bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of persistent detrusor overactivity in women with pelvic organ prolapse following transvaginal mesh repair
Authors: Liang Ching‐Chung , Hsieh Wu‐Chiao , Lin Yi‐Hao , Tseng Ling‐Hong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the contributing factors of persistent detrusor overactivity (DO) in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after transvaginal mesh (TVM) repair.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with DO and advanced POP who had undergone TVM in a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2014. All patients received evaluations, including a structured urogynecological questionnaire, pelvic examination using the POP‐Quantification System, scores of the Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and urodynamic testing before TVM repair and 6 months after surgery. Patient demographics, lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary urgency, incontinence and frequency, and urodynamic findings were analyzed between women with and without persistent DO at 12 months after surgery.ResultsOf 326 patients with POP who underwent TVM repair, 63 with preoperative DO were included. Urinary urgency was present in 27 (42.9%), and urgency incontinence was present in 26 (41.3%) patients. Nineteen (30.2%) patients had persistent DO after surgery. Patients with persistent DO had lower preoperative maximal flow rate (MFR), higher preoperative detrusor pressure at maximum flow, higher postoperative residual urine volume and higher rates of concomitant sacrospinous ligament suspension compared to those without DO. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative MFR and concomitant sacrospinous ligament suspension were associated with persistent DO.ConclusionTwenty percent of women with advanced POP had DO, and most of these cases resolved after prolapse repair. For women with lower preoperative MFR and concomitant sacrospinous ligament suspension, preoperative counseling should consist of a discussion about persistent DO and relevant urinary symptoms following TVM repair.
Predictors of recurrent/residual disease after loop electrosurgical excisional procedure
Authors: Chikazawa Kenro , Netsu Sachiho , Motomatsu Shigeru , Konno Ryo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to identify predictors of recurrent/residual disease for management after loop electrosurgical excisional procedure.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 178 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma who underwent the loop electrosurgical excisional procedure betweenApril2011 andMarch2014. Endocervical/ectocervical margin status, endocervical curettage (ECC) status, and maximum width of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were assessed. Patients were followed up for 6–12 months.ResultsPatients with endocervical margin involvement were significantly older and those with ectocervical margin involvement were significantly younger than patients with no margin involvement (P= 0.02 for both comparisons). ECC‐positive patients were significantly older than ECC‐negative patients (P= 0.049). There was a significant difference in the mean width of the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia between women with ectocervical involvement and those without ecto‐ or endocervical involvement (10.2 ± 3.1 mm vs 7.3 ± 3.5 mm,P= 0.0002). The odds ratios for possible recurrent/residual disease for endocervical involvement, ectocervical involvement, and ECC‐positivity were 2.1 (0.5–8.4), 3.2 (1.3–7.9), and 6.8 (1.4–32.1), respectively. However, while most ECC‐positive patients underwent a second surgery, most patients with ectocervical involvement did not need further treatment.ConclusionOlder age and ECC were significantly associated with endocervical margin involvement; younger age and width of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were associated with ectocervical margin involvement. Ectocervical margin involvement significantly increased the risk of possible recurrent/residual disease; however, these patients might recover naturally. ECC‐positivity significantly increased the risk of recurrent/residual disease.
Energy cost and putative benefits of cellular mechanisms modulating buoyancy in aflagellate marine phytoplankton
Authors: Lavoie Michel , Raven John A , Levasseur Maurice 
Published: January 2016

Little information is available on the energetics of buoyancy modulation in aflagellate phytoplankton, which comprises the majority of autotrophic cells found in the ocean. Here, we computed for three aflagellate species of marine phytoplankton (Emiliania huxleyi, Thalassiosira pseudonana, and Ethmodiscus rex) the theoretical minimum energy cost as photons absorbed and nitrogen resource required of the key physiological mechanisms (i.e., replacement of quaternary ammonium by dimethyl‐sulfoniopropionate, storage of polysaccharides, and cell wall biosynthesis) affecting the cell's vertical movement as a function of nitrogen (N) availability. These energy costs were also normalized to the capacity of each buoyancy mechanism to modulate sinking or rising rates based on Stokes' law. The three physiological mechanisms could act as ballast in the three species tested in conditions of low N availability at a low fraction (<12%) of the total photon energy cost for growth. Cell wall formation in E. huxleyi was the least costly ballast strategy, whereas in T. pseudonana, the photon energy cost of the three ballast strategies was similar. In E. rex, carbohydrate storage and mobilization appear to be energetically cheaper than modulations in organic solute synthesis to achieve vertical migration. This supports the carbohydrate‐ballast strategy for vertical migration for this species, but argues against the theory of replacement of low‐ or high‐density organic solutes. This study brings new insights into the energy cost and potential selective advantages of several strategies modulating the buoyancy of aflagellate marine phytoplankton.
