bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II trial of vaccination with autologous, irradiated melanoma cells engineered by adenoviral mediated gene transfer to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in patients with stage III and IV melanoma
Authors: Sussman Tamara A. , Severgnini Mariano , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Friedlander Philip , Swanson Scott J. , Jaklitsch Michael , Clancy Thomas , Goguen Laura A. , Lautz David , Swanson Richard , Daley Heather , Ritz Jerome , Dranoff Glenn , Hodi F. Stephen 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundIn the era of immune checkpoint blockade, the role of cancer vaccines in immune priming has provided additional potential for therapeutic improvements. Prior studies have demonstrated delayed type hypersensitivity and anti-tumor immunity with vaccines engineered to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The safety, efficacy and anti-tumor immunity of GM-CSF secreting vaccine in patients with previously treated stage III or IV melanoma needs further investigation.MethodsIn this phase II trial, excised lymph node metastases were processed to single cells, transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding GM-CSF, irradiated, and cryopreserved. Individual vaccines were composed of 1x106, 4x106, or 1x107 tumor cells, and were injected intradermally and subcutaneously at weekly and biweekly intervals. The primary endpoints were feasibility of producing vaccine in stage III patients and determining the proportion of patients alive at two years in stage IV patients.ResultsGM-CSF vaccine was successfully developed and administered in all 61 patients. Toxicities were restricted to grade 1-2 local skin reactions. The median OS for stage III patients (n = 20) was 71.1 (95% CI, 43.7 to NR) months and 14.9 (95%CI, 12.1 to 39.7) months for stage IV patients. The median PFS in stage III patients was 50.7 (95%CI, 36.3 to NR) months and 4.1 (95% CI, 3.0-6.3) months in stage IV patients. In the overall population, the disease control rate was 39.3% (95%CI, 27.1 to 52.7%). In stage III patients, higher pre-treatment plasma cytokine levels of MMP-1, TRAIL, CXCL-11, CXCL-13 were associated with improved PFS (p&lt;0.05 for all). An increase in post-vaccination levels of IL-15 and TRAIL for stage III patients was associated with improved PFS (p=0.03 for both). Similarly, an increase in post-vaccination IL-16 level for stage IV patients was associated with improved PFS (p=0.02) and clinical benefit.ConclusionsVaccination with autologous melanoma cells secreting GM-CSF augments antitumor immunity in stage III and IV patients with melanoma, is safe, and demonstrates disease control. Luminex data suggests that changes in inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration promote tumor antigen presentation and subsequent tumor cell destruction. Additional investigation to administer this vaccine in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is needed.
Facts and myths about use of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a narrative clinical review
Authors: Di Vincenzo Matteo , Martiadis Vassilis , Della Rocca Bianca , Arsenio Eleonora , D’Arpa Andrea , Volpicelli Antonio , Luciano Mario , Sampogna Gaia , Fiorillo Andrea 
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aimsTreatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at least two different antidepressants, taken at the right dosage, for adequate period of time and with continuity, fail to give positive clinical effects. Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine, was recently approved for TRD treatment from U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Medicine Agency. Despite proved clinical efficacy, many misconceptions by clinicians and patients accompany this medication. We aimed to review the most common “false myths” regarding TRD and esketemine, counterarguing with evidence-based facts.MethodsThe keywords “esketamine”, “treatment resistance depression”, “depression”, “myth”, “mythology”, “pharmacological treatment”, and “misunderstanding” were entered in the main databases and combined through Boolean operators.ResultsMisconceptions regarding the TRD prevalence, clinical features and predictors have been found. With respect of esketamine, criteria to start treatment, dissociative symptoms, potential addiction and aspects of administration and monitoring, were found to be affected by false beliefs by clinicians and patients.Discussion and conclusionTRD represents a challenging condition, requiring precise diagnosis in order to achieve patient’s full recovery. Esketamine has been proved as an effective medication to treat TRD, although it requires precautions. Evidence can inform clinical practice, in order to offer this innovative treatment to all patients with TRD.
Population characteristics and self-assessment of speaking and singing voice in Polish contemporary commercial music singers—an exploratory, cross-sectional study
Authors: Morawska Joanna , Pietruszewska Wioletta , Politański Piotr , Niebudek-Bogusz Ewa 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe domination of the Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) industry in music markets has led to a significant increase in the number of CCM performers. Performing in a wide variety of singing styles involves exposing CCM singers to specific risk factors potentially leading to voice problems. This, in turn, necessitates the consideration of this particular group of voice users in the Occupational Health framework. The aim of the present research was threefold. First, it sought to profile the group of Polish CCM singers. Second, it was designed to explore the prevalence of self-reported voice problems and voice quality in this population, in both speech and singing. Third, it aimed to explore the relationships between voice problems and lifetime singing involvement, occupational voice use, smoking, alcohol consumption, vocal training, and microphone use, as potential voice risk factors.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in Poland from January 2020 to April 2023. An online survey included socio-demographic information, singing involvement characteristics, and singers’ voice self-assessment. The prevalence of voice problems was assessed by the Polish versions of the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS) and the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI). Also, a self-reported dysphonia symptoms protocol was applied. The perceived overall voice quality was assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of 100 mm.Results412 singers, 310 women and 102 men, completed the survey. Nearly half of the studied population declared lifetime singing experience over 10 years with an average daily singing time of 1 or 2 h. 283 participants received vocal training. For 11.4% of respondents, singing was the primary income source, and 42% defined their career goals as voice-related. The median scores of the VTDS were 11.00 (0–44) and 12.00 (0–40) for the Frequency and Severity subscales, respectively. The median SVHI score of 33 (0–139) was significantly higher than the normative values determined in a systematic review and meta-analysis (2018). Strong positive correlations were observed between SVHI and both VTD subscales: Frequency (r = 0.632, p &lt; 0.001) and Severity (r = 0.611, p &lt; 0.001). The relationships between most of the other variables studied were weak or negligible.ConclusionThe examined CCM singers exhibited substantial diversity with regard to musical genre preferences, aspirations pertaining to singing endeavors, career affiliations, and source of income. Singing voice assessment revealed a greater degree of voice problems in the examined cohort than so far reported in the literature, based on the SVH and VTDS.
Medical staff evaluation on ‘the effect of medical alliance policy on hierarchical diagnosis and treatment’
Authors: Zhao Zijun , Xie Xianyu , Wu Qinde 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionMedical alliances are essential for constructing an hierarchical diagnosis and treatment (HDT) system; therefore, it is crucial to promote such alliances and evaluate their effectiveness in this regard from the medical staff perspective. This study thus investigated and analyzed the evaluations of medical staff in China concerning the effect of medical alliances on promoting HDT with the intention to encourage further establishment of medical alliances and HDT under China’s new medical reform.MethodsA total of 616 medical staff personnel from 3 medical alliances in Fujian Province were surveyed, and data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software.ResultsThe level of medical institutions, posts and satisfaction with their medical alliances influenced the evaluation of medical alliance effectiveness in resolving the problem of expensive medical services. Primary medical institutions are more inclined toward policy formulation and related work; thus, the interests of primary hospitals can be guaranteed. However, tertiary hospitals must provide additional workforce, material, and financial resources to support primary hospitals.DiscussionTherefore, it is necessary to coordinate the interests of the medical staff at different levels of medical institutions. The study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it highlights the effect of medical alliances in promoting hierarchical diagnosis and treatment.
Experiences and challenges of pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation and retention among high-risk populations: qualitative insights among service providers in Thailand
Authors: Rayanakorn Ajaree , Chautrakarn Sineenart , Intawong Kannikar , Chariyalertsak Chonlisa , Khemngern Porntip , Olson Debra , Chariyalertsak Suwat 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been an essential element of the national combination prevention package and included in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) of Thailand since 2019. As a part of the national monitoring and evaluation framework, this qualitative study aims to describe experiences and barriers concerning PrEP initiation and retention among service providers from both hospital and Key Population Led Health Service (KPLHS) settings under the country’s UHC roll-out.MethodsBetween September and October 2020, ten focus group discussions with PrEP service providers from both hospitals and KPLHS across Thailand were conducted of which there were six hospitals, one health service center, three KPLHS. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim to identify providers’ experiences, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding PrEP service delivery in Thailand.ResultsAmong the 35 PrEP service providers, most of them reported positive attitudes toward PrEP and believed that it is an effective tool for HIV prevention. Men who have sex with men were perceived to be the easiest group to reach while PrEP uptake remains a challenge in other key populations. Integration of a PrEP clinic with other HIV services at hospitals made most healthcare providers unable to adopt an active approach in recruiting new clients like at KPLHS settings. Challenges in delivering PrEP services included lack of public awareness, high workload, limited benefit package coverage, structural and human resources.ConclusionAdditional services to address different health needs should be considered to increase PrEP uptake among harder-to-reach populations. Novel approaches to PrEP service integration and close collaboration between hospitals and KPLHS would be essential in optimizing PrEP uptake and retention. Support regarding raising awareness, expanding service coverage and access, improving facilities and workforce, and providers’ capacities are crucial for the success of the national PrEP programme.
Embedding patient and public involvement into a doctoral study: developing a point-of-care HIV testing intervention for dental settings
Authors: Doughty J. , Preston J. , Paisi M. , Hudson A. , Burns F. , Porter S. R. , Watt R. G. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionPatient and Public Involvement (PPI) can have a positive impact on research. PPI can make research more meaningful and appropriate as well as preventing research waste. For decades, patient advocates with HIV have played a key part in public health and research. This article presents the PPI activity undertaken during a doctoral study. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how PPI was embedded into a doctoral study that explored the feasibility of HIV testing in dental settings.MethodsPatients and the public were invited to be involved with the feasibility study through various organisations and charities. A comprehensive PPI activity strategy was devised, and appropriate funding was obtained. Patients and the public were predominantly consulted or collaboratively involved with several aspects of the study.FindingsPatients and the public positively contributed to the intervention development and the resources supporting its implementation. As a result, the study resources (i.e., questionnaire and information leaflets) were easier to read, and the intervention was more appropriate to the needs of patients. Furthermore, the training and focus groups conducted with dental patients and people with HIV benefitted from input of people with lived experience.ConclusionsPPI can be embedded within doctoral studies provided there is sufficient funding, flexibility, and supervisory support. However, PPI activity may be impacted by limited resource and a priori research protocol and funding agreements.
Unveiling the truth: greenwashing in sustainable finance
Authors: Dempere Juan , Alamash Ebrahim , Mattos Paulo 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionGreenwashing in sustainable finance involves misleading portrayals of investment products as environmentally friendly. This study explores the prevalence of greenwashing, its forms, impacts, and potential remedies. It underscores the need to align investor values with genuine environmental sustainability, emphasizing the pitfalls of greenwashing in sustainable finance.MethodsThe study employs a scoping review methodology guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. It involves systematically searching, selecting, and synthesizing evidence from various databases and sources to map critical concepts, types of evidence, and research gaps in greenwashing within sustainable finance.ResultsThe study reveals diverse greenwashing strategies across industries, including ambiguous language, irrelevant claims, and opacity. It highlights greenwashing’s severe consequences on corporate reputation, financial performance, and stakeholder trust. The effectiveness of regulatory bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and certifications in curbing greenwashing is discussed, though their effectiveness is debatable. The research also examines greenwashing’s impact on investor behavior and decision-making.DiscussionThis research contributes to understanding greenwashing in sustainable finance, emphasizing vigilance, transparency, and accountability. It calls for more stringent regulations, international cooperation, and public awareness to combat greenwashing effectively. The study also suggests that businesses should adopt genuine and transparent environmental practices to avoid the risks of greenwashing, including legal repercussions. For future research, the study proposes a deeper exploration of the mechanisms enabling greenwashing and the effectiveness of different regulatory strategies and measures to combat it.
