bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIERARCHICAL MAPPING AS A TOOL TO EXAMINE THE NETWORKS OF THOSE AT END OF LIFE
Authors: Canaway A , Coast J , Al-janabi H , Kinghorn P , Bailey C 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionEnd of life care (EoLC) concerns the needs of both patients and those close to them. Current methods of economic evaluation typically focus on the patient and, only infrequently, the health of the carer. There are strong arguments that impacts on those close to the patient should also be included within economic evaluation. It is therefore important to know who, and how many people may be eligible for inclusion within the evaluation.Aim(s) and method(s)The aim was to examine the scale of decedents' social networks and explore factors that impact closeness at the end of life (EoL). Hierarchical mapping alongside in-depth interviews was used to examine the networks. Interviews took place with the bereaved, and those with somebody ‘close’ to them receiving EoLC. In total, the networks of 24 decedents were explored.ResultsThe median number of individuals included within the close-person network at EoL was eight. Over 60% of the hierarchical maps included individuals who were not family members and many included those who were not geographically close. Family size and death trajectory appeared to play key roles in determining the size of network at the EoL.Conclusion(s)The hierarchical mapping task was a quick and easy method of establishing the scale of close-person networks. Results suggest that if economists are to assess the full (true) impact of EoLC, assessment will need to extend beyond those providing informal care. This work aligns with the normative stance that evaluation of EoLC should not be limited solely to health outcomes.
THE FUTURE OF DATA COLLECTION IN PALLIATIVE CARE PRACTICE
Authors: Witt J , Brown A , Kaler P , Pannell C , Murtagh FEM 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionPatient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are usually completed on paper. Laptops, electronic (e/)tablets and smartphones are rarely used with palliative care patients and it is not known whether their use is feasible and acceptable in this population.Aim(s) and method(s)We explored whether palliative care patients find the use of e/tablets for PROMs data collection feasible and acceptable. To do this, we embedded a qualitative component within a larger study in two urban UK hospitals. We asked patients who completed PROMs on e/tablets or paper to complete a brief structured telephone survey followed by a semi-structured discussion of any issues experienced. Additionally, research nurses who supported patients during completion were interviewed.ResultsTen patients (70% male; age range 33–87; 30% non-cancer diagnosis) and two research nurses took part. Satisfaction with either format was high, and most found both easy to read, use and navigate. Emerging themes highlighted advantages and drawbacks of each format: Those who used paper valued the simplicity and familiarity of this format. Those who used e/tablets particularly liked the immediate transfer of their responses to electronic records and their clinician. However, several issues with e/tablets were also raised, including poor responsiveness to touch, connectivity problems and weight.Conclusion(s)E/tablet use is feasible and has potential to improve collection and use of PROMs by clinicians. However, for maximum utility, e/tablets need to be touch responsive, well connected, and lightweight, and integrated into clinical databases with real time feedback.Funder: the National Institute for Health Research—Programme.
A SUMMARY OF THE NATIONAL CARE OF THE DYING AUDIT FOR HOSPITALS, ENGLAND (NCDAH) 2013/14 AUDIT RESULTS
Authors: Mulholland Helen , Gambles Maureen , Lowe Derek , Husk Janet , Stewart Kevin , Ellershaw John 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionThe quality of end of life services is suggested as an indicator of the quality of all health care provision. NCDAH provides data regarding the standard of care delivered to imminently dying patients.Aim(s) and method(s)To report on the care provided to dying patients and their relatives to highlight areas for improvement in clinical practice and influence policy/funding/research agendas.Retrospective audit of organisational aspects of care & clinical data from 6580 patient records for May 2013 from 131 Hospitals (H).36H (27%) captured 858/2313 (37% response) bereaved relatives' (BR) views via the Care of the Dying Evaluation questionnaire.ResultsMedian age 82; cancer diagnosis 23% (1546); female 51% (3332).Organisational7-day-access to specialist palliative care service (SPCS) in 28H (21%).No education/training provision in 24H (18%).No Trust Board (TB) representation in 61H (47%).No Audit in 57H (44%).ClinicalDecisions and assessments routinely recorded (eg.Recognition of dying recorded in 87% (5722) cases). Exceptions-Clinically Assisted Nutrition 45% (2563)/Hydration 59% (3351).Communication of decisions more likely undertaken with relatives than patients.Least routinely recorded:Spiritual needs assessment(Capable patients 21% (715/3391)*/Relatives 25% (1623/6575*)).Care after death 46% (3037)BR ViewsMost reported that patients were ‘always’ treated with dignity & respect by doctors (66%/535*) and nurses (70%/577*)BR felt adequately supported (76%/610*)*Reduced sampleConclusion(s)Organisational processes should include: 7 day access to SPCS; staff education; Trust Board representation/audit. Clinical decision documentation & communication to patients & relatives could be improved. Whilst bereaved relatives views were generally positive, a significant minority reported negative perceptions of care.
IS SOCIAL MEDIA SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PALLIATIVE CARE RESEARCH: EXPERIENCE OF THE EVOLUTION AND REVOLUTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Ngwenya N 
Published: February 2015

