bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced oxygen concentrations regulate the phenotype and function of human granulosa cells in vitro and cause a diminished steroidogenic but increased inflammatory cellular reaction
Authors: Höfner Maria , Eubler Katja , Herrmann Carola , Berg Ulrike , Berg Dieter , Welter Harald , Imhof Axel , Forné Ignasi , Mayerhofer Artur 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Oxygen (O2) concentrations have recently been discussed as important regulators of ovarian cells. Human IVF-derived granulosa cells (human GCs) can be maintained in vitro and are a widely used cellular model for the human ovary. Typically, GCs are cultured at atmospheric O2 levels (approximately around 20%), yet the O2 conditions in vivo, especially in the preovulatory follicle, are estimated to be much lower. Therefore, we comprehensively evaluated the consequences of atmospheric versus hypoxic (1% O2) conditions for 4 days on human GCs. We found lower cellular RNA and protein levels but unchanged cell numbers at 1% O2, indicating reduced transcriptional and/or translational activity. A proteomic analysis showed that 391 proteins were indeed decreased, yet 133 proteins were increased under hypoxic conditions. According to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, pathways associated with metabolic processes, for example amino acid-catabolic-processes, mitochondrial protein biosynthesis, and steroid biosynthesis, were downregulated. Pathways associated with glycolysis, chemical homeostasis, cellular response to hypoxia, and actin filament bundle assembly were upregulated. In accordance with lower CYP11A1 (a cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme) levels, progesterone release was decreased. A proteome profiler, as well as IL-6 and IL-8 ELISA assays, revealed that hypoxia led to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic factors. Immunofluorescence studies showed nuclear localization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in human GCs upon acute (2 h) exposure to 1% O2 but not in cells exposed to 1% O2 for 4 days. Hence, the role of HIF1α may be restricted to initiation of the hypoxic response in human GCs. The results provide a detailed picture of hypoxia-induced phenotypic changes in human GCs and reveal that chronically low O2 conditions inhibit the steroidogenic but promote the inflammatory phenotype of these cells.
Histone dynamics responding to internal and external cues underlying plant development
Authors: Cheng Ying-Juan , Wang Jia-Wei , Ye Ruiqiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Plants necessitate a refined coordination of growth and development to effectively respond to external triggers for survival and successful reproduction. This intricate harmonization of plant developmental processes and adaptability hinges on significant alterations within their epigenetic landscapes. In this review, we first delve into recent strides made in comprehending underpinning the dynamics of histones, driven by both internal and external cues. We encapsulate the prevailing working models through which cis/trans elements navigate the acquisition and removal of histone modifications, as well as the substitution of histone variants. As we look ahead, we anticipate that delving deeper into the dynamics of epigenetic regulation at the level of individual cells or specific cell types will significantly enrich our comprehension of how plant development unfolds under the influence of internal and external cues. Such exploration holds the potential to provide unprecedented resolution in understanding the orchestration of plant growth and development.
Lumbar erector spinae plane block versus infrainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for pain management after total hip arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kaciroglu Ahmet , Ekinci Mursel , Dikici Mustafa , Aydemir Omer , Demiroluk Oznur , Erdogan Dilek , Golboyu Birzat Emre , Alver Selcuk , Ciftci Bahadir , Gurbuz Hande 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided facia iliaca compartment (FIC) and erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks in managing postoperative pain after total hip arthroplasty surgery.

Methods
A total of 60 patients were randomized into 2 groups (n = 30): one that received FIC blocks and one that received ESP blocks. FIC and ESP blocks were performed with 30 mL 0.25% bupivacaine at the end of the surgery. The patients received intravenous tramadol and patient-controlled postoperative analgesia. The pain scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded.

Results
The dynamic pain scores on movement in the postoperative first hour were significantly lower in the ESP block group than in the FIC block group (3 [2–4] vs 4 [2–5], respectively; P = .035). Data are expressed as median (25th–75th percentiles). Postoperative opioid consumption within the first postoperative 8 hours was significantly higher in the FIC block group than in the ESP block group (80 mg [61–100] vs 100 mg [80–120], respectively; P = .010). The adverse effects of opioids did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusion
ESP and infrainguinal FIC blocks provided similar postoperative analgesia 24 hours after total hip arthroplasty. The ESP block is more beneficial than the FIC block in terms of pain scores and opioid consumption in the early hours of the postoperative period.

