bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Microbiota and Its Association with Alopecia Areata: Insights from a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhang Li , Song Xiuzu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Recent cross-sectional analyses have disclosed associations between gut microbiota diversity and alopecia areata (AA). However, the definitive causal influence of gut microbiota on AA remains undetermined.
Methods
To probe the potential causal association between gut microbiota and AA, we leveraged data from Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted by both the MiBioGen and FinnGen consortiums. The dataset included information on gut microbiota (n = 13,266) and AA (n = 211,428), extracted from earlier observational studies. We applied five statistical techniques in our Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to infer the causality between gut microbiota and AA. Conversely, we undertook a reverse MR analysis to ascertain whether AA causally impacts gut microbiota. The validity of the MR analysis was evaluated via sensitivity analysis.
Results
The IVW assessment implied a protective influence against AA from Butyricimonas (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18–0.77, p = 0.01), Enterorhabdus (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.16–0.95, p = 0.04), Eubacterium (xylanophilum group) (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.84, p = 0.02), and Phascolarctobacterium (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.91, p = 0.03). In contrast, Ruminococcaceae UCG003 emerged as a risk factor for AA (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.27–6.14, p = 0.01). Our reverse MR exploration did not discern any statistically significant causal association between AA and gut microbiota. Similarly, no significant heterogeneity of IVs or horizontal pleiotropy was observed.
Conclusions
This current study offers compelling evidence for a probable causality between certain gut microbiota and AA, thus providing vital insights into its pathogenesis and potential preventative and therapeutic approaches.
Employment of Enhanced Coefficient Adjustment Technique and Module-based Substitution to Hide Secret Message in ECG Signal
Authors: Yang Ching-Yu , Hsu Tsung-Hsiang , Chen Pei-Yun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We present an effective electrocardiogram (ECG) steganography technique for concealing patient’s diagnosis and sensitive information within ECG signals. The method utilizes the enhanced coefficient adjustment technique (ECAT) and module-based substitution to embed a large number of secret bits into an ECG host. The proposed method consists of two stages. In stage I, data bits are hidden in a host bundle derived from an ECG with a size of 1 × (n − 1) using ECAT, following two predetermined rules. If the rules are not met, module-based substitution is employed in the bundles. Stage II follows a similar procedure, but with the host bundles enlarged to a size of (1 × n). Simulations demonstrate that the payload and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of our method surpass those of existing methods. Additionally, our method ensures good perceived quality and offers protection against attacks. The proposed method finds application in biometric measurements, including portable healthcare devices and IoT-based health monitoring systems.
A pilot study of increased gene expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in the middle-aged with acute coronary artery disease
Authors: Abdelsabour MA , Idriss NK , Blann AD , Mosa AA , Fouad DA , Amal AM , Ashry A , Sayed SA , Nasreldin E , Hassen SA , Elnaggar MG , Meki AA , Hassen HA , Gaber MA 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) may have roles as serum biomarkers of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesised altered genomic expression of the genes for these molecules in middle aged subjects with acute coronary artery disease.
Method: Venous blood was obtained from 53 patients (27 with diabetes) presenting with an acute coronary syndrome and subsequently shown to have coronary artery disease (CAD), and from 46 age and sex matched controls free of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Relative expression of leukocyte transcriptome GAPDH, GDF15and TERT were determined by RT-PCR and quantified by quantitation-comparative Ct (ΔΔCt).
Results: Compared to expression in controls, mean (95% confidence interval) relative expression of GDF15in the patients was 1.38 (1.13-1.49) (p<0.001), and of TERT was 1.12 (1.04-1.20) p=0.003), with relative expression of GDF15 being greater than that of TERT (p<0.001). Expression of the two genes failed to correlate significantly in the controls (r=0.22, p=0.131) but did so in the patients (r=0.55, p<0.01). There was no difference in relative expression of GDF15 in 26 patients free of diabetes (1.6 [1.42-1.78]) compared to those 27 with diabetes (1.6 [1.29-1.91]) (p=0.996). Similarly, there was no difference in the expression of TERT in patients free of diabetes (1.19 [1.06-1.33]) compared to those with diabetes (1.25 [0.98-1.50]) (p=0.739).
