bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost profiles and budget impact of rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable sacral neuromodulation devices in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Noblett Karen L. , Dmochowski Roger R. , Vasavada Sandip P. , Garner Abigail M. , Liu Shan , Pietzsch Jan B. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a guideline‐recommended third‐line treatment option for managing overactive bladder. Current SNM devices are not rechargeable, and require neurostimulator replacement every 3–6 years. Our study objective was to assess potential cost effects to payers of adopting a rechargeable SNM neurostimulator device.MethodsWe constructed a cost‐consequence model to estimate the costs of long‐term SNM‐treatment with a rechargeable versus non‐rechargeable device. Costs were considered from the payer perspective at 2015 reimbursement levels. Adverse events, therapy discontinuation, and programming rates were based on the latest published data. Neurostimulator longevity was assumed to be 4.4 and 10.0 years for non‐rechargeable and rechargeable devices, respectively. A 15‐year horizon was modeled, with costs discounted at 3% per year. Total budget impact to the United States healthcare system was estimated based on the computed per‐patient cost findings.ResultsOver the 15‐year horizon, per‐patient cost of treatment with a non‐rechargeable device was $64,111 versus $36,990 with a rechargeable device, resulting in estimated payer cost savings of $27,121. These cost savings were found to be robust across a wide range of scenarios. Longer analysis horizon, younger patient age, and longer rechargeable neurostimulator lifetime were associated with increased cost savings. Over a 15‐year horizon, adoption of a rechargeable device strategy was projected to save the United States healthcare system up to $12 billion.ConclusionsAt current reimbursement rates, our analysis suggests that rechargeable neurostimulator SNM technology for managing overactive bladder syndrome may deliver significant cost savings to payers over the course of treatment.Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:727–733, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moderate agreement between bladder capacity assessed by frequency volume charts and uroflowmetry, in adolescent and adult enuresis patients
Authors: Hofmeester Ilse , Brinker Astrid E. , Steffens Martijn G. , Feitz Wout F. J. , Blanker Marco H. 
Published: April 2016

AimsFrequency Volume Charts (FVC) are recommended for the evaluation of enuretic patients. Although this is a good instrument for the assessment of functional bladder capacity, it is known that patient compliance could introduce problems. Therefore, we assessed whether uroflowmetry and post‐void residual volume could replace FVC recordings in specific cases, by comparing the bladder capacity as measured by FVC or uroflowmetry.MethodsWe performed post‐hoc analyses using data from a retrospective cohort study, in secondary/tertiary care. This included 907 patients between 2003 and 2013, aged ≥11 years, suffering from enuresis (≥1 wet night/fortnight). Data were collected from the medical files. Bland Altman plots were made to compare the two methods.ResultsAgreement between uroflowmetry and FVC was reasonable only when uroflowmetry was between 200 and 450 ml.ConclusionsFor individual clinical purposes, uroflowmetry can be used if values are in this range. For future research, we recommend to keep measuring bladder capacity with an FVC. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:745–747, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term efficacy of a combination therapy with an anticholinergic agent and an α1‐blocker for patients with benign prostatic enlargement complaining both voiding and overactive bladder symptoms: A randomized, prospective, comparative trial using a urodynamic study
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Takai Shun , Funahashi Yasuhito , Kato Masashi , Yamamoto Tokunori , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: April 2016