Trial registration
www.ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05621161).
Green links: corporate networks and environmental performance
Authors: Asgharian Hossein , Dzieliński Michał , Hashemzadeh Zahra , Liu Lu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We investigate the propagation of environmental performance among competitors and in customer–supplier relationships. We find a significant causal effect among competitors, while the propagation from customers to suppliers and vice versa appears insignificant or does not survive identification tests. The effect is stronger among firms in highly concentrated competitor networks and toward firms with less market and bargaining power than their competitors. We also find significantly stronger propagation of environmental performance among competitors engaged in joint research and development activity. These results show that the propagation stems from both competitive pressure and technological spillover. Importantly, we find that propagation is strong when the competitor improves its environmental performance and when the firm’s own environmental performance is poor initially, alleviating concerns that improvements in performance are concentrated among firms, which are already green. Overall, network effects among competing firms are a significant force shaping environmental performance, and a force mostly for good.
Quality assurance of lead aprons for radiation protection
Authors: Revathy Periyasamy , Kaginelli Shanmukhappa B 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Radiation protection is essential to minimize the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Lead equivalent apron is one of the common protective devices to reduce the occupational risk of radiation exposure. The aim of the study is to analyse the percentage attenuation of 0.5 mm lead equivalent apron. Twenty aprons were used for calculating the percentage of attenuation. The computed tomography (CT) phantom was placed on the radiography and CT table at 1 m from the X-ray tube. The readings were taken from the phantom using a detector at 1-m distance with and without lead equivalent aprons. The readings were tabulated and analysed. The mean percentage attenuation of 0.5 mm lead equivalent apron is 95.66 ± 0.61 in radiography (100 kVp), 95.64 ± 0.57 in CT (130 kVp), respectively. The percentage attenuation of lead equivalent aprons is permissible comparing with the literature.
An investigation on polymers for shielding of cosmic radiation for lunar exploration
Authors: Sankarshan Belur Mohan , Adarsh Lingaraj , Krishnaveni Sannathammegowda , Sowmya Nagarajan , Shrinivasrao Kulkarni , Manjunatha Holaly Chandrashekara Shastry 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In outer space, we find many types of radiations that are due to solar flares, radiation belt, cosmic rays, etc. We are fortunate enough to be protected from these radiations on the surface of the Earth, whereas in other celestial objects such as planets and satellites, without a protecting atmosphere, penetration of radiation that may be ionising or non-ionising is inevitable. Hence, studying radiation environment and its effect on such celestial objects is very important for establishing facilities such as satellites, payloads, vehicles and human exploration. For such cases, manufacturing the products with lightweight, thermally stable, flexible, mechanically durable materials is essential and needs to be studied for the radiation effect. Hence, in the present work, we have made an attempt to calculate the rate of absorbed dose in case of polymers such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene, Mylar, polystyrene and Zylon for the lunar radiation environment. From the literature, it is found that ions up to iron has a lion share in the ionic radiation in space. The simulations were carried out for ions from hydrogen to iron using the SRIM software with various energies. It is observed that the absorbed dose rate in the polymers increases with the increase in ion mass. Further, the study can be extended to get the information of various flexible materials for these ions from which a suitable material can be chosen for the different space applications.
PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 size fraction distribution under steady-state conditions in a walk-in type 222Rn calibration chamber facility
Authors: Vijith Anidil P , Mayya Yelia S , Mishra Rosaline , Sapra Balvinder K , Karunakara Naregundi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Attachment of 222Rn progenies, upon their formation, to the atmospheric aerosols and inhalation of these radioactive aerosols causes inhalation dose to the human being. Aerosols have the characteristics of small particle size, long-time suspension and long-distance transmission and easy access to the deep respiratory tract. Aerosols are responsible for viral infection risk such as the recent worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19). Understanding the formation and behaviour of aerosols in a confined environment in various human habitations is essential to combat such detrimental exposures. Experiments have been performed to study the distribution of aerosol size fractions in the walk-in type 222Rn calibration chamber. The real-time applied particle technology monitors (APT-Maxima stationary monitors) were used for the simultaneous measurements of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 size fractions. The variation of the mass densities (μg m−3) of different size fractions at different positions inside the chamber was monitored by placing APTs. The PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 sizes fractions were distributed homogeneously within the chamber volume and the concentration ratios of these fractions were 1:1.5:1.6 for concentration values of &lt; 1500 μg m−3, and 1:7:9 for the concentration values of &gt; 1500 μg m−3.
A proposal for the performance evaluation of 0.5 mm lead aprons used in nuclear medicine
Authors: Lee Sangho , Jang Donggun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The lead apron plays a crucial role in radiation protection and is extensively used in medical institutions. Periodic performance evaluations, involving visual inspections and transmission imaging, are conducted annually. This research aims to propose a performance evaluation method for 0.5 mm lead aprons used in nuclear medicine departments. The experiments were conducted using transmission imaging and source-based evaluation methods, involving two lead aprons with &lt;1 year of use and two other aprons used for over 10 years. The experimental results indicate that using 50 kVp for transmission imaging is appropriate to detect cracks in the lead aprons. Additionally, in the case of lead aprons used for &gt;10 years, the measured attenuation rate was found to be ~3–5% lower, depending on the measurement method. Consequently, a performance evaluation, including crack detection and actual attenuation rate measurements, should be carried out for lead aprons used long-term to ensure efficacy of radiation protection.
The Safety of Body Wraps on Skin-to-Skin Care in the Neonatal Population
Authors: Freccero Allison , Scala Melissa , McLeod Kelly Andrasik , Donahue Bridgette , Webb Macey , Briggs Michelle , Najm Ivette , Sinha Monica , Santagata Lauren , Dahlen Alex , Nasr Annette 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Despite well-established benefits of skin-to-skin care (SSC) for preterm infants and parents, standardized guidelines for implementation do not exist. Furthermore, the literature offers little evidence-based information to guide best practice.