Conclusion: Relative expression of GDF15 and TERTare both increased in middle-aged patients with CAD and in CAD+diabetes, with no difference between the patient groups. These genes may have roles in the pathogenesis of acute coronary artery disease.
LncRNA PCSK1N-202 regulates CD34 + hematopoietic cells proliferation in MDS patients via PIM2/HIF-1alpha
Authors: Liu Zhaoyun , Tian Mengyue , Jia Yue , Guo Yixuan , Zhao Xianghong , Meng Nanhao , Duan Lixiang , Fu Rong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by malignant clonal hematopoietic stem cells with high-risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Results In this study,we explore the role of PIM2/HIF-1alpha in the proliferation of CD34 + cells in MDS patients. We investigate the profile of lncRNA derived from the bone marrow CD34 + cells in MDS patients and AML secondary to MDS (sAML) patients. We found 1173 lncRNAs (648 upregulated/525 downregulated) and 326 mRNAs (125 upregulated/201 downregulated) significantly deregulated in sAML compared to those in MDS patients (|logFC| > 1, p value < 0.05). Of these, lncRNA PCSK1N-202 predicted as targeted-regulator to PIM2.RT-PCR showed that the level of PCSK1N-202 was upregulated in AML and MDS patients and positive related with PIM2.For further demonstrated the regulation of PCSK1N-202 to PIM2,RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that PCSK1N-202 was distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm which as well as PIM2.For functional study, SKM-1 cell was transfected with LV- PCSK1N-202 ,which induced the decline of PIM2 and HIF-1α followed with decreased of cell proliferation and increased of apoptosis.Conclusion In conclusion, the upregulation of PCSK1N-202 transcript may through PIM2 / HIF-1α regulate the proliferation of CD34 + cells in MDS.
Associations between EEG power and coherence and cognitive and language development across the first months of life
Authors: Xiao Ran , Smith Beth , Bradley Holly 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The neural processes underpinning cognition and language development in infancy are of great interest. We investigated EEG power and coherence in infancy, as a reflection of underlying cortical function of single brain region and cross-region connectivity, and their relations to cognition and language development. EEG recordings were longitudinally collected from 21 infants with typical development between 1 and 7 months. We investigated relative band power at theta (3-6Hz) and alpha (6-9Hz) and EEG coherence of these frequency bands at 25 electrode pairs that cover key brain regions. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between EEG measurements (frequency bands and brain regions) and raw Bayley cognitive and language developmental scores. In the first months of life, relative band power is not correlated with changes in cognitive and language scales. However, theta coherence is negatively correlated with receptive language scores between frontoparietal regions, and alpha coherence is negatively correlated with expressive language scores between frontoparietal regions. The results from this preliminary study are the first steps in identifying potential biomarkers of early cognitive and language development. In future work, we will confirm norm references of early cognitive and language development that can be compared with infants at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Two Novel Compound heterozygous Loss-of-Function Mutations Cause Fetal IRAK-4 Deficiency presenting with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sepsis
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Zhiwei , Tang Xinxin , Men Shuai , Zhang Jinglu , Wang Leilei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To report a case of a five-month-old Chinese infant who died of IRAK-4 deficiency presenting with rapid and progressive Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.
Methods
The genetic etiology of IRAK-4 deficiency was confirmed through Trio- whole-exome sequencing (Trio-WES) and Sanger sequencing. The detected novel mutations were further investigated by in vitro minigene splicing assays.
