bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care Providers’ Practices Surrounding Psychological Distress Screening and Treatment: A National Survey
Authors: Kozlov Elissa , Eghan Claude , Moran Sheila , Herr Keela , Reid M. Carrington 
Published: December 2017

Objective: To investigate how inpatient palliative care teams nationwide currently screen for and treat psychological distress. Methods: A web-based survey was sent to inpatient palliative care providers of all disciplines nationwide asking about their practice patterns regarding psychological assessment and treatment. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and responses, and analysis of variance was conducted to determine whether certain disciplines were more likely to utilize specific treatment modalities. Results: A total of N = 236 respondents were included in the final analyses. Providers reported that they encounter psychological distress regularly in their practice and that they screen for distress using multiple methods. When psychological distress is detected, providers reported referring patients to an average of 3 different providers (standard deviation = 1.46), most frequently a social worker (69.6%) or chaplain (65.3%) on the palliative care team. A total of 84.6% of physicians and 54.5% of nurse practitioners reported that they prescribe anxiolytics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to patients experiencing psychological distress. Discussion and Conclusions: This study revealed significant variability and redundancy in how palliative care teams currently manage psychological distress. The lack of consistency potentially stems from the variability in the composition of palliative care teams across care settings and the lack of scientific evidence for best practices in psychological care in palliative care. Future research is needed to establish best practices in the screening and treatment of psychological distress for patients receiving palliative care.
Are morbidity and mortality case review practices in Scottish intensive care units aligned to national standards?
Authors: Al-Haddad Mohammed(Mo) Faik , Cadamy Andrew , Black Euan , Slade Kate 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Both Scottish and UK standards guidelines recommend that intensive care units should hold regular, structured, multidisciplinary morbidity and mortality meetings. The aim of this survey was to ascertain the nature of current practice with regards to morbidity and mortality case reviews and meetings in all intensive care units in Scotland. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a consultant from all Scottish intensive care units. A list of intensive care units in Scotland was obtained from the Scottish Intensive Care Society Audit Group annual report. Results All 24 intensive care units (100%) in Scotland were surveyed. The interviews took an average of 20 min. The three cardiac intensive care units were excluded from analysis. All other intensive care units had morbidity and mortality meetings and 18 units had a morbidity and mortality clinical lead. Nineteen intensive care units held joint morbidity and mortality meetings, eight of which were regular. In all intensive care units, meetings were attended by consultants and trainees. In 14 intensive care units, meetings were attended by nurses, seven by allied health professionals, 1 by a manager and 11 by other professionals. All mortality cases in intensive care unit were discussed in 19 intensive care units, in the other two intensive care units, 10–20% of mortality cases were discussed. Conclusion There is a wide variation in the processes of reviewing mortality cases and significant events in intensive care units across Scotland, and in the way morbidity and mortality meetings are organised and held. Based on this survey, there is scope for improving the consistency of approach to morbidity and mortality case reviews and meetings in order to improve education and facilitate shared learning.
Wearable step counting using a force myography-based ankle strap
Authors: Chu Kelvin HT , Jiang Xianta , Menon Carlo 
Published: December 2017

Introduction Step counting can be used to estimate the activity level of people in daily life; however, commercially available accelerometer-based step counters have shown inaccuracies in detection of low-speed walking steps (<2.2 km/h), and thus are not suitable for older adults who usually walk at low speeds. This proof-of-concept study explores the feasibility of using force myography recorded at the ankle to detect low-speed steps. Methods Eight young healthy participants walked on a treadmill at three speeds (1, 1.5, and 2.0 km/h) while their force myography signals were recorded at the ankle using a customized strap embedded with an array of eight force-sensing resistors. A K-nearest neighbour model was trained and tested with the recorded data. Additional three mainstream machine learning algorithms were also employed to evaluate the performance of force myography band as a pedometer. Results Results showed a low error rate of the step detection (<1.5%) at all three walking speeds. Conclusions This study demonstrates not only the feasibility of the proposed approach but also the potential of the investigated technology to reliably monitor low-speed step counting.
Estimation of individual thigh muscle volumes from a single-slice muscle cross-sectional area and muscle thickness using magnetic resonance imaging in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yamauchi Koun , Yoshiko Akito , Suzuki Shigetoshi , Kato Chisato , Akima Hiroshi , Kato Takayuki , Ishida Koji 
Published: December 2017

