bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First-principles study of the structure, elastic constants, electronic and thermodynamic properties of C15 laves phase ZrMo2
Authors: Liu Xianbo , Zhu Jun 
Published: July 2020

The structure, elastic constants and electron state density of ZrMo2 in [Formula: see text]15 phase are investigated by pseudopotential plane-wave method based on density functional theory (DFT). The thermodynamic properties are studied with the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The calculated results are in good agreement with the previous experimental results and theoretical simulations. The calculated phonon spectra and elastic constants show that [Formula: see text]15 phase of ZrMo2 is mechanically stable. Through the analysis of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] value and Poisson’s ratio, [Formula: see text]15 phase of ZrMo2 shows ductility at 0–150 GPa, and it increases with the increment of pressure. We further explore the mechanism of the metallic properties by analyzing the electronic density of states. In addition, Debye temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity as a function of pressure and temperature is discussed, respectively.
Mabel Elizabeth Tomlinson and Isabel Ellie Knaggs: two overlooked early female Fellows of the Geological Society
Authors: Burek Cynthia V. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The first female Fellows of the Geological Society of London were elected in May 1919. Brief biographies were documented by Burek in 2009 as part of the celebrations for the bicentenary of the Geological Society. While some of those women were well known (e.g. Gertrude Elles and Ethel Wood), others had seemingly been forgotten. In the decade since that publication, information has come to light about those we knew so little about. There are, however, still some details evading research. From 1919 until 1925, 33 women were elected FGS, including Isobel Ellie Knaggs (1922) and Mabel Tomlinson (1924). Mabel Tomlinson had two careers, and is remembered both as an extraordinary teacher and a Pleistocene geologist. She was awarded the Lyell Fund in 1937 and R.H. Worth Prize in 1961, one of only 13 women to have received two awards from the Geological Society. She inspired the educational Tomlinson–Brown Trust. Isabel Knaggs was born in South Africa and died in Australia but spent all her school, university and working years in England. She made significant contributions to crystallography, working with eminent crystallography scientists while remaining a lifelong FGS. The achievements of Tomlinson and Knaggs are considerable, which makes their relative present-day obscurity rather puzzling.
Bias and Loss to Follow‐Up in Cardiovascular Randomized Trials: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fong Lucas Chun Wah , Ford Thomas J. , da Costa Bruno R. , Jüni Peter , Berry Colin 
Published: July 2020

Background

Loss to follow‐up (
LTFU
) is common in randomized controlled trials. However, its potential impact on primary outcomes from cardiovascular randomized controlled trials is not known.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective systematic review (
PROSPERO
:
CRD
42019121959) for randomized controlled trials published in 8 leading journals over 5 years from January 2014 to December 2018. Extent, reporting, and handling of
LTFU
data were recorded, and the proportion of a trial's primary outcome results that lose statistical significance was calculated after making plausible assumptions for the intervention and control arms. These assumptions could drive differential treatment effects between the groups considering relative event incidence between
LTFU
participants and those included in the primary outcome. We identified 117 randomized controlled trials of which 91 (78%) trials reported
LTFU
, 23 (20%) reported no
LTFU
, and 3 (3%) trials did not report on whether
LTFU
occurred. The median percentage of study participants lost to follow‐up was 2% (interquartile range, 0.33%–5.3%). Only 10 trials (9%) had a low cluster of risk factors for impairment in trial quality. The percentage of trials losing statistical significance varied from 2% when the relative event incidence for
LTFU
between the randomized groups was 1 for the intervention arm and 1.5 for the control arm to 16% when the relative event incidence was 3 for the intervention arm and 1 for the control arm.

Conclusions

Almost 1 in 6 (16%) cardiovascular randomized trials published in leading journals may have a change in the primary outcome if plausible assumptions are made about differential event rates of participants lost to follow up. There is scope for improvement arising from
LTFU
in randomized trials in cardiovascular medicine.

Registration

URL
:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero
; Unique identifier:
CRD
42019121959.
Anticancer Therapy–Related Increases in Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Parr Shannon K. , Liang Jia , Schadler Keri L. , Gilchrist Susan C. , Steele Catherine C. , Ade Carl J. 
Published: July 2020

Background
Cardio‐oncology is a clinical discipline focused primarily on the early detection of anticancer therapy–related cardiomyopathy. However, there is growing evidence that the direct adverse consequences extend beyond the myocardium to affect the vasculature, but this evidence remains limited. In addition, there remains a paucity of clinically based strategies for monitoring vascular toxicity in these patients. Importantly, arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a surrogate end point for cardiovascular disease and may be an important vascular outcome to consider. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize evidence of increased arterial stiffening with anticancer therapy and evaluate the effect of treatment modifiers.

Methods and Results

A total of 19 longitudinal and cross‐sectional studies that evaluated arterial stiffness both during and following anticancer therapy were identified using multiple databases. Two separate analyses were performed: baseline to follow‐up (12 studies) and control versus patient groups (10 studies). Subgroup analysis evaluated whether stiffness differed as a function of treatment type and follow‐up time. Standard mean differences and mean differences were calculated using random effect models. Significant increases in arterial stiffness were identified from baseline to follow‐up (standard mean difference, 0.890; 95%
CI
, 0.448–1.332;
P
<0.0001; mean difference, 1.505; 95%
CI
, 0.789–2.221;
P
≤0.0001) and in patient versus control groups (standard mean difference, 0.860; 95%
CI
, 0.402–1.318;
P
=0.0002; mean difference, 1.437; 95%
CI
, 0.426–2.448;
P
=0.0052). Subgroup analysis indicated differences in arterial stiffness between anthracycline‐based and non‐anthracycline‐based therapies (standard mean difference, 0.20; 95%
CI
, 0.001–0.41;
P
=0.048), but not follow‐up time.

Conclusions
Significant arterial stiffening occurs following anticancer therapy. Our findings support the use of arterial stiffness as part of a targeted vascular imaging strategy for the identification of early cardiovascular injury during treatment and for the detection of long‐term cardiovascular injury into survivorship.
Dynamic Forecasts of Survival for Patients Living With Destination Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Insights From INTERMACS
Authors: Michelis Katherine C. , Zhong Lin , Peltz Matthias , Pandey Ambarish , Tang W. H. Wilson , Rohatgi Anand , Young James B. , Drazner Mark H. , Grodin Justin L. 
Published: July 2020

Background
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve outcomes in patients with end‐stage heart failure and are increasingly implanted for destination therapy. We describe dynamic estimates of event‐free survival with conditional survival probabilities in a destination therapy LVAD population.

Methods and Results

We studied 8245 adult patients in INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) implanted with a continuous‐flow destination therapy LVAD. The composite primary end point was death, device exchange or removal, or heart transplantation. Conditional survival probabilities were calculated and stratified by implantation characteristics and nonfatal adverse events experienced within the first year after implant. Probabilities of surviving an additional 1 to 3 years were numerically higher after longer prior event‐free survival. INTERMACS profile 1, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, prior or concomitant surgery, and dialysis within 48 hours of implantation were associated with significantly lower event‐free survival in the first year but did not impact event‐free survival beyond then. For patients who experienced a nonfatal adverse event within the first year, subsequent 1‐year conditional survival was lower than in the absence of that event for stroke (65% [95% CI, 57%–73%] versus 75% [95% CI, 73%–77%];
P
<0.001), device‐related infection (64% [95% CI 57%–71%] versus 76% [95% CI, 74%–78%];
P
<0.001), and pump thrombosis or malfunction (64% [95% CI, 57%–70%] versus 76% [95% CI, 74%–78%];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions
Conditional survival in patients with destination therapy LVADs improves over time, even for patients with unfavorable implantation characteristics. However, LVAD‐related complications including stroke, device‐related infection, and pump thrombosis or malfunction have an enduring negative influence on dynamic estimates of long‐term prognosis.
Clinical results of active scanning proton therapy for primary liver tumors
Authors: Dionisi Francesco , Brolese Alberto , Siniscalchi Benedetta , Giacomelli Irene , Fracchiolla Francesco , Righetto Roberto , Morganti Alessio G. , Pravadelli Cecilia , Avancini Ivo , Rozzanigo Umberto , Mattiuzzi Angela , Frisinghelli Michela , Pertile Riccardo , Ciarleglio Francesco A. , Vitale Alessandro , Schwarz Marco , Amichetti Maurizio 
Published: July 2020

Background: Evidence for the efficacy of radiation therapy for primary liver cancer is growing. In this context, proton therapy (PT) can potentially improve the therapeutic ratio, as demonstrated by recent clinical studies. Here we report the first European clinical experience on the use of PT for primary liver cancer. Methods: All patients treated for primary liver cancer in our center entered the analysis. Patients were simulated during deep expiration breath-hold. A 15-fraction treatment schedule was adopted using active scanning PT. Clinical outcome and toxicity were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Between January 2018 and December 2019, 18 patients were treated. Fourteen patients had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), three patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and one patient had synchronous ICC-HCC. The Child-Pugh score was A5 in the majority of patients with HCC (71.4%). Median prescription dose was 58.05 Gy (range, 50.31–67.5). Median follow-up was 10 months (range, 1–19). The majority of deaths occurred from liver tumor progression. One-year overall survival (OS) was 63%. A significant correlation between worse OS and patient performance status, vascular invasion, and tumor stage was recorded. One-year local control was 90%. Toxicity was low, with a decrease in Child-Pugh score ⩾2 points detected in one patient. No cases of classic radiation-induced liver disease occurred. Conclusions: Our initial results of active scanning PT for primary liver cancer demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of this advanced technique in this setting. The potential of the combination of PT with other locoregional therapies is under evaluation.
Patients With Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease Receive Supportive and Palliative Care Just Prior to Death
Authors: Smallwood Natasha , Mann Jennifer , Guo Hui , Goh Nicole 
Published: July 2020

Background: Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (f-ILDs) are often progressive and incurable. As patients experience significant symptoms and have a poor prognosis, early palliative care referral is recommended. Objective: To examine the care delivered to patients with f-ILD during the terminal hospital admission and the past 2 years of life. Methods: A retrospective audit was performed for consecutive patients who died from f-ILD at 2 Australian teaching hospitals between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016. Results: Of 67 patients, 44 (66%) had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Median age was 78 years. Median respiratory function: forced expiratory volume in 1 second 69.0% predicted (interquartile range [IQR]: 58.0%-77.0%), forced vital capacity 64.0% predicted (IQR = 46.8%-74.3%), and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide 36.0% predicted (IQR = 31.0%-44.0%). In the 2 years prior to the terminal admission, 38 (57%) patients reported severe breathlessness and 17 (25%) used opioids for symptom relief. Twenty-four (36%) patients received specialist palliative care (SPC) and 11 (16%) completed advance care planning. During the terminal admission, 10 (15%) patients were admitted directly under SPC. A further 33 (49%) patients were referred to SPC, on average 1 day prior to death. Sixty-three (94%) patients received opioids and 49 (73%) received benzodiazepines for symptom management. Median starting and final opioid doses were 10 and 23 mg oral morphine equivalent/24 hours, respectively. Opioids were commenced on average 2 (IQR 1-3) days prior to death. Conclusions: Although most patients were identified as actively dying in the final admission, referral to SPC and use of palliative medications occurred late. Additionally, few patients accessed symptom palliation earlier in their illness.
Non-adherence to established dietary guidelines associated with increased mortality: the Copenhagen General Population Study
Authors: Ewers Bettina , Marott Jacob L , Schnohr Peter , Nordestgaard Børge G , Marckmann Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsThe relevance of adherence to established dietary guidelines is repeatedly challenged. We hypothesised that non-adherence to established dietary guidelines is associated with an excess risk of cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.MethodsWe studied 100,191 white adult Danes aged 20–100 years recruited in 2003–2015 and followed up until December 2018. During follow-up equalling 865,600 person-years, 9273 individuals died. Participants’ diets were assessed at baseline by a food frequency questionnaire focusing on key foods defining a healthy diet according to Danish dietary guidelines. Individuals were divided into five categories ranging from very high to very low adherence to dietary guidelines and studied with Cox and Fine–Gray regression models. At study inclusion, we collected demographic and lifestyle characteristics by questionnaire, made a physical examination and took a blood sample.ResultsCardiovascular, non-cardiovascular and all-cause mortality increased gradually with increasing non-adherence to dietary guidelines. Cardiovascular mortality was 30% higher (95% confidence interval 7–57%), non-cardiovascular mortality 54% higher (32–79%) and all-cause mortality 43% higher (29–59%) in individuals with very low adherence to dietary guidelines compared with those with very high adherence after adjustments for age, sex, education, income, smoking, leisure time physical activity and alcohol intake. Mortality risk estimates were similar in all strata of adjusted variables.ConclusionNon-adherence to Danish food-based dietary guidelines is associated with up to 43% increased all-cause mortality in a dose–response manner. The mortality excess was seen for both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. The public has good reasons to have confidence in and to adhere to established dietary guidelines.
Quantitative characterization of tumor cell-free DNA shortening
Authors: Guo Juntang , Ma Kefeng , Bao Hua , Ma Xiangyuan , Xu Yang , Wu Xue , Shao Yang W. , Jiang Mei , Huang Jin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies found that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) generated from tumors was shorter than that from healthy cells, and selecting short cfDNA could enrich for tumor cfDNA and improve its usage in early cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring; however, the underlying mechanism of shortened tumor cfDNA was still unknown, which potentially limits its further clinical application.

Results
Using targeted sequencing of cfDNA in a large cohort of solid tumor patient, sequencing reads harboring tumor-specific somatic mutations were isolated to examine the exact size distribution of tumor cfDNA. For the majority of studied cases, 166 bp remained as the peak size of tumor cfDNA, with tumor cfDNA showing an increased proportion of short fragments (100-150 bp). Less than 1% of cfDNA samples were found to be peaked at 134/144 bp and independent of tumor cfDNA purity. Using whole-genome sequencing of cfDNA, we discovered a positive correlation between cfDNA shortening and the magnitude of chromatin inaccessibility, as measured by transcription, DNase I hypersensitivity, and histone modifications. Tumor cfDNA shortening occurred simultaneously at both 5′ and 3′ ends of the DNA wrapped around nucleosomes.

Conclusions
Tumor cfDNA shortening exhibited two distinctive modes. Tumor cfDNA purity and chromatin inaccessibility were contributing factors but insufficient to trigger a global transition from 166 bp dominant to 134/144 bp dominant phenotype.
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the detection of Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Mahendran Punitha , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Amir Amirah , Ching Xiao-Teng , Lau Yee-Ling 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium vivax are the predominant Plasmodium species that cause malaria in Malaysia and play a role in asymptomatic malaria disease transmission in Malaysia. The diagnostic tools available to diagnose malaria, such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT), are less sensitive at detecting lower parasite density. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), which has been shown to have higher sensitivity at diagnosing malaria, allows direct quantification without the need for a standard curve. The aim of this study is to develop and use a duplex ddPCR assay for the detection of P. knowlesi and P. vivax, and compare this method to nested PCR and qPCR.

Methods
The concordance rate, sensitivity and specificity of the duplex ddPCR assay were determined and compared to nested PCR and duplex qPCR.

Results
The duplex ddPCR assay had higher analytical sensitivity (P. vivax = 10 copies/µL and P. knowlesi = 0.01 copies/µL) compared to qPCR (P. vivax = 100 copies/µL and P. knowlesi = 10 copies/µL). Moreover, the ddPCR assay had acceptable clinical sensitivity (P. vivax = 80% and P. knowlesi = 90%) and clinical specificity (P. vivax = 87.84% and P. knowlesi = 81.08%) when compared to nested PCR. Both ddPCR and qPCR detected more double infections in the samples.

