bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound imaging of carotid web with atherosclerosis plaque: a case report
Authors: Ning Bin , Zhang Dong , Sui Binbin , He Wen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo the best of our knowledge, no previous studies on carotid webs with atherosclerosis plaque have been conducted. Thus, both radiologists and clinicians have insufficient knowledge of this disease, which could lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is beneficial to clinical management and prevention of stroke. Here, we present a case of a carotid web with an atherosclerotic plaque, which was confirmed by histopathology and was treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital.Case presentationWe report a rare case of a carotid web with an atherosclerotic plaque in a 61-year-old Han man. He presented to our hospital with history of intermittent dizziness and slurred speech for 1.5 years and numbness of both upper limbs for 4 months. A computed tomography angiography examination indicated severe stenosis at the beginning of the left internal carotid artery with plaque surface ulceration. Doppler ultrasound examination showed a carotid web with a thin isoechoic plaque and a membrane-like structure protruding into the lumen from the lateral posterior wall at the beginning of the left internal carotid artery. The thin isoechoic plaque could be seen at the base of the membrane-like structure. Carotid endarterectomy was performed to alleviate symptoms. A carotid web with atherosclerosis was diagnosed intraoperatively, and postoperative pathology confirmed extensive intima fibroid hyperplasia accompanied with myxoid degeneration. The base of the carotid web was attached to the thin atherosclerosis plaque, and between the web and the plaque, a cavity was observed. In this case report, we aim to discuss the diagnosis of carotid web with atherosclerosis, its physiopathology and management, and the possible reasons for missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.ConclusionCarotid webs with atherosclerosis have no known etiological factors and are rarely reported. Thus, carotid webs could be easily confused with ulcerations on the surface of the atherosclerosis plaque. The diagnosis could be difficult and effective management remains indeterminate. Moreover, prompt recognition of this disease is key to correct treatment and management. Hence, this case report and the relevant data in the literature could contribute to the improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
A barrier against reactive oxygen species: chitosan/acellular dermal matrix scaffold enhances stem cell retention and improves cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Lin Wei , Qi Xiaoyang , Guo Wenjing , Liang Danyang , Chen Heting , Lin Baoping , Deng Xiaoyuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundStem cell therapies have gained great attention for providing novel solutions for treatment of various injuries and diseases due to stem cells’ self-renewal, ability to differentiate into various cell types, and favorite paracrine function. Nevertheless, the low retention of transplanted stem cell still limits their clinical applications such as in wound healing in view of an induced harsh microenvironment rich in reactive oxygen species (ROS) during inflammatory reactions.MethodsHerein, a novel chitosan/acellular dermal matrix (CHS/ADM) stem cell delivery system is developed, which is of great ROS scavenging activity and significantly attenuates inflammatory response.ResultUnder ROS microenvironment, this stem cell delivery system acts as a barrier, effectively scavenging an amount of ROS and protecting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the oxidative stress. It notably regulates intracellular ROS level in MSCs and reduces ROS-induced cellular death. Most importantly, such MSCs delivery system significantly enhances in vivo transplanted stem cell retention, promotes the vessel growth, and accelerates wound healing.ConclusionsThis novel delivery system, which overcomes the limitations of conventional plain collagen-based delivery system in lacking of ROS-environmental responsive mechanisms, demonstrates a great potential use in stem cell therapies in wound healing.
Effect of local anesthetics on viability and differentiation of various adult stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Kim Young Hoon , Park Ga Young , Rabinovitch Nechama , Tarafder Solaiman , Lee Chang H. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Local anesthetics (LAs) are widely used to control pain during various clinical treatments. One of the side effects of LAs, cytotoxicity, has been investigated in various cells including stem/progenitor cells. However, our understanding of the effects of LAs on the differentiation capacity of stem/progenitor cells still remains limited. Therefore, a comparative study was conducted to investigate the effects of multiple LAs on viability and multi-lineage differentiation of stem/progenitor cells that originated from various adult tissues.

