bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of inhomogeneous occupational exposure to the lens of the eyes and the extremities of radiation workers in a research accelerator facility
Authors: Kowatari Munehiko , Kubota Takumi , Yoshitomi Hiroshi , Kunugita Naoki 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We performed an experimental investigation on occupational exposure of the eye lens and the extremity of radiation workers engaged in handling of highly activated materials in a small research accelerator facility. Using a simplified physical phantom to simulate the relevant inhomogeneous radiation exposure situations, the personal dose equivalents obtained at the eye lens and the extremities of radiation workers handling heavily radioactive converters were measured together with the dose measured by personal dosemeters worn on their trunk. Results of mockup experiments and the Monte Carlo calculations suggest that the quantitative estimation of the eye lens doses can be estimated from the trunk dose, while the extremity doses vary considerably from the dose readings from the trunk, depending on the use of simple point-source or volume source geometry.
More than Teacher Bias: A QuantCrit Analysis of Teachers’ Perceptions of Young Black Boys’ Noncognitive Skills
Authors: Zimmermann Calvin Rashaud , Cannady Emmanuel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Studies of racial bias document how racial meanings shape human perceptions and interactions in a variety of social institutions, including education. However, few sociologists connect quantitative evidence of racial bias to sociological theories of racism. Consequently, quantitative analyses of teacher racial bias are frequently decontextualized. This paper uses national data on kindergarteners to examine racial/ethnic disparities in teacher perceptions of boys’ noncognitive skills. We find evidence of teacher racial-gender bias that casts young Black boys as more often exhibiting poorer noncognitive skills as compared to their non-Black peers. Interestingly, we find no difference between teachers’ ratings of Black and non-Black boys’ interpersonal skills. We analyze our findings using sociological theories of racism. By doing so, we provide a Du Boisian framework for interpreting evidence of racial bias in education. We also discuss the implications of our paper for contextualizing racial biases in other social institutions.
Flexibly Maintained Inequality in Workplace Flexibility: Absolute and Relative Shifts in Telework Under Covid-19
Authors: ARAKI Satoshi 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Recent research argues that the availability of flexible work arrangements (FWA) is unequally distributed among workers. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically transformed the way we work, including the abrupt introduction of telework. However, we know little about how workers are stratified in telework usage under the global crisis and how it differs from pre-pandemic times. This study leverages the nation-wide longitudinal survey data in Japan to investigate (a) who are more/less likely to be excluded from telework and (b) how the structure changes from 2019 to 2022, with close attention to both absolute and relative shifts. The analysis shows (a) the absolute amount of telework opportunities has increased in the wake of the pandemic; but (b) the relative inequality among workers has rather been intensified since 2020, with the probability of non-telework ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 across their socio-economic attributes and (c) labour stratification in telework use persists over time despite its fluctuating magnitude. One may call this social phenomenon ‘flexibly maintained inequality (FMI)’ in that relative inequalities remain via adjusting their absolute thresholds across worker segments. Examining the mechanism of FMI and its impact on individuals, organisations, and societies is crucial for future research and relevant policy/practice.
Allogenic Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Sustain Long-Term Therapeutic Efficacy Compared With Low-Dose Interleukin-2 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cao Zhouli , Wang DanDan , Jing Lijuan , Wen Xin , Xia Nan , Ma Wenjuan , Zhang Xueyi , Jin Ziyi , Shen Wei , Yao Genhong , Chen Weiwei , Tang Xiaojun , Geng Linyu , Li Hui , Li Xiaojing , Ding Shuai , Liang Jun , Feng Xuebing , Zhang Huayong , Liu Shanshan , Li Wenchao , Sun Lingyun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) both have demonstrated efficacy in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study is to conduct a head-to-head comparison between the 2 treatments and provide insights for clinical applications.

Methods
Lupus-prone mice were treated with umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs), IL-2, or a combination of UC-MSCs and IL-2, respectively. The lupus-like symptoms, renal pathology, and T-cell response were assessed 1 or 4 weeks later. Modulation of IL-2 production by MSCs on immune cells was investigated by the coculture assay. Disease activity and serum IL-2 of SLE patients were determined before and after receiving UC-MSCs.

Results
Both UC-MSCs and IL-2 improved lupus symptoms in lupus-prone mice 1 week after treatment, while the effects of UC-MSCs lasted up to 4 weeks. Moreover, the UC-MSC-treated group showed better renal pathology improvement. Importantly, UC-MSCs combined with IL-2 did not provide better efficacy than UC-MSCs alone. Consistent with this, UC-MSCs alone and UC-MSCs + IL-2 resulted in similar levels of serum IL-2 and frequencies of Tregs. Neutralization of IL-2 partly reduced the promotion of Tregs by UC-MSCs, suggesting that IL-2 was involved in the upregulation of Tregs by UC-MSCs. Lastly, an increase in serum IL-2 positively correlated with the reduction of disease activity of SLE patients by UC-MSCs.

