bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hospitalizations of nursing home residents at the end of life: A systematic review
Authors: Allers Katharina , Hoffmann Falk , Schnakenberg Rieke 
Published: August 2019

Background: End-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents are common, although they are often burdensome and potentially avoidable. Aim: We aimed to summarize the existing evidence on end-of-life hospitalizations in nursing home residents. Design: Systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42017072276). Data sources: A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus (date of search 9 April 2019). Studies were included if they reported proportions of in-hospital deaths or hospitalizations of nursing home residents in the last month of life. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of studies. Median with interquartile range was used to summarize proportions. Results: A total of 35 studies were identified, more than half of which were from the United States ( n = 18). While 29 studies reported in-hospital deaths, 12 studies examined hospitalizations during the last month of life. The proportion of in-hospital deaths varied markedly between 5.9% and 77.1%, with an overall median of 22.6% (interquartile range: 16.3%–29.5%). The proportion of residents being hospitalized during the last month of life ranged from 25.5% to 69.7%, and the median was 33.2% (interquartile range: 30.8%–38.4%). Most studies investigating the influence of age found that younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of end-of-life hospitalization. Four studies assessed trends over time, showing heterogeneous findings. Conclusion: There is a wide variation in end-of-life hospitalizations, even between studies from the same country. Overall, such hospitalizations are common among nursing home residents, which indicates that interventions tailored to each specific health care system are needed to improve end-of-life care.
Use of time in people with a life-limiting illness: A longitudinal cohort feasibility pilot study
Authors: Jones Terry A , Olds Timothy S , Currow David C , Williams Marie T 
Published: August 2019

Background: To date, time-use studies in palliative care have been limited to exploration of time commitments of caregivers. Understanding time-use in people with a life-limiting illness might provide insight into disease progression, symptom management and quality of life. Aim: To determine the feasibility of a repeated-measures, time-use study in people with a life-limiting illness, and their primary caregivers, and to explore associations between time-use and perceived quality of life. Design: An observational repeated-measures feasibility pilot study. A priori criteria were established for study uptake (70%), retention (80%) and study value/burden (⩾7 Numerical Rating Scale 0–10). Burden and value of the study, use of time (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults with adjunctive accelerometry) and quality of life data (EuroQol-5 Dimension-5-Level Health Questionnaire and Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale) were assessed at time-points across five consecutive months. Setting/participants: People living with a life-limiting illness and caregivers recruited from Southern Adelaide Palliative Services outpatient clinics. Results: A total of 10 participants (2 caregivers and 8 people with a life-limiting illness) enrolled in the study. All but one of the criteria thresholds was met: 66% of participants who consented to be screened were enrolled in the study, 80% of enrolled participants ( n = 8) completed all assessments (two participants died during the study) and mean Numerical Rating Scale scores for acceptable burden and value of the study exceeded the criteria thresholds at every time-point. Conclusion: A repeated-measures time-use study design is feasible and was not unduly burdensome for caregivers and people living with a life-limiting illness.
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenem use in Japan: an ecological study
Authors: Terahara Fumitaka , Nishiura Hiroshi 
Published: August 2019

Objective This study focused on carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and examined potential ecological correlations with carbapenem use in Japan. Methods The proportion of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates from 2015 and 2016 by prefecture was obtained from the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system. Data on carbapenem use was obtained from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims. The correlation between the proportion of carbapenem-resistant isolates and carbapenem consumption was assessed in a cross-sectional manner. The study also collected information on other variables including the numbers of physicians, nurses and medical facilities per 100 000 individuals by prefecture. Results Both the proportion of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates and levels of carbapenem use were higher in western Japan. Using a multivariate model, only carbapenem use remained significantly associated with the proportion of carbapenem-resistant isolates. Conclusions Carbapenem use and the proportion of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates were positively correlated. By longitudinal data collection, this approach offers an avenue to establish causal links as the frequency of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates starts to change in the future.
Synthesis and effect of metal–organic frame works on CO2 adsorption capacity at various pressures: A contemplating review
Authors: Rehman Ayesha , Farrukh Sarah , Hussain Arshad , Pervaiz Erum 
Published: August 2019

