bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reservoir Rock Tortuosity Estimates Based on Geodesic Reconstruction and Fluid Velocity Field Techniques
Authors: Leite Roque Waldir , Nardelli Siebert Diogo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Tortuosity is a key parameter for fluid flow and mass transport in porous media. Geodesic reconstruction (GR) and fluid velocity field (FVF) are techniques that allow tortuosity estimation. Essentially, tortuosity is the ratio of the geodesic length by the Euclidian length of the pore inlet-outlet in the region of interest. However, its estimation is not trivial, especially for 3D porous medium samples, such as for reservoir rock core samples. Digital rock physics has made much progress recently, providing estimates of several quantities and improving the understanding of the pore-scale processes of reservoir rocks.
This paper briefly discusses the GR and FVF techniques and their computational implementions to estimate the directional tortuosity of a pore network. The GR estimates the geometric tortuosity while the FVF estimates the hydraulic tortuosity. An application of these techniques is done for four carbonate and twelve sandstones reservoir rock core samples, provided by the MicroCT Images and Networks of Imperial College London database.
The results show that the tortuosity estimates in the x, y and z -directions, for all but one direction, have the FVF values slightly higher than the GR values, with a mean relative error around 10%. When the specific directional tortuosities are compared, the mean relative error for τx, τy and τz are, 9.8%, 10.3% and 10.5%, respectively. The mean GR and FVF tortuosities for the carbonate and sandstone samples are &lt;τC&gt; = 1.6, &lt;τS&gt; = 1.4 and &lt;τC&gt; = 1.8, &lt;τS&gt; = 1.6, respectively. The mean porosity for the carbonate and sandstone samples are &lt;φC&gt; = 0.16 and &lt;φS&gt; = 0.22, respectively. From these results, it can be noticed that the FVF tortuosity estimates are higher than the GR estimates, which is expected to be as in general hydraulic tortuosity is larger than the geometric one. On the other hand, it is observed that high porosity correlates to low tortuosity, which is consistent with results in the literature. The two techniques have very high Pearson correlation ρ = 0.9, and by Bland-Altman analysis they are within the limits of agreement (LoA), which means that both techniques are essentially equivalent to estimate the tortuosity, even though neither technique is considered as a gold standard measure for tortuosity.
Drusen Characteristics of Type 2 Macular Neovascularization in Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Stattin Martin , Haas Anna-Maria , Graf Alexandra , Krepler Katharina , Ansari-Shahrezaei Siamak 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To assess the relationship between drusen characteristics and type 2 macular neovascularization (MNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Methods: Retrospective data analysis of eyes previously diagnosed with neovascular AMD in a tertiary eye care center (Medical Retina Unit, Rudolf Foundation Hospital, Vienna, Austria) between June 2008 and December 2017. Drusen subtypes, fibrosis, atrophy and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) of both eyes in patients with type 2 MNV lesions were categorized based on multimodal imaging.Results: Type 2 MNV was diagnosed in 27 (3.2%) of 835 eyes (749 patients). Drusen characteristics in type 2 MNV were observed as followed: drusen < 63 mm in 2 eyes (7.4%), drusen ≥ 63 mm in 10 eyes (37%), subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in 8 eyes (29.6%), cuticular drusen in 2 eye (7.4%) and no drusen were evident in 10 eyes (37%). Drusen distribution in 23 fellow eyes was detected as followed: drusen < 63 mm in 2 eyes (8.7%), drusen ≥ 63 mm in 9 eyes (39.1%), SDD in 5 eyes (21.7%), cuticular drusen in 1 eye (4.3%) and no drusen were evident in 9 eyes (39.1%). Mean SFCT was 140 ± 49 mm in affected eyes and 152 ± 41 mm in the fellow eyes. Patients with drusen or SDD were significantly younger (mean 70.88 ± 6.85, p=0.04) than patients without deposits (mean 77.40 ± 5.74). Conclusions: Type 2 MNV remains a rare entity in AMD. It was frequently seen in the absence ofdrusen, a hallmark of AMD. These findings contribute to the heterogeneity of phenotypes related to pure type 2 lesions.