Purpose:
To discover whether SSC using a body wrap to hold preterm infants would increase the duration of SSC, decrease parental stress during SSC, and minimize adverse events to ensure that body wraps are safe and feasible.

Methods:
Twenty-nine dyads of parents and preterm infants younger than 34 weeks postmenstrual age were enrolled. The first 15 dyads to meet inclusion criteria were assigned to a standard of care group for SSC with no body wrap. The remaining 14 dyads were assigned to an experimental group for SSC with a body wrap. Each dyad performed 2 SSC holds. Parents completed the Parental Stressor Scale and Parent Feedback Form. Adverse events were also documented.

Results:
No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in total SSC time (P = .33), the number of adverse events (P = .31 for major events; P = .38 for minor events), average parental stress (P = .22), and parental confidence performing SSC (P = .18).

Implications for Practice and Research:
This study found that SSC with a body wrap is safe for preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is the first study to explore the use, safety, and effectiveness of body wraps during SSC with preterm infants in an NICU. Future research should be conducted with larger sample sizes to further evaluate the safety and efficacy.
ACR–ACNM–ARS–ASTRO–SNMMI Practice Parameter for the Performance of Therapy With Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Wallner Paul E. , Yoo Don C. , Calais Jeremy , Escorcia Freddy E. , Mari Aparici Carina , Michalski Jeff , Morris Michael , Morris Zachary S. , Pryma Daniel , Rabatic Bryan M. , Sharma Navesh , Vapiwala Neha , Ghesani Munir V. , Subramaniam Rathan M. , Small William , Schechter Naomi R. 
Published: December 2023

Objectives:
This practice parameter was revised collaboratively by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American College of Nuclear Medicine, the American Radium Society, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. The document is intended to serve as a resource for appropriately trained and licensed physicians who perform therapeutic procedures with unsealed sources, referred to in the document using the more inclusive terminology of radiopharmaceuticals, for which a written directive is required for authorized users under NRC 10 CFR 35.300.

Methods:
This practice parameter was developed according to the process described under the heading The Process for Developing ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards on the ACR website (https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters—Radiation Oncology of the ACR Commission on Radiation Oncology in collaboration with the American Radium Society.

Results:
This practice parameter addresses the overall role of the applicable physician-authorized user, Qualified Medical Physicist, and other specialized personnel involved in the delivery of radiopharmaceutical therapy. Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals include those administered as elemental radioactive isotopes (radionuclides) or the radioactive element incorporated into a targeting molecule (ligand) by one or more chemical bonds. This document provides guidance regarding general principles of radionuclide therapies and indications of various alpha, beta, gamma, and mixed emission agents with references to several recent practice parameters on new and commonly performed radiopharmaceutical therapies.

Conclusions:
This document addresses clinical circumstances, elements of available agents, and the qualifications and responsibilities of various members of the radiation care team, specifications of consultation and other clinical documentation, post-therapy follow-up, radiation safety precautions, elements of quality control and improvement programs, infection control, and patient education to ensure optimal patient care and safety when utilizing radiopharmaceuticals.
Retinal Microvasculopathy with Different Insulin Infusion Therapies in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus without Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy.
Authors: Guo Yan , Zheng Xiaoquan , He Hongwu , Zheng Suilian 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
To explore the characteristics and associated factors of retinal microvasculopathy and neurodegeneration with different insulin therapies in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children without diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods:
41 T1DM children with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI), 22 T1DM children with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), and 62 age-matched normal controls were enrolled. SPECTRALIS OCT was used to scan 6 *6 mm square area of posterior retina.