IntroductionResearch in palliative care faces many ethical and practical challenges which call for the exploration of new methodologies to help overcome these barriers. With an awareness of how the internet has revolutionised the world, social media techniques are a feasible option as they have been successfully implemented and used in other research disciplines.Aim(s) and method(s)This paper discusses various ways that social media can be adopted in palliative care research and the methodological implications of their use. Two case studies based on our experience of using social media in research will be presented.ResultsBoth quantitative and qualitative research can use the internet as an additional modality that complements research objectives. Within the two case studies social media was successfully used to facilitate patient identification and access hard to reach participants improving recruitment and attrition rates; afforded the possibility of innovative data collection methods that consider issues such as low tolerance for burden with palliative care patients, thus enriching the data. Data analysis and dissemination were improved with the possibility of informing the general public thus promoting palliative care as a public health issue.Conclusion(s)Based on our experience, recommendations are given for those planning to use social media for research in palliative care. Techniques for improving patient recruitment and quality data collection are suggested, stressing the need to use these methods appropriately and not simple as a replacement of traditional approaches. Timeframe processes of online methods vary and the objectives of the study should be considered to ensure that relevant data are collected.
INTERNATIONAL PALLIATIVE CARE JOURNAL CLUB ON TWITTER: EXPERIENCE SO FAR
Authors: Whitburn T , Walshe C , Sleeman KE 
Published: February 2015

Introduction@hpmJC (hospice and palliative medicine Journal Club, #hpmJC) was launched in February 2014 on the social networking service Twitter, as a regular international journal club for palliative care. The journal club aims to encourage critical analysis of research methods and findings, and to promote evidence based practice, by providing a forum to discuss latest research findings.Aim(s) and method(s)To analyse the use and reach of #hpmJC, from the first journal club in February 2014, to date.All data on Twitter posts (tweets) using #hpmJC were extracted from Twitter using analytic tools Sysomos and Symplur. Outcomes included number of tweets, number of unique users, users' designated country, and impressions (potential number of accounts reached).Results7 journal clubs have taken place. 2360 tweets were sent, from 230 individual Twitter accounts and with contributions from people in 17 countries. For contributors whose country of origin is known (59%), most were based in the UK (41%) or USA (26%).Tweets from resource-poor countries were initially uncommon but increased over the time period. The mean number of contributors at each journal club was 32. The potential reach of #hpmJC varied, but for the most recent journal club was 290,802 unique users.Conclusion(s)Social media provides opportunities to share expertise and disseminate information globally, transcending geographical boundaries.@hpmJC has been used to start a viable and sustainable online multidisciplinary journal club with wider geographical spread and potential reach than a traditional journal club. Strategies to increase participation in resource-poor countries are being developed.
An asymptotic method for selection of inflationary modes
Authors: Yusofi E. , Mohsenzadeh M. 
Published: February 2015