Conclusion
Both the single injection of UC-MSCs and repeated IL-2 administration exerted comparable efficacy in alleviating SLE manifestations, but UC-MSCs provided sustained alleviation and showed better improvement in renal pathology.
Development of a Robust Consensus Modeling Approach for Identifying Cellular and Media Metabolites Predictive of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Potency
Authors: Van Grouw Alexandria , Colonna Maxwell B , Maughon Ty S , Shen Xunan , Larey Andrew M , Moore Samuel G , Yeago Carolyn , Fernández Facundo M , Edison Arthur S , Stice Steven L , Bowles-Welch Annie C , Marklein Ross A 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have shown promise in regenerative medicine applications due in part to their ability to modulate immune cells. However, MSCs demonstrate significant functional heterogeneity in terms of their immunomodulatory function because of differences in MSC donor/tissue source, as well as non-standardized manufacturing approaches. As MSC metabolism plays a critical role in their ability to expand to therapeutic numbers ex vivo, we comprehensively profiled intracellular and extracellular metabolites throughout the expansion process to identify predictors of immunomodulatory function (T-cell modulation and indoleamine-2,3-dehydrogenase (IDO) activity). Here, we profiled media metabolites in a non-destructive manner through daily sampling and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), as well as MSC intracellular metabolites at the end of expansion using mass spectrometry (MS). Using a robust consensus machine learning approach, we were able to identify panels of metabolites predictive of MSC immunomodulatory function for 10 independent MSC lines. This approach consisted of identifying metabolites in 2 or more machine learning models and then building consensus models based on these consensus metabolite panels. Consensus intracellular metabolites with high predictive value included multiple lipid classes (such as phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins) while consensus media metabolites included proline, phenylalanine, and pyruvate. Pathway enrichment identified metabolic pathways significantly associated with MSC function such as sphingolipid signaling and metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and autophagy. Overall, this work establishes a generalizable framework for identifying consensus predictive metabolites that predict MSC function, as well as guiding future MSC manufacturing efforts through identification of high-potency MSC lines and metabolic engineering.
Glioblastoma Stem Cell Targeting Peptide Isolated Through Phage Display Binds Cadherin 2
Authors: Kim JongMyung , Potez Marine , She Chunhua , Huang Ping , Wu Qiulian , Bao Shideng , Rich Jeremy N , Liu James K C 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) have unique properties of self-renewal and tumor initiation that make them potential therapeutic targets. Development of effective therapeutic strategies against GSCs requires both specificity of targeting and intracranial penetration through the blood-brain barrier. We have previously demonstrated the use of in vitro and in vivo phage display biopanning strategies to isolate glioblastoma targeting peptides. Here we selected a 7-amino acid peptide, AWEFYFP, which was independently isolated in both the in vitro and in vivo screens and demonstrated that it was able to target GSCs over differentiated glioma cells and non-neoplastic brain cells. When conjugated to Cyanine 5.5 and intravenously injected into mice with intracranially xenografted glioblastoma, the peptide localized to the site of the tumor, demonstrating intracranial tumor targeting specificity. Immunoprecipitation of the peptide with GSC proteins revealed Cadherin 2 as the glioblastoma cell surface receptor targeted by the peptides. Peptide targeting of Cadherin 2 on GSCs was confirmed through ELISA and in vitro binding analysis. Interrogation of glioblastoma databases demonstrated that Cadherin 2 expression correlated with tumor grade and survival. These results confirm that phage display can be used to isolate unique tumor-targeting peptides specific for glioblastoma. Furthermore, analysis of these cell specific peptides can lead to the discovery of cell specific receptor targets that may serve as the focus of future theragnostic tumor-homing modalities for the development of precision strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of glioblastomas.
The impact of cell-based therapy on female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saltzman Russell G , G Campbell Katherine , J Ripps Sarah , Golan Roei , Cabreja-Castillo Maria A , Garzon Ana Maria , Rahman Farah , Caceres Lina V , Tovar Jairo A , Khan Aisha , Hare Joshua M , Ramasamy Ranjith 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex issue affecting women of all ages; it involves several overlapping body systems and profoundly affects quality of life. The use of cell-based therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cells, has recently been investigated as a potential treatment for FSD.

Objectives
This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess FSD outcomes following cell-based therapy.

Methods
We evaluated peer-reviewed articles from multiple online databases through November 2022 to identify studies that used cell-based therapy and reported sexual function outcomes in women. We performed a meta-analysis using data pooled from 3 clinical trials at our institution: CRATUS (NCT02065245), ACESO (NCT02886884), and CERES (NCT03059355). All 3 trials collected data from the Sexual Quality of Life–Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire as an exploratory outcome.