Water quality prediction capabilities of WASP model for a tropical lake system
Authors: Moses Sheela A. , Janaki Letha , Joseph Sabu , Joseph Justus 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWater quality modelling facilitates our better understanding of the processes taking place in a lake system, and conservation plans to address them. The water quality analysis simulation programme (WASP) was used in this study to predict daily variations in water quality parameters, namely dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate and chlorophyll‐a and biochemical oxygen demand concentrations in a tropical lake system. The lake was divided into eight segments with the respective morphological, environmental and flow details being model inputs. The monthly concentration of each water quality parameter also comprised model input. The model output was daily spatiotemporal variation in these parameters over a period of 476 days. This study also indicated that the occurrence of precipitation plays a major role in defining the water quality of a tropical lake. The heavy precipitation after a long gap, especially during the summer season, results in a large quantity of organic matter entering the lake through drains, thereby increasing the organic matter and phosphate in the water body, and subsequently resulting in high chlorophyll‐a concentrations in the lake. A reduced chlorophyll‐a concentration was observed during the heavy rains. The water quality fluctuations are more pronounced with precipitation, especially where polluted drains enter the lake. An improved water quality can be observed downstream, including increased dissolved oxygen and nitrate concentrations. Improved water quality was observed during the postmonsoon period, with increased salinity and dissolved oxygen concentrations, a finding that confirms generalized and specific conclusions can be achieved with the use of the WASP model.
Patterns and determinants of small‐quantity LNS utilization in rural Malawi and Mozambique: considerations for interventions with specialized nutritious foods
Authors: Kodish Stephen R. , Aburto Nancy J. , Nseluke Hambayi Mutinta , Dibari Filippo , Gittelsohn Joel 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSmall‐quantity, lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) show promise to improve the quality of maternal and child diets, particularly during the first 1000 days of life. The potential of SQ‐LNS to impact positively upon nutritional status relies on numerous factors, including complementary dietary intake, disease prevalence and dynamics of household utilization, including sharing practices. Therefore, this study sought to elucidate the patterns and determinants of SQ‐LNS utilization among children 6–23 months and potential sharing practices of other household members prior to intervention development. In Ntchisi, Malawi and Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, both rural, agricultural settings, we conducted two home‐feeding trials of 8 and 6 weeks, respectively, nested within a larger multi‐phase, emergent formative research design. Multiple methods, including in‐depth interviews (n = 38), direct meal observations (n = 80), full‐day child observations (n = 38) and spot checks of SQ‐LNS supply (n = 23), were conducted with households (n = 35 in Malawi; n = 24 in Mozambique). Overall, the SQ‐LNS was utilized contrary to its recommended use, with 50% of households in Malawi reporting running out of stock too early and 87% of households in Mozambique either overusing or underusing the product. Utilization of SQ‐LNS was manifested in four patterns of overuse and two of underuse and was determined by factors at multiple levels of influence. Maternal and child health efforts need to consider the reasons behind choices by households to overuse or underuse SQ‐LNS and design intervention strategies to increase the likelihood of its appropriate utilization.
DqsIR quorum sensing‐mediated gene regulation of the extremophilic bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans in response to oxidative stress
Authors: Lin Lin , Dai Shang , Tian Bing , Li Tao , Yu Jiangliu , Liu Chengzhi , Wang Liangyan , Xu Hong , Zhao Ye , Hua Yuejin 
Published: January 2016

SummaryHere, we show that AHLs can be employed by Deinococcus radiodurans, which belongs to the unique phylum Deinococcus‐Thermus and is known for its cellular resistance to environmental stresses. An AHL‐mediated quorum‐sensing system (DqsI/DqsR) was identified in D. radiodurans. We found that under non‐stress conditions, the AHL level was “shielded” by quorum quenching enzymes, whereas AHLs accumulated when D. radiodurans was exposed to oxidative stress. Upon exposure to H2O2, AHL synthetic enzymes (DqsI) were immediately induced, while the expression of quorum‐quenching enzymes began to increase approximately 30 min after exposure to H2O2, as shown by time‐course analyses of gene expression. Both dqsI mutant (DMDqsI) and dqsR mutant (MDqsR) were more sensitive to oxidative stress compared with the wild‐type strain. Exogenous AHLs (5 μM) could completely restore the survival fraction of DMDqsI under oxidative stress. RNA‐seq analysis showed that a number of genes involved in stress‐response, cellular cleansing, and DNA repair had altered transcriptional levels in MDqsR. The DqsR, acting as a regulator of quorum sensing, controls gene expression along with AHLs. Hence, the DqsIR‐mediated quorum sensing that mediates gene regulation is an adaptive strategy for D. radiodurans in response to oxidative stresses and is conserved in the extremophilic Deinococcus bacteria.
