bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-type Lectin-like Molecule-1 as a Potential Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Wang Weida , Chen Hao , Li Wenmin , Huang Tian , Zhang Weiya , Ling Wei , Lai Peilong , Wang Yulian , Geng Suxia , Li Minming , Du Xin , weng jianyu
Published: September 2020

Background Cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities are now considered to be important factors affecting the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), while variable outcomes may appear in the same risk group. Immunophenotyping has been the core in AML diagnosis, which is simple and universal application. The aim of this study was to explore and identify new immunophenotypic markers that related to the diagnosis and prognosis of AML.Methods The expression of C type lectin like molecule 1 (CLL‐1) in AML blasts were examined in 52 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML, and was compared with other classic markers in AML, in order to assess the value of CLL-1 as an independent biomarker or in combination with other markers for diagnosis in AML. Subsequently, we assessed the value of CLL-1 as a biomarker for prognosis in this malignant tumor.Results The results showed that CLL 1 was expressed on the cell surface of the majority of AML blasts (78.8%), and also expressed on leukemic stem cells in varying degree but absent on normal hematopoietic stem cells. Notably, CLL 1 was able to complement the classic markers CD33 or CD34. After dividing the cases into CLL‐1high and CLL‐1low groups according to cutoff 59.0%, we discovered that event free survival and overall survival (OS) of the CLL‐1low group were significantly lower than the CLL‐1high group, and low CLL 1 expression seems to be independently associated with shorter OS.Conclusions These data identified CLL 1 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of AML.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Obstetrical and Gynecological Parameters in Twins – A Potential Increase in Premature Rupture of Membranes and Pre-eclampsia in Twin Women
Authors: Keller Nathan , Kiley Kevin C.
Published: September 2020

Background

This cross-sectional study of 192 twins across a wide geographical area compared obstetrical and gynecological parameters between twins and the general population.
Methods

The study is a cross-sectional study. Gynecological variables included age of menarche, abnormal pap smears, birth control usage, endometriosis, fibroids, infertility, gynecological cancer, and osteoporosis. Obstetrical variables studied included pregnancy, ectopic pregnancies, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Chi Square and Fisher’s Exact tests were utilized to compare these binary variables between identical and fraternal twins. Finally, odds ratios were used to compare the rates of PROM, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, ectopic pregnancy, and gestational diabetes among twins compared to the general population using reputable literature sources.
Results

Identical twins reported the same age of menarche more frequently than their fraternal counterparts (p = 0.0021) with an odds ratio of 4.56 (95% CI = 1.62,12.83). There was also an increase in the odds of PROM 1.37 to 5.42 (95% CI = 0.95,1.96 and 4.21,6.98) and pre-eclampsia 1.17 to 3.16 (95% CI = 0.66,2.09 and 2.16,4.62) in our twin sample verse the general population. Finally, only 9.9% (18/184) reported knowledge of amnionicity and chorionicity.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that further large scale research concerning PROM and pre-eclampsia in twin women may be warranted.
Analysis of Prenatal Diagnosis Results and Pregnancy Outcome of Non-invasive Prenatal Screening High-risk Fetuses
Authors: Luo Yan , Sun Yanmei , Tian Haishen , Lu Hezhen , Ma Lishuang , Li Yali , Zhang Yanshang , Yu Xiaoping , Gao Jian
Published: September 2020

BackgroundWith the development of whole-genome sequencing, small chromosomal deletions and duplications could be found by NIPT. This study is to evaluate the clinical significance of fetal chromosomal karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) to clarify the clinical significance of 528 cases of high-throughput sequencing noninvasive prenatal screening suggesting high-risk cases. MethodsNon-invasive prenatal screening showed that the fetus 21, 18, 13, sex chromosomes, and other chromosomes are at high risk of aneuploidy and fetal chromosome copy number variations (CNVs) are at high risk, requiring prenatal diagnosis Pregnant women are the research objects. After obtaining informed consent, fetal cells were obtained by amniocentesis or umbilical vein puncture for chromosomal karyotype and CMA analysis. All cases of childbirth were followed up by telephone over a period of 1 year.Results Among 528 fetuses, 447 were at high risk of aneuploidy. The positive predictive value (PPV) for trisomy 21(T21), trisomy 18 (T18), trisomy 13 (T13), sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), and other chromosome aneuploidy was 85.24%, 51.52%, 12.5%, 50.82%, and 5.88% respectively. Another 81 cases of non-invasive prenatal screening suggest CNVs High risk. The PPV for CNVs was 34.57% .Among them, CNVs has a clear pathogenic significance can reach 24.69% . Follow-up of childbirth cases: Of the 62 pregnant women diagnosed with fetal SCA, 13 chose to continue their pregnancy, and the overall continued pregnancy rate was 20.97% (13/62); CNVs has no clear significance/no disease reported in 8 cases, 1 case After being lost to follow-up, all 7 cases chose to continue their pregnancy. One of the children was not informed about the specific situation; one girl had six fingers on both hands, and the rest had no abnormal growth; the remaining five children developed normally. ConclusionThis study has obtained relatively reliable PPV data for NIPT screening for chromosomal aneuploidy, which provides a reliable basis for clinical genetic counseling and treatment; it is recommended to perform prenatal diagnosis and perform chromosomal nucleus when non-invasive and high-risk prompts suspicious chromosomal abnormalities (over/under/microdeletion/microduplication). Type and CMA inspection, so that the inspection is more comprehensive and not easy to miss the diagnosis.
Audiological Rehabilitation After Cochlear Implantation: A New Model Developed Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)
Authors: Lorens Artur , Mertens Griet , Kurz Anja
Published: September 2020

