bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) for adults with overactive bladder syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Booth Joanne , Connelly Lesley , Dickson Sylvia , Duncan Fiona , Lawrence Maggie 
Published: July 2017

AimsTo evaluate effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) for treating adults with overactive bladder (OAB) of idiopathic or neurogenic origin, using a systematic review of the literature.MethodsSystematic searches of four databases were undertaken between 1980 and 2017. Included studies investigated effects of TTNS on OAB. Study selection, data extraction, quality appraisal was performed by two independent reviewers. Narrative analysis was undertaken where meta‐analysis was not possible due to study heterogeneity. Meta‐analysis of RCTs was performed using a fixed effects model.ResultsTen RCTs and three prospective cohort studies involving 629 participants were reviewed. Meta‐analysis of two trials comparing TTNS with sham showed mean reduction in total ICIQ Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ‐UI SF) associated with TTNS of −3.79 (95% CI −5.82, −1.76; P = 0.0003, I2 = 25%). Narrative review showed TTNS and antimuscarinic treatment were equally effective (four trials), TTNS provided greater benefit for OAB symptoms than behavioral interventions (two trials), tibial nerve, and sacral foramen stimulation were equally effective but combined stimulation was most effective (one trial). Significant improvements in OAB symptoms were reported by 48‐93% participants and UI cure rates of 25‐45%. No adverse events were reported.ConclusionsLimited evidence is provided that TTNS is an effective, safe intervention for idiopathic OAB in adults and may be of benefit in those with neurogenic OAB. Further studies are essential to confirm these results as well as to determine efficacy and associated costs for specific patient groups, most effective stimulation dosage, duration of effect, and stimulation regimes for longer‐term maintenance.
Inversion recovery ultrashort echo time imaging of ultrashort T2 tissue components in ovine brain at 3 T: a sequential D2O exchange study
Authors: Fan Shu‐Juan , Ma Yajun , Chang Eric Y. , Bydder Graeme M. , Du Jiang 
Published: July 2017

Inversion recovery ultrashort echo time (IR‐UTE) imaging holds the potential to directly characterize MR signals from ultrashort T2 tissue components (STCs), such as collagen in cartilage and myelin in brain. The application of IR‐UTE for myelin imaging has been challenging because of the high water content in brain and the possibility that the ultrashort T2* signals are contaminated by water protons, including those associated with myelin sheaths. This study investigated such a possibility in an ovine brain D2O exchange model and explored the potential of IR‐UTE imaging for the quantification of ultrashort T2* signals in both white and gray matter at 3 T. Six specimens were examined before and after sequential immersion in 99.9% D2O. Long T2 MR signals were measured using a clinical proton density‐weighted fast spin echo (PD‐FSE) sequence. IR‐UTE images were first acquired with different inversion times to determine the optimal inversion time to null the long T2 signals (TInull). Then, at this TInull, images with echo times (TEs) of 0.01–4 ms were acquired to measure the T2* values of STCs. The PD‐FSE signal dropped to near zero after 24 h of immersion in D2O. A wide range of TInull values were used at different time points (240–330 ms for white matter and 320–350 ms for gray matter at TR = 1000 ms) because the T1 values of the long T2 tissue components changed significantly. The T2* values of STCs were 200–300 μs in both white and gray matter (comparable with the values obtained from myelin powder and its mixture with D2O or H2O), and showed minimal changes after sequential immersion. The ultrashort T2* signals seen on IR‐UTE images are unlikely to be from water protons as they are exchangeable with deuterons in D2O. The source is more likely to be myelin itself in white matter, and might also be associated with other membranous structures in gray matter.
Localized MRS reliability of in vivo glutamate at 3 T in shortened scan times: a feasibility study
Authors: Jensen J. Eric , Auerbach Randy P. , Pisoni Angela , Pizzagalli Diego A. 
