bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of bulking agents for stress urinary incontinence in older patients
Authors: Plotti Francesco , Montera Roberto , Terranova Corrado , Luvero Daniela , Marrocco Francesca , Miranda Andrea , Gatti Alessandra , De Cicco Nardone Carlo , Angioli Roberto , Scaletta Giuseppe 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Objective:
Implantation of bulking agents represents a noninvasive procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in all patients where a more invasive procedure may increase perioperative risks. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy over time of bulking agent implantation. As secondary aims, we evaluated long-term (patients’ subjective) satisfaction rate, rate of de novo urinary symptoms, and the impact of urinary incontinence on the quality of life.

Methods:
All patients who underwent implantation of bulking agents between 1999 and 2013 at Campus Bio-Medico of Rome were retrospectively considered eligible for this study. Patients were interviewed using two standardized questionnaires: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and Patient Global Impression of Improvement. Cure rate, improvement rate, failure rate, and the onset of new symptoms were also investigated through specific questions. The original group of patients was then divided into two subgroups according to follow-up time (group A: shorter than median follow-up; group B: longer than median follow-up).

Results:
Sixty-three patients were enrolled. Mean follow-up was 8.3 ± 3.5 years with a range of 3.5 to 18 years. Fifteen (24%) cured patients (cure rate), 12 (19%) improved patients (improvement rate), 36 (57%) failed treatment (failure rate). We reported an overall success rate of 43%. No differences were reported among groups in terms of overall success rate (42% vs 44% for group A and group B, respectively).

Conclusions:
Bulking agent implantation is an effective treatment for people with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (type III SUI) and it is a valid alternative to more invasive surgeries in older patients. Moreover, it shows an overall success rate (43%) that remains high even after many years.
Genetic Requirement of talin1 for Proliferation of Cranial Neural Crest Cells during Palate Development
Authors: Ishii Kana , Mukherjee Kusumika , Okada Takashi , Liao Eric C. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Craniofacial malformations are among the most common congenital anomalies. Cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) form craniofacial structures involving multiple cellular processes, perturbations of which contribute to craniofacial malformations. Adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix mediates bidirectional interactions of the cells with their extracellular environment that plays an important role in craniofacial morphogenesis. Talin (tln) is crucial in cell-matrix adhesion between cells, but its role in craniofacial morphogenesis is poorly understood.

Methods:
Talin gene expression was determined by whole mount in situ hybridization. Craniofacial cartilage and muscles were analyzed by Alcian blue in Tg(mylz2:mCherry) and by transmission electron microscopy. Pulse-chase photoconversion, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays were performed for functional analysis.

Results:
Expression of tln1 was observed in the craniofacial cartilage structures, including the palate. The Meckel’s cartilage was hypoplastic, the palate was shortened, and the craniofacial muscles were malformed in tln1 mutants. Pulse-chase and EdU assays during palate morphogenesis revealed defects in CNCC proliferation in mutants. No defects were observed in CNCC migration and apoptosis.

Conclusions:
The work shows that tln1 is critical for craniofacial morphogenesis in zebrafish. Loss of tln1 leads to a shortened palate and Meckel’s cartilage along with disorganized skeletal muscles. Investigations into the cellular processes show that tln1 is required for CNCC proliferation during palate morphogenesis. The work will lead to a better understanding of the involvement of cytoskeletal proteins in craniofacial morphogenesis.
Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy following Gluteal Augmentation With Autologous Fat Grafting
Authors: Vasilakis Vasileios , Hamade Malack , Stavrides Steven A. , Davenport Thomas A. 
Published: March 2018

Summary:
As gluteal augmentation continues to gain in popularity among patients seeking aesthetic enhancements, a thorough knowledge of the postoperative complications associated with this procedure is crucial. This case report concerns a 31-year-old woman who suffered bilateral foot drop secondary to sciatic neuropathy and as a result was wheelchair-bound for several months, following gluteal autologous fat grafting in the Dominical Republic. One year later, the patient had persistent left foot drop and sensory deficits. This is a devastating but seldom reported complication that all plastic surgeons need to be aware of when performing this operation.
Surface Areas of Textured Breast Implants: Implications for the Biofilm Theory of Capsule Formation
Authors: Brown Tim 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Increased surface area of mammary implants is suggested as a causative agent for the development of biofilms, which may lead to capsular contraction. The aim of this study was to quantify the surface areas of round implants of different textures and examine how these data can be interpreted with regard to clinical observation.

