bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Heterogeneity of ALI Model and Epithelial Cell Alterations after Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapor
Authors: Cai Meng-yun , Mao Xiaofan , Zhang Beiying , Yip Chung-Yin , Pan Ke-wu , Niu Ya , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Vong Joaquim Si-Long , Mak Judith Choi-Wo , Luo Wei , Ko Wing-Hung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes; however, their exact effects on the bronchial epithelium are poorly understood. Air-liquid interface (ALI) culture allows human primary bronchial epithelial cells to differentiate into bronchial epithelium (ALI-HBE), providing an in vitro model that simulates the biological characteristics of normal bronchial epithelium.
Methods
Single-cell RNA sequencing of ALI-HBE was used to reveal previously unrecognized transcriptional heterogeneity within the human bronchial epithelium and cell type–specific responses to acute exposure to e-cigarette vapor (e-vapor) containing distinct components (nicotine and/or flavoring).
Results
Acute exposure to e-vapor containing nicotine affected gene expression related to secretory function and basal-to-secretory transformation. In addition, acute exposure to e-vapor containing flavoring might promote susceptibility to virus infection and activate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Conclusion
The ALI-HBE model recapitulates the heterogeneity and transcriptional characteristics of human bronchial epithelium. Single-cell sequencing data provided high-resolution insights into e-vapor–induced remodeling of bronchial epithelium. The data also indicate factors on bronchial epithelial cells that may promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest therapeutic targets for restoring normal bronchial epithelium function after e-cigarette use.
Cartilage–targeting and Autophagy–activating of A Lubricin–inspired Polyzwitterion for Osteoarthritis Therapy
Authors: Li Jianshu , Yu Peng , Peng Xu , Sun Hui , Xin Qiangwei , Kang Han , Wang Peng , Zhao Yao , Xu Xinyuan , Zhou Guangwu , Xie Jing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Osteoarthritis is characterized by the progressive degradation of cartilage matrix and a deficiency in lubrication. This degeneration is exacerbated by the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. To address these challenges, inspired by lubricin that dominates cartilage lubrication, we synthesized a novel collagen type II (Col II)–binding peptide conjugated zwitterionic polymer (PSB–b–PColBP, PSP). Capitalizing on its targeted affinity to cartilage (–6.41 kcal/mol), PSP contributed to durable boundary lubrication (COF < 0.013) and remarkable enzyme–resistance (~ 100%) against matrix degradation. Additionally, PSP activates autophagy to mitigate oxidative stress. PSP preserved the chondrocytes’ ability to secrete cartilage matrix in inflammatory microenvironments through PI3K–Akt/NF–κB signaling pathway. In OA animal models, PSP inhibited osteophytes formation and reduced inflammation response, exhibiting therapeutic effect comparable to most drug–loaded systems. This study underscores the potential of the cartilage–targeting polyzwitterions for the clinical OA therapy.
High serum β2-microglobulin levels are associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Shan , Yin Peng , Li Xiujuan , Xiao Jian , Zhang Hao , Zhou Liangqi , Tian Ying 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Elevated serum levels of β2-microglobulin (β2M) are a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events and neurocognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum β2M levels and prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and to determine whether the association was affected by any clinical variables.
Methods
All participants who were recruited for our study (n = 533) were inpatients at our hospital. After applying the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria, 441 eligible patients were included. Using multiple regression modeling, the association between serum levels of β2M and poor functional outcomes—which were classified as being modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 3–6 (composite score of death and major disability), 3–5 (major disability), and 6 (death)—were assessed 3 months after stroke onset.
Results
At the 3-month follow-up assessment, 209 (47.39%) participants had poor functional outcomes, including 150 (34.01%) cases of major disabilities and 59 (13.38%) deaths. After adjusting for important covariates, the highest proportion of individuals with modified Rankin Scale scores of 3–6 (odds ratio [OR], 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–9.33), 3–5 (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.21–7.16), or 6 (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.29–3.64) exhibited serum levels of β2M in the highest quartile compared with individuals with levels in the lowest quartiles. By incorporating β2M levels into models that included conventional risk factors, risk prediction for the combined outcome of death and major disability was improved. After subgroup analysis, a significant association was observed only in patients with AIS whose time from onset to hospitalization was < 12 hours (P for interaction < 0.05).
Conclusions
Elevated serum levels of β2M were associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with AIS. This association was affected by the time from onset to hospitalization.
Trial registration:
This study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (registration number, ChiCTR2100045815 and registration date, April 25, 2021).