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the best single-slice anatomical muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle thickness (MT) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the overall individual muscle volumes (MVs) of knee extensors and flexors in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Twelve patients (24 legs; 4 men and 8 women) with KOA underwent a 1.5-Tesla axial MRI scan in the femoral region of interest (ROI), between the lesser trochanter and rectus femoris tendon. Individual MVs were calculated by numerical integration based on individual CSAs analyzed at the ROI. The best slice was determined as follows: coefficient of determination ( R2) between MVs measured and those estimated from the femoral length (FL) × CSAs or FL × MTs measured at each 10% interval level of the ROI. These estimation equations were applied for a cross-validation group (24 KOA patients: 12 men and 12 women). Results: Estimated individual MVs of knee extensors and flexors, based on the CSAs at the distal 10% level, significantly correlated with each of the measured individual MVs ( R2: 0.79–0.96, p < 0.05 for all). Similarly, estimated individual knee extensor MVs, based on MTs at the mid-slice, significantly correlated with each of the measured individual MVs ( R2: 0.77–0.84, p < 0.05 for all). The application of the developed regression equation to the cross-validation group did not exhibit any systematic bias. Conclusion: These simple methods could be applied in prospective research with a larger number of patients with KOA.
Exploring Decisions to Undertake a Marathon and Adherence Challenges in a Novice Runner With Parkinson
Authors: Ramaswamy Bhanu , Johnson Christian 
Published: December 2017

Evidence endorses the benefits of more vigorous exercise for people with Parkinson's, particularly following diagnosis, yet is not clear which style is optimal. The authors share perspectives and decisions made as a physiotherapist (assisted by a sports and exercise science student) and a novice runner with Parkinson's in his late 50s, respectively. The exercise goal chosen by the runner (the case report participant) to minimize the degenerative effects of the progressive condition was to complete a marathon. Methods: This coauthored report evaluates the participant’s progress utilizing physical fitness assessment data plus reflections on his training regime and notes from training diaries for the year before and after the marathon. Results: The participant received nutritional advice for weight management as exercise increased and physiotherapy for injuries from mounting activity level on Parkinsonian muscle tone. Fitness and function improved or were maintained (leg power, flexibility, timed functional walking, and balance). Most, however, returned to baseline within 6 months following the marathon as training intensity dropped. Conclusions: Physical function can be improved or maintained in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions with correct exercise and nutritional advice. The participant’s choice of running was based on recommendations for condition maintenance and not enjoyment, so adherence and completion of the marathon goal required professional, family, and technological support.
Lung ageing and COPD: is there a role for ageing in abnormal tissue repair?
Authors: Brandsma Corry-Anke , de Vries Maaike , Costa Rita , Woldhuis Roy R. , Königshoff Melanie , Timens Wim 
Published: December 2017

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with increasing prevalence, in particular in the elderly. COPD is characterised by abnormal tissue repair resulting in (small) airways disease and emphysema. There is accumulating evidence that ageing hallmarks are prominent features of COPD. These ageing hallmarks have been described in different subsets of COPD patients, in different lung compartments and also in a variety of cell types, and thus might contribute to different COPD phenotypes. A better understanding of the main differences and similarities between normal lung ageing and the pathology of COPD may improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving COPD pathology, in particular in those patients that develop the most severe form of COPD at a relatively young age,i.e.severe early-onset COPD patients.In this review, after introducing the main concepts of lung ageing and COPD pathology, we focus on the role of (abnormal) ageing in lung remodelling and repair in COPD. We discuss the current evidence for the involvement of ageing hallmarks in these pathological features of COPD. We also highlight potential novel treatment strategies and opportunities for future research based on our current knowledge of abnormal lung ageing in COPD.
Identifying a Clinically Applicable Mutational Burden Threshold as a Potential Biomarker of Response to Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Solid Tumors
Authors: Panda Anshuman , Betigeri Anil , Subramanian Kalyanasundaram , Ross Jeffrey S. , Pavlick Dean C. , Ali Siraj , Markowski Paul , Silk Ann , Kaufman Howard L. , Lattime Edmund , Mehnert Janice M. , Sullivan Ryan , Lovly Christine M. , Sosman Jeffrey , Johnson Douglas B. , Bhanot Gyan , Ganesan Shridar 
Published: December 2017

