bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nationwide, population-based study of school grades in practical and aesthetic subjects of children treated for brain tumour
Authors: Lönnerblad Malin , van't Hooft Ingrid , Blomgren Klas , Berglund Eva 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundChildren treated for brain tumour (hereafter termed paediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTS)) often need extra support in school because of late-appearing side effects after their treatment. We explored how this group of children perform in the five practical and aesthetic (PRAEST) subjects: home and consumer studies, physical education and health, art, crafts and music.MethodsIn this nationwide population-based study of data from the Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry and Statistics Sweden, we included 475 children born between 1988 and 1996, diagnosed with a brain tumour before their 15th birthday. We compared their grades in PRAEST subjects with those of 2197 matched controls. We also investigated if there were any differences between girls and boys, children diagnosed at different ages, and children with high-grade or low-grade tumours.ResultsThe odds for failing a subject were two to three times higher for girls treated for a brain tumour compared with their controls in all five PRAEST subjects, whereas there were no significant differences between the boys and their controls in any subject. PBTS had lower average grades from year 9 in all PRAEST subjects, and girls differed from their controls in all five subjects, while boys differed in physical education and health and music. PBTS treated for high-grade tumours neither did have significantly different average grades nor did they fail a subject to a significantly higher extent than PBTS treated for low-grade tumours.ConclusionsChildren treated for a brain tumour, especially girls, are at risk of lower average grades or failing PRAEST subjects. All children treated for brain tumour may need extra support as these subjects are important for their well-being and future skills.
Treatment of severe acute malnutrition with oat or standard ready-to-use therapeutic food: a triple-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hendrixson David Taylor , Godbout Claire , Los Alyssa , Callaghan-Gillespie Meghan , Mui Melody , Wegner Donna , Bryant Taylor , Koroma Aminata , Manary Mark J 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveWe hypothesised that an alternative RUTF (ready-to-use therapeutic food) made with oats (oat-RUTF) would be non-inferior to standard RUTF (s-RUTF).DesignThis was a randomised, triple-blind, controlled, clinical non-inferiority trial comparing oat-RUTF to s-RUTF in rural Sierra Leone. Children aged 6–59 months with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) were randomised to oat-RUTF or s-RUTF. s-RUTF was composed of milk powder, sugar, peanut paste and vegetable oil, with a hydrogenated vegetable oil additive. Oat-RUTF contained oats and no hydrogenated vegetable oil additives. The primary outcome was graduation, an increase in anthropometric measurements such that the child was not acutely malnourished. Secondary outcomes were rates of growth, time to graduation and presence of adverse events. Intention to treat analyses was used.ResultsOf the 1406 children were enrolled, graduation was attained in 404/721 (56%) children receiving oat-RUTF and 311/685 (45%) receiving s-RUTF (difference 10.6%, 95% CI 5.4% to 15.8%). Death, hospitalisation or remaining with SAM was seen in 87/721 (12%) receiving oat-RUTF and in 125/685 (18%) receiving s-RUTF (difference 6.2%, 95% CI 2.3 to 10.0, p=0.001). Time to graduation was less for children receiving oat RUTF; 3.9±1.8 versus 4.5±1.8 visits, respectively (p<0.001). Rates of weight in the oat-RUTF group were greater than in the s-RUTF group; 3.4±2.7 versus 2.5±2.3 g/kg/d, p<0.001.ConclusionOat-RUTF is superior to s-RUTF in the treatment of SAM in Sierra Leone. We speculate that might be because of beneficial bioactive components or the absence of hydrogenated vegetable oil in oat-RUTF.Trial registration numberNCT03407326.
