bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among Iranian women
Authors: Daneshpajooh Azar , Naghibzadeh‐Tahami Ahmad , Najafipour Hamid , Mirzaei Mahboubeh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundUrinary incontinence is a common condition among women. Although it is not a life‐threatening condition, it dramatically influences the quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its risk factors among Iranian women in Kerman, Iran.MethodsThis cross‐sectional, population‐based study was conducted on 3100 Iranian women aged 15–80 years in 2017 in Kerman, Iran. The participants were selected via cluster sampling and were invited to complete the questionnaires. Their demographic information and medical history were assessed, the urinary incontinence questionnaire was completed, and the associated risk factors were also recorded. Quantitative variables are reported as mean ± SD, while qualitative and ranked variables are expressed in percentage. All analyses were conducted in Stata version 12 (Stata Corp.).ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 46 years, and the overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was estimated to be 63%. The highest and lowest prevalence rates of urinary incontinence were reported in the elderly and the youth, respectively (79% and 41%, respectively). Age, increase of body mass index (BMI), pregnancy, diabetes, anxiety, and depression were the associated risk factors.ConclusionWe found that the prevalence of urinary incontinence is high in Iran. Therefore, to control this condition and improve women's quality of life, effective plans are needed.
Design and validation of an automated dual‐arm instrumented intravaginal dynamometer
Authors: Czyrnyj Catriona S. , Bérubé Marie‐Ève , Lanteigne Eric , Brennan Ana , Bader Yousef , Lomovtsev Dmitry , Vandermolen Megan , Boucher Samantha , Mitri Layla , McLean Linda 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims(1) To present the design of a novel intravaginal dynamometer (IVD) capable of measuring vaginal closure force on both the anterior and posterior arms, (2) to use bench testing to validate the force, speed of arm opening, and positional accuracy of load measurement along the IVD arms, and (3) to present in vivo force measurements made with this device, comparing forces measured by the anterior and posterior arms.MethodsIVD load measurements were validated against an Instron® Universal Tester, arm opening speeds were validated using video analysis, and position‐load accuracy was validated against calibration weights. In vivo IVD data were acquired from female volunteers during passive opening and pelvic floor muscle contraction tasks. Anterior and posterior IVD arm force outcomes were compared.ResultsForces measured by the IVD and Instron® exhibited a strong linear relationship with excellent model fit. The speed control system was valid when tested under physiological loading conditions, however smaller antero‐posterior opening diameters (25 and 30 mm) exhibited some error. The loading position along the IVD arms had no effect on force outcomes. In vivo data exhibited differences between force outcomes measured at the anterior and posterior aspects of the vagina during active contraction and passive elongation of the pelvic floor muscles.ConclusionsThis IVD design demonstrates valid load measurement and speed control during bench testing. Active and passive forces measured are consistent with the literature. With dual instrumented arms, this device allows for further investigation into the source of measured vaginal closure forces.
Comparing the outcomes of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: O'Sullivan Hugh , Kelly Gabrielle , Toale James , Cascio Salvatore 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsDespite published evidence in recent decades suggesting improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with the use of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PTENS), no consensus guidelines for therapy exist. This study systematically reviews the literature to assess the effect of PTENS in children with LUTS.MethodsA database search conducted up to December 2019 included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. From the literature review, 6 randomized controlled studies (234 participants) comparing PTENS and standard treatment (urotherapy/anticholinergics) were considered. From each study, the success rates were available for PTENS and the control group. The ratio of success rates was computed—that is, the risk ratio (RR) and the risk difference (RD).ResultsThe overall success rate with PTENS was 1.92 times that of children undergoing standard urotherapy alone (RR: 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.02, 3.61]) and 1.56 for those undergoing either urotherapy alone or with pharmacotherapy (anticholinergics; RR: 1.56, 95% CI [1.04, 2.40]). No difference in the success rate was found when PTENS was used in patients failing previous treatment (urotherapy and pharmacological therapy; RR: 0.175, 95% CI [0.02, 1.45]).ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that PTENS is beneficial in children with LUTS. The chance of success is 1.92 times that of children undergoing standard urotherapy. However, in children who have failed urotherapy and pharmacological therapy, PTENS monotherapy has a limited role and should be an adjunct. Literature shortcomings included small numbers of patients, differing inclusion criteria, and PTENS protocols. A need exists for quality multicenter randomized controlled trials to prove the efficacy of PTENS in children with LUTS.