Mendelian randomization identifies 1400 metabolites that may be pathogenic candidates for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: guo ziwei , Ye Wangyu , Wang Jiuchong , Lv Wenliang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The observational association between circulating metabolites and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been somewhat demonstrated. However, it is unclear whether there is a causal relationship for this association. In this study, we used a two-sample bidirectional MR analysis approach to assess the association between 1,400 blood metabolites and NAFLD. Causality was estimated using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, and sensitivity analyses were applied after performing false discovery rate (FDR) correction to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. In addition, we performed linkage disequilibrium regression (LDSC) analysis, confounder analysis and metabolic pathway analysis. Corrected for FDR, we identified seven metabolites suggestively associated with NAFLD, including imidazole lactate levels (OR = 0.90,95% CI = 0.85–0.95,P = 0.0004), cysteine-glutathione disulfide levels (OR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.72–0.89,P = 0.0001), 3-indoleglyoxylic acid levels(OR = 0.87,95%CI = 0.80–0.94,P = 0.0009), lithocholate sulfate (1) levels (OR = 1.18,95%CI = 1.07–1.30, P = 0.006), bilirubin degradation product, C17H18N2O4 (2) levels (OR = 1.14,95%CI = 1.07–1.21,P = 4.02E-05), bilirubin degradation product, C17H18N2O4 (3) levels (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.06–1.21,P = 0.0001), and biliverdin levels (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05–1.18, P = 0.023). This study provides evidence support for the causal effect of seven metabolites on NAFLD, and provides new perspectives for combining genomics and metabolomics to explore the biological mechanisms of NAFLD.
High BAP1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Oka Yoshito , Sakai Nozomu , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Takano Shigetsugu , Suzuki Daisuke , Ohira Gaku , Matsubara Hisahiro , Ohtsuka Masayuki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BRCA-1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that regulates gene expression. Although previous studies have demonstrated that the role of BAP1 is either tumor promotive or suppressive, depending on the tumor and cell types, the role of BAP1 in colorectal cancer and liver metastases remains unclear. The clinical data of 81 patients who underwent hepatic resection for liver metastases after primary resection of colorectal cancer were analyzed. BAP1 expression in primary tumors and liver metastases was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, and high BAP1 expression was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. High BAP1 expression in liver metastases was an independent prognostic factor for poor overall and disease-free survival. In vitro studies using colon cancer cell lines have demonstrated that BAP1 overexpression increases cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cancer stem cell-like properties. In contrast, BAP1 knockdown induced the opposite results. Western blot analyses showed that BAP1 overexpression induced the expression of vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 but decreased E-cadherin expression. Collectively, high BAP1 expression was associated with a significantly poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastasis by increasing cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer stem cell-like properties.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers associated with Prognosis and Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: li xinru , Wen Shuhui , Zhao Yinxin , Tuerxun Halahati , Zhao Yuguang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer(PC), which is difficult to detect in its early stages and has a relatively rapid progression and poor prognosis, urgently requires the exploration of new biomarkers that used to develop new methods for early detection and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. Here, we downloaded the GSE16515 dataset from the GEO database, screened for differentially expressed genes in pancreatic cancer using GEO2R, analyzed the differential genes for GO and KEGG enrichment using Sento Academic, constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using STRING database and Cytoscape, and determined the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) by plug-in CytoHubba determined the hub genes of DEGs and used GEPIA to validate the expression and survival analysis of the hub genes, analyzed the transcription factors and kinases of the differential genes in the ChEA and X2K databases, and finally analyzed the target miRNAs of the differential genes in the Enrichr database.The methods presented in this paper can help to screen and correlate with pancreatic cancer prognosis and pathogenesis for key regulators and provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Synergistic Approach for Disinfestation of Heat-Resistant Fungal Conidia in Grain Spawn Production: Combining Cold Plasma and Sodium Hypochlorite Treatments
Authors: Bakhtiarvandi Saba , Samadlouie Hamid Reza , Hosseini Seyed Iman , Mojerlou Shideh , Cullen Patrick J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Heat-resistant fungal conidia are a common source of contamination and can cause significant difficulties in producing spawns. In this study, Aspergillus tubingensis (A. tubingensis) and Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), frequent microbial contaminations of wheat grain spawn, were identified and isolated. Their conidia were treated with NaOCl and cold plasma to determine the effectiveness of these treatments in reducing contamination. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) analysis of the plasma showed dominant emissions from the N2 second positive system and N2+ first negative system, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) spectral lines were undetected due to collision-induced quenching effects. The findings of the study show that A. flavus conidia are more resilient than A. tubingensis conidia when exposed to NaOCl and plasma treatments. The combined treatment of cold plasma and NaOCl had a synergistic effect, resulting in the inactivation of A. flavus and A. tubingensis conidia after just 30 and 10 seconds of plasma exposure, respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS) were utilized to investigate the effect of treatments on the form and element composition of the conidia surface. Treatment of conidia with NaOCl and cold plasma caused significant changes in the elemental composition of the conidia surfaces, with a considerable increase observed in the levels of Na, O and Cl, as well as N elements for both conidia. When lower concentrations of NaOCl were employed, the conidia size was found to be reduced. However, at higher concentrations and after plasma treatment, the conidia were ruptured and, in some cases, pulverized. These findings indicate that the combined treatment is a promising approach for the disinfestation of heat-resistant fungal conidia.