Background: There is a need for a more holistic approach to treating hearing impairment, as it affects many aspects of a person’s life, not just their hearing. This article describes how The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), particularly the ICF core sets for hearing loss, can be used to plan and evaluate the audiological (re)habilitation of cochlear implant (CI) recipients. Using the ICF core sets should help clinicians better address not only hearing impairment but also its consequences.Methods: The opinions of experts were gathered on their clinical experience about the most relevant ICF categories and codes to describe audiological rehabilitation after cochlear implantation. For the relevant ICF categories, the most commonly used audiological assessment tools and methods were identified.Results: The most relevant codes for Body Functions and Structures, Activity, and Participation were identified. These include: structure of the inner ear (s260), auditory nerve (s260), brainstem (s1105), midbrain (s1101), diencephalon (s1102), and cortical lobe (s110); sound detection (b2300); sound discrimination (b2301); localization of sound source (b2302); lateralization of sound (b2303); speech discrimination (b2304); listening (d115); communicating with – receiving – spoken messages (d310); handling stress and other psychological demands (d240); using communication devices and techniques (d360); conversation (d350); family relationships (d760); school education (d820); remunerative employment (d850); and community life (d910). The appropriate questionnaires as an assessment tools were proposed.Conclusions: Using the ICF can help target the holistic (re)habilitation of CI recipients and reduce hearing loss-induced deficits in function, activity, and participation.
Evaluation of the Probiotic Potential of Weissella Confusa Isolated From Traditional Fermented Rice
Authors: Nath Soumitra , Roy Monisha , Sikidar Jibalok , Deb Bibhas
Published: September 2020

Background: Probiotic are microorganism that is good for health, especially for the digestive system and can be consumed through fermented foods or supplements. The study aims to identify potential probiotic bacteria from fermented rice sample that are commonly found in Cachar district of Assam, India.Methods: White rice sample of “Ranjit” variety was collected from the local market, cooked in the laboratory and soaked overnight in sterile water for microbial fermentation. Probiotic properties of isolates were tested, and was identified by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA sequencing. In-vitro tests were also performed to demonstrate their colonisation properties, haemolytic activity and antagonistic activity against other pathogens.Results: The predominant fermentative-bacteria was identified as Weissella confusa strain GCC_19R1 (GenBank: MN394112). The isolate showed significant growth in the presence of artificial gastric-juice, bile and pancreatin. A moderate percentage of hydrophobicity (35.8% for n-hexadecane and 32.56% for toluene) and autoaggregation (38.7%) was also recorded. The strain survived well at acidic pH, 12.5% NaCl, and able to ferment glucose. The strain fulfilled the safety criteria concerning haemolytic activity, inhibits the growth of other bacteria, and found to be resistant towards antibiotics that are commonly used for GI-tract infections.Conclusion: The present study reports the prevalence of W. confusa in fermented rice samples. The finding of also supports the indegenious knowledge of fermented products, and its nutritional health benefits.
Identification of Potential Indicators for Survival in Patients With Thyroid Cancer Based on Mrna Expression Levels of Family With Sequence Similarity 3 Members
Authors: Ma Yuting , Shi Junfeng , Liu Yongping , Pan Ruiyan , Qiu Hongyan , Han Fang , Hou Ningning , Sun Xiaodong
Published: September 2020

Background: Thyroid cancer (THCA) is a common head and neck malignancy. The family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) is a cytokine-like gene family with four members, which is presumed to participate in the development of many cancer types. However, the expression patterns of FAM3s in THCA and their prognostic values, have not yet been established. Methods: We investigated differential expressions of FAM3 mRNA and protein in THCA, then validated the findings for FAM3B by immunohistochemistry. We also investigated survival data with respect to FAM3 expression patterns in patients with THCA. FAM3s information regarding their relationships with clinical pathological parameters were obtained and FAM3 mutations were assessed. KEGG and GO pathway regarding FAM3C were obtained using online databases. To investigate potential correlations between FAM3s and immune cell infiltration, we investigated the roles of FAM3s in immune cells of patients with THCA. Results: The mRNA expression of FAM3C were significantly elevated in THCA tissues; high expression levels of FAM3C protein were also observed in THCA tissues. A significant association between the pathological stage and the expression of FAM3C was found in patients with THCA. Patients with THCA who had high mRNA expression levels of FAM3C exhibited significantly more favourable prognosis, compared with patients who had low mRNA expression levels of FAM3C. Conclusions: Overall, FAM3C may play vital roles in the pathogenesis and development of THCA, and these findings constitute novel insights for biomarkers of immunotherapeutic targeted agents and may aid in the identification of prognostic biomarkers for THCA.
A cross-national comparison of medicinal plants used by the Miao, Yi and Lisu ethnic groups in Yanbian, China
Authors: Wang Ke-ru , Nan Cuo , Ding Rong , Lin Jing , Hu Ding-jian , Zhong Shi-hong , Gu Rui
Published: September 2020