We present some features of early universe cosmology in terms of Hankel functions index (ν). Actually, the recent data from observational cosmology indicate that our universe was nearly de Sitter spacetime in the early times which results in an approximate scale-invariant spectrum. This imposes some constrains on index ν [E. Yusofi and M. Mohsenzadeh, JHEP 09, 020 (2014)]. These constrains stimulate us to use general solution of inflaton field equation for [Formula: see text]. To obtain the general solution for the inflationary background, we use asymptotic expansion of Hankel functions up to nonlinear order of [Formula: see text]. We consider the nonlinear modes as the fundamental modes for early universe during the inflation. In this paper, we obtain the general form of the inflationary modes, scale factor expansion, equation of state and some nonlinear corrections of power spectrum in terms of index ν. These results are general and in quasi-de Sitter and de Sitter limit confirm the conventional results.
Natural hazards and geological heritage in Earth science education projects
Authors: Ferrero Elena , Magagna Alessandra 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
To the non-specialist, the concept of geological natural hazard usually refers to natural processes affecting the geosphere that produce far-reaching and intense effects, involving significant transfers of matter and energy, in a relatively short time when compared to the human timescale. Usually, these processes are also associated with abrupt and destructive effects involving human activities and lives.
From the geoscientific point of view, slower and more gradual processes, which produce small scale effects, can also pose a hazard, for example when the process results in the loss of scientific information or in the destruction of evidence of past events that cannot be reproduced, such as those related to the history of life, or when spectacular examples of particular aesthetic value are destroyed.
Only widespread education and good quality communication, both rigorous and effective, can increase people's awareness and sensitivity to the need for protection of the geological heritage and for adopting geoethic attitudes.
This paper presents some case studies in the Piedmont region (NW Italy) that involved students of primary and secondary schools in an active and participatory way and that represented a training opportunity for their teachers.
Atheroma Progression in Hyporesponders to Statin Therapy
Authors: Kataoka Yu , St. John Julie , Wolski Kathy , Uno Kiyoko , Puri Rishi , Tuzcu E. Murat , Nissen Steven E. , Nicholls Stephen J. 
Published: February 2015

Objective—
Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins has been demonstrated to slow plaque progression. This antiatherosclerotic effect in patients with minimal LDL-C lowering has not been investigated.

Approach and Results—

Six hundred forty-seven patients with angiographic coronary artery disease who were commenced on statin therapy underwent serial imaging with intravascular ultrasound. Responders were defined as a percentage reduction in LDL-C of <15%. Disease progression was compared in responders (n=517) and hyporesponders (n=130) to statin therapy. Twenty percentage of patients demonstrated minimal changes in LDL-C, despite commencement of statin therapy. Statin hyporesponders were younger (55 versus 57 years;
P
=0.01), more likely to be male (79% versus 66%;
P
=0.005), and obese (body mass index, 31.5±6.1 versus 30.3±5.9 kg/m
2
;
P
=0.04) and less likely to have a history of dyslipidemia (50% versus 66%;
P
<0.001). Baseline levels of systolic blood pressure (127±15 versus 132±17 mm Hg;
P
=0.01) and LDL-C (2.5±0.6 versus 3.4±0.8 mmol/L;
P
<0.001) were lower in statin hyporesponders. Baseline percent atheroma volume was similar between statin hyporesponders and responders (36.9±9.8% versus 38.3±9.2%;
P
=0.13). On serial evaluation, greater progression of percent atheroma volume (1.19±0.48% versus 0.09±0.43%;
P
=0.003) was observed in statin hyporesponders. After adjusting for baseline clinical characteristics and measures of plaque burden, statin hyporesponders still exhibited greater atheroma progression (+0.83±0.58% versus −0.21±0.52%;
P
=0.006).

Conclusions—
A substantial proportion of patients with coronary artery disease fail to achieve effective reductions in LDL-C, despite prescription of statin therapy. Greater progression of atherosclerosis is observed in these patients. Our current study underscores monitoring LDL-C level after the commencement of statin to ensure adequate response to statin therapy.
Etv2 and Fli1b Function Together as Key Regulators of Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Craig Michael P. , Grajevskaja Viktorija , Liao Hsin-Kai , Balciuniene Jorune , Ekker Stephen C. , Park Joo-Seop , Essner Jeffrey J. , Balciunas Darius , Sumanas Saulius 
Published: February 2015

Objective—

The E26 transformation-specific domain transcription factor
Etv2
/
Etsrp
/
ER71
is a master regulator of vascular endothelial differentiation during vasculogenesis, although its later role in sprouting angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we investigated in the zebrafish model a role for Etv2 and related E26 transformation-specific factors, Fli1a and Fli1b in developmental angiogenesis.