Published: July 2017

Glutamate is the prime excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and has been implicated in a wide range of psychiatric conditions. To improve the applicability and clinical reach of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), research is needed to develop shortened, yet reliable, MRS scanning procedures for standard 1.5–3‐T clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, particularly with young or vulnerable populations unable to tolerate longer protocols. To this end, we evaluated the test–retest reliability of a shortened J‐resolved MRS sequence in healthy adolescents (n = 22) aged 12–14 years. Participants underwent a series of sequential 6‐min MRS scans, with the participants remaining in situ between successive scans. Glutamate and other metabolites were acquired from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, as glutamatergic function in this region has been implicated in a number of psychiatric illnesses. Thirteen neurochemicals were quantified as ratios to total creatine, and reliability scores were expressed as the percentage difference between the two scans for each metabolite. Test–retest assessment of glutamate was reliable, as scores were less than 10% different (7.1 ± 4.2%), and glutamate values across scans were significantly correlated (Pearson r = 0.680, p < 10−4). Several other neurochemicals demonstrated satisfactory reliability, including choline (Cho) (7.4 ± 5.6%), glutathione (GSH) (8.6 ± 4.1%), myo‐inositol (mI) (6.5 ± 7.1%) and N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) (3.5 ± 3.6%), with test–retest correlations ranging from 0.747 to 0.953. A number of metabolites, however, did not demonstrate acceptable test–retest reliability using the current J‐resolved MRS sequence, ranging from 13.8 ± 13.7% (aspartate, Asp) to 45.9 ± 38.3% (glycine, Gly). Collectively, test–retest analyses suggest that clinically viable quantitative data can be obtained on standard MRI systems for glutamate, as well as the other metabolites, during short scan times in a traditionally challenging brain region.
Real‐World Adherence and Persistence with Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Adults with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Manzoor Beenish S. , Lee Todd A. , Sharp Lisa K. , Walton Surrey M. , Galanter William L. , Nutescu Edith A. 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundEvidence of adherence and persistence patterns in anticoagulation (AC) therapy comparing treatment‐naïve and non‐naïve patients is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of medication adherence and persistence in a real‐world setting among AC‐naïve and AC‐experienced patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).MethodsAF patients newly initiating a DOAC with a minimum of 6 months of continuous health plan enrollment pre and postindex date (first DOAC prescription) were identified from the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases (2009–2013). DOAC adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]), persistence, and predictors of adherence were assessed at 6 and 12 months postindex.ResultsOf 66,090 AF patients included, 46.6% (n=30,826) were AC naïve and 53.4% (n=35,264) were AC experienced (age: 66.9 ± 12.7 vs 70.4 ± 11.4 yrs, p<0.001; male: n=19,132 [62.1%] vs n=21,691 [61.5%], p=0.14, respectively). A majority of patients received dabigatran as their index DOAC (n=49,210; 74.5%). The mean PDC in AC‐naïve versus AC‐experienced patients at 6 and 12 months of follow‐up was 72.3% versus 83.3% (p<0.001) and 63.7% versus 79.9% (p<0.001), respectively. Persistence with DOAC therapy in AC‐naïve and AC‐experienced patients at 6 and 12 months ranged from 59.3% and 76.3% (p<0.0001) to 31.6% and 50.2% (p<0.0001), respectively. Predictors of higher DOAC adherence were older age and higher number of concomitant medications. Predictors of lower adherence were higher number of comorbidities and AC‐naïve user status.ConclusionMedication adherence and persistence with DOACs declined over time and both were suboptimal and lower (at 6 and 12 mo postindex) in AC‐naïve compared to AC‐experienced patients. These findings can help target future strategies or interventions for patient education and long‐term AC management especially in those patients naïve to DOAC therapy. Future investigation should examine potential reasons for differences in DOAC adherence and persistence between AC‐experienced versus AC‐naïve patients and the implications for patient outcomes.