Results
Two novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.942-1G > A and c.644_651 + 6delTTGCAGCAGTAAGT in the IRAK4 gene, were identified in this infant, which separately originated from his symptom-free parents. The c.942-1G > A canonical splice-site variant demonstrated aberrant splicing with a deletion of exon 9 on an in vitro minigene assay and was predicted to result in a truncated protein by frameshift mutation, p. (Ser314ArgfsTer4). The c.644_651 + 6delTTGCAGCAGTAAGT demonstrated aberrant splicing with a complete or 86 bp deletion of exon 5 and was predicted to result in two truncated proteins by frameshift mutation, p. (Arg164HisfsTer3) and p. (Gly189AspfsTer3).
Conclusions
Our new finding not only broadens the mutation spectrum of IRAK4 but also functionally corroborates the pathogenic effects of splice-site variants. In addition, this case highlights the importance of considering an underlying inborn error of immunity while dealing with unusually overwhelming infections in previously healthy children and broadening the antimicrobial coverage when suspected.
Bunching enhancement for coherent harmonic generation by using phase merging effects
Authors: Feng Ke , Jiang Kangnan , Hu Runshu , Luan Shixia , Wang Wentao , Li Ruxin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a promising but simple scheme is investigated to enhance the micro-bunching of the relativistic electron beam for coherent harmonic generation (CHG) by using the phase merging effects. Different from the standard CHG scheme, two special designed dispersion sections (DSs) are adopted with the DS-modulator-DS configuration. The phase space of the e beam is appropriate coupled in DS-I and the electrons within one seed wavelength can merge to the same phase with a matched DS-II. The micro-bunching of the e beam can thus be enhanced by a large margin with much higher harmonic components. Taking the e beams from laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs) as an example, a start-to-end simulation is performed to show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme with several configurations. The notable enhancement of the up-conversion efficiency and intense coherent radiation in extreme ultraviolet regime can be obtained within a 3.5-m-long beamline. The proposed scheme offers new opportunities for future compact free electron lasers (FELs) driven by LWFAs and enables prospects for truly compact and widespread system.
Modeling Omicron Dynamics and Development in China: with a Deep Learning Enhanced Compartmental Model
Authors: Deng Qi , Wang Guifang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: The mainstream compartmental models require stochastic parameterization to estimate the transmission parameters between compartments, which depends upon detailed statistics on epidemiological transmission characteristics that are economically and resource-wide expensive to collect. As an alternative, deep learning techniques are effective in estimating these stochastic parameters with greatly reduced dependency on data particularity.
Objectives: We apply deep learning techniques as a lower data dependency alternative to estimate transmission parameters of a customized compartmental model, for the purpose of simulating the dynamics of the Omicron phase of the COVID-19 epidemics and projecting its further development in China.
Methods: We apply deep learning to estimate the transmission parameters of a customized compartmental model and then feed the estimated transmission parameters to the compartmental model to predict the development of Omicron epidemics in China for 28 days.
Results: In mainland China, the daily Omicron infection increase is between 60 and 260 in the 28-day forecast period between June 4 and July 1, 2022. On July 1, 2022, there would be 768,622 cumulative confirmed cases and 591 cumulative deceased cases. The average levels of prediction accuracy of the model are 98% and 92% for the number of infections and deaths, respectively.
Conclusions: The effectiveness of prevalent compartmental modes depends upon detailed statistics on epidemiological transmission characteristics. As an alternative, deep learning techniques are effective in estimating these stochastic parameters with greatly reduced dependency on data particularity. Our model demonstrates the efficacy and potential of applying deep learning methodologies in predicting the dynamics of infectious diseases.
