bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire in Kenya
Authors: Mah Kenneth , Powell Richard A. , Malfitano Carmine , Gikaara Nancy , Chalklin Lesley , Hales Sarah , Rydall Anne , Zimmermann Camilla , Mwangi-Powell Faith N. , Rodin Gary 
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE A culturally appropriate, patient-centered measure of the quality of dying and death is needed to advance palliative care in Africa. We therefore evaluated the Quality of Dying and Death Questionnaire (QODD) in a Kenyan hospice sample and compared item ratings with those from a Canadian advanced-cancer sample. METHODS Caregivers of deceased patients from three Kenyan hospices completed the QODD. Their QODD item ratings were compared with those from 602 caregivers of deceased patients with advanced cancer in Ontario, Canada, and were correlated with overall quality of dying and death ratings. RESULTS Compared with the Ontario sample, outcomes in the Kenyan sample (N = 127; mean age, 48.21 years; standard deviation, 13.57 years) were worse on 14 QODD concerns and on overall quality of dying and death ( P values ≤ .001) but better on five concerns, including interpersonal and religious/spiritual concerns ( P values ≤ .005). Overall quality of dying was associated with better patient experiences with Symptoms and Personal Care, interpersonal, and religious/spiritual concerns ( P values < .01). Preparation for Death, Treatment Preferences, and Moment of Death items showed the most omitted ratings. CONCLUSION The quality of dying and death in Kenya is worse than in a setting with greater PC access, except in interpersonal and religious/spiritual domains. Cultural differences in perceptions of a good death and the acceptability of death-related discussions may affect ratings on the QODD. This measure requires revision and validation for use in African settings, but evidence from such patient-centered assessment tools can advance palliative care in this region.
Comutation of PIK3CA and TP53 in Residual Disease After Preoperative Anti-HER2 Therapy in ERBB2 (HER2)-Amplified Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Holmes Frankie Ann , Levin Maren K. , Cao Ying , Balasubramanian Sohail , Ross Jeffrey S. , Krekow Lea , McIntyre Kristi , Osborne Cynthia , Espina Virginia , Liotta Lance , O’Shaughnessy Joyce 
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE To identify proteomic and genomic alterations in residual disease (RD) for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC) after preoperative trastuzumab (H), lapatinib (L), or both (H+L) in combination with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage II/III HER2+ BC (n = 100) were randomly assigned to preoperative treatment with H versus L 1,250mg versus H+L (L: 750 to 1,000 mg) plus 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide, followed by weekly paclitaxel. After receiving institutional review board–approved informed consent, targeted next-generation sequencing was performed on 20 patients’ formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumors to characterize genomic alterations across 287 cancer-related genes. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analysis was performed on both the baseline biopsy and RD specimens, when available. RESULTS Two of 20 RD tissues were HER2 negative per next-generation sequencing; one sample had insufficient tissue. Of six pretreatment biopsy specimens, four were comutated with TP53 and PIK3CA. Of 17 HER2+ RD, seven specimens (41%) had PIK3CA mutations always comutated with TP53, and four (24%) also had concurrent CDK12 amplification. Overall, CDK12 amplification was observed in eight of the 17 (47%) HER2+ RD specimens. A total of 12 RD specimens (71%) had TP53 mutations. Although prevalence of individual TP53 and PIK3CA mutations was only modestly higher than published estimates for those in HER2+ primary BCs (55% and 32% for TP53 and PIK3CA, respectively), prevalence of these as comutations appeared higher (41%), compared with less than 10% in several series. On RPPA analysis of the RD tissue with comutations, the strongest Spearman ρ correlations were limited to EGFR and phospho-AKT (ρ, 0.999; P = .019) and phospho-mTOR and phospho-S6 ribosomal protein (ρ, 0.994; P = .048). CONCLUSION HER2-amplified RD tissue after preoperative H, L, or H+L plus chemotherapy was enriched for PIK3CA and TP53 comutations, and the RD tissue demonstrated activation of EGFR/AKT/mTOR signaling on RPPA.
Association of Galectin-3 With Diabetes Mellitus in the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Vora Amy , de Lemos James A , Ayers Colby , Grodin Justin L , Lingvay Ildiko 
Published: June 2019