Background

The Miao, Yi and Lisu ethnic groups all have traditional medicinal knowledge, and the unique climate and topography of Yanbian County make it rich in medicinal plants. So the exchange, collision and integration of medical cultures of ethnic minorities in Yanbian County have research significance. The study compared and analyzed the similarities and differences in the traditional medicinal usage of the Miao, Yi and Lisu ethnic groups in Yanbian, to provide the basis for the traditional medicinal culture and characteristics of the three medical systems in southwest China.
Methods

36 sample plots were selected in this study and 5 sample quadrats were randomly set up in each plot to collect specimens. Identified the collected medicinal plant specimens, and sort out the catalog of medicinal plants of Miao medicine (MM), Yi medicine (YM) and Lisu medicine (LM) in Yanbian County. The catalog includes scientific name, family names, latin names, medicinal parts, and diseases treated, etc. The existing traditional doctors were interviewed to supplement the efficacy and usage of the medicinal plants in the catalog. Finally, the similarities and differences of the three medical systems were analyzed and sorted out the special medication in each ethnic group.
Results

Among the medicinal plants collected in the sample plot survey, 345 species of 299 genera and 109 families are used in the 3 medical systems. 102 species are shared-use in MM, YM and LM, among which Compositae (14 species, 14%), Labiatae (6 species, 6%), Polygonaceae (4 species, 4%) and Rosaceae (4 species, 4%) were the dominant families. The statistical data shows that the Jaccard similarity index (JI) of the MM and YM is the highest (47.6%), and the whole similarity percentage of the drug system is the highest (45.9%). A total of 18 special usages were used in MM, YM and LM in Yanbian.
Conclusions

The results show that a large number of shared-use medicinal plants in MM, YM and LM in Yanbian County. The reason may be the intersecting medicine collecting location, frequent market communications and exchanges, and the influence of Han medicine. The more similar geographic environment, vegetation types, lifestyles, and closer spatial distance have resulted in MM and YM in Yanbian County being more parallel than those of LM.
T cell anergy in COVID-19 reflects virus persistence and poor outcomes
Authors: Renner Kerstin , Müller Christine , Tiefenböck Charlotte , Salewski Jan-Niklas , Winter Frederike , Buchtler Simone , Malfertheiner Maximilian , Lubnow Matthias , Lunz Dirk , Graf Bernhard , Hitzenbichler Florian , Hanses Frank , Poeck Hendrik , Kreutz Marina , Orso Evelyn , Burkhardt Ralph , Niedermair Tanja , Brochhausen Christoph , Gessner Andre , Salzberger Bernd , Mack Matthias
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to severe pneumonia and hyperinflammation. So far, insufficient or excessive T cell responses were described in patients. We applied novel approaches to analyze T cell reactivity and showed that T anergy is already present in non-ventilated COVID-19 patients, very pronounced in ventilated patients, strongly associated with virus persistence and reversible with clinical recovery. T cell activation was measured by downstream effects on responder cells like basophils, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes and neutrophils in whole blood and proved to be much more meaningful than classical readouts with PBMCs. Monocytes responded stronger in males than females and IL-2 partially reversed T cell anergy. Downstream markers of T cell anergy were also found in fresh blood samples of critically ill patients with severe T cell anergy. Based on our data we were able to develop a score to predict fatal outcomes and to identify patients that may benefit from strategies to overcome T cell anergy.
Altitude conditions seem to determine the evolution of COVID-19 in Brazil: a significance relationship with cases and deaths
Authors: Fernandes José Sebastião Cunha , Silva Ricardo Siqueira , Silva Alexandre Christófaro , Villela Daniel Campos , Mendonça Vanessa Amaral , Lacerda Ana Cristina Rodrigues
Published: September 2020

Background

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, but the incidence of the disease is showing to be very heterogeneous, affecting cities and regions differently. Thus, there is a gap regarding what factors would contribute to accentuate the differences in the incidence of COVID-19 among Brazilian cities. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude on incidence of COVID-19 in Brazilian cities.
Methods

We analysed the relative incidence, relative death rate of COVID-19, and air relative humidity in all 154 cities in Brazil with a population above 200 thousand inhabitants, located between 5 and 1,135 m in altitude. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to compare a relationship between altitude with relative incidence (RI) and relative death rate (RDR) and between air relative humidity (RH). Altitudes were classified into three classes (low class, up to 97 m; middle class, 97 m to 795 m; and upper class, 795 m to 1,135 m) for the RI, RDR and RH variables. To compare the three classes of altitude, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were used to compare media (p < 0.05).
Results

