bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological scaling analyses are more than statistical line fitting
Authors: Glazier Douglas S. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe magnitude of many biological traits relates strongly and regularly to body size. Consequently, a major goal of comparative biology is to understand and apply these ‘size-scaling’ relationships, traditionally quantified by using linear regression analyses based on log-transformed data. However, recently some investigators have questioned this traditional method, arguing that linear or non-linear regression based on untransformed arithmetic data may provide better statistical fits than log-linear analyses. Furthermore, they advocate the replacement of the traditional method by alternative specific methods on a case-by-case basis, based simply on best-fit criteria. Here, I argue that the use of logarithms in scaling analyses presents multiple valuable advantages, both statistical and conceptual. Most importantly, log-transformation allows biologically meaningful, properly scaled (scale-independent) comparisons of organisms of different size, whereas non-scaled (scale-dependent) analyses based on untransformed arithmetic data do not. Additionally, log-based analyses can readily reveal biologically and theoretically relevant discontinuities in scale invariance during developmental or evolutionary increases in body size that are not shown by linear or non-linear arithmetic analyses. In this way, log-transformation advances our understanding of biological scaling conceptually, not just statistically. I hope that my Commentary helps students, non-specialists and other interested readers to understand the general benefits of using log-transformed data in size-scaling analyses, and stimulates advocates of arithmetic analyses to show how they may improve our understanding of scaling conceptually, not just statistically.
Chemical Biology of Double Helical and Non-Double Helical Nucleic Acids: “To B or Not To B, That Is the Question”
Authors: Sugimoto Naoki , Endoh Tamaki , Takahashi Shuntaro , Tateishi-Karimata Hisae 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Nucleic acids form not only the canonical double helix (duplex) but also the non-canonical (non-double helix) structures such as triplexes, G-quadruplexes, and i-motifs. The formation of these non-canonical structures and their stabilities depend on the microscopic environmental conditions around the nucleic acids. The intracellular environments, where various molecules are densely packed, exhibit molecular crowding. The non-canonical structures are very stable under molecular crowding conditions. The functions and structures of these nucleic acids in cells are optimized to enable them to function well in the crowded environments. We envisaged that molecular crowding in cells may play an important role in the reactions involving functionalized biomolecules and discovered a novel regulatory mechanism underlying the role of the non-canonical structures in gene expression. Based on the results of our work, we have developed novel methods to control the gene expression of non-double helical nucleic acids, leading to new insights into the chemistry of such nucleic acids. Our major achievements are summarized in this review.
Nitrogen-Substitution in the Flapping Wings of Cyclooctatetraene-Fused Molecules
Authors: Suga Kensuke , Yamakado Takuya , Saito Shohei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNew synthetic protocols for nitrogen-embedded flapping molecules have been developed. Gram-scale synthesis of a key precursor, tetraamine of dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene has been established for designing flapping quinoxaline and flapping phenazineimide. The impact of the nitrogen substitution on the photophysical properties and the viscosity-probing function has been investigated in comparison with the reported flapping anthraceneimide.
Association between pesticide exposure and obesity: A cross-sectional study of 20,295 farmers in Thailand
Authors: Noppakun Kajohnsak , Juntarawijit Chudchawal 
Published: June 2021

Background: Obesity is a serious condition because it is associated with other chronic diseases which affect the quality of life. In addition to diet and exercise, recent research has found that pesticide exposure might be another important risk factor. Methods: The objective of this large cross-sectional study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesity among farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 years and older was collected using an in-person interview questionnaire. The association was analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results: Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.74), herbicides (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.16-19.29), fungicides (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.37-3.44), rodenticides (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.59-3.99), and molluscicides (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 2.13-5.31). Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 24 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.00-3.06 to OR = 8.37, 95% CI 3.97-17.64), including herbicide butachlor, 17 insecticides (three carbamate insecticides, five organochlorine insecticides, and nine organophosphate insecticides), and six fungicides. Conclusion: This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand, to be associated with the long-term use of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.
Peramalan Banyak Pengunjung Pantai Pandasimo Bantul Menggunakan Regresi Runtun Waktu dan Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Exogenous
Authors: Prakoso Tito Tatag , Zukhronah Etik , Pratiwi Hasih 
Published: June 2021

