bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Derivation and propagation of spermatogonial stem cells from human pluripotent cells
Authors: Xu Huiming , Yang Mengbo , Tian Ruhui , Wang Yonghui , Liu Linhong , Zhu Zijue , Yang Shi , Yuan Qingqing , Niu Minghui , Yao Chencheng , Zhi Erlei , Li Peng , Zhou Chenhao , He Zuping , Li Zheng , Gao Wei-Qiang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study is designed to generate and propagate human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs).MethodshPSCs were differentiated into SSC-like cells (SSCLCs) by a three-step strategy. The biological characteristics of SSCLCs were detected by immunostaining with antibodies against SSC markers. The ability of self-renewal was measured by propagating for a long time and still maintaining SSCs morphological property. The differentiation potential of SSCLCs was determined by the generation of spermatocytes and haploid cells, which were identified by immunostaining and flow cytometry. The transcriptome analysis of SSCLCs was performed by RNA sequencing. The biological function of SSCLCs was assessed by xeno-transplantation into busulfan-treated mouse testes.ResultsSSCLCs were efficiently generated by a 3-step strategy. The SSCLCs displayed a grape-like morphology and expressed SSC markers. Moreover, SSCLCs could be propagated for approximately 4 months and still maintained their morphological properties. Furthermore, SSCLCs could differentiate into spermatocytes and haploid cells. In addition, SSCLCs displayed a similar gene expression pattern as human GPR125+spermatogonia derived from human testicular tissues. And more, SSCLCs could survive and home at the base membrane of seminiferous tubules.ConclusionSSCLCs were successfully derived from hPSCs and propagated for a long time. The SSCLCs resembled their counterpart human GPR125+spermatogonia, as evidenced by the grape-like morphology, transcriptome, homing, and functional characteristics. Therefore, hPSC-derived SSCLCs may provide a reliable cell source for studying human SSCs biological properties, disease modeling, and drug toxicity screening.
Stepwise differentiation and functional characterization of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived choroidal endothelial cells
Authors: Mulfaul Kelly , Giacalone Joseph C. , Voigt Andrew P. , Riker Megan J. , Ochoa Dalyz , Han Ian C. , Stone Edwin M. , Mullins Robert F. , Tucker Budd A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Endothelial cells (ECs) are essential regulators of the vasculature, lining arteries, veins, and capillary beds. While all ECs share a number of structural and molecular features, heterogeneity exists depending on their resident tissue. ECs lining the choriocapillaris in the human eye are lost early in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common and devastating form of vision loss. In order to study the mechanisms leading to choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) loss and to develop reagents for repairing the choroid, a reproducible in vitro model, which closely mimic CECs, is needed. While a number of protocols have been published to direct induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into ECs, the goal of this study was to develop methods to differentiate iPSCs into ECs resembling those found in the human choriocapillaris specifically.

Methods
We transduced human iPSCs with a CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector and selected for transduced iPSCs using blasticidin. We generated embryoid bodies (EBs) from expanded iPSC colonies and transitioned from mTESR™1 to EC media. One day post-EB formation, we induced mesoderm fate commitment via addition of BMP-4, activin A, and FGF-2. On day 5, EBs were adhered to Matrigel-coated plates in EC media containing vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to promote CEC differentiation. On day 14, we selected for CECs using either zeocin resistance or anti-CD31 MACS beads. We expanded CECs post-selection and performed immunocytochemical analysis of CD31, carbonic anhydrase IV (CA4), and RGCC; tube formation assays; and transmission electron microscopy to access vascular function.

Results
We report a detailed protocol whereby we direct iPSC differentiation toward mesoderm and utilize CTGF to specify CECs. The CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector facilitated the selection of iPSC-derived ECs that label with antibodies directed against CD31, CA4, and RGCC; form vascular tubes in vitro; and migrate into empty choroidal vessels. CECs selected using either antibiotic selection or CD31 MACS beads showed similar characteristics, thereby making this protocol easily reproducible with or without lentiviral vectors.

