bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

PurposeIt 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThis 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

AbstractObjectivesRecommended 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.MethodsWe 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).ResultsConventional 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.ConclusionsWithin 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

AbstractObjectiveConsistent 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.MethodsFollowing 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.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionsThe 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

IntroductionPelvic 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.MethodsWe 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.Results229 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.ConclusionThe 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

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

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

AimsTo 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsOral 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

AimsInterstitial 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.MethodsFemale 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.ResultsCYP‐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.ConclusionsSympathetic 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

PurposeThe 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 MethodsWe 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.ResultsAlthough 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.ConclusionsWe 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

AimsMechanosensitivity 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.MethodsSix 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.ResultsSix 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.ConclusionsOur 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

AimWe 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.MethodsRandomized 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.ResultsFive 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.ConclusionThe 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

AbstractTriple‐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.