AimsWe evaluated long‐term efficacy and safety of a combination therapy (CT) with an anticholinergic agent and an α1‐blocker for patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) complaining of voiding and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, in comparison with those of α1‐blocker monotherapy (MT), by conducting a urodynamic study (UDS).MethodsThis was a randomized prospective study involving 120 outpatients with untreated BPE associated with urinary urgency at least once per week and OABSS of ≥3. The patients were randomly assigned to receive MT with silodosin at 8 mg/day or CT with silodosin at 8 mg/day and propiverine at 20 mg/day. Changes in parameters from baseline to 12 weeks and 1 year after administration were assessed based on IPSS, IPSS‐QOL, OABSS, and voiding and storage functions as measured by UDS.ResultsIn efficacy analysis, 53 patients with MT and 51 with CT were included. Although mean IPSS and OABSS significantly improved in both groups, the CT group showed statistically significant improvement in OABSS (−3.4 in CT, −2.4 in MT, P = 0.04), IPSS‐QOL (−1.9, −1.2, P = 0.01), and OAB‐urgency score (−1.8, −1.2, P < 0.01) at the long‐term evaluation. In storage function, both groups showed significant improvements, but the CT group demonstrated a greater improvement in terms of disappearance rate of detrusor overactivity (54.5% in CT, 34.2% in MT, P = 0.07) and bladder capacity (+61 mL, +33 mL, P = 0.02).ConclusionsLong‐term combination treatment with silodosin and propiverine was effective and safe for BPE patients with voiding and OAB symptoms. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:748–754, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual‐horizon peridynamics
Authors: Ren Huilong , Zhuang Xiaoying , Cai Yongchang , Rabczuk Timon 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we develop a dual‐horizon peridynamics (DH‐PD) formulation that naturally includes varying horizon sizes and completely solves the ‘ghost force’ issue. Therefore, the concept of dual horizon is introduced to consider the unbalanced interactions between the particles with different horizon sizes. The present formulation fulfills both the balances of linear momentum and angular momentum exactly. Neither the ‘partial stress tensor’ nor the ‘slice’ technique is needed to ameliorate the ghost force issue. We will show that the traditional peridynamics can be derived as a special case of the present DH‐PD. All three peridynamic formulations, namely, bond‐based, ordinary state‐based, and non‐ordinary state‐based peridynamics, can be implemented within the DH‐PD framework. Our DH‐PD formulation allows for h‐adaptivity and can be implemented in any existing peridynamics code with minimal changes. A simple adaptive refinement procedure is proposed, reducing the computational cost. Both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional examples including the Kalthoff–Winkler experiment and plate with branching cracks are tested to demonstrate the capability of the method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gradient damage modeling of brittle fracture in an explicit dynamics context
Authors: Li Tianyi , Marigo Jean‐Jacques , Guilbaud Daniel , Potapov Serguei 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIn this contribution, we propose a dynamic gradient damage model as a phase‐field approach for studying brutal fracture phenomena in quasi‐brittle materials under impact‐type loading conditions. Several existing approaches to account for the tension–compression asymmetry of fracture behavior of materials are reviewed. A better understanding of these models is provided through a uniaxial traction experiment. We then give an efficient numerical implementation of the model in an explicit dynamics context. Simulations results obtained with parallel computing are discussed both from a computational and physical point of view. Different damage constitutive laws and tension–compression asymmetry formulations are compared with respect to their aptitude to approximate brittle fracture. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the Spanish version of the Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia scale applied to institutionalized older persons with dementia: a study protocol
Authors: Saucedo Figueredo Maria Carmen , Morilla Herrera Juan Carlos , Ramos Gil Roberto , Arjona Gómez Maria Nieves , García Dillana Felicisima , Martínez Blanco Javier , Morales Asencio Jose Miguel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to obtain a Spanish version of the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale version, to assess its reliability for use by medical staff and caregivers at residential care homes, to evaluate by confirmatory methods its construct validity. A further aim was to determine the criterion validity with respect to biochemical markers of malnutrition such as serum albumin, transferrin, cholesterol and lymphocytes, the body mass index and the mini nutritional assessment.DesignClinimetric cross‐validation study.MethodsInstitutionalized subjects with dementia will be observed while consuming meals and evaluated with the instrument independently by nurses and caregivers.
