bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodistribution of allogenic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells after fetal repair of myelomeningocele in an ovine model
Authors: Athiel Yoann , Nasone Justine , Arakelian Lousineh , Faivre Lionel , Dugas Anaïs , Jouannic Jean-Marie , Larghero Jérôme , Guilbaud Lucie 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a spinal cord congenital defect that leads to paraplegia, sphincter disorders and potential neurocognitive disabilities. Prenatal surgery of MMC provides a significant benefit compared to surgery at birth. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy as an adjuvant treatment for prenatal surgery showed promising results in animal experiments which could be considered for clinical use in human fetuses. Despite numerous reassuring studies on the safety of MSCs administration in humans, no study focused on MSCs biodistribution after a local MSCs graft on the fetal spinal cord.

Aim
The purpose of our study was to assess the biodistribution of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) at birth in lambs who had a prenatal myelomeningocele repair using a fibrin patch seeded with allogenic UC-MSCs.

Methods
After isolation, UC-MSCs were tagged using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-containing lentiviral vector. MMC defects were surgically created at 75 days of gestation and repaired 15 days later using UC-MSCs patch. Lambs were delivered at 142 days and sacrificed. DNA extraction was performed among biopsies of the different organs and q-PCR analysis was used to detect the expression of GFP (GFP DNA coding sequence).

Results
In our 6 surviving lambs grafted with UC-MSCs, GFP lentivirus genomic DNA was not detected in the organs.

Conclusion
These reassuring data will support translational application in humans, especially since the first human clinical trial using mesenchymal stromal cells for in-utero treatment of MMC started recently in U.S.A.
The therapeutic effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on a rat model of tracheal fistula
Authors: Wang Fang , Li Zhangwen , Lyu Feng-Juan , Gao Jie , Lin Jinle , Liu Jianling , Chen Xiaowen , Li Zhongpeng , Shan Jiajie , Wu Jian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Tracheal fistulas (TF) can be dangerous and even fatal in patients. The current treatment is really challenging. Previous studies reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be used to treat respiratory tract fistulas. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are considered to be MSC-like cells that may also have the potential to treat the tracheal fistulas. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of SHED in rat tracheal fistula models.

Methods
A total of 80 SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: a sham-operated group, a local PBS group (L-PBS), an intravenous PBS group (I-PBS), a local SHED treatment group (L-SHED), and an intravenous SHED treatment group (I-SHED). The L-SHED and I-SHED groups were given a topical application around the fistula or an intravenous injection of 1*107 SHED via the tail vein, respectively, while the L-PBS and I-PBS groups were given an equivalent volume of PBS through local or intravenous administration. A stereomicroscope was used to observe fistula healing on the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th days following transplantation. On the 7th day, the survival of SHED was observed by immunofluorescence. The pathology of the lungs and fistulas was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. The expression levels of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-33, and IL-4 were measured using immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of TLR4, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88) were studied using western blotting. On day 14, airway responsiveness of rats was detected and analyzed.

Results
Fistula healing in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups was faster than that in their respective PBS groups after transplantation. The fistula diameters in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups were significantly smaller than those in the L-PBS and I-PBS groups on the 3rd day. Moreover, the phenomenon of fibroblast proliferation and new blood vessel growth around the fistula seemed more pronounced in the L-SHED and I-SHED groups. Although no discernible difference was found in airway responsiveness after SHED treatment, the degree of inflammation in the lungs was reduced by intravenous SHED treatment. However, there was no significant reduction in lung inflammation by local SHED treatment. The expression levels of IL-1β and IL-33 were decreased in the I-SHED group, while IL-4 was elevated compared with the I-PBS group. Interestingly, intravenous SHED treatment inhibited the activation of HMGB1/TLR4/MYD88 in the lung tissues of TF rats.

