bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-monocyte Ratio and CA125&nbsp;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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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 &nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Shanmugam Ramalingam 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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

Abstract
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.