bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Made to fit’: filling critical gaps with a hospice at home service
Authors: Baldry Catherine , Jack Barbara , Groves Karen , Gaunt Kathryn , Sephton Janice , Whelan Alison 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundPromoting the choice to die at home is central to UK policies and strategies. Nationally, various models of Hospice at Home service support this choice. Locally a service was developed to fill gaps in, and work together with, existing community services providing a bespoke Hospice at Home Service outreaching from the hospice hub.MethodRetrospective cohort study and stakeholder evaluation during a 1 year pilot study in the North West of England. Data (demographic and service intervention) was collected on 201 service recipients. 55 Healthcare Professionals; (General Practitioners, District Nurses, Community Specialist Palliative Care Nurses and Hospital Discharge Coordinator) participated in semi-structured interviews, focus groups and electronic open end questionnaires.ResultsIn the first year, 201 received the service. 184 (92%) had cancer, 36% aged over 80 years. 57 (28%) lived alone. 181 (90%) recipients died. 73% (132) died at home (72% (120) with cancer), 6% (29) in the hospice, 12 (6.5%) care home, 1 (0.5%) in an ambulance on their way home, 7 (4%) hospital. 51 patients lived alone, 69% (35) died at home. Healthcare Professionals reported the impact of the different elements of the service (accompanied transfer home; multiprofessional (including doctors) crisis intervention team and a flexible sitting service) as being instrumental in helping patients to remain at home. The additional service supplements existing services, enables a speedier discharge home and supports carers to enable them to continue coping. It is of interest that in the second year a 73% home death rate has been maintained.ConclusionsThis novel bespoke service provides different elements of a Hospice at Home service, a tailor made package to meet individual and local area needs. This service appears to be having a major impact on place of death and is enabling patients to die in their place of choice
Music to soothe the soul
Authors: Edmondson Kate , Garlick Dawn , Wright Vicki 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundA talented composer and musician when admitted to a hospice many miles from home, missed the spiritual comfort provided by his own music collection stored on his ipod. Hospice CD ‘s were not to his taste! When he died his partner was distressed and guilt ridden because she had not been able to access his music for him. She decided to raise money to provide ipods for all inpatients to use and enjoy.AimsTo provide each inpatient with an extra source of comfort and relaxation to suit their own individual taste.MethodEnough money was raised to buy 14 ipods and docking stations, 12 month supply of disposable headphones and a laptop for downloading the music.An eclectic range of music of all genres was downloaded, including music composed and recorded by the patient and partner.One auxiliary nurse volunteered to take responsibility for downloading music that had special meaning for individual patients as requested.ResultsComments from patients and families that have used the ipods are collected, also the types of music requested, comments- have indicated that the ipods provide a positive experience for patients and families with a wide range of musical tastes.Staff comments were collected through an online survey.Raising staff awareness of the benefits to patients of listening to music of their own individual choice rather than that selected by nursing staff from a central CD player, radio, piano or organ has prompted another auxiliary nurse to survey Day Therapy patients and find out what their music preferences are.This poster describes the background to this service, comments from patients and families, and the results of the two surveys.
Perioperative safety of Hydrosoft coils
Authors: Waldau Ben , Turk Aquilla S , Yashar Parham , Khaldi Ahmad , Turner Raymond D , Chaudry M Imran , Siddiqui Adnan H , Levy Elad I , Hoh Brian L , Mocco J 
Published: September 2011