The most important environmental challenge that the world is facing today is the control of the quantity of CO2 in the atmosphere, because it causes global warming. Increase in the global temperature results in greenhouse gas emission, interruption of the volcanic activity, and climatic changes. The alarming rise of the CO2 level impels to take some serious action to control these climatic changes. Various techniques are being utilized to capture CO2. However, chemical absorption and adsorption are supposed to be the most suitable techniques for post-combustion CO2 capture, but the main focus is on adsorption. The aim of this study is to provide a brief overview on the CO2 adsorption by a novel class of adsorbents called the metal–organic framework. The metal–organic framework is a porous material having high surface area with high CO2 adsorption capacity. The metal–organic frameworks possess dynamic structure and have large capacity to adsorb CO2 at either low pressure or high pressure due to its cavity size and surface area. Adsorption of CO2 in the metal–organic framework at various pressures depends upon pore volume and heat of adsorption correspondingly. In this review, different synthesis methods of the metal–organic framework such as slow evaporation, solvo thermal, mechanochemical, electrochemical, sonochemical, and microwave-assisted synthesis are briefly described as the structure of the metal–organic frameworks are mostly dependent upon synthesis techniques. In addition to this, different strategies are discussed to increase the CO2 adsorption capacity in the metal organic-framework. [Formula: see text]
Body image mediates the impact of pain on depressive symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gholizadeh S , Azizoddin D R , Mills S D , Zamora G , Potemra H M K , Hirz A E , Wallace D J , Weisman M H , Nicassio P M 
Published: August 2019

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with treatment manifestations that can cause changes in appearance, including skin rashes, alopecia, vitiligo, and scars. SLE has been shown to adversely impact body image outcomes, and previous research has identified that greater disease activity is associated with worse body image outcomes which, in turn, are associated with greater depressive symptoms. For patients with SLE who also experience significant pain, poor body image outcomes may further compromise wellbeing and lead to greater depressive symptoms. The role of pain in body image has not been explored in SLE. Thus, the present study examined whether body image (specifically, body image-related quality of life) serves as a mediator of the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms among patients with SLE. Methods Multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the hypothesis that body image-related quality of life mediates the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms in a sample of patients with SLE ( N = 135) from an urban region in Los Angeles, California. Results The sample was predominately female (92.6%) with a mean disease duration of approximately 17 years. Approximately one-quarter of the sample had elevated depressive symptoms. Body image-related quality of life was a significant mediator in the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms. The model accounted for 51% of the total variance in depressive symptoms ( R2 = 0.51). Conclusion This cross-sectional study suggested that body image-related quality of life may mediate the effects of pain on depressive symptoms among patients with SLE.
Retrospective Prognostic Study of Death at Home or Hospice Versus at a Hospital Among Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hamamoto Yoichiro , Ibe Tatsuya , Kodama Hiroaki , Mouri Atsuto , Mineshita Masamichi 
Published: August 2019

Background: Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer greatly care about where they will die. Most people in Japan preferred their location of death as their homes. But only 8.2% of patients with cancer spend their last days at home with palliative care in Japan. Many patients with cancer are still going to spend their last days at a hospital (81.7%). Objective: We examined the survival times of such patients according to their place of death; that is, whether they died at home, at a hospice, or at a hospital, and investigated patient characteristics. Results: Among the 313 patients recruited, 214 were analyzed in this study: 90, 49, and 75 received hospital-based, home-based, and hospice-based palliative care, respectively. The patients who died at a hospice exhibited significantly longer survival than those who died at hospital (estimated median survival time, 420 days [95% confidence interval [CI]: 325-612 days] versus 252 days [95% CI: 201-316 days]; P < .0001). The characteristics of patients did not differ significantly according to place of death. Conclusions: Patients who died at a hospice or at home exhibited significantly longer survival than those who died at a hospital for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Efficacy and tolerability of adjuvant therapy in ≥70-year-old patients with T3N0M0 colorectal cancer: An observational study
Authors: Sakin Abdullah , Yasar Nurgul , Sahin Suleyman , Arici Serdar , Secmeler Saban , Can Orcun , Geredeli Caglayan , Demir Cumhur , Cihan Sener 
Published: August 2019