AbstractContextGalectin-3 is a biomarker associated with inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac, liver, and renal disease. Galectin-3 is higher in overweight and obese individuals; whether an association with diabetes exists independent of weight is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate if galectin-3 is associated with diabetes mellitus.DesignWe performed measurements of galectin-3 among participants in the Dallas Heart Study (DHS) Phases 1 and 2 (DHS-1 and DHS-2; n = 3392, and n = 3194, respectively). Of these, 1989 participants were evaluated longitudinally in both studies. Associations of galectin-3 with prevalent and incident type 2 diabetes were determined using logistic regression models. Associations of galectin-3 with relevant biomarkers and fat compartments were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients and multivariable linear regression models, respectively.Setting and ParticipantsDHS is a population-based, single-site, multiethnic study conducted in Dallas County, Texas, with oversampling to comprise 50% blacks.ResultsGalectin-3 levels were associated with diabetes prevalence in DHS-1 [OR 1.56 per SD change in log-galectin (95% CI 1.41 to 1.73)] and DHS-2 [OR 1.86 (95% CI 1.67 to 2.06)]. Galectin-3 levels in DHS-1 also associated with incident diabetes mellitus over the 7.1 (interquartile range 6.6 to 7.6)-year follow-up period [OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.58)]. These associations maintained significance in models adjusted for traditional metabolic risk factors (age, sex, race, body mass index, and hypertension) and renal function. Galectin-3 levels correlated with levels of biomarkers implicated in inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive peptide, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, soluble TNF receptor 1A, myeloperoxidase), insulin secretion (C-peptide and C-peptide/homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance), and subcutaneous adiposity.ConclusionsGalectin-3 is associated with diabetes prevalence and incidence, possibly through the inflammatory pathway contributing to β-cell fibrosis and impaired insulin secretion.
Germline USP8 Mutation Associated With Pediatric Cushing Disease and Other Clinical Features: A New Syndrome
Authors: Cohen Michal , Persky Rebecca , Stegemann Rachel , Hernández-Ramírez Laura C , Zeltser Deena , Lodish Maya B , Chen Anlu , Keil Margaret F , Tatsi Christina , Faucz Fabio R , Buchner David A , Stratakis Constantine A , Tiosano Dov 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 8 (USP8) gene are common in corticotropinomas of children with Cushing disease (CD). We report a unique patient with a germline USP8 mutation who presented with CD and a constellation of other findings that constitute an intriguing genetic syndrome.

Case Description
We describe a 16-year-old female with CD, developmental delay, dysmorphic features, ichthyosiform hyperkeratosis, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, hyperglycemia, dilated cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, and previous history of hyperinsulinism and partial GH deficiency. She was diagnosed with CD at 14 years old and underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Despite initial improvement, she developed recurrent CD.

Methods
DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and tumor DNA; whole-exome and Sanger confirmatory sequencing were performed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the resected adenoma.

Results
A de novo germline heterozygous USP8 mutation (c.2155T>C, p.S719P) in the critical 14-3-3 binding motif hot spot locus of the gene was identified in both the peripheral blood and tumor DNA. Histopathologic evaluation of the resected tumor confirmed an ACTH-secreting adenoma.

