bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic aortitis at giant cell arteritis diagnosis: a prognostic factor of aortic event
Authors:   French Study Group for Large Vessel Vasculitis (GEFA), Espitia Olivier , Blonz Gauthier , Urbanski Geoffrey , Landron Cédric , Connault Jérôme , Lavigne Christian , Roblot Pascal , Maillot François , Audemard-Verger Alexandra , Artifoni Mathieu , Durant Cécile , Guyomarch Béatrice , Hamidou Mohamed , Magnant Julie , Agard Christian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is frequently associated with aortic involvement that is likely to cause life-threatening structural complications (aneurysm, dissection). Few studies have investigated the occurrence of these complications, and no predictive factor has been identified so far. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the risk of aortic complications in a cohort of GCA aortitis.

Methods
Data of all patients managed with aortitis (CT or 18 FDG PET) at the diagnosis of GCA in five hospitals from May 1998 and April 2019 were retrospectively collected. Clinical features were compared according to the presence of aortitis symptoms. The predictive factors of occurrence or aggravation of aortic structural abnormalities were investigated.

Results
One hundred and seventy-one patients with GCA aortitis were included; 55 patients (32%) had symptoms of aortitis (dorsal/lumbar/abdominal pain, aortic insufficiency) at diagnosis. The median follow-up was 38 months. Aortic complications occurred after a median time of 32 months. There were 19 new aortic aneurysms or complications of aneurysm and 5 dissections. Survival without aortic complication was significantly different between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic groups (Log rank, p = 0.0003). In multivariate analysis the presence of aortitis symptoms at diagnosis (HR 6.64 [1.95, 22.6] p = 0.002) and GCA relapse (HR 3.62 [1.2, 10.9] p = 0.02) were factors associated with the occurrence of aortic complications.

Conclusion
In this study, the presence of aortitis symptoms at the diagnosis of GCA aortitis and GCA relapse were independent predictive factors of occurrence of aortic complications during follow-up.
Applicability of commercial clinical chemistry test kits for horse serum
Authors: Megerssa Yoseph Cherinet , Gari Fikru Regassa , Woldemariyam Fanos Tadesse 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveValidation of a test method is critical for confirming that the test can generate accurate and precise data. Although commercial biochemical test kits exist there are no specific and validated commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for horses. The aim of this study was to validate commercial clinical chemistry test kits designed for a human serum for use in horses.ResultsBlood samples were collected from 29 apparently healthy adult male horses and pooled serum was prepared. Validation comprises replication and recovery experiments. Total observable error (TEo), sigma (σ) metrics, and quality goal index (QGI) were used to support the validation studies. Intra- and inter-assay variability was 2.05% and 2.08%, 2.26% and 1.89%, 2.4% and 1.63%, for total cholesterol, urea and total protein, respectively; recovery was 99.46%, 97.32%, and 100.1% for total cholesterol, urea and total protein, respectively. TEo% for the specified analytes was within the total allowable error (TEa). All three analytes satisfied the recommended requirement (> 3σ). The QGI for urea, as it had below 6σ was 0.95 indicating imprecision and inaccuracy. The results endorse the suitability of the studied commercial test kits and illustrated the acceptance criteria for horse’s serum.
What's that smell? A pictorial review of the olfactory pathways and imaging assessment of the myriad pathologies that can affect them
Authors: Lie Geoffrey , Wilson Alexander , Campion Thomas , Adams Ashok 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe olfactory pathway is composed of peripheral sinonasal and central sensorineural components. The wide variety of different pathologies that can affect the olfactory pathway reflect this complex anatomical relationship. Localising olfactory pathology can present a challenge to the reporting radiologist. This imaging review will illustrate the normal anatomy of the olfactory system and describe a systematic approach to considering olfactory dysfunction. Key concepts in image interpretation will be demonstrated using examples of olfactory pathway pathologies.
Single-cell transcriptome analysis of uncultured human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Shaoyang , Wang Jing Yi , Li Baojie , Yin Feng , Liu Huijuan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUmbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have certain advantages over other MSCs and about 300 clinical trials have been registered using UC-MSCs to treat diseases such as osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative disorders, yet, only limited success has been achieved. One reason is that in vitro expanded UC-MSCs show tremendous heterogeneity and their relationship to in vivo UC-MSCs remains unknown. Here, we investigated freshly isolated, uncultured UC-MSCs by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and found two populations of UC-MSCs. Although UC-MSCs share many expressed genes and may have the same origin, they can be clearly separated based on differentially expressed genes including CD73 and other markers. Moreover, group 1 MSCs are enriched in expression of genes in immune response/regulatory activities, muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, stemness, and oxidative stress while group 2 MSCs are enriched with gene expression in extracellular matrix production, osteoblast and chondrocytes differentiation, and bone and cartilage growth. These findings suggest that UC-MSCs should be separated right after isolation and individually expanded in vitro to treat different diseases.
Combination of lyophilized adipose-derived stem cell concentrated conditioned medium and polysaccharide hydrogel in the inhibition of hypertrophic scarring
Authors: Zhang Chaoyu , Wang Ting , Zhang Li , Chen Penghong , Tang Shijie , Chen Aizhen , Li Ming , Peng Guohao , Gao Hangqi , Weng Haiyan , Zhang Haoruo , Li Shirong , Chen Jinghua , Chen Liangwan , Chen Xiaosong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Mesenchymal stem cell-based acellular therapies have been widely exploited in managing hypertrophic scars. However, low maintenance dose and transitory therapeutic effects during topical medication remain a thorny issue. Herein, this study aimed to optimize the curative effect of adipose-derived stem cell conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) in the prevention of hypertrophic scarring.

