bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early expression onset of tissue-specific effector genes during the specification process in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Yamakawa Shumpei , Yamazaki Atsuko , Morino Yoshiaki , Wada Hiroshi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
In the course of animal developmental processes, various tissues are differentiated through complex interactions within the gene regulatory network. As a general concept, differentiation has been considered to be the endpoint of specification processes. Previous works followed this view and provided a genetic control scheme of differentiation in sea urchin embryos: early specification genes generate distinct regulatory territories in an embryo to express a small set of differentiation driver genes; these genes eventually stimulate the expression of tissue-specific effector genes, which provide biological identity to differentiated cells, in each region. However, some tissue-specific effector genes begin to be expressed in parallel with the expression onset of early specification genes, raising questions about the simplistic regulatory scheme of tissue-specific effector gene expression and the current concept of differentiation itself.

Results
Here, we examined the dynamics of effector gene expression patterns during sea urchin embryogenesis. Our transcriptome-based analysis indicated that many tissue-specific effector genes begin to be expressed and accumulated along with the advancing specification GRN in the distinct cell lineages of embryos. Moreover, we found that the expression of some of the tissue-specific effector genes commences before cell lineage segregation occurs.

Conclusions
Based on this finding, we propose that the expression onset of tissue-specific effector genes is controlled more dynamically than suggested in the previously proposed simplistic regulation scheme. Thus, we suggest that differentiation should be conceptualized as a seamless process of accumulation of effector expression along with the advancing specification GRN. This pattern of effector gene expression may have interesting implications for the evolution of novel cell types.
Gastric villous adenoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sathirawich Phalat , Pongpaibul Ananya , Parakonthun Thammawat , Kaosombatwattana Uayporn 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Villous adenoma is the one subtype of adenomatous polyp that is very uncommon in the stomach. Data regarding clinical characteristics, natural history, and prognosis were scarce.

Case presentation
This report presented an 87-year-old Thai woman with a large gastric villous adenoma incidentally revealed in a computed tomography of chest for the evaluation of right pleural effusion. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a huge, glossy, proliferative polypoid mass involving gastric cardia, fundus, and a lesser curve of the upper body. The pathological report confirmed villous adenoma with low grade dysplasia. Although surgical resection was suggested, the patient denied any treatment due to advanced age and multiple comorbidities. She was generally well after 12 months of clinical and radiologic surveillance.

Conclusion
From literature review, only 14 cases of gastric villous adenoma were reported to date. Most of the lesions were large and symptomatic. Malignancy presented in 43% of the cases. Nevertheless, our patient remained asymptomatic without surgical removal following a 12-month period.
In vitro erythrocyte production using human-induced pluripotent stem cells: determining the best hematopoietic stem cell sources
Authors: Cho Youn Keong , Kim Hyun-Kyung , Kwon Soon Sung , Jeon Su-Hee , Cheong June-Won , Nam Ki Taek , Kim Han-Soo , Kim Sinyoung , Kim Hyun Ok 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundBlood transfusion is an essential part of medicine. However, many countries have been facing a national blood crisis. To address this ongoing blood shortage issue, there have been efforts to generate red blood cells (RBCs) in vitro, especially from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, the best source of hiPSCs for this purpose is yet to be determined.MethodsIn this study, hiPSCs were established from three different hematopoietic stem cell sources—peripheral blood (PB), cord blood (CB) and bone marrow (BM) aspirates (n = 3 for each source)—using episomal reprogramming vectors and differentiated into functional RBCs. Various time-course studies including immunofluorescence assay, quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, karyotyping, morphological analysis, oxygen binding capacity analysis, and RNA sequencing were performed to examine and compare the characteristics of hiPSCs and hiPSC-differentiated erythroid cells.ResultshiPSC lines were established from each of the three sources and were found to be pluripotent and have comparable characteristics. All hiPSCs differentiated into erythroid cells, but there were discrepancies in differentiation and maturation efficiencies: CB-derived hiPSCs matured into erythroid cells the fastest while PB-derived hiPSCs required a longer time for maturation but showed the highest degree of reproducibility. BM-derived hiPSCs gave rise to diverse types of cells and exhibited poor differentiation efficiency. Nonetheless, erythroid cells differentiated from all hiPSC lines mainly expressed fetal and/or embryonic hemoglobin, indicating that primitive erythropoiesis occurred. Their oxygen equilibrium curves were all left-shifted.ConclusionsCollectively, both PB- and CB-derived hiPSCs were favorably reliable sources for the clinical production of RBCs in vitro, despite several challenges that need to be overcome. However, owing to the limited availability and the large amount of CB required to produce hiPSCs, and the results of this study, the advantages of using PB-derived hiPSCs for RBC production in vitro may outweigh those of using CB-derived hiPSCs. We believe that our findings will facilitate the selection of optimal hiPSC lines for RBC production in vitro in the near future.
Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for perianal fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Wang H. , Jiang H. Y. , Zhang Y. X. , Jin H. Y. , Fei B. Y. , Jiang J. L. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Perianal fistulas, characterised as granulomatous inflammation of fistulas around the anal canal, are associated with significant morbidity resulting in a negative impact on quality of life and a tremendous burden to the healthcare system. Treatment of anal fistulas usually consists of anal surgery; however, results of closure rates are not satisfactory especially with complex perianal fistulas, after which many patients may suffer from anal incontinence. Recently, the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown promising efficacy. Herein, we aim to explore whether MSCs are effective for complex perianal fistulas and if they have either short-term, medium-term, long-term or over-long-term efficacy. Additionally, we want to elucidate whether factors such as drug dosage, MSC source, cell type, and disease aetiology influence treatment efficacy.