One‐component, double‐chromophoric thioxanthone photoinitiators for free radical polymerization
Authors: Kreutzer Johannes , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTTwo one‐component, double‐chromophoric thioxanthone photoinitiators, namely TX‐EDA and TX‐DETA were synthesized by the reaction of thioxanthone aldehyde (TX‐A) with ethylenediamine (EDA) and diethylenetriamine (DETA), respectively via a facile Schiff base reaction. Both photoinitiators were characterized by spectral analysis and photobleaching studies. DFT calculations are employed to reveal the contribution of the different orbitals to the excitation of the initiators. The double‐chromophoric nature of the initiators gives rise to an increased absorption in the near UV region when compared with the pristine TX‐A. Photoinitiated polymerization of various vinyl monomers with TX‐EDA and TX‐DETA has been investigated in the presence and absence of a co‐initiator and compared for formulations consisting of precursor TX‐A. In addition, real‐time FTIR spectroscopic studies were performed in methyl methacrylate polymerization with both initiators. The higher efficiency observed with TX‐DETA may be attributed to the additional hydrogen donating sites adjacent to nitrogen atoms. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3475–3482
Aerial release of Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to control Persicaria perfoliata (Polygonaceae) using an unmanned aerial system
Authors: Park Yong‐Lak , Gururajan Srikanth , Thistle Harold , Chandran Rakesh , Reardon Richard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major biological control agent against the invasive plant Persicaria perfoliata. Release of R. latipes is challenging with the current visit‐and‐hand release approach because P. perfoliata shows a high degree of patchiness in the landscape, possesses recurved barbs on its stems, and often spreads into hard‐to‐access areas. This 3‐year study developed and evaluated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for precise aerial release of R. latipes to control P. perfoliata.RESULTSWe have developed two UAS (i.e. quad‐rotor and tri‐rotor) and an aerial release system to disseminate R. latipes. These include pods containing R. latipes and a dispenser to accommodate eight pods. Results of field tests to evaluate the systems showed no significant (P > 0.05) effects on survivorship and feeding ability of R. latipes after aerial release.CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrates the potential of UAS for precision aerial release of biological control agents to control invasive plants. The aerial deployment systems we have developed, including both pods and a dispenser, are low cost, logistically practical, and effective with no negative effects on aerially released R. latipes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Economic injury levels and economic thresholds for Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) infesting seed maize
Authors: Foresti Josemar , Bastos Cristina S , Fernandes Flávio L , Silva Paulo R da 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough Leptoglossus zonatus is considered a secondary pest of maize grown for grain, when grown for seed, this pest can cause significant economic damage. There are no records of management recommendations for this pest. The objectives of this work were to quantify losses caused by L. zonatus to different genotypes used for seed maize production and to estimate the acute toxicity of selected insecticides to L. zonatus using different application technologies. The ultimate goal was to calculate economic injury levels (EILs) and develop economic thresholds (ETs) for L. zonatus infesting seed maize.RESULTSEILs and ETs varied, respectively, from 3 to 8 and from 2 to 6 adults per 1000 plants, depending on the genotype, insecticide and application technology. Effective control was obtained by using aerial or ground application of λ‐cyhalothrin (10.6%) + thiametoxan (14.1%) or permethrin (38.4%) at the rates of 1.48 mL ha‐1 and 27.10 mL ha‐1, respectively, or ground application of methomyl (21.5%) at the rate of 244.06 mL ha‐1.CONCLUSIONMaize grown for seed is susceptible to L. zonatus damage during reproductive stages, and the pest densities requiring management vary with genotype, insecticide, and application technology. These results contribute significantly to integrated pest management (IPM) for seed maize. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharmacokinetic profile and partitioning in red blood cells of romifidine after single intravenous administration in the horse
Authors: Romagnoli Noemi , Al‐Qudah Khaled M. , Armorini Sara , Lambertini Carlotta , Zaghini Anna , Spadari Alessandro , Roncada Paola 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aims of this study were to assess the plasma concentrations of romifidine in horses after intravenous injection, to evaluate the red blood cell (RBC) partitioning of the anaesthetic drug, and to improve knowledge regarding its sedative effect in horses describing the pharmacokinetic model. Eight adult Standardbred horses received a single bolus of romifidine at a dosage of 100 μg/kg. Blood samples (5 mL) were collected immediately before romifidine administration (t0), and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150 and 180 min after injection. A sedation score was recorded at the same time. The romifidine concentrations in plasma and red blood cells were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plasma and red blood cell concentrations were correlated with the sedation at each time point. Romifidine produced a satisfactory level of sedation in all animals. The sedation was detectable in all horses for up to 105 min. All the animals returned to normal without any behavioural changes at 180 min. The romifidine concentrations in the red blood cells were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at all time points than those in the plasma. The T1/2β was 148.67 ± 61.59 min and body clearance was 22.55 ± 6.67 mL/kg per min. The results showed that after a single bolus administration of romifidine, a partitioning in the RBCs was detected.