Tumor-specific migration routes of xenotransplanted human glioblastoma cells in mouse brain
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Niklasson Mia , Bergström Tobias , Segerman Anna , Betsholtz Christer , Westermark Bengt 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to their final destination during development follows well-defined pathways. Cells from the highly malignant tumor glioblastoma (GBM) appear to exploit similar routes to invade brain parenchyma. In this report, we have analyzed the migration of GBM cells using three-dimensional high-resolution confocal microscopy in brain tumors derived from eight different human GBM cell lines xenografted in immunodeficient mice. The main routes of invasion were long-distance migration along white matter tracts and local migration along blood vessels. We found that GBM cells of most tumors (6/8) do not associate with blood vessels, as observed for migrating NPCs. These tumors, derived from low lamin A/C expressing GBM cells, were comparatively highly diffusive and invasive. On the other hand, 2/8 tumors showed perivascular invasion and displacement of astrocyte end-feet, migrated less diffusively, grew as a solid tumor, and were characterized by high expression of lamin A/C. We conclude that the migration pattern of glioblastoma is tumor cell-specific, and that the ability to invade the narrow spaces within white matter tracts may require low expression of lamin A/C leading to increased nuclear plasticity. This study highlights the role of GBM heterogeneity in driving the aggressive growth of glioblastoma.
Construction and validation of nomograms to predict overall survival and cancer-specific survival in patients with gastroesophageal junction cancer of no distant metastasis
Authors: Zhang Shiqiang , Qiang Jinhu , Shi Hanfei , Zhang Yujie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is a distinctive type because of its site of incidence, our study aimed to explore the factors affecting the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with GEJ cancer of no distant metastasis and to construct nomogram model to predict the prognosis.
Methods
Patients with GEJ cancer of no distant metastases were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and randomized into two cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the OS and CSS risk factors, and nomograms were constructed utilizing these factors. The C-index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate the reliability of the model.
Results
3,831 GEJ cancer patients without distant metastases were enrolled in the study; 2,686 of these patients were in the training cohort and 1,145 were in the validation cohort. In the training cohort, the result of the multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model demonstrated that age, histological grading, T-stage, N-stage, and primary site surgery were independent factors for OS. As for CSS, in addition to the appeal factors, the number of tumors was also an independent influencing factor, The C-index of OS and CSS predicted by nomogram models were 0.681 (95% CI: 0.668–0.694) and 0.707 (95% CI: 0.693–0.721). Based on the result of calibration curve and ROC, the nomogram model was able to predict the prognosis of GEJ cancer without distant metastases with accuracy. Up to a certain point, DCA showed a good net advantage of the model in predicting patient survival over a wide range.
Conclusion
The nomogram prediction model had been validated to have good predictive and clinical application value, which can accurately predict survival rates and inform individualized treatment decisions in patients with GEJ cancer without distant metastases.
IABPC: An Improved Angle-Based Path Clustering Protocol for Energy Efficient Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mishra Shailendra 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Sensor nodes are generally placed in areas that are inaccessible. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are designed to efficiently collect data from sensor nodes and forward it to sinks. Many technological obstacles must be overcome before WSN can be implemented and used effectively. Battery life and signal range are two factors causing many of these technological hurdles. Batteries are the primary source of power for WSNs due to their primary functions, which include sensing, computing, and multi-hop communication. It is crucial for WSNs to maintain the vitality of their sensor nodes. For WSNs to last longer, energy-efficient cluster-based routing protocols are required. This paper proposes an improved angle-based path clustering (IABPC) approach that uses parameters such as residual energy and angle to select the Channel Head and Gateway nodes. The performances of proposed IABPC protocol are evaluated by comparing residual energy, lifetime, packet delivery ratio, energy efficiency, and end-to-end delay with existing protocol Adaptive Routing Protocol with Energy Efficiency (ARPEES) and Event Clustering an Scalable Energy Efficient Clustering Hierarchy protocols (SEECH) respectively. In comparison to ARPEES and SEECH protocols, IABPC protocol achieved higher residual energy and lifetime by 13.1% and 6.1%, a packet delivery ratio of 12.7% and 7%, greater energy efficiency of 13.3% and 7.6% than ARPEES and SEECH protocols, and an increased packet delivery ratio of 13.4%. Several regions are created in the proposed protocol to extend the network lifetime.
Some New Ramanujan's Modular Equations of Degree 15
Authors: Chuan-Ding Zhang , Li Yang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Ramanujan in his notebook recorded two modular equations involving multiplier with moduli of degrees (1,7) and (1,23). In this paper, we find some new Ramanujan's modular equations involving multiplier with moduli of degrees (3,5) and (1,15), and give concise proofs by employing Ramanujan's multiplier function equation.