A first-in-human phase 1 dose escalation study of spartalizumab (PDR001), an anti–PD-1 antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Naing Aung , Gainor Justin F , Gelderblom Hans , Forde Patrick M , Butler Marcus O , Lin Chia-Chi , Sharma Sunil , Ochoa de Olza Maria , Varga Andrea , Taylor Matthew , Schellens Jan H M , Wu Hongqian , Sun Haiying , Silva Antonio P , Faris Jason , Mataraza Jennifer , Cameron Scott , Bauer Todd M 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundSpartalizumab is a humanized IgG4κ monoclonal antibody that binds programmed death-1 (PD-1) and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2. This phase 1/2 study was designed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of spartalizumab in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.MethodsIn the phase 1 part of the study, 58 patients received spartalizumab, intravenously, at doses of 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg, administered every 2 weeks (Q2W), or 3 or 5 mg/kg every 4 weeks (Q4W).ResultsPatients had a wide range of tumor types, most commonly sarcoma (28%) and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (10%); other tumor types were reported in ≤3 patients each. Most patients (93%) had received prior antineoplastic therapy (median three prior lines) and two-thirds of the population had tumor biopsies negative for PD-L1 expression at baseline. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The recommended phase 2 doses were selected as 400 mg Q4W or 300 mg Q3W. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and adverse events included those typical of other PD-1 antibodies. The most common treatment-related adverse events of any grade were fatigue (22%), diarrhea (17%), pruritus (14%), hypothyroidism (10%), and nausea (10%). Partial responses occurred in two patients (response rate 3.4%); one with atypical carcinoid tumor of the lung and one with anal cancer. Paired tumor biopsies from patients taken at baseline and on treatment suggested an on-treatment increase in CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration in patients with clinical benefit.ConclusionsSpartalizumab was well tolerated at all doses tested in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors. On-treatment immune activation was seen in tumor biopsies; however, limited clinical activity was reported in this heavily pretreated, heterogeneous population. The phase 2 part of this study is ongoing in select tumor types.Trial registration numberNCT02404441.
Impact of the occupational environment of a submerged submarine on cardiometabolic health of Royal Navy submariners
Authors: Gunner Frances , Lindsay Michael , Brown Pieter , Shaw Anneliese , Davey Trish , Lanham-New Susan , Griffin Bruce , Fallowfield Joanne 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of prolonged exposure to a submarine environment on biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in Royal Navy (RN) submariners.MethodsSerum lipids (cholesterol (C), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C), glucose, insulin and anthropometrics were compared within three RN submarine crews before and after submerged patrols of 12 or 6 weeks, and with a crew that remained ashore (SUB-HOME). Dietary intake and activity patterns were self-reported during each patrol. Differences were assessed in crew characteristics using one-way analysis of variance and in serum lipids using paired t-tests.ResultsPostpatrol, the mean body weight of submerged crews decreased (−1.4±4.2 kg, p=0.0001), but increased in SUB-HOME (1.9±1.8 kg, p=0.0001). Modest improvements in serum lipids (mean individual change (mmol/L); C=−0.3±0.7, p=0.0001; TG=−0.3±0.7, p=0.0001; HDL-C=−0.1±0.3, p=0.0001; non-HDL-C=−0.2±0.6, p=0.012), glucose (−0.2±0.5, p=0.0001) and insulin (−1.5±4.6 mU/L, p=0.001) were observed in submerged crews. Changes in serum lipids were positively associated with changes in body weight within crews combined. Energy intake was maintained during submerged patrols but was lower compared with non-submerged (11 139±2792 vs. 9617±2466 kJ, p=0.001; 11 062±2775 vs. 9632±2682 kJ, p=0.003).ConclusionsThe environment of a submerged submarine produced no adverse effects on serum biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in crew. Conversely, modest improvements in these biomarkers were associated with a decrease in body weight.