Method
Multiple types of stem/progenitor cells, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs), dental pulp stem/progenitor cells (DPSCs), periodontal ligament stem/progenitor cells (PDLSCs), and tendon-derived stem/progenitor cells, were either obtained from a commercial provider or isolated from adult human donors. Lidocaine (LD) and bupivacaine (BP) at various doses (1×, 0.75×, 0.5×, and 0.25× of each physiological dose) were applied to the different stem/progenitor cells for an hour, followed by induction of fibrogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation. Live/dead and MTT assays were performed at 24 h after the LD or BP treatment. At 2 weeks, qRT-PCR was conducted to evaluate the gene expressions associated with differentiation. After 4 weeks, multiple biochemical staining was performed to evaluate matrix deposition.

Results
At 24 h after LD or BP treatment, 1× and 0.75× physiological doses of LD and BP showed significant cytotoxicity in all the tested adult stem/progenitor cells. At 0.5×, BP resulted in higher viability than the same dose LD, with variance between cell types. Overall, the gene expressions associated with fibrogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation were attenuated in LD or BP pre-treated stem/progenitor cells, with notable dose-effect and dependence on types. In contrast, certain doses of LD and/or BP were found to increase specific gene expression, depending on the cell types.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that LAs such as LD and BP affect not only the viability but also the differentiation capacity of adult stem/progenitor cells from various anatomical sites. This study sheds light on stem cell applications for tissue regeneration in which isolation and transplantation of stem cells frequently involve LA administration.
Biological properties of bone marrow stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells derived from T2DM rats: a comparative study
Authors: Wang Lei , Shi Shaojie , Bai Ruiping , Wang Yue , Guo Zhao , Li Doudou 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially those with poor glycemic control, are characterized by low bone mass and destruction of bone microstructure. Nowadays, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (auto-MSCs) have been used to repair defects and promote tissue regeneration due to handy source, low immunogenicity and self-renewing and multi-differentiating potential. However, T2DM changed the biological properties of auto-MSCs, and investigating the most suitable auto-MSCs for T2DM patients becomes a focus in tissue engineering.

Results
In this research, we compared the biological characteristics of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) derived from T2DM rats. These results demonstrated that ASCs had a higher proliferation rate, colony-formation and cell-sheet forming ability, while BMSCs got better osteogenesis-related staining, expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins, and osteogenic capacity in vitro.

Conclusions
As it turned out, ASCs from T2DM had a higher proliferation, while BMSCs had significantly higher osteogenetic ability no matter in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we should take into account the specific and dominated properties of MSC according to different needs to optimize the protocols and improve clinical outcomes for tissue regeneration of T2DM patients.
Shape-reserved stereo matching with segment-based cost aggregation and dual-path refinement
Authors: Huang Chih-Shuan , Huang Ya-Han , Chan Din-Yuen , Yang Jar-Ferr 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStereo matching is one of the most important topics in computer vision and aims at generating precise depth maps for various applications. The major challenge of stereo matching is to suppress inevitable errors occurring in smooth, occluded, and discontinuous regions. In this paper, the proposed stereo matching system uses segment-based superpixels and matching cost. After determination of edge and smooth regions and selection of matching cost, we suggest the segment-based adaptive support weights in cost aggregation instead of color similarity and spatial proximity only. The proposed dual-path depth refinements use the cross-based support region by referring texture features to correct the inaccurate disparities with iterative procedures to improve the depth maps for shape reserving. Specially for leftmost and rightmost regions, the segment-based refinement can greatly improve the mismatched disparity holes. The experimental results show that the proposed system can achieve higher accurate depth maps than the conventional methods.
Developmental stage-specific A-to-I editing pattern in the postnatal pineal gland of pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Zhou Rong , Yao Wenye , Xie Chundi , Zhang Leixia , Pei Yangli , Li Hua , Feng Zheng , Yang Yalan , Li Kui 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional modification mechanism in mammalian genomes. Although many editing sites have been identified in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa), little is known about the characteristics and dynamic regulation of RNA editing in the pineal gland (PG), a small neuroendocrine gland that synthesizes and secretes melatonin, which is primarily responsible to modulate sleep patterns.

