bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis on Lou Bei Er Chen decoction and acupuncture in gastroesophageal reflux disease post-gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Shi Jing-Hua , Yang Hui , Wang Shi-Tao , Wang Wen-Jun , Shi Ye , Huang Shan-Shan , Jiang Su 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer is a growing clinical challenge, particularly due to the increased risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following surgical treatment. traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and herbal medicine, has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy to promote gastrointestinal recovery and alleviate GERD symptoms.
AIM
To retrospectively study the clinical efficacy of modified Lou Bei Er Chen decoction combined with acupuncture in treating patients with GERD after radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted, including patients with gastric cancer or malignant tumors of the stomach from January 2019 to December 2023 in the Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Patients with a TCM diagnosis of qi depression and phlegm obstruction (n = 128) were selected on the basis of prescription and treatment principles. They were then divided into a control group (n = 61) and an observation group (n = 67). The control group received treatment with Western medicine domperidone. The observation group were treated with Lou Bei Er Chen decoction orally, with acupuncture at specific acupoints (bilateral Hegu, bilateral Neiguan, and bilateral Zusanli), in addition to the treatment as in the control group, for a continuous treatment period of 8 weeks. The improvement time of postoperative gastrointestinal function indicators, gastrointestinal dysfunction scores, GERD-Q scores, and TCM syndrome scores were further observed for both groups.
RESULTS
The observation group showed significantly shorter times for first flatus, defecation, bowel sound recovery, and initiation of nasogastric enteral nutrition than the control group (P < 0.05). Upon treatment, the two groups demonstrated a significant reduction in gastrointestinal dysfunction scores, with a more significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.001). The GERD-Q scores significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.05), compared with baseline. The TCM syndrome scores significantly decreased after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction in the observation group (P < 0.05). The effective rate of the observation group after 8 weeks of treatment was significantly higher than that after 4 weeks (χ 2 = 13.648, P = 0.003), and it was significantly higher than that of control group (χ 2 = 13.879, P = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
Lou Bei Er Chen decoction combined with acupuncture treatment can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms in patients GERD after gastric cancer surgery and improve their life quality. It is worthy of further promotion and application.
Effect of tandem autologous stem cell transplantation on survival in pediatric patients with high-risk solid tumors in South China
Authors: Luo Zi-Yan , Fan Li-Qun , Guo Wen-Ling , Yang Jian-Ping , Li Zhuo-Yan , Huang Yong-Xian , Jiang Hua , Zhang Xiao-Hong 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for patients with high-risk pediatric solid tumors remains dismal. Tandem autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) offers promise for improving outcomes in these patients. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and prognostic factors of tandem ASCT in pediatric patients with high-risk solid tumors.
AIM
To determine the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in pediatric patients with high-risk solid tumors undergoing tandem ASCT.
METHODS
A total of 40 pediatric patients with high-risk solid tumors treated from March 2015 to August 2022 were included in this retrospective study. The diagnoses of the patients included neuroblastoma, germ cell tumors, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, medulloblastoma, and pineoblastoma. After induction chemotherapy, all patients received tandem ASCT and were allocated into two groups (group A and group B) based on high-dose chemotherapy regimens. Prognostic relevance was evaluated by examining patient characteristics, such as sex, age, lactate dehydrogenase levels, primary site, the number of metastatic sites, and bone marrow involvement.
RESULTS
The median follow-up duration since the first ASCT was 24 months (range: 1-91 months), with 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates of 73% and 70%, respectively, for the entire cohort. The 3-year OS rates were 67% for group A and 87% for group B (P = 0.29), with corresponding 3-year EFS rates of 67% and 79% (P = 0.57). Among neuroblastoma patients, the 5-year OS and EFS were 69% and 63% (P = 0.23). Univariable analysis revealed a notable association of age ≥ 36 months and elevated lactate dehydrogenase level at diagnosis with poorer OS. Despite acute adverse effects, all patients demonstrated good tolerance to the treatment, with no occurrences of transplant-related mortality.
CONCLUSION
Tandem ASCT demonstrates promising survival outcomes for patients with high-risk solid tumors, particularly neuroblastoma, with manageable toxicity and no transplant-related mortality.