TNF‐α downregulates CIDEC via MEK/ERK pathway in human adipocytes
Authors: Tan Xinrui , Cao Zhenzhen , Li Min , Xu Erdi , Wang Jingjing , Xiao Yanfeng 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveCell death‐inducing DFF45‐like effector C (CIDEC) is a lipid droplet‐coating protein that promotes triglyceride accumulation and inhibits lipolysis. TNF‐α downregulates CIDEC levels to enhance basal lipolysis, whereas CIDEC overexpression could block this effect. This study aimed to investigate the signaling pathway of TNF‐α‐mediated CIDEC downregulation in human adipocytes.MethodsFirst CIDEC expression was detected in adipose tissue of lean and human subjects with obesity. Next, the temporal‐ and dose‐dependent effects of TNF‐α on CIDEC expression in human SW872 adipocytes were investigated. Selective inhibitors or RNAi or constitutively active MEK1 mutant was used to suppress or stimulate MEK/ERK cascade. Immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation technique were used to study PPARγ redistribution after TNF‐α treatment. Reporter assay was performed to confirm the direct effects of TNF‐α on CIDEC transcription.ResultsCIDEC expression decreased in adipose tissue of subjects with obesity and negatively correlated with adipose TNF‐α levels and systemic lipolysis. TNF‐α reduced CIDEC expression in vitro, but suppression of MEK/ERK cascade prevented TNF‐α‐mediated CIDEC downregulation. PPARγ, the transcription factor of CIDEC, was phosphorylated and redistributed by TNF‐α in a MEK/ERK‐dependent manner. Reporter assay confirmed that TNF‐α reduced CIDEC transcription.ConclusionsTNF‐α downregulates CIDEC expression through phosphorylation and nuclear export of PPARγ by MEK/ERK cascade.
Absence of an anatomical origin for altered ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms in first‐trimester human fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Authors: Burger Nicole B. , Matias Alexandra , Kok Evelien , de Groot Christianne J. M. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Bekker Mireille N. , Haak Monique C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a morphological evaluation of the ductus venosus, heart and jugular lymphatic sac (JLS) in first‐trimester human fetuses with normal and abnormal ductus venosus flow velocity waveforms (DV‐FVWs) and normal and increased nuchal translucency (NT).MethodPostmortem examination was performed on fetuses with increased NT or structural malformations with previous NT and DV‐FVW measurements. Ductus venosus morphology was examined using markers for endothelium, smooth muscle actin (SMA), nerves and elastic fibers. Fetal hearts were studied by microscopy. The nuchal region was analyzed using markers for lymphatic vessels, endothelium, SMA and nerves.ResultsTwo trisomy 21 and two trisomy 18 fetuses with increased NT and abnormal DV‐FVWs were analyzed. As a control, one euploid anencephalic fetus with normal NT, cardiac anatomy and DV‐FVWs was examined. Similar endothelial and SMA expression was observed in the ductus venosus in all fetuses. Nerve and elastic fiber expression were not detected. Three trisomic fetuses showed cardiac defects, one trisomic fetus demonstrated normal cardiac anatomy. The JLS was abnormally enlarged or contained red blood cells in all trisomic fetuses. The control fetus showed a normal JLS.ConclusionAbnormal DV‐FVWs are not justified by alterations in ductus venosus morphology. DV‐FVWs most probably reflect intracardiac pressure. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
False positive cell free DNA screening for microdeletions due to non‐pathogenic copy number variants
Authors: Mather Cheryl A. , Qi Zhongxia , Wiita Arun P. 
Published: April 2016

What's Already Known about This Topic?

Aneuploidy screening using cell free DNA (cfDNA) has recently been expanded to include selected microdeletions. However, validation has been limited, and the real‐world positive‐predictive value is unknown.
What Does This Study Add?

Here we describe three cases of false positive cfDNA microdeletions because of small, non‐pathogenic copy number variants near the region of interest. These findings elucidate one mechanism of false‐positive results with this screening test and suggest that additional validation is necessary before wider use in clinical practice.