Results
This study analyzed the expression of adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing regulators and profiled the first dynamic A-to-I RNA editome during postnatal PG development. The results identified ADAR1 as the most abundantly expressed ADAR enzyme, which was down-regulated during postnatal PG development. Furthermore, 47,284 high-confidence RNA editing sites were identified, the majority of which (93.6%) were of the canonical A-to-I editing type, followed by C-to-T editing. Analysis of its characteristics showed that the A-to-I editing sites mostly localized in SINE retrotransposons PRE-1/Pre0_SS. Moreover, a strong deficiency and preference for guanine nucleotides at positions of one base upstream or downstream were found, respectively. The overall editing level at the puberty stage was higher than at both infancy and adulthood stages. Additionally, genome-wide RNA editing was found to exhibit a dynamic stage-specific fashion (postnatally). Genes that underwent developmental changes in RNA editing were associated with catabolic processes as well as protein localization and transport functions, implying that RNA editing might be responsible for the molecular machineries of the postnatal developing PG. Remarkably, RNA editing in 3′-UTRs might regulate gene expression by influencing miRNA binding during PG development.

Conclusions
This study profiles the first comprehensive developmental RNA editome in the pig PG, which contributes to the understanding of the importance of post-transcriptionally mediated regulation during mammalian postnatal PG development. Moreover, this study widely extends RNA editome resources in mammals.
Recent progress of prognostic biomarkers and risk scoring systems in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Yun Xiaoya , Zhang Ya , Wang Xin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent adult leukemia with high heterogeneity in the western world. Thus, investigators identified a number of prognostic biomarkers and scoring systems to guide treatment decisions and validated them in the context of immunochemotherapy. A better understanding of prognostic biomarkers, including serum markers, flow cytometry outcomes, IGHV mutation status, microRNAs, chromosome aberrations and gene mutations, have contributed to prognosis in CLL. Del17p/ TP53 mutation, NOTCH1 mutation, CD49d, IGHV mutation status, complex karyotypes and microRNAs were reported to be of predictive values to guide clinical decisions. Based on the biomarkers above, classic prognostic models, such as the Rai and Binet staging systems, MDACC nomogram, GCLLSG model and CLL-IPI, were developed to improve risk stratification and tailor treatment intensity. Considering the presence of novel agents, many investigators validated the conventional prognostic biomarkers in the setting of novel agents and only TP53 mutation status/del 17p and CD49d expression were reported to be of prognostic value. Whether other prognostic indicators and models can be used in the context of novel agents, further studies are required.
The role of estrogen receptor beta in breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Yujing , Liu Xingdang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBreast cancer, a malignant tumor originating from mammary epithelial tissue, is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Challenges facing the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer necessitate the search for new mechanisms and drugs to improve outcomes. Estrogen receptor (ER) is considered to be important for determining the diagnosis and treatment strategy. The discovery of the second estrogen receptor, ERβ, provides an opportunity to understand estrogen action. The emergence of ERβ can be traced back to 1996. Over the past 20 years, an increasing body of evidence has implicated the vital effect of ERβ in breast cancer. Although there is controversy among scholars, ERβ is generally thought to have antiproliferative effects in disease progression. This review summarizes available evidence regarding the involvement of ERβ in the clinical treatment and prognosis of breast cancer and describes signaling pathways associated with ERβ. We hope to highlight the potential of ERβ as a therapeutic target.
Qualitative research to explore the symptoms and impacts experienced by children with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Randall Jason A. , Guobyte Aiste , Delbecque Laure , Newton Louise , Symonds Tara , Hunter Theresa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundUlcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that often presents during one’s most productive years and is characterized by colon inflammation. Key symptoms and impacts in adults are well-known, however, experiences among pediatric populations have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to understand the health-related quality of life and symptomatic experience of children (2–11 years) living with UC.MethodsQualitative, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. Children