bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Extensively Corrected Score for Measurement Error Models
Authors: Huang Yih‐Huei , Wen Chi‐Chung , Hsu Yu‐Hua 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn measurement error problems, two major and consistent estimation methods are the conditional score and the corrected score. They are functional methods that require no parametric assumptions on mismeasured covariates. The conditional score requires that a suitable sufficient statistic for the mismeasured covariate can be found, while the corrected score requires that the object score function can be estimated without bias. These assumptions limit their ranges of applications. The extensively corrected score proposed here is an extension of the corrected score. It yields consistent estimations in many cases when neither the conditional score nor the corrected score is feasible. We demonstrate its constructions in generalized linear models and the Cox proportional hazards model, assess its performances by simulation studies and illustrate its implementations by two real examples.
Identification and characterization of an ABA‐activated MAP kinase cascade in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Danquah Agyemang , de Zélicourt Axel , Boudsocq Marie , Neubauer Jorinde , Frei dit Frey Nicolas , Leonhardt Nathalie , Pateyron Stephanie , Gwinner Frederik , Tamby Jean‐Philippe , Ortiz‐Masia Dolores , Marcote Maria J. , Hirt Heribert , Colcombet Jean 
Published: February 2015

SummaryAbscisic acid (ABA) is a major phytohormone involved in important stress‐related and developmental plant processes. Recent phosphoproteomic analyses revealed a large set of ABA‐triggered phosphoproteins as putative mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) targets, although the evidence for MAPKs involved in ABA signalling is still scarce. Here, we identified and reconstituted in vivo a complete ABA‐activated MAPK cascade, composed of the MAP3Ks MAP3K17/18, the MAP2K MKK3 and the four C group MAPKs MPK1/2/7/14. In planta, we show that ABA activation of MPK7 is blocked in mkk3‐1 and map3k17mapk3k18 plants. Coherently, both mutants exhibit hypersensitivity to ABA and altered expression of a set of ABA‐dependent genes. A genetic analysis further reveals that this MAPK cascade is activated by the PYR/PYL/RCAR‐SnRK2‐PP2C ABA core signalling module through protein synthesis of the MAP3Ks, unveiling an atypical mechanism for MAPK activation in eukaryotes. Our work provides evidence for a role of an ABA‐induced MAPK pathway in plant stress signalling.
Relative efficacy of nucleic acid amplification testing and serologic screening in preventing hepatitis C virus transmission risk in seven international regions
Authors: Bruhn Roberta , Lelie Nico , Busch Michael , Kleinman Steven ,   the International NAT Study Group
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUNDThe relative contribution of serologic screening and nucleic acid testing (NAT) to prevent hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission has not been rigorously addressed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTwenty‐one blood organizations in seven geographical regions performing individual‐donation (ID)‐NAT in parallel with anti‐HCV screening provided data from 10,897,105 donations to establish HCV infection rates in first‐time, lapsed, and repeat donations. Screening efficacy was modeled for: anti‐HCV alone, HCV antigen/antibody (combo), minipool (MP)‐NAT in pools of 8 and 16 with anti‐HCV, ID‐NAT and anti‐HCV, and ID‐NAT alone. Probabilities of infectivity for red blood cell transfusions were estimated as 100% from window period (WP) and concordant HCV RNA/antibody‐positive (concordantly positive [CP]) donations and 0.028% from anti‐HCV‐positive and RNA‐negative probable resolved (PR) donations.RESULTSThere were 5146 confirmed infections (30 WP, 3827 CP, and 1289 PR). Infection rates and transmission risks varied substantially across regions and by donation status. Residual risk with ID‐NAT and serology screening was estimated at one in 250,000 in Egypt and at one in 10,000,000 in other regions combined; risk would increase to one in 7300 and one in 312,000, respectively, if NAT had not been performed. ID‐NAT with or without anti‐HCV testing showed higher efficacy than either MP‐NAT or combo assays, particularly in lapsed or repeat donors in whom 99.2, 98.5, and 93.2% of infectious donations were estimated to be interdicted by these respective testing strategies.CONCLUSIONSThe incremental efficacy of anti‐HCV testing when ID‐ NAT screening is performed was minimal, particularly for screening lapsed and repeat donations.