Exploration of pathophysiological pathways for incident atrial fibrillation using a multiplex proteomic chip
Authors: Molvin John , Jujic Amra , Melander Olle , Pareek Manan , Råstam Lennart , Lindblad Ulf , Daka Bledar , Leosdottir Margret , Nilsson Peter , Olsen Michael , Magnusson Martin 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its increasing prevalence calls for novel biomarkers to identify underlying pathophysiological mechanisms as well as patients at risk.MethodsPlasma samples from 1694 individuals from the Swedish population-based Malmö Preventive Project (mean age 69.5 years; 29.3% female; mean follow-up time 9.7±3.1 years) were analysed with the Olink proximity extension assay CVD III panel consisting of 92 proteins to identify proteins associated with incident AF or atrial flutter, referred to as incident AF. Incident cases of AF (n=278) were retrieved by linkage to the registers. Participants were followed until the first episode of AF or until censoring by death or emigration. Bonferroni-corrected multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for known risk factors were used to explore possible associations of the 92 proteins and incidence of AF.ResultsMultivariable Cox regression analyses of 11 proteins associated with incident AF (mean follow-up time 9.7±3.1 years) after Bonferroni correction confirmed N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (HR per 1 SD increment (95% CI) 1.80 (1.58 to 2.04); p=1.2×10−19) as risk marker of incident AF. Further, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (1.22 (1.07 to 1.39); p=0.002) and osteopontin (1.27 (1.12 to 1.44); p=2.7×10−4) were associated with incident AF at follow-up independently of traditional risk markers and NT-proBNP.ConclusionIn a general Swedish population, we confirmed the well-known association of NT-proBNP with incident AF and also identified matrix metalloproteinase-2 and osteopontin as novel risk markers for incident AF, independently of traditional risk factors and NT-proBNP.
The perturbative approach for the weak deflection angle
Authors: Jia Junji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBoth null and timelike rays experience trajectory bending in a gravitational field. In this work, we systematically develop a perturbative method to compute the deflection angle of rays with general velocity v in arbitrary static and spherically symmetric spacetimes and in equatorial plane of arbitrary static and axisymmetric spacetimes. We show that the expansion in the large closest approach $$x_0$$x0 limit depends on the asymptotic behavior of the metric functions only, and the generated integrand is always integrable, resulting in a deflection angle in a series form of either $$x_0$$x0 or b, the impact parameter. Using this method, the deflection angles as series of both $$x_0$$x0 and b are found in Schwarzschild, Reissner–Nordström and Kerr–Newman spacetimes to 17-th, 15-th and 6-th orders respectively, for both lightrays and particles with general velocity. The effects of the impact parameter, velocity and other parameters of the spacatimes are briefly analyzed. Moreover, we show that for spacetimes whose metric functions are only asymptotically known, the deflection angle in the weak field limit can also be calculated. Furthermore, it is shown that the deflection angle in general static and spherically symmetric spacetime and equatorial plane of static and axisymmetric spacetime to the lowest non-trivial order, depends only on the impact parameter, velocity of the particle, and the effective ADM mass of the spacetime but not on other parameters such as charge or angular momentum. These deflection angles are used in an exact gravitational lensing equation and the corresponding apparent angles of the images of the source are also solved perturbatively.
On the number of Sylow subgroups in finite simple groups
Authors: Wu Zhenfeng 
Published: March 2020

Denote by [Formula: see text] the number of Sylow [Formula: see text]-subgroups of [Formula: see text]. For every subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], it is easy to see that [Formula: see text], but [Formula: see text] does not divide [Formula: see text] in general. Following [W. Guo and E. P. Vdovin, Number of Sylow subgroups in finite groups, J. Group Theory 21(4) (2018) 695–712], we say that a group [Formula: see text] satisfies DivSyl(p) if [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] for every subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that “almost for every” finite simple group [Formula: see text], there exists a prime [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] does not satisfy DivSyl(p).