Conclusions
SHED transplantation accelerated the rate of fistula healing in rats. Intravenous SHED treatment reduced lung inflammation. Thus, SHED may have potential in the treatment of tracheal fistula, providing hope for future therapeutic development for TF.
Exosomal miR-132-3p from mesenchymal stromal cells improves synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in vascular dementia
Authors: Ma Xiaotang , Wang Yan , Shi Yumeng , Li Suqing , Liu Jinhua , Li Xiangyong , Zhong Wangtao , Pan Qunwen 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background/aims
Vascular dementia (VD) results in cognition and memory deficit. Exosomes and their carried microRNAs (miRs) contribute to the neuroprotective effects of mesenchymal stromal cells, and miR-132-3p plays a key role in neuron plasticity. Here, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of MSC EX and their miR-132-3p cargo in rescuing cognition and memory deficit in VD mice.

Methods
Bilateral carotid artery occlusion was used to generate a VD mouse model. MiR-132-3p and MSC EX levels in the hippocampus and cortex were measured. At 24-h post-VD induction, mice were administered with MSC EX infected with control lentivirus (EXCon), pre-miR-132-3p-expressing lentivirus (EXmiR-132-3p), or miR-132-3p antago lentivirus (EXantagomiR-132-3p) intravenously. Behavioral and cognitive tests were performed, and the mice were killed in 21 days after VD. The effects of MSC EX on neuron number, synaptic plasticity, dendritic spine density, and Aβ and p-Tau levels in the hippocampus and cortex were determined. The effects of MSC EX on oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)-injured neurons with respect to apoptosis, and neurite elongation and branching were determined. Finally, the expression levels of Ras, phosphorylation of Akt, GSK-3β, and Tau were also measured.

Results
Compared with normal mice, VD mice exhibited significantly decreased miR-132-3p and MSC EX levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Compared with EXCon treatment, the infusion of EXmiR-132-3p was more effective at improving cognitive function and increasing miR-132-3p level, neuron number, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic spine density, while decreasing Aβ and p-Tau levels in the cortex and hippocampus of VD mice. Conversely, EXantagomiR-132-3p treatment significantly decreased miR-132-3p expression in cortex and hippocampus, as well as attenuated EXmiR-132-3p treatment-induced functional improvement. In vitro, EXmiR-132-3p treatment inhibited RASA1 protein expression, but increased Ras and the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β, and decreased p-Tau levels in primary neurons by delivering miR-132-3p, which resulted in reduced apoptosis, and increased neurite elongation and branching in OGD-injured neurons.

Conclusions
Our studies suggest that miR-132-3p cluster-enriched MSC EX promotes the recovery of cognitive function by improving neuronal and synaptic dysfunction through activation of the Ras/Akt/GSK-3β pathway induced by downregulation of RASA1.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells facilitate diabetic wound healing through the restoration of epidermal cell autophagy via the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/SMAD pathway
Authors: Shi Yan , Wang Shang , Zhang Weiwei , Zhu Yihan , Fan Zhiqiang , Huang Yuesheng , Li Furong , Yang Ronghua 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
The biological activity and regenerative medicine of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been focal topics in the broad fields of diabetic wound repair. However, the molecular mechanisms are still largely elusive for other cellular processes that are regulated during BMSC treatment. Our previous studies have shown that hypoxia is not only a typical pathological phenomenon of wounds but also exerts a vital regulatory effect on cellular bioactivity. In this study, the beneficial effects of hypoxic BMSCs on the cellular behaviors of epidermal cells and diabetic wound healing were investigated.

Method
The viability and secretion ability of hypoxic BMSCs were detected. The autophagy, proliferation and migration of HaCaT cells cultured with hypoxic BMSCs-derived conditioned medium were assessed by estimating the expression of autophagy-related proteins, MTS, EdU proliferation and scratch assays. And the role of the SMAD signaling pathway during hypoxic BMSC-evoked HaCaT cell autophagy was explored through a series of in vitro gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Finally, the therapeutic effects of hypoxic BMSCs were evaluated using full-thickness cutaneous diabetic wound model.