Results:
The Vessel density (VD) of superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) in T1DM -MDI group were all significantly lower than those in the T1DM-CSII and control group (0.39±0.05 vs.0.44±0.04 and 0.42±0.06, p<0.001;0.26±0.04 vs. 0.30±0.02 and 0.28±0.04, p=0.003; 0.30±0.04 vs.0.33±0.04 and 0.32±0.04, p=0.027). In T1DM -MDI group, lower VD of SVP was associated with higher Hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) (r=-0.377, p=0.015). Foveal avascular zone morphology index (FAZM) in T1DM -MDI and T1DM-CSII group were smaller than control group (0.63±0.11 and 0.63±0.12 vs.0.69±0.15, p=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in the thickness of the retina among three groups(p>0.05).

Conclusion:
The VD of posterior retina was lower in T1DM with MDI than healthy controls and associated with higher HbA1c. There was significantly difference on VD betweenT1DM -MDI and T1DM-CSII, with the similar HbA1c. This study suggested that optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) could be beneficial for detection of retinal abnormalities in early T1DM children and CSII may be a better choice for T1DM children to prevent the retinal complication than MDI.
Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Infants in the United States: Incidence, Severity, Fatality, and Variants of Concern
Authors: Barry Megan C. , Pathak Elizabeth B. , Swanson Justin , Cen Ruiqi , Menard Janelle , Salemi Jason L. , Nembhard Wendy N. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
The clinical spectrum of infant COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening illness, yet epidemiologic surveillance has been limited for infants.

Methods:
Using COVID-19 case data (restricted to reporting states) and national mortality data, we calculated incidence, hospitalization, mortality and case fatality rates through March 2022.

Results:
Reported incidence of COVID-19 was 64.1 new cases per 1000 infant years (95% CI: 63.3–64.9). We estimated that 594,012 infants tested positive for COVID-19 nationwide by March 31, 2022. Viral variant comparisons revealed that incidence was 7× higher during the Omicron (January–March 2022) versus the pre-Delta period (June 2020–May 2021). The cumulative case hospitalization rate was 4.1% (95% CI: 4.0%–4.3%). For every 74 hospitalized infants, one infant death occurred, but overall COVID-19-related infant case fatality was low, with 7.0 deaths per 10,000 cases (95% CI: 5.6–8.7). Nationwide, 333 COVID-19 infant deaths were reported. Only 13 infant deaths (3.9%) were the result of usually lethal congenital anomalies. The majority of infant decedents were non-White (28.2% Black, 26.1% Hispanic, 8.1% Asian, Indigenous or multiracial).

Conclusions:
More than half a million US infants contracted COVID-19 by March 2022. Longitudinal assessment of long-term infant SARS-CoV-2 infection sequelae remains a critical research gap. Extremely low infant vaccination rates (<5%), waning adult immunity and continued viral exposure risks suggest that infant COVID-19 will remain a persistent public health problem. Our study underscores the need to increase vaccination rates for mothers and infants, decrease viral exposure risks and improve health equity.
Predictors of Mortality Among Children and Adolescents Living With HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in Western Kenya
Authors: Nyandiko Winstone , Enjema Njie Albertine , Mugo Richard , Apondi Edith , Sang Edwin , Mwangi Ann 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has decreased HIV-attributable deaths; however, children and adolescents continue to have high HIV-associated mortality.

Setting:
We determined the predictors of death among children and young adolescents living with HIV (CALWH) who died while in care in Western Kenya.

Methods:
This retrospective case–control study used electronically abstracted data of 6234 CALWH who received care in Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare HIV clinics in Western Kenya between January 2002 and November 2022. The cases comprised CALWH who were reported dead by November 2022, while the controls constituted of matched CALWH who were alive and in care. Independent predictors of mortality were determined using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Kaplan–Meier analysis ascertained survival.

Results:
Of the 6234 participants enrolled, slightly more than half were male (51.7%). The mean (SD) age at the start of ART was significantly lower in cases than in controls at 6.01 (4.37) and 6.62 (4.11) (P < 0.001), respectively. An age of 11 years or older at start of ART (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]: 8.36 [3.60–19.40]), both parents being alive (aHR: 3.06 [1.67–5.60]), underweight (aHR: 1.82 [1.14–2.92]), and World Health Organization stages 3 (aHR: 2.63 [1.12–6.18]) and 4 (aHR: 2.20 [0.94–5.18]) increased mortality; while school attendance (aHR: 0.12 [0.06–0.21]), high CD4+ counts >350 cells/mm3 (aHR: 0.79 [0.48–1.29]), and low first viral load <1000 copies/mL (aHR: 0.24 [0.14–0.40]) were protective.

Conclusion:
Independent predictors of mortality were age 11 years or older at the start of ART, orphan status, underweight, and advanced HIV disease. Beyond the provision of universal ART, care accorded to CALWH necessitates optimization through tackling individual predictors of mortality.