<p>Forecasting is a ways to predict what will happen in the future based on the data in the past. Data on the number of visitors in Pandansimo beach are time series data. The pattern of the number of visitors in Pandansimo beach is influenced by holidays, so it looks like having a seasonal pattern. The majority of Indonesian citizens are Muslim who celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in every year. The determination of Eid Al-Fitr does not follow the Gregorian calendar, but based on the Lunar calendar. The variation of the calendar is about the determination of Eid Al-Fitr which usually changed in the Gregorian calendar, because in the Gregorian calendar, Eid Al-Fitr day will advance one month in every three years. Data that contain seasonal and calendar variations can be analyzed using time series regression and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Exogenous (SARIMAX) models. The aims of this study are to obtain a better model between time series regression and SARIMAX and to forecast the number of Pandansimo beach visitors using a better model. The result of this study indicates that the time series regression model is a better model. The forecasting from January to December 2018 in succession are 13255, 6674, 8643, 7639, 13255, 8713, 22635, 13255, 13255, 9590, 8549, 13255 visitors.</p><strong>Keywords: </strong>time series regression, seasonal, calendar variations, SARIMAX, forecasting
Quasi-phase-matching stack of 25 GaAs plates with high transmittance for high-power mid-infrared wavelength conversion fabricated by use of room-temperature bonding
Authors: Tanimoto Rika , Takahashi Yuki , Shoji Ichiro 
Published: June 2021

A quasi-phase-matching (QPM) stack of 25 GaAs plates with better surface flatness and reduced internal loss has been successfully fabricated using the room-temperature-bonding technique, which is for a high-power and highly efficient wavelength-conversion device in the mid-infrared region. This is accomplished owing to an improved process in which GaAs plates are set on

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crystals with the flat surfaces polished to laser grade. The loss coefficient and the loss per interface of the fabricated 2.1 mm long, 25-plate-stacked GaAs QPM device are

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and 1.8%, respectively, which are 70% smaller than those of a 0.92 mm long, 11-plate stack fabricated with the previous process.
Quasi-omnidirectional transmitter for underwater wireless optical communication systems using a prismatic array of three high-power blue LED modules
Authors: Tong Zhijian , Yang Xingqi , Chen Xiao , Zhang Hao , Zhang Yufan , Zou Haiwu , Zhao Lyufang , Xu Jing 
Published: June 2021

In this study, a quasi-omnidirectional underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system is implemented with a prismatic array consisting of three uniformly distributed high-power LED modules as the transmitter. Over a 10-m underwater channel in a 50-m standard swimming pool, a data rate of 22 Mbps is achieved without adopting any digital signal processing algorithm. With zero forcing (ZF) based frequency domain equalization (FDE) and a maximum ratio combining (MRC) algorithm, the maximum net data rates achieved are 69.65 Mbps, 39.8 Mbps and 29.85 Mbps over 10-m, 30-m, and 40-m underwater channels, respectively. In the proposed UWOC system, the receiver could successfully capture optical signals at different directions from the transmitter and the bit error rates (BERs) measured in different directions show small fluctuations. The proposed system could meet the demands of high-speed data transmission among units in a swarm-robot system and last meter user access in an underwater optical cellular network system.
A panel of 8-lncRNA predicts prognosis of breast cancer patients and migration of breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Lili , Cui Kang , Weng Lanling , Yu Pu , Du Yabing , Zhang Tengfei , Liu Hong , Li Bingjie , Ma Wang 
Published: June 2021

Background
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females around the world. Recent studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can serve as an independent biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in many types of cancer, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. Previous studies have shown that many lncRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of BCa. However, few studies have combined multiple lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of early-stage BCa patients.

Methods
Systematic and comprehensive analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was conducted to identify lncRNA signatures with prognostic value in BCa. Additionally, the relative expression levels of the 8 lncRNA of several BCa cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and the results were substituted into a risk score formula. Finally, migration assays were used to verify the result from prognostic analysis according to the risk scores among cell lines with different risk scores.

Results
Our study included 808 BCa patients with complete clinical data. A panel of 8 lncRNAs was identified using Wilcox tests as different between normal and tumor tissue of the BCa patients. This panel was used to analyze the survival of BCa patients. Patients with low risk scores had greater overall survival (OS) than those with high risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the lncRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that the lncRNAs might be involved in several molecular signaling pathways implicated in BCa such as the DNA replication pathway, the cell cycle pathway, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Validation experiments in breast cancer cells to test cell migration by using wound-healing assays supported the results of the model.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that a panel of 8 lncRNAs has the potential to be used as an independent prognostic biomarker of BCa.
Colorectal cancer in patients with single versus double positive faecal immunochemical test results: A retrospective cohort study from a public tertiary hospital
Authors: Lim Tian Zhi , Lau Jerrald , Wong Gretel Jianlin , Tan Ker-Kan 
Published: June 2021

Background
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is widely advocated. Few studies have compared the rate of detecting colonoscopic pathologies in single compared to double FIT-positive follow-up colonoscopy-compliant individuals in a two-sample national FIT screening program.