Characteristics of state prescription drug monitoring programs: a state‐by‐state survey
Authors: Manasco A. Travis , Griggs Christopher , Leeds Rebecca , Langlois Breanne K. , Breaud Alan H , Mitchell Patricia M. , Weiner Scott G. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesPrescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state‐based data collection systems recording controlled substance medications. Currently, 49 states have PDMPs. There are discrepancies in reporting patterns, infrastructure, and oversight between programs. We characterized aspects of each state's PDMP.MethodsA web search of each state's PDMP was conducted, and a list of all PDMP administrators was obtained. From August 1 to November 31, 2014, a link to a web‐based survey was sent to each PDMP administrator. Closed‐ended questions included type of access, mandatory‐use programs, data sharing, proactive contact with patients or health care providers, details of pharmacy reporting, and protocols for identifying “high‐risk” patients. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.ResultsWe received a 100% response rate (49/49). Ninety‐six percent (47/49) have a physician‐accessible PDMP. Most, 68% (32/49), do not have an enrollment mandate for physicians. Prior to prescribing controlled medications, 16% (8/49) require prescribers to access their state's PDMP. More than half of states (53%, 26/49) reported patient prescriptions over the past two or more years. Most, 57% (28/59), reported a lag time of 1 week or longer for patients to appear in a PDMP database after prescription filling. A majority of states (65% 32/49) share data with at least one other state. Protocols exist to identify high‐risk patients for prescription drug misuse in 55% (27/49) of states.ConclusionCharacteristics of PDMPs are heterogeneous throughout the country. Standardizing data capture, availability, and reporting would improve their usefulness for providers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polydopamine deposition at fluid interfaces
Authors: Ponzio Florian , Ball Vincent 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhen catecholamine solutions are put in the presence of an oxidant, a spontaneous oxidation process allows one to coat the surface of all known classes of materials with a brown‐black insoluble material. This material is related to eumelanins from both compositional and structural points of view. Simultaneously with the film deposition at solid/liquid interfaces, an insoluble material is obtained in solution. Under particular experimental conditions, the chemistry of catecholamines, mostly dopamine, can be extended to the water/air interface to produce films which can be handled and transferred on solid substrates. The mechanical properties of these ‘polydopamine’ films can be improved in a way allowing for the realization of micrometre‐thick free‐standing Janus‐like films. Polydopamine films at liquid/liquid interfaces have also been found to stabilize microemulsions. The aim of this mini‐review is to summarize these recent advances of catecholamine chemistry to obtain functional coatings at fluid interfaces. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Co‐agent mediated functionalization of LDPE/iPP mixtures for compatibilization of WEEE‐recovered polyvinylchloride
Authors: Cicogna Francesca , Coiai Serena , Moliterni Dora , Ruggeri Giacomo , Coltelli Maria‐Beatrice , Lazzeri Andrea , Passaglia Elisa 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMixtures of low density polyethylene/isotactic polypropylene (LDPE/iPP) 80/20 w/w were functionalized in the melt by using maleic anhydride (MAH) as the functionalizing agent, 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2,5‐dimethylhexane (L101) as the peroxide initiator and butyl 3‐(2‐furyl)propenoate (BFA) as a co‐agent suitable to prevent the degradation of iPP and to promote inter‐macromolecular reactions. The use of BFA was aimed at favouring the control of radical‐induced side reactions and the formation of interfacial graft copolymers. The functionalization degree and the modification of macromolecular architecture, which were evaluated by selective solvent extractions combined with IR, DSC and SEM analyses, were modulated by varying the L101/MAH/BFA ratio in the feed. The optimized product in terms of functionalization degree value and processability was successfully tested as compatibilizer in a polyolefin/polyvinylchloride mixture, where the polyvinylchloride component resulted from the management of waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐arm star polymers of lactide obtained in melt in the presence of hyperbranched oligoglycerols
Authors: Kundys Anna , Plichta Andrzej , Florjańczyk Zbigniew , Zychewicz Agnieszka , Lisowska Paulina , Parzuchowski Paweł , Wawrzyńska Edyta 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMulti‐arm star poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) was synthesized in bulk, via ring‐opening polymerization of l‐lactide initiated by: trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, myo‐inositol and hyperbranched polyglycerols. The synthesis was carried out on a laboratory scale and also in a model research installation equipped with a 2 L polymerization reactor. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight analysis of the products synthesized in the presence of simple polyols and tin 2‐ethylhexanoate revealed that the reactions were not entirely selective and the final products were a mixture of multi‐arm star, linear and cyclic PLLA. The reactions co‐initiated by polyglycerols (PGs) led to polymer mixtures with molar masses in the range 13.5–102 kg mol−1 and intrinsic viscosity significantly lower than that of linear PLLA with the same molar mass. In order to obtain more hydrophobic PG initiator, a suitable method of modification of PG structure was developed. The PG and modified PG branching agents were used to prepare multi‐arm star PLLA in the model semi‐technical installation. Molar masses of the resulting polymers were in the range 169–249 kg mol−1 and exhibited much lower intrinsic viscosity than the linear homologue. The rheological properties of synthesized materials with commercial PLLA blends as well as thermal and mechanical properties were analysed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Living radical polymerization of diisopropyl fumarate to obtain block copolymers containing rigid poly(substituted methylene) and flexible polyacrylate segments
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Maeo Naoki , Sato Eriko 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTLiving radical polymerizations of diisopropyl fumarate (DiPF) are carried out to synthesize poly(diisopropyl fumarate) (PDiPF) as a rigid poly(substituted methylene) and its block copolymers combined with a flexible polyacrylate segment. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is suitable to obtain a high‐molecular‐weight PDiPF with well‐controlled molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and chain‐end structures, while organotellurium‐mediated living radical polymerization (TERP) and reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) give PDiPF with controlled chain structures under limited polymerization conditions. In contrast, controlled polymerization for the production of high‐molecular‐weight and well‐defined PDiPF is not achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMP). The block copolymers consisting of rigid poly(substituted methylene) and flexible polyacrylate segments are synthesized by the RAFT polymerization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2136–2147
Facile fabrication of redox‐active and electrochromic poly(amide‐amine) films through electrochemical oxidative coupling of arylamino groups
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Huei , Wang Hui‐Min 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTTwo novel electropolymerizable monomers, namely 3,5‐bis(4‐diphenylaminobenzamido)‐N‐[4‐(carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl]benzamide (5) and 3,5‐bis(4‐diphenylaminobenzamido)‐N‐[4‐(3,6‐dimethoxycarbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl]benzamide (5‐MeO), were synthesized, and their electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The electron‐withdrawing amide groups efficiently blocked the radical cations delocalization between the two terminal TPA groups, rendering the electropolymerization of the TPA groups feasible. The polymer electrodeposited from monomer 5 could be further crosslinked through electro‐coupling of the carbazole groups, which showed both electrochromic and fluorescent properties (the emission of blue light (460 nm) in solid state). Both of the electro‐generated polymer films derived from 5 and 5‐MeO showed reversible electrochemical oxidation processes in the range of 0 − 1.4 V with strong color changes and high contrast ratios in the visible and NIR regions upon electro‐oxidation. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 2016, 54, 2476–2485
Power Through Problem Solving: Latino Immigrants and the Inconsistencies of Economic Restructuring
Authors: Lowe Nichola , Iskander Natasha 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTEmployment restructuring is a transformative process that brings about significant changes in how work is organised and experienced. Scholars who study restructuring in industries that employ large numbers of immigrant workers, including construction, food processing, or janitorial services, often point to the undermining effects of this transformation on industry wage standards, working conditions, and training supports. But often missing from these accounts is a recognition that restructuring is uneven and incomplete at best and often produces shortcomings and limitations that continue to frustrate and perplex immigrant and native‐born workers alike. Drawing on a multi‐year study of construction workers in Raleigh‐Durham, North Carolina, we find Latino immigrants are far from passive inheritors of the problems of restructuring that they and others encounter during their daily work. Rather, they respond to these challenges with innovative and lasting solutions, developing new work structures and routines that support industry skill development, knowledge sharing, and quality standards. Equally important, their native‐born supervisors and co‐workers have learned to value these solutions and ultimately have stepped in as influential allies, helping immigrant workers leverage these contributions to secure improved working conditions and higher compensation levels. These exchanges have tethered immigrant and non‐immigrant workers together and in ways that challenge standard narratives of native dominance and immigrant exploitation. The result is intensified interdependency and ultimately the creation of an enduring relational resource for promoting worker rights and also for guiding further immigrant advocacy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.