bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Bayesian and frequentist methods for prevalence estimation under misclassification
Authors: Flor Matthias , Weiβ Michael , Selhorst Thomas , Müller-Graf Christine , Greiner Matthias 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Various methods exist for statistical inference about a prevalence that consider misclassifications due to an imperfect diagnostic test. However, traditional methods are known to suffer from truncation of the prevalence estimate and the confidence intervals constructed around the point estimate, as well as from under-performance of the confidence intervals' coverage. Methods : In this study, we used simulated data sets to validate a Bayesian prevalence estimation method and compare its performance to frequentist methods, i.e. the Rogan-Gladen estimate for prevalence, RGE, in combination with several methods of confidence interval construction. Our performance measures are (i) error distribution of the point estimate against the simulated true prevalence and (ii) coverage and length of the confidence interval, or credible interval in the case of the Bayesian method.Results: Across all data sets, the Bayesian point estimate and the RGE produced similar error distributions with slight advanteges of the former over the latter. In addition, the Bayesian estimate did not suffer from the RGE's truncation problem at zero or unity. With respect to coverage performance of the confidence and credible intervals, all of the traditional frequentist methods exhibited strong under-coverage, whereas the Bayesian credible interval as well as a newly developed frequentist method by Lang and Reiczigel performed as desired, with the Bayesian method having a very slight advantage in terms of interval length. Conclusion: The Bayesian prevalence estimation method should be prefered over traditional frequentist methods. An acceptable alternative is to combine the Rogan-Gladen point estimate with the Lang-Reiczigel confidence interval.
Robust widely linear beamforming using estimation of extended covariance matrix and steering vector
Authors: Meng Zhen , Zhou Weidong , Gazor Saeed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The distribution of the received signals in many array processing applications is noncircular. Although optimal widely linear beamformer (WLB) can provide the best performance for noncircular received signals, its performance degrades severely under model mismatches in practical applications. As a remedy, we propose a robust WLB by using precise reconstruction of extended interference-plus-noise covariance matrix (EINCM) and low-complexity estimation of extended desired signal steering vector (EDSSV). We propose to first determine the steering vectors, powers and noncircularity coefficients of all signals and the noise power. In contrast to the previous reconstruction methods using the integration over a wide angular sector, we reconstruct the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix (INCM) and the pseudo INCM accurately according to their definitions. By using INCM and pseudo INCM, we can precisely reconstruct the EINCM. We propose to estimate the EDSSV by intersecting two extended subspaces, which are respectively formed by eigendecomposing the extended sample covariance matrix and the extended desired signal covariance matrix. Unlike the convex optimization methods, the proposed EDSSV estimation does not require any optimization programming and yields a solution with closed expression in low computational complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed robust WLB provides near optimal performance under several model mismatch cases.
A panel of DNA methylation signature from peripheral blood may predict colorectal cancer susceptibility
Authors: Onwuka Justina Ucheojor , Li Dapeng , Liu Yupeng , Huang Hao , Xu Jing , Liu Ying , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yashuang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Differential DNA methylation panel derived from peripheral blood could serve as biomarkers of CRC susceptibility. However, most of the previous studies utilized post-diagnostic blood DNA which may be markers of disease rather than susceptibility. In addition, only few studies has evaluated the predictive potential of differential DNA methylation in CRC in a prospective cohort and on a genome-wide basis. The aim of this study was to identify potential panel of DNA methylation biomarkers in peripheral blood that are associated with CRC risk and therefore serve as epigenetic biomarkers of disease susceptibility.Methods: DNA methylation profile of a nested case-control study with 166 CRC and 424 healthy normal subjects were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially methylated markers were identified by moderated t-statistics. The DNA methylation panel were constructed by stepwise logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator in training dataset. A methylation risk score (MRS) model was constructed and the association between MRS and CRC risk assessed. Results: We identified 48 differentially methylated CpGs sites, of which 33 were hypomethylated. Of these, sixteen-CpG based MRS that was associated with CRC risk (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 2.13, 3.38, P < 0.0001) was constructed. This association is confirmed in the testing dataset (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.74, P < 0.0001) and persisted in both males and females, younger and older subjects, short and long time-to-diagnosis. The MRS also predicted CRC with AUC 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.88), indicating high accuracy. Conclusions: Our study has identified a novel DNA methylation panel that is associated with CRC and could, if validated be useful for the prediction of CRC risk in the future.