Fetal mice dermal mesenchymal stem cells promote wound healing by inducing M2 type macrophage polarization
Authors: Xia Zhen-Yu , Wang Yi , Shi Nian , Lu Mei-Qi , Deng Yun-Xiang , Qi Yong-Jun , Wang Xing-Lei , Zhao Jie , Jiang Du-Yin 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stem cells, found in various tissues, possess significant healing and immunomodulatory properties, influencing macrophage polarization, which is essential for wound repair. However, chronic wounds present significant therapeutic challenges, requiring novel strategies to improve healing outcomes.
AIM
To investigate the potential of fetal dermal mesenchymal stem cells (FDMSCs) in enhancing wound healing through modulation of macrophage polarization, specifically by promoting the M2 phenotype to address inflammatory responses in chronic wounds.
METHODS
FDMSCs were isolated from BalB/C mice and co-cultured with RAW264.7 macrophages to assess their effects on macrophage polarization. Flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and histological analyses were employed to evaluate shifts in macrophage phenotype and wound healing in a mouse model. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism.
RESULTS
FDMSCs induced macrophage polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype, as demonstrated by a reduction in pro-inflammatory markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6) and an increase in anti-inflammatory markers [mannose receptor (CD206), arginase-1] in co-cultured RAW264.7 macrophages. These shifts were confirmed by flow cytometry. In an acute skin wound model, FDMSC-treated mice exhibited faster wound healing, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved vascular regeneration compared to controls. Significantly higher expression of arginase-1 further indicated an enriched M2 macrophage environment.
CONCLUSION
FDMSCs effectively modulate macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue repair, demonstrating their potential as an immunomodulatory strategy in wound healing. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic application of FDMSCs in managing chronic wounds.
Exosomal miR-203 from bone marrow stem cells targets the SOCS3/NF-κB pathway to regulate neuroinflammation in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Wei , Yin Jian 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Epilepsy is a prevalent chronic neurological disorder affecting 50 million individuals globally, with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) being the most common form. Despite advances in antiepileptic drug development, over 30% of patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy, which can lead to severe cognitive impairments and adverse psychosocial outcomes.
AIM
To explore the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomal miR-203 in the regulation of neuroinflammation in a mouse model of epilepsy, providing a theoretical basis for the development of targeted microRNA delivery therapies for drug-resistant epilepsy.
METHODS
Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a control group and a TLE model of 30 mice each, and the TLE model group was established by injecting kainic acid. BMSCs were isolated from the mice, and exosomes were purified using ultracentrifugation. Exosomal miR-203 was identified and characterized using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The uptake of exosomes by hippocampal neurons and the subsequent effects on neuroinflammatory markers were assessed using in vitro cell culture models.
RESULTS
Exosomal miR-203 exhibited a significant upregulation in BMSCs derived from epileptic mice. In vitro investigations demonstrated the efficient internalization of these exosomes by hippocampal neurons, resulting in downregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 expression and activation of the nuclear factor kappaB pathway, ultimately leading to enhanced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
CONCLUSION
Our study identifies exosomal miR-203 as a key regulator of neuroinflammation in a mouse model of epilepsy. The findings suggest that targeting miR-203 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for epilepsy by modulating the suppression of cytokine signaling 3/nuclear factor kappaB pathway, thus providing a potential avenue for the development of cell-free therapeutics.
Assessment of the biosafety profile of Galium verum in vitro on myoblasts and in ovo on chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Morariu-Briciu Diana Maria , Bolintineanu Sorin Lucian , Rata Andreea , Semenescu Alexandra Denisa , Anton Alina , Jijie Robert , Kis Andreea , Hrubaru Ingrid , Heghes Alina 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death in the world. Ischemic heart disease is the main cause of heart failure. New approaches are continuously sought to identify better therapeutic success. Thereby, current research has been drawn to identifying and completing the therapeutic profile of natural sources. Galium species are representatives exhibiting diuretic and antibacterial potential in living organisms and can treat burns, wounds, and skin diseases. Moreover, it was also observed that these plants manifest cardioprotective effects as well as having antihemolytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative potential. In ischemic heart disease, Galium verum (G. verum) extract manifested preservative properties in terms of contractility, systolic and diastolic function maintenance, and reduced damage to the heart after ischemia. In addition, G. verum extract upregulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes alleviating the production of pro-oxidants.
AIM
To test the ethanolic extract of G. verum on the H9C2(2-1) cell line by evaluating the in vitro biosafety profile and in ovo irritative potential.