Namibia's transition from whole blood–derived pooled platelets to single‐donor apheresis platelet collections
Authors: Pitman John P. , Basavaraju Sridhar V. , Shiraishi Ray W. , Wilkinson Robert , von Finckenstein Bjorn , Lowrance David W. , Marfin Anthony A. , Postma Maarten , Mataranyika Mary , Smit Sibinga Cees Th. 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUNDFew African countries separate blood donations into components; however, demand for platelets (PLTs) is increasing as regional capacity to treat causes of thrombocytopenia, including chemotherapy, increases. Namibia introduced single‐donor apheresis PLT collections in 2007 to increase PLT availability while reducing exposure to multiple donors via pooling. This study describes the impact this transition had on PLT availability and safety in Namibia.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAnnual national blood collections and PLT units issued data were extracted from a database maintained by the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS). Production costs and unit prices were analyzed.RESULTSIn 2006, NAMBTS issued 771 single and pooled PLT doses from 3054 whole blood (WB) donations (drawn from 18,422 WB donations). In 2007, NAMBTS issued 486 single and pooled PLT doses from 1477 WB donations (drawn from 18,309 WB donations) and 131 single‐donor PLT doses. By 2011, NAMBTS issued 837 single‐donor PLT doses per year, 99.1% of all PLT units. Of 5761 WB donations from which PLTs were made in 2006 to 2011, a total of 20 (0.35%) were from donors with confirmed test results for human immunodeficiency virus or other transfusion‐transmissible infections (TTIs). Of 2315 single‐donor apheresis donations between 2007 and 2011, none of the 663 donors had a confirmed positive result for any pathogen. As apheresis replaced WB‐derived PLTs, apheresis production costs dropped by a mean of 8.2% per year, while pooled PLT costs increased by an annual mean of 21.5%. Unit prices paid for apheresis‐ and WB‐derived PLTs increased by 9 and 7.4% per year on average, respectively.CONCLUSIONNamibia's PLT transition shows that collections from repeat apheresis donors can reduce TTI risk and production costs.
Inducing competition: intensive grassland seeding to control Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Authors: Gentili R , Gilardelli F , Ciappetta S , Ghiani A , Citterio S 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe invasion of Ambrosia artemisiifolia across European countries has been favoured by its ecological amplitude and by its ability to colonise and dominate disturbed/ruderal areas that have lost competition from native species. We supposed that a strong competition for habitat resources may inhibit A. artemisiifolia growth, generating a negative feedback to its establishment. Based on this hypothesis, in this study, we undertook a 1‐year field experiment to assess the effect of mixtures of grassland species on A. artemisiifolia growth and fitness in bare soils. We applied three different treatments within an abandoned quarry area invaded by A. artemisiifolia: (i) spontaneous succession, (ii) hayseed and (iii) a commercial seed mixture. Within plots, we recorded vegetation parameters, A. artemisiifolia abundance and traits. Results obtained after one growing season showed that the commercial seed resulted in the strongest reduction of A. artemisiifolia growth rate in terms of plant height, lateral spread and leaf size. This was ascribed to higher density of plants that play a key role in reducing biomass and fitness of A. artemisiifolia. However, hayseed should be preferred, as it preserves local biodiversity. Seeding mixtures of grassland species can successfully suppress A. artemisiifolia in the first year of establishment on a vegetation‐free soil derived from quarry activities. This study indicated that inducing dominance of different native species in a newly developing plant community should enhance competition for resources, reducing the success of early coloniser non‐native species.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR A PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH TO SUPPORTING FAMILY CARERS: A FUTURE DIRECTION TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED OUTCOMES IN PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE
Authors: Ewing G , Diffin J , Austin L , Grande G 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionIn palliative care a key policy driver is carer assessment and support. For provider services to achieve meaningful change in carer outcomes in the future requires a change to a person-centred approach for supporting family carers.The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention facilitates a person-centred assessment and support process that is carer-led. Targeted practitioner training and support is required as this represents a change from current practitioner-led approaches.Aim(s) and method(s)To test and revise a training and support package for implementation of carer-led assessment and support in palliative care practice, informed by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) Framework.36 palliative care services participated including specialist community teams, hospice at home and social work/family support teams. The researchers delivered one day training on carer-led assessment and support: reflection on existing approaches; background to the CSNAT; interactive sessions on integrating CSNAT in practice. 2–3 practitioner ‘champions' per site attended (N=82) then cascaded training and facilitated implementation within sites. Peer support was through Skype/Webex discussion sessions. The PARiHS Framework informed champion interview analysis.ResultsThe finalised training and support package addresses: (1) nature of the evidence – underpinning policy/research, CSNAT approach and its benefits; (2) organisational context—recommended internal managerial, administrative, and IT support (3) internal facilitation including resources for champions to cascade training (4) external facilitation by the research team – Webex support networks/information exchange.ConclusionsThe package provides a changed approach to carer support provision for future palliative care practice with potential to improve carer outcomes.