aged 5–11 years were interviewed, as well as their parents/caregivers in matched dyads. Parents/caregivers of children aged2–4 years were interviewed within a parent/caregiver-only cohort. All participants were recruited from the United States. Interviews were coded using thematic analysis.ResultsKey symptoms and impacts reflecting the lived experience of UC were identified following thematic analysis, generating a conceptual model. A total of 32 participants (20 parents/caregivers and 12 children) were interviewed. Results identified a substantial burden of UC in children. All children and parents/caregivers reported that they/their child experienced stomach/abdominal pain. Other symptoms discussed by over 75% were blood in stool, diarrhea/loose stools, stool urgency, incomplete evacuation, stool frequency, and feeling gassy/passing gas. The most frequently discussed impacts by over 75% of participants were on emotional and practical aspects, seriously affecting quality of life.ConclusionsQualitative analysis of the interviews identified a substantial burden of UC on children, with a profound impact on their lives. The symptomatic experience is reflective of adults and adolescents. A high level of agreement between parents/caregivers and children was demonstrated regarding the perception of the presence or absence of symptoms. Children aged 8–11 years showed higher levels of agreement with parents/caregivers than did younger children, indicating appropriateness of self-report of symptom data in the 8–11 years age group.
Hematological and demographic profile of Pakistani children with isolated ventricular septal defects (VSDs)
Authors: Sarwar Sumbal , Shabana  , Ehsan Farah , Tahir Amna , Jamil Mahrukh , Shahid Saleem Ullah , Hasnain Shahida , Khan Asim , Hyder Syed Najam 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCardiac morphogenesis is a dynamic and complex process that involves a complex interaction of many genetic and environmental factors. Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the commonest congenital heart defects (CHDs), accounting for ~ 40% of all cardiac malformations. In Pakistan, the prevalence of VSD is increasing (4–6 in 1000 live births). In the current study, we aimed to determine the pattern of different hematological parameters and various risk factors in VSDs in local pediatric patients. We recruited the clinically diagnosed VSD children (n= 125) from various hospitals. The diagnosis was made based on echocardiography, size, number, and exact location of the defect. Hematological parameters, chemical pathological assays, and liver function analysis were performed. The blood group distribution and various risk factors were also assessed. The statistical analysis was done using the SPSS (IBM statistics version 22) software.ResultsThe results showed that for RBCs, 20% of patients in category of 0 to 3 months are above normal range; for WBCs, 33.3% of patients are above normal range in category of 4–5 years and 12–14 years. For hemoglobin, highest percentage of patients was observed below normal range; 30% of patients in category of 0 to 3 months, 40% of patients in category 4–9 months, 35.2% of patients in category of 10 months–3 years, and 33.3% of patients in category of 12–14 years were below normal range. For platelet count, 5.66% patients were below normal range and 16.9% were above normal range. For prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) more than 90% patients were in normal range value. Elevated ALP level and significantly lower albumin levels were observed. In age range of 13–14 years, 50% patients were below range for both calcium and serum creatinine. The prevalence of cousin marriages was 62.3%, about 60% mothers used antibiotics during pregnancy, B + ve and O + ve had the highest frequencies, and most of the patients were seen in age group of 2–35 months.ConclusionAll tested parameters show divergence from normal values their predictive capabilities of VSDs. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report data on hematological parameters and demographic risk factor associated with VSDs, in the Pakistani children. This data may have implication on the characterization and diagnosis of VSDs as well as on the assessment of related risk factors.
Diffusion-weighted MRI in staging of post hepatitis C fibrosis: does ADC value challenge liver biopsy?
Authors: Serag Dena , Ragab Eman 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
There is obvious interest in finding a non-invasive diagnostic tool to detect the development of hepatic fibrosis and distinguish between its various stages. Chronic inflammation of the liver secondary to viral hepatitis, autoimmune conditions, sclerosing cholangitis, drug toxicity, chronic alcohol intake, different metabolic disorders, and steatosis lead to fibrosis and maybe cirrhosis. The current study aimed to assess the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) in diagnosis of post hepatitis C fibrosis and detection of its stage.