Methods
In the present study, ADSC-CM was concentrated via the freeze-drying procedure. The efficacy of different dose groups (CM, CM5, CM10) was conducted on the proliferation, apoptosis, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression of human keloid fibroblasts (HKFs) in vitro. Incorporation of adipose-derived stem cell concentrated conditioned medium (ADSCC-CM) into polysaccharide hydrogel was investigated in rabbit ear, in vivo. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining were performed for the evaluation of scar hyperplasia.

Results
We noted that ADSCC-CM could downregulate the α-SMA expression of HKFs in a dose-dependent manner. In the rabbit ear model, the scar hyperplasia in the medium-dose group (CM5) and high-dose group (CM10) was inhibited with reduced scar elevation index (SEI) under 4 months of observation. It is noteworthy that the union of CM5 and polysaccharide hydrogel (CM5+H) yielded the best preventive effect on scar hyperplasia. Briefly, melanin, height, vascularity, and pliability in the CM5+H group were better than those of the control group. Collagen was evenly distributed, and skin appendages could be regenerated.

Conclusions
Altogether, ADSCC-CM can downregulate the expression of α-SMA due to its anti-fibrosis effect and promote the rearrangement of collagen fibres, which is integral to scar precaution. The in situ cross bonding of ADSCC-CM and polysaccharide hydrogel could remarkably enhance the therapeutic outcomes in inhibiting scar proliferation. Hence, the alliance of ADSCC-CM and hydrogel may become a potential alternative in hypertrophic scar prophylaxis.
A novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist potently mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells in mice and monkeys
Authors: Fang Xiao , Fang Xiong , Mao Yujia , Ciechanover Aaron , Xu Yan , An Jing , Huang Ziwei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is an effective treatment strategy for many types of diseases. Peripheral blood (PB) is the most commonly used source of bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells for current HSC transplantation. However, PB usually contains very few HSCs under normal conditions, as these cells are normally retained within the BM. This retention depends on the interaction between the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expressed on the HSCs and its natural chemokine ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α (also named CXCL12) present in the BM stromal microenvironment. In clinical practice, blocking this interaction with a CXCR4 antagonist can induce the rapid mobilization of HSCs from the BM into the PB.MethodsC3H/HEJ, DBA/2, CD45.1+, and CD45.2+mice and monkeys were employed in colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, flow cytometry assays, and competitive/noncompetitive transplantation assays, to assess the short-term mobilization efficacy of HF51116 and the long-term repopulating (LTR) ability of HSCs. Kinetics of different blood cells and the concentration of HF51116 in PB were also explored by blood routine examinations and pharmacokinetic assays.ResultsIn this paper, we report that a novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist, HF51116, which was designed and synthesized by our laboratory, can rapidly and potently mobilize HSCs from BM to PB in mice and monkeys. HF51116 not only mobilized HSCs when used alone but also synergized with the mobilizing effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) after co-administration. Following mobilization by HF51116 and G-CSF, the long-term repopulating (LTR) and self-renewing HSCs were sufficiently engrafted in primary and secondary lethally irradiated mice and were able to rescue and support long-term mouse survival. In monkeys, HF51116 exhibited strong HSC mobilization activity and quickly reached the highest in vivo blood drug concentration.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that HF51116 is a new promising stem cell mobilizer which specifically targets CXCR4 and merits further preclinical and clinical studies.
LncRNA NORAD promotes bone marrow stem cell differentiation and proliferation by targeting miR-26a-5p in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Fu Dapeng , Yang Sheng , Lu Jianmin , Lian Haoyi , Qin Kairong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a devastating orthopedic disease, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. The study aims to investigate the effects of LncRNA NORAD on SONFH.MethodsHuman bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were isolated from the proximal femur of patients during routine orthopedic surgery and then cultured with dexamethasone (Dex) and transfected with NORAD overexpression vector, siRNA-NORAD and miR-26a-5p mimics. The mRNA expression of NORAD, miR-26a-5p, OPG, RANK, and RANKL was detected by RT-qPCR. Cell proliferation and apoptosis was measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The protein expression of RUNX2, OPG, RANK, and RANKL was detected by western blot. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the binding between NORAD and miR-26a-5p.ResultsNORAD expression was downregulated in SONFH tissues, while miR-26a-5p expression was upregulated. Overexpression of NORAD improved DEX-induced inhibition of proliferation and differentiation, and promotion of apoptosis in hBMSCs, while knockdown of NORAD led to the opposite results. Moreover, NORAD improved DEX-induced inhibition of proliferation and differentiation, and promotion of apoptosis by regulation of miR-26a-5p in hBMSCs.ConclusionsNORAD expression was downregulated in SONFH tissues, while miR-26a-5p expression was upregulated. NORAD improved DEX-induced inhibition of proliferation and differentiation, and promotion of apoptosis by regulation of miR-26a-5p in hBMSCs.
Local delivery of USC-derived exosomes harboring ANGPTL3 enhances spinal cord functional recovery after injury by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Cao Yong , Xu Yan , Chen Chunyuan , Xie Hui , Lu Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury is a devastating clinical condition for which there are currently no effective therapeutic options. In the present study, we aim to investigate if the effect of an administered injection of exosomes derived from human urine stem cell (USC-Exo) embedded in hydrogel could improve the spinal cord functional recovery after injury and the underlying mechanism.