Methods:
Surface areas of textured round breast implants were calculated from previously reported confocal scanning microscopic assessment, and dimensions sourced from 3 breast implant manufacturers (McGhan, Mentor, and Silimed). Statistical comparisons were made between manufacturers for different implant volumes, profiles, and texturing.

Results:
There was a difference in surface area between manufacturers for all implant profiles and between manufacturers for equivalent volume implants (F (3, 253) = 2,828.87; P < 0.001). Silimed polyurethane implants (mean area = 6.12 × 106 mm2) was the highest. Natrelle (mean area = 1.2 × 106 mm2) was the next highest, followed by Siltex (mean area = 4.8 × 105 mm2). Mentor smooth implants (mean area = 4 × 104 mm2) had the lowest mean surface area. There were no differences in surface area between the different profiles for Siltex, Silimed polyurethane, and Mentor smooth implants of the same volume.

Conclusions:
The increased surface area produced by texturing, although different between manufacturers, seems to provide protection against capsular contraction. Correlation with clinical data indicates that the surface area alone cannot account for these differences. Smooth implants, which have the smallest surface area have the highest incidence of capsular contraction. These data are at odds with the biofilm theory of capsular contraction.
Partial Versus Total Trapeziectomy Thumb Arthroplasty: An Expertise-based Feasibility Study
Authors: Thoma Achilleas , Levis Carolyn , Patel Pinkal , Murphy Jessica , Duku Eric 
Published: March 2018

Background:
There are numerous surgical techniques for the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, however, controversy exists as to whether outcomes differ between techniques. This feasibility study aimed to determine if a large-scale, health-related quality of life and functional outcomes study comparing 2 surgical techniques, complete trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (T + LRTI) versus partial trapeziectomy and tendon interposition (PT + TI) arthroplasty, is possible.

Methods:
Patients with advanced stage arthritis (Eaton stages II–IV) of the thumb were invited to undergo either T + LRTI or PT + TI at 1 of the 2 hand surgery practices. Feasibility outcomes included: (1) Process: recruitment rate; (2) Resources: eligibility rate, eligibility criteria, retention, and compliance rates (completion of health-related quality of life questionnaires, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol-5D-3L, and SF-36, and functional measurements, grip, key pinch, and tip pinch strength, at 1-week preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively); (3) Management: determining the practices’ commitment to the study; and (4) Scientific: calculation of the variances and treatment effect sizes (ES) of differences between procedures. Data from baseline measurements and 6-month follow-up were used for analysis.

Results:
Sixty patients were screened, of which 34 (57%) were eligible for surgery. Twenty-one (81%) of the 26 ineligible patients were excluded due to previous or additional planned surgical procedures on the same hand, particularly carpal tunnel release (n = 17). Twenty patients consented; 12 in the T + LRTI and 8 in the PT + TI group. The highest completion rate for the 3 questionnaires and the functional measurements, for both groups was at 6-month time point. Compliance rates for questionnaire completion at 6-months were calculated at 50% and 75% for the T + LRTI and PT + TI group, respectively. Functional measurement completion rate was 50% and 63% for T + LRTI and PT + TI groups, respectively. Treatment ES were group dependent, with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol-5D-3L usual activities and anxiety/depression showing a large ES in the PT + TI group; the T + LRTI group showed large ES in EQ-5D state of health today.

Conclusions:
Authors conclude that a large-scale study is feasible and dependent on: (1) increasing sample size to account for the high attrition rate; (2) liberalizing inclusion criteria to include patients with carpal tunnel syndrome; (3) allotting more time at follow-up visits to ensure completion of all measurements; and (4) increasing staff involvement (ie, develop rapport with patients and maintain stability with research assistants).
Repair of Exposed Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Tubes: Long-term Outcomes
Authors: Einan-Lifshitz Adi , Belkin Avner , Mathew David , Sorkin Nir , Chan Clara C. , Buys Yvonne M. , Trope Graham E. , Rootman David S. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose:
To assess the long-term outcomes of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) exposure repair with corneal lamellar patch graft covered by a buccal mucous membrane graft sutured to surrounding conjunctiva.

Methods:
In this retrospective longitudinal study, the charts of all patients who underwent buccal mucous membrane grafts combined with corneal lamellar patch grafts for exposed GDD tubes between the years 2006 to 2013 were reviewed. A minimum follow-up of 3 years was required for inclusion. Primary outcomes were categorized as complete success: adequate coverage throughout the study period without further intervention after 1 repair; qualified success: adequate coverage despite minor additional procedures (eg, suturing); failure: re-erosion of the GDD tube.

Results:
A total of 23 tube exposures were included. Average time from GDD insertion to first erosion was 54.0±38.9 months (range, 5 to 120). Complete success was achieved in 19 cases (82.6%), and qualified success in 1 case (4.3%). There were 3 failures (13.1%). Overall success (complete+qualified) after 1 or 2 buccal mucous membrane graft repairs was achieved in 22 of 23 cases (95.7%). Average follow-up time for the successful cases (complete+qualified) was 69.5±25.4 months (median, 72.5; range, 36 to 124). There was no difference in time to first erosion between the success (complete+qualified) and failure groups: 53.8±38.3 months (range, 5 to 120) and 62.3±51.6 months (range, 5 to 105), respectively (P=0.78).

Conclusions:
Buccal mucous membrane grafts in combination with a lamellar corneal patch graft is a viable surgical strategy for eroded GDDs, providing good long-term outcomes; however, later interventions may be needed.
The Benefits of Continuous Leisure Participation in Relocation Adjustment Among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: LIN Li-Jung , YEN Hsin-Yen 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:
The rising population of older adults is transforming Taiwan society. Although many long-term care facilities now operate for older adults, the transition from the home environment to long-term facilities may cause multiple issues, including relocation stress syndrome, for new residents. Autonomy is a critical element of the human experience. Leisure, as an expression of autonomy, has been shown to enhance self-image and promote feelings of competence and mastery.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between participation in leisure activities and adjustment to residential care using the continuity theory.

Methods:
One hundred sixty-three qualified individuals from 11 long-term care institutions were recruited and completed the questionnaire. The sampling criteria for the study were age (55+ years), appropriate cognitive skills, and residency (less than 5 years). Interviews conducted by trained interviewers were used to collect data. Measured outcomes included leisure participation; physical, psychological, and social adjustments; and background information. Cluster analysis, descriptive analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, and least significant difference test were used in analysis.

Results:
Type of admission (voluntary/mandated) and type of leisure participation significantly affected the level of relocation adjustment success. Four leisure behavior categories were identified, including reduced participation, expanded participation, active participation, and continuing participation. The participants in the active and continuing participation categories had significantly higher psychological adjustment than their peers in the reduced participation category. Moreover, the continuing participation category had a significantly better level of social adjustment than their expanded participation category peers. Continuous and active participation categories had a beneficial outcome in relocation adjustment.

Conclusions:
The findings support that, in general, residents of long-term care facilities who participate continuously in leisure activities adjust better psychologically and socially to their new life in these facilities than individuals in the other participation categories. As continuity of participation in leisure activities is important for successful aging, institutions should facilitate the continuing leisure behavior of new residents.
Neurological Sequelae and Clinical Outcomes After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Smith Patrick J. , Stonerock Gregory L. , Ingle Krista K. , Saulino Caroline K. , Hoffman Benson , Wasserman Brian , Blumenthal James A. , Palmer Scott M. , Klapper Jacob A. , Hartwig Matthew G. , Esposito Valentine R. , Snyder Laurie D. 
Published: March 2018

Background
Neurological complications are common after lung transplantation. However, no large cohort studies have examined the incidence, predictors, and clinical significance of neurological events sustained by lung transplant recipients.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of a consecutive series of lung transplant recipients, transplanted at Duke University Medical Center between May 2014 and February 2017 (n = 276). Early neurological complications (ie, occurring during the first week after transplant) were documented by transplant mental health specialists and included delirium, ischemic injury, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Analyses accounted for age, native disease, sex, type of transplant, lung allocation score, and primary graft dysfunction. The objectives of the study were to characterize the prevalence and predictors of early neurological sequelae (NSE), occurring during the first week posttransplant, and the association between NSE and subsequent clinical outcomes, including length of stay and mortality.

Results
Neurological sequelae were common, occurring in 123 (45%) patients. Fifty-seven patients died over a follow-up interval of 2.1 years. The most common NSE were postoperative delirium (n = 110 [40%]) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (n = 12 [4%]), followed by stroke/transient ischemic attack and neurotoxicity. Higher lung allocation score was the strongest predictor of delirium. The presence of a NSE was associated with longer length of hospital stay (32 days vs 17 days, P < 0.001) and greater mortality (hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.32], P = 0.024), with the greatest mortality risk occurring approximately 2 years after transplantation.

Conclusions
Neurological events are relatively common after lung transplantation and associated with adverse clinical outcomes.
An empirical test of the role of small-scale transmission in large-scale disease dynamics
Authors: Mihaljevic Joseph R. , Polivka Carlos M. , Mehmel Constance J. , Li Chentong , Dukic Vanja , Dwyer Greg 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA key assumption of models of infectious disease is that population-scale spread is driven by transmission between host individuals at small scales. This assumption, however, is rarely tested, likely because observing disease transmission between host individuals is non-trivial in many infectious diseases. Quantifying the transmission of insect baculoviruses at a small scale is in contrast straightforward. We fit a disease model to data from baculovirus epizootics (= epidemics in animals) at the scale of whole forests, while using prior parameter distributions constructed from branch-scale experiments. Our experimentally-constrained model fits the large-scale data very well, supporting the role of small-scale transmission mechanisms in baculovirus epizootics. We further compared our experimentally-based model to an unconstrained model that ignores our experimental data, serving as a proxy for models that include large-scale mechanisms. This analysis supports our hypothesis that small-scale mechanisms are important, especially individual variability in host susceptibility to the virus. Comparison of transmission rates in the two models, however, suggests that large-scale mechanisms increase transmission compared to our experimental estimates. Our study shows that small-scale and large-scale mechanisms drive forest-wide epizootics of baculoviruses, and that synthesizing mathematical models with data collected across scales is key to understanding the spread of infectious disease.
Emergent orientation selectivity from random networks in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Pattadkal J.J. , Mato G. , van Vreeswijk C. , Priebe N. J. , Hansel D. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryWe study the connectivity principles underlying the emergence of orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals lacking an orientation map. We present a computational model in which random connectivity gives rise to orientation selectivity that matches experimental observations. It predicts that mouse V1 neurons should exhibit intricate receptive fields in the two-dimensional frequency domain, causing shift in orientation preferences with spatial frequency. We find evidence for these features in mouse V1 using calcium imaging and intracellular whole cell recordings.
Third-generation in situ hybridization chain reaction: multiplexed, quantitative, sensitive, versatile, robust
Authors: Choi Harry M.T. , Schwarzkopf Maayan , Fornace Mark E. , Acharya Aneesh , Artavanis Georgios , Stegmaier Johannes , Cunha Alexandre , Pierce Niles A. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIn situ hybridization based on the mechanism of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) has addressed multi-decade challenges to imaging mRNA expression in diverse organisms, offering a unique combination of multiplexing, quantitation, sensitivity, resolution, and versatility. Here, with third-generation in situ HCR, we augment these capabilities using probes and amplifiers that combine to provide automatic background suppression throughout the protocol, ensuring that even if reagents bind non-specifically within the sample they will not generate amplified background. Automatic background suppression dramatically enhances performance and robustness, combining the benefits of higher signal-to-background with the convenience of using unoptimized probe sets for new targets and organisms. In situ HCR v3.0 enables multiplexed quantitative mRNA imaging with subcellular resolution in the anatomical context of whole-mount vertebrate embryos, multiplexed quantitative mRNA flow cytometry for high-throughput single-cell expression profiling, and multiplexed quantitative single-molecule mRNA imaging in thick autofluorescent samples.SUMMARYIn situ hybridization chain reaction (HCR) v3.0 exploits automatic background suppression to enable multiplexed quantitative mRNA imaging and flow cytometry with dramatically enhanced ease-of-use and performance.
Plk1 overexpression suppresses tumor development by inducing chromosomal instability
Authors: de Cárcer Guillermo , Venkateswaran Sharavan Vishaan , Salgueiro Lorena , El Bakkali Aicha , Somogyi Kalman , Rowald Konstantina , Montañes Pablo , Sanclemente Manuel , Escobar Beatriz , de Martino Alba , McGranahan Nicholas , Malumbres Marcos , Sotillo Rocío 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPolo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a protein kinase currently considered as an attractive cancer target due to its critical role in the cell division cycle. Plk1 is overexpressed in a wide spectrum of human tumors, being frequently considered as an oncogene. However, its contribution to tumor development is unclear. Using a new inducible knock-in mouse model we report here that Plk1 overexpression does not favor cell proliferation but rather results in abnormal chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, leading to the formation of polyploid cells with reduced proliferative potential. Mechanistically, these cytokinesis defects correlate with defective loading of Cep55 and ESCRT complexes to the abscission bridge during cytokinesis in a Plk1 kinase-dependent manner. In vivo, elevated levels of Plk1 markedly prevent the development of mammary gland tumors induced either by KrasG12D or Her2, in the presence of increased rates of chromosome instability. In patients, higher Plk1 expression levels are associated with significantly increased overall survival in breast cancer subtypes. These data suggest that, despite the therapeutic benefits of inhibiting Plk1 due to its essential role in tumor cell cycles, Plk1 overexpression has tumor suppressive properties by perturbing mitotic progression and cytokinesis.
The pricing of loan insurance based on the Gram-Charlier option model
Authors: Zhang Yaojie , Wei Yu , Shi Benshan 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a loan insurance pricing model allowing for the skewness and kurtosis existing in underlying asset returns.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the theory of Gram-Charlier option, the authors first derive a closed-form solution of the Gram-Charlier pricing model. To address the difficulties in implementing the pricing model, the authors subsequently propose an iterative method to estimate skewness and kurtosis in practical application, which shows a relatively fast convergence rate in the empirical test.

Findings
Not only the theoretical analysis but also the empirical evidence shows that the effects of skewness and kurtosis on loan insurance premium tend to be negative and positive, respectively. Furthermore, the actual values of skewness and kurtosis are usually negative and positive, respectively, which leads to the empirical result that the pricing model ignoring skewness and kurtosis substantially underestimates loan insurance premium.

Originality/value
This paper proposes a loan insurance pricing model considering the skewness and kurtosis of asset returns, in which the authors use the theory of Gram-Charlier option. More importantly, the authors further propose a novel iterative method to estimate skewness and kurtosis in practical application. The empirical evidence suggests that the Gram-Charlier pricing model captures the information content of skewness and kurtosis.