Mathematics Subject Classification: 11F20 , 33C05
Small field-of-view T2-weighted MRI of the pancreas in a screening setting for hereditary pancreatic cancer: improving image quality through radial k-space sampling
Authors: Boekestijn Bas , Bogdanski Aleksander , Feshtali Shirin , Webb Andrew , Geest Rob van der , Wasser Martin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Radial k-space sampling is compared with conventional Cartesian k-space sampling in small field-of -view respiratory-triggered Turbo Spin Echo (TSE) T2-weighted imagingof the pancreas regarding image quality and artifacts in a screening program for hereditary pancreatic cancer.
Methods
Small field-of-view radial and Cartesian k-space sampled respiratory triggered TSE images were acquired in 40 healthy mutation carriers undergoing annual screening for pancreatic cancer. Two radiologists evaluated images for motion artifacts, anatomical sharpness, pancreatic duct conspicuity and sharpness of vessels using a five-point Likert scale (1=very poor, 5=excellent) and reported their preferred sequence. Contiguousness between slices was quantified by segmentation of the superior mesenteric vein and determining the continuity of the vessel wall on consecutive slices by determining the deviation of the superior mesenteric vein center points.
Results
All categories except in-plane motion artifacts yielded statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Radial sampling performed better in slice contiguousness, anatomical sharpness and sharpness of vessel walls. Pancreatic duct conspicuity was higher on the Cartesian approach. Slice contiguousness had an average score of 4.53 ± 0.71 for radial and 3.46 ± 0.76 for Cartesian TSE. Radial sampling was preferred in 65 cases (81.3%). The average deviation of the superior mesenteric vein center points was 1.45 mm (interquartile range (IQR) 1.08 – 2.06) on radial TSE and 2.31 mm (IQR 1.65 – 3.30) on Cartesian TSE, p < 0.001.
Conclusion
Radial k-space sampling yields better overall image quality and contiguousness between slices compared to Cartesian sampling in high-resolution respiratory triggered T2-TSE of the pancreas.
CAF-released galectin 1 mediates non-cell-autonomous resistance to ceritinib in NSCLC.
Authors: Rizzolio Sabrina , Orrù Claudia , Volante Marco , Bellomo Sara Erika , Migliore Cristina , Giordano Silvia , Corso Simona 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite the advent of second and third-generation compounds targeting ALK in ALK-addicted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), this tumor remains largely incurable due to drug resistance. A variety of cell-autonomous mechanisms have been shown to mediate acquired resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); however, if and how tumor stroma can drive resistance to ALK inhibitors is not known.
Methods
We generated in vivo NSCLC models of acquired resistance to the ALK TKI ceritinib. Mechanisms of resistance have been investigated on ex-vivo derived tumor cells and Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs).
Results
Here we show that, under in vivo prolonged treatment with ceritinib, CAFs increased expression and release of galectin 1 (GAL1) that, through the activation in cancer cells of EGFR-dependent signaling, sustained drug resistance. Block of stromal GAL1 or pharmacological targeting of EGFR, in combination with ALK inhibition, resulted in bypass of resistance. We also proved that this non-cell-autonomous, adaptive resistance can evolve into a cell-autonomous genetic one, thus representing an intermediate step toward acquisition of a stably resistant phenotype. Importantly, this adaptive resistance mechanism was confirmed in NSCLC patients progressed on ALK TKIs, proving the clinical relevance of our findings.
Conclusions
Our work underlines the importance to mechanistically understand the tumor–stroma crosstalk, that can lead to aberrant molecular signaling networks sustaining resistance to ALK inhibitors. Indeed, the reported results open novel scenarios in the design of rational clinical trials, suggesting the benefit of combining ALK TKIs with anti-EGFR treatment to overcome or even prevent ceritinib resistance onset.