Our epidemiological analysis found that the IR, RDR and RH were higher in cities located in low (0 to 97 m a.s.l) compared to medium (98 to 790 m a.s.l) and high (791 to 1135 m a.s.l) cities altitudes. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is a negative correlation between the incidence of COVID-19 with altitude and a positive correlation with air relative humidity in the cities analysed.
Conclusion

Brazilian cities at lower altitudes and greater air relative humidity have higher relative incidence and relative deaths from COVID-19. Thus, higher altitude cities may be favourable to shelter people at risk. This study may be useful for understanding the behaviour of SARS-CoV2, and start point for future studies to establish causality of environmental conditions with SARS-CoV2 contributing to the implementation of measures to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19.
Towards a framework approach to integrating pathways for infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship in surgery: a qualitative study from India and South Africa
Authors: Singh Sanjeev , Mendelson Marc , Surendran Surya , Bonaconsa Candice , Mbamalu Oluchi , Nampoothiri Vrinda , Boutall Adam , Hampton Mark , Dhar Puneet , Pennel Tim , Tarrant Carolyn , Leather Andy , Holmes Alison , Charani Esmita
Published: September 2020

Background

The surgical pathway remains a hard to reach, critical target for antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and infection prevention and control (IPC). We investigated the drivers for surgical AMS and IPC, across cardiovascular and thoracic surgery (CVTS) and gastrointestinal surgery teams in two academic hospitals in South Africa (SA) and India.
Materials and methods

An ethnographic observational study of IPC and AMS was conducted (July 2018–August 2019), with data gathered from 190 hours of non-participant observations (138 India, 60 SA); face-to-face interviews with patients (6 India, 7 South Africa), and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (44 India, 61 SA); and, in-depth patient case studies (4 India, 2 SA). A grounded theory approach aided by Nvivo 11 software, analyzed the emerging themes. An iterative and recursive process of moving between the coded data and the higher-level themes, ensured saturation of the themes. The multiple modes of enquiry enabled cross-validation and triangulation of findings.
Results

Across surgical pathways, multiple barriers exist impeding effective IPC and AMS practices. The existing, implicit roles of HCPs (including nurses, and senior surgeons) are overlooked as interventions target junior doctors, bypassing the opportunity for integrating care across the surgical team members. Critically, the ownership of decisions remains with the operating surgeons and entrenched hierarchies restrict the integration of other HCPs in IPC and AMS.
Conclusions

IPC and AMS are not integrated in surgery. Identifying the implicit existing HCPs roles in IPC and AMS is critical and will facilitate the development of effective and transparent processes across the surgical team for IPC and AMS. Developing a framework approach that includes nurse leadership, empowering pharmacists and engaging surgical leads is essential for integrated care.
Is metoclopramide beneficial for the post-pyloric placement of nasoenteric tubes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ouyang Xin , Qu Rong , Hu Bei , Wang Yifan , Yao Fen , He Zhimei , Lv Bo , Sun Cheng , Deng Yiyu , Chen Chunbo
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMetoclopramide is frequently prescribed as an adjuvant for the post-pyloric placement of nasoenteric tubes (NETs). However, the efficacy and safety of metoclopramide remain controversial. The latest meta-analysis showed that metoclopramide was not beneficial in adults. Thus, this study aimed to reevaluate the effect of metoclopramide on the post-pyloric placement of NETs.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang data was conducted up to August 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing metoclopramide with placebo or no intervention. The effect sizes of eligible studies were pooled using the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used for the primary outcomes (the success rate of the post-pyloric placement of NETs).ResultsSeven eligible RCTs that included 520 participants were identified. The results of the pooled effect sizes showed that metoclopramide significantly facilitated the post-pyloric placement of NETs (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11–1.97; P = 0.007; I2 = 37%). However, the risk of bias assessment and the TSA results indicated that the qualities of the RCTs and the sample sizes were insufficient to confirm the efficacy of metoclopramide. Further subgroup analysis revealed that successful post-pyloric placement was more pronounced in studies in which spiral NETs were employed (RR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.41–2.43; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Additionally, a significant increase in the success rate was also observed for post-D1 (reaching the second portion of the duodenum or beyond), post-D2 (reaching the third portion of the duodenum or beyond), and post-D3 (reaching the fourth portion of the duodenum or beyond) placement of spiral NETs. Overall adverse events were minimal.ConclusionsThe evidence accumulated so far was not strong enough to demonstrate metoclopramide’s beneficial effects on the post-pyloric placement of NETs; however, it might be effective for spiral NETs. Further high-quality, large-sample RCTs are required to elucidate the effects of metoclopramide.Trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42019123424 (10 July 2019)
Management of Acute Clonidine Poisoning in Adults: The Role of Resin Hemoperfusion
Authors: Fang Shanshan , Han Bo , Liu Xiaoling , Mao Dan , Sun Chengwen , Chen Zhi , Wang Ruimiao , Xiong Xishan
Published: September 2020

