bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and molecular characterization of (δβ)0‐thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin in the Chinese Zhuang population
Authors: He Sheng , Wei Yuan , Lin Li , Chen Qiuli , Yi Shang , Zuo Yangjin , Wei Hongwei , Zheng Chenguang , Chen Biyan , Qiu XiaoXia 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo reveal the prevalence and molecular characterization of (δβ)0‐thalassemia [(δβ)0‐thal] and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) in the Chinese Zhuang population.MethodsA total of 105 subjects with fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) level ≥5% from 14 204 unrelated ones were selected for the study. Multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification was firstly used to analyze dosage changes of the β‐globin gene cluster for associated with (δβ)0‐thal and HPFH mutations. The gap polymerase chain reaction was then performed to identify the deletions using the respective flanking primers. Hematologic data were recorded and correlated with the molecular findings.ResultsTwenty‐one (0.15%) subjects were diagnosed with Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0‐thal. Nine (0.06%) were diagnosed with Southeast Asia HPFH (SEA‐HPFH) deletion. Seventy‐five (0.53%) cases remained uncharacterized. Three genotypes for Chinese Gγ(Aγδβ)0‐thal and SEA‐HPFH deletion were identified, respectively. The genotype‐phenotype relationships were discussed.ConclusionOur study for the first time demonstrated that (δβ)0 and HPFH were not rare events, and molecular characterized Gγ(Aγδβ)0‐thal and HFPH mutations in the Chinese Zhuang population. The findings in our study will be useful in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnostic service of β‐thalassemia in this populations.
Femoral fracture type can be predicted from femoral structure: A finite element study validated by digital volume correlation experiments
Authors: Ridzwan Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini , Sukjamsri Chamaiporn , Pal Bidyut , van Arkel Richard J. , Bell Andrew , Khanna Monica , Baskaradas Aroon , Abel Richard , Boughton Oliver , Cobb Justin , Hansen Ulrich N. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTProximal femoral fractures can be categorized into two main types: Neck and intertrochanteric fractures accounting for 53% and 43% of all proximal femoral fractures, respectively. The possibility to predict the type of fracture a specific patient is predisposed to would allow drug and exercise therapies, hip protector design, and prophylactic surgery to be better targeted for this patient rendering fracture preventing strategies more effective. This study hypothesized that the type of fracture is closely related to the patient‐specific femoral structure and predictable by finite element (FE) methods. Fourteen femora were DXA scanned, CT scanned, and mechanically tested to fracture. FE‐predicted fracture patterns were compared to experimentally observed fracture patterns. Measurements of strain patterns to explain neck and intertrochanteric fracture patterns were performed using a digital volume correlation (DVC) technique and compared to FE‐predicted strains and experimentally observed fracture patterns. Although loaded identically, the femora exhibited different fracture types (six neck and eight intertrochanteric fractures). CT‐based FE models matched the experimental observations well (86%) demonstrating that the fracture type can be predicted. DVC‐measured and FE‐predicted strains showed obvious consistency. Neither DXA‐based BMD nor any morphologic characteristics such as neck diameter, femoral neck length, or neck shaft angle were associated with fracture type. In conclusion, patient‐specific femoral structure correlates with fracture type and FE analyses were able to predict these fracture types. Also, the demonstration of FE and DVC as metrics of the strains in bones may be of substantial clinical value, informing treatment strategies and device selection and design. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:993–1001, 2018.
Forecasting tourism demand with Google trends: Accuracy comparison of countries versus cities
Authors: Önder Irem 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPreviously, Google Trends indices have been found to be useful in improving the tourism demand forecast accuracy relative to a purely autoregressive baseline model. The purpose of this study is to extend previous research in terms of comparing the forecasting accuracy of cities and countries using Google Trends Web and image indices. The study compares forecasting models with Web and/or image search indices regarding 2 cities (Vienna and Barcelona) and 2 countries (Austria and Belgium). Overall, the forecast accuracy of Vienna with the Web and/or image indices was the best among the 4 destinations, followed by Belgium, Barcelona, and Austria.