Results
Existing literature on this topic is scarce. Five clinical studies and 1 animal study were included in the systematic review, and only 2 clinical studies were considered good quality: 1 reported significant SQOL-F improvement in women 6 months after cell therapy, and 1 reported posttherapy sexual satisfaction in all women. When individual patient data were pooled in a meta-analysis from 29 women across 3 trials at our institution, the SQOL-F was not significantly improved.

Conclusion
Despite growing interest in cell-based therapy for women’s sexual health, this important issue is understudied in the literature. The optimal route, source, and dose of cell therapy to produce clinically meaningful change have yet to be determined, and further research is needed in larger randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials.
Evidence for a Multimodal Pain Management Regimen in Reduction of Postoperative Opioid Use in Pediatric Patients Receiving Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Collis Reid W. , Dry Tonia , Ray Herman E. , Grundlingh Nina , Chan Gilbert , Oswald Timothy 
Published: June 2023

Study Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:
This project aims to evaluate the relationship between increased use of intraoperative nonopioid analgesics, muscle relaxers, and anesthetics and postoperative outcomes, including opioid utilization, time until ambulation, and hospital length of stay.

Summary of Background Data:
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural deformity of the spine that occurs in otherwise healthy adolescents, occurring with a frequency of 1% to 3%. Up to 60% of patients receiving spinal surgeries, particularly posterior spinal fusion (PSF), experience at least 1 day of moderate-to-severe pain after surgery.

Patients and Methods:
This is a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 having received PSF with >5 levels fused for AIS at a dedicated children’s hospital and a regional tertiary referral center with a dedicated pediatric spine program between January 2018 and September 2022. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the influence of baseline characteristics and intraoperative medications on the total amount of postoperative morphine milligram equivalents received.

Results:
There were no significant differences in the background characteristics of the two patient populations. Patients receiving PSF at the tertiary referral center received equivalent or greater amounts of all nonopioid pain medications and demonstrated decreased time until ambulation (19.3 vs. 22.3 h), postoperative opioid use (56.1 vs. 70.1 MME), and postoperative hospital length of stay (35.9 vs. 58.3 h). Hospital location was not individually associated with a difference in postoperative opioid use. There was not a significant difference in postoperative pain ratings. When accounting for all other variables, liposomal bupivacaine had the greatest contribution to the decrease in postoperative opioid use.

Conclusion:
Patients receiving greater amounts of nonopioid intraoperative medications utilized 20% fewer postoperative morphine milligram equivalents, were discharged 22.3 hours earlier and had earlier recorded evidence of mobility. Postoperatively, nonopioid analgesics were as effective as opioids in the reduction of subjective pain ratings. This study further demonstrates the efficacy of multimodal pain management regimens in pediatric patients receiving PSF for AIS.
Can serum tumor marker densities according to tumor volume and testicle size be used to predict progression in patients with testicular cancer?
Authors: Demirci Aykut , Başar Halil 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study is to determine the role of tumor marker density (TMD) values such as alpha-fetoprotein tumor volume ratio (ATVR), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin tumor volume ratio (βTVR), alpha-fetoprotein testicle size ratio (ATSR), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin testicle size ratio (βTSR), lactate dehydrogenase tumor volume ratio (LTVR), and lactate dehydrogenase testicle size ratio (LTSR) in the determination of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with testicular cancer.

Materials and methods
A retrospective study was conducted of 95 patients followed-up in our clinic with a diagnosis of testicular cancer between January 2015 and August 2022. Patients were grouped according to clinical stage, as either early stage (n = 50) or advanced stage (n = 45). Clinical and pathological data and TMD values for all patients were recorded.

Results
The median age of patients was 35 years (21–63 years). All TMDs except LTVR in advanced stage patients were found to be significantly higher than those of early stage patients (p < 0.05). Median ATVR (2.58 vs. 0.0), ATSR (0.63 vs. 0.03), βTVR (0.9 vs. 0.009), and βTSR (0.18 vs. 0.007) of the nonseminoma patients were found to be significantly higher than those of the seminoma patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Progression-free survival (months) was decreased in seminoma patients with high values of βTVR (11.3 ± 1.9 vs. 35.2 ± 0.7), βTSR (16.2 ± 3.4 vs. 35.2 ± 0.75), LTVR (17.7 ± 3.4 vs. 35.2 ± 0.7), and LTSR (21.5 ± 3.13 vs. 35.09 ± 0.8) (p < 0.001). Decreased PFS (months) was associated with higher values of ATVR (5.37 ± 0.7 vs. 35.05 ± 0.93), βTVR (7.4 ± 1.5 vs. 34.6 ± 1.3), ATSR (5.37 ± 0.75 vs. 35.05 ± 0.9), βTSR (7 ± 1.5 vs. 34.6 ± 1.3), and LTSR (7.9 ± 1.2 vs. 34.3 ± 1.5) in nonseminoma patients (p < 0.001). Based on multivariate analysis, βTVR-LTVR and ATVR-ATSR were determined to be independent risk factors for reduced PFS in seminoma and nonseminoma patients, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that the calculation of TMDs could be a promising and simple method for prediction of PFS among testicular cancer patients.
How can we assess “thrifty” and “spendthrift” phenotypes?
Authors: Hollstein Tim , Piaggi Paolo 
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review
There is a large inter-individual variability in the magnitude of body weight change that cannot be fully explained by differences in daily energy intake and physical activity levels and that can be attributed to differences in energy metabolism. Measuring the short-term metabolic response to acute changes in energy intake can better uncover this inter-individual variability and quantify the degree of metabolic thriftiness that characterizes an individual's susceptibility to weight gain and resistance to weight loss. This review summarizes the methods used to identify the individual-specific metabolic phenotype (thrifty vs. spendthrift) in research and clinical settings.

