bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms in American Samoan Women
Authors: Cohen Kathleen E. , McGarvey Stephen T. , Has Phinnara , Hampton Brittany S. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives
American Samoa has one of the highest rates of obesity worldwide, making it a population at high risk for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The primary objective of this study was to describe the presence of POP symptoms and associated degree of bother in American Samoan women. The secondary objective was to determine which characteristics are associated with POP symptoms in this cohort.

Methods
We performed a cross-sectional survey of women presenting to the waiting room of the emergency department of the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center in Faga'alu, American Samoa from February to March 2017. Questions included self-described characteristics and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6. Univariate distributions were described and comparisons of social and health characteristics were made between women without POP symptoms and those with at least 1 POP symptom.

Results
Two hundred eighty-four women were approached and 225 women completed the survey (79% response rate). The mean (SD) age was 40.5 (14.7), the mean (SD) body mass index was 36.4 (8.7), and the median (range) number of vaginal births was 2 (0–14). A total of 44.2% endorsed at least 1 POP symptom, most commonly pelvic pressure (29.9%) and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (26.7%). The number of vaginal births was associated with lower abdominal pressure (P = 0.04) and hysterectomy was associated with pelvic heaviness (P = 0.05).

Conclusions
This is the first study investigating POP in American Samoa. Almost half of women reported at least 1 pelvic floor symptom, demonstrating the need for further research on pelvic floor disorders within this high-risk population.
Pelvic Pain and Apical Prolapse Surgery: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Borahay Mostafa A. , Zeybek Burak , Patel Parin , Lin Yu-Li , Kuo Yong-Fang , Kilic Gokhan S. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives
The aims of this study were to evaluate the association of preoperative pelvic pain with operative characteristics and the association of patient and operative characteristics with postoperative pain.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing Clinformatics DataMart, a large national commercial insurance database. We collected data for patients older than 18 years who underwent apical prolapse surgery between January 2005 and December 2014. We stratified data by preoperative (prior) pain and analyzed for associations of prior and postoperative pain. Logistic regression analysis was performed using SAS software.

Results
A total of 14,440 patients met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Patients with prior pain were more likely to have an abdominal (open or laparoscopic) approach, a concomitant hysterectomy, but less likely to have additional repairs or a mesh insertion (P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was less with a concomitant hysterectomy, whether they had prior pain (odds ratio [OR], 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.77) or not (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56–0.82). Additional vaginal repairs were associated with more postoperative pain for those without prior pain (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.3–2.04). Age older than 45 years was associated with less pain. Length of hospital stay of more than 2 days was associated with more pain.

Conclusions
Patients with prior pain were more likely to undergo an abdominal approach and have a concomitant hysterectomy. Postoperative pain was less with a concomitant hysterectomy, but more with additional vaginal repairs. There is a need to include pain as an outcome in future studies, particularly clinical trials.
Value of Bone Scans in Work-up of Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Liver Transplant
Authors: Kutaiba Numan , Ardalan Zaid , Patwala Kurvi , Lau Eddie , Goodwin Mark , Gow Paul 
Published: November 2018

Background
The purpose of this study was to review the value of bone scans (BS) in the assessment of bone metastases from early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients assessed or waiting for liver transplant (LTx).

Methods
We reviewed BS studies performed at our center for patients with early-stage HCC either being assessed for LTx, or on the waiting list for LTx, from January 2010 to May 2017. The BS findings were classified as positive, equivocal, or negative. Correlation with final outcome based on clinical and radiological follow-up was performed.