Assessment of Gully Erosion Susceptibility Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines and Accounting for Terrain Connectivity
Authors: Conoscenti Christian , Agnesi Valerio , Cama Mariaelena , Caraballo‐Arias Nathalie Alamaru , Rotigliano Edoardo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this work, we assessed gully erosion susceptibility in two adjacent cultivated catchments of Sicily (Italy) by employing multivariate adaptive regression splines and a set of geo‐environmental variables. To explore the influence of hydrological connectivity on gully occurrence, we measured the changes of performance occurred when adding one by one nine predictors reflecting terrain connectivity to a base model that included contributing area and slope gradient. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve were used to evaluate model performance. Gully predictive models were trained in both the catchments and submitted to internal (in the calibration catchment) and external (in the adjacent one) validation, using samples extracted both from all cells of the catchments and only from cells located along flow concentration axes. Model evaluation on the entire catchments shows outstanding predictive performance of models that either include or do not include the predictors selected to reflect potential hydrological connectivity. Conversely, area under the ROC curve values measured on flow concentration axes reveals that almost all the additional predictors improve the performance of the base model, but the most enhanced increase of accuracy occurs when upstream drainage density of each landscape position is included as predictor of gully occurrence. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible Polysaccharide Hydrogel with pH‐Regulated Recovery of Self‐Healing and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ding Fuyuan , Shi Xiaowen , Wu Si , Liu Xinghai , Deng Hongbing , Du Yumin , Li Houbin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA self‐healable hydrogel with recoverable self‐healing and mechanical properties is reported. The hydrogel (coded as ACSH) crosslinked by Schiff base linkage contains two polysaccharides of acrylamide‐modified chitosan (AMCS) and oxidized alginate (ADA). Self‐healing and mechanical properties are heavily influenced by the crosslinking time. The hydrogel crosslinked for 2 h possesses better mechanical and self‐healing properties than hydrogel crosslinked for 24 h. Macroscopic test shows that hydrogel without self‐healing ability can recover the self‐repair and mechanical properties by adjusting the pHs. The recovery of self‐healing and mechanical properties relies on the pH sensitivity of the Schiff base linkage. Adjusting the pH to acid, the Schiff base linkage becomes unstable and breaks. Regulating the pH to neutral, reconstruction of Schiff base linkage leads to recovery of the self‐repair and mechanical properties. The recoverable self‐healing property can be cycled once breakage and reconstruction of the Schiff base linkage can be conducted. In addition, this study demonstrates that the hydrogel can be remodeled into different shapes based on self‐healing property of the hydrogel. It is anticipated that this self‐healable hydrogel with recoverable self‐healing and mechanical properties may open a new way to investigate self‐healing hydrogel and find potential applications in different biomedical fields.
Associations of current diet with plasma and urine TMAO in the KarMeN study: direct and indirect contributions
Authors: Krüger Ralf , Merz Benedikt , Rist Manuela J. , Ferrario Paola G. , Bub Achim , Kulling Sabine E. , Watzl Bernhard 
Published: July 2017

ScopeKnowledge on the influence of current diet on trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) levels in humans is still inconsistent. Thus, we aimed to investigate associations of current diet with urine and plasma TMAO levels and to determine the effect of different foods on TMAO variation.Methods and resultsTMAO concentrations of 297 healthy individuals were assessed using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy for 24 h urine collection and spot urine, and LC‐MS for plasma. Of 35 assessed food groups, those with a correlation of ρ >|0.15| with plasma or urine TMAO levels were further investigated in multivariate linear regression models showing current fish and (red) meat consumption as plausible dietary sources of TMAO. Overall, explained variance of TMAO levels by current diet and co‐variables (age, sex, lean body mass, glomerular filtration rate) was small. Associations with urine and plasma concentrations differed depending on the TMAO source. Fish consumption was associated with urine and plasma TMAO concentrations, whereas meat consumption was only associated with TMAO concentrations in plasma. Furthermore, associations of plasma TMAO concentration with fish consumption were two times stronger than with meat consumption.ConclusionMeat and fish consumption differentially affects TMAO concentrations in body fluids. Only a small fraction of variance is explained by current diet.
