bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract PR001: Cancer stem cells as origin of tumor associated immune cells
Authors: Hassan Ghmkin , Afify Said M. , Seno Akimasa , Seno Masaharu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Development of cancer stem cell (CSC) models from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for different types of cancers will help to investigate the tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment heterogeneity. In this context, our lab have developed a novel method to generate CSCs from iPSCs under cancer microenvironment using conditioned medium from different cancer cell lines. On the other hand, the ability of CSCs to exhibit different hematopoietic cells is still unclear. In our previous study, BT549 cell line conditioned media was used to obtain CSCs. CSCs (miPSCs-BT) converted from mouse iPSCs were tumorigenic and expressed stemmens and cancer stem cell markers. CSCs converted from miPSCs and injected into mice were used. CSCs isolated from malignant tumor were cultured in absence of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor(LIF) where undifferentiated cells were selected using puromycin. Non-adherent cells (NACs) arising from adherent CSCs collected and their viability, the morphology and the expression of hematopoietic cell markers were investigated. NACs were also injected into the tail vein of busulfan conditioned Balb/c nude mice. CSCs were also induced to differentiate into macrophages while using IL3 and SCF. The round nucleated NACs were viable, positive for hematopoietic lineage markers and had CD34 positive subpopulation as well as the ability of homing to the bone marrow. Moreover, after 4 weeks of injection, Wright-Giemsa staining showed that the number of white blood cells was higher in injected mice with NACs comparing to the control. CSCs also showed the ability to differentiate toward macrophages. In conclusion, CSCs were demonstrated to have the potential to provide progenies with hematopoietic markers, morphology, and homing ability to the bone marrow, which could give new insight into the tumor microenvironment according to the plasticity of CSCs.
This abstract is also being presented as PO057.
Citation Format: Ghmkin Hassan, Said M. Afify, Akimasa Seno, Masaharu Seno. Cancer stem cells as origin of tumor associated immune cells [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Virtual Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2020 Oct 19-20. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2021;9(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR001.
BCL11B Regulates Arterial Stiffness and Related Target Organ Damage
Authors: Valisno Jeff Arni C. , May Joel , Singh Kuldeep , Helm Eric Y. , Venegas Lisia , Budbazar Enkhjargal , Goodman Jena B. , Nicholson Christopher J. , Avram Dorina , Cohen Richard A. , Mitchell Gary F. , Morgan Kathleen G. , Seta Francesca 
Published: February 2021

Rationale:

BCL11B (B-cell leukemia 11b) is a transcription factor known as an essential regulator of T lymphocytes and neuronal development during embryogenesis. A genome-wide association study showed that a gene desert region downstream of
BCL11B
, known to function as a
BCL11B
enhancer, harbors single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased arterial stiffness. However, a role for BCL11B in the adult cardiovascular system is unknown.

Objective:
Based on these human findings, we sought to examine the relation between BCL11B and arterial function.

Methods and Results:

Here we report that BCL11B is expressed in the vascular smooth muscle where it regulates vascular stiffness. RNA sequencing of aortas from wild-type and
Bcl11b
null mice (BSMKO) identified the cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate)-cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) as the most significant differentially regulated signaling pathway in BSMKO compared with wild-type mice. BSMKO aortas showed decreased levels of PKG1, increased levels of Ca
++
-calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin (PP2B) and decreased levels of their common phosphorylation target, phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (pVASP
S239
), a regulator of cytoskelatal actin rearrangements. Decreased pVASP
S239
in BSMKO aortas was associated with increased actin polymerization (filamentous/globular actin ratio). Functionally, aortic force, stress, wall tension, and stiffness, measured ex vivo in organ baths, were increased in BSMKO aortas, and BSMKO mice had increased pulse wave velocity, the in vivo index of arterial stiffness. Despite having no effect on blood pressure or microalbuminuria, increased arterial stiffness in BSMKO mice was associated with increased incidence of cerebral microbleeds compared with age-matched wild-type littermates.