Results
There were 360 BS performed in 186 patients during the study period with a mean age of 58.7 years (range, 34.9-70.4 years) and most were male patients (161/186 [86.6%]). None of the BSs resulted in delisting of patients from the LTx waiting list. Three BSs were reported as positive for metastases. All 3 were proven to be false positives on follow-up. Fourteen studies reported equivocal findings, none of which were confirmed to be metastases on follow-up. There was 1 false-negative BS: a bone metastasis was detected incidentally on magnetic resonance imaging and proven on biopsy.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated that the diagnostic yield of BS in early HCC patients who are candidates for LTx is minimal, challenging the current inclusion of BS in guidelines for staging these HCC patients.
The Impact of Withdrawal of Maintenance Immunosuppression and Graft Nephrectomy on HLA Sensitization and Calculated Chance of Future Transplant
Authors: Nimmo Ailish M. S. A. , McIntyre Sophie , Turner David M. , Henderson Lorna K. , Battle Richard K. 
Published: November 2018

Background
The development of HLA antibodies towards a failing renal allograft is a barrier to retransplantation. This study aimed to compare the formation of HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSA) in patients undergoing graft nephrectomy and in those with a failed graft left in situ who had maintenance immunosuppression (IS) stopped, and assess the relative impact of IS cessation and graft nephrectomy on future relative chance of transplant (R-CoT).

Methods
A single-center retrospective study of patients with failed grafts between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Samples were tested for DSA pre-IS wean, post-IS wean, and post-IS cessation. Nephrectomy patients additionally had samples tested for DSA before and after nephrectomy. Calculated reaction frequency (cRF) was determined at each timepoint and entered into the UK Organ Donation and Transplant R-CoT calculator.

Results
Forty-one patients were included in the study: 24 with nephrectomy and 17 with a failed graft in situ. Patient demographics and duration of IS wean were similar between groups. There was a higher rate of blood transfusion (54% vs 24%) in nephrectomy patients. In patients whose graft remained in situ, cRF rose from 13% pre-IS wean to 40% post-IS wean and 62% after IS cessation. This equated to a reduction in mean R-CoT from 54% to 46% at 5 years. In patients undergoing nephrectomy mean cRF rose from 31% pre-IS wean to 69% post-IS wean and 89% post-IS cessation. Mean R-CoT fell from 54% to 42% at 5 years.