Description of a Nutrition Screening and Assessment Tool and Associations with Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Belin Christy Hannah Sanini , Sarmento Roberta Aguiar , Refosco Lília Farret , Bernardi Juliana Rombaldi 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPreterm newborns have higher nutrition risk and mortality. Nutrition risk screening enables early intervention. This article evaluates a nutrition screening tool in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodRetrospective longitudinal study of preterm newborns (aged <37 weeks) in a NICU in Brazil from May 2018 to January 2019. Weight, length, and head circumference (HC) were analyzed. Nutrition screening was defined by care levels (CLs). Outcomes analyzed were bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), peri‐intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), late sepsis, length of stay, mortality, and time receiving enteral and parenteral nutrition.ResultsData on 110 newborns were studied, with median gestational age 34 (31–35) weeks, mean weight 1914.92 g (±657.7), length 42.2 cm (±4.45), and HC 29.9 cm (±2.97). Most (82.7%) of them were adequate for gestational age. Screening classifications were 41.8% (n = 46) at CL 2, 41.8% (n = 46) at CL 3, and 16.4% (n = 18) at CL 4. CL 3 and CL 4 patients had higher frequencies of BPD (P = .003), ROP (P = .027), and PIVH (P = .006) and longer enteral time (P < .001) and length of stay (P < .001). All mortality occurred in CL 4 patients (P < .001).ConclusionsCL 3 and CL 4 patients had more BPD, ROP, PIVH, and mortality and longer enteral nutrition. Hospital stay was longer for CL ≥3 than CL 2 patients. Patients classified as CL 3 and CL 4 by the nutrition screening tool may have higher nutrition risk.
Experience of aggressive behaviour of health professionals in home care services and the role of persons with dementia
Authors: Schnelli Angela , Mayer Hanna , Ott Stefan , Zeller Adelheid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore the view of health professionals on the form and frequency of aggressive behaviour of clients against health professionals in home care services.DesignAn explorative cross‐sectional survey was conducted.MethodsWe conducted a survey using the Survey of Violence Experienced by Staff German version Revised (SOVES‐G‐R) and the Impact of Patient Aggression on Carers Scale (IMPACS). A convenience sample of 852 healthcare professionals from German‐speaking Switzerland participated. Data collection was conducted between July–October 2019. Data were analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics.ResultsOf the health professionals, 78.9% (N = 672) experienced aggressive behaviour since they worked in home care services. The most frequent aggressive behaviour was verbal aggression (75.6%, N = 644), while the most common predisposing factor was restriction in cognitive ability (71.3%, N = 67). Fear, burden and impairment of nursing relationship were common consequences of aggressive behaviour.
Feasibility study of using unbalanced embryos as a reference to distinguish euploid carrier from noncarrier embryos by single nucleotide polymorphism array for reciprocal translocations
Authors: Li Rong , Wang Jing , Gu Ailing , Xu Yan , Guo Jing , Pan Jiafu , Zeng Yanhong , Ma Yuanlin , Zhou Canquan , Xu Yanwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo study the feasibility of using unbalanced embryos as a reference in distinguishing euploid carrier and noncarrier embryos by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array‐based preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for reciprocal translocations.MethodsAfter comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS), euploid embryos were identified as normal or carriers using a family member as a reference. Next, unbalanced embryos were used as a reference, and the results were compared with the previous ones. Karyotypes of transferred embryos were validated by prenatal diagnosis.ResultsOf 995 embryos from 110 couples, 288 were found to be euploid. Using a family member as a reference, 142 and 144 embryos were tested to be euploid noncarrier and carrier respectively, and the remaining 2 embryos were undetermined. When unbalanced embryos were selected as references, all the results were consistent with the previous ones. A total of 107 embryos were transferred, resulting in 66 clinical pregnancies. Karyotypes of prenatal diagnosis were all in accordance with the results of tested embryos.ConclusionsSNP array‐based haplotyping is a rapid and effective way to distinguish between euploid carrier and noncarrier embryos. In case no family member is available as a reference, unbalanced embryos can be used for identification of euploid carrier and noncarrier embryos.