Main body of the abstract
We searched four online databases and analysed data based on information within the clinical trials registry. The outcomes of eligible trials were analysed with Review Manager 5.4.1. Relative risk and related 95% confidence interval were calculated to compare the effect between the MSCs and control groups. In addition, the Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to evaluate the bias risk of eligible studies. Meta-analyses showed that therapy with MSCs was superior to conventional treatment for complex perianal fistulas in short-, long- and over-long-term follow-up phases. However, there was no statistical difference in treatment efficacy in the medium term between the two methods. Subgroup meta-analyses showed factors including cell type, cell source and cell dosage were superior compared to the control, but there was no significant difference between different experimental groups of those factors. Besides, local MSCs therapy has shown more promising results for fistulas as a result of Crohn’s Disease (CD). Although we tend to maintain that MSCs therapy is effective for cryptoglandular fistulas equally, more studies are needed to confirm this conclusion in the future.

Short conclusion
MSCs Transplantation could be a new therapeutic method for complex perianal fistulas of both cryptoglandular and CD origin showing high efficacy in the short-term to over-long-term phases, as well as high efficacy in sustained healing. The difference in cell types, cell sources and cell dosages did not influence MSCs’ efficacy.
Effects of hormones on intestinal stem cells
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Lilong , Li Chunlei , Qiu Zhendong , Kuang Tianrui , Wu Zhongkai , Deng Wenhong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe maintenance of intestinal renewal and repair mainly depends on intestinal stem cells (ISCs), which can also contribute to the growth of intestinal tumours. Hormones, which are vital signalling agents in the body, have various effects on the growth and replacement of intestinal stem cells. This review summarises recent progress in the identification of hormones associated with intestinal stem cells. Several hormones, including thyroid hormone, glucagon-like peptide-2, androgens, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone and progastrin, promote the development of intestinal stem cells. However, somatostatin and melatonin are two hormones that prevent the proliferation of intestinal stem cells. Therefore, new therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal illnesses can be identified by examining the impact of hormones on intestinal stem cells.
Stem cell-derived exosomes: emerging therapeutic opportunities for wound healing
Authors: Zhou Chuchao , Zhang Boyu , Yang Yanqing , Jiang Qiong , Li Tianyu , Gong Jun , Tang Hongbo , Zhang Qi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWound healing is a dynamic and highly sequential process involving a series of overlapping spatial and temporal phases, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells with self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation potential, and paracrine regulation. Exosomes are subcellular vesicular components 30–150 nm in size and are novel carriers of intercellular communication in regulating the biological behaviors of skin cells. Compared to MSCs, MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) possess lower immunogenicity, easy storage, and highly effective biological activity. MSC-exos, mainly derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs), human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC-MSCs), and other stem cell types, play a role in shaping the activity of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, immune cells, and endothelial cells in diabetic wounds, inflammatory wound repair, and even wound-related keloid formation. Therefore, this study focuses on the specific roles and mechanisms of different MSC-exos in wound healing, as well as the current limitations and various perspectives. Deciphering the biological properties of MSC-exos is crucial to providing a promising cell-free therapeutic tool for wound healing and cutaneous regeneration.
Graphical Abstract
Neurobehavioral sex-related differences in Nf1+/− mice: female show a “camouflaging”-type behavior
Authors: Santos Sofia , Martins Beatriz , Sereno José , Martins João , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Gonçalves Joana 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This condition has been associated with an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission and, consequently, an excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with autistic-like behavior in both human and animal models. Here, we explored the influence of biological sex in the GABAergic system and behavioral alterations induced by the Nf1+/− mutation in a murine model.

Methods
Juvenile male and female Nf1+/− mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were used. Hippocampus size was assessed by conventional toluidine blue staining and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hippocampal GABA and glutamate levels were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which was complemented by western blot for the GABA(A) receptor. Behavioral evaluation of on anxiety, memory, social communication, and repetitive behavior was performed.

Results
We found that juvenile female Nf1+/− mice exhibited increased hippocampal GABA levels. Moreover, mutant female displays a more prominent anxious-like behavior together with better memory performance and social behavior. On the other hand, juvenile Nf1+/− male mice showed increased hippocampal volume and thickness, with a decrease in GABA(A) receptor levels. We observed that mutant males had higher tendency for repetitive behavior.

Conclusions
Our results suggested a sexually dimorphic impact of Nf1+/− mutation in hippocampal neurochemistry, and autistic-like behaviors. For the first time, we identified a “camouflaging”-type behavior in females of an animal model of ASD, which masked their autistic traits. Accordingly, like observed in human disorder, in this animal model of ASD, females show larger anxiety levels but better executive functions and production of normative social patterns, together with an imbalance of inhibition/excitation ratio. Contrary, males have more externalizing disorders, such as hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, with memory deficits. The ability of females to camouflage their autistic traits creates a phenotypic evaluation challenge that mimics the diagnosis difficulty observed in humans. Thus, we propose the study of the Nf1+/− mouse model to better understand the sexual dimorphisms of ASD phenotypes and to create better diagnostic tools.
Global and regional quality of care index for prostate cancer: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease study 1990–2019
Authors: Nowroozi Ali , Roshani Shahin , Ghamari Seyyed-Hadi , Shobeiri Parnian , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Ebrahimi Narges , Rezaei Negar , Yoosefi Moein , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Moghimi Mana , Amini Erfan , Shabestari Alireza Namazi , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, with a significant burden on societies and healthcare providers. We aimed to develop a metric for PCa quality of care that could demonstrate the disease’s status in different countries and regions (e.g., socio-demographic index (SDI) quintiles) and assist in improving healthcare policies.

Methods
Basic burden of disease indicators for various regions and age-groups were retrieved from Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2019, which then were used to calculate four secondary indices: mortality to incidence ratio, DALYs to prevalence ratio, prevalence to incidence ratio, and YLLs to YLDs ratio. These four indices were combined through a principal component analysis (PCA), producing the quality of care index (QCI).

Results
PCa’s age-standardized incidence rate increased from 34.1 in 1990 to 38.6 in 2019, while the age-standardized death rate decreased in the same period (18.1 to 15.3). From 1990 to 2019, global QCI increased from 74 to 84. Developed regions (high SDI) had the highest PCa QCIs in 2019 (95.99), while the lowest QCIs belonged to low SDI countries (28.67), mainly from Africa. QCI peaked in age groups 50 to 54, 55 to 59, or 65 to 69, depending on the socio-demographic index.