Systematic literature review of clinical trials evaluating pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder in elderly patients: An assessment of trial quality
Authors: Kistler Kristin D. , Xu Yingxin , Zou Kelly H. , Ntanios Fady , Chapman Douglass S. , Luo Xuemei 
Published: August 2017

AimsOveractive bladder (OAB) disproportionately affects older‐aged adults, yet most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) underrepresent patients ≥65. This systematic literature review (SLR) identified RCTs evaluating β‐3 adrenergic agonists or muscarinic antagonists in elderly patients with OAB, and compared study quality across trials.MethodsMEDLINE®, Embase®, and Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Clinical Trials databases were searched from inception through April 28, 2015 to identify published, peer‐reviewed RCT reports evaluating β‐3 adrenergic agonists or muscarinic antagonists in elderly OAB patients (either ≥65 years or study‐described as “elderly”). To assess study quality of RCT reports, we focused on internal/external validity, assessed via two scales: the validated Effective Public Health Practice Project [EPHPP]): Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, and a tool commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).ResultsDatabase searches yielded 1380 records that were then screened according to predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. We included eight papers meeting study criteria. Despite scientific community efforts to improve RCT reporting standards, published reports still include incomplete and inconsistent reporting—of subject attrition, baseline patient characteristics, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and other important details. Only three of the eight OAB RCTs in this review received quality ratings of Strong (EPHPP) or Fair (AHRQ) and were multicenter with large samples.ConclusionsDespite the prevalence of OAB among older age individuals, relatively few RCTs evaluate OAB treatments explicitly among elderly subjects. The findings from this quality assessment suggest some areas for improvement in both conduct and reporting of future RCTs assessing OAB treatment in elderly.
Urodynamic characteristics of pelvic lipomatosis with glandular cystitis patients correlate with morphologic alterations of the urinary system and disease severity
Authors: Chen Yuke , Yang Yang , Yu Wei , Xiao Yunxiang , Fan Yu , Duan Jihong , Tang Yuan , Jin Jie , Wang Huihui , Wang He , Zhu Sainan , Xi Zhijun , Wu Shiliang 
Published: August 2017

AimsTo explore urodynamic characteristics and their clinical value in pelvic lipomatosis (PL) patients.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical information of 84 PL patients. A voiding pressure‐flow study was used to classify patients into nonoutlet obstruction (NOO), latter‐half‐section obstruction (LHSO), or whole‐section bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) groups. Urinary morphologic features were measured by imaging examination and cystoscopy.ResultsA unique LHSO that presented as sudden increasing detrusor pressure (Pdet) and decreasing flow rate in the latter half of voiding was observed for 52.4% (44 of 84) patients. Overall, 27.4% (23 of 84 patients) were diagnosed with BOO with whole‐section increasing Pdet and decreasing flow rate. According to the morphologic feature analyses, the NOO patients had the largest angle of anteroposterior vesical walls (P < 0.001) and the least severe thickened bladder trigone (P = 0.015). The external compression at the bladder neck and thickened bladder trigone caused a prolonged and strictured bladder outlet tract (see the Supplementary video). There were 0, 5, and 4 urinary diversions performed in the NOO, LHSO, and BOO groups at diagnosis (P = 0.055). No patients in the NOO group, seven in the LHSO group, and two patients in the BOO group had disease progression at follow‐up. Two LHSO patients and one BOO patients without hydronephrosis at diagnosis developed to hydronephrosis during follow‐up.ConclusionsMorphologic alterations of the urinary system of PL patients lead to unique LHSO or BOO on UDS. The presences of LHSO and BOO are associated with disease severity and progression.
Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle strength and its correlation with sexual function in primigravid and non‐pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Santos Marília Duarte , Palmezoni Vanessa Pinho , Torelli Luiza , Baldon Vanessa Santos Pereira , Sartori Marair Gracio Ferreira , Resende Ana Paula Magalhães 
Published: August 2017

AimsWe aimed to compare pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and sexual function in primigravid and non‐pregnant women and compare PFM strength between those who exhibited and did not exhibit sexual dysfunction.MethodsA cross‐sectional observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 154 women, including 76 primigravid and 78 non‐pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were as follows: non‐pregnant nulliparous women or primigravid women who were pregnant with a single foetus at least 14 weeks of gestational age and reported having sexual intercourse at least once during the last 4 weeks. The exclusion criteria were as follows: inability to contract the PFMs and prior urogynaecologic surgery. PFM strength was assessed via vaginal palpation (using the Modified Oxford Scale) and vaginal squeeze pressure (using the Peritron™ manometer). Sexual function was assessedusing the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction was identified based on low FSFI scores.The data were analyzed using the Mann‐Whiney and Spearman correlation tests.ResultsTo discussion, primigravid women had lower FSFI scores and lower PFM strength than non‐pregnant women. Women with sexual dysfunction had lower PFM strength than women without sexual dysfunction, as indicated by vaginal palpation (scores of 2 out of 5 and 4 out of 5, respectively; P < 0.001) and vaginal squeeze pressure (17.5 and 36.8 cm H2O, P < 0.001, respectively)regardless of whether they were non‐pregnant nulliparous women and primigravid.ConclusionsPrimigravid women exhibited worse sexual function and lower PFM strength than non‐pregnant women. Women who had higher FSFI scores demonstrated greater PFM strength.
Urodynamics in patients with spinal cord injury: A clinical review and best practice paper by a working group of The International Continence Society Urodynamics Committee
Authors: Schurch Brigitte , Iacovelli Valerio , Averbeck Marcio A. , Carda Stefano , Altaweel Waleed , Finazzi Agrò Enrico 
Published: August 2017

AimsUrodynamics have been recommended and utilized in the evaluation of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients for many years, but there is no consensus on the optimal use and follow‐up strategy for these patients. In the present manuscript, after reporting the available evidence, a working group of the Urodynamics Committee of the International Continence Society (ICS) provides the current knowledge and recommendations on patients’ assessment, indications, role, technical aspects, and follow‐up of urodynamic studies in SCI patients.MethodsThe working group has analyzed the current available evidence‐based literature leading to a Delphi consensus formation by the members of the working group. A set of questions derived from the search were answered online on several occasions by an international panel of specialists. A 1‐day face‐to‐face meeting of the experts finalized the discussion. Recommendations and expert opinions were finally reviewed by all the members of the ICS Urodynamics Committee on SCI core panel.ResultsSix experts participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Evidence was reviewed. There was substantial variability in the level and quality of detail reported across the literature yield. Several papers reported insufficient detail to allow synthesis of outcomes across studies. The findings of this preliminary review have been used to generate guidelines for best practice of urodynamics in SCI patients. The working group included recommendations for patients’ pre‐testing and urodynamic tests execution. Best practices were given as expert opinions where evidence was lacking.ConclusionUrodynamic is highly recommended for patients with SCI after a proper initial assessment. Regular urodynamic follow‐up is recommended to avoid upper urinary tract damage. However, until now, there is limited evidence on how frequently urodynamic control should be performed.