Background This study aimed to retrospectively investigate the efficacy and tolerability of adjuvant chemotherapy in ≥70-year-old patients with stage IIA (T3N0M0) colorectal cancer. Methods Lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, margin positivity, dissected lymph node count of <12, and presence of perforation/obstruction were accepted as risk factors. Those patients with at least one risk factor were regarded as having high risk. Results The study included 168 patients, among which 95 (56.5%) were male and 73 (43.5%) were female. The median age of patients was 73 years (range: 70–94). One hundred one (60.1%) patients were identified to have high risk. Eighty-one (87%) patients received 5-flourouracil+leucovorin and 12 (13%) patients received capecitabine regimens as adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients receiving capecitabine regimen had significantly higher rates of dose reduction at initiation and during the treatment. Among low-risk group, there was no statistically significant difference between patients with and without adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of disease-free survival or overall survival (p = 0.528 and p = 0.217, respectively). In high-risk group, patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy significantly differed from those not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of median disease-free survival and overall survival (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). While the grade, lymph node status, and adjuvant chemotherapy were identified as the most significant independent factors for disease-free survival, the most significant factors for overall survival were the age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, adjuvant chemotherapy, and recurrence. Conclusion The findings of our study showed improved disease-free survival and overall survival in high-risk ≥70-year-old patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy due to T3N0M0 colorectal cancer. We believe that 5-flourouracil+leucovorin or capecitabine regimens should be recommended for these older high-risk patients who could receive adjuvant chemotherapy regardless of age.
Perspectives of individuals with multiple sclerosis on discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies
Authors: McGinley Marisa P , Cola Philip A , Fox Robert J , Cohen Jeffrey A , Corboy John J , Miller Deborah 
Published: August 2019

Background: Therapeutic research in multiple sclerosis (MS) has focused on the development of treatments with little investigation regarding the possibility of discontinuation of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Objective: To understand the opinion of individuals with MS concerning stopping DMTs and the factors that influence the decision-making process. Methods: A mixed method approach was used starting with three focus groups from which a survey was developed. This survey was sent to 1000 participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis registry who met inclusion criteria (age ⩾45 years; on most recent DMT for ⩾5 years). Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling were used. Results: Of 1000 participants receiving the survey, 377 provided complete responses and met inclusion criteria. Only 11.9% of participants reported that if their disease was considered stable, they would consider coming off medications. A high level of external locus of control in influential others such as physicians significantly decreased the likelihood of considering discontinuation. Conclusions: Most individuals with MS report being unlikely to consider stopping MS therapy if their disease was considered “non-active.” As the results of studies concerning DMT discontinuation are obtained, information from providers will be an important part of individuals’ decision-making process.
NAO robot for cooperative rehabilitation training
Authors: Assad-Uz-Zaman Md , Rasedul Islam Md , Miah Suruz , Rahman Mohammad H 
Published: August 2019

Introduction The aim of this research is to develop a robot-assistive training approach for the disabled individuals with impaired upper limb functions. People with impaired upper limb function can regain their motor functionality undergoing intense rehabilitation exercises. With increasing number of disabled individuals, we face deficiency in the number of expert therapists. One promising remedy could be the use of robotic assistive devices. Method To instruct and demonstrate rehabilitation exercise, this research used NAO robot. A library of recommended rehabilitation exercises involving shoulder (i.e., abduction/adduction, vertical flexion/extension, and internal/external rotation), and elbow (i.e., flexion/extension) joint movements was formed in Choregraphe (graphical programming interface). For this purpose, a kinematic model of human upper-extremity was developed based on modified Denavit-Hartenberg notations. Result In experiments, NAO robot gave voice instruction and was maneuvered to cooperate and demonstrate the exercises from the library. NAO also plays some complex game with the subject that represents a multi-joint movement's exercise, which was also included in the library. Conclusions Experimental results with healthy participants reveal that the NAO robot can successfully instruct and demonstrate upper-extremity rehabilitation exercises for single and multi-joint movements. It implies a technical development of cooperative rehabilitation system for which target group will be individuals with upper limb impairment.
Acceptability of a Wellness Group Program for Veterans With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Mori DeAnna L , Smidt Katharine , Brown Laurel , Pless Kaiser Anica , Weinstein Elizabeth S , Niles Barbara L 
Published: August 2019

Background Although there are effective evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many individuals drop out or do not benefit from treatment. There is a need for new treatments, including approaches that are nontrauma focused. Objective The purpose of this program evaluation was to investigate the acceptability of a Wellness Group designed to promote healthy behaviors and adaptive coping when offered to veterans with PTSD. Methods Nine veterans in a PTSD outpatient clinic enrolled in a 12-week, 24-session Wellness Group. Acceptability of the intervention was evaluated with attendance data, questionnaires, and interviews. Results Group attendance rates were high and no participants dropped out of treatment. Treatment satisfaction was high and all veterans reported gains in at least 3 of the 8 Wellness domains covered. Interview data supported the findings that veterans had positive reactions to the group. Conclusion A Wellness approach may offer a low-cost alternative or supplementary treatment for veterans with PTSD that is highly acceptable and may improve health behaviors, quality of life, and coping skills.
Preoccupation with failure and adherence to shared baselines: Measuring high-reliability organizational culture
Authors: Etchegaray Jason M , Thomas Eric J , Profit Jochen 
Published: August 2019