Prevalent and Diverse Intratumoral Oncoprotein-Specific CD8+ T Cells within Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Jing Lichen , Ott Mariliis , Church Candice D. , Kulikauskas Rima M. , Ibrani Dafina , Iyer Jayasri G. , Afanasiev Olga K. , Colunga Aric , Cook Maclean M. , Xie Hong , Greninger Alexander L. , Paulson Kelly G. , Chapuis Aude G. , Bhatia Shailender , Nghiem Paul , Koelle David M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is often caused by persistent expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) T-antigen (T-Ag). These non-self proteins comprise about 400 amino acids (AA). Clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, seen in about half of patients, may relate to T-Ag–specific T cells. Strategies to increase CD8+ T-cell number, breadth, or function could augment checkpoint inhibition, but vaccines to augment immunity must avoid delivery of oncogenic T-antigen domains. We probed MCC tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) with an artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) system and confirmed T-Ag recognition with synthetic peptides, HLA-peptide tetramers, and dendritic cells (DC). TILs from 9 of 12 (75%) subjects contained CD8+ T cells recognizing 1–8 MCPyV epitopes per person. Analysis of 16 MCPyV CD8+ TIL epitopes and prior TIL data indicated that 97% of patients with MCPyV+ MCC had HLA alleles with the genetic potential that restrict CD8+ T-cell responses to MCPyV T-Ag. The LT AA 70–110 region was epitope rich, whereas the oncogenic domains of T-Ag were not commonly recognized. Specific recognition of T-Ag–expressing DCs was documented. Recovery of MCPyV oncoprotein–specific CD8+ TILs from most tumors indicated that antigen indifference was unlikely to be a major cause of checkpoint inhibition failure. The myriad of epitopes restricted by diverse HLA alleles indicates that vaccination can be a rational component of immunotherapy if tumor immune suppression can be overcome, and the oncogenic regions of T-Ag can be modified without impacting immunogenicity.
Representing Theoretical Physics Research in and on Ceramics
Authors: Drukker Nadav 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
A theoretical physicist and potter, the author presents his practice that fuses these two sides of himself. His art aims to circumvent the regular pitfalls of scientific public engagement, replacing a didactic approach with sensory stimuli from tactile objects, eliciting curiosity for science. The author presents the origins of his practice and focuses on several series of ceramic pots. He explains the design of their form and decoration, exemplifying the interconnections between physics, mathematics and some of his artistic influences. The paper concludes with a discussion of his experience presenting the work and its reception.
Making Sense of Variations in the Visual Depiction of DNA
Authors: Toumey Chris 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Depictions of DNA span a variety of aesthetic choices for presenting the details of DNA. One important consideration is the didactic intent of the illustrator: What do they want the audience to know? Another issue to consider is change over time: Knowledge about DNA has become increasingly sophisticated over six decades, and this contributes to the variety of visual depictions. One way to make sense of these aesthetic decisions is to trace them historically through four phases.
On the Uncertainty of High-Resolution Hourly Quantitative Precipitation Estimates in California
Authors: Bytheway Janice L. , Abel Mimi R. , Mahoney Kelly , Cifelli Rob 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Bay Area of California and surrounding region receives much of its annual precipitation during the October–March wet season, when atmospheric river events bring periods of heavy rain that challenge water managers and may exceed the capacity of storm sewer systems. The complex terrain of this region further complicates the situation, with terrain interactions that are not currently captured in most operational forecast models and inadequate precipitation measurements to capture the large variability throughout the area. To improve monitoring and prediction of these events at spatial and temporal resolutions of interest to area water managers, the Bay Area Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information project was developed. To quantify improvements in forecast precipitation, model validation studies require a reference dataset to compare against. In this paper we examine 10 gridded, high-resolution (≤10 km, hourly) precipitation estimates to assess the uncertainty of high-resolution quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) in areas of complex terrain. The products were linearly interpolated to 3-km grid spacing, which is the resolution of the operational forecast model to be validated. Substantial differences exist between the various products at accumulation periods ranging from hourly to annual, with standard deviations among the products exceeding 100% of the mean. While the products seem to agree fairly well on the timing of precipitation, intensity estimates differ, sometimes by an order of magnitude. The results highlight both the need for additional observations and the need to account for uncertainty in the reference dataset when validating forecasts in this area.
Impact of cognitive reserve on clinical and neuropsychological measures in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Haussmann Robert , von Lieres und Wilkau Amrei F E , Sauer Cathrin , Nilles Fabienne , Donix Markus 
Published: March 2020

Objective: Cognitive reserve influences age of onset, speed of progression, and clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated whether cognitive reserve interacts with clinical and neuropsychological parameters in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 273 people (70.6 ± 10.1 years, 54.6% women) suffering from subjective memory complaints ( n = 65), MCI ( n = 121), or dementia ( n = 87). Patients underwent neuropsychological evaluation, laboratory testing, and brain imaging. Additionally, we obtained information on years of education and help-seeking motivation. Results: MCI patients with a university degree were significantly older than those without (71.6 ± 9.6 vs. 66.9 ± 10.3, p = 0.02). University-educated MCI patients demonstrated superior performance in verbal fluency. Intrinsic help-seeking motivation (self-referral) was associated with higher cognitive reserve. Female MCI patients presented with greater intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: Cognitive reserve modulates clinical and neuropsychological measures in patients with MCI.
The Psychosocial Patient-Reported Outcomes of End of Pathway Cleft Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Acum Michelle , Mastroyannopoulou Kiki , O’Curry Sara , Young Judith 
Published: March 2020

Objective: To identify and review the literature on the psychosocial patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of surgery at the end of the cleft treatment pathway. Design: A systematic literature search was performed using electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Science Direct) from database inception to September 2017, to identify studies measuring and reporting the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgery. Results: Of 263 identified papers, 22 studies were eligible for inclusion. Apart from one randomized controlled study, studies were largely observational and adopted a cross-sectional or retrospective design. The majority (n = 16) were small-scale studies. The methodological quality was variable in terms of what, how, and when psychosocial outcomes were measured and reported. None of the studies utilized a psychosocial PRO measure validated in the cleft population, and few studies measured outcomes prospectively. A high proportion of studies utilized bespoke measures of patient satisfaction. Taken together, findings from the included studies are tentative but seem to suggest patients derive some benefit from undergoing end of pathway cleft surgery, in terms of increased satisfaction, quality of life, social interactions, and decreased appearance-related distress. Conclusions: Due to methodological challenges and the heterogeneity of what, how, and when outcomes are measured and currently reported, it is difficult to determine the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgeries. Consequently, this review advocates the conduct of well-designed, longitudinal studies using cleft-sensitive tool/s to capture the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgery at various time points.
A Systematic Review of Biological Mechanisms and Chronic Pain Outcomes During Stress Reduction Interventions
Authors: Bernier Carney Katherine M. , Young Erin E. , Guite Jessica W. , Starkweather Angela R. 
Published: March 2020

Background:Nonpharmacologic stress reduction interventions provide an opportunity to modify chronic pain trajectories; however, the biological mechanisms underlying these interventions are poorly understood.Objectives:To examine clinical literature published in 2012–2018 with the goals of (1) identifying which biological mechanisms or biomarkers are currently being measured in nonpharmacologic stress reduction intervention studies for individuals with chronic pain and (2) evaluating the evidence to determine whether these stress reduction interventions lead to changes in (a) pain outcomes and/or (b) measured biomarkers.Data sources:Scientific articles in the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsychINFO, and SCOPUS following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.Study selection:Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies that recruited subjects with a chronic pain condition, examined a relationship between a nonpharmacologic stress reduction intervention and pain-related outcome(s), and included measurement of a biomarker.Results:The 13 articles that met inclusion criteria spanned four nonpharmacologic stress reduction categories: mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, manual therapies, and biofeedback. Methods for studying biomarkers included measuring biological samples, neurological function, and autonomic control. Although all studies investigated both biological measures and pain outcomes, only three demonstrated an association between the biomarker(s) and pain-related outcomes.Conclusions:The results of this review highlight the complex nature of stress–pain relationships and the lack of rigorous clinical research identifying specific stress-related biological factors that modulate pain outcomes. Stress reduction interventions remain a favorable method for symptom management in patients living with chronic pain, but consistency in study measures and design is needed for robust evaluation.