METHODS
Cells were tested in vitro for viability (using the MTT test), cellular morphology, cell number, confluence, nuclear morphology (by immunofluorescence staining of cell nuclei and F-actin assay) and in ovo by the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) test and CAM anti-irritant methods to study the irritation potential on the CAM.
RESULTS
The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent stimulatory activity. The viability increased to 170% for the dose of 55 µg/mL and decreased to 135% at 200 µg/mL. The results of cell number, confluence, and morphological analysis did not present significant changes compared with control untreated cells. The immunofluorescence assay showed insignificant apoptotic potential, and the hen’s egg CAM test revealed that the extract was in the weak to moderately irritating category with an irritation score of 5.3. When applying the sample to the CAM, only slight coagulation was observed (128 s). The anti-irritant test revealed the protective potential of the extract in the vascular plexus.
CONCLUSION
The ethanolic extract of G. verum manifests a stimulating effect on cardiomyocytes, enhancing cell viability, and maintaining a normal elongated shape, cell number, and confluence, without significant signs of apoptosis and with a weak irritative effect in ovo . In addition, the extract demonstrated a protective effect against hemorrhage, lysis, and coagulation of blood vessels induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate on the CAM.
Combinatorial approach to treat iron overload cardiomyopathy in pediatric patients with thalassemia-major: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Safwan Moaz , Bourgleh Mariam Safwan , Alsudays Aseel , Haider Khawaja Husnain 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND
Iron overload cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients. Standard iron chelation therapy is less efficient in alleviating iron accumulation in many organs, especially when iron enters the cells via specific calcium channels.
AIM
To validate our hypothesis that adding amlodipine to the iron chelation regimen is more efficient in alleviating myocardial iron overload.
METHODS
Five databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were systematically searched, and three randomized controlled trials involving 144 pediatric patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia were included in our meta-analysis based on the predefined eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed based on the Cochrane collaboration tool for bias assessment. The primary outcome assessed was myocardial-T2 and myocardial iron concentration, while the secondary results showed serum ferritin level, liver iron concentration, and treatment adverse outcomes. Weighted mean difference and odds ratio were calculated to measure the changes in the estimated treatment effects.
RESULTS
During the follow-up period, Amlodipine treatment significantly improved cardiac T2 by 2.79 ms compared to the control group [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-5.24, P = 0.03, I 2 = 0%]. Additionally, a significant reduction of 0.31 in myocardial iron concentration was observed with amlodipine treatment compared to the control group [95%CI: -0.38-(-0.25), P < 0.00001, I 2 = 0%]. Liver iron concentration was slightly lower in the amlodipine group by -0.04 mg/g, but this difference was not statistically significant (95%CI: -0.33-0.24, P = 0.77, I 2 = 0%). Amlodipine also showed a non-significant trend toward a reduction in serum ferritin levels (-328.86 ng/mL, 95%CI: -1212.34-554.62, P = 0.47, I 2 = 90%). Regarding safety, there were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of gastrointestinal upset, hypotension, or lower limb edema.
CONCLUSION
Amlodipine with iron chelation therapy significantly improved cardiac parameters, including cardiac-T2 and myocardial iron, in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia without causing significant adverse events but enhancing the efficacy of iron chelation therapy.
Conjugacy Class Growth in Virtually Abelian Groups
Authors: Dermenjian Aram , Evetts Alex 
Published: February 2025

We study the conjugacy class growth function in finitely generated virtually abelian groups. That is, the number of elements in the ball of radius $n$ in the Cayley graph which intersect a fixed conjugacy class. In the class of virtually abelian groups, we prove that this function is always asymptotically equivalent to a polynomial. Furthermore, we show that in any affine Coxeter group, the degree of polynomial growth of a conjugacy class is equivalent to the reflection length of any element of that class.Comment: 14 pages, 2 figures. Published in the journal of Groups, Complexity, Cryptology
How Smart Education Technologies Can Prepare Post-Graduate Students to Be Productive and Increase Their Readiness for the Job Market
Authors: AlSharif Moza , AlMansoori Abdulrahman , Alnaqbi Maitha 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: In this research, smart education technologies are considered in respect to their impact on postgraduate students, to see whether these technologies enhance productivity and job market preparation. It intends to identify the way smart education technologies add to postgraduate student productivity and career readiness and are effective compared with traditional education, and study global benchmarking practices.