β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis‐associated genes are required for proper spore wall formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Pan Hua‐Ping , Wang Ning , Tachikawa Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hideki , Gao Xiao‐Dong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe yeast spore wall is an excellent model to study the assembly of an extracellular macromolecule structure. In the present study, mutants defective in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, including kre1∆, kre6∆, kre9∆ and big1∆, were sporulated to analyse the effect of β‐1,6‐glucan defects on the spore wall. Except for kre6∆, these mutant spores were sensitive to treatment with ether, suggesting that the mutations perturb the integrity of the spore wall. Morphologically, the mutant spores were indistinguishable from wild‐type spores. They lacked significant sporulation defects partly because the chitosan layer, which covers the glucan layer, compensated for the damage. The proof for this model was obtained from the effect of the additional deletion of CHS3 that resulted in the absence of the chitosan layer. Among the double mutants, the most severe spore wall deficiency was observed in big1∆ spores. The majority of the big1∆chs3∆ mutants failed to form visible spores at a higher temperature. Given that the big1∆ mutation caused a failure to attach a GPI‐anchored reporter, Cwp2‐GFP, to the spore wall, β‐1,6‐glucan is involved in tethering of GPI‐anchored proteins in the spore wall as well as in the vegetative cell wall. Thus, β‐1,6‐glucan is required for proper organization of the spore wall. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Matched Case–Control Study on Early and Late Results of Carotid Endarterectomy Performed in Young Patients
Authors: Dorigo Walter , Fargion Aaron , Giacomelli Elena , Bassoli Giulia , Pulli Raffaele , Pratesi Giovanni , Piffaretti Gabriele , Pratesi Carlo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to describe the perioperative and long‐term results of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients aged 60 or less and compare them to patients of more advanced age in a retrospective single‐centre case–control study.MethodsFrom January 1996 to December 2014, 5893 consecutive CEAs were performed in our institution. Data concerning these interventions were prospectively inserted in a dedicated database. A retrospective analysis of that database was performed and 457 interventions performed in patients aged 60 or less were found (group 1). The control group was represented by 457 interventions selected from the remaining 5436 by a one‐to‐one coarsened exact matching on the basis of all the baseline demographic and clinical covariates significantly different in the two groups (group 2). The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative technical features and perioperative (<30 days) results of interventions (transient ischaemic attack‐TIA, stroke and death rates) with χ2 test. Follow‐up data were analysed by life‐table analysis (Kaplan–Meier test) in terms of survival, stroke‐free and neurological symptom‐free survival, freedom from severe restenosis and occlusion and freedom from reintervention, and the results in the two groups were compared by means of log rank test.ResultsThere were no differences between the two groups in terms of clinical presentation and of degree of carotid stenosis on operated side. Anaesthesiological and surgical details were also similar between the two groups. Thirty‐day stroke and death rate was 0.6% in both groups (p = 0.9). Follow‐up was available for 877 patients (96% of the study group) with a mean duration of 50 months. Estimated 10‐year survival rates were 85% in group 1 (SE 0.03) and 76% in group 2 (SE 0.04, p = 0.003, log rank 8.9). At the same time interval, stroke‐free survival was also significantly better in group 1 (85%, SE 0.035) than in group 2 (72.5%, SE 0.03; p = 0.002, log rank 10.1). The corresponding figures in terms of any neurological symptom‐free survival were 82.8% in group 1 (SE 0.04) and 70.3% in group 2 (SE 0.04, p = 0.002, log rank 9.7). Estimated freedom from severe restenosis and occlusion was 76.5% in group 1 (SE 0.04) and 88.5% in group 2 (SE 0.035, p = 0.001, log rank 11.9). Disease recurrence was symptomatic in six cases, three in each group. Estimated freedom from reintervention rates at 10 years was 87% in group 1 (SE 0.035) and 91.5% in group 2 (SE 0.03; p = 0.2, log rank 1.1).ConclusionsCEA in patents aged 60 or less is safe and provides significantly better long‐term results than those obtained in patients over 60 in terms of survival and stroke‐free survival. Younger patients appear to have higher rates of recurrent carotid stenosis compared to the older cohort; however, these rarely require a secondary intervention.
