bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urine-derived Stem Cells versus their lysate in Ameliorating Erectile Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Type II Diabetes
Authors: Galhom Rania A. , Korayem Horeya Erfan , Badawi Manal H. Al 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study compared the effect of transplantation of urine-derived stem cells (USCs) and their lysate (USCs-L) into the corpora cavernosa (CC) of rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED). A rat model of DED was established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After proving DED, USCs and USCs-L were transplanted into CC of two groups of rats. Our histopathological and morphometric results showed marked obliteration of the cavernous spaces with bands of collagen fibres, significant increase of collagen/smooth muscle ratio and decrease the mean area percentage of α-SMA in the CC of diabetic rats. The ultrastructure of the endothelium lining the cavernous spaces of the same group revealed irregular surface with villi-like projections along with thickening and splitting of their basal lamina. The diabetic rats exhibited deterioration of the all the parameters of copulatory function compared to the control rats. Transplantation of USCs and USCs-L significantly restored the structure and the ultrastructure of the CC and improved the sexual function compared to the diabetic rats without significant difference between them. The transplanted USCs were detected in a good number in the CC four weeks after transplantation, while their number decreased by the 8th week. As a conclusion, USCs and USCs-L can repair the structure and the ultrastructure of CC and improve the sexual function in a rat model of DED without significant different between them. however, the USCs-L could be better used as a treatment strategy in DED to avoid the undetected behaviour of USCs and decreased their survivability after transplantation.
Pluripotin facilitates the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells, but restricts the growth of fibroblasts and the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells from the bone marrow
Authors: Turan Dilek Raife , Kocabas Fatih 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Abstract

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) quiescence modulators play a key role in the modulation of HSPC numbers. Targeting HSPC modulators with small molecules could contribute to the cell cycle entry and expansion of HSPC. To this end, we have investigated the effect of two small molecules Pluripotin and CHIR-99021 on HSPC expansion. Both Pluripotin and CHIR-99021 have been shown to result in a 3-fold rise in the murine pool of HSPC in a dose-dependent compartment after 7 days of treatments. In addition, we investigated the influence of Pluripotin treatment on the ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells. In specific, Pluripotin treatment increased human CD34 + and ALDHbr HSPC content up to 3-fold compared to control. In addition, human CD133 + HSPC cell content was increased to 5-fold following treatment with Pluripotin. Intriguingly, we find that Pluripotin treatment inversely changes bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and lowers fibroblast growth although there is no effect on adipose-derived MSCs. CHIR-99021 treatment did not have any effect in proliferation of MSCs or fibroblasts. In conclusion, Pluripotin-induced stem cell expansion is unique to HSPCs that can be used to expand HSPCs and reduce unwanted fibroblast or MSC growth in the primary ex vivo cultures.
Identification of DNA topoisomerase II-alpha as a regulatory target in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Changzhou , Zhao Haichao , Yang Chuanli , He Jiefeng , Zhao Haoliang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Although DNA topoisomerase II-alpha (TOP2A) has been reported to be associated with tumour pathological processes, systematic research in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis remains scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of differential TOP2A expression in HCC.Results: Our findings revealed that TOP2A was significantly overexpressed in patients with HCC. Higher TOP2A expression is an independent risk factor for survival and prognosis. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed TOP2A was mainly enriched in cell cycle, DNA replication, immunity, and metabolic-related pathway. We then conducted an integrated analysis of TOP2A, it showed specific relationship between TOP2A and immune-infiltrating cells in HCC. Furthermore, the latent function of query drugs in HCC was explored by integrating drug‑target, drug‑pathway and drug‑protein interactions.Conclusions: Mechanistically, we suggest that overexpression of TOP2A in patients with liver cancer can trigger an anti-tumour immune response by modulating the effective immune response and lymphocyte infiltration. Our findings suggest that TOP2A may play essential biological roles in HCC progression and represent potentially important candidate target in HCC therapy.
Differences in Host Immune Populations Between Rhesus Macaques and Cynomolgus Macaque Subspecies, in Relation to Susceptibility to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection.
Authors: Sibley Laura , Daykin-Pont Owen , Sarfas Charlotte , Pascoe Jordan , Morrison Alexandra , White Andrew D. , Sharpe Sally 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus (Macaca fasicularis) macaques of distinct genetic origin are understood to vary in susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and therefore differences in their immune systems may account for the differences in disease control. Monocyte:lymphocyte (M:L) ratio has been identified as a risk factor for M. tuberculosis infection and is known to vary between macaque species. We aimed to characterise the constituent monocyte and lymphocyte populations between macaque species, and profile other major immune cell subsets including: CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK-cells, B-cells, monocyte subsets and myeloid dendritic cells. We found immune cell subsets to vary significantly between macaque species. Frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and the CD4:CD8 ratio showed significant separation between species, while myeloid dendritic cells best associated macaque populations by M. tuberculosis susceptibility. A more comprehensive understanding of the immune parameters between macaque species may contribute to the identification of new biomarkers and correlates of protection.