Purpose An association between mutational burden and response to immune checkpoint therapy has been documented in several cancer types. The potential for such a mutational burden threshold to predict response to immune checkpoint therapy was evaluated in several clinical datasets, where mutational burden was measured either by whole-exome sequencing or by using commercially available sequencing panels. Methods Whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing data of 33 solid cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed to determine whether a robust immune checkpoint–activating mutation (iCAM) burden threshold associated with evidence of immune checkpoint activation exists in these cancers that may serve as a biomarker of response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Results We found that a robust iCAM threshold, associated with signatures of immune checkpoint activation, exists in eight of 33 solid cancers: melanoma, lung adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, endometrial cancer, stomach adenocarcinoma, cervical cancer, estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer, and bladder-urothelial cancer. Tumors with a mutational burden higher than the threshold (iCAM positive) also had clear histologic evidence of lymphocytic infiltration. In published datasets of melanoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and colon cancer, patients with iCAM-positive tumors had significantly better response to immune checkpoint therapy compared with those with iCAM-negative tumors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas predictions as the gold standard showed that iCAM-positive tumors are accurately identifiable using clinical sequencing assays, such as FoundationOne (Foundation Medicine, Cambridge, MA) or StrandAdvantage (Strand Life Sciences, Bangalore, India). Using the FoundationOne-derived threshold, an analysis of 113 melanoma tumors showed that patients with iCAM-positive disease have significantly better response to immune checkpoint therapy. iCAM-positive and iCAM-negative tumors have distinct mutation patterns and different immune microenvironments. Conclusion In eight solid cancers, a mutational burden threshold exists that may predict response to immune checkpoint blockade. This threshold is identifiable using available clinical sequencing assays.
Anti–PD-L1 Treatment Induced Central Diabetes Insipidus
Authors: Zhao Chen , Tella Sri Harsha , Del Rivero Jaydira , Kommalapati Anuhya , Ebenuwa Ifechukwude , Gulley James , Strauss Julius , Brownell Isaac 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Context
Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti–programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), anti–programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), and anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA4) monoclonal antibodies, have been widely used in cancer treatment. They are known to cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which resemble autoimmune diseases. Anterior pituitary hypophysitis with secondary hypopituitarism is a frequently reported irAE, especially in patients receiving anti–CTLA4 treatment. In contrast, posterior pituitary involvement, such as central diabetes insipidus (DI), is relatively rare and is unreported in patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

Case Description
We describe a case of a 73-year-old man with Merkel cell carcinoma who received the anti–PD-L1 monoclonal antibody avelumab and achieved partial response. The patient developed nocturia, polydipsia, and polyuria 3 months after starting avelumab. Further laboratory testing revealed central DI. Avelumab was held and he received desmopressin for the management of central DI. Within 6 weeks after discontinuation of avelumab, the patient’s symptoms resolved and he was eventually taken off desmopressin. The patient remained off avelumab and there were no signs or symptoms of DI 2 months after the discontinuation of desmopressin.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the first report of central DI associated with anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy. The patient’s endocrinopathy was successfully managed by holding treatment with the immune checkpoint inhibitor. This case highlights the importance of early screening and appropriate management of hormonal irAEs in subjects undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Lichens and allied fungi new for Latvia
Authors: Moisejevs Rolands 
Published: December 2017

Six lichenized fungi (Calicium parvum, C. trabinellum, Carbonicola anthracophila, C. myrmecina, Peltigera extenuata, Pycnora sorophora), two lichenicolous (Clypeococcum hypocenomycis and Illosporium carneum), and two saprobic calicioid fungi (Chaenothecopsis savonica and Microcalicium arenarium) are reported as new for Latvia.
Política externa e regionalismo em um ambiente internacional em transformação / Foreign policy and regionalism in a changing international system
Authors: Ramanzini Junior Haroldo 
Published: December 2017

O texto analisa o tema do regionalismo na América Latina com foco nas posições do Brasil. Avalia que as transformações e indefinições no sistema internacional colocam para o país a pertinência de um engajamento regional propositivo e multidimensional.ABSTRACTThe paper analyzes the issue of regionalism in Latin America with focus on brazilian foreign policy positions. It considers that the transformations and uncertainties in the international system emphasize the pertinence of a multidimensional regional engagement.Palavras-chave: regionalismo, política externa brasileira, Mercosul, Unasul.Keywords: regionalism, brazilian foreign policy, Mercosur, Unasur.Recebido em 04 de Março de 2017 | Aceito em 26 de Setembro de 2017Received on March 4, 2017 | Accepted on September 26, 2017DOI: 10.12957/rmi.2016.27759
Processo Decisório e Política Externa nos Pequenos Estados da Periferia: Cabo Verde e Guiné-Bissau | Decision-Making Process and Foreign Policy in Small Peripheral States: Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau
Authors: M'bunde Timóteo Saba 
Published: December 2017