Conclusion
ECs generated following this protocol exhibit functional and biochemical characteristics of CECs. This protocol will be useful for developing in vitro models toward understanding the mechanisms of CEC loss early in AMD.
Transplanted hair follicle stem cells migrate to the penumbra and express neural markers in a rat model of cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Tang Hao , Mao Senlin , Li Bing , Zhou Yinglian , Yue Hui , Wang Duo , Wang Yifei , Fu Jin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Ischaemic stroke has become the main cause of death and severe neurological disorders, for which effective restorative treatments are currently limited. While stem cell transplantation offers therapeutic potential through neural regeneration, this approach is associated with the challenges of limited applicable sources. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are multipotential cells that can differentiate into ectodermal and mesodermal lineages and proliferate for long periods. The therapeutic potentials of HFSCs have not been investigated in ischaemic stroke models, and therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether they could survive and migrate to ischaemic areas after a stroke attack.

Methods
A rat model of middle cerebral artery ischaemia/reperfusion was established and intravenously administered HFSCs. The potential of HFSCs to migrate and differentiate into neuron-like cells as well as their ability to reduce the infarct size was evaluated. Rat brain tissue samples were collected 2 weeks after cell transplantation and analysed via TTC staining, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry methods. The data were statistically analysed and presented as the means ± standard deviations.

Results
Intravenously administrated rat HFSCs were able to migrate to the penumbra where they expressed neuron-specific markers, reduced the infarct volume and promoted neurological recovery.

Conclusion
HFSC transplantation has therapeutic potential for ischaemic stroke and is, therefore, worthy of further investigation toward possible clinical development for treating stroke patients.
Both Wnt signaling and epidermal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are involved in epidermal cell growth
Authors: Leng Ling , Ma Jie , Lv Luye , Wang Wenjuan , Gao Dunqin , Zhu Yunping , Wu Zhihong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMillions suffer from skin diseases. Functional interfollicular epidermal stem cells are needed in skin therapy or drug screening in vitro. We obtained functional interfollicular epidermal stem cells with intact stemness and cell junctions by treating them with Wnt3a. Moreover, epidermal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles were useful in epidermal cell growth. Finally, functional epidermal 3D organoids with polarity were cultured using Wnt3a and the supernatant derived from interfollicular epidermal stem cells and fresh medium in a 1:1 ratio. These results provide novel directions for the improvement of skin organoids and their potential in clinical application.
Compressed graph representation for scalable molecular graph generation
Authors: Kwon Youngchun , Lee Dongseon , Choi Youn-Suk , Shin Kyoham , Kang Seokho 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecently, deep learning has been successfully applied to molecular graph generation. Nevertheless, mitigating the computational complexity, which increases with the number of nodes in a graph, has been a major challenge. This has hindered the application of deep learning-based molecular graph generation to large molecules with many heavy atoms. In this study, we present a molecular graph compression method to alleviate the complexity while maintaining the capability of generating chemically valid and diverse molecular graphs. We designate six small substructural patterns that are prevalent between two atoms in real-world molecules. These relevant substructures in a molecular graph are then converted to edges by regarding them as additional edge features along with the bond types. This reduces the number of nodes significantly without any information loss. Consequently, a generative model can be constructed in a more efficient and scalable manner with large molecules on a compressed graph representation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for molecules with up to 88 heavy atoms using the GuacaMol benchmark.
Baseline total metabolic tumor volume combined with international peripheral T-cell lymphoma project may improve prognostic stratification for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)
Authors: Jiang Chong , Teng Yue , Chen Jieyu , Wang Zhen , Zhou Zhengyang , Ding Chongyang , Xu Jingyan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) at baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

Materials and methods
Eighty-four newly diagnosed PTCL patients who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment between March 2009 and January 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The FDG-avid lesions in each patient were segmented using semiautomated software to calculate the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) values using the boundaries of voxels presenting with the 41% SUVmax threshold method. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were used as end points to evaluate patient prognosis. The log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate PFS and OS.

Results
ROC curve analysis indicated an ideal TMTV cut-off value of 228.8 cm3. During the 4–131 months (29.2 ± 28.5 months) follow-up period, high TMTV was significantly associated with worse PFS and OS. TMTV and the international peripheral T-cell lymphoma project score (IPTCLP) were independent predictors of PFS and OS with multivariate analysis. The combination of TMTV and the IPTCLP may provide significantly better risk substratification in PFS and OS of PTCL patients.

Conclusions
Both TMTV and IPTCLP are independent predictors of PTCL patient survival outcomes. Moreover, the combination of TMTV and IPTCLP improved patient risk stratification and may contribute to personalized therapeutic regimens.
Millennial paleotsunami history at Minna Island, southern Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Fujita Ryosuke , Goto Kazuhisa , Iryu Yasufumi , Abe Tomoya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHuge tsunami waves have repeatedly bombarded the southern end of the Ryukyu Islands (Miyako and Yaeyama Islands, southwestern Japan) at several-hundred-year intervals. Therefore, clarifying the islands’ paleotsunami history is important for risk assessment. Nevertheless, discrepancies of paleotsunami histories exist among regional studies of tsunami boulders and sandy tsunami deposits. Radiocarbon ages of tsunami boulders indicate that tsunami events of the last 2400 years have occurred every 150–400 years, most recently the historical 1771 Meiwa tsunami. Sandy tsunami deposits at Yaeyama Islands show that four tsunami events of the last 2000 years struck the islands at approximately 600-year intervals. Sandy tsunami deposits of the Miyako Islands have been studied only rarely. Therefore, studying sandy tsunami deposits in the Miyako Islands is crucially important for clarifying the paleotsunami history of this region. We conducted a trench survey on Minna Island, located among the westernmost Miyako Islands, which revealed two sandy tsunami deposits under a coral tsunami boulder transported by the 1771 tsunami. The upper tsunami deposit was likely deposited by the 1771 tsunami, as inferred from stratigraphic correlation to the tsunami boulder. However, the lower tsunami deposit was probably deposited 700–1000 years ago, which is consistent with the age range of the paleotsunami reported for Yaeyama Islands. Because sandy tsunami deposits found in this and earlier studies are thick and deposited at high elevation and far inland, these are useful markers of large tsunami events similar to the 1771 event. However, the reported tsunami boulders of various sizes are deposited along the coast and reefs: they can be formed not only by large tsunami events but also by small ones. It is noteworthy that each tsunami deposit is coarse and thick (40–48 cm) relative to the island elevation (about 12 m maximum, 7 m above the mean sea level at the study site). By assuming that tsunamis have affected this region repeatedly during the past few thousand years at around 600-year intervals, tsunamis might have been important geomorphic agents for building up small reef-surrounded islands such as Minna Island.
Audit of electronic operative documentation in interventional radiology: the value of standardised proformas
Authors: Theodoulou Iakovos , Judd Rhys , Raja U. , Karunanithy N. , Sabharwal Tarun , Gangi Afshin , Diamantopoulos Athanasios 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
On the background of the interventional radiology department of a tertiary hospital converting its periprocedural documentation from paper-based to electronic using a standardised proforma, a study was performed to ascertain the effects of this change on the standard of clinical documentation for radiologically-guided angiographic procedures. Using a retrospective approach, perioperative records were analysed in reverse chronological order for inclusion in the study. The standard for this audit was developed in the form of minimum criteria that all clinical documentation of angiographic procedures were expected to meet.