Capsaicin‐induced rapid neutrophil leukocyte activation in the rat urinary bladder microcirculatory bed
Authors: Járomi Péter , Garab Dénes , Hartmann Petra , Bodnár Dóra , Nyíri Sándor , Sántha Péter , Boros Mihály , Jancsó Gábor , Szabó Andrea 
Published: August 2017

AimsThis study was initiated to investigate the involvement of neutrophil leukocyte activation in neurogenic inflammation, a process also involved in human urinary pathologies, elicited in the rat urinary bladder by the local administration of capsaicin, the archetypal TRPV1 agonist. The contribution of afferent nerves and sensory neuropeptides to leukocyte activation in the urinary bladder microcirculatory bed was examined.MethodsFollowing a 15‐min topical application of capsaicin (50 μM), leukocyte‐endothelial interactions were examined for an observation period of 45 min with intravital microscopy. Expression of adhesion molecules E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 implicated in these interactions was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Selective sensory denervation was performed by neonatal treatment with capsaicin. The role of the TRPV1 receptor and two sensory neuropeptides (CGRP and substance P [SP]) were studied using the selective antagonists capsazepine, CGRP8‐37 and RP67580, respectively.ResultsCapsaicin induced rapid increases in leukocyte rolling and adhesion and increased the expression of E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 in the postcapillary venules. Sensory chemodenervation via capsaicin and also TRPV1 receptor antagonism effectively prevented these changes. A similar reduction was observed in leukocyte adhesion after topical application of CGRP8‐34 or RP67580, but only CGRP8‐34 reduced the capsaicin‐evoked leukocyte rolling.ConclusionsTopical application of capsaicin induces early neurogenically mediated cellular microcirculatory inflammatory reactions via the activation of the TRPV1 receptor and the release of CGRP and SP from sensory nerves in the bladder. Co‐administration of SP and CGRP receptor antagonists may ameliorate microcirculatory inflammatory changes elicited by capsaicin in the urinary bladder.
Low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy promotes myogenesis through PERK/ATF4 pathway
Authors: Wang Bohan , Zhou Jun , Banie Lia , Reed‐Maldonado Amanda B. , Ning Hongxiu , Lu Zhihua , Ruan Yajun , Zhou Tie , Wang Hsun Shuan , Oh Byung Seok , Wang Guifang , Qi Stanley Lei , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom F. 
Published: August 2017

AimStress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant health problem for women. Treatments employing muscle derived stem cells (MDSCs) may be a promising approach to this prevalent, bothersome condition, but these treatments are invasive and require collection of cells from one site for injection into another. It is also unknown whether or not these cells establish themselves and function as muscle cells in the target tissues. Alternatively, low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li‐ESWT) is non‐invasive and has shown positive outcomes in the treatment of multiple musculoskeletal disorders, but the biological effects responsible for clinical success are not yet well understood. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of employing Li‐ESWT for activation of MDSCs in situ and to further elucidate the underlying biological effects and mechanisms of action in urethral muscle.MethodsUrethral muscle derived stem cells (uMDSCs) were harvest from Zucker Lean (ZUC‐LEAN) (ZUC‐Leprfa 186) rats and characterized with flow cytometry. Li‐ESWT (0.02 mJ/mm2, 3 Hz, 200 pulses) and GSK2656157, an inhibitor of PERK pathway, were applied to L6 rat myoblast cells. To assess for myotube formation, we used immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis in uMDSCs and L6 cells.ResultsThe results indicate that uMDSCs could form myotubes. Myotube formation was significantly increased by the Li‐ESWT as was the expression of muscle heavy chain (MHC) and myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) in L6 cells in vitro. Li‐ESWT activated protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK) pathway by increasing the phosphorylation levels of PERK and eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (eIF2α) and by increasing activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). In addition, GSK2656157, an inhibitor of PERK, effectively inhibited the myotube formation in L6 rat myoblast cells. Furthermore, GSK2656157 also attenuated myotube formation induced by Li‐ESWT.ConclusionIn conclusion, this experiment reveals that rat uMDSCs can be isolated successfully and can form myotubes in vitro. PERK/ATF4 pathway was involved in myotube formation, and L6 rat myoblast cells were activated by Li‐ESWT to form myotubes. These findings suggest that PERK/ATF4 pathway is activated by Li‐ESWT. This study elucidates one of the biochemical pathways responsible for the clinical improvements seen after Li‐ESWT. It is possible that this information will help to establish Li‐ESWT as an acceptable treatment modality and may help to further refine the use of Li‐ESWT in the clinical practice of medicine.