Results
First, we demonstrated that hypoxic conditions intensify HIF-1α-mediated TGF-β1 secretion by BMSCs. Then, the further data revealed that BMSC-derived TGF-β1 was responsible for the activation of epidermal cell autophagy, which contributed to the induction of epidermal cell proliferation and migration. Here, the SMAD signaling pathway was identified as downstream of BMSC-derived TGF-β1 to regulate HaCaT cell autophagy. Moreover, the administration of BMSCs to diabetic wounds increased epidermal autophagy and the rate of re-epithelialization, leading to accelerated healing, and these effects were significantly attenuated, accompanied by the downregulation of Smad2 phosphorylation levels due to TGF-β1 interference in BMSCs.

Conclusion
In this report, we present evidence that uncovers a previously unidentified role of hypoxic BMSCs in regulating epidermal cell autophagy. The findings demonstrate that BMSC-based treatment by restoring epidermal cell autophagy could be an attractive therapeutic strategy for diabetic wounds and that the process is mediated by the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/SMAD pathway.
An efficient multi-objective optimization approach for sensor management via multi-Bernoulli filtering
Authors: Zhu Yun , Liang Shuang , Xue Guangran , Yang Rui , Wu Xiaojun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntelligent sensor management is generally required for efficient and accurate data processing when the multi-sensor system is used for multi-target tracking (MTT). However, this is theoretically and computationally challenging. To deal with this problem, we propose a novel sensor management approach based on efficient multi-objective optimization for MTT under the framework of partially observed Markov decision process. The multi-Bernoulli filter is used in conjunction with two objective functions. To simplify the multi-objective optimization problem, we use the Euclidean distance (ED) between the feasible and utopian solution vectors as a measure of the objectives and then sequentially select sensors from the candidates. For the selected sensors, we rank them according to the obtained ED measure and implement the iterated-corrector fusion scheme after the ranking. Numerical studies demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach in multi-sensor MTT scenarios.
PlugSonic: a web- and mobile-based platform for dynamic and navigable binaural audio
Authors: Comunità Marco , Gerino Andrea , Picinali Lorenzo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPlugSonic is a series of web- and mobile-based applications designed to edit samples and apply audio effects (PlugSonic Sample) and create and experience dynamic and navigable soundscapes and sonic narratives (PlugSonic Soundscape). The audio processing within PlugSonic is based on the Web Audio API while the binaural rendering uses the 3D Tune-In Toolkit. Exploration of soundscapes in a physical space is made possible by adopting Apple’s ARKit. The present paper describes the implementation details, the signal processing chain and the necessary steps to curate and experience a soundscape. We also include some metrics and performance details. The main goal of PlugSonic is to give users a complete set of tools, without the need for specific devices, external software and/or hardware specialised knowledge, or custom development, with the idea that spatial audio has the potential to become a readily accessible and easy to understand technology, for anyone to adopt, whether for creative or research purposes.
DOA estimation algorithm based on spread spectrum sequence in low signal-to-noise ratio
Authors: Zhou Feng , Zhang Wenbo , Zhang Baosheng , Ji Xiaofeng , Li Xuanze 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSpread spectrum communication is a common communication method in underwater communication. Based on the space-time processor received by the array, it can filter the signals arriving along each path separately. Combined with the diversity of space-time clusters, it can effectively improve the communication system’s reliability. The core problem of the space-time processor is the direction of arrival (DOA) and signal source number estimation. Based on the good self-coherence of the spread spectrum sequence, this paper proposes a multiple signal classification algorithm (MUSIC) for accurate DOA estimation. However, since the MUSIC algorithm uses the received signal’s covariance matrix for DOA estimation, the number of sources needs to be predicted in advance. Under a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the signal eigenvalues and the noise eigenvalues of the covariance matrix differ slightly, which makes signal source number estimation difficult. To address this issue, a singular value decomposition method using the delay structure information of the array element is proposed to estimate the number of sources of the spreading sequence under a low SNR. The method proposed in this paper can well estimate the DOA of the signal under a low SNR. Meanwhile, there is no need to convert the signal to the individual sub-bands, which effectively reduces the calculation overhead. At the same time, the Hankel matrix is used to solve the problem that the MUSIC algorithm cannot accurately estimate the number of signal sources under the condition of low SNR. Compared with the conventional algorithm, the Hankel matrix can more accurately estimate the number of signal sources in the case of low SNR. Through simulation experiments, the effectiveness of our DOA estimation algorithm is validated under a low SNR.
Duration of rectal colonization with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli: results of an open, dynamic cohort study in Dutch nursing home residents (2013–2019)
Authors: Weterings Veronica , van den Bijllaardt Wouter , Bootsma Martin , Hendriks Yvonne , Kilsdonk Linda , Mulders Ans , Kluytmans Jan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
In 2016, a study in a Dutch nursing home showed prolonged colonization duration of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL)-ST131 compared to ESBL-non-ST131. In this study, we assessed the duration of rectal ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC) colonization in residents in the same nursing home for an extended period of six years. We aimed to estimate the influence of a possible bias when follow up is started during an outbreak.