Association of number of siblings, birth order, and thinness in 3- to 12-year-old children: a population-based cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yu Tingting , Chen Chang , Jin Zhijuan , Yang You , Jiang Yanrui , Hong Li , Yu Xiaodan , Mei Hao , Jiang Fan , Liu Shijian , Huang Hong , Jin Xingming 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Sibship size and structure have a significant association with overweight and obesity in children, but the relationship with thinness has not been fully studied and understood, especially in Asia. This study evaluated the associations among number of siblings, birth order, and childhood thinness and investigated the association of number of younger or older siblings with childhood thinness.Methods: In this study, we performed a population-based cross-sectional study among 84,075 3- to 12-year-old children in Shanghai using multistage stratified cluster random sampling. We defined grades 1, 2, and 3 thinness according to the body mass index cutoff points set by the International Obesity Task Force and used multinomial logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).Results: Compared with only children, for boys, children with two or more siblings were more likely to suffer from grade 2 (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.02, 1.64) and grade 3 thinness (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07, 2.40); and the youngest child faced a higher risk of grade 2 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.09, 1.90) and grade 3 thinness (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.01, 2.33). For girls, children with one sibling were more likely to suffer from grade 1 thinness (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.05, 1.42); the oldest child, middle child, and youngest child faced a higher risk of grade 1 (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.09, 1.84), grade 2 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.03, 1.54), and grade 1 thinness (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.21, 2.88) respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship, however, between a larger number of younger or older siblings and childhood thinness.Conclusions: Regardless of sex, having either siblings or a higher birth order was positively associated with childhood thinness. The present study has suggested that future interventions to prevent childhood thinness should consider family background as an important factor, especially in multi-child-families.
Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes–a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yanagita Ikumi , Fujihara Yuya , Iwaya Chikayo , Kitajima Yuichi , Tajima Misuzu , Honda Masanao , Teruya Yuji , Asakawa Hideko , Ito Tomoko , Eda Terumi , Yamaguchi Noriko , Kayashima Yumi , Yoshimoto Mihoko , Harada Mayumi , Yoshimoto Shoji , Aida Eiji , Yanase Toshihiko , Nawata Hajime , Muta Kazuo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Frailty is broadly characterized by vulnerability and decline in physical, mental and social activities and is more common in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Frailty is closely associated with nutrition, muscle strength, inflammation, and hormones etc. In hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol are suggested to be such candidates affecting frailty. Little investigation has been performed using a wider range of measures of frailty to clarify risk factors for frailty including the above two hormones. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n=148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty, and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis.Results: Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS <70 µg/dL and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥0.2. Multiple regression analysis showed that low albumin (<4.0 g/dl) (odds ratio [OR]=5.79, p<0.001), low aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (<25 IU/L) (OR=4.34, p=0.009), and low body mass (BM) (<53 kg) (OR=3.85, p=0.012) were independent risk factors for frailty. A significant decrease in DHEA-S and a significant increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio occurred alongside increases in the severity of frailty. DHEA-S concentration positively correlated with both serum albumin and BM.Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia, low AST, and low BM are independent risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients, strongly implying relative malnutrition in these frail patients. DHEA-S may be important for the maintenance of liver function and BM. A decrease in DHEA-S and an increase in the cortisol/DHEAS ratio may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of malnutrition in elderly T2DM patients.