Conclusions
A stepwise increase in cRF with reduced chance of transplant was observed in both groups as IS was withdrawn, with a similar pattern irrespective of graft nephrectomy. Calculated reaction frequency was higher in the nephrectomy group. The risks and benefits of stopping IS need to be carefully considered on an individual basis to maximize chance of future transplant.
CoCo: RNA-seq Read Assignment Correction for Nested Genes and Multimapped Reads
Authors: Deschamps-Francoeur Gabrielle , Boivin Vincent , Elela Sherif Abou , Scott Michelle S 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMotivationNext generation sequencing techniques revolutionized the study of RNA expression by permitting whole transcriptome analysis. However, sequencing reads generated from nested and multi-copy genes are often either misassigned or discarded, which greatly reduces both quantification accuracy and gene coverage.ResultsHere we present CoCo, a read assignment pipeline that takes into account the multitude of overlapping and repetitive genes in the transcriptome of higher eukaryotes. CoCo uses a modified annotation file that highlights nested genes and proportionally distributes multimapped reads between repeated sequences. CoCo salvages over 15% of discarded aligned RNA-seq reads and significantly changes the abundance estimates for both coding and non-coding RNA as validated by PCR and bed-graph comparisons.AvailabilityThe CoCo software is an open source package written in Python and available from http://gitlabscottgroup.med.usherbrooke.ca/scott-group/coco.Contactmichelle.scott@usherbrooke.ca
On the existence of mechanoreceptors within the neurovascular unit of the rodent and rabbit brain
Authors: Larriva-Sahd Jorge , León-Olea Martha , Vargas-Barroso Víctor , Varela-Echavarría Alfredo , Concha Luis 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe describe a set of perivascular interneurons (PINs) originating a series of fibro-vesicular complexes (FVCs) throughout the gray matter of the adult rabbit and rat brain. PINs-FVCs are ubiquitous throughout the brain vasculature as defined in Golgi-impregnated specimens. Most PINs consist of small, aspiny cells with local or long (> 1 millimeter) axons that split running with arterial blood vessels. Upon ramification, axons originate FVCs around the roots of the arising vascular branches. Distally, FVCs form paired axons that run parallel to the vessel’s wall until another ramification ensues and a new FVC is formed. This alternating pattern ceases when the capillary diameter narrows (i.e., <8 µm) and axons resolve. FVCs, as visualized by electron microscopy, consist of clusters of anastomotic perivascular bulbs (PVBs) arising from the PIN’s unmyelinated axon. PVBs lie alongside the pre- or -capillary wall, surrounded by end-feet and the extracellular matrix of endothelial cells and pericytes. A PVB contains mitochondria, multivesicular bodies, and granules with a membranous core similar to those observed in Meissner corpuscles and other mechanoreceptors. Some PVBs form asymmetrical, axo-spinous synapses with presumptive adjacent neurons. Antisera to sensory fiber-terminals co-label putative FVCs that are embedded by astrocytic end-feet. Because of the strategic location, ubiquity, and cytological organization of the PIN-FVC, it is suggested that: 1. PIN-FVCs are distributed throughout the mammalian brain vasculature. 2. The PIN-FVC is a putative sensory receptor intrinsic of the neurovascular unit. 3. The PIN-FVC may correspond to an afferent limb of the sensory-motor feed-back controlling local blood flow.
Molecular requirements for transition from lateral to end-on microtubule binding and dynamic coupling
Authors: Chakraborty Manas , Tarasovetc Ekaterina , Zaytsev Anatoly V. , Godzi Maxim , Figueiredo Ana C. , Ataullakhanov Fazly I. , Grishchuk Ekaterina L. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTAccurate chromosome segregation relies on microtubule end conversion, the ill-understood ability of kinetochores to transit from lateral microtubule attachment to durable association with dynamic microtubule plus-ends. The molecular requirements for this conversion and the underlying biophysical mechanisms are ill-understood. We reconstituted end conversion in vitro using two kinetochore components: the plus end–directed kinesin CENP-E and microtubule-binding Ndc80 complex, combined on the surface of a microbead. The primary role of CENP-E is to ensure close proximity between Ndc80 complexes and the microtubule plus-end, whereas Ndc80 complexes provide lasting microtubule association by diffusing on the microtubule wall near its tip. Together, these proteins mediate robust plus-end coupling during several rounds of microtubule dynamics, in the absence of any specialized tip-binding or regulatory proteins. Using a Brownian dynamics model, we show that end conversion is an emergent property of multimolecular ensembles of microtubule wall-binding proteins with finely tuned force-dependent motility characteristics.
Non-Communicable Diseases and their determinants: A Cross-sectional State-Wide STEPS Survey, Haryana, North India
Authors: Thakur JS , Jeet Gursimer , Nangia Ria , Singh Divya , Grover Sandeep , Lyngdoh Tanica , Pal Arnab , Verma Ramesh , Aggarwal Ramnika , Khan Mohd. Haroon , Saran Rajiv , Jain Sanjay , Gupta KL , Kumar Vivek 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have documented high variation in epidemiologic transition levels among Indian states with noncommunicable disease epidemic rising swiftly. However, the estimates suffer from non-availability of reliable data for NCDs from sub populations. In order to fill the knowledge gap, the distribution and determinants of NCD risk factors were studied along with awareness, treatment and control of NCDs among the adult population in Haryana, India.MethodsNCD risk factors survey was conducted among 5078 residents, aged 18-69 years during 2016-17. Behavioural risk factors were assessed using STEPS instrument, administered through an android software (mSTEPS). This was followed by physical measurements using standard protocols. Finally, biological risk factors were determined through the analysis of serum and urine samples.ResultsMales were found to be consuming tobacco and alcohol at higher rates of 38.9% (95% CI: 35.3-42.4) and 18.8% (95% CI: 15.8-21.8). One-tenth (11%) (95% CI: 8.6-13.4) of the respondents did not meet the specified WHO recommendations for physical activity for health. Around 35.2% (95%CI: 32.6-37.7) were overweight or obese. Hypertension and diabetes were prevalent at 26.2% (95% CI: 24.6-27.8) and 15.5% (95% CI: 11.0-20.0). 91.3% (95% CI: 89.3-93.3) of the population had higher salt intake than recommended 5gms per day.ConclusionThe documentation of strikingly high and uniform distribution of different NCDs and their risk factors in state warrants urgent need for evidence based interventions and advocacy of policy measures.
Speed-detachment tradeoff and its effect on track bound transport of single motor protein
Authors: Rizvi Mohd Suhail 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe transportation of the cargoes in biological cells is primarily driven by the motor proteins on filamentous protein tracks. The stochastic nature of the motion of motor protein often leads to its spontaneous detachment from the track. Using the available experimental data, we demonstrate a tradeoff between the speed of the motor and its rate of spontaneous detachment from the track. Further, it is also shown that this speed-detachment relation follows a power law where its exponent dictates the nature of the motor protein processivity. We utilize this information to study the motion of motor protein on track using a random-walk model. We obtain the average distance travelled in fixed duration and average time required for covering a given distance by the motor protein. These analyses reveal non-monotonic dependence of the motor protein speed on its transport and, therefore, optimal motor speeds can be identified for the time and distance controlled conditions.
Distinct progenitor populations mediate regeneration in the zebrafish lateral line
Authors: Thomas Eric D. , Raible David W. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTMechanosensory hair cells of the zebrafish lateral line regenerate rapidly following damage. These renewed hair cells arise from the proliferation of surrounding support cells, which undergo symmetric division to produce two hair cell daughters. Given the continued regenerative capacity of the lateral line, support cells presumably have the ability to replenish themselves. Utilizing novel transgenic lines, we identified support cell populations with distinct progenitor identities. These populations show differences in their ability to generate new hair cells during homeostasis and regeneration. Targeted ablation of support cells reduced the number of regenerated hair cells. Furthermore, progenitors regenerated after targeted support cell ablation in the absence of hair cell damage. We also determined that distinct support cell populations are independently regulated by Notch signaling. The existence of independent progenitor populations could provide flexibility for the continued generation of new hair cells under a variety of conditions throughout the life of the animal.
Drosophila ClC-a is required in glia of the stem cell niche for proper neurogenic proliferation and wiring of neural circuits
Authors: Plazaola-Sasieta Haritz , Zhu Qi , Gaitán-Peñas Héctor , Rios Martín , Estévez Raúl , Morey Marta 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTGlial cells form part of the neural stem cell niche and express a wide variety of ion channels; however, the contribution of these channels to nervous system development is poorly understood. We explored the function of the Drosophila ClC-a chloride channel, since its mammalian ortholog CLCN2 is expressed in glial cells, and defective channel function results in leukodystrophies, which in humans are accompanied by cognitive impairment. We found that ClC-a was expressed in the niche in cortex glia, which are closely associated with neurogenic tissues. Characterization of loss-of-function ClC-a mutants revealed that these animals had smaller brains and widespread wiring defects. We showed that ClC-a is required in cortex glia for neuroepithelia and neuroblast proliferation and identified defects in a neuroblast lineage that generates guidepost glial cells essential for photoreceptor axon guidance. We propose that glia-mediated ionic homeostasis could non-autonomously affect neurogenesis, and consequently, the correct assembly of neural circuits.
The effect of the hydrodynamic and temperature on corrosion rate of API steels exposed to oilfield produced water
Authors: Quej-Ake Luis Manuel , Contreras Antonio , Liu Hongbo , Alamilla Jorge L. , Sosa Eliceo 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion rate for X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steel immersed in Mexican oilfield produced water. For the electrochemical characterization of the five steels rotating disk electrodes, 20°C, 30°C and 45°C of experimental temperature and 0, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 rpm of rotation speed were taken into account. The temperature dependence was analyzed using Arrhenius law. Thus, Rct values obtained from EIS data in comparison with the corrosion rate obtained from polarization curves data were taken into account. Hydrodynamic effects were analyzed by Rct and corrosion rate data.Design/methodology/approachElectrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques were used to assess the electrochemical behavior for five pipe steels steel immersed in a natural solution.FindingsThe resistance and corrosion rate taken from electrochemical tests decreased as temperature and hydrodynamic condition also decreased. In addition, the Arrhenius parameter revealed that the natural solution increased the corrosion rate as the activation energy decreased. Typical branches related to reduction-oxidation reaction (dissolution-activation process or corrosion products dissolution) on steel surface were discussed. Optical images analysis shows that corrosion products for X65 steel exposed to oilfield produced water can be attributed to more susceptibility to corrosion damage for this steel grade (Quej-Ake et al., 2018), which is increased with the temperature and rotation speed of the working electrode.Originality/valueCorrosion process of the five steels exposed to oilfield produced water could be perceptive when Arrhenius analysis is taken into account. This is because oilfield produced water is the most aggressive condition (brine reservoir and sour water) for internal pipelines walls and storage tanks (brine tanks). Thus, stagnant condition was considered as a more extreme corrosive condition because produced water is stored in atmospheric stationary tanks as well as it is transported under laminar condition in zones where oilfield produced water is maintaining in the bottom of the pipe during the production, transporting and storing of the crude oil. In addition, a brief operational process for Reynolds number and the flowrate of the stock tank barrel per day (Q in STBD) using field and Reynolds number data is discussed.
Energy consultants calculating sustainability for residential buildings
Authors: Søraa Roger Andre , Fyhn Håkon , Solli Jøran 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of a particular energy calculator in enhancing the energy efficiency of existing homes by asking how this calculator was developed and how it is domesticated by craftspeople working as energy consultants.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on qualitative interviews with users and producers of the energy calculator (n= 22), as well as participation in energy consultation training.FindingsThe paper finds that, in the energy calculator, there is a striking lack of connection between the domestication and script because of lack of energy consultants’ involvement in the design and implementation process.Practical implicationsThe enrolment of energy consultants as energy calculator users earlier in and throughout the design process could be valuable in making the transition to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building sector.Social implicationsThe paper argues for recognition of the role of energy consultants, especially craftspeople, as participants in the design process for tools of governance. This is a call to acknowledge the value of particular skills and experiences possessed by craftspeople doing home consultation.Originality/valueBy understanding the intricate developer–user synchronicity in tools developed for upgrading the building sector, energy mitigation can be made more effective.
Ranking based on optimal points multi-criteria decision-making method
Authors: Zakeri Shervin 
Published: November 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a new MCDM method called ranking based on optimal points (RBOP).

Design/methodology/approach
By employing two abstract groups of alternatives as the optimum alternatives and an optimal alternative, in order to offer the most desirable alternative, RBOP imitates human behavior in the decision-making process. RBOP policy is to find the best alternative through measuring alternatives distances from optimum alternatives and optimal alternative, thus, the best alternative must be sitting on the closest distance to its optimum points and the closest distance to the optimal points simultaneously.

Findings
In this paper, the author introduced a ten-step gray form of RBOP which is applied in a case of buying running shoes and results compared to the existing MCDM methods. Results showed the considerable differences.

Originality/value
Generally, in order to select the best alternative(s), and to aid decision makers (DMs) to make better decisions for the real-world problems, MCDM methods evaluate a number of alternatives via a number of criteria through the proposed mathematical algorithms. Frequently, for the direct impact of the DMs on the decision-making process, MCDM methods have inflexible algorithms. They only allow DMs to make an impact on the criteria analysis. The inflexibility emerges as a problem when perfect information is available for DMs and MCDM final results are not desirable. The process of the new method completely depends on DMs’ decisions, their interpretation of the periphery and their personal impressions. Hence, the output of RBOP is not necessarily the best alternative, but it offers the most desirable alternative to DM.