films. The decrease in WVP and oxygen permeability indicates the improved barrier properties of films made from irradiated starch. Mechanical properties increase in films made from irradiated kithul starch. Moreover, it shows lower surface roughness as compared with native starch film. The research reveals that films made from γ − irradiated kithul starch exhibited better mechanical and barrier properties due to their higher crystallinity and surface homogeneity.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Chitosan/Cerium Hydrogel with Significant Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Chen Qifeng , Wang Wenxiong , Chen Guangxue , Li Xianfeng , Wang Yunjia , Xiong Jieyi , Wei Liting 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTraditional wound dressings have some major deficiencies, including poor antibacterial ability, low exudate absorption rate and dry environment. These defects can be addressed by the prepared hydrogels in this study, which can provide a moist and cool environment for wound healing. Polyvinyl alcohol‐chitosan/cerium (PVA‐Cs/Ce) composite hydrogels are prepared by a freeze‐thaw method and characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the effects of chitosan/cerium (Cs/Ce) complexes with different contents on properties, including mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling ratio, and thermal stability are investigated. SEM images indicate that the composite hydrogels have a good three‐dimensional pore structure. Compared with the pure PVA hydrogel, the composite hydrogels show better swelling properties and more suitable water vapor transmission rate (2504 g m‐2·day) by adding Cs/Ce complexes. And the elongation at break of the hydrogel with a ratio of 5:3 (PVA: Cs/Ce) is the highest value of 567%. In the bacteriostatic circle experiment, PVA‐Cs/Ce composite hydrogels exhibit a pronounced inhibitory effect against two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). These results suggest that these composite hydrogels have great potential as wound dressings.