Methods
Exosomes were isolated from USC and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Western blot. Functional assays in vitro were performed to assess the effects of USC-Exo on tube formation and migration, as well as their regulatory role in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation. A locally administered injection of exosome embedded in hydrogel was used for SCI treatment. The effects of USC-Exo on functional recovery and the role of the candidate protein ANGPTL3 harboring in USC-Exo for promoting angiogenesis in SCI model were assessed.

Results
In the current study, we demonstrate that a locally administered injection of USC-Exo embedded in hydrogel can pass the spinal cord blood-brain barrier and deliver ANGPTL3 to the injured spinal cord region. In addition, the administration of human USC-Exo could enhance spinal cord neurological functional recovery by promoting angiogenesis. The results of mechanistic studies revealed that ANGPTL3 is enriched in USC-Exo and is required for their ability to promote angiogenesis. Functional studies further confirmed that the effects of USC-Exo on angiogenesis are mediated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results indicate that USC-Exo serve as a crucial regulator of angiogenesis by delivering ANGPTL3 and may represent a promising novel therapeutic agent for SCI repair.
Establishing a deeper understanding of the osteogenic differentiation of monolayer cultured human pluripotent stem cells using novel and detailed analyses
Authors: Zhou Ping , Shi Jia-Min , Song Jing-E , Han Yu , Li Hong-Jiao , Song Ya-Meng , Feng Fang , Wang Jian-Lin , Zhang Rui , Lan Feng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Derivation of osteoblast-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a popular topic in bone tissue engineering. Although many improvements have been achieved, the low induction efficiency because of spontaneous differentiation hampers their applications. To solve this problem, a detailed understanding of the osteogenic differentiation process of hPSCs is urgently needed.

Methods
Monolayer cultured human embryonic stem cells and human-induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated in commonly applied serum-containing osteogenic medium for 35 days. In addition to traditional assays such as cell viability detection, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and alizarin red staining, we also applied studies of cell counting, cell telomerase activity, and flow cytometry as essential indicators to analyse the cell type changes in each week.

Results
The population of differentiated cells was quite heterogeneous throughout the 35 days of induction. Then, cell telomerase activity and cell cycle analyses have value in evaluating the cell type and tumourigenicity of the obtained cells. Finally, a dynamic map was made to integrate the analysis of these results during osteogenic differentiation of hPSCs, and the cell types at defined stages were concluded.