Results
The audit was performed at three equally spaced intervals of 6 months, yielding a total of 99 records. The baseline audit of paper-based records concluded > 80% completeness for 8 out of the 14 of parameters measured, with only two of parameters meeting the target of 100% completeness. The second audit cycle performed on electronic records found 7 out of 14 parameters demonstrating absolute improvement in completeness, when compared to paper-based, but with the number of parameters exceeding 80% completeness falling to only 4 out of 14. Again, 100% completeness was observed in only 2 of the parameters. In the final audit cycle, after the introduction of a standardised electronic proforma, performance improved in every dimension with 6 out of 14 parameters reaching completeness of 100% and the 80% completeness threshold met by 12 out of 14 parameters.

Conclusion
The construction of a procedure-specific perioperative electronic proforma can save clinicians valuable time and encourage safe and effective clinical documentation.
High-yield production and biochemical characterization of α-galactosidase produced from locally isolated Penicillium sp.
Authors: Kote Naganagouda , Manjula A. C. , Vishwanatha T. , Patil Aravind Gouda G. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
α-Galactosidase is widely used in various biotechnological applications such as food processing, beet sugar, the pulp and paper industries, synthesis of oligosaccharides by trans-galactosylation, hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, and medical applications.

Results
Screening and identification of fungi for α-galactosidase activity was performed. The isolate Penicillium sp. showed good α-galactosidase activity. α-Galactosidase production by the fungal strain Penicillium sp. cultivated in solid state fermentation (SSF) conditions using copra mannan extract as nutrient medium was investigated. The maximum α-galactosidase activity of 5.391 U/mL was obtained in defatted copra meal (dFCO) as carbon source, which is 2–3% greater as compared with commercial mannans and unprocessed copra meal. The highest product yield of α-galactosidase was obtained with media containing yeast extract (6.672 U/ml) as organic nitrogen and ammonium nitrate (6.325 U/ml) and as inorganic nitrogen source with media pH 5.5, and the time course of enzyme production was at the 5th day of fermentation, respectively. The optimum pH of α-galactosidase was obtained at pH 5 and optimum temperature at 60 °C. The enzyme was stable between pH 4 and 6 and retained more than 50% of residual activity for an 8-h incubation period. The Ca+2 ions enhanced the enzyme activity and Mn+2 ions have not altered the enzyme activity, whereas Hg+2 strongly inhibited the enzyme activity.

Conclusions
The findings of present investigations on α-galactosidase are of particular interest for its application in the food processing industry.
Immunostimulant as an adjuvant therapy on Toll-like receptor concentration in children with acute otitis media
Authors: El Hamshary Ashraf S. , Abdel Rahman Hesham A. , Aboelsoued Mohamed , Elsayed Rasha A. , Elwany Abdelhakim F. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Acute otitis media (AOM) is the commonest pediatric bacterial infection, affecting up to 75% of children at some time before age 5 years. AOM is among the primary reasons for antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric outpatients. This study aimed to detect the value of immunostimulant as an adjuvant therapy with antibiotics for treatment of acute otitis media in children. This study included 60 children suffering from acute otitis media; their age ranged from 3 to 5 years during the period from May 2018 to March 2019. The patients in this study were divided into 2 groups: group A included 30 patients with AOM who received amoxicillin and clavulanic acid antibiotic at attack of AOM. Group B included 30 patients with AOM who received the same antibiotic with immunostimulant (Echinacea extract) for 3 months. Samples of blood were taken from all patients to detect the level of Toll-like receptor by real-time PCR, before and after 3 months of antibiotic and immunostimulant therapy. All cases underwent assessment including complete history taking, otoscopic examination of the ear, and blood sample to detect the level of Toll-like receptor (TLR) before and after the therapy by real-time PCR.

Results
There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the TLR2 expression in antibiotic-treated patients than its expression before treatment. On the other hand, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the TLR2 expression in immunostimulant plus antibiotic-treated patients than its expression before treatment; there was a high significant (P < 0.001) increase in the expression of TLR2 in the immunostimulant plus antibiotic than the antibiotic-treated patients.