Methods
Between 2013 and 2019, repetitive point prevalence surveys were performed by culturing rectal or faecal swabs from all residents. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to calculate the median time to clearance of ESBL-EC with a log-rank analysis to test for differences between ESBL-ST131 and ESBL-non-ST131.

Results
The study showed a median time to clearance of 13.0 months (95% CI 0.0–27.9) for ESBL-ST131 compared to 11.2 months (95% CI 4.8–17.6) for ESBL-non-ST131 (p = 0.044). In the subgroup analysis of residents who were ESBL-EC positive in their first survey, the median time to clearance for ST131 was 59.7 months (95% CI 23.7–95.6) compared to 16.2 months (95% CI 2.1–30.4) for ESBL-non-ST131 (p = 0.036). In the subgroup analysis of residents who acquired ESBL-EC, the median time to clearance for ST131 was 7.2 months (95% CI 2.1–12.2) compared to 7.9 months (95% CI 0.0–18.3) for ESBL-non-ST131 (p = 0.718). The median time to clearance in the ESBL-ST131 group was significantly longer in residents who were ESBL-ST131 colonised upon entering the study than in residents who acquired ESBL-ST131 during the study (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
A prolonged colonization with ESBL-ST131 was only found in the subgroup who was ESBL-EC positive upon entering the study. The prolonged duration with ESBL-ST131 in the previous study was probably biased by factors that occured during (the start of) the outbreak.
Costs and cost-effectiveness of HIV early infant diagnosis in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Elsbernd Kira , Emmert-Fees Karl M. F. , Erbe Amanda , Ottobrino Veronica , Kroidl Arne , Bärnighausen Till , Geisler Benjamin P. , Kohler Stefan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Continuing progress in the global pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) response depends on timely identification and care of infants with HIV. As countries scale-out improvements to HIV early infant diagnosis (EID), economic evaluations are needed to inform program design and implementation. This scoping review aimed to summarize the available evidence and discuss practical implications of cost and cost-effectiveness analyses of HIV EID.

Methods
We systematically searched bibliographic databases (Embase, MEDLINE and EconLit) and grey literature for economic analyses of HIV EID in low- and middle-income countries published between January 2008 and June 2021. We extracted data on unit costs, cost savings, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios as well as outcomes related to health and the HIV EID care process and summarized results in narrative and tabular formats. We converted unit costs to 2021 USD for easier comparison of costs across studies.

Results
After title and abstract screening of 1278 records and full-text review of 99 records, we included 29 studies: 17 cost analyses and 12 model-based cost-effectiveness analyses. Unit costs were 21.46–51.80 USD for point-of-care EID tests and 16.21–42.73 USD for laboratory-based EID tests. All cost-effectiveness analyses stated at least one of the interventions evaluated to be cost-effective. Most studies reported costs of EID testing strategies; however, few studies assessed the same intervention or reported costs in the same way, making comparison of costs across studies challenging. Limited data availability of context-appropriate costs and outcomes of children with HIV as well as structural heterogeneity of cost-effectiveness modelling studies limits generalizability of economic analyses of HIV EID.

Conclusions
The available cost and cost-effectiveness evidence for EID of HIV, while not directly comparable across studies, covers a broad range of interventions and suggests most interventions designed to improve EID are cost-effective or cost-saving. Further studies capturing costs and benefits of EID services as they are delivered in real-world settings are needed.