Factors affecting perioperative serum albumin variation and short-term complications in pediatric patients undergoing major gastroenterology surgery
Authors: Liu Qingshuang , Gao Kai , Sun Xiaomin , guo chunbao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Albumin is considered a negative acute-phase protein because its concentration decreases during injury and sepsis. The decrease in serum albumin may be important for perioperative morbidity, even in patients with normal preoperative levels in the pediatric population. Here, we intend to determine the perioperative factors associated with the reduction in serum albumin within 2 postoperative days compared with the preoperative level (∆ALB) and its influence on perioperative outcome in a pediatric general surgical cohort.Methods: This single-center retrospective review included 939 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between August 2010 and August 2019. Based on the mean value of ∆ALB (14.6%), patients were separated into two groups, a high ∆ALB group (≥14.6%) and a low ∆ALB group (<14.6%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors for a reduction in serum albumin. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for any potential selection bias for the two groups. In 366 matched patients, the influences of operating time on perioperative outcomes, including postoperative recovery, complications measurement, and length of hospital stay between the two groups were analyzed.Results: Among the 996 patients reviewed, 939 patient records were enrolled in the final analysis. Controlling for other factors, multivariable analysis showed that a high CRP on POD 3 or 4 (odds ratio [OR] =2.36 [95% CI, 1.51-3.86]; p =0.007), the presence of Charcot's triad (OR=1.73 [95% CI, 1.05-2.83]; p = 0.031), and a longer operating time (OR=1.18 [95% CI, 1.00 -1.53]; p=0.014) were factors that predicted a high ∆ALB level. A high ∆ALB level was associated with postoperative gastrointestinal functional recovery, reflected by the first defecation (p= 0.013) and first bowel movement (p=0.019) and the high occurrence of postoperative complications (16.1% vs 10.9%, OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02-2.41, P=0.0026). The mean length of postoperative stay of patients in the high ∆ALB group was longer than that of patients in the ∆ALB < 14.0% group, although no statistically significant difference was observed (p=0.057). Conclusions: We showed that a change in albumin level was associated with postoperative outcome. The risk factors for ∆ALB could be addressed in the perioperative period to permit patients to obtain a safe recovery and discharge after a major abdominal operation.
Measuring spatial accessibility and within-province disparities in accessibility to county hospitals in Shaanxi Province of Western China based on web mapping navigation data
Authors: Shen Chi , Zhou Zhongliang , Lai Sha , Lu Li , Dong Wanyue , Su Min , Zhang Jian , Wang Xinyu , Deng Qiwei , Chen Yaru , Chen Xi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The Chinese government proposed the "XIAO BING BU CHU CUN, DA BING BU CHU XIAN” initiative in 2016, which states the rate of health care service provided by county hospitals should reach 90% of overall health care service provision. The prerequisite for achieving this goal is that citizens should be able to access county hospitals’ services conveniently and impartially. However, little research has been done on the actual levels of the spatial accessibility of citizens to county hospitals in Western China. Therefore, we aimed to measure the spatial accessibility to county hospitals for county residents and to identify any regional disparities in Shaanxi Province in Western China.Methods: We implemented a novel method – involving utilizing navigation data from the AutoNavi web mapping system (knows as Gaode map in Chinese) – to assess the time and distance from villages and neighborhoods to the county hospitals. The navigation data were collected by request through an application-programming-interface using a web crawler (web data extraction tool) in Python. The shortest driving time and distance were extracted from the navigation data. The travel impedance to the nearest provider (TINP) indicator was used to measure spatial accessibility. Results: The results show that county residents in Western China's Shaanxi Province have poor spatial accessibility to county hospitals. Only 68.8% of villages and neighborhoods are within 60 minutes travel time (based on driving mode) to a county hospital, while 13.4% of such villages and neighborhoods are beyond 90 minutes travel time. Moreover, a significant within-province disparity exists, with residents in the central area enjoying the best accessibility to county hospitals, while the northern and southern areas still need improvements in accessibility.Conclusions: Focused health resource planning is required to improve the spatial accessibility to county hospitals and to eliminate regional disparities. Further studies are called for to integrate the navigation data of web mapping systems with GIS methods to the measure spatial accessibility of health facilities in more complex contexts.