Objective
To compare CRC incidence in double FIT-positive versus single FIT-positive individuals using a retrospective cohort of patients from a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Data was extracted from one public tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Participants
1,422 FIT-positive individuals from the national FIT screening program who were referred to the hospital from 1st January 2017 to 31st March 2020 for follow-up consultation and diagnostic colonoscopy.

Measurements
The exposure of interest was a positive result on both FIT kits. The main outcome was a follow-up diagnostic colonoscopy finding of CRC. The secondary outcome was a diagnostic colonoscopy finding of a colorectal polyp.

Results
Incidence density of CRC was 1.15 and 13.10 per 100,000 person-months, in the single and double FIT-positive group, respectively. This resulted in an incidence rate ratio of 11.40 (95% CI = 4.34, 35.09). Colorectal polyp detection was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the double (103 of 173 participants; 59.5%) compared to the single (279 of 671 participants; 41.6%) FIT-positive group.

Limitations
The key limitation of this study was the relatively small cohort derived from a single tertiary hospital, as this had the effect of limiting the number of incident cases, resulting in comparatively imprecise CIs.

Conclusions
Double FIT-positive individuals are significantly more likely to have a colonoscopy finding of incident CRC or premalignant polyp than single FIT-positive individuals. Clinicians and policymakers should consider updating their CRC screening protocols accordingly.
Detection of genotype-1 of dengue virus serotype 3 for the first time and complete genome analysis of dengue viruses during the 2018 epidemic in Mandalay, Upper Myanmar
Authors: Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Kyaw Aung Kyaw , Nabeshima Takeshi , Soe Aung Min , Nwe Khine Mya , Htet Kyaw Ko Ko , Aung Thet Htoo , Htwe Thein Thein , Aung Thidar , Myaing Su Su , Mar Tu Tu , Lwin Ei Phyu , Thu Hlaing Myat , Thant Kyaw Zin , Morita Kouichi 
Published: June 2021

Background
Dengue (DEN) is a neglected tropical disease, and surveillance of dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and genotypes is critical for the early detection of outbreaks. Risk factors for outbreaks include the emergence of new genotypes and serotype shifting.

Methodology and principal findings
To understand the genomic and viral characteristics of DENV-infected patients, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study among pediatric patients admitted at the 550-bedded Mandalay Children Hospital during the 2018 DEN endemic season. We conducted virus isolation, serological tests, viremia level measurement, and whole-genome sequencing. Among the 202 serum samples, we detected 85 samples with DENV (46 DENV-1, 10 DENV-3, 26 DENV-4 and three multiple serotype co-infections) via reverse transcription quantitative/real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and we obtained 49 DENV isolates (31 DENV-1, 10 DENV-3 and 8 DEN-4). We did not detect DENV-2 in this study. The viral genome levels in serum did not differ significantly among virus serotypes, infection status (primary versus secondary) and disease severity. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, we identified DENV-1 genotype-1, DENV-4 genotype-1 and DENV-3 genotype-3 and genotype-1 which was detected for the first time. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed greater frequencies of nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations per gene in the nonstructural genes. Moreover, mutation rates were also higher among DENV-1.

Conclusion/Significance
In conclusion, there was an increasing trend of DENV-3 cases during DENV endemic season in 2018 with the first detection of the genotype 1. However, DENV-1 has remained the predominant serotype in this study area since 2013, and we identified stop codon mutations in the DENV-1 genome. This report is the first to feature a complete genome analysis of the strains of DENV-3 and DENV-4 circulating among pediatric patients in Myanmar. This study highlighted the importance of annual surveillance for a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of DENVs.
A single patient reported outcome measure for acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis & Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Carter Ben , Hayes Chloe , Smith Alexander , Pennington Anna , Price Michelle , Pearson Owen , Vitoratou Silia , Hewitt Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

Objective
To determine psychometric properties of the PROMIS-10 and Standard Stroke Question Set (by International Consortium for Health Outcome Measures) presented as a new 15-item Patient Related Outcome (PRO), for patients with: acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods
In an eight centre, UK wide, cross-sectional study we approached patients during their routine follow-up to complete: a disease-specific instrument (European Brain Injury Questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, and Parkinson’s disease questionnaire); General Health questionnaire with a Quality of life measure (EQ-5D); and PRO. We validated the PRO using factor analysis to define the latent construct domains, then calculated the internal consistency (Cronbach’s-α), and construct validity (correlation).