Conclusions:
We have identified vascular smooth muscle BCL11B as a crucial regulator of aortic smooth muscle function and a potential therapeutic target for vascular stiffness.
Rurality, Death, and Healthcare Utilization in Heart Failure in the Community
Authors: Manemann Sheila M. , St. Sauver Jennifer , Henning‐Smith Carrie , Finney Rutten Lila J. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Fabbri Matteo , Weston Susan A. , Jiang Ruoxiang , Roger Véronique L. 
Published: February 2021

Background
Prior reports indicate that living in a rural area may be associated with worse health outcomes. However, data on rurality and heart failure (HF) outcomes are scarce.

Methods and Results

Residents from 6 southeastern Minnesota counties with a first‐ever code for HF (
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
[
ICD‐9
], code 428, and
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision
[
ICD‐10
] code I50) between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, were identified. Resident address was classified according to the rural‐urban commuting area codes. Rurality was defined as living in a nonmetropolitan area. Cox regression was used to analyze the association between living in a rural versus urban area and death; Andersen‐Gill models were used for hospitalization and emergency department visits. Among 6003 patients with HF (mean age 74 years, 48% women), 43% lived in a rural area. Rural patients were older and had a lower educational attainment and less comorbidity compared with patients living in urban areas (
P
<0.001). After a mean (SD) follow‐up of 2.8 (1.7) years, 2440 deaths, 20 506 emergency department visits, and 11 311 hospitalizations occurred. After adjustment, rurality was independently associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09–1.29) and a reduced risk of emergency department visits (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) and hospitalizations (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73–0.84).