Conclusion
The role of antibiotics against bacterial infection causing acute otitis media can be enhanced by immunostimulant which increases the expression of Toll-like receptors which play a major role stimulating immune system to resist bacterial infection.
A qualitative exploration of the barriers to and facilitators of clozapine monitoring in a secure psychiatric setting
Authors: Blagden Sarah , Beenstock Jane , Auld Natalie , Noblett Steve , Limmer Mark 
Published: September 2020

Aims and methodTo explore the beliefs and understanding of staff and patients at a secure mental health unit regarding clozapine monitoring, and to identify barriers to and facilitators of monitoring. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 17 staff members and six patients.ResultsSix key themes were identified. The key facilitator of effective monitoring was the motivation of staff to help patients to become independent and facilitate recovery. An important barrier was a lack of clarity around the roles of different staff groups in monitoring. Staff and patients widely supported the establishment of an in-patient clozapine clinic and perceived that it would prepare patients for discharge.Clinical implicationsAn in-patient clozapine clinic is a robust mechanism for clozapine monitoring in secure settings. The barriers and facilitators identified here could be applied to other secure units to guide their systems of clozapine monitoring.
Trends in (not) using scales in major depression: A categorization and clinical orientation
Authors: Demyttenaere Koen , Jaspers Liesbeth 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Standard depression rating scales like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were developed more than 40 years ago. They are mandatory in clinical trials but are for a variety of reasons seldom used in clinical practice. Moreover, most clinicians are less familiar with more recent trends or with some dilemmas in assessment tools for major depression.

Methods
Narrative review.

Results
Asssessment tools can be observer-rating or self-rating scales, disease-specific or non–disease-specific scales, subjective scales or objective lab assessments, standard questionnaires or experience sampling methods. An overarching question is to what degree current assessment methods really address the individual patient’s needs and treatment expectations.

Conclusions
The present paper aims to offer a framework for understanding the current trends in assessment tools that can orientate and guide the clinician.
The Double Trigger for Mortgage Default: Evidence from the Fracking Boom
Authors: Cunningham Chris , Gerardi Kristopher , Shen Lily 
Published: September 2020

This paper exploits a natural experiment afforded by the fracking boom in Pennsylvania to shed light on the determinants of mortgage default. Looking only at mortgages originated before fracking became viable, and using the underlying geology as a supply shifter, we find that mortgages on homes exposed to shale drilling experience a significant reduction in default risk. This effect is more than four times greater for borrowers who are underwater on their loans. Additional evidence shows that fracking activity does not raise house prices, but significantly increases household income through higher royalty payments, wages, and salaries. Furthermore, we find that fracking directly leads to employment increases in the drilling/mining and construction sectors at the county level and reduces income from unemployment benefits at the ZIP-code level. Finally, in addition to reducing mortgage-default risk, we show that fracking lowers credit card delinquencies. These results are most consistent with the “double-trigger” theory of mortgage default, where underwater borrowers subject to an adverse income shock are much more likely to lose their homes to foreclosure. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
The effects of stretching with cryotherapy, stretching with heat and stretching alone on hamstring flexibility in physically active females
Authors: Raghwani Devyani , Wdowski Maximilian M 
Published: September 2020

Background/AimsA pre- and post-intervention study was conducted to examine the effects of acute cryotherapy with stretching, heat with stretching, and stretching alone on hamstring flexibility.MethodsThirty female participants were randomly allocated into three groups: stretching with cryotherapy, stretching with heat, or stretching without an intervention. A sit and reach test and the 90/90 active knee extension test were conducted before and after a 20-minute stretching routine to measure hamstring flexibility.ResultsDifferences were observed pre- and post-test in the sit and reach test and knee 90/90 extension tasks (P<0.05) within all three groups. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) between the three intervention groups.ConclusionsCombining stretching with cryotherapy or heat application potentially provides no additional benefit to stretching alone in short-term enhancements to hamstring muscle flexibility in physically active females.