THE FUTURE OF PALLIATIVE CARE: USING A NOVEL APPROACH TO PREPARE THE WORKFORCE
Authors: Roberts A , Gambles M , Hellaby M 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionThe delivery of world class palliative care dying requires the workforce to have substantial technical knowledge, clinical skill & excellent communication skills.Aim(s) and method(s)To develop, pilot and evaluate an MDT simulation course focused on care in the last days of life. The bespoke course consisted of e-learning & a study day focusing on 4 scenarios simulating the last days of life in a hospital setting. It was piloted on 2 occasions. Evaluation included pre & post course questionnaires & thematic analysis of post course focus group interviews.ResultsTwelve participants completed the training and 11 participated in focus groups immediately following the training. Participants were overwhelmingly positive about the course, valuing the realism, small group size, & MDT nature of the training. Feedback and the opportunity for reflection including video recording were also highly valued. Participants were fairly knowledgeable & held generally positive perceptions of caring for dying patients prior to the training. The greatest shift pre to post training was the reduction of participants' level of perceived helplessness when caring for dying patients. Confidence in all three domains (Communication, Management of the Patient, MDT Working) was relatively high (around 60%) pre-training, particularly for MDT working. It rose immediately post training (T2) in all domains but especially with regard to communication with the family & the provision of and referral for spiritual care.ConclusionsThe sample was small but the course was universally valued by participants. Findings have been used to refine the course and evaluation of further courses is planned.
USING SCHWARTZ CENTRE ROUNDS TO CHANGE HOSPICE CULTURE: DOES IT WORK?
Authors: Gishen F , Wood M 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionFollowing a review of organisational culture in 2013, Schwartz Centre Rounds (SCR) were introduced to Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead (MCHH). Aiming to promote a ‘one hospice’ ethos, the SCR were chosen as an evidence-based tool to address psychological issues felt by staff managing the increasingly complex physical and emotional burden of palliative care delivery. Unlike in NHS hospitals in which SCR are usually conducted, which have large numbers of staff, MCHH is a hospice with a relatively small pool of staff. Consequently, there were reservations about the Rounds being effective in this setting, and initially trepidation from staff concerned about sharing and exposing their emotions.Aim(s) and method(s)Facilitators underwent the training licensed and delivered by the Point of Care Foundation. A multi-professional steering group met regularly to choose topics for discussion at the SCR. Panel members for each session were chosen from a range of multi-professional backgrounds. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using Point of Care standardised evaluation forms. Process reflections on running the Rounds were systematically captured by the trained facilitators.ResultsSo far over 140 people have attended four Rounds (April–November 2014), with 85% response rate evaluation forms. Descriptive statistics, thematic analysis of SCR participants' written feedback and anecdotal observations will be reported in the poster. Factors required to sustain and improve the smooth running of Rounds will be identified.ConclusionsThe introduction of the Schwartz Centre Rounds in a small hospice requires commitment and hard work from its facilitators, and support from senior management. With these in place, the Rounds at MCHH have so far, made a considerable positive impact on its staff culture and consequently patient care.
DO FLAGGING LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL PALLIATIVE CARE TEAMS IMPROVE COMMUNITY CARE OF PATIENTS APPROACHING END OF LIFE?
Authors: Georgiade K , Kelt S , McKenna E , Hookey C 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionThe Gold Standards Framework (GSF) was developed to improve primary palliative care and has now extended to all health care settings. The palliative care team at Royal Stoke University Hospital developed a system to alert patients' GPs, by means of a “flagging letter”, that the patient has an anticipated prognosis less than 12 months and would benefit from entry onto the practice GSF register. The letter suggests consideration of discussions about resuscitation status and end of life care preferences.Aim(s) and method(s)To assess the effect of these letters on patient care including enrolment onto GSF, advance care planning, and DNAR discussions. Retrospective data analysis over 2 month period with focus on distinguishing any differences between those enrolled or not enrolled onto GSF.ResultsA large proportion of patients were enrolled on practice GSF registers (68%). 86.44% had DNAR orders irrespective of their enrolment to GSF.Patients on GSF registers were more likely to have district nurses involvement and anticipatory medication in place (38% compared to 6%). In 77% of all patients preferred place of death was documented (of whom 71% were registered to GSF) and this was achieved in 73% of cases.Conclusion(s)Highlighted need for open discussions regarding advance directives and better documentation of preferred place of death. Overall though, identification of patients with limited prognosis and the communication of this information to primary care can lead to improvements in care for end of life patients.
TRANSFORMING PALLIATIVE AND END OF LIFE CARE SERVICES THROUGH A WHOLE SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: O'Hara B , Davidson N , McClements C , Wilson D 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionCurrent strategies to address palliative and end of life care in Northern Ireland emphasise the importance of providing care as close to home as possible. In order to achieve this the transforming your palliative and end of life care programme in Northern Ireland has adopted a whole systems approach to service redesign which promotes meaningful patient, family and carer involvement.Aim(s) and method(s)Through a whole systems approach enable stakeholders to make suggestions as to how services could be improved, changed or developed; and generate new ideas for providing care for people towards the end of life at home or as close to home as possible.Key stakeholders were identified across statutory, voluntary/community and independent sectors including patients, families and carers. Seven workshops were held across Northern Ireland. Participant booklets were used to capture all suggested ideas. Meetings also took place with service users and carers individually and in small groups. Recorded ideas were systematically themed by the programme team before undergoing a two-stage shortlisting process using set criteria.Results412 stakeholders attended the workshops. 648 ideas were recorded resulting in and informing eight priority initiatives being taken forward: identification and planning; enhanced access to services at home; day hospice; support for patients and carers; pharmacy; training for healthcare providers; ambulance; discharge and equipment.Conclusion(s)Through a whole systems approach stakeholders across various sectors were able to engage in meaningful discussion to transform how palliative care will be delivered in Northern Ireland.