Conclusions
Among patients with HF, living in a rural area is associated with an increased risk of death and fewer emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Further study to identify and address the mechanisms through which rural residence influences mortality and healthcare utilization in HF is needed in order to reduce disparities in rural health.
Sociosexual behaviour in wild chimpanzees occurs in variable contexts and is frequent between same-sex partners
Authors: Sandel Aaron A. , Reddy Rachna B. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Many animals engage in sociosexual behaviour, including that between same-sex pairs. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are famous for their sociosexual behaviour, but chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) apparently do not engage in sociosexual behaviour frequently. However, sociosexual behaviour in chimpanzees may have been overlooked. We observed 584 instances of sociosexual behaviour in chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda during three years of study. All ages and sexes engaged in sociosexual behaviour, which included mounting, touching of genitals, and pressing genitals together. Most sociosexual behaviour was between adult males. Sociosexual behaviour was often during tense contexts, such as subgroup reunions and during territorial behaviour. Among males, grooming and dominance rank relationships do not explain patterns of sociosexual behaviour. Although sociosexual behaviour may be less frequent in chimpanzees than in bonobos, and bonobos remain distinct in their genito-genital rubbing, our findings suggest that sociosexual behaviour is a regular part of chimpanzee behaviour.
Female Asceticism in Late Antique Georgian Literature
Authors: Matitashvili Shota 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article examines the forms of female asceticism preserved in the so-called extended recension of the Life of St. Nino – a young Christian Virgin who converted the eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia in the beginning of the fourth century. This study attempts to reinterpret the traditionally-established point of view about the origins of this composition and investigates several aspects of early Georgian Christianity. According to traditional scholarly opinion, the Vita of St. Nino was composed during the eighth and ninth centuries in order to reinforce the cult of the holy virgin who converted Iberia but the contextualization of the vita into the literary realm of late antiquity reveals more ancient origins of various episodes and layers of the vita. We see martyrs, missionaries, miracle workers, prophets and apostles in the images of Nino and her fellow women. Nino is a typical representative of the female ascetic community formed in early Christendom. Apparently, after the invention of the Georgian alphabet, the literary interactions between Georgians and other eastern Christian peoples intensified. As the Martyrdom of the holy Queen Šušanik reveals, already in the fifth century Georgians had translated the acts of martyrs which certainly influenced the subsequent development of Georgian literature. Of course, the Life has an overwhelmingly legendary and fictional character but its ‘sacred fictions’ originated much earlier than has generally been thought in scholarship.
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), a medicinal fruit and food with traditional and modern pharmaceutical uses
Authors: Sun Wenli , Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Cheng Qi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Barberry is a resistant shrub which is able to grow up in semi-arid region with low-water or salty fields. Its red fruit widely used in Iranian foods because of its color and delicious taste. Berberis known as Zereshk in Persian has been consumed as both a remedy and traditional food additive. Its fruits are used mainly in Persian food in preparing juices, jam, chocolates, sauces and also a garniture. In both traditional and folkore medicine, it has been applied for its many biological and pharmacological activities. The most important compounds of B. Vulgaris are lupeol, oleanolic acid, stigmasterol, stigmasterolglucoside, berberamine, palmatine, berberine, oxyberberine, columbamine, isocorydie, lambertine, magniflorine, and oxycanthine. Barberry which are high in nutrients, contain beneficial plant compounds, which may help to manage diabetes, treat diarrhea, protect against metabolic syndrome, maintain dental health, and help fight acne. It also has anti-cancer effects, and it is appropriate to add to the diet. This review summarizes the beneficial effects of Barberry which is recommended for consumption.
Contrasting Cloud Regimes and Associated Rainfall over the South Asian and East Asian Monsoon Regions
Authors: Wu Ruoting , Chen Guixing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Asian monsoon has large spatial and temporal variabilities in winds and precipitation. This study reveals that the Asian monsoon also exhibits pronounced regional differences in cloud regimes and cloud–rainfall relationship at a wide range of time scales from diurnal to seasonal to interannual. Over South (East) Asia, the convectively active regime of deep convection (CD) occurs frequently in June–September (March–September) with a late-afternoon peak (morning feature). The intermediate mixture (IM) regime over South Asia mainly occurs in summer and maximizes near noon. It develops as CD at late afternoon and dissipates as convective cirrus (CC) after midnight, showing a life cycle of thermal convection in response to solar radiation. Over East Asia, IM is dominant in cold seasons with a small diurnal cycle, indicating a prevalence of midlevel stratiform clouds. Further analyses show that CD and CC contribute 80%–90% of the rainfall amount and most of the intense rainfall in the two key regions. The CD-related rainfall also accounts for the pronounced diurnal cycles of summer rainfall with a late-afternoon peak (morning feature) over northern India (Southeast China). The afternoon CD-related rainfall mainly results from thermal convection under the moderate humidity but warm conditions particularly over northern India, while the morning CD-related rainfall over Southeast China is more related to the processes with high humidity. The CD/CC-related rainfall also exhibits large interannual variations that explain ~90% of the interannual variance of summer rainfall. The interannual variations of CD/CC occurrence are positively correlated with the moist southerlies and induced convergence, especially over Southeast China, suggesting a close relationship between cloud regimes and monsoon activities.
Diagnostic accuracy of centralised assays for TB detection and detection of resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kohli Mikashmi , MacLean Emily , Pai Madhukar , Schumacher Samuel G. , Denkinger Claudia M. 
Published: February 2021