Methodology: This study uses both primary and secondary methods of research. Surveys were distributed to post-graduate students to gather their perspectives, while interviews with professors and educators provided further insights. The research tests two hypotheses: (1) integrating smart education technologies into post-graduate programs increases student productivity, and (2) smart education produces top-quality graduates ready for the workforce. Findings from the literature review are compared with survey and interview data to identify trends and alignment. The limitations of the study are time, generalizability, and levels of participant engagement.
Findings: The study delves into the concept and categories of smart education technologies, their effects on post-graduate students' productivity and employability, implementation challenges, and international adoption examples. Student and teacher views are brought out in survey and interview feedback, complementing the literature review findings. The results show that smart education technologies have a positive effect on productivity and employment readiness among post-graduate students.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: In order to achieve maximum returns from smart education technologies, post-graduate studies must design individualized learning routes to accommodate students' individual needs. Higher exposure to diverse smart education technologies will improve learning and prepare the workforce more suitably. Further, keeping pace with new smart education tools will be critical in keeping up with education and being ready for work. In summary, incorporating smart learning technologies can strongly improve the academic experience of post-graduate learners by enhancing their productivity and enhancing their readiness to enter the world of work.
Job Stress, Job Satisfaction, Self-Efficacy and Turnover Intentions across Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Government Secondary School Teachers in Greater Mbarara
Authors: Nkwatsibwe Innocent , Rukundo Aloysius , Balimuttajjo Sudi 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The study examined the levels job stress, job satisfaction, self-efficacy and turnover intentions across socio-demographic characteristics of government secondary school teachers in greater Mbarara.
Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional, quantitative study adopted census strategy select schools and simple random sampling to select respondents. Data was collected from 470 teachers using self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using frequencies, means, standard deviations, independent samples t test and one-way ANOVA.
Findings: Generally, teachers reported moderate job stress, job satisfaction and turnover intentions while self-efficacy was high. High stress was reported among males (M=2.962), teachers aged 40-49 years (M=2.693), teachers with master’s degree (M=3.17), teachers with an experience of ˂ 1year (M=2.91), arts teachers (M=2.93), teachers on government payroll (M=2.87) and teachers in rural settings (M=2.88). High job satisfaction was reported among females (M=3.657), diploma holders (M=3.653), teachers on government payroll (M=3.596), teachers with an experience of ˂ 1year (M=3.691), science teachers (M=3.681), teachers aged ˂ 30years (M=3.787) and teachers in urban schools (M=3.62). Self-efficacy was high among teachers with ˂ 1year experience (M=3.497), females (M=3.495), teachers in urban schools (M=3.459), teachers with master’s degree (M=3.454), teachers on government payroll (M=3.358), science teachers (M=3.403) and teachers aged ˃ 50 years (M=3.455). Turnover intentions were high among teachers with master’s degree (M=3.004), teachers aged ˃ 50 years (M=2.801), teachers on PTA payroll (M=2.662), females (M=2.6001), teachers with an experience of ˂ 1 year (M=2.609), arts teachers (M=2.701) and teachers in rural schools (M=2.608).
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: There is need for development of mentorship programs to help early-career teachers navigate professional challenges to reduce stress and build confidence, enhance job satisfaction so as to mitigate turnover intentions.
Альтернативный метод построения корреляционных моделей колебательных процессов
Authors: Очилов Ш. Б. , Акрамова О. К. , Расулова Н. Н. 
Published: February 2025

В данной статье изучаются экономические процессы, имеющие корреляционную зависимости, которые меняются с течением времени по гармоническому закону, а также предлагается способ нахождения периода, фазы и частоты колебания процессов. В результате исследований в статье предложен метод определения коэффициентов А и В в гармонической функции. Выполнено сопоставление реальных и модельных данных. Отмечается, что колебательные процессы урожайности сельскохозяйственных культур рассмотрены в научных работах российских ученых, которыми была установлена закономерность колебания урожайности зерновых культур. Предлагается усовершенствованная методика по определению циклов урожайности хлопчатника, которая в отличие от ранее предложенных подходов, посвяшенных определению циклов колебаний урожайности сельскохозяйственных культур, когда циклы определяются при помощи сопоставления большого количества информации за длительный период времени, позволяет определить цикличность процесса, имея даже минимальное количество наблюдений. Приведены результаты расчётов и данные, на основе которых определяется существование циклов колебания урожайности хлопчатника на примере Бухарской области Республики Узбекистана. Методика апробирована на основе конкретного примера, который подтвердил ее практическую пригодность для решения поставленной задачи.