Biomechanical effect of cage position combined with bilateral pedicle screw fixation in the osteoporotic lumbar spine of oblique lumbar interbody fusion: a finite element analysis
Authors: Qin Yichuan , Zhao Bin , Yuan Jie , Xu Chaojian , Su Junqiang , Hao Jiaqi , Lv Jie , Wang Yongfeng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The influence of cage position on postoperative cage subsidence has been paid increasing attention. The best cage position in oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical effects of different cage positions with stand-alone (SA) methods and bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) in the osteoporotic lumbar spine after OLIF.Methods: A finite element (FE) model of an intact L3-L5 lumbar spine was constructed. After validation, an osteoporosis model (OP) was constructed by assigning osteoporotic material properties. SA models (SA1, SA2, SA3) and BPSF models (BPSF1, BPSF2, BPSF3) in which a cage was placed in the anterior, middle and posterior third of the L5 superior endplate (SEP) were constructed at the L4-L5 segment of the OP. The L4-L5 range of motion (ROM), the stress of the L5 SEP, the stress of the cage and the stress of fixation were compared among the different models.Results: According to the degree of ROM of L4-L5, the stress of the L5 SEP and the stress of the cage for most physiological motions, the SA and BPSF models were ranked as follows: SA2＜SA1＜SA3, BPSF2＜BPSF1＜BPSF3. In BPSF2, the stress of fixation was minimal in most motions. At the same cage position, the ROM of L4-L5, the stress of the L5 SEP and the stress of the cage in the BPSF models were significantly reduced compared with those in SA models; compared with SA2, BPSF2 had a maximum reduction of 83.24%, 70.71% and 73.52% in these parameters, respectively.Conclusions: Placing the cage in the middle third of the L5 SEP for OLIF could reduce the maximum stresses of the L5 SEP, the cage and the fixation, which may reduce the risk of postoperative cage subsidence, endplate collapse and fixation fracture in the osteoporotic lumbar spine. Compared with SA OLIF, BPSF could provide sufficient stability for the surgical segment and may reduce the incidence of the aforementioned complications.
Using Machine Learning to Characterize Atrial Fibrotic Substrate from Intracardiac Signals using a Hybrid in silico and in vivo Dataset
Authors: Sánchez Jorge , Luongo Giorgio , Nothstein Mark , Unger Laura , Saiz Javier , Trenor Beatriz , Luik Armin , Dössel Olaf , Loewe Axel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In patients with atrial fibrillation, intracardiac electrogram signal amplitude is known to decrease with increased structural tissue remodeling, referred to as fibrosis. In addition to the isolation of the pulmonary veins, fibrotic sites are considered a suitable target for catheter ablation. However, it remains an open challenge to find fibrotic areas and to differentiate their density and transmurality. This study aims to identify the volume fraction and transmurality of fibrosis in the atrial substrate. Simulated cardiac electrograms, combined with a generalized model of clinical noise, reproduce clinically measured signals. Our hybrid dataset approach combines in silico and clinical electrograms to train a decision tree classifier to characterize the fibrotic atrial substrate. This approach captures different in vivo dynamics of the electrical propagation reflected on healthy electrogram morphology and synergistically combines it with synthetic fibrotic electrograms from in silico experiments. The machine learning algorithm was tested on five patients and compared against clinical voltage maps as a proof of concept, distinguishing non-fibrotic from fibrotic tissue and characterizing the patient’s fibrotic tissue in terms of density and transmurality. The proposed approach can be used to overcome a single voltage cut-off value to identify fibrotic tissue and guide ablation targeting fibrotic areas.