Insecticidal sugar baits for adult biting midges
Authors: SNYDER D. , CERNICCHIARO N. , ALLAN S. A. , COHNSTAEDT L. W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe mixing of an insecticide with sugar solution creates an oral toxin or insecticidal sugar bait (ISB) useful for reducing adult insect populations. The ability of ISBs to kill the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and vesicular stomatitis viruses, was tested. The commercial insecticide formulations (percentage active ingredient) tested included bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, permethrin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and spinosad. Mortality rates were determined for various concentrations of commercial formulations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1, 2 and 3%) and observed at 1, 4, 10 and 24 h post‐exposure to the ISB. In the first set of assays, laboratory‐reared midges were fed sugar ad libitum and then exposed to insecticide‐treated sugar solutions to measure mortality. The second assay assessed competitive feeding: midges were provided with a control sugar solution (10% sucrose) in one vial, and a sugar and insecticide solution in another. Pyrethroid treatments resulted in the greatest mortality in the first hour at the lowest concentrations and spinosad consumption resulted in the least mortality. Biting midges were not deterred from feeding on the 1% ISB solutions despite the presence of an insecticide‐free alternative source of sugar.
Blood pressure response to acute and chronic exercise in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Headley Samuel , Germain Michael , Wood Richard , Joubert Jyovani , Milch Charles , Evans Elizabeth , Cornelius Allen , Brewer Britton , Taylor Beth , Pescatello Linda S. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe current study was designed to determine if a relationship exists between acute and chronic blood pressure responses to aerobic exercise in pre‐dialysis patients.MethodsPre‐dialysis kidney patients attended four sessions before being randomized to the treatment (n = 25) or control group (n = 21). In session 1, resting blood pressure was recorded, and these measurements were repeated during the second visit when peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was assessed. In the third and fourth sessions, blood pressures were taken prior to a 40 min walk or period of seated rest. After the 40 min walk or seated rest, blood pressures were monitored for 60 min in the laboratory and for the subsequent 24 h. After session 4, subjects in the treatment group trained aerobically at a moderate intensity, three times per week for 16 weeks. Control subjects were asked to be sedentary. All measurements were repeated after 16 weeks of training or sedentary living.ResultsTraining increased VO2peak (mL/kg per minute) in the treatment group (baseline 19.6 ± 6.7 vs 21.2 ± 7.7, P < 0.05), with no change in the control (18.0 ± 6.0 vs 17.5 ± 5.7) group. Post‐exercise hypotension occurred at baseline prior to training but was unaffected by 16 weeks of training.ConclusionPost‐exercise hypotension occurs in pre‐dialysis patients following aerobic exercise, but short‐term moderate‐intensity continuous aerobic training has no effect upon this response. There seems to be no relationship between the acute and chronic blood pressure responses to exercise in pre‐dialysis kidney patients.
Prognostic significance of CD44v6, p63, podoplanin and MMP‐9 in oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Monteiro LS , Delgado ML , Ricardo S , do Amaral B , Salazar F , Pacheco JJ , Lopes CA , Bousbaa H , Warnakulasuryia S 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo analyse the expression of the CD44v6, p63, podoplanin and MMP‐9, and their prognostic significance in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC).Material and methodsImmunohistochemistry technique was performed on 60 OSCC for detection of CD44v6, p63, podoplanin and MMP‐9 proteins. Extent and intensity of staining were evaluated in tumour cells and were compared with patients' clinical–pathological characteristics and survival.ResultsCD44v6 expression was detected at the membrane of tumour cells of 94% cases. Nuclear expression of p63 protein was present in 96.5%. Podoplanin was observed at the membrane of tumour cells of 94% cases. MMP‐9 was found in the cytoplasm of tumour cells in 83.7% cases. A high level of expression (67%–89%) in all four proteins was noted. Podoplanin was associated with the expression of MMP‐9 (P = 0.010) and both were associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.011 and P = 0.018, respectively). Co‐expression of podoplanin/MMP‐9 was an adverse independent prognostic factor for cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.008) and recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.042).ConclusionPodoplanin and MMP‐9 together could contribute to tumour progression and dissemination of OSCC. Their combined overexpression showed an adverse effect on survival, suggesting that they could be regarded as important prognostic biomarkers in OSCC.
Perceived and observed quality of long‐term care for residents ‐ Does functional ability account?