Conclusion
Somatic USP8 mutations are common in adenomas causing CD, but to date, no germline defects have been reported. We describe a patient with a de novo germline USP8 mutation with recurrent CD and multiple other medical problems. This unique patient informs us of the multitude of signaling events that may be controlled by USP8.
Modeling blood diseases with human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Georgomanoli Maria , Papapetrou Eirini P. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACT
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from somatic cells through a reprogramming process, which converts them to a pluripotent state, akin to that of embryonic stem cells. Over the past decade, iPSC models have found increasing applications in the study of human diseases, with blood disorders featuring prominently. Here, we discuss methodological aspects pertaining to iPSC generation, hematopoietic differentiation and gene editing, and provide an overview of uses of iPSCs in modeling the cell and gene therapy of inherited genetic blood disorders, as well as their more recent use as models of myeloid malignancies. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of iPSCs compared to model organisms and other cellular systems commonly used in hematology research.
Preparation of Macroporous Cellulose Beads through a Single-Step Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation Method from a Cellulose Acetate Solution
Authors: Harada Nobuyuki , Nakamura Jun-ichi , Uyama Hiroshi 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Macroporous cellulose beads having a three-dimensionally interconnected porous structure have been economically prepared from a cellulose acetate solution in a single step at room temperature. The water absorbency and stiffness of the obtained macroporous beads could be controlled by changing the CA concentration.
Radical and Cation Crossover Reaction System Enables Synthesis of Complex Aliphatic Chains Possessing Functionalized Quaternary Carbons
Authors: Murata Yumi , Shimada Taisei , Nishikata Takashi 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Controlling the reactive species during the synthesis of complex aliphatic chains containing a quaternary carbon is incredibly difficult. In this paper, we efficiently controlled both radical and cationic species in the presence of a copper catalyst. This radical-polar crossover reaction system enables the three-component coupling of styrenes, alcohols, and α-bromocarbonyl compounds as a tertiary alkyl source at room temperature. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction contains both radical and cationic species.
Moral Perceptions of Advised Actions
Authors: Coffman Lucas C. , Gotthard-Real Alexander 
Published: June 2019

Can an organization avoid blame for an unpopular action when an adviser advises it to do it? We present experimental evidence suggesting this is the case—advice to be selfish substantially decreases punishment of being selfish. Further, this result is true despite advisers’ misaligned incentives, known to all: Through a relational contract incentive, advisers are motivated to tell the decision makers what they want to hear. Through incentivized elicitations, we find suggestive evidence that advice moves punishment by affecting beliefs of how necessary the selfish action was. In follow-up treatments, however, we show advice does not decrease punishment solely through a beliefs channel. Advice not only changes beliefs about what happened, but also the perceived morality of it. Finally, in treatments in which advisers are available, the data suggest selfish decision makers act more selfishly. This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral economics.
Seasonal dynamics of lingonberry and blueberry spectra
Authors: Forsström Petri , Peltoniemi Jouni , Rautiainen Miina 
Published: June 2019

Accurate mapping of the spatial distribution of understory species from spectral images requires ground reference data which represent the prevailing phenological stage at the time of image acquisition. We measured the spectral bidirectional reflectance factors (BRFs, 350â2500 nm) at varying view angles for lingonberry ( L.) and blueberry ( L.) throughout the growing season of 2017 using Finnish Geospatial Research Instituteâs FIGIFIGO field goniometer. Additionally, we measured spectra of leaves and berries of both species, and flowers of lingonberry. Both lingonberry and blueberry showed seasonality in visible and near-infrared spectral regions which was linked to occurrences of leaf growth, flowering, berrying, and leaf senescence. The seasonality of spectra differed between species due to different phenologies (evergreen vs. deciduous). Vegetation indices, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), moisture stress index (MSI), plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI), and red-edge inflection point (REIP2), showed characteristic seasonal trends. NDVI and PSRI were sensitive to the presence of flowers and berries of lingonberry, while with blueberry the effects were less evident. Off-nadir observations supported differentiating the dwarf shrub species from each other but showed little improvement for detection of flowers and berries. Lingonberry and blueberry can be identified by their spectral signatures if ground reference data are available over the entire growing season. The spectral data measured in this study are reposited in the publicly open SPECCHIO Spectral Information System.Vaccinium vitis-idaeaVaccinium myrtillus
Pheochromocytoma-Induced Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Afana Majed , Panchal Rishi J. , Simon Rebecca M. , Hejab Amal , Lahiri Sharon W. , Khandelwal Akshay K. , Hudson Michael P. 
Published: June 2019

Pheochromocytoma, a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor, typically manifests itself with paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, headache, and diaphoresis. Less often, symptoms related to substantial hemodynamic compromise and cardiogenic shock occur.
We report the case of a 66-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain. Examination revealed a large right adrenal mass, cardiogenic shock, and severe heart failure in the presence of normal coronary arteries. Within days, the patient's hemodynamic status and left ventricular ejection fraction improved markedly. Results of imaging and biochemical tests confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma-induced takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Medical therapy and right adrenalectomy resolved the patient's heart failure, and she was asymptomatic postoperatively. We recommend awareness of the link between pheochromocytoma and takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and we discuss relevant diagnostic and management principles.
Influence of Clinker and SCMs on Soluble Chemicals and Expansion of Phosphogypsum-Based Cementitious Materials
Authors: Sun Tao , Hu Teng , Wang Guiming , Shui Zhonghe , Ge Keyu , Dai Qiantian , Xie Yifan 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
This article investigates the effects of the type and content of alkaline materials (AM) on the impurities and expansion of phosphogypsum-based cementitious materials. It is concluded that the selection of AM (clinker, clinker–ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, clinker–fly ash, and clinker-lime) has little effect on the of soluble phosphorus removal rate but has significant influence on the soluble fluorine removal rate (FRR). A higher FRR (74–83 %) is obtained by using clinker–fly ash as the AM compared with groups using other types of AM. In addition, it can be observed that the addition of AM can reduce the expansion rate of mortar. However, as the AM continuously increases, the effect is not significant. In terms of expansion ratio, the optimal amount of AM is approximately 4 % of phosphogypsum by weight. Furthermore, delayed ettringite formation is greatly affected by the temperature and humidity when the elements needed to form ettringite are sufficient.
Prediction Capability of Constitutive Models for Inconel 718 Sheets Deformed at Various Elevated Temperatures and Strain Rates
Authors: Prasad K. S. , Panda S. K. , Kar S. K. , Murty S. V. S. N. , Sharma S. C. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The fabrication of Inconel 718 (IN718) sheet metal components often requires larger deformation loads at room temperature. In this regard, deformation of the material at elevated temperature is a promising approach for reducing the forming load and enhancing the formability. Hence, the flow-stress behavior of IN718 sheets at elevated temperatures within the range of 773–973 K over wide ranges of strain rate (from 0.001 to 1 s−1) was studied by uniaxial tensile testing. The peak load reduced significantly by 75.6 and 8.5 % at 923 K and 0.001s−1 compared with room temperature and 773 K, respectively. Also, the total elongation improved by 65.4 and 16.5 % at 923 K with respect to room temperature and 773 K, respectively. In addition, a substantial improvement in the total elongation was observed with decrease in strain rate at higher temperatures. Seven different constitutive models, viz., Johnson-Cook (JC), modified-JC (m-JC), modified-Arrhenius equation (m-ARR), mechanical threshold stress (MTS), Rusinek-Klepaczko (RK), modified Zerilli-Armstrong (m-ZA), and the artificial neural network (ANN) were developed to describe the deformation behavior of IN718 sheet material at elevated temperatures and varying strain rates. Furthermore, suitability of these developed models was determined by comparing three standard statistical parameters, namely correlation coefficient (R), average absolute error (Δ), and standard deviation (SDA). The results showed that m-JC and m-ZA models predicted the flow stress very well in accordance with the experimental data. However, the trained ANN model could predict the flow-stress behavior more accurately throughout the entire testing condition. Though the ANN model was the best among all seven models, it was strongly dependent on an extremely good set of experimental data. Hence, the physical-based m-ZA model was considered to be the suitable model that could precisely predict the flow-stress behavior of IN718 sheet material.
Long-term outcome following laser therapy of benign cystic-solid thyroid nodules
Authors: Døssing Helle , Bennedbæk Finn Noe , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: June 2019

Objective
Laser therapy (LT) is considered a safe and effective procedure for inducing thyroid nodule necrosis, fibrosis and shrinkage. Little is known about long-term efficacy of LT in benign complex thyroid nodules, which we report here.