Case Report: Atypical acute compartment syndrome of the forearm in a child following minor trauma with consecutive osteomyelitis
Authors: Everaert J. , Delafontaine A. , Juanos Cabanas J. , Leclercq G. , Jennart H. , Baillon B. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionForearm compartment syndrome (CS) in children is above all a clinical diagnosis whose main cause is traumatic. However, rarer causes such as infection can alter its clinical presentation.Clinical caseAn 8-year-old boy has been seen in the emergency department complaining of severe forearm pain under a splint in a mild traumatic context. The previous radiological imaging examination three days before had not revealed any fractures. On admission, he presented with major signs of skin inflammation, loss of mobility, paresthesia and a significant biological inflammatory syndrome. The acute CS diagnosis has been made and was treated, but its atypical presentation raised a series of etiological hypotheses, in particular infectious, even if it remains rare. Complementary imaging examinations confirmed the presence of osteomyelitis of the distal radius as well as an occult Salter-Harris II fracture.DiscussionBeyond the classic “five P's of CS” -pain, paresthesia, paralysis, pallor and pulselessness-, CS's clinical presentations are multiple, especially in pediatric patients. In children, severe pain and increasing analgesic requirement must be indicators of a CS. We hypothesize that this patient sustained a nondisplaced Salter-Harris II fracture with a hematoma colonized by hematogenous osteomyelitis explaining its initial clinical presentation.ConclusionHematogenous osteomyelitis complicated by CS is rare and may be accompanied by a traumatic history. It's atypical presentation in pediatric patients requires vigilance and prompt diagnosis given the disastrous and irreversible complications.
Evaluation of Alterations That May Occur on Root Surfaces after Root Planing Procedures with a Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Aslan İğrek Canan , Çekici Ali 
Published: May 2024

Background: The aim of root debridement procedures in non-surgical periodontal treatment is the elimination of etiologic factors that cause periodontal disease, as well as the removal of cement affected by the disease. However, root debridement procedures for the treatment of periodontal diseases produce root surface irregularities that can adversely affect the healing of periodontal tissues. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the surface texture of a root after instrumentation, including an ultrasonic instrument, a Gracey curette, or a double Gracey curette. Methods: A total of 26 single-rooted teeth were used in this study; two specimens were used as controls, and the remaining 24 specimens were equally divided into three groups. Specimens from each group were then subjected to root planing using one of the following instruments: (1) an ultrasonic instrument; (2) a Gracey curette; or (3) a double Gracey curette. The control group was treated with no instrumentation. The extracted teeth were analyzed under a scanning electron microscope and graded in terms of the “roughness and loss of tooth substance index” and the “exposed dentin tubule index.” The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) V.21 program was used to conduct a statistical analysis of the data obtained in this study. While evaluating the data, in addition to descriptive statistical methods (mean and standard deviation), a one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was carried out to compare the quantitative data and evaluate normally distributed parameters between groups, while a post hoc multiple comparison test was carried out for subgroup comparisons. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the roughness and material loss on the root surfaces in the samples treated with the ultrasonic instrument or the Gracey curette, and no exposed dentine tubules were observed. Meanwhile, it was observed that the double Gracey curette caused more roughness and material loss on the root surface, and exposed dentine tubules were observed in some samples. The time required for treatment using a double Gracey curette was significantly shorter than that required with the Gracey curette and ultrasonic instruments. Conclusions: The double Gracey curettes produced a relatively rougher root surface than the Gracey curettes or the ultrasonic instrument.
The Effect of the PhoP/PhoQ System on the Regulation of Multi-Stress Adaptation Induced by Acid Stress in Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Gao Xu , Han Jina , Zhu Lixian , Nychas George-John E. , Mao Yanwei , Yang Xiaoyin , Liu Yunge , Jiang Xueqing , Zhang Yimin , Dong Pengcheng 
Published: May 2024

Acidic stress in beef cattle slaughtering abattoirs can induce the acid adaptation response of in-plant contaminated Salmonella. This may further lead to multiple resistance responses threatening public health. Therefore, the acid, heat, osmotic and antibiotic resistances of Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC14028) were evaluated after a 90 min adaption in a pH = 5.4 “mild acid” Luria–Bertani medium. Differences in such resistances were also determined between the ∆phoP mutant and wild-type Salmonella strains to confirm the contribution of the PhoP/PhoQ system. The transcriptomic differences between the acid-adapted and ∆phoP strain were compared to explore the role of the PhoP/Q two-component system in regulating multi-stress resistance. Acid adaptation was found to increase the viability of Salmonella to lethal acid, heat and hyperosmotic treatments. In particular, acid adaptation significantly increased the resistance of Salmonella typhimurium to Polymyxin B, and such resistance can last for 21 days when the adapted strain was stored in meat extract medium at 4 °C. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 178 up-regulated and 274 down-regulated genes in the ∆phoP strain. The Salmonella infection, cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance, quorum sensing and two-component system pathways were down-regulated, while the bacterial tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways were up-regulated. Transcriptomics and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that the deletion of the phoP gene resulted in the down-regulation of the expression of genes related to lipid A modification and efflux pumps. These changes in the gene expression result in the change in net negative charge and the mobility of the cell membrane, resulting in enhanced CAMP resistance. The confirmation of multiple stress resistance under acid adaptation and the transcriptomic study in the current study may provide valuable information for the control of multiple stress resistance and meat safety.
Techniques for displaying optically distorted sculpture (anamorphic sculpture) in contemporary art
Authors: Saeed Mansour Athraa , Ahmed Abdel Reda Ihab 
Published: May 2024

يهتم البحث الحالي بدراسة تقنيات الاظهار للنحت المشوه بصريًا في التشكيل المعاصر، حيث تناولنا موضوع الفن المشوه، وتفحصنا تقنيات اظهاره في التشكيل ثلاثي الابعاد. ضمن حدود مكانية حصرناها بـ(قارتي اوربا وامريكا) وحدود زمانية (1990-2020م). شيد البحث باربعة فصول، شمل الفصل الاول الاطار المنهجي للبحث، عدة عناوين تمثل الصورة العامة للبحث العلمي، اما الفصل الثاني الاطار النظري للبحث، فقد شمل ثلاثة مباحث، تناولنا في المبحث الاول مفهوم الانامورفسيس، بينما خصص المبحث الثاني لدراسة فن تشويه المنظور-المرجعيات والمؤسسات، اما المبحث الثالث، فقد قدمنا فيه دراسة موجزة لتقنيات الاظهار في النحت المعاصر، . ثم ختمنا الفصل بمؤشرات الاطار النظري. خصص الفصل الثالث اجراءات البحث، للنظر في مجتمع البحث، وبيان كافة تفاصيله الواقعية، وما هي اهم مصادر العثور على المجتمع الاصلي، وكذلك تحديد العينة، اذ بلغت اربعة اعمال نحتية مشوهة بوصفها نماذج للعينة، وقد اعتمدنا على الملاحظة كاداة للبحث، وبعدها شمل الفصل دراسة تحليلية لنماذج منتخبة او مختارة بطريقة قصدية، وتضمن الفصل الرابع مجموعة من نتائج واستنتاجات البحث نذكر منها: - اعتمد النحاتون المعاصرون على الخوارزميات والمعادلات الرياضية بوصفها احد التقنيات التي مكنتهم من خلق تشكيلات نحتية مشوهة. ثم ختمنا البحث بمجموعة مقترحات وتوصيات خدمة للمؤسسات ذات العلاقة بموضوع البحث