Various diagnostic companies have developed high throughput molecular assays for tuberculosis (TB) and resistance detection for rifampicin and isoniazid. We performed a systematic review and meta-analyses to assess the diagnostic accuracy of five of these tests for pulmonary specimens. The tests included were Abbott RealTime MTB, Abbott RealTime RIF/INH, FluoroType MTB, FluoroType MTDBR and BD Max MDR-TB assay.A comprehensive search of six databases for relevant citations was performed. Cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, and randomised controlled trials of any of the index tests were included. Respiratory specimens (such as sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirate,etc.) or their culture isolates.A total of 21 included studies contributed 26 datasets. We could only meta-analyse data for three of the five assays identified, as data were limited for the remaining two. For TB detection, the included assays had a sensitivity of 91% or more and the specificity ranged from 97% to 100%. For rifampicin resistance detection, all the included assays had a sensitivity of more than 92%, with a specificity of 99–100%. Sensitivity for isoniazid resistance detection varied from 70 to 91%, with higher specificity of 99–100% across all index tests. Studies that included head-to-head comparisons of these assays with Xpert MTB/RIF for detection of TB and rifampicin resistance suggested comparable diagnostic accuracy.In people with symptoms of pulmonary TB, the centralised molecular assays demonstrate comparable diagnostic accuracy for detection of TB, rifampicin and isoniazid resistance to Xpert MTB/RIF assay, a WHO recommended molecular test.
Effect of asthma and asthma medication on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Choi Yong Jun , Park Ju-Young , Lee Hye Sun , Suh Jin , Song Jeung Yoon , Byun Min Kwang , Cho Jae Hwa , Kim Hyung Jung , Lee Jae-Hyun , Park Jung-Won , Park Hye Jung 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide rapidly. However, the effects of asthma, asthma medication and asthma severity on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 have not yet been established.MethodsThe study included 7590 de-identified patients, who were confirmed to have COVID-19 using the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA-PCR tests conducted up to May 15, 2020; we used the linked-medical claims data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Asthma and asthma severity (steps suggested by the Global Initiative for Asthma) were defined using the diagnostic code and history of asthma medication usage.ResultsAmong 7590 COVID-19 patients, 218 (2.9%) had underlying asthma. The total medical cost associated with COVID-19 patients with underlying asthma was significantly higher than that of other patients. Mortality rate for COVID-19 patients with underlying asthma (7.8%) was significantly higher than that of other patients (2.8%; p<0.001). However, asthma was not an independent risk factor for the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 after adjustment, nor did asthma medication use and asthma severity affect the clinical outcomes of COVID-19. However, use of oral short-acting β2-agonists was an independent factor to increase the total medical cost burden. Patients with step 5 asthma showed significant prolonged duration of admission compared to those with step 1 asthma in both univariate and multivariate analysis.ConclusionsAsthma led to poor outcomes of COVID-19; however, underlying asthma, use of asthma medication and asthma severity were not independent factors for poor clinical outcomes of COVID-19, generally.
Core outcome set for the management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the COS-AECOPD ERS Task Force study protocol
Authors: Mathioudakis Alexander G. , Abroug Fekri , Agusti Alvar , Bakke Per , Bartziokas Konstantinos , Beghe Bianca , Bikov Andras , Bradbury Thomas , Brusselle Guy , Cadus Cordula , Coleman Courtney , Contoli Marco , Corlateanu Alexandru , Corlateanu Olga , Criner Gerard , Csoma Balazs , Emelyanov Alexander , Faner Rosa , Romero Gustavo Fernandez , Hammouda Zeineb , Horv�th Peter , Huerta Arturo Garcia , Jacobs Michael , Jenkins Christine , Joos Guy , Kharevich Olga , Kostikas Konstantinos , Lapteva Elena , Lazar Zsofia , Leuppi Joerg D. , Liddle Carol , L�pez-Giraldo Alejandra , McDonald Vanessa M. , Nielsen Rune , Papi Alberto , Saraiva Isabel , Sergeeva Galina , Sioutkou Agni , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Stovold Elizabeth , Wang Hao , Wen Fuqiang , Yorke Janelle , Williamson Paula R. , Vestbo J�rgen , Jensen Jens-Ulrik 
Published: February 2021