Results
A prospective study had included 232 participants; 120 patients had chronic hepatitis C with/without HCC and 112 subjects had normal liver. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age or gender (p 0.192 and 0.227 respectively). DW-MRI was performed using 1.5 T machine. The mean liver ADC values and normalized liver ADC (liver ADC/spleen ADC) were measured at b value 800 s/mm2; both were significantly lower among cases than controls. Cutoff values of liver ADC were 1.531 × 10−3 mm2/s, 1.409 × 10−3 mm2/s, 1.192 × 10−3 mm2/s, and 1.093 × 10−3 mm2/s for METAVIR stages ≥ F1, ≥ F2, ≥ F3, and F4, respectively. Normalized liver ADC showed larger area under the curve (AUC) than mean liver ADC in all differentiation categories except for differentiating between F0 and all other fibrosis stages.

Conclusion
In line with the literature, DW-MR imaging using b value of 800 s/mm2 has proved to be a valuable diagnostic technique for detection and staging of post hepatitis C fibrosis/cirrhosis being noninvasive procedure with acceptable accuracy. DWI using liver/spleen ADC values raised the diagnostic performance with AUC more than 90% in all fibrosis stages on METAVIR score.
Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Diabetes Due To PTF1A Enhancer Mutations
Authors: Demirbilek Huseyin , Cayir Atilla , Flanagan Sarah E , Yıldırım Ruken , Kor Yılmaz , Gurbuz Fatih , Haliloğlu Belma , Yıldız Melek , Baran Rıza Taner , Akbas Emine Demet , Demiral Meliha , Ünal Edip , Arslan Gulcin , Vuralli Dogus , Buyukyilmaz Gonul , Al-Khawaga Sara , Saeed Amira , Al Maadheed Maryam , Khalifa Amel , Onal Hasan , Yuksel Bilgin , Ozbek Mehmet Nuri , Bereket Abdullah , Hattersley Andrew T , Hussain Khalid , De Franco Elisa 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Context
Biallelic mutations in the PTF1A enhancer are the commonest cause of isolated pancreatic agenesis. These patients do not have severe neurological features associated with loss-of-function PTF1A mutations. Their clinical phenotype and disease progression have not been well characterized.

Objective
To evaluate phenotype and genotype characteristics and long-term follow-up of patients with PTF1A enhancer mutations.

Setting
Twelve tertiary pediatric endocrine referral centers.

Patients
Thirty patients with diabetes caused by PTF1A enhancer mutations. Median follow-up duration was 4 years.

Main Outcome Measures
Presenting and follow-up clinical (birthweight, gestational age, symptoms, auxology) and biochemical (pancreatic endocrine and exocrine functions, liver function, glycated hemoglobin) characteristics, pancreas imaging, and genetic analysis.

Results
Five different homozygous mutations affecting conserved nucleotides in the PTF1A distal enhancer were identified. The commonest was the Chr10:g.23508437A&gt;G mutation (n = 18). Two patients were homozygous for the novel Chr10:g.23508336A&gt;G mutation. Birthweight was often low (median SDS = –3.4). The majority of patients presented with diabetes soon after birth (median age of diagnosis: 5 days). Only 2/30 presented after 6 months of age. All patients had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Five had developmental delay (4 mild) on long-term follow-up. Previously undescribed common features in our cohort were transiently elevated ferritin level (n = 12/12 tested), anemia (19/25), and cholestasis (14/24). Postnatal growth was impaired (median height SDS: –2.35, median BMI SDS: –0.52 SDS) with 20/29 (69%) cases having growth retardation.

Conclusion
We report the largest series of patients with diabetes caused by PTF1A enhancer mutations. Our results expand the disease phenotype, identifying recurrent extrapancreatic features which likely reflect long-term intestinal malabsorption.