Conclusions
Overall, the ddPCR assay demonstrated acceptable efficiency in detection of P. knowlesi and P. vivax, and was more sensitive than nested PCR in detecting mixed infections. However, the duplex ddPCR assay still needs optimization to improve the assay’s clinical sensitivity and specificity.
Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma vs corticosteroids in the treatment of moderate knee osteoarthritis: a single-center prospective randomized controlled study with a 1-year follow up
Authors: Elksniņš-Finogejevs Andrejs , Vidal Luis , Peredistijs Andrejs 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundOsteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, which significantly impacts the patient’s mobility and quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis, such as corticosteroids, produce an immediate reduction of the patient’s pain as well as an improvement in the patient’s mobility and quality of life, but with a limited long-term efficacy. In this context, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltrations represent a therapeutic tool due to its trophic properties and its ability to control inflammatory processes, especially in musculoskeletal applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the clinical benefits of PRP when injected intra-articularly vs a commonly used corticosteroid (CS, triamcinolone acetonide, Kenalog®) in patients affected by mild to moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.MethodsForty patients affected by symptomatic radiologically confirmed knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades II–III) were enrolled in this randomized study. Patients randomized in the PRP group (n= 20) received an intra-articular injection of PRP (8 mL) while patients randomized in the CS group (n= 20) received an intra-articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (1 mL of 40 mg/mL) plus lidocaine (5 mL of 2%). The pain and function of the target knee were evaluated by the VAS, IKDC, and KSS scales at the baseline (V1), 1 week (V2), 5 weeks (V3), 15 weeks (V4), 30 weeks (V5), and 1 year (V6) after treatment.ResultsNo serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period. A mild synovitis was registered in 15 patients (75%) in the PRP group within the first week after treatment which resolved spontaneously. Both treatments were effective in relieving pain and improving the knee function in the very short-term follow-up visit (1 week). A high improvement of the subjective scores was observed for both groups up to 5 weeks, with no significative differences between the groups for the VAS, IKDC, or KSS. After 15 weeks of follow-up, the PRP group showed significative improvements in all scores when compared to the CS group. Overall, the patients who received PRP treatment had better outcomes in a longer follow-up visit (up to 1 year) than those who received CS.ConclusionsA single PRP or CS intra-articular injection is safe and improves the short-term scores of pain and the knee function in patients affected by mild to moderate symptomatic knee OA (with no significant differences between the groups). PRP demonstrated a statistically significant improvement over CS in a 1-year follow-up. This study was registered at ISRCTN with the ID ISRCTN46024618.
MiR-920 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells by targeting HOXA7
Authors: Zha Jun-pu , Wang Xiao-qing , Di Jun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To explore the effect of miR-920 on osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and the possible mechanism.

Methods
Osteoporosis (OP) and healthy control bone tissues were collected, and the relative expression of miR-920 and HOXA7 was measured. hBMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase activity and miR-920 and HOXA7 relative expression were measured during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. Then, bioinformatic analysis was performed to assess the potential mechanism of miR-920. MiR-920 mimic and inhibitor were introduced into hBMSCs by lipofection transfection and were used to investigate the effect of miR-920 on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify whether the 3′UTR of HOXA7 mRNA was a direct target of miR-920. Western blotting was performed to assess whether miR-920 affected the MAPK signaling pathway.

Results
We found that miR-920 was downregulated in OP patients compared with controls, while HOXA7 was upregulated, and miR-920 had a negative correlation with HOXA7 (r = − 0.859, P = 0.001). Moreover, miR-920 was increased during osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, while HOXA7 had the opposite tendency. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that there were a total of 207 target genes, and MAPK was a potential targeted signaling pathway. MiR-920 mimic significantly increased ALP activity, calcium deposition, osteoblastic protein expression (ALP and OSX), and p-p38 and p-JNK protein levels.

Conclusion
Overall, miR-920 promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs by targeting HOXA7 through the MAPK signaling pathway.