ObjectiveHydrosoft coils were developed to serve as finishing coils to prevent aneurysmal recurrence at the neck. Initial animal studies were encouraging since some studies showed endothelial healing across the neck without recurrence over time. However, theoretical concerns exist regarding the potential threat to parent vessels as the Hydrosoft coils at the neck expand, as well as whether such coils can be adequately supple to safely serve as a true finishing coil. A retrospective review of the initial clinical experience utilizing Hydrosoft coils from three high-volume centers was performed.MethodsEach center was asked to report angiographic (aneurysmal location, aneurysmal maximal size, neck size, incidence of intraprocedural parent vessel thrombosis, coil herniation, aneurysmal rupture as well as Raymond scale and percent occlusion after coiling) and clinical (rupture status, Hunt and Hess grade, incidence of stroke, hemorrhage, vasospasm and hydrocephalus) data on consecutive patients who underwent placement of Hydrosoft coils.ResultsA total of 141 patients were enrolled. Embolization achieved a Raymond Scale score of I (complete obliteration) in 79 aneurysms (56%), II (residual neck) in 40 aneurysms (28%) and III (residual dome) in 21 aneurysms (15%); in one case the Hydrosoft coil could not be placed. Procedural morbidity and mortality were 2.1% and 1.4%, respectively. No complications were definitively attributed to the use of Hydrosoft coils. There were three cases (2.1%) of parent vessel thrombosis, two of which resolved after intraprocedural administration of thrombolytic agents and did not lead to neurological sequelae. The incidences of intraprocedural or periprocedural aneurysmal rupture (2.1%), cerebral hemorrhage (3.5%), stroke (4.9%), vasospasm (26.2%) or hydrocephalus (31.1%) were comparable to contemporary literature.ConclusionThe use of Hydrosoft coils appears to be safe and does not lead to higher complication rates than are currently accepted in the literature. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether the use of Hydrosoft coils results in a lower incidence of aneurysmal recurrence.
MicroRNA Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Can , Tang Dean G. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC), or cancer cells with stem cell properties, have been reported in many human tumors and are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, therapy resistance, progression, relapse, and metastasis. Despite their potential clinical importance, how CSCs are regulated at the molecular level is not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that play critical roles in normal stem cell functions during development, have emerged as important regulators of CSCs as well. In this review, we summarize the current major findings of miRNA regulation of various CSCs and discuss our recent findings that miR-34a suppresses prostate CSCs and metastasis by directly repressing CD44. This recent progress has important implications for understanding how CSCs are intricately regulated by networks of miRNAs and for developing novel mechanism-based miRNA therapeutics that specifically target CSCs. Cancer Res; 71(18); 5950–4. ©2011 AACR.
DNA Damage Response and Growth Factor Signaling Pathways in Gliomagenesis and Therapeutic Resistance
Authors: Squatrito Massimo , Holland Eric C. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The dismal prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is mainly due to the poor response of GBM patients to any therapeutic modalities, which include ionizing radiation and DNA-alkylating agents. In the last few years, the important role of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in tumor formation and modulation of therapeutic response has been appreciated. Interestingly, several of the genetic alterations commonly found in GBMs (such as epidermal growth factor receptor amplification and PTEN inactivation) have also recently been shown to regulate the activity of the DNA repair machinery and, consequently, the response to DNA-damaging agents used routinely in the clinic. In this review, we focus on some of these findings that suggest that at least some of the pathways driving GBM formation could be directly responsible for the therapy resistance of this tumor type. Possible therapeutic approaches exist that may either overcome or take advantage of these GBM genetic alterations to improve the response of these tumors to DNA-damaging therapy. Cancer Res; 71(18); 5945–9. ©2011 AACR.
Oncogenic EGFR Signaling Activates an mTORC2–NF-κB Pathway That Promotes Chemotherapy Resistance
Authors: Tanaka Kazuhiro , Babic Ivan , Nathanson David , Akhavan David , Guo Deliang , Gini Beatrice , Dang Julie , Zhu Shaojun , Yang Huijun , De Jesus Jason , Amzajerdi Ali Nael , Zhang Yinan , Dibble Christian C. , Dan Hancai , Rinkenbaugh Amanda , Yong William H. , Vinters Harry V. , Gera Joseph F. , Cavenee Webster K. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Manning Brendan D. , Baldwin Albert S. , Mischel Paul S. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Although it is known that mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) functions upstream of Akt, the role of this protein kinase complex in cancer is not well understood. Through an integrated analysis of cell lines, in vivo models, and clinical samples, we demonstrate that mTORC2 is frequently activated in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant primary brain tumor of adults. We show that the common activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation (EGFRvIII) stimulates mTORC2 kinase activity, which is partially suppressed by PTEN. mTORC2 signaling promotes GBM growth and survival and activates NF-κB. Importantly, this mTORC2–NF-κB pathway renders GBM cells and tumors resistant to chemotherapy in a manner independent of Akt. These results highlight the critical role of mTORC2 in the pathogenesis of GBM, including through the activation of NF-κB downstream of mutant EGFR, leading to a previously unrecognized function in cancer chemotherapy resistance. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting mTORC2, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, will be effective in the treatment of cancer.
Significance: This study demonstrates that EGFRvIII-activated mTORC2 signaling promotes GBM proliferation, survival, and chemotherapy resistance through Akt-independent activation of NF-κB. These results highlight the role of mTORC2 as an integrator of two canonical signaling networks that are commonly altered in cancer, EGFR/phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) and NF-κB. These results also validate the importance of mTORC2 as a cancer target and provide new insights into its role in mediating chemotherapy resistance, suggesting new treatment strategies. Cancer Discovery; 1(6); 524–38. ©2011 AACR.
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Ethnic Differences in Macrovascular and Microvascular Function in Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Shantsila Eduard , Wrigley Benjamin , Shantsila Alena , Tapp Luke D. , Blann Andrew D. , Gill Paramjit S. , Lip Gregory Y.H. 
Published: September 2011

Background—
Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiological features of heart failure (HF), and ethnic differences in the presentation of cardiovascular disease are evident, with an excess seen among South Asians (SAs). However, data on ethnic differences in endothelial function in HF are limited.