Clonidine poisoning in adults is rare. An observational retrospective study including 102 adults with clonidine poisoning was conducted. 57 patients with relatively mild conditions were placed in the local emergency departments (EDs) for clinical observation, while the remaining 45 were transferred to the tertiary hospital for intensive treatment, of whom 9 were given supportive care only and 36 were given hemoperfusion (HP), as well as similar supportive treatment. The main symptoms of these cases were: sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, inarticulacy, tinnitus and dry mouth. Physical examination showed hypotension, bradycardia and shallow and slow breathing. Serum and urine clonidine concentrations were significantly elevated（24.4 ng/ml, 313.2 ng/ml, respectively）. All cases slowly returned to their baseline state over 48 to 96 hours, which is co-related with the drawn of serum clonidine level. HP showed more efficient in reducing the serum/urine clonidine level. Clonidine poisoning is a potentially serious condition, which involves multiple system injury, including persistent central nervous system depression, cardiovascular and inhalation inhibition, often requiring intensive treatment. Patients with mild presentations only needed to be monitored and treated with symptomatic support. Of critically ill patients, HP significantly reduced clonidine concentrations, which was effective and had few side effects.
Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-monocyte Ratio and CA125 Level as Risk Factors for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tang Ying , Hu Huiquan , Tang Yalan , Tang Fangxiang , Lin Dan , Deng Lihong , Zhou Mi , Li Jun , Su Bin , Xu Fan
Published: September 2020

Background: Detailed descriptions of the relationship between lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio alone and combined with CA125 (COLC) and advanced stage of ovarian cancer (OC) have been lacking to date. This study is to analyze the relationship between LMR, CA125 and COLC and advanced stage of OC.Methods: A retrospective clinicopathologic review was performed. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves of LMR, CA125, and COLC staging OC were constructed. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression model was used to assay the independent risk factors.Results: A total of 225 patients with OC were identified in this cohort. Eighty-five patients with OC were diagnosed at an early stage, and 140 OC patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage. The median of LMR at the early stage was higher than the advanced stage (4.39 vs. 2.78), and the median of CA125 was lower than the advanced stage (80 U/mL vs. 251.25 U/mL). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that LMR (OR=0.314, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.143–0.687, P=0.004) and CA125 (OR=4.045, 95%CI: 1.883–8.692, P<0.001) were associated with OC staging. Furthermore, the area under the curve of COLC was higher than that of LMR (0.779 vs. 0.732) or CA125 (0.779 vs. 0.708) in staging OC. The specificity of COLC was higher than that of LMR (87.11% vs. 70.61%) or CA125 (87.11% vs. 61.21%) in staging OC.Conclusions: LMR alone or in combination with CA125 might be associated with OC staging. Besides, as a predictive factor, COLC may have high specificity in staging OC.
Redshifted absorption lines from an isolated neutron star
Authors: Campana Sergio
Published: September 2020

The solid crust constituting the outer layers of a hot neutron star is wrapped by an mm-to-cm thin atmosphere. Even if the atmosphere is so thin, it substantially affects the blackbody spectrum emitted by the surface, resulting in an overall hardening of the emitted spectrum. The composition of the atmosphere has so far remained elusive. Several narrow absorption features have been detected and interpreted as arising from proton (or electron) resonant cyclotron absorption in the neutron star magnetic field. Apart from these, for a Hydrogen atmosphere no spectral features are expected, whereas when it is polluted with metals, absorption features start appearing in soft X-ray spectra. Absorption edges and features have been possibly observed during thermonuclear explosions onto the neutron star surface. Isolated neutron stars represent a breeding ground where to look for absorption features, thanks to their simple X-ray spectra. Here we report on the detection of redshifted Nitrogen and Oxygen absorption features from the closest and brightest isolated neutron star. The lines are ~50 eV wide and their intensity is incompatible from originating in the interstellar path to the neutron star. Lines are redshifted by a common gravitational redshift of z_g=0.216±0.004.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Spinal Pain: A Case Control Study of New Graduate Aviators Based on Imaging and Questionnaire Results.
Authors: Xie Fang , Ma Yachao , Tu Zhipeng , Huang Peipei , Wang Zhe , Luo Zhuojing , Hu Xueyu
Published: September 2020

Background: Disc degenerative diseases are common in occupational aviators exposed to long flight time and vibration during flight. The incidence of pathological and degenerative changes of spine in experienced pilots are widely studied and reported. However, few literatures focused on new graduate aviators. In this study we intended to describe imaging features of spine in new graduate aviators from flight academy and analyzed the risk factors for spinal pain.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 178 new graduate aviators. All received full-length lateral X-ray of spine and 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical and lumbar spine. Sagittal alignments were measured through X-ray imaging. The degenerative grade of disc was defined according to Miyazaki and Pfirrmann grading classifications. The prevalence of degenerative disc diseases was reported under disc nomenclatures. The incidence of spinal pain during the last 12 months of flight training was acquired from questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to analyses risk factors for spinal pain.Results: The whole cohort presented at least one level disc degeneration of Grade 2 in cervical or lumbar spine. 134 of 178 subjects (75.3%) showed at least one cervical disc degeneration in grade 3. 61 (34.3%) presented cervical disc bulging and 5 (3%) presented cervical disc protrusion. 110 (61.8%) aviators reported neck pain during the last 12 months. 53 of 178 (29.8%) volunteers had at least one lumbar disc degeneration in grade 3. 31 (17.4%) aviators presented lumbar disc bulging and 21 (11.8%) presented lumbar disc protrusion. 45 (25.3%) aviators reported back pain during the last 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age, cervical disc degeneration and bulging were risk factors for neck pain; lumbar disc degeneration, bulging and protrusion were risk factors for back pain. Conclusions: Moderate degrees of disc degenerative changes and diseases of spine could be found in new graduate aviators at an early age. Disc degeneration and diseases correlate strongly with spinal pain. It is essential to recognize these pathological conditions to intervene in the occurrence and development of degenerative changes in aviators in advance.
Experience of endoscopic intra-gastric balloons removal during COVID-19 pandemic in 98 patients.
Authors: Khidir Nesreen , Salama Asaad , Bashah Moataz
Published: September 2020

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, all elective surgical interventions were suspended, including bariatric and metabolic (B&M) surgeries and endoscopic procedures. Delayed extraction of intragastric balloons associated with a higher complication rate [1]. Experts agreed that endoscopic bariatric procedures are semi-elective/urgent procedures and can be performed following specific protocol during this pandemic [2].Objective: To share our experience of endoscopic removal of air-filled intragastric balloons during COVID-19 pandemic following a suggested algorithm.Methods: Retrospective data review for patients who underwent endoscopic removal of intra-gastric balloons during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital (29 February 2020 —15 June 2020).Results: Ninety-eight patients with age ranged between 14 — 71 years, mean of 33.1 ± 10.9 years. Body mass index (BMI) was 32.8 ± 4.7 kg/m2. Thirty-four were females (34.7%). Three patients (3.1%) had type II diabetes (T2D), one (1%) had hypertension (HTN), one (1%) was asthmatic and one (1%) had coronary artery disease (CAD). Procedures were performed at 15.6 ± 7 minutes. No complications occurred. No patient developed COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days after removal. Thirteen patients (13.2%) had Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) swab tests for contact with COVID-19 positive patients and their results were negative. All the involved medical staff had negative RT-PCR tests results by the end of June 2020.Conclusion: Following our suggested algorithm, endoscopic intra-gastric balloon removal during COVID-19 pandemic was safe with a favorable outcome.
The effect of early social contact on the community structure and functions of fecal microbiome in suckling - growing piglets
Authors: Bi Yanju , Liu Runze , Ji Wenbo , Pan Lei , Wei Haidong , Li Jianhong , Li Xiang , Zhang Runxiang , Liu Honggui , Bao Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: Social contact in the early suckling period as an enriched social environment can reduce the aggressive behaviors of piglets at weaning regrouping, and improve their production performance and welfare. We speculated that the social environment could modulate the maturation of piglet intestinal microbiota at later growth stages. Therefore, we performed microbial 16S rRNA gene sequencing from fecal samples, collected at 16, 35, 42, and 63 days of age, to investigate the structure and function of intestinal microbiota in piglets that experienced early social contact. Results: The results showed that the litter weight of the piglets was not significantly different between the control (CON) and social contact (SC) groups at 35 days of age (P > 0.05), but the weight of piglets in the SC group significantly decreased at 63 days compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). While the proportion of Firmicutes were the most abundant bacterial phylum detected in both groups at all times, the proportion of Firmicutes and the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides ratio were significantly higher in the SC group compared to the CON group and the proportion of Bacteroides was lower in the SC group compared to the CON group at 35, 42, and 63 days of age (P < 0.05). At the genus level, early social contact had a significant positive effect on the level of Lactobacillus at 35 and 42 days of age (P < 0.05), but a negative effect on Prevotella at 35, 42, and 63 days of age (P < 0.05). Furthermore, functional analysis of the microbial composition showed that the changes induced by early social contact mainly altered the relative abundance of metabolic and related pathways. From 35 days of age, the social contact notably had a negative effect on the abundance microbial pathways for protein digestion and absorption and lipid metabolism (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early social contact truly changed the taxonomy of fecal microbiota in piglets, which in turn, impacted the potential for microbial function within the piglet intestine. At present, we speculate that providing continuous social contact negatively influences the nutrient metabolism for the growing piglets.
Aspergillus fumigatus change Gasdermin-D-dependent pyrolysis of the lung through regulating TRL2-dependent Regulatory T cells differentiation
Authors: Yan Wei , Xing Yu , Xie Ke , Zhao Yi-Si , Wang Chuan-Jiang , Xu Fang
Published: September 2020

Aspergillus fumigatus, as opportunistic fungi, lead to infection in the lungs and even systemic infection. The A. fumigatus interacts with the body through a series of complex and dynamic processes. After the fungi have invaded the host, it has a series of adaptive mechanisms which it applies to evade being detected by a host immune system also ways to retaliate against the immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in enhancing immune tolerance and immune escape by inhibiting the body's immune response are concerned. It could increase the sensitivity of bacterial infections. When A. fumigatus enters the host, it stimulates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and triggers the signal transduction pathway. However, how Tregs affects susceptibility to A. fumigatus and TLR2 changes Tregs in A. fumigatus infection is unclear. We examined whether A. fumigatus induces Tregs proliferation in vivo, molecular mechanisms underlying A. fumigatus-stimulated TLR2 activation and the contribution of Tregs activation to susceptibility to A. fumigatus. We observed that Tregs to CD4+T cells ratio increased in samples from patients infected with Aspergillus fumigatus. After conducting tests in mice, it was revealed that when mice were infected with A. fumigatus, there was an enhancement in the Tregs to CD4+T cells ratio and Foxp3 expression levels which happen in the lungs also up-regulate. Inhibited Tregs by using CD25 neutralizing antibodies, and we found that the number of fungal burdens in the lung was decreased when these CD25 neutralizing antibodies are used. In our research, A. fumigatus infection can indeed stimulate TLR2 expression to increase, and for the lungs, damages and fungal burden caused by TLR2−/−mice were reduced. Then it also found that in TLR2−/-mice, pyrolysis-related proteins (GSDMD, IL-1α, and IL-1β) changed. It was concluded that for TLR2 knockout animals, the Treg cells quantities are significantly linked to vulnerability to be infected with A. fumigatus. The infection triggered the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs through the activation of TLR2 pathway. It is a potential mechanism to evade host defense in A. fumigatus infection of the lung. And this effect can regulate GSDMD-dependent pyrolysis, and may involve TRL2 signals partially.
Gastric Perforation Leading to The Diagnosis of Classic Ehlers Danlos syndrome: A Case Report of an Unusual Presentation.
Authors: Aloatibi Ahad Eid , AlAamer Ohood Hamad , Bawazeer Mohammed Abdullah , Alzahrani Ali Audah
Published: September 2020

Background: Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a clinically and genetically heterogenous group of heritable connective tissue disorders caused by defective collagen synthesis or structure. Vascular subtype (EDS IV) is reported to be associated with higher incidence of gastrointestinal ruptures. The Most reported site of perforation was the colon particularly the sigmoid colon followed by small bowel. It is very rare to have stomach perforation. There were no reported cases among classic type I and II. In addition, this patient presented with Marfanoid habitus which may develop acute gastric volvulus in combined with pre-existing EDS, perforation can occur. Case presentation: We are presenting a 14-year-old girl who attended our Emergency Department (ED) with abdominal pain and vomiting. Initially diagnosed with gastroenteritis and discharged once her condition improved. 24 hours later, she developed severe abdominal pain with recurrent vomiting with peritonitis evident on clinical examination. Initial KUB failed to show any free air, however enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) revealed free air and proximal gut contrast extravasation. During exploratory laparotomy, an ischemia anterior and posterior gastric wall with gastric perforation was encountered. A free-hand partial gastrectomy was done. Her post-operative period was complicated with wound infection that managed successfully with Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) dressing. She recovered well without gastrointestinal sequalae in 4 years follow up. Conclusions: A high level of suspicion must be maintained for heritable systemic connective tissue diseases in any young patient with unusual spontaneous perforation. As these patients can develop life-threatening conditions, immediate intervention is required in addition to prepare for anticipated complications.
Genetically determined circulating levels ofcytokines and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Qian Yu , He Zhixing , Zhao Sizheng Steven , Liu Bin , Chen Ying , Sun Xiaohui , Ye Ding , Jiang Xia , Wen Chengping , Mao Yingying
Published: September 2020

Background: Accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in articular tissues is the hallmark feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increasing evidence from observational studies have suggested that several cytokines are relevant in the disease process of RA. However, traditional observational studies are susceptible to bias from confounding and reverse causation; therefore, the potential causal association of individual cytokines with the risk of RA remains elusive. Our study aimed to evaluate whether genetically determined circulating levels of cytokines are associated with the risk of RA by conducting a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.Methods: We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating levels of cytokines and growth factors from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 8,293 participants of European ancestry as instrumental variables (IVs). The association estimates of these IVs with RA were obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis including 14,361 RA cases and 43,923 controls of European ancestry. MR analyses were performed using the random-effects inverse variance-weighted, weighted-median, MR-Egger and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests. Sensitivity analyses were further performed using restricted IVs excluding potential pleiotropic SNPs.Results: In the primary MR analysis, a total of 270 SNPs associated with circulating levels of 27 cytokines were identified and used as IVs. We found a suggestive inverse association between genetically determined circulating level of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1b) and the risk of RA [odds ratio (OR): 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-0.99, P = 0.016]. The association remained statistically significant in alternative MR analyses, and the causal effect estimate from sensitivity analysis using the restricted IVs was similar.Conclusions: Genetically determined elevated circulating level of MIP-1b was associated with a lower risk of RA. Further studies are warranted to determine how this MIP-1b and related pathways contribute to the development of RA.
Heterogeneous COVID-19 Incidences in Diamond Princess cruise ship: Some Volatile Informatics   
Authors: Shanmugam Ramalingam
Published: September 2020