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the management of COPD exacerbations evaluate heterogeneous outcomes, often omitting those that are clinically important and patient relevant. This limits their usability and comparability. A core outcome set (COS) is a consensus-based minimum set of clinically important outcomes that should be evaluated in all RCTs in specific areas of health care. We present the study protocol of the COS-AECOPD ERS Task Force, aiming to develop a COS for COPD exacerbation management, that could remedy these limitations.
For the development of this COS we follow standard methodology recommended by the COMET initiative. A comprehensive list of outcomes is assembled through a methodological systematic review of the outcomes reported in relevant RCTs. Qualitative research with patients with COPD will also be conducted, aiming to identify additional outcomes that may be important to patients, but are not currently addressed in clinical research studies. Prioritisation of the core outcomes will be facilitated through an extensive, multi-stakeholder Delphi survey with a global reach. Selection will be finalised in an international, multi-stakeholder meeting. For every core outcome, we will recommend a specific measurement instrument and standardised time points for evaluation. Selection of instruments will be based on evidence-informed consensus.
Our work will improve the quality, usability and comparability of future RCTs on the management of COPD exacerbations and, ultimately, the care of patients with COPD. Multi-stakeholder engagement and societal support by the European Respiratory Society will raise awareness and promote implementation of the COS.
Study of Thermometry in Two-Dimensional Sb2Te3 from Temperature-Dependent Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Singh Manavendra P. , Mandal Manab , Sethupathi K. , Rao M. S. Ramachandra , Nayak Pramoda K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDiscovery of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) demonstrates tremendous potential in the field of thermoelectric since the last decade. Here, we have synthesized 2D TI, Sb2Te3 of various thicknesses in the range 65–400 nm using mechanical exfoliation and studied temperature coefficient in the range 100–300 K using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the peak position and line width of phonon modes have been analyzed to determine the temperature coefficient, which is found to be in the order of 10–2 cm−1/K, and it decreases with a decrease in Sb2Te3 thickness. Such low-temperature coefficient would favor to achieve a high figure of merit (ZT) and pave the way to use this material as an excellent candidate for thermoelectric materials. We have estimated the thermal conductivity of Sb2Te3 flake with the thickness of 115 nm supported on 300-nm SiO2/Si substrate which is found to be ~ 10 W/m–K. The slightly higher thermal conductivity value suggests that the supporting substrate significantly affects the heat dissipation of the Sb2Te3 flake.
Inflexibility of the plasma miRNA response following a high-carbohydrate meal in overweight insulin-resistant women
Authors: Ramzan F. , D’Souza R. F. , Durainayagam B. R. , Milan A. M. , Roy N. C. , Kruger M. C. , Henry C. J. , Mitchell C. J. , Cameron-Smith D. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Context
Metabolic inflexibility is a characteristic of insulin resistance, limiting the ability to transiently regulate oxidative metabolism and gene expression in response to nutrient availability. Little is known of the flexibility of post-transcriptional regulation, including circulatory miRNAs (c-miRNAs).

Design
The abundances of targeted c-miRNAs, with reported functions in metabolic regulation, were analysed in response to a high-carbohydrate meal in healthy weight insulin-sensitive (IS) and overweight insulin-resistant (IR) women.

Participants
Age-matched healthy weight IS (n = 20, BMI = 24.3 ± 0.70) and overweight IR (n = 20, BMI = 28.6 ± 0.67) women.

Methods
An abundance of c-miRNAs was quantified prior to and following a high-carbohydrate breakfast meal (2500 kJ; 50% carbohydrate, 20% fat and 27% protein). Target genes of the differentially regulated c-miRNA were measured in RNA extracted from circulatory peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results
In healthy weight IS women, both miR-15a-5p (p = 0.03) and miR-17-5p (p < 0.01) levels were halved at 4 h post-meal. These miRNA remained unaltered following the same meal in the overweight IR women. Furthermore, amongst genes targeted by these miRNA, CPT1A (p = 0.01) and IL8 (p = 0.03) had also reduced expression 4 h post-meal only in the healthy weight IS women.

Conclusions
The study findings provide preliminary evidence for a possible extension of metabolic inflexibility to include c-miRNAs.

Trial registration
The clinical trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry under Trial registration: ANZCTR: ACTRN12615001108505. Registered on 21 October 2015.