Authors: Kahanpää Anja , Noro Anja , Finne‐Soveri Harriet , Lehto Juhani , Perälä Marja‐Leena 
Published: January 2016

BackgroundMeasuring quality in long‐term residential care involves challenges concerning both the measurement method and the impaired functional ability of many older people. Ensuring quality in care is even more important for people with functional impairments, as this is a vulnerable group who may be unable to report poor quality of care for themselves.Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse how perceived and observed assessments of the quality of care varied according to the residents’ functional ability.DesignThe data (n = 278) used in the analyses included residents’, family members’ and staff assessments of perceived and observed quality of care combined with the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) scales measuring the same residents’ functional abilities (physical, psychological, cognitive and social). Observations were included in the data if all four assessment types (by residents, family members, staff and the RAI) were available. The dimensions of quality of care emerging from the factor analysis were used.MethodsLinear regression was used to explore the association between resident's functional abilities and assessed quality of care.ResultsHigher level of depression symptoms and higher level of dependency in activities of daily living (ADL) were significantly associated with lower level of perceived and observed quality of care. By contrast, the level of residents’ cognitive functioning was not significantly associated with any quality dimensions. The social aspect was the only dimension of functional ability on which better functional ability indicated better quality of care, although differences between respondent groups were also observed.ConclusionsThese analyses emphasize the importance of taking residents’ functional ability into account when collecting information on and interpreting the results of perceived and observed quality of care reported separately by residents, family members and staff.Implications for practiceThe information obtained can inform care professionals of how dimensions of residents' functional impairments are associated with perceived and observed quality of care and the quality of older people's care can thereby be improved.
A comparison of the hourly output between the Ambu® Smart‐Infuser™ Pain Pump and the On‐Q Pump® with Select‐A‐Flow™ Variable Rate Controller with standard and overfill volumes
Authors: Iliev Peter , Bhalla Tarun , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe Ambu Smart‐Infuser Pain Pump and the On‐Q Pump with Select‐a‐Flow Variable Rate Controller are elastomeric devices with a flow regulator that controls the rate of infusion of a local anesthetic agent through a peripheral catheter. As a safety evaluation, we evaluated the infusion characteristics of these two devices when filled with manufacturer recommended standard volumes and when overfilled with a volume 50% in excess of that which is recommended.MethodsNineteen disposable devices from the two manufacturers were used in this study. Nine were filled with 0.9% normal saline according to the respective manufacturers' recommendations (four Ambu pumps were filled with 650 ml and five On‐Q pumps were filled with 550 ml) and 10 devices were 150% overfilled (five Ambu pumps were filled with 975 ml and five On‐Q pumps were filled with 825 ml). All of the devices were set to infuse at 10 ml·h−1 at room temperature (21°C) for 12 h. The fluid delivered during each 2‐h period was measured using a graduated column.ResultsThe On‐Q pump (in the settings of normal fill and 150% overfill) delivered a significantly higher output per hour than the set rate during the first 8 h, while the Ambu pump delivered a value close to the set rate of 10 ml·h−1. No significant difference in the hourly delivered output was noted for either device when comparing the normal fill to the 150% overfill groups.ConclusionsThis investigation demonstrates that no change in the hourly output occurs with overfilling of these home infusion devices. However, as noted previously, the hourly output from the On‐Q device is significantly higher than the set rate during the initial 8 h of infusion which could have potential clinical implications.
Family Adversity and Resilience Measures in Pediatric Acute Care Settings
Authors: O'Malley Donna M. , Randell Kimberly A. , Dowd M. Denise 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact health across the life course. The purpose of this study was to identify caregiver ACEs, current adversity, and resilience in families seeking care in pediatric acute care settings. Study aims included identifying demographic characteristics, current adversities, and resilience measures associated with caregiver ACEs ≥4.Design and SampleA cross‐sectional survey study design was used and a convenience sample (n = 470) recruited at emergency and urgent care settings of a large Midwest pediatric hospital system.MeasuresMeasures were self‐reported. The original 10‐item ACEs questionnaire measured caregiver past adversity. Current adversity was measured using the 10‐item IHELP. The six‐item Brief Resiliency Scale measured resilience, and WHO‐5 Well‐Being Index was used to measure depressive affect.ResultsCompared to participants with ACEs score of 0–3 participants with ACEs ≥4 were more likely to have multiple current adversities, increased risk of depression, and lower resilience.ConclusionsCaregivers using pediatric acute care settings carry a high burden of ACEs and current adversities. Caregiver ACEs are associated with current child experiences of adversity. Caregivers socioeconomic status and education level may not be an accurate indicator of a family's risks or needs. Pediatric acute care settings offer opportunities to access, intervene, and prevent childhood adversity.
The Taylor Rule, Wealth Effects and the Exchange Rate
Authors: Wang Rudan , Morley Bruce , Ordóñez Javier 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this study, we develop the Taylor rule and Taylor rule‐based exchange rate models that consider wealth effects as represented by both asset prices and asset wealth. Using data for Australia, Sweden, the UK and the USA, we find that effects of asset prices and wealth on the Taylor rule vary depending on the country and on the form that wealth takes. Out‐of‐sample forecasting capacities of the wealth‐augmented Taylor rule model and Taylor rule‐based exchange rate model outperform conventional models and random walk theories for these countries.