Causal association between Parkinson's disease with multiple cancers: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Lize , Zhang Qiushi , Li Shiduo , Yuan Jiangwei , Gao Xiaoyan , Tong Jing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Some previous observational studies proposed a causal correlation of Parkinson's disease (PD) and cancers, but the relationship between Parkinson's disease with cancers is still controversial, and causality has not been fully established.
Methods
Using publicly available genome-wide association study data from databases, we identified different numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables to infer causality using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses with inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR- egger method, and Weighted median method.
Results
The primary IVW method showed negative association between genetically predicted Parkinson's disease with malignant neoplasm of the brain (OR = 0.7077; 95%CI, 0.5586–0.8967; P = 0.004); and positive association between Parkinson's disease with breast cancer (OR = 1.0022; 95%CI, 1.0009–1.0034; P = 0.0008). However, no causal association was observed between Parkinson's disease with melanoma skin cancer, Parkinson's disease with lung cancer or bladder cancer. And these results were supported by Cochran 's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test.
Conclusion
This two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis found that Parkinson's disease was negatively associated with malignant neoplasm of the brain and that Parkinson's disease was positively associated with breast cancer.
A Novel Exhaled Gas Detection Model for Diagnosis and Prognosis Prediction of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Du Peizhun , Huang Guangjian , Hu Cheng’en , Chen Jian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Exhalation determination can detect intestinal metabolism-related gases. Colorectal cancer causes a significant proportion of global cancer morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to analyse the predictive value of a novel diagnostic model based on exhaled gas composition for detecting colorectal cancer.
Methods: We recruited 40 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer as an observation group and 40 healthy volunteers as a control group. The patients underwent surgical treatment at the Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, from June 2018 to November 2019 and were diagnosed with colorectal cancer based on preoperative pathology. Exhaled gas components (EGCs) were collected using a respiratory analyser and analysed in both colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls.
Results: The concentrations of four exhaled gases (H2, CH4, H2S and NO) were significantly higher in the colorectal cancer group than in the control group. We obtained the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of these four gases. In addition, we constructed a new predictive model using these four gases according to logistic regression analysis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.962, a sensitivity of 92.5%, and a specificity of 97.5%. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis showed that this model can serve as an independent prognostic method for colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: Exhaled gas assessment has predictive value for colorectal cancer prognosis. The new model constructed using exhaled gases is a valuable noninvasive testing method that can be used as an auxiliary judgement tool before more invasive examinations.
Information Extraction from Multi-Layout Invoice Images using FATURA Dataset
Authors: Limam Mahmoud , Dhiaf Marwa , Kessentini Yousri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Document analysis and understanding models often require extensive annotated data to be trained. However, various document-related tasks extend beyond mere text transcription, requiring both textual content and precise bounding-box annotations to identify different document elements. Collecting such data becomes particularly challenging, especially in the context of invoices, where privacy concerns add an additional layer of complexity.
In this paper, we introduce FATURA, a pivotal resource for researchers in the field of document analysis and understanding. FATURA is a highly diverse dataset featuring multi-layout, annotated invoice document images. Comprising $10,000$ invoices with $50$ distinct layouts, it represents the largest openly accessible image dataset of invoice documents known to date. We also provide an extensive evaluation of different information extraction methods under diverse training and evaluation scenarios, including a visual-based approach using object detection for text region classification, a multi-modal strategy integrating visual and textual data for granular content comprehension, and finally, a hybrid approach combining these methods. The dataset is freely accessible at this \href{https://zenodo.org/record/8261508}{URL\footnote{https://zenodo.org/record/8261508}}, empowering researchers to advance the field of document analysis and understanding.
Load Balancing in Software-Defined Networks using Whale Algorithm
Authors: Hekmati Hossein , Eslaminejad Mohammadreza 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Computer networks are ubiquitous in modern technology-based infrastructures. As the number of users and data packets in networks continues to grow rapidly, The demand for a comprehensive architecture to manage network processes has escalated significantly. The introduction of software-defined network architecture has offered engineers and researchers in this field an opportunity to tackle network congestion issues. It also enables them to enhance network performance in terms of bandwidth, Quality of Service (QoS), and reduced latency. This article focuses on one aspect of software-defined networks, specifically network load balancing, and proposes a new algorithm inspired by the hunting behavior of whales in the ocean. Nature-inspired algorithms draw inspiration from the behavior of various species in nature, incorporating their mathematical algorithms into different aspects of computer systems. These optimization algorithms, although based on prediction and logical suggestions, have demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional computer algorithms such as sequential (Round-Robin Counting methods) algorithms.
Investigating the Impact of Flavonoid Intake on All-Cause Mortality in Non-Obesity and Obesity with Various Complication: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 and 2017-2018
Authors: Wang Senlin , Xiong Feng , Liu Yanjun , Feng Zhonghui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background:
It is reported that dietary intake of flavonoid compounds can reduce all-cause mortality and mortality from specific vascular diseases and cancers, but whether dietary intake of flavonoid can affect obesity and obesity-related comorbidities is unknown.
Aim:
The main objective is to investigate the relationship between flavonoid intake and all-cause mortality in both obese and non-obese individuals, and in combination with diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
This study included NHANES participants from 2007-2010 and 2017-2018. Cox regression analysis evaluated the impact of total flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality among participants with varying comorbidity profiles. Subgroup analysis was conducted by separately analyzing the six sub-classes of total flavonoids (anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones). Sensitivity analysis investigated the impact of total flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality among patients with different comorbidities.
Results:
During a median follow-up period of 9.92 years (interquartile range (IQR), 5.54-14.29 years), a total of 639 participants died. In comparison to non-obese participants, cox regression analysis revealed a favorable impact of flavonoid intake on all-cause mortality in obese participants with CKD (hazard ratio (HR): 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11-0.44), metabolically healthy obese (MHO) participants (HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35), obese individuals with diabetes (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.88), and obese individuals with comorbid CVD (HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83). Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis indicated a non-linear relationship in obese participants, with optimal intake levels ranging from 319.4978 to 448.6907 mg/day. Subgroup analysis revealed varying effects of total flavonoid components in different health conditions, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.06 for higher levels of flavonol to 0.59 for higher levels of anthocyanidins.
Conclusions:
In comparison to unhealthy individuals without obesity, those with unhealthy obesity who consume flavonoids show a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of very large and giant pituitary adenomas: 80 cases in a cohort study of 306 patients
Authors: Pascual-Corrales Eider , Cancela Alberto Acitores , Baonza Gonzalo , Egusquiza Imanol Madrid , Berrocal Víctor Rodríguez , Araujo-Castro Marta 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To identify differences in the presentation and surgical outcomes between very large (30–39 mm) and giant (≥40mm) (LARGE group) pituitary adenomas (PAs) compared to the smaller group (< 30mm) (non-LARGE group).
Methods
Eighty patients with very large (n = 44) or giant (n = 36) PAs and 226 patients in the non-LARGE group who underwent tumor resection by pituitary surgery between 2008 and 2023 were studied. Hormonal, radiological, ophthalmological, and pathological data and surgical outcomes were evaluated.
Results
Preoperatively, patients of the LARGE group presented more frequently with visual impairment (82.5% vs. 22.1%, P < 0.001) and with apoplexy (15.0% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001) than the non-LARGE group. Moreover, the LARGE group is more commonly associated with preoperative panhypopituitarism (28.8% vs. 6.2%, P < 0.001). This group presented cavernous sinus invasion more frequently (71.3% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001). The non-LARGE group achieved surgical cure more often than the LARGE group (79.7% vs. 50.0%, P < 0.001), and the rate of major complications was higher in the latest (8.8% vs. 1.3%, P < 0.004).
Conclusions
PAs ≥30 mm are most frequently accompanied by hormonal dysfunction, cavernous sinus invasion, and visual impairment. All this implies lower resection rates and higher postoperative complications than small adenomas, posing a real surgical challenge.
Health Resource Dynamics in Growing Populations: A Health Geography Analysis
Authors: Juraev Zuhriddin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between population size and the distribution of healthcare care resources in specific geographic areas, using quantitative methods and spatial techniques to analyze data on population size, clinics, and physicians. Descriptive statistics highlight key trends and fluctuations, while correlation coefficients measure the strength and direction of relationships. Statistical significance is determined by p-values. The results highlight the role of population size in healthcare resource allocation and provide information for evidence-based decision making for equitable access and effective planning in different geographical contexts. This understanding is critical for improving public health and promoting inclusion in the healthcare sector.