O texto questiona as perspectivas mais conservadoras do campo de Análise de Política Externa (APE), as quais se subsidiam de pressupostos teóricos do realismo para refutar a validade do uso de APE e processo decisório, como ferramentas cabíveis a estudar a política externa dos Estados da periferia do sistema internacional. O texto busca identificar o processo decisório de política externa em Cabo Verde e Guiné-Bissau e apresentar pistas pelas quais é possível lançar mão de APE para estudar a política externa desses dois países luso-africanos. O trabalho também apresenta alguns aspectos dos modelos políticos e constitucionais de Cabo Verde e Guiné-Bissau e a influência que os respectivos contextos políticos exercem sobre a formulação de política externa, caracterizando o tipo de processo decisório que tende a se predominar em cada um dos dois contextos.ABSTRACTThe paper question the most conservatives outlook of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) field, that subsidize from theoretical realism assumptions to refute the validity of the use of FPA and decision-making process as appropriate tools to study the foreign policy of international system peripheral states. The paper seeks to identify the decision-making process of foreign policy in Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau and provides clues by which it’s possible to make use of FPA to study and understand the foreign policy of both luso-africans countries. The work also presents some aspects of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde political and constitutional models and the influence that the respective political contexts have on foreign policy formulation, characterizing the kind of decision-making that tends to predominate in each of the two contexts.Palavras-chave: processo decisório; política externa; Estados da periferia.Keywords: decision-making; foreign policy; peripheral States.Recebido em 14 de Agosto de 2017 | Aceito em 29 de Novembro de 2017.Received on August 14, 2017 | Accepted on November 29, 2017. DOI: 10.12957/rmi.2016.29990
Complete signal peptide of Tk1884, an α-amylase from Thermococcus kodakarensis, is not necessary for extracellular secretion of the enzyme by Escherichia coli
Authors: Muhammad Majida A. , Falak Samia , Rashid Naeem , Ahmed Nasir , Gardner Qurra-Tul-Ann A. , Tariq Anam , Akhtar Muhammad 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn order to elucidate if Escherichia coli secretion system recognizes the N-terminally truncated signal sequence of an archaeal α-amylase from Thermococcus kodakarensis (Tk1884) and secretes the recombinant protein to the extracellular medium, we have cloned Tk1884 with the deletion of the sixteen N-terminal amino acids and produced the recombinant protein Tk1884Δ16 in E. coli. Analysis of the intracellular, membranous and extracellular fractions demonstrated the presence of Tk1884Δ16 in all the three fractions. The intracellular α-amylase activity, similar to the membranous fraction, increased with the passage of time till 8 h of induction and then decreased. In contrast, the extracellular α-amylase activity slowly increased with the passage of time after induction. The extracellular amylase activity was purified and determination of the molecular mass by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry demonstrated that Tk1884Δ16 was secreted to the extracellular medium without cleavage of the signal peptide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on recognition of N-terminally truncated signal peptide of archaeal origin by E. coli.
Judgement on camels- or fiction?
Authors: Syrkou Angeliki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe evidence strongly suggests that the text presented here is a report of court proceedings about camels. However, two peculiarities might point in a different direction: ( 1 ) the personal name Adikran which is mentioned only in Herodotus 4.159 as a king of the Libyans; (2) the phrase ταυ δέ μετρίου φροντίζων, which recalls a rhetorical context. Could this be a description of a court scene in a novel?
Catalogue des textes magiques coptes
Authors: Sarrazin Roxanne Belanger 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article presents an up-to-date checklist of Coptic magical texts. It deals with methodological issues, such as the criteria used for the selection of the texts and their classification into three categories (certain, probable and possible magical texts), and with the main characteristics of the texts included in the corpus: their geographical and chronological distribution, language and dialects, materials and purposes, and how they compare to Greek magical texts. A list with all items follows, including the basic characteristics for each of them
The Cost of Basic Income: Back-of-the-Envelope Calculations
Authors: Widerquist Karl 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article shows how the cost of Universal Basic Income (UBI) is often misunderstood and greatly exaggerated. It then presents simple, “back-of-the-envelope” estimates of the net cost of a UBI set at about the official poverty line: $12,000 per adult and $6,000 per child with a 50 % “marginal tax rate.” These back-of-the-envelope calculations present a greatly simplified UBI scheme meant not as a practical proposal but as a method to obtain a ballpark estimate of the cost of UBI in isolation. Even with simplifying assumptions, these figures are several times more accurate than many common but exaggerated estimates. Key findings of this study include the following. The net cost — the real cost — of this UBI scheme is $539 billion per year: about one-sixth its often-mentioned but not-very-meaningful gross cost of about $3.415 trillion. The net cost of this UBI scheme is less than 25 % of the cost of current U.S. entitlement spending, less than 15 % of overall federal spending, and about 2.95 % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The average net beneficiary is a family of about two people making about $27,000 per year in market income. The family’s net benefit from the UBI would be nearly $9,000, raising their income to almost $36,000.