Recent findings
The metabolic responses to short-term fasting, protein-imbalanced overfeeding, and mild cold exposure constitute quantitative factors that characterize metabolic thriftiness.

Summary
The energy expenditure response to prolonged fasting is considered the most accurate and reproducible measure of metabolic thriftiness, likely because the largest energy deficit best captures interindividual differences in the extent of metabolic slowing. However, all the other dietary/environmental challenges can be used to quantify the degree of thriftiness using whole-room indirect calorimetry. Efforts are underway to identify alternative methods to assess metabolic phenotypes in clinical and outpatient settings such as the hormonal response to low-protein meals.
Acupuncture effect on dumping syndrome in esophagus cancer patients with feeding jejunostomy: A study protocol for a single blind randomized control trial
Authors: Mayer Peter Karl , Kao Pei-Yu , Lee Yu-Chen , Liao Yi-Fang , Ho Wen-Chao , Ben-Arie Eyal 
Published: June 2023

Introduction:
Esophagus cancer patients are at risk for malnourishment. Feeding jejunostomy is used in advanced esophagus cancer patients in order to support and supplement the patients’ nutrition needs. In dumping syndrome, the food is rapidly introduced into the intestine at a rate that is faster than normal, it is associated with both digestive system and vasoactive symptoms. Dumping syndrome has an association with both esophagus cancer patients and feeding jejunostomy. In the mid and long term, dumping syndrome is an important issue that contributes to the risk of malnourishment in advanced esophagus cancer patients. In recent studies, acupuncture was effective in regulating digestive symptoms. Acupuncture is considered to be a safe intervention, that was previously shown to be effective in treating digestive-related symptoms.

Methods:
Sixty advanced esophageal cancer patients post-feeding jejunostomy will be divided into 2 equal groups, an intervention group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Patients in the intervention group will receive acupuncture using the following acupoints: ST36 (Zusanli), ST37 (Shangjuxu), ST39 (Xiajuxu), PC6 (Neiguan), LI4 (Hegu), and Liv 3 (Taichung). Patients in the control group will receive shallow acupuncture on 12 non-acupoints (sham points), 1 cm from the above mention points. Patients and assessors will be blind to trial allocation. Both groups will receive acupuncture twice a week for 6 weeks. The main outcome measurements are: body weight, BMI, Sigstad’s score, and the Arts’ dumping questionnaire.

Discussion:
There are no previous studies that have examined the use of acupuncture on patients with dumping syndrome. This single-blind randomized control trial will investigate the effect of acupuncture on dumping syndrome in advanced esophagus cancer patients with feeding jejunostomy. The results will determine if verum acupuncture can affect dumping syndrome and prevent weight loss.
Effects of empowerment education on patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Guo Linbin , Gao Wanpeng , Wang Tianlin , Shan Xinjue 
Published: June 2023

Background:
Empowerment education is a new nursing education model with great significance in the process of chronic disease rehabilitation, and a number of studies have found that it has good benefits for patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). But there is no meta-analysis on how empowerment education influence the life of patients after PCI.

Aims:
Our study intends to evaluate the impact of empowerment education on the quality of life, cognitive level, anxiety and depression level of patients after PCI.

Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines.

Methods:
RevMan5.4 software and R software were used for statistical analysis. Mean difference or standard mean difference was used as effect analysis statistic for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:
Six studies met the inclusion criteria, including 641 patients. The Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference. Empowerment education could increase the knowledge of coronary heart disease in patients after PCI, but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
Significant effects of empowerment have been found in improving patients’ quality of life and self-care ability. Empowerment education could be a safe exercise option in PCI rehabilitation. However, the effect of empowerment on cognitive level for coronary heart disease and the depression needs to carry out more large-sample, multi-center clinical trials.

Patient or public contribution:
A data-analysis researcher and 3 clinicians are responsible for the writing, and no patients participated in the writing of this paper.