Approach and Results—

Zebrafish
fli1a
and
fli1b
mutants were obtained using transposon-mediated gene trap approach. Individual
fli1a
and
fli1b
homozygous mutant embryos display normal vascular patterning, yet the angiogenic recovery observed in older
etv2
mutant embryos does not occur in embryos lacking both
etv2
and
fli1b
.
Etv2
and
fli1b
double-deficient embryos fail to form any angiogenic sprouts and show greatly increased apoptosis throughout the axial vasculature. In contrast,
fli1a
mutation did not affect the recovery of
etv2
mutant phenotype. Overexpression analyses indicate that both
etv2
and
fli1b
, but not
fli1a
, induce the expression of multiple vascular markers and of each other. Temporal inhibition of Etv2 function using photoactivatable morpholinos indicates that the function of Etv2 and Fli1b during angiogenesis is independent from the early requirement of Etv2 during vasculogenesis. RNA-Seq analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation suggest that Etv2 and Fli1b share the same transcriptional targets and bind to the same E26 transformation-specific sites.

Conclusions—
Our data argue that there are 2 phases of early vascular development with distinct requirements of E26 transformation-specific transcription factors. Etv2 alone is required for early vasculogenesis, whereas Etv2 and Fli1b function redundantly during late vasculogenesis and early embryonic angiogenesis.
COX2 Inhibition Reduces Aortic Valve Calcification In Vivo
Authors: Wirrig Elaine E. , Gomez M. Victoria , Hinton Robert B. , Yutzey Katherine E. 
Published: February 2015

Objective—

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, which affects ≈1% of the US population and is characterized by calcific nodule formation and stenosis of the valve.
Klotho
-deficient mice were used to study the molecular mechanisms of CAVD as they develop robust aortic valve (AoV) calcification. Through microarray analysis of AoV tissues from
klotho
-deficient and wild-type mice, increased expression of the gene encoding cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2;
Ptgs2
) was found. COX2 activity contributes to bone differentiation and homeostasis, thus the contribution of COX2 activity to AoV calcification was assessed.

Approach and Results—

In
klotho
-deficient mice, COX2 expression is increased throughout regions of valve calcification and is induced in the valvular interstitial cells before calcification formation. Similarly, COX2 expression is increased in human diseased AoVs. Treatment of cultured porcine aortic valvular interstitial cells with osteogenic media induces bone marker gene expression and calcification in vitro, which is blocked by inhibition of COX2 activity. In vivo, genetic loss of function of COX2 cyclooxygenase activity partially rescues AoV calcification in
klotho
-deficient mice. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of COX2 activity in
klotho
-deficient mice via celecoxib-containing diet reduces AoV calcification and blocks osteogenic gene expression.

Conclusions—
COX2 expression is upregulated in CAVD, and its activity contributes to osteogenic gene induction and valve calcification in vitro and in vivo.
Defining the Ischemic Penumbra Using Magnetic Resonance Oxygen Metabolic Index
Authors: An Hongyu , Ford Andria L. , Chen Yasheng , Zhu Hongtu , Ponisio Rosana , Kumar Gyanendra , Shanechi Amirali Modir , Khoury Naim , Vo Katie D. , Williams Jennifer , Derdeyn Colin P. , Diringer Michael N. , Panagos Peter , Powers William J. , Lee Jin-Moo , Lin Weili 
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose—
Penumbral biomarkers promise to individualize treatment windows in acute ischemic stroke. We used a novel magnetic resonance imaging approach that measures oxygen metabolic index (OMI), a parameter closely related to positron emission tomography–derived cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen utilization (CMRO2), to derive a pair of ischemic thresholds: (1) an irreversible-injury threshold that differentiates ischemic core from penumbra and (2) a reversible-injury threshold that differentiates penumbra from tissue not-at-risk for infarction.

Methods—
Forty patients with acute ischemic stroke underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 3 time points after stroke onset: <4.5 hours (for OMI threshold derivation), 6 hours (to determine reperfusion status), and 1 month (for infarct probability determination). A dynamic susceptibility contrast method measured cerebral blood flow, and an asymmetrical spin echo sequence measured oxygen extraction fraction, to derive OMI (OMI=cerebral blood flow×oxygen extraction fraction). Putative ischemic threshold pairs were iteratively tested using a computation-intensive method to derive infarct probabilities in 3 tissue groups defined by the thresholds (core, penumbra, and not-at-risk tissue). An optimal threshold pair was chosen based on its ability to predict infarction in the core, reperfusion-dependent survival in the penumbra, and survival in not-at-risk tissue. The predictive abilities of the thresholds were then tested within the same cohort using a 10-fold cross-validation method.

Results—
The optimal OMI ischemic thresholds were found to be 0.28 and 0.42 of normal values in the contralateral hemisphere. Using the 10-fold cross-validation method, median infarct probabilities were 90.6% for core, 89.7% for nonreperfused penumbra, 9.95% for reperfused penumbra, and 6.28% for not-at-risk tissue.

Conclusions—
OMI thresholds, derived using voxel-based, reperfusion-dependent infarct probabilities, delineated the ischemic penumbra with high predictive ability. These thresholds will require confirmation in an independent patient sample.
Evaluation of Chinese Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) Weather Reports
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Zhuge Xiao-Yong , Wang Yuan , Xiong Anyuan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) weather reports are a type of high spatiotemporal data currently widely used in weather monitoring and prediction. A recent Chinese AMDAR project began in 2003 has made rapid progress. However, the assessment and accuracy of these Chinese AMDAR reports have yet to be thoroughly discussed. A comparison of temperature and wind observations between Chinese AMDAR reports and rawinsonde data between 2004 and 2010 is conducted in this paper. Results demonstrate that the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between these two sets of data is 1.40°C for temperature, 3.56 m s−1 for wind speed, and 28° for wind direction. Because of the particularity of observation and inversion method, comparison results are not only affected by AMDAR measurement and reporting error but also by spatial and temporal representativeness, flight phases, and the environment. This evaluation helps create a complete estimation of the accuracy of Chinese AMDAR in order to assist with data assimilation.
Pathways in gut-brain communication: Evidence for distinct gut-to-brain and brain-to-gut syndromes
Authors: Keightley Philip C , Koloski Natasha A , Talley Nicholas J 
Published: February 2015

Objective: The rich interconnectedness between gut and brain is increasingly being identified. This article reviews the evidence for brain-gut and gut-brain syndromes, particularly recent epidemiological evidence, and animal studies demonstrating bi-directionality at the formative stage of development. Method: Narrative literature review with selection for relevance and quality. Results: Population surveys show a strong correlation between anxiety, depression, and functional gastrointestinal disorders, contradicting early suspicions that the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in the clinic was mainly due to neurotic health seeking behaviour. Five and 12 year follow-up shows that psychological distress can predict later onset of a functional gastrointestinal disorder and vice versa. Brain-gut pathways include the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis including corticotrophin releasing factor directly acting on the gut. Gut-brain pathways include ascending pain pathways, cytokines including tumour necrosis factor alpha in response to bacterial translocation and inflammation, 5-hydroxytryptamine secretion by entero-endocrine cells and psychoactive chemicals of bacterial origin which may enter the blood stream, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, fatty acids and 5-hydroxytryptamine precursors. The ability to control rodent temperament and HPA responsiveness with early modification of gastrointestinal flora, and the effects of early stress on the barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract and flora, suggests an ability of both systems to prime each other in early life for later problems. This hypothesis seems to be supported by a possible protective effect of a probiotic strain of bacteria in a model of early rat psychological trauma. Conclusion: Psychological treatments are known to improve functional gastrointestinal disorders, the next wave of research may involve preventative microbiological gut based treatments for primary psychological presentations, both to treat the presenting complaint and inoculate against later functional gastrointestinal disorders.