Design and methods
One hundred and ten euthyroid outpatients (28 men and 82 women; median age 48 years (range 17–82)) with a recurrent cytologically benign cystic (≥2 mL cyst volume) thyroid nodule causing local discomfort were assigned to LT. LT was performed after complete cyst aspiration and under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance. Nineteen patients (17 within 6 months) had surgery after LT. The median follow-up for the remaining 91 patients was 45 months (range: 12–134).

Results
The overall median nodule volume in the 110 patients decreased from 9.0 mL (range: 2.0–158.0) to 1.2 mL (range: 0.0–85.0) (P < 0.001) at the final evaluation, corresponding to a median reduction of 85% (range: −49 to 100%). Remission of the cystic part (volume ≤1 mL) was obtained in 82 of 110 (75%) patients after LT. The median cyst volume decreased from 6.3 mL (range: 2.0–158.0) to 0.0 mL (range: 0.0–85.0) (P < 000.1), corresponding to a median reduction of 100% (range: −49 to 100%). These results correlated with a significant decrease in pressure as well as cosmetic complaints. Side effects were restricted to mild local pain.

Conclusion
US-guided aspiration and subsequent LT of benign recurrent cystic thyroid nodules results in a satisfactory long-term clinical response in the majority of patients. LT constitutes a clinically relevant alternative to surgery in such patients.
ELASTOSTATIC BENDING OF A 2D-FGSW BEAM UNDER NONUNIFORM DISTRIBUTED LOADS
Authors: Chinh Nguyen Van , Inh Le Cung , Ngoc Anh Le Thi 
Published: June 2019

Elastostatic bending behavior of a two-directional functionally graded sandwich (2D-FGSW) beam under various types of nonuniform distributed load is studied. Based on a 3D-quasi shear deformation theory, a finite element model is derived and employed in the study. Elastostatic response of the beam is computed for the beam with different boundary conditions and aspect ratio. The effects of the material distribution and the loading type on the deflections and stresses distribution are investigated and highlighted. The influence of the aspect ratio on the behavior of the beam is also examined and discussed.
Long-Term Survivors in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective and Matched Pair Analysis
Authors: Rochefort Pauline , Lardy-Cleaud Audrey , Sarabi Matthieu , Desseigne Françoise , Cattey-Javouhey Anne , de la Fouchardière Christelle 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a median overall survival (OS) of between 8 and 11 months. However, a significant number of patients experience a longer survival, more than 18 months. The aim of this study was to describe the “long-term survivor” population and to evaluate clinical and pathological factors that might affect survival.

Materials and Methods
All patients with mPDAC diagnosed in the Centre Leon Bérard (Lyon, France) between January 2010 and June 2015 and who survived more than 18 months were identified. They were compared with a control cohort matched on age, sex, performance status, stage at diagnosis, primary tumor localization, treatment, and liver metastasis. Their clinical features, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results
A total of 94 patients were included, 47 in each cohort. Both cohorts had identical characteristics as follows: women (51%), performance status ≤1 (95.7%), median age at diagnosis (60 years), and metastasis at diagnosis (83%). Median OS was 26.87 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 23–31.08) in the long-term survivor group (LS group) and 9.79 months (95% CI 5.75–11.86) in the control group (C group). Potential factors of long-term survival were explored with a logistic model (LS group vs. C group). Three factors were identified as significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis: lymphopenia (odds ratio [OR] ref: yes = 0.26), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; OR ref &gt;5 = 0.31), and peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR ref: yes = 0.40). NLR was the only remaining factor in our backward selection procedure.

Conclusion
A significant subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) in 2018. We identified low NLR as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC.

Implications for Practice
Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer. A subset of patients with mPDAC can achieve long-term survival (≥18 months) with a modern chemotherapy regimen, such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel. We identified low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a significant prognostic factor associated with long-term survival in mPDAC. Prognostic factors such as NLR might allow accurate selection of patients with mPDAC in order to consider individual therapeutic approaches. NLR should be used as a stratification factor in clinical trials.