Objective To create, administer, and psychometrically examine a survey to measure two new organizational culture factors – preoccupation with failure and adherence to shared baselines – in healthcare settings. Method Direct care providers (n = 4484) from a large healthcare system in the Southern United States completed a survey as part of their annual safety culture assessment. Results We provide evidence about the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ranged from .80 to .89) factor structure, concurrent validity (correlation with overall patient safety grade ranged from .60 to .67, p < .05), and discriminant validity (correlations less than .85 with safety and teamwork culture) of these two factors. Conclusions We established evidence for internal consistency and validity of two new factors that measure aspects of organizational culture – preoccupation with failure and adherence to shared baselines – that are distinct from safety culture and teamwork culture.
Determination of the phase composition of partially dehydroxylated kaolinites by modelling their X-ray diffraction patterns
Authors: Drits Victor A. , Sakharov Boris A. , Dorzhieva Olga V. , Zviagina Bella B. , Lindgreen Holger 
Published: August 2019

AbstractModelling of experimental X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns is used to determine the phase composition of partially dehydroxylated kaolinite samples. To identify unambiguously the presence of two or three phases in the heated kaolinite samples, the full range of their XRD patterns has to be analysed. Two different kaolinites, from Imerys (UK) and from Georgia (USA; KGa-21), were studied. The heating temperatures were selected to cover the entire range of dehydroxylation for both kaolinites (400–550°C for Imerys and 400–495°C for KGa-21). Two different dehydroxylation pathways were observed. At each stage of partial dehydroxylation, the kaolinite from Imerys consisted of the original, non-dehydroxylated kaolinite and of a fully dehydroxylated phase, metakaolinite. During partial dehydroxylation of kaolinite KGa-21, each product formed at a given heating temperature consisted of three phases: the original kaolinite; a dehydroxylated phase, metakaolinite; and a phase with diffraction features corresponding to a defective kaolinite-like structure. To determine the content of metakaolinite in a partially dehydroxylated specimen, its experimental XRD pattern was reproduced by the optimal summation of the diffraction patterns of the initial kaolinite and metakaolinite. A procedure that reveals the basic diffraction features of the third phase is suggested. The XRD patterns and thus the structures of the metakaolinites formed after dehydroxylation of the Imerys and KGa-21 samples differ substantially. The conventional determination of the initial kaolinite and metakaolinite contents in partially dehydroxylated kaolinite based on the analysis of basal reflections and weight losses may lead to overlooking the formation of the intermediate phases.
Changes in behaviors after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and 10-year incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality
Authors: Strelitz Jean , Ahern Amy L. , Long Gráinne H. , Boothby Clare E. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Griffin Simon J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundLarge changes in health behaviors achieved through intensive lifestyle intervention programs improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among adults with type 2 diabetes. However, such interventions are not widely available, and there is limited evidence as to whether changes in behaviors affect risk of CVD events.MethodsAmong 852 adults with screen-detected type 2 diabetes in theADDITION-Cambridgestudy, we assessed changes in diet, physical activity, and alcohol use in the year following diabetes diagnosis. Participants were recruited from 49 general practices in Eastern England from 2002 to 2006, and were followed through 2014 for incidence of CVD events (n = 116) and all-cause mortality (n = 127). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for the associations of changes in behaviors with CVD and all-cause mortality. We estimated associations with CVD risk factors using linear regression. We considered changes in individual behaviors and overall number of healthy changes. Models adjusted for demographic factors, bodyweight, smoking, baseline value of the health behavior, and cardio-protective medication use.ResultsDecreasing alcohol intake by ≥ 2 units/week was associated with lower hazard of CVD vs maintenance [HR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.36, 0.87]. Decreasing daily calorie intake by ≥ 300 kcal was associated with lower hazard of all-cause mortality vs maintenance [HR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.34, 0.92]. Achieving ≥ 2 healthy behavior changes was associated with lower hazard of CVD vs no healthy changes [HR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.18, 0.82].ConclusionsIn the year following diabetes diagnosis, small reductions in alcohol use were associated with lower hazard of CVD and small reductions in calorie intake were associated with lower hazard of all-cause mortality in a population-based sample. Where insufficient resources exist for specialist-led interventions, achievement of moderate behavior change targets is possible outside of treatment programs and may reduce long-term risk of CVD complications.Trial registrationThis trial is registered as ISRCTN86769081. Retrospectively registered 15 December 2006