This article centers around heterogeneity. It is popularly and briefly mentioned in literature but is not well defined, explained enough on how to compute or interpret. We here offer a formal definition and properties of heterogeneity. We propose an identifier of its existence. Other related ideas are discussed in this article. The concepts and new expressions of this article are illustrated using the COVID-19 data in a Diamond Princess cruise ship, during February 2020.
Social distance regulation for control of COVID-19 may foster the global obesity pandemic: Social distancing increases the desire for food
Authors: Chang Yevvon Yi-Chi , Wu Wen-Hsiung , Chiou Wen-Bin
Published: September 2020

Social distance regulations have been suggested as one of the best ways to control and prevent the spread of coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Social connection and food are intertwined because both have played critical evolutionary roles in human survival. We tested whether the substitutability hypothesis in human motivation applies here in that cues signaling scarcity in one domain (e.g., social connection) might enhance the desire to acquire resources in another domain (e.g., food). In a laboratory experiment (N = 118), we found that, compared with controls, participants primed with social distancing consumed more ice cream in a taste test and reported a greater likelihood that they would engage in binge eating if they were placed in home quarantine. We may be the first to provide experimental evidence that social distancing can enhance the desire for food. The link between social distancing and the desire for food is pertinent to understanding how strongly social distance regulations may influence weight gain. Our findings have far-reaching implications for weight control under social distance regulations for prevention and control of COVID-19.
A Bayesian Small Area Model with Dirichlet Processes on the Responses
Authors: Yin Jiani , Nandram Balgobin
Published: September 2020

Typically survey data have responses with gaps, outliers and ties, and the distributions of the responses might be skewed. Usually, in small area estimation, predictive inference is done using a two-stage Bayesian model with normality at both levels (responses and area means). This is the Scott-Smith (S-S) model and it may not be robust against these features. Another model that can be used to provide a more robust structure is the two-stage Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) model, which has independent normal distributions on the responses and a single Dirichlet process on the area means. However, this model does not accommodate gaps, outliers and ties in the survey data directly. Because this DPM model has a normal distribution on the responses, it is unlikely to be realized in practice, and this is the problem we tackle in this paper. Therefore, we propose a two-stage non-parametric Bayesian model with several independent Dirichlet processes at the first stage that represents the data, thereby accommodating some of the difficulties with survey data and permitting a more robust predictive inference. This model has a Gaussian (normal) distribution on the area means, and so we call it the DPG model. Therefore, the DPM model and the DPG model are essentially the opposite of each other and they are both different from the S-S model. Among the three models, the DPG model gives us the best head-start to accommodate the features of the survey data. For Bayesian predictive inference, we need to integrate two data sets, one with the responses and other with area sizes. An application on body mass index, which is integrated with census data, and a simulation study are used to compare the three models (S-S, DPM, DPG); we show that the DPG model might be preferred.
Detection of Outliers in Univariate Circular Data by Means of the Outlier Local Factor (LOF)
Authors: Abuzaid Ali H.
Published: September 2020

The problem of outlier detection in univariate circular data was the object of increased interest over the last decade. New numerical and graphical methods were developed for samples from different circular probability distributions. The main drawback of the existing methods is, however, that they are distribution-based and ignore the problem of multiple outliers.

The local outlier factor (LOF) is a density-based method for detecting outliers in multivariate data and it depends on the local density of every k nearest neighbours.

The aim of this paper is to extend the application of the LOF to the detection of possible outliers in circular samples, where the angles of circular data are represented in two Cartesian coordinates and treated as bivariate data. The performance of the LOF is compared against other existing numerical methods by means of a simulation based on the power of a test and the proportion of correct detection. The LOF performance is compatible with the best existing discordancy tests, while outperforming other tests. The level of the LOF performance is directly related to the contamination and concentration parameters, while having an inverse relationship with the sample size.

In order to illustrate the process, the LOF and other existing discordancy tests are applied to detect possible outliers in two common real circular datasets.
Power Size Biased Two-Parameter Akash Distribution
Authors: Alhyasat Khaldoon , Kamarulzaman Ibrahim , Al-Omari Amer Ibrahim , Abu Bakar Mohd Aftar
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the two-parameter Akash distribution is generalized to size-biased two-parameter Akash distribution (SBTPAD). A further modification to SBTPAD is introduced, creating the power size-biased two-parameter Akash distribution (PSBTPAD). Several statistical properties of PSBTPAD distribution are proved. These properties include the following: moments, coefficient of variation, coefficient of skewness, coefficient of kurtosis, the maximum likelihood estimation of the distribution parameters, and finally order statistics. Moreover, plots of the density and distribution functions of PSBTPAD are presented and a reliability analysis is considered. The Rényi entropy of PSBTPAD is proved and the application of real data is discussed.