Conclusions
Our results lay the foundation to improve the in vitro osteogenic differentiation efficiency of hPSCs by supplementing with functional compounds at the desired stage, and then establishing a stepwise induction system in the future.
Stress tolerance of Xerocomus badius and its promotion effect on seed germination and seedling growth of annual ryegrass under salt and drought stresses
Authors: Liu Binghua , Liu Xinghong , Liu Fangchun , Ma Hailin , Ma Bingyao , Peng Lin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComparative evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of different pH levels, NaCl-induced salt stress, and PEG-induced drought stress on the mycelial growth of Xerocomus badius. The results showed that X. badius mycelium grew well at a wide pH range of 5.00 ~ 9.00. Although the mycelium remained viable, mycelial growth of X. badius was significantly inhibited with increasing salt and drought stresses. Furthermore, a soilless experiment in Petri dishes was performed to investigate the potential of X. badius to induce beneficial effects on seed germination and seedling growth of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) under salt and drought stresses. Seed priming with X. badius enhanced the seedling growth of L. multiflorum Lam. under NaCl-induced salt stress and PEG-induced drought stress. However, X. badius did not significantly improve the seed germination under non-stress and mild stress conditions. It suggested that X. badius inoculation with seeds was not essential for seed germination under non-stress and mild stress conditions, but contributed highly to seedling growth under severe stress conditions. Therefore, seed priming with X. badius on ryegrass could be an effective approach to enhance plant tolerance against drought and salt stresses. X. badius could be a good candidate for the inoculation of ectomycorrhizal plants cultivation programs in mild saline and semiarid areas.
Body weight estimation of yak based on cloud edge computing
Authors: Zhang Yu-an , Sun Zijie , Zhang Chen , Yin Shujun , Wang Wenzhi , Song Rende 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn stock farming, the body size parameters and weight of yaks can reasonably reflect the growth and development characteristics, production performance and genetic characteristics of yaks. However, it is difficult for herders to measure the body size and weight of yaks by traditional manual methods. Fortunately, with the development of edge computing, herders can use mobile devices to estimate the yak’s body size and weight. The purpose of this paper is to provide a machine vision-based yak weight estimation method for the edge equipment and establish a yak estimation comprehensive display system based on the user’s use of the edge equipment in order to maximize the convenience of herdsmen’s work. In our method, a set of yak image foreground extraction and measurement point recognition algorithm suitable for edge equipment were developed to obtain yak’s measurement point recognition image, and the ratio between body sizes was transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the body size and weight of yaks were estimated using the data mining method, and the body size estimation data were constantly displayed in the yak estimation comprehensive display system. Twenty-five yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from the herd to perform experiments. The experimental results show that the foreground extraction method can obtain segmentation image with good boundary, and the yak measurement point recognition algorithm has good accuracy and stability. The average error between the estimated values and the actual measured values of body height, oblique length, chest depth, cross height and body weight is 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%, 3.35% and 7.79%, respectively. Compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the use of mobile end to estimate the body size and weight of yaks can improve the measurement efficiency, facilitate the herdsmen to breed yaks, reduce the stimulation of manual measurement on yaks and lay a solid foundation for the fine breeding of yaks in Sanjiangyuan region.
Qualitative properties of mathematical model of English language education
Authors: Ghasemabadi Atena , Soltanian Nahid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a mathematical model that examines the impacts of traditional and modern educational programs. We calculate two reproduction numbers. By using the Chavez and Song theorem, we show that backward bifurcation occurs. In addition, we investigate the existence and local and global stability of boundary equilibria and coexistence equilibrium point and the global stability of the coexistence equilibrium point using compound matrices.
The impacts of altitude and seed pretreatments on seedling emergence of Syrian juniper (Juniperus drupacea (Labill.) Ant. et Kotschy)
Authors: Yucedag Cengiz , Cetin Mehmet , Ozel Halil Baris , Abo Aisha Adel Easa Saad , Alrabiti Osama B. Muragaa , AL.JAMA Akram Mohamed Omar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Syrian juniper is an economically important species and in danger of extinction. For these reasons, the best seedling production methods of the species should be determined and its plantations should be established. The aim of the study is to examine the impacts of altitude and different pretreatment combinations of cold and warm stratifications, citric acid, shaking seeds in bottles with crushed glass, and different stimulating agents including Baikal EM1, Biohumus, Polystimulin A6 and K hormones (PS-A6 and PS-K) on seed germination of Syrian juniper. To conduct the study, the cones of the Syrian junipers were collected from three different altitudes (1000, 1200, and 1400 m a.s.l.) within the boundaries of Forest Management Directorate of Bozyazı, Mersin in Turkey. The seeds were subjected to three replicates per one treatment (altitude in interaction with pretreatment). There were 100 seeds per replicate.

Results
Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of altitude, pretreatment, and their interaction on seedling emergence of Syrian juniper. Seeds from higher altitudes had higher germination rates in all pretreatments. The highest percent emergence (85%) was recorded in the combination consisting of shaking with crushed glass, both cold and warm stratification, and successive application of stimulators PS-A6 and PS-K. All the treatments with most germinating seeds encompassed shaking in crushed glass or soaking in citric acid, both warm and cold stratifications, and application of stimulating agents.

Conclusions
The use of seeds from higher altitudes should be considered for seedling production of Syrian juniper due to their higher germination potential. Beyond altitudinal differences, specific pretreatments can rise germination potential more than twofold.