Graphical Abstract
The psychological and subjective experience of catatonia: a qualitative study
Authors: Zingela Zukiswa , Stroud Louise , Cronje Johan , Fink Max , van Wyk Stephan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Catatonia is a severe psychomotor disorder that presents as abnormality of movement which may also be excessive or severely slowed. It often inhibits communication when protracted or severe. In this study we investigated the emotive and cognitive experience of patients with catatonia during a prevalence study in an acute mental health unit from August 2020 to September 2021. The value of this study is the addition of the inner and often unexplored cognitive and emotive experience of patients in the description of the catatonic state, which lends an additional dimension to complement the medical and psychopathological descriptors that have been the focus of most studies on catatonia.

Methods
Ethical approval was received from the Nelson Mandela University Human Research Committee and convenience sampling was undertaken to recruit participants admitted into an acute mental health unit with catatonia, four to eight weeks after discharge, following admission. The BFCSI and BFCRS and a pre-designed data collection sheet were used to assess n = 241 participants, and collect data on descriptions of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours they experienced during the catatonic episode.

Results
Forty-four (18.3%) of the total 241 participants who were assessed had catatonia. Thirty (68.2%) of the 44 participants with catatonia provided data on their experience of catatonia. Twenty-three were males (76.7% of 30) and seven were females (23.3% of 30). All were within the age range of 17 to 65 years. The dominant themes of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors described centered around yearning for or missing loved ones, heightened fear, intense anxiety, negative affect, aggression, obedience, and withdrawal.

Conclusions
The common themes that emerged from this study were overwhelming anxiety, fear, and depression. These were found to occur frequently in patients with catatonia when describing their psychological experience. These experiences may possibly relate to the flight, fight, freeze and fawn response, as described in prior studies on the subjective experience of catatonia.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
Postoperative empyema complicated with descending necrotizing fasciitis: a case report
Authors: Kadomatsu Yuka , Ueno Harushi , Goto Masaki , Ozeki Naoki , Nakamura Shota , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Empyema is a serious complication of lung surgery.

Case presentation
We report a case of Streptococcus anginosus empyema complicated by descending necrotizing fasciitis after surgery. Ten days after the initial surgery, the patient presented with arrhythmia and hypotension with septic shock. Pleural fluid analysis led to the diagnosis of empyema, and surgical debridement (second surgery) was performed. One week after the emergency surgery, a palpable pink erythematous skin change was observed on the ipsilateral iliac crest. Hence, the second emergency surgery (third surgery) was performed to debride the subcutaneous and intramuscular abscesses.

Conclusions
The possibility of descending abscess and necrotizing fasciitis should be considered when Streptococcus anginosus is detected.
Thyroid hormones and glycaemic indices in euthyroid, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, all type 2 diabetics and non-diabetic subjects
Authors: Isong Idongesit Kokoabasi , Udiong Christopher E. J. , Akpan Uwem Okon 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Abnormal thyroid hormone levels have been reported in type 2, but the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and glycaemic indices: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), C-peptide (C-pep) and glycated haemoglobin (HbAlc), used in the management of type 2 is not well defined. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between thyroid hormones and glycaemic indices in type 2.

Results
Positive correlations were observed between FPG and HbAlc in hypothyroid (r = 0.382, P = 0.011) and hyperthyroid group (r = 0.295, P = 0.012). FPG correlated with C-pep in hyperthyroid diabetics (r = 0.481, P < 0.001). HbAlc and TSH correlated positively in hypothyroid diabetics (r = 0.330: P = 0.031). HbAlc also correlated with T4 in hypothyroid diabetics (r = 0.379: P = 0.012). C-peptide and TSH correlated positively in hyperthyroid diabetics only (r = 0.279; P = 0.042). C-peptide also correlated with T3 and T4 in euthyroid diabetics (r = 0.231, P = 0.020; r = 0.248, P = 0.045), respectively.

Conclusion
The presence of abnormal levels of thyroid hormones influenced glycaemic indices in type 2 population. This implies that thyroid hormones investigation can assist in proper diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus.