bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and treatment of female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Dobberfuhl Amy D. 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionPelvic radiotherapy is associated with both acute and chronic voiding dysfunction. A review of the success and complications of surgical treatments for female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy has not been summarized in the published literature.MethodsA systematic review of female stress urinary incontinence after pelvic radiotherapy was conducted using MeSH terminology (1988‐2018).ResultsThere is limited published literature on the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women following pelvic radiotherapy. Long term indwelling urethral catheter should be avoided in all women given the risk of iatrogenic hypospadias. Surgical treatments can be classified into those for the intact versus failed outlet. Urethral bulking injections have been studied in a prospective fashion specifically in women with stress urinary incontinence after radiotherapy and although not randomized, have the highest level of evidence. Patients should be screened for a history of prior radiotherapy before considering sling placement. Artificial urinary sphincter is associated with a high rate of erosion after prior radiotherapy. The role of Burch colposuspension in patients with prior radiotherapy is poorly defined. Urinary diversion should be considered for patients with a devastated outlet.ConclusionsSince the long‐term effects of radiotherapy on lower urinary tract voiding function are typically irreversible and progressive, further research is needed to mitigate the adverse effects of irradiation and identify more durable treatment options for women with radiation induced bladder dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence.
Risk of prolapse and urinary complications in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor using clean intermittent catheterization versus Valsalva voiding
Authors: El Akri Mehdi , Brochard Charlène , Hascoet Juliette , Jezequel Magali , Alimi Quentin , Khene Zine‐eddine , Richard Claire , Bonan Isabelle , Kerdraon Jacques , Gamé Xavier , Manunta Andrea , Siproudhis Laurent , Peyronnet Benoit 
Published: October 2018

AimsTo assess the relative risks of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary complications in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor voiding with Valsalva versus those using clean‐intermittent catheterization (CIC).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis including all spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor with a minimum follow‐up of 12 months. Patients were then divided in two groups according to their bladder management: voiding with Valsalva versus CIC. The primary endpoint was any de novo or worsened rectal and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) diagnosed during follow‐up. The secondary outcome was urinary complications defined as febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) and/or urolithiasis and/or renal failure.ResultsFifty‐five patients (50.9% were males) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 28 voiding with Valsalva and 27 performing CIC. At baseline, the rates of vaginal prolapse (44.4% vs 50%; P = 0.99), and rectal prolapse/intussusception (25.9% vs 21.4%; P = 0.76) were similar in both groups. After a median follow‐up of 80.6 and 65.6 months, respectively (P = 0.29), the rate of de novo or worsened rectal prolapse/intussusception was higher in the Valsalva voiding group than in the CIC group (32.1% vs 3.7%; P = 0.01). De novo or worsened vaginal prolapses were also more common in the Valsalva voiding group, but it did not reach statistical significance (33.3% vs 11.1%; P = 0.29).ConclusionsValsalva voiding might be harmful in adult spina bifida patients with neurogenic acontractile detrusor as it may increase the risk of rectal prolapse/intussusception. Overall, the prevalence of POP and rectal prolapse was high in both groups.
Mirabegron as a treatment for overactive bladder symptoms in men (MIRACLE study): Efficacy and safety results from a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel comparison phase IV study
Authors: Shin Dong Gil , Kim Hyeon Woo , Yoon Sang Jin , Song Sang Hoon , Kim Young Ho , Lee Young Goo , Joo Kwan Joong , Bae Jae Hyun , Kang Taek Won , Jeong Seong Jin , Woo Seung Hyo , Yoo Eun Sang , Son Hwancheol , Koo Kyo Chul , Kim Soo Woong 
Published: October 2018

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron in males with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.MethodsIn total, 464 males with OAB symptoms were enrolled from 14 institutes and were sorted into either the mirabegron 50 mg (n = 310) or placebo (n = 154) groups. The change in (i) the mean number of 24‐h micturition episodes; (ii) OAB Symptom Scale (OABSS); and (iii) International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment were compared between the two groups. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events, blood pressure, pulse rate, postvoid residual volume, and maximum urinary flow rate. After 12 weeks, the study was extended for 14 additional weeks by administering mirabegron 50 mg to both groups.ResultsThe reduction in the mean number of 24‐h micturition episodes from baseline to 12 weeks of treatment was similar between the two groups. However, significantly greater changes from baseline to 12 weeks were observed in total OABSS, OABSS urgency incontinence score (Q4), IPSS storage subscore (Q2 + Q4 + Q7), and IPSS urgency score (Q4) in the mirabegron group (P = 0.01 for all). According to the extended study, the changes of all efficacy variables from baseline to 26 weeks were similar between both groups. The safety assessment results were also similar between the two groups at 12 and 26 weeks.ConclusionA daily 50 mg dose of mirabegron for 12 weeks reduced OAB symptoms in men, and no significant adverse events compared to the placebo group were noted.
Prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence 6 years after first delivery
Authors: Johannessen Hege H. , Stafne Signe N. , Falk Ragnhild S. , Stordahl Arvid , Wibe Arne , Mørkved Siv 
Published: October 2018

AimsThe main aim of the present study, was to explore prevalence and predictors of anal incontinence (AI) experienced 6 years after first delivery.MethodsIn this longitudinal prospective cohort study, participants in a previous study answered questions about AI 6 years after first delivery using postal or digital questionnaires. Prevalence of AI was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied.ResultsA total of 731 (48%) of the original participants who gave birth to their first child between May 2009 and December 2010 responded 6 years after first delivery. There was a significant reduction in reports of one or more AI symptoms from late pregnancy (33%; 95%CI: 30.3, 37.2) to 6 years after first delivery (21%; 95%CI:18.4, 24.4, P = 0.028). Older age at first delivery, BMI (≥35), active bowel disease, and previous problems with bowel evacuation and urgency when going to the toilet predicted AI at 6 years. Long‐term AI was also associated with instrumental first delivery (Odds ratio (OR):1.8; 95%CI:1.1, 2.8) and sustaining a perianal tear grade three or four at first delivery (OR:3.0; 95%CI:1.3, 6.8).ConclusionsPrevalence of AI was significantly reduced from late pregnancy, still 21% experienced AI 6 years after first delivery. Findings from the present study indicate that an added focus on modifiable risk factors for AI such as BMI, OASIS and history of PFDs increase the risk of AI in the long term, may be beneficial in reducing incontinence problems the short‐ and long‐term.
Recommendations for conducting invasive urodynamics for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: Qualitative interview findings from a large randomized controlled trial (UPSTREAM)
Authors: Selman Lucy E. , Ochieng Cynthia A. , Lewis Amanda L. , Drake Marcus J. , Horwood Jeremy 
Published: October 2018

AimsTo capture in‐depth qualitative evidence regarding attitudes to and experiences of urodynamic testing among men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at each end of the clinical pathway.MethodsSemi‐structured interview study conducted within the Urodynamics for Prostate Surgery: Randomized Evaluation of Assessment Methods (UPSTREAM) trial, which randomized men to a care pathway including urodynamics or routine non‐invasive tests from 26 secondary care urology sites across England. Men were interviewed after assessments but prior to treatment, or after surgery for LUTS. Men were purposively sampled to include those who had urodynamics and those who did not, and diversity in demographic characteristics and symptom burden. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsForty‐one men participated (25 pre‐treatment, 16 post‐surgery), ages 52‐89. The 16 men who had not previously experienced urodynamics said they would accept the test in their assessment, but some were apprehensive or wanted more information. The 25 men who had experienced urodynamics all found it acceptable, though some reported pain, infection, or embarrassment. Embarrassment was minimized by informing patients what the procedure would be like, and ensuring privacy. Urodynamics was valued for its perceived diagnostic insight. Information deficits were reported before, during, and after the test. How and when results were explained and the adequacy of explanations varied.ConclusionsUrodynamics is acceptable to men with LUTS and generally well‐tolerated. To ensure patients are prepared and informed, good communication before and during the procedure is essential. Privacy should be prioritized, and test results discussed promptly and in sufficient detail. Staff require training and guidance in these areas.
Dominant vibration modes for broadband frequency analysis of multiscale structures with numerous local vibration modes
Authors: Ezvan Olivier , Zeng Xiaoshu , Ghanem Roger , Gencturk Bora 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, an extension of modal analysis in linear computational structural dynamics is presented to deal with complex structures characterized by the presence of numerous local vibration modes and for which the high modal density leads to high‐dimension reduced‐order models. These local modes consist of isolated vibrations that are dissociated from the global vibrations of the structure skeleton and that turn out to often be of negligible contribution to the global dynamics. Therefore, an automatic mode sorting procedure is proposed to extract the dominant modes that represent the global dynamics of the skeleton. Next, an alternative filtering methodology based on a modified eigenvalue problem is presented, which allows to build, a priori, a small‐dimension reduced‐order basis of dominant global modes. The two methods are compared to classic modal analysis using three applications, namely, a heterogeneous plate, a simplified nuclear fuel assembly, and a detailed boiling water reactor fuel assembly.
Finite element approximations for near‐incompressible and near‐inextensible transversely isotropic bodies
Authors: Rasolofoson F. , Grieshaber B. J. , Reddy B. D. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis work comprises a detailed theoretical and computational study of the boundary value problem for transversely isotropic linear elastic bodies. General conditions for well‐posedness are derived in terms of the material parameters. The discrete form of the displacement problem is formulated for conforming finite element approximations. The error estimate reveals that anisotropy can play a role in minimising or even eliminating locking behaviour for moderate values of the ratio of Young's moduli in the fibre and transverse directions. In addition to the standard conforming approximation, an alternative formulation, involving under‐integration of the volumetric and extensional terms in the weak formulation, is considered. The latter is equivalent to either a mixed or a perturbed Lagrangian formulation, analogously to the well‐known situation for the volumetric term. A set of numerical examples confirms the locking‐free behaviour in the near‐incompressible limit of the standard formulation with moderate anisotropy, with locking behaviour being clearly evident in the case of near‐inextensibility. On the other hand, under‐integration of the extensional term leads to extensional locking‐free behaviour, with convergence at superlinear rates.
Accurate control and characterization of Cu depletion layer for highly efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Nishimura Takahito , Sugiura Hiroki , Nakada Kazuyoshi , Yamada Akira 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe unintentional formation of a Cu depletion layer (CDL) on the surface of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 was observed in 1993, and CDLs have been expected to improve the performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. However, methods of controlling CDLs have hitherto been unavailable. For the first time, we succeeded in controlling a uniform CDL on a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 surface by introducing irradiation with Se into the typical three‐stage growth process of Cu(In,Ga)Se2. We discuss the characterization and effects on device performance of CDLs. A uniform, smooth CDL with a thickness of 200 nm was formed at a Se irradiation time of 5 minutes, whereas the CDL formed at an irradiation time of 10 minutes was rough and non‐uniform. A maximum efficiency of 19.8% was achieved at an irradiation time of 5 minutes via the formation of a complete CDL. This simple, unique method may help to maximize efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.
Effects of depressive symptomatology on cancer‐related symptoms during oral oncolytic treatment
Authors: Decker Veronica , Sikorskii Alla , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara A. , Vachon Eric , Krauss John C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis manuscript assesses association between depressive symptoms and symptoms from cancer and its treatment during the first 12 weeks of a new oral oncolytic treatment.MethodsThis secondary analysis used data from a recently completed trial of an intervention to improve adherence to oral oncolytic treatment and manage symptoms. Following the initiation of the new oral oncolytic medication, 272 patients were interviewed at intake and weeks 4, 8, and 12 to assess depressive symptoms, and symptoms from cancer and its treatment. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression (CES‐D20). The summed index of 18 cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms as well as the number of symptoms above threshold at intake, weeks 4, 8, and 12 were related to intake and time‐varying CES‐D20 using linear mixed effects models.ResultsDepressive symptomatology was a significant predictor of cancer‐related and treatment‐related symptoms at all‐time points, but the strength of this relationship was greatest at the time of oral oncolytic agent initiation and at week 4. The strength of this relationship was the same for both summed symptom severity index and the number of symptoms above threshold, and using either intake or time‐varying CES‐D20.ConclusionIntroducing strategies to treat and manage symptoms of depression along with other symptoms might have added benefits among patients who start a new oral oncolytic treatment and report modest to higher levels of depressive symptoms. Assessments for the impact of strategies to lower depressive symptoms can be taken within the first 4 weeks.
Balance exercise facilitates everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis: A qualitative study
Authors: Carling Anna , Nilsagård Ylva , Forsberg Anette 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this qualitative study was to describe the experience and perceived effects on everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis after participating in a balance exercise programme focusing on core stability, dual tasking, and sensory strategies (the CoDuSe programme).MethodsA qualitative approach was chosen, using face‐to‐face interviews analysed with content analysis. Twenty‐seven people with multiple sclerosis (20 women, 7 men) who had participated in the CoDuSe programme were included. All could walk 20 m with or without walking aids but could not walk further than 200 m. The CoDuSe programme was given twice weekly during a 7‐week period.ResultsThe analysis revealed five categories. Learning to activate the core muscles described how the participants gained knowledge of using their core muscles and transferred this core muscle activation into everyday life activities. Improved bodily confidence covered narratives of being more certain of the ability to control their bodies. Easier and safer activities showed how they could now perform activities in everyday life more safely and easily. Increased independence and participation involved the participants' improved ability and self‐confidence to execute activities by themselves, as well as their increased participation in activities in daily living. Experiences of the balance exercise programme revealed that they found the programme novel and challenging.The overall theme was balance exercise facilitates everyday life.ConclusionParticipating in the CoDuSe programme was perceived to facilitate everyday life for people with multiple sclerosis. Taking part in the balance exercise programme taught the participants how to activate and use the core muscles, which increased their bodily confidence. Having increased bodily confidence helped them to perform everyday life activities with more ease and safety, which increased their independence and participation. The participants described the CoDuSe programme as novel and challenging, yet feasible.
Distinctive structural motifs co‐ordinate the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole in the alpha/beta‐hydrolase fold enzymes
Authors: Dimitriou Polytimi S. , Denesyuk Alexander I. , Nakayama Toru , Johnson Mark S. , Denessiouk Konstantin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe alpha/beta‐hydrolases (ABH) are among the largest structural families of proteins that are found in nature. Although they vary in their sequence and function, the ABH enzymes use a similar acid–base‐nucleophile catalytic mechanism to catalyze reactions on different substrates. Because ABH enzymes are biocatalysts with a wide range of potential applications, protein engineering has taken advantage of their catalytic versatility to develop enzymes with industrial applications. This study is a comprehensive analysis of 40 ABH enzyme families focusing on two identified substructures: the nucleophile zone and the oxyanion zone, which co‐ordinate the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole, and independently reported as critical for the enzymatic activity. We also frequently observed an aromatic cluster near the nucleophile and oxyanion zones, and opposite the ligand‐binding site. The nucleophile zone, the oxyanion zone and the residue cluster enriched in aromatic side chains comprise a three‐dimensional structural organization that shapes the active site of ABH enzymes and plays an important role in the enzymatic function by structurally stabilizing the catalytic nucleophile and the residues of the oxyanion hole. The structural data support the notion that the aromatic cluster can participate in co‐ordination of the catalytic histidine loop, and properly place the catalytic histidine next to the catalytic nucleophile.
Robust adaptive vibration control for a string with time‐varying output constraint
Authors: He Wei , Jing Zhe , He Xiuyu , Liu Jin‐Kun , Sun Changyin 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we present the vibration control design for a string with the boundary time‐varying output constraint. The dynamics of the string is a distributed parameter system described by a partial differential equation and two ordinary differential equations. A barrier Lyapunov function with a logarithmic function is adopted to prevent the time‐varying constraint violations. Adaptive control is designed to handle the system parametric uncertainties. Stability analysis and the solvability of the inequality equations are provided. Numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control design.
Data‐driven, robust output regulation in finite time for LTI systems
Authors: de Carolis Giovanni , Galeani Sergio , Sassano Mario 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a novel data‐driven approach is proposed to obtain output regulation for linear systems in finite time, requiring only limited information about the plant and the exosystem. The resulting regulator is robust because it does not rely on the knowledge of perturbed or even nominal plant parameters. Finite‐time regulation is achieved, combining the use of the external‐model technique with the deadbeat controller design. The core of the method lies in an error‐feedback reset logic for the state of the external model to compensate for the contribution of the exosystem on the plant output response, then an ancillary control law is introduced to steer the error to zero in a preassigned time interval, trading‐off between convergence rate, and control effort.
Unknown input observer‐based robust adaptive funnel motion control for nonlinear servomechanisms
Authors: Wang Shubo , Na Jing , Ren Xuemei , Yu Haisheng , Yu Jinpeng 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, an unknown input observer is proposed for servomechanisms with unknown dynamics (eg, nonlinear friction, parameter uncertainties, and external disturbance). An unknown input observer is developed by introducing auxiliary filtered variables in terms of first‐order low‐pass filters, where only one constant (filter parameter) needs to be tuned. A modified funnel variable is developed by using the tracking error to replace the scaling factor to improve the transient and steady‐state performance of the control systems. Then, a sliding mode surface with the new transformed error is defined and used to design a funnel nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller to achieve finite‐time convergence. In addition, the proposed funnel nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller method avoids the singularity problem in the conventional sliding mode control via modifying the terminal sliding manifold. Finally, experimental results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the suggested control scheme.
Iterative learning control for noninstantaneous impulsive fractional‐order systems with varying trial lengths
Authors: Liu Shengda , Wang JinRong , Shen Dong , O'Regan D. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryIn this paper, we propose five iterative learning control (ILC) schemes for noninstantaneous impulsive fractional‐order systems with randomly varying trial lengths. We introduce a domain alignment operator to establish a rigorous convergence analysis for nonlinear fractional‐order systems. This operator guarantees that the input, state, output, and tracking error are constrained in a function space that is designed in advance. Moreover, with the help of this operator, we extend the conventional ILC scheme from discrete systems to continuous and algebraic systems with incorporating redundant tracking information. In addition, nonlinear ILC schemes are also presented with a geometric analysis concept. All proposed schemes are shown to be convergent to the desired tracking trajectory. Two illustrative examples are provided to verify the theoretical results.