Identification of Potential Crucial Genes in Atrial Fibrillation: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Junguo , Huang Xin , Wang Xiaojie , Gao Yanhui , Liu Li , Li Ziyi , Chen Xuejiao , Zeng Jie , Ye Zebing , Li Guowei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is at least partially heritable, affecting 2-3% of the population in Europe and the USA. However, a substantial proportion of heritability is still lacking. In the present study, we aim to identify potential crucial genes associated with AF through bioinformatic analyses of public datasets.Methods Microarray data sets of GSE115574, GSE31821, GSE79768, GSE41177 and GSE14975 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were retrieved. After merging all microarray data and adjusting batch effect, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses based on Gene Ontology (GO) resource, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) resource, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Reactome Pathway Database and Disease Ontology (DO) were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Combined with aforementioned significant bioinformatics information, potential crucial genes were subsequently selected. The comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) was used to explore the interaction between potential crucial genes and AF.Result We identified 27 of DEGs with gene expression fold change (FC) ≥ 1.5 or ≤ 2/3 (|log2 FC| ≥ 0.58) and 5 with FC ≥ 2 or ≤ 0.5 (|log2 FC| ≥ 1) of AF patients compared with sinus rhythm controls. The most significantly enriched pathway was regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport and uptake by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. IGFBP2, C1orf105, FHL2, CHGB, ATP1B4, IGFBP3, SLC26A9, CXCR4 and HTR2B were considered the potential crucial genes. CTD showed CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2 had higher scores with AF.Conclusions The 9 potential crucial genes, especially CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2, may be associated with risk of AF. Our study provided new insights of AF into genetics, molecular pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.
Effect of Deletion of Gene Cluster involved in Synthesis of Enterobacterial Common Antigen on Virulence and Immunogenicity of Live Attenuated Salmonella Vaccine when Delivering Heterologous Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen PspA
Authors: Liu Qing , Shen Xuegang , Bian Xiaoping , Kong Qingke 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is a family-specific surface antigen shared by all members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Previous studies showed that the loss of ECA results in Salmonella attenuation, indicating its usefulness as a vaccine candidate for Salmonella infection, but no studies have shown whether the mutation resulting from the deletion of the ECA operon in conjunction with other mutations could be used as an antigen vehicle for heterologous protein antigen delivery.Results: In this study, we introduced a nonpolar, defined ECA operon deletion into wild-type S. Typhimurium χ3761 and an attenuated vaccine strain χ9241, obtaining two isogenic ECA operon mutants, namely, χ12357 and χ12358, respectively. A number of in vitro and in vivo properties of the mutants were analyzed. We found that the loss of ECA did not affect the growth, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production and motility of S. Typhimurium wild type strain χ3761 and its attenuated vaccine strain χ9241 but significantly affected the virulence when administered orally to BALB/c mice. Furthermore, the effects of the ECA mutation on the immunogenicity of a recombinant S. Typhimurium vaccine strain χ9241 when delivering the pneumococcal antigen PspA were determined. The result showed that the total anti-PspA IgG level of χ12358 (pYA4088) was slightly lower than that of χ9241 (pYA4088), but the protection rate was not compromised.Conclusions: ECA affects virulence and benefits the Th2 immunity of Salmonella Typhimurium, therefore, it is feasible to use a reversible ECA mutant mode to design future Salmonella vaccine strains for heterologous protective antigens.
Asymmetrical fatiguing of the gluteus maximus muscles in the elite short-track female skaters.
Authors: Konieczny Mariusz , Pakosz Paweł , Witkowski Mateusz 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background According to research, fast skating on short distances increases functional asymmetry of leg muscles. As has been proven in many sporting disciplines, this asymmetry can increase the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of right and left fatigue asymmetry of gluteus maximus muscle in elite skaters on a short track and to compare this phenomenon to a control group. The muscles were chosen deliberately, due to their influence in maintaining the right position during training on ice. Methods The experiment compared a group of eight members of the Polish Women’s National Team in short track with a group of eight non-training people. The subjects did the Biering-Sorensen test, in which sEMG (surface electromyography) signal frequency was measured in the gluteus maximus muscles during an isometric contraction. Fatigue slopes were analyzed with a ANOVA with repeated measures. In the skaters, the fatigue differed between the right and the left gluteus maximus muscles. All the skaters had higher fatigue in the right leg. This phenomenon was not observed in the non-training subjects, who on average had similar fatigue in both legs. Results Results showed that the right and the left muscles of the skaters in the experimental group differed in fatigue, but this difference was non-significant in the control group. The subjects from the two groups did not differ in the fatigue of the left muscle, they did in the fatigue of the right muscle. The elite speed-track skaters had higher fatigue in the right muscle than the non-training subjects. Conclusions Training should thus be planned in a way that minimizes the risk of causing muscle fatigue asymmetry in skaters despite the typically asymmetrical muscle work during training on ice and competition, thus new training protocols should be developed or considered to decrease that asymmetry. Trial registration The tests were previously approved by the Bioethical Commission of the Chamber of Physicians in Opole. (Resolution No. 235 of 13 December 2016).
Lactobacillus sakei suppresses collagen-induced arthritis and modulates the differentiation of T helper 17 cells and regulatory B cells
Authors: Jhun Jooyeon , Min Hong Ki , Ryu Jaeyoon , Lee Seon-Yeong , Ryu Jun-Geol , Choi Jeong Won , Na Hyun Sik , Lee Seung Yoon , Jung Yunju , Park Sang-Jun , Park Myeong Soo , Kwon Bin , Ji Geun Eog , Cho Mi-La , Park Sung-Hwan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of Lactobacillus sakei in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in human immune cells. Methods: We evaluated whether L. sakei reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and modulated interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-10 levels, as well as whether it affected the differentiation of CD4 + T cells and regulatory B cells. We evaluated osteoclastogenesis after culturing bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells with L. sakei. Results: The differentiation of T helper 17 cells and the serum level of IL-17 were suppressed by L. sakei in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and mouse splenocytes. The serum level of IL-10 was significantly increased in the L. sakei -treated group, whereas the regulatory T cell population was unchanged. The population of regulatory B cells significantly increased the in L. sakei -treated group. Oral administration of L. sakei reduced the arthritis incidence and score in mice with CIA. Finally, osteoclastogenesis and the mRNA levels of osteoclast-related genes were suppressed in the L. sakei -treated group. Conclusion: L. sakei exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in an animal model of RA, regulated Th17 and regulatory B cell differentiation, and suppressed osteoclastogenesis. Our findings suggest that L. sakei has therapeutic potential for RA.
Alkaline organosolv pretreatment of different sorghum stem parts for enhancing the total reducing sugar yields and p-coumaric acid release
Authors: Li Dandan , Long Liangkun , Ding shaojun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The sorghum stem can be divided into the pith and rind parts with obvious differences in cell type and chemical composition, thus arising the different recalcitrance to enzyme hydrolysis and demand for different pretreatment conditions. The introduction of organic solvents in the pretreatment can reduce over-degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose, but significance of organic solvent addition in pretreatment of different parts of sorghum stem is still unclear. Valorization of each component is critical for economy of sorghum biorefinery. Therefore, in this study, NaOH-ethanol pretreatment condition for different parts of the sorghum stem was optimized in order to maximize p-coumaric acid release and total reducing sugar recovery. Result: Ethanol addition improved p-coumaric acid release and delignification efficiency, but significantly reduced hemicellulose deconstruction in NaOH-ethanol pretreatment. Optimization using the response surface methodology revealed that the pith, rind and whole stem require different NaOH-ethanol pretreatment conditions for maximal p-coumaric acid release and xylan preservation. By respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, the p-coumaric acid release yields reached 94.07%, 97.24% and 95.05% from pith, rind and whole stem, which increased by 8.16%, 8.38% and 8.39% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. The xylan recoveries of pith, rind and whole stem reached 76.80%, 88.46% and 85.01%, respectively, which increased by 47.75%, 15.11% and 35.97% compared to NaOH pretreatment. Adding xylanase significantly enhanced the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated residues. The total reducing sugar yields after respective optimal NaOH-ethanol pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis reached 84.06%, 82.29% and 84.09% for pith, rind and whole stem, respectively, which increased by 29.56%, 23.67% and 25.56% compared to those of NaOH pretreated samples. Considering the separation cost of the different stem parts, whole sorghum stem can be directly used as feedstock in industrial biorefinery. Conclusion: These results indicated that NaOH-ethanol is effective for the efficient fractionation and pretreatment of sorghum biomass. This work will help to understand the differences of different parts of sorghum stem under NaOH-ethanol pretreatment, thereby improving the full-component utilization of sorghum stem.
Studies of internal stress induced by solidification of menthol melt as temporary consolidant in archaeological excavations using resistance strain gauge method
Authors: Chen Xiuxiu , Xu Yang , Chen Ming , Huang Xiao , Luo Hongjie , Song Yicheng 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Volatile organic solids, such as cyclododecane or menthol, have been employed as temporary reinforcement material during archaeological excavations. They are usually applied as melts and reinforcement is achieved once the melts solidify. Such solidification process can induce internal stress on the artifacts, which can be a big concern, especially to those very precious and fragile ones. However, information about such stress is still extremely limited at present. This paper proposes an experimental method based on resistance strain gauge technique to monitor the deformation induced by solidification of menthol melt. Bending tests are performed on very thin glass slides. The solidification process of menthol melt is well characterized by the development of mechanical strains. Then, menthol melts are applied to three kinds of simulated samples, i.e. glass, sandstone and rice paper, to investigate the mechanical response of preserved bodies upon solidification. It is found that menthol melt will generate certain amount expansion or contraction of the objects upon solidification. The stresses induced, evaluated according to obtained strains, are generally quite small, indicating that application of menthol as reinforcement material is safe in mechanics for cultural relics.