Assessment of Knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning travel health among Hajj pilgrims (1439 H- 2018 G) at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in AL-Madina, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abd-Ellatif Eman Elsayed , Alhomidan Lamya , Al-Assaf Lujain , AlGhamdi Lamees , Alharbi Alwaleed , Albeladi Omar , AlQusibri Asmaa , Rahman Shady Abd El , Almudarra Sami S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) hosts the Hajj pilgrimage, the largest annual mass gathering in the world. The Ministry of Health (MoH) of KSA issues requirements and recommendations for entry visas relevant to travelers visiting KSA during Hajj. These recommendations include vaccinations, health checks, and specific immunizations either at or prior to entry into KSA. We assessed Hajj pilgrims’ knowledge, attitude and practices regarding preventive, curative, hygienic and health promoting measures. Methods We administered a questionnaire to a cross-section of Hajj pilgrims(2018 G)traveling through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al-Madina, KSA. Variables collected included demographics, Hajj health preparations, and knowledge and attitudes towards travel-related health behaviors. Results Of 101 respondents, 20% were Saudi and 64%were male. Regarding travel profile, 75% were attending hajj for the first time. About half (52%) stayed in KSA for more than 2 weeks. Knowledge regarding travel heath of respondents was high: 82% scored as excellent and 11% scored as good. Positive attitude toward travel medicine was reported by 60% of participants; 56% of them sought pre-travel advice. Regarding health protection behaviors, 79%reported using protective measures against respiratory infections, 70%for insects, 95%for food and waterborne Diseases, 99%against heat-related conditions and 100%for injuries.Conclusion We found that less than half of participants obtained pre-travel advice, despite the health requirements for obtaining Hajj visas and the known health risks associated with attending Hajj. We identified a need for continued education and promotion of health prevention measures to ensure that Hajj pilgrims are able to have a safe and healthy experience in the Kingdom. This study may be a tool for a purposeful political will to empower countries to set up Hajj health programmes, which would be of great benefit and would go a long way to decrease mortality and morbidity, and associated burdens during Hajj.
Assessment of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded AA2014-O and AA2014-T6 Sheets
Authors: Muhammad Wali , Husain Wilayat , Tauqir Anjum , Wadood Abdul , Zaigham Hamid , Rehman Muhammad Atiq Ur 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, friction stir welding of AA2014-O and AA2014-T6 aluminum alloy was performed at various welding speeds to evaluate the influence of temper conditions of base metal on the properties of the welded joints. The results showed strong influence of base metal temper conditions on the microstructural morphologies and mechanical behavior of the welded joints. In the 2014-O joints, different zones of weld joint were diffused into each other and there was no clear interface between them. In 2014-T6 joints, there was a distinct demarcation between the NZ, TMAZ, HAZ and base metal. The welded joints in 2014-O temper condition showed increase in hardness in the vicinity of weld center due to grain refinement whereas, in 2014-T6, softening occurred in the same region by the dissolution of strengthening precipitates. The mechanical properties of 2014-O joints were equivalent to the base metal showing a 100% weld efficiency with fracture located in the base metal, whereas 2014-T6 welds exhibited about 70% weld efficiency with fracture located at the NZ/TMAZ interface. All the samples in mechanical testing fractured at retreating side (RS) which exhibited heterogeneity in the mechanical properties of the welded joints. SEM fractographic analysis revealed a ductile fracture mode comprising of dimples in both temper conditions. The size and shape of the dimples was strongly dependent on base metal temper condition.
Fertility desire and associated factors among HIV positive women attending ART clinics, Afar region, northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Woldu Etsay , Ali Aydahis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe desire of human immune deficiency virus infected person to have children in the future has significant implication for the transmission of human immune deficiency virus to sexual partner and new born. However, fertility desire has given little attention and the uptake of PMTCT services is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess fertility desire and associated factors among HIV positive women attending ART clinics, Afar region, northeast EthiopiaMethodologyInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 402 HIV positive women attending ART clinic in selected Hospitals in Afar region. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to identify and enroll women. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors associated with fertility desire. Statistical association was measured and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultIn this study a total of 391 HIV positive were participated with a response rate of 97.3%.The prevalence of fertility desire was 63.9 % (95 % CI, 59.1 %, 68.8 %). Young age between 15–24 (AOR = 11.98, 95% CI (4.04, 35.5) and 25–34 years (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI (1.46, 5.86), women who were not had live children (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI (1.31, 20.2) and women that had 1 or 2 live children (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.39, 5.27), disclose sero status to their partner (AOR = 5.89, 95% CI (2.33, 14.9) were associated with increased odds of fertility desire. However, women who use contraceptive were associated with decreased odd of fertility desire (AOR = 0.11, 95%, CI (0.05, 0.22).ConclusionThis study showed that six in ten HIV positive women attending ART clinic were had fertility desire. Young age, not having live child, and having 1 or 2 live number of children, disclosing sero status to partner, and contraceptive use were predictors of fertility desire. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase fertility desire among young HIV positive women attending ART clinic. Moreover, awareness creation on the importance of disclosing sero status to partner is mandatory as it helps to increase fertility desire.
A fine-grained cell type deconvolution of bulk transcriptome from single-cell RNA-seq data reveals myeloid cells heterogeneity in lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Wu Hao , Qin Jiale , Zhao Qiang , Lu Lu , Neculai Dante , Li Chen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Tumor infiltrating myeloid cells (TIM) constitute a vital element of the tumor microenvironment. The cell-type heterogeneity of TIM has yet to be fully investigated.
Methods

We used a time saving approach to generate a single-cell reference matrix, allowing quantification of cell-type proportions and cell-type-specific gene abundances in bulk RNA-seq data.
Results

Two distinct clusters, MSC1 and MSC2 (MSC subtype) were newly identified in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, both significantly associated with overall survival and immune blockade therapy responses. Twenty myeloid cell types were detected. Thirteen of these had distinct enrichment patterns between MSC1 and MSC2. LAMP3 + dendritic cells, being a mature and transportable subtype of dendritic cell which may migrate to lymph nodes, were noted as associated with non-responsiveness to immunotargeted therapy. High infiltration level of IFIT3 + neutrophils was strongly related to the response to immune targeted therapy and was seen to activate CD8 + T cells, partly through inflammasome activation. The infiltration levels of TIMP1 + macrophages and S100A8 + neutrophils were both significantly associated with poor prognosis. TIMP1 + macrophages were noted to recruit S100A8 + neutrophils via the CXCL5-CXCR2 axes and promote LUAD progression.
Conclusion

Altogether, we performed virtual micro-dissection of the bulk transcriptome at single-cell resolution and provided a promising TIM infiltration landscape that may shed new light on the development of immune therapy.
GBP1&nbsp;Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates With Immune Infiltrates in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Feng Xiaoqiang , Zhang Zedan , Chen Qingke , Ye Chujin , Tan Tong , Tang Yanlin , Chen Hanzhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) belongs to the member of GTPase dynamin superfamily and plays a major role as tumor suppressor or tumorigen in cancers, such as colon cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, the relationship between GBP1 and gastric cancer (GC) remains scanty. Methods: GBP1 mRNA expression in different types of tumors and their corresponding adjacent normal tissues were evaluated via exploring Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database, while the protein expression was detected by The Human Protein Atlas (HPA). The relationship between the clinical characteristics and outcome of gastric cancer patients was examined through Kaplan–Meier plotter tool. The correlations between GBP1 and tumor immune infiltrates were evaluated via TIMER and TISIDB. Additionally, the relationship between GBP1 expression and gene marker sets of immune infiltrates were analyzed by TIMER and GEPIA.Results: GBP1 expression was significantly higher in GC compared with corresponding normal tissues. High GBP1 expression in GC associated with better overall survival (OS HR=0.53, P=5.2e-09) and progression-free survival (PFS HR=0.49, P=1.90e-06). Moreover, its expression level was positively correlated with different clinical characteristics, such as sex, TNM stage, and Lauren classification. With a comprehensive analysis of three immune-related databases, TIMER, GEPIA, and TISIDB, we found GBP1 not only showed a strong correlation with tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, but also with Tregs, exhausted T cells, M2 macrophage, monocytes. Furthermore, GBP1 was significantly associated with IFN-γ, granzyme B, perforin, FasL and CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence that GBP1 is a key gene that correlates with the prognosis and associated with various tumor-infiltrated immune cells in gastric cancer patients. In conclusion, GBP1 may act as a potent prognostic biomarker for predicting cancer progression and a sign of tumor-immune infiltration in GC.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells-derived Exosomes as Probable Triggers of Radiation-induced Heart Disease
Authors: Luo Lan , Yan Chen , Fuchi Naoki , Kodama Yukinobu , Zhang Xu , Shinji Goto , Kiyonori Miura , Sasaki Hitoshi , Li Tao-Sheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Radiation-induced heart disease have been reported, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also resident in heart are highly susceptible to radiation. We examined the hypothesis that altered secretion of exosomes from MSCs as the triggers of radiation-induced heart disease. Methods: By exposing human placental tissue-derived MSCs to 5 Gy γ-rays, we will then isolate exosomes from the culture medium 48h later and use to evaluate the quantity and quality changes of exosomes from MSCs after radiation exposures. The biological effects of exosomes from irradiated MSCs on HUVEC and H9c2 cells were also examined. Results: Although the amount and size distribution of exosomes did not differ between the non-irradiated and irradiated MSCs, miRNA sequences indicated many up- or down-regulated miRNAs in irradiated MSCs-exosomes. In vitro experiments using HUVEC and H9c2 cells showed that irradiated MSCs-exosomes significantly decreased cell proliferation, but increased cell apoptosis and DNA damage. Moreover, irradiated MSCs-exosomes impaired the tube formation of HUVEC cells and induced calcium overload of H9c2 cells. Conclusions: Exosomes released from irradiated MSCs shows an altered miRNA profiling and harmful effect to damage heart cells, which provides new insight on the mechanism of radiation-related heart disease risks.