Conclusions
Global PCa QCI stands at a relatively high value (84 in 2019). Low SDI countries are affected the most by PCa, mainly due to the lack of effective preventive and treatment methods in those regions. In many developed countries, QCI decreased or stopped rising after recommendations against routine PCa screening in the 2010–2012 period, highlighting the role of screening in reducing PCa burden.
The California Quail (Callipepla californica) in Chile and Argentina: introduction history, current distribution, and biological features
Authors: Andrews Benjamín , Zurita Carlos , Jaksic Fabian M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the California Quail (Callipepla californica) as an invader in Chile and Argentina. Our goal was to review the history of its introduction and to provide updated information on its spread and current geographic distribution in those two neighboring countries, together with information on its body measurements (weight, wing length, and tail length), diet (granivory, frugivory), parasitism (endo and ecto), and other interspecific interactions (competition and predation), including hunting by humans.Methods and resultWe conducted a selective review of the history of introduction, distributional records, and biological features ofC. californica, as recorded in mainstream journals, landmark monographs and books, and internet sources. We also measured specimens collected in central Chile and analyzed their stomach contents. We report that the California Quail was first introduced to Chile in 1864, and it now spans ca. 2,800 km in the country. From stocks in Chile, this bird was back-introduced to California (USA), and also introduced to Argentina in the 1920s, now spanning ca. 1,400 km in the country. It is currently abundant and legally hunted in both countries. In Chile, its non-breeding diet is strongly granivorous. In Argentina it feeds similarly. In Chile, endoparasites are three species of nematodes, one of cestodes, and two of coccidian protozoans; ectoparasites are three species of hard ticks, one of mites, and two of chewing lice. No such data are available from Argentina. In Chile, combining autumn and winter samples we obtained mean weights of 194.4 (± 9.0 SD) g for 21 adult males and of 183.9 (± 14.3 SD) g for 10 adult females, figures similar to those reported forC. c. brunnescensin California (USA), which we suspect is the subspecies now spread over in Chile and Argentina.DiscussionWe propose that interesting scientific opportunities are being missed regarding the population genetics of a species with introductions and back-introductions that may have left founding effects and genetic bottlenecks in Chile and Argentina, and perhaps some peculiar “Chilean” genetic markers among California (USA) populations. We also raise the question whether this introduced species may be deemed invasive, calling for research to determine its impact in its new environment.
The association between parenting styles, maternal self-efficacy, and social and emotional adjustment among Arab preschool children
Authors: Agbaria Qutaiba , Mahamid Fayez 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Parenting styles and parental self-efficacy are major factors that affect the overall adjustment of children. The current study examined parenting styles and maternal self-efficacy and their association with social-emotional adjustment among Arab preschool children living in Israel. Parenting Styles Questionnaire, Maternal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Adjustment Questionnaire were administered to 420 Arabic-speaking mothers of 3- to 4-year-old children. After employing multiple regression analyses, the results indicated that parenting styles and the overall adjustment of children were significantly correlated. More precisely, a significant association between authoritative parenting style and higher levels of social-emotional adjustment among preschool children was found. Furthermore, maternal self-efficacy was significantly correlated to the overall adjustment of children. In this regard, higher maternal self-efficacy is associated with increased social-emotional adjustment among preschool children. The findings of our study show the applicability of these constructs found relevant across numerous cultures in a unique sample of Arab children living in Israel. Lastly, this study supports intervention programs that promote authoritative parenting style and parental self-efficacy in Arab communities.
Individualized scan protocols for CT angiography: an animal study for contrast media or radiation dose optimization
Authors: Haubold Johannes , Zensen Sebastian , Hosch René , Schaarschmidt Benedikt Michael , Bos Denise , Schmidt Bernhardt , Flohr Thomas , Li Yan , Forsting Michael , Pietsch Hubertus , Nensa Felix , Jost Gregor 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
We investigated about optimization of contrast media (CM) dose or radiation dose in thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) by automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) system configuration and CM protocol adaption.

Methods
In six minipigs, CTA-optimized protocols were evaluated regarding objective (contrast-to-noise ratio, CNR) and subjective (6 criteria assessed by Likert scale) image quality. Scan parameters were automatically adapted by the ATVS system operating at 90-kV semi-mode and configured for standard, CM saving, or radiation dose saving (image task, quality settings). Injection protocols (dose, flow rate) were adapted manually. This approach was tested for normal and simulated obese conditions.

Results
Radiation exposure (volume-weighted CT dose index) for normal (obese) conditions was 2.4 ± 0.7 (5.0 ± 0.7) mGy (standard), 4.3 ± 1.1 (9.0 ± 1.3) mGy (CM reduced), and 1.7 ± 0.5 (3.5 ± 0.5) mGy (radiation reduced). The respective CM doses for normal (obese) settings were 210 (240) mgI/kg, 155 (177) mgI/kg, and 252 (288) mgI/kg. No significant differences in CNR (normal; obese) were observed between standard (17.8 ± 3.0; 19.2 ± 4.0), CM-reduced (18.2 ± 3.3; 20.5 ± 4.9), and radiation-saving CTAs (16.0 ± 3.4; 18.4 ± 4.1). Subjective analysis showed similar values for optimized and standard CTAs. Only the parameter diagnostic acceptability was significantly lower for radiation-saving CTA compared to the standard CTA.

Conclusions
The CM dose (-26%) or radiation dose (-30%) for thoracoabdominal CTA can be reduced while maintaining objective and subjective image quality, demonstrating the feasibility of the personalization of CTA scan protocols.

Key points
• Computed tomography angiography protocols could be adapted to individual patient requirements using an automated tube voltage selection system combined with adjusted contrast media injection.
• Using an adapted automated tube voltage selection system, a contrast media dose reduction (-26%) or radiation dose reduction (-30%) could be possible