ENGAGING MINORITY ETHNIC COMMUNITIES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE CARE: BARRIERS AND STRATEGIES
Authors: Nawaz S 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionIn September 2012, Marie Curie employed a keyworker at a Welsh hospice to work with local minority ethnic communities to increase access and to improve awareness of palliative care. The Big Lottery funded this project, which is being evaluated by a palliative care research centre in Cardiff University.This presentation outlines the:keyworker outreach project being undertaken;Barriers identified by minority ethnic communities;Steps taken by the hospice to reduce barriersFeedback from minority ethnic patients and families accessing the serviceAim(s) and method(s)The aim of the keyworker role is to build relationships with local minority ethnic communities, and address barriers that may prevent individuals accessing palliative care services.ResultsThe keyworker has identified barriers experienced by minority ethnic communities in accessing palliative care, the need for community engagement to increase awareness and has highlighted steps that are needed to improve access to services by minority ethnic communities.The hospice has seen a significant increase in numbers of minority ethnic patients accessing the service since September 2012.Conclusion(s)This project highlights the importance of working with communities to improve awareness of palliative care and ensure equal access to services.
WHAT ARE THE PATTERNS OF DYING IN ACUTE STROKE?
Authors: Burton C , Turner M , Payne S 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionImplementation of stroke professionals' palliative care role outlined in the UK National Clinical Guidelines for stroke is challenged by uncertainty about prognosis. Understanding the patterns of dying in acute stroke may help stroke clinicians improve implementation.Aim(s) and method(s)To identify the patterns of dying in acute stroke services, and explore patient and family carer experiences. Over a six month period, biographical and clinical data, including the type of dying trajectory for deceased patients, were collected from admissions to four acute stroke services. Death trajectories were classified as sudden; rapid; episodic; slow decline; or other. Interviews were conducted with a sample of patients, family carers and bereaved relatives, exploring narratives of experience and initiation of end of life care.Results686 admissions were screened; with 627 (91.4%) eligible for inclusion. Six patients, nine family members and two bereaved family members took part in interviews. There were 91 deaths during the study period (14.5% of stroke patients) with dying trajectories classified for 72 deceased patients. Five (7.3%) were classed as sudden deaths; 64 (88.6) as rapid; 2 (3.3%) as episodic and 1 (0.8%) as slow decline. Interviews highlighted the significance that patients and families attach to clinical geography, including the type of care setting, in making sense of prognosis, and helpful messages that staff could use around planning for end of life care.Conclusion(s)The pattern of dying that acute stroke service staff encounter most is a rapid decline in a patient's condition, with a distinct terminal phase, although not set within a context of deterioration.
CANOPY: CARE NEEDS OF PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS AND THEIR CARERS
Authors: Sampson C , Hope-Gill B , Harrison N , Nelson A , Byrne A 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, fibrotic interstitial lung disease of unknown origin and median survival of three years. National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines promote patient and carer centred approaches, emphasising multidisciplinary, supportive and palliative care interventions. However there is limited evidence of patient and carer experiences to guide care pathways.Aim(s) and method(s)Multi-centre mixed methods study identifying palliative and supportive care needs of patients and carers to inform future clinical management pathways. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis used with 8 sets of semi-structured interviews with patients (27) and paired carers (21) in 4 groups (n=48). Patients also completed validated questionnaires for symptoms and QoL.ResultsPatients and carers experienced uncertainty in five domains across all IPF stages.Communication and InformationUnderstanding symptoms and interventionsIPF courseIPF and everyday lifeAdapting roles and coping strategiesPatients and carers perceived disparity between clinic assessments and their lived experience of IPF. Potential intervention triggers were complex diagnosis, health deterioration, oxygen use, carer information needs, and interpreting symptoms, particularly cough and breathlessness.Conclusion(s)Key turning points for patients and carers are structured around:Assessment, including diagnosis.Active role of carers, specifically information and symptom management.Access triggers, around changes in health status and management, such as oxygen use.The development of a keyworker service delivery model, responding to need as appropriate along an ongoing trajectory of decline, offers palliative care intervention in conditions where there is a terminal prognosis but an uncertain disease course.