Current Strategy of Fetal Therapy I: Principles of In-utero Treatment, Pharmacologic Intervention, Stem Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy
Authors: Phithakwatchara Nisarat , Nawapun Katika , Panchalee Tacharee , Viboonchart Sommai , Mongkolchat Nadda , Wataganara Tuangsit 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFetal conditions with high morbidity are amenable for prenatal intervention. It is important that the selective and investigative nature of most procedures needs to be clarified with the family during counseling session. Fetal therapy is fostered by accurate prenatal diagnosis with advanced fetal imaging, and molecular genetics technology. The treatments can be categorized into medical treatment, stem cell transplantation and gene therapy, minimally invasive intervention, endoscopic surgery, and open hysterotomy approach. Scientific validation of their genuine benefits has been a subject of ongoing researches. Prenatal administrations of pharmaceutical agents, for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes, have been broadly adopted. Transplacental administration of betamethasone to enhance the function of pneumocytes type II in premature fetus has been widely practiced for decades, and it might be the most common ‘fetal therapy’ being performed. However, the optimal dosage and interval of prenatal steroids administration was validated only recently. More invasive route of fetal administration, such as transamniotic, direct intramuscular, and intravenous injection, may be required for other pharmacologic agents. In this article, the authors selected to review common fetal conditions whose proposed prenatal pharmacologic treatments have undergone scientific validations. In-utero stem cell transplantation and gene therapy remain highly experimental. Informed choice and clinical experiment need to be balanced when prenatal treatment is offered.
Dementia prevalence and incidence in a federation of European Electronic Health Record databases: The European Medical Informatics Framework resource
Authors: Perera Gayan , Pedersen Lars , Ansel David , Alexander Myriam , Arrighi H. Michael , Avillach Paul , Foskett Nadia , Gini Rosa , Gordon Mark F. , Gungabissoon Usha , Mayer Miguel‐Angel , Novak Gerald , Rijnbeek Peter , Trifirò Gianluca , van der Lei Johan , Visser Pieter J. , Stewart Robert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe European Medical Information Framework consortium has assembled electronic health record (EHR) databases for dementia research. We calculated dementia prevalence and incidence in 25 million persons from 2004 to 2012.MethodsSix EHR databases (three primary care and three secondary care) from five countries were interrogated. Dementia was ascertained by consensus harmonization of clinical/diagnostic codes. Annual period prevalences and incidences by age and gender were calculated and meta‐analyzed.ResultsThe six databases contained 138,625 dementia cases. Age‐specific prevalences were around 30% of published estimates from community samples and incidences were around 50%. Pooled prevalences had increased from 2004 to 2012 in all age groups but pooled incidences only after age 75 years. Associations with age and gender were stable over time.DiscussionThe European Medical Information Framework initiative supports EHR data on unprecedented number of people with dementia. Age‐specific prevalences and incidences mirror estimates from community samples in pattern at levels that are lower but increasing over time.