LncRNA MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in a Chinese population: a case-control study
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Meng , Wang Shuqian , Xu Peng , Deng Yujiao , Lin Shuai , Li Na , Liu Kang , Zhu Yuyao , Zhai Zhen , Wu Ying , Dai Zhi-Jun , Zhu Gaixia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: LncRNA MEG3 expressed abnormally in various cancers including breast cancer, but no studies reported the correlation between MEG3 SNPs and breast cancer susceptibility among Chinese women. Methods: This study is aimed to explore the association between three SNPs of MEG3 (rs3087918, rs7158663, rs11160608) and breast cancer. The study is a population-based case-control study including 434 breast cancer patients and 700 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom MassArray technique. Function prediction of rs3087918 were based on RNAfold and lncRNASNP2 databases. Results: Pooled analysis indicated that rs3087918 was related to a decreased risk of breast cancer (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 0.67(0.45-0.99), P = 0.042; GG vs. TT + TG: OR(95%) = 0.69(0.48-0.99), P = 0.046), especially for women aged <=49 (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 0.40(0.22-0.73), P = 0.02). Comparison between case groups showed genotype GG and TG/GG of rs3087918 were correlated with her-2 receptor expression (GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 2.37(1.24-4.63), P = 0.010; TG + GG vs. TT: OR(95%) = 1.50(1.01-2.24), P = 0.045). We didn’t find statistical significance for rs11160608, rs7158663 and breast cancer. Structure prediction based on RNAfold found rs3087918 may influence the secondary structure of MEG3. The results based on lncRNASNP2 indicated that rs3087918 may gain the targets of hsa-miR-1203 to MEG3, while loss the target of hsa-miR-139-3p and hsa-miR-5091 to MEG3. Conclusions: MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. MEG3 haplotype TCG may increase the risk of breast cancer.
Metabolite AutoPlotter - an application to process and visualise metabolite data in the web-browser
Authors: Pietzke Matthias , Vazquez Alexei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Metabolomics is gaining popularity as a standard tool for the investigation of biological systems. Yet, parsing metabolomics data in the absence of in-house computational scientists can be overwhelming and time consuming. As a consequence of manual data processing the results are often not analysed in full depth, so potential novel findings might get lost. Methods To tackle this problem, we developed Metabolite AutoPlotter, a tool to process and visualise quantified metabolite data. Other than with bulk data visualisations, such as heat maps, the aim of the tool is to generate single plots for each metabolite. For this purpose it reads as input pre-processed metabolite-intensity tables and accepts different experimental designs, with respect to number of metabolites, conditions and replicates. The code was written in the R-scripting language and wrapped into a shiny-application that can be run online in a web-browser on https://mpietzke.shinyapps.io/autoplotter. Results We demonstrate the main features and the ease of use with two different metabolite datasets, for quantitative experiments and for stable isotope tracing experiments. We show how the plots generated by the tool can be interactively modified with respect to plot type, colours, text labels and the shown statistics. We also demonstrate the application towards 13C-tracing experiments and the seamless integration of natural abundance correction, which facilitates the better interpretation of stable isotope tracing experiments. The output of the tool is a zip-file containing one single plot for each metabolite as well as restructured tables that can be used for further analysis.Conclusion With the help of Metabolite AutoPlotter it is now possible to simplify data processing and visualisation for a wide audience. High quality plots from complex data can be generated in a short time with pressing a few buttons. This offers dramatic improvements over manual analysis. It is significantly faster and allows researchers to spend more time interpreting the results or to perform follow-up experiments. Further this eliminates potential copy-and paste errors or tedious repetitions when things need to be changed. We are sure that this tool will help to improve and speed up scientific discoveries.
The association between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain as assessed by the Global Postural System.
Authors: Yu Qiuhua , Huang Huanjie , Zhang Zhou , Hu Xiaoqian , Li Wenfeng , Li Le , Chen Min , Liang Zhenwen , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Wang Chuhuai 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Empirical evidence that demonstrates the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) is currently lacking. Objective: To establish the reliability of the Global Postural System (GPS) in assessing pelvic asymmetry and identify the association between pelvic asymmetry parameters and the occurrence of NCLBP in young adults.Design: A cross-sectional, regression study. Methods: People who aged between 18 and 30 and were diagnosed with NCLBP were recruited. Healthy individuals who were matched for age, gender, and education level were recruited as controls. Global Postural System (GPS) was employed to assess pelvic asymmetry. Prior to explore the association, the reliability of GPS was assessed by the ICC (2, k) for interrater reliability, ICC (3, k) for intra-rater reliability, standard error and minimal detectable difference. Bivariate correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between pelvic asymmetry and the occurrence of NCLBP.Results: Twenty-eight healthy participants and 28 people with NCLBP were recruited. Moderate to excellent ICCs were observed for the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of most postural parameters. The bivariate correlation analysis indicated that age, body mass index and pelvic asymmetry parameters were related to the occurrence of NCLBP. Pelvic angle asymmetry (odd ratio=1.17), and asymmetry of the distance between the posterior superior iliac spine and the floor (odd ratio=1.21) were significant factors associated with NCLBP.Limitation: This study did not explore the causal relationship between pelvic asymmetry in the sagittal plane/pelvic asymmetry in the transverse plane and the occurrence of NCLBP. The interpretation of the results may not be generalized beyond the sample population.Conclusions: The GPS is a reliable method to assess pelvic asymmetry in a clinical setting. The pelvic asymmetry parameters obtained from the GPS are likely to assist in the early identification of the potential occurrence of NCLBP.
Anti-fibrotic effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretomeon the liver fibrosis
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from a chronic liver injury is one of the significant causes of mortality. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease while maintaining its advantages over the current therapies.Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFSSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFSSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model, and we administered hFSSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFSSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFSSCs secretome effectively reduced collagen content in the liver, and improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found that hFSSCs secretome reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretome inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, while we observed, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that hFSSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
Effects of metabolic syndrome on the correlation between the most common groups of prescribed medications and the risk of fall in Brazilian elderly people
Authors: Souza Erlaine Silva , Silva Willerson , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro De 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Aging is an irreversible process of all living beings and one of the great challenges we have to face is learning how to live healthier. Several health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and falls, are related to senescence and can directly affect quality of life around the world. In addition to these physiological disorders, the use of medications can directly affect the quality of life of the elderly, and some studies have already reported the correlation between metabolic syndrome, prescription medications, and injury caused by falling.
Methods

This study was conducted with a group of 102 adults over 60 years of age, including volunteers in the city of Viçosa - Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instruments of analysis were performed using three types of tests: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Functional Reach Test, and the Tandem Test. Two questionnaires were used - the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and quality of life questionnaire (the Short Form [SF]-36) - in order to establish a connection between the intake of prescription of medication and the quality of life of this population. The statistical analysis was performed using R software version 3.2.2.
Results

The analysis of factors indicated that risk of fall was directly related to the amount of medications used by patients. The medicines associated with the risk of falls were grouped into nine categories: 28%, antihypertensive; 17%, anti-cholesterolemic; 8%, cardiovascular agents; 2%, musculoskeletal pain; 2%, hormones; 14%, central nervous system agents;6%, vitamins, 8%,anti-diabetic; and 15%, other target action medication. When the risk of fall was compared according to each category, the most significant difference in proportion was observed when related to central nervous system.
Conclusion

The data analysis showed that type of medications prescribed should be considered to better understand how some are related to the risk of fall in elderly people. The knowledge of how some prescribed medications can affect the way of life in the elderly community helps to guide some clinicians’ orientations to prevent possible injuries.
Impact of Surgeons’ Experience on Oncologic Outcomes in Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: A Comparison of the First 50 and last 50 Cases
Authors: Li Pengfei , Kang Shan , Guo Jianxin , Liang Shiqi , Yang Ying , Wang Shaoguang , Bin Xiaonong , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To compare the oncological outcomes of the first 50 laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) surgeries with the last 50 LRH, performed by high volume surgeons, for cervical cancer patients.Design: A nationwide multicentre retrospective cohort study Setting: Clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer patients in mainland China (Four C) database.Population: women with early cervical cancer undergone LRH. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the oncological outcomes of 1004 cervical cancer patients who underwent LRH performed by 19 surgeons. They were divided into two groups according to the sequence of operations, the first 50 and the last 50 patients with LRH. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test, Cox proportional risk regression model and propensity score matching were used. Main Outcome Measures: 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates. Results: There were no significant differences in the 5-year OS and DFS between first 50 patients with LRH group (n=413) and last 50 patients with LRH group (n=591) (OS: p=0.388; DFS: p=0.226). The last 50 cases of LRH was not an independent risk factor for OS and DFS in early cervical cancer patients (p=0.830, p=0.300). After propensity score matching, similar outcomes were observed (n=364:364，OS:P = 0.764; DFS:P = 0.705). Conclusions: The oncological outcomes of the first 50 LRH surgeries were similar to those of the last 50 surgeries in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Increase in the surgeons’ experience did not improve significantly with oncological outcomes of patients with early stage cervical cancer after LRH.