Mechanical property variance amongst vertical fused filament fabricated specimens via four different printing methods
Authors: Davies Richard , Yi Nan , McCutchion Paul , Ghita Oana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAmongst additive manufacturing processes, fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most affordable and cost‐efficient technologies that can produce complex shaped components with an increasing number of printable polymers such as the polyaryletherketone family, polyetherimide and polyphenylene sulfide. Despite the gain in popularity, there is a lack of standardisation in specimen preparation and mechanical testing of FFF samples. This study investigates the effect of different methods of printing vertical tensile specimens on the mechanical properties when the material and the printing parameters are fixed. A slow crystallising polyetherketoneketone grade was selected as the printing material to exclude the effect of crystallisation on the interlayer bonding strength, leaving the temperature‐dependent amorphous molecular diffusion across the layers as the governing mechanism. Vertical tensile specimens made by four printing methods – individually printed, machined and connected (based on ISO 527‐2‐1A and ISO 527‐2‐1BA) – were assessed. Individually printed vertical specimens were found to have the highest mean tensile strength, owing to the high level of diffusion induced by the very short layer time. The strengths of specimens printed via the other three methods are less sensitive to the effect of layer time, due to the lower rate of change during cooling and its relationship with the local temperature at the interlayer surface. This study highlights the importance of the disclosure of FFF printing methods along with any reported mechanical data. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Role of Runx2 in prostate development and stem cell function
Authors: Li Yan , Ge Chunxi , Franceschi Renny T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundRUNX2, a critical transcription factor in bone development, is also expressed in prostate and breast where it has been linked to cancer progression and cancer stem cells. However, its role in normal prostate biology has not been previously examined.MethodsSelective growth of murine prostate epithelium under non‐adherent conditions was used to enrich for stem cells. Expression of runt domain transcription factors, stem cell and prostate marker messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Effects of Runx2 loss and gain‐of‐function on prostate epithelial cells were assessed using cells isolated fromRunx2loxp/loxpmice transduced with Adeno‐Cre or by Adeno‐Runx2 transduction of wild type cells. Cellular distribution of RUNX2 and prostate‐associated proteins was assessed using immunofluorescence microscopy. In vivo Runx2 knock out was achieved by tamoxifen treatment ofNkx3.1CreERT; Runx2loxp/loxpmice.ResultsProstate epithelium‐derived spheroids, which are enriched in stem cells, were shown to contain elevated levels of Runx2 mRNA. Spheroid formation requiredRunx2since adenovirus‐Cre mediated knockout of Runx2 in prostatic epithelial cells fromRunx2loxp/loxpmice severely reduced spheroid formation and stem cell markers while Runx2 overexpression was stimulatory. In vivo,Runx2was detected during early prostate development (E16.5) and in adult mice where it was present in basal and luminal cells of ventral and anterior lobes. Prostate‐selective deletion ofRunx2in tamoxifen‐treatedNkx3.1CreERT; Runx2loxp/loxpmice severely inhibited growth and maturation of tubules in the anterior prostate and reduced expression of stem cell markers and prostate‐associated genes.ConclusionThis study demonstrates an important role for Runx2 in prostate development that may be explained by actions in prostate epithelial stem cells.
MD simulation reveals differential binding of Cm(III) and Th(IV) with serum transferrin at acidic pH
Authors: Mishra Lokpati , Sundararajan Mahesh , Bandyopadhyay Tusar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe iron carrier human serum transferrin (sTf) is known to transport other metals, including some actinides (An). Radiotoxic An are routinely involved in the nuclear fuel cycle and the possibility of their accidental exposure cannot be ruled out. Understanding An interaction with sTf assumes a greater significance for the development of safe and efficacious chelators for their removal from the blood stream. Here we report several 100 ns equilibrium MD simulations of Cm(III)‐ and Th(IV)‐loaded sTf at various protonation states of the protein to explore the possibility of the two An ions release and speciation. The results demonstrate variation in protonation state of dilysine pair (K206 and K296) and the tyrosine (Y188) residue is necessary for the opening of Cm(III)‐bound protein and the release of the ion. For the tetravalent thorium, protonation of dilysine pair suffices to cause conformational changes of protein. However, in none of the protonation states, Th(IV) releases from sTf because of its strong electrostatic interaction with D63 in the first shell of the sTf binding cleft. Analysis of hydrogen bond, water bridge, and the evaluation of potential of mean forces of the An ions' release from sTf, substantiate the differential behavior of Cm(III) and Th(IV) at endosomal pH. The results provide insight in the regulation of Cm(III) and Th(IV) bioavailability that may prove useful for effective design of their decorporating agents and as well may help the future design of radiotherapy based on tetravalent ions.
An information fusion reliability allocation method considering limited sample size circumstances
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Han Yu , Li Wenbo , Liu Gen , Liu Chengrui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs an essential part in product reliability design procedure, reliability allocation can connect the reliability index between the overall product and its multiple subsystems. To obtain a reasonable reliability allocation scheme, especially for limited sample size circumstances commonly encountered in aeronautic and astronautic fields, an information fusion allocation method is constructed in the current study. Grey relational analysis (GRA) is incorporated to analyze objective data, while analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is introduced to implement subjective data analysis. Then a final allocation scheme is derived by fusion of the binary information sources. A real application regarding an aeronautic product reliability allocation is given. The sensitivity of allocation result to limited life information circumstances and comparative analysis with reference methods are implemented to demonstrate the reasonability and effectiveness.
Using gas‐phase chloride attachment for selective detection of morphine in a morphine/codeine mixture by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Valadbeigi Younes , Ilbeigi Vahideh 
Published: January 2021

RationaleMorphine and codeine are two important compounds of the opiate family that have vast applications in medicine. Several techniques have been reported for the determination of these opiates. Although ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in positive ion mode can be applied for detection of both morphine and codeine, this technique on its own cannot detect a mixture of these two compounds because of the overlapping of their peaks.MethodsAn IMS instrument equipped with a corona discharge ion source operating in negative ion mode was used for the detection of anionic clusters of morphine and codeine. In normal negative ion mode, NOx−, CO3−, and On−act as the main reactant ions (RIs) which can deprotonate the analytes. We also used chloroform as a dopant to produce Cl−as an alternative RI.ResultsMorphine has a phenolic and an alcoholic OH group, while codeine bears only an alcoholic OH group. Because the phenolic OH group is more acidic, only morphine is deprotonated in negative ion mode in a morphine/codeine mixture. Furthermore, since morphine has two OH groups that can act as hydrogen‐bond donors, it acts as an anion receptor. Hence, in the presence of chloroform where Cl−acts as the RI, morphine traps the Cl−anion to form a morphine–Cl−(Mor.Cl−) adduct ion, while because of its structure codeine does not have this capability.ConclusionsUsing the difference in the structures of morphine and codeine, two ionization methods were proposed for selective detection of morphine. Morphine is more acidic than codeine and has greater anion‐receiving capability than codeine. Hence, it can both be deprotonated and form a adduct anion with Cl−. The Cl−attachment method is recommended for measurements at ambient temperature.
Are students in Italy really disinterested in science? A person‐centered approach using the PISA 2015 data
Authors: Radišić Jelena , Selleri Patrizia , Carugati Felice , Baucal Aleksandar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSeen as one of the essential domains for active citizenship, examining how students relate to science has become crucial. Based on a person‐centered approach, this article investigates self‐related dispositions and motivation in science using the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data set. By employing a latent profile analysis, student profiles were investigated among 11,583 15‐year‐old‐students in Italy. Five distinct student groups were identified. The index of economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS), immigrant background, gender, study programs, and the accompanying learning environment were also inspected. Each group was observed against particular subdomains in science competence in line with the PISA framework and environmental awareness. The results indicate the profiles differed on the examined covariates and showed distinct patterns relative to achievement and environmental awareness. However, differences in achievement between the profiles could not be explained by students’ variability in immigrant background or ESCS across the examined groups.
A depth‐based global envelope test for comparing two groups of functions with applications to biomedical data
Authors: Lopez‐Pintado Sara , Qian Kun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFunctional data are commonly observed in many emerging biomedical fields and their analysis is an exciting developing area in statistics. Numerous statistical methods, such as principal components, analysis of variance, and linear regression, have been extended to functional data. The statistical analysis of functions can be significantly improved using nonparametric and robust estimators. New ideas of depth for functional data have been proposed in recent years and can be extended to image data. They provide a way of ordering curves or images from center‐outward, and of defining robust order statistics in a functional context. In this paper we develop depth‐based global envelope tests for comparing two groups of functions or images. In addition to providing globalP‐values, the proposed envelope test can be displayed graphically and indicates the specific portion(s) of the functional data (eg, in pixels or in time) that may have led to rejection of the null hypothesis. We show in a simulation study the performance of the envelope test in terms of empirical power and size in different scenarios. The proposed depth‐based global approach has good power even for small differences and is robust to outliers. The methodology introduced is applied to test whether children with normal and low birth weight have similar growth pattern. We also analyzed a brain image dataset consisting of positron emission tomography scans of severe depressed patients and healthy controls. The global envelope test was used to find and visualize differences between the two groups.
Green Synthesized Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Momordica charantia for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Pd2+ and Fe3+
Authors: Dong Yan , Zhang Yudong , Zhi Shumin , Yang Xueyun , Yao Cheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA facile and rapid fluorescent sensing system for palladium ion (Pd2+) and iron ion (Fe3+) has been established based on carbon dots (CDs) using fresh Momordica charantia as the sole precursor via a one‐step hydrothermal treatment. The added Pd2+ and Fe3+ lead to the fluorescence quenching of CDs due to the static quenching effect (SQE). Such fluorescence response can be quenched by Pd2+ and Fe3+ in the linear ranges of 0–325 μM and 0–150 μM. Meanwhile, this sensing system exhibits good selectivity and sensitivity toward Pd2+ and Fe3+ over other analytes with low detection limits of 0.348 μM and 0.175 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed sensing system has been successfully used for Pd2+ and Fe3+ in tap and environmental water and the recoveries range from 96.25 % to 107.3 %. The results mentioned above demonstrate its great promise as a practical platform for Pd2+ and Fe3+ sensing in aqueous media.