Results
There were 340 patients with ABI (N = 91, median age = 55.1, 41% female), MS (N = 99, age = 58.9, 69%) and PD (N = 150, age = 74.5, 40%). Factor analysis suggested the PRO offered three domains of: physical health; functionality-capacity and mental health. All factors correlated strongly with the three disease-specific instruments, and the overall PRO had a large correlation with the EQ-5D (correlation>0.8) offering good construct validity and excellent internal consistency (∝>0.89).

Interpretation
The PRO offered promising psychometric properties and could be used in place of disease specific questionnaires for patients with ABI, MS, and PD. The PRO has three construct domains, describing patients’: mental health; physical health; and functional-capacity, and may be used in routine clinical practice. The PRO offered both relevance to each of the three separate neurological conditions and generalisability across all the conditions, increasing its utility.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Arabian Gulf Region: Clinical results of the Gulf FH Registry
Authors: Alhabib Khalid F. , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Almigbal Turky H. , Batais Mohammed A. , Al-Zakwani Ibrahim , Al-Allaf Faisal A. , Al-Waili Khalid , Zadjali Fahad , Alghamdi Mohammad , Alnouri Fahad , Awan Zuhier , Kinsara Abdulhalim J. , AlQudaimi Ahmed , Almahmeed Wael , Sabbour Hani , Traina Mahmoud , Atallah Bassam , Al-Jarallah Mohammed , AlSarraf Ahmad , AlSayed Nasreen , Amin Haitham , Altaradi Hani 
Published: June 2021

Background and aims
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disorder that can result in premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Limited data are available worldwide about the prevalence and management of FH. Here, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and management of patients with FH in five Arabian Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain).

Methods
The multicentre, multinational Gulf FH registry included adults (≥18 years old) recruited from outpatient clinics in 14 tertiary-care centres across five Arabian Gulf countries over the last five years. The Gulf FH registry had four phases: 1- screening, 2- classification based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network, 3- genetic testing, and 4- follow-up.

Results
Among 34,366 screened patient records, 3713 patients had suspected FH (mean age: 49±15 years; 52% women) and 306 patients had definite or probable FH. Thus, the estimated FH prevalence was 0.9% (1:112). Treatments included high-intensity statin therapy (34%), ezetimibe (10%), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (0.4%). Targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were achieved by 12% and 30%, respectively, of patients at high ASCVD risk, and by 3% and 6%, respectively, of patients at very high ASCVD risk (p <0.001; for both comparisons).

Conclusions
This snap-shot study was the first to show the high estimated prevalence of FH in the Arabian Gulf region (about 3-fold the estimated prevalence worldwide), and is a “call-to-action” for further confirmation in future population studies. The small proportions of patients that achieved target LDL-C values implied that health care policies need to implement nation-wide screening, raise FH awareness, and improve management strategies for FH.
New models for donor-recipient matching in lung transplantations
Authors: Dueñas-Jurado J. M. , Gutiérrez P. A. , Casado-Adam A. , Santos-Luna F. , Salvatierra-Velázquez A. , Cárcel S. , Robles-Arista C. J. C. , Hervás-Martínez C. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveOne of the main problems of lung transplantation is the shortage of organs as well as reduced survival rates. In the absence of an international standardized model for lung donor-recipient allocation, we set out to develop such a model based on the characteristics of past experiences with lung donors and recipients with the aim of improving the outcomes of the entire transplantation process.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 404 lung transplants carried out at the Reina Sofía University Hospital (Córdoba, Spain) over 23 years. We analyzed various clinical variables obtained via our experience of clinical practice in the donation and transplantation process. These were used to create various classification models, including classical statistical methods and also incorporating newer machine-learning approaches.ResultsThe proposed model represents a powerful tool for donor-recipient matching, which in this current work, exceeded the capacity of classical statistical methods. The variables that predicted an increase in the probability of survival were: higher pre-transplant and post-transplant functional vital capacity (FVC), lower pre-transplant carbon dioxide (PCO2) pressure, lower donor mechanical ventilation, and shorter ischemia time. The variables that negatively influenced transplant survival were low forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) pre-transplant, lower arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio, bilobar transplant, elderly recipient and donor, donor-recipient graft disproportion requiring a surgical reduction (Tailor), type of combined transplant, need for cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery, death of the donor due to head trauma, hospitalization status before surgery, and female and male recipient donor sex.ConclusionsThese results show the difficulty of the problem which required the introduction of other variables into the analysis. The combination of classical statistical methods and machine learning can support decision-making about the compatibility between donors and recipients. This helps to facilitate reliable prediction and to optimize the grafts for transplantation, thereby improving the transplanted patient survival rate.