Methods and Results—

In a cross-sectional study, we recruited 128 subjects with systolic HF: 50 SAs, 50 whites, and 28 African Caribbeans (ACs). In addition, SAs with systolic HF were compared with 40 SAs with coronary artery disease without HF (“disease controls”) and 40 SA healthy controls. Macrovascular endothelial function was assessed by measurement of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in response to hyperemia, arterial stiffness was assessed by the pulse-wave velocity, and microvascular endothelial function was assessed by forearm laser Doppler flowmetry. CD144-expressing endothelial microparticles were measured by flow cytometry. When compared with disease controls and healthy controls, SAs with HF had an impaired microvascular response to acetylcholine (
P
=0.001) and reduced FMD (
P
<0.001). In comparing ethnic groups, SAs with HF had an impaired response to acetylcholine (123±95.5%) compared with whites (258±156%) and ACs (286±173%,
P
<0.001 for both). Whites had a higher FMD (8.49±4.63%) than SAs (4.76±4.78%,
P
<0.001) and ACs (4.55±3.56%,
P
=0.01). No difference in endothelial-independent response was observed between study groups or in pulse-wave velocity. Ethnicity remained associated with microvascular endothelial function even after adjustment for age, presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and glucose levels (
P
=0.003). There were no differences in numbers of endothelial microparticles.

Conclusions—
The SAs with HF have impaired microvascular and macrovascular endothelial function but preserved arterial elastic properties. Significant ethnic differences in endothelial function are evident in subjects with HF, with ethnicity being associated with microvascular endothelial dysfunction in this disorder.
Pressure-painful scalp arteries in children and adolescents suffering from migraine
Authors: Cianchetti Carlo , Serci Maria Celeste , Madeddu Francesco , Cossu Silvia , Ledda Maria Giuseppina 
Published: September 2011

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of pressure-painful scalp arteries in children and adolescents with migraine. Materials and methods: Pressure-painful points on scalp arteries were searched in 130 consecutive children (6–12 years old) and adolescents (>13 years old) affected with migraine, 89 females and 41 males, and in 40 age-matched controls. Results: In the absence of a migraine episode, we examined 76 patients: 54 (71.1%) reported one or more pressure-painful arteries and 22 reported none. Of the 40 controls, pressure-painful arteries were present in 11, with a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001). During a migraine attack, of the 54 patients examined, 43 (79.6 %) reported one or more pressure-painful arteries and 11 reported none. The arteries most frequently painful were the frontal branch and the superficial temporal artery. Conclusions: Scalp arteries are frequently painful on pressure in children and adolescents with migraine, both in the absence of and during a migraine attack. Painful arteries suggest hypersensitivity of periarterial nociceptive afferents.
Treatment Outcomes of Alginate-Embedded Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Versus Autologous Chondrocytes for the Repair of Focal Articular Cartilage Defects in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Tay Liang Xin , Ahmad Raja Elina , Dashtdar Havva , Tay K.W. , Masjuddin T. , Ab-Rahim S. , Chong Pan Pan , Selvaratnam L. , Kamarul T. 
Published: September 2011

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising alternative form of cell-based therapy for cartilage injury. However, the capacity of MSCs for chondrogenesis has not been fully explored. In particular, there is presently a lack of studies comparing the effectiveness of MSCs to conventional autologous chondrocyte (autoC) treatment for regeneration of full-thickness cartilage defects in vivo. Hypothesis: Treatment with allogenic undifferentiated MSCs (alloMSCs) results in superior cartilage tissue regeneration profiles when compared with autoC for repair of focal articular cartilage defects. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Full-thickness articular cartilage defects were created on the weightbearing surface of the medial femoral condyles in both knees of New Zealand White rabbits (N = 30). Six weeks after the defect was induced, the right knee was treated with either alloMSCs (n = 12) or autoC (n = 18), while the left knee remained untreated (control). The rabbits were sacrificed at 6 months after treatment for assessment of cartilage tissue regeneration, which included the Brittberg morphologic score, histologic grading by O’Driscoll score, and quantitative analysis of glycosaminoglycans per total protein content. Results: Apart from significantly higher Brittberg scores in the alloMSC treatment group (8.8 ± 0.8) versus the autoC treatment group (6.6 ± 0.8) ( P = .04), both treatments showed similar cartilage regenerative profiles. All outcome measures were significantly higher in the treatment groups compared with their respective controls ( P < .05). Conclusion: AlloMSCs have similar effectiveness as autoC for repair of focal cartilage defects. Both treatments resulted in superior tissue regeneration compared with untreated defects. Clinical Relevance: The results have an implication of supporting the potential use of MSCs for cartilage repair after sports injuries or diseases, in view of similar efficacy but less patient morbidity and potential cost savings as compared with conventional autoC therapy.
An exhaust gas recirculation control strategy for passenger car diesel engines using an inverse valve model
Authors: Oh B , Lee M , Park Y , Lee K , Sunwoo M 
Published: September 2011

In diesel engines, accurate control of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is important because of its effects on the nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The conventional EGR control system adopts a simple proportional–integral (PI) control algorithm with a lookup-table-based feedforward control and gain scheduling. However, this lookup-table-based control system has limited control performance in transient operations because the lookup tables are obtained from static engine data. The objective of this paper is to improve the control performance of the diesel engine EGR system by using a mathematical model of the EGR path. The proposed EGR control system is composed of PI controller gain scheduling and a feedforward control algorithm based on the mathematical model. The gain-scheduling algorithm provides a PI controller gain based on a sensitivity function that elucidates the relationship between the effective flow area of the EGR valve and the EGR mass flowrate. The feedforward algorithm calculates the EGR valve position based on the inverse model of the EGR valve. The driving cycle test result showed that, compared with the conventional EGR control system, the r.m.s. and maximum values of the target tracking error were reduced by 2.5 per cent and 8.0 per cent respectively.
Health and physical education pre-service teacher perceptions of journals as a reflective tool in experience-based learning
Authors: O'Connell Timothy , Dyment Janet 
Published: September 2011

The pedagogical use of journals as a reflective tool has been used in many academic disciplines. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of implementing journal writing as an academic exercise, and results have generally touted journals as a successful means of encouraging learning and reflection. However, little is known about how students perceive journal writing, particularly with pre-service Health and Physical Education teachers who are often inundated by attempts to make them into ‘reflective practitioners’ (Schön, 1983). The purpose of this study was to examine journal writing perceptions of Health and Physical Education pre-service teachers who participated in an experience-based learning activity. Results from this exploratory study indicate that journaling is appreciated by some pre-service teachers. While it supports the findings of previous studies that journaling can be an effective pedagogical technique, it raises the question as to whether or not journaling is for every student, particularly when considering academic specialization.
Improved responsiveness and reduced sample size requirements of PROMIS physical function scales with item response theory
Authors: Fries James F , Krishnan Eswar , Rose Matthias , Lingala Bharathi , Bruce Bonnie 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Introduction

The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ) and the SF-36 PF-10, among other instruments, yield sensitive and valid Disability (Physical Function) endpoints. Modern techniques, such as Item Response Theory (IRT), now enable development of more precise instruments using improved items. The NIH Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is charged with developing improved IRT-based tools. We compared the ability to detect change in physical function using original (Legacy) instruments with Item-Improved and PROMIS IRT-based instruments.

Methods

We studied two Legacy (original) Physical Function/Disability instruments (HAQ, PF-10), their item-improved derivatives (Item-Improved HAQ and PF-10), and the IRT-based PROMIS Physical Function 10- (PROMIS PF 10) and 20-item (PROMIS PF 20) instruments. We compared sensitivity to detect 12-month changes in physical function in 451 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and assessed relative responsiveness using P-values, effect sizes (ES), and sample size requirements.

Results

The study sample was 81% female, 87% Caucasian, 65 years of age, had 14 years of education, and had moderate baseline disability. All instruments were sensitive to detecting change (< 0.05) in physical function over one year. The most responsive instruments in these patients were the Item-Improved HAQ and the PROMIS PF 20. IRT-improved instruments could detect a 1.2% difference with 80% power, while reference instruments could detect only a 2.3% difference (P < 0.01). The best IRT-based instruments required only one-quarter of the sample sizes of the Legacy (PF-10) comparator (95 versus 427). The HAQ outperformed the PF-10 in more impaired populations; the reverse was true in more normal populations. Considering especially the range of severity measured, the PROMIS PF 20 appears the most responsive instrument.

Conclusions

Physical Function scales using item improved or IRT-based items can result in greater responsiveness and precision across a broader range of physical function. This can reduce sample size requirements and thus study costs.