bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long term update on toxicity and survival of a phase II trial of linac‐based stereotactic body radiation therapy for low‐intermediate risk prostate cancer
Authors: D'Agostino Giuseppe R. , Badalamenti Marco , Stefanini Sara , Baldaccini Davide , Franzese Ciro , Faro Lorenzo Lo , Di Cristina Luciana , Vernier Veronica , Reggiori Giacomo , Scorsetti Marta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn 2016 we published a phase II study exploring safety and efficacy of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) delivered with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Flattening Filter Free (FFF) beams techniques in prostate cancer (PC) patients. We present herein the updated results on late toxicity and long‐term survival.MethodsPatients enrolled in the study had a biopsy‐confirmed localized PC and the features of a low‐ or intermediate‐risk disease (National Comprehensive Network Criteria). The radiotherapy (RT) schedule consisted of 35 Gy delivered in five fractions every other day. Toxicities were registered according to the common toxicity adverse events v4.0. Biochemical recurrence was defined as an increase of prostate specific antigen after nadir, confirmed at least once. Local recurrence (LR) and distant metastases were detected either with Choline‐ or PSMA‐PET/CT scans.Kaplan‐Meier curves for Biochemical Recurrence‐Free Survival (BFS), Local Control (LC), Distant Metastasis Free Survival (DMFS) and Cancer Specific Survival, were calculated by using MedCalc.ResultsNinety patients were submitted to SBRT between February 2012 and March 2015. Fifty‐eight patients (64.5%) had a Gleason Score of 6, while 32 (35.5%) had a Gleason Score of 7. A late grade 1 Genito‐Urinary toxicity was observed in 54.5% of patients while a grade 2 in 3.3%. A late Gastro‐intestinal grade 1 toxicity was reported in 18.9% of patients, while a grade 2 in 2.2%. Erectile dysfunction was reported by 13% of patients No heavier toxicities were observed. At a median follow‐up of 102 months, 5‐ and 8‐year BFS were 93.0% and 84.4% respectively, 5‐ and 8‐year LC were 95.2% and 87.0% respectively, 5‐ and 8‐year DMFS were 95.3% and 88.4%, respectively.ConclusionsThis long‐term update confirms that SBRT is a valid therapeutic strategy for low‐intermediate risk PC. RT with VMAT and FFF warrants optimal results in terms of toxicity and disease control.
Prescribed performance‐based resilient model‐free adaptive control for CPSs against aperiodic DoS attacks
Authors: Sun Shan‐Shan , Li Yuan‐Xin , Hou Zhongsheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a prescribed performance‐based model‐free adaptive resilient control (MFARC) algorithm to address the realization of trajectory tracking for nonlinear cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) under aperiodic denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. Firstly, an equivalent linear model is constructed by utilizing the dynamic linearization technique, and a novel output transformation approach is applied to convert the constrained system to an unconstrained one for the MFARC framework. Then, an attack compensation mechanism is presented to estimate the unavailable output signal when attacks are active, such that the negative impact of aperiodic DoS attacks can be compensated. Based on the unconstrained model and the compensation mechanism, a prescribed performance‐based MFARC strategy is constructed to steer the tracking error to the predetermined neighborhood around the origin in the presence of DoS attacks. A major improvement of our result over previous studies is the introduction of prescribed performance control (PPC) into MFARC while reasonably restricting the transient and steady‐state performance of the tracking error even when DoS attacks occur. Additionally, we utilize the linear matrix inequality (LMI) toolbox to obtain better tracking performance by suitably adjusting the time‐varying parameters, which is superior in practical applications. Ultimately, our results indicate that the tracking error consistently remains within a predefined bound.
How do veterinary students perceive and prepare for compulsory slaughterhouse visits?
Authors: Wigham Eleanor E. , Yusta Noelia , Sweet Sydney M. , Francesca Lauren , Dadios Nikolaos , Nova Rodrigo J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundVeterinary students in the UK must visit a slaughterhouse as part of their studies. There is currently limited evidence exploring how students perceive these visits or which activities have been implemented to support learning during a visit that may be emotionally challenging.MethodsVeterinary students at the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Glasgow were invited to complete an online survey and participate in follow‐up focus groups.ResultsParticipants appreciated the important role that veterinarians play in the slaughterhouse. Most (69%) agreed that in‐person visits are important and would choose to visit, with around half (49%) thinking it should be optional. Previous slaughterhouse experience improved students’ views towards compulsory in‐person visits. Teaching events covering the slaughter process, videos and discussion sessions were perceived as useful preparatory activities. Anxiety was the most common emotion associated with visits.LimitationsThe response rate was low, at 15.6%, and a small number of students participated in focus groups. Data on diets and gender were not collected.ConclusionSlaughterhouse visits are valued by students, although they can cause negative emotions. Managing expectations and increasing awareness of visitation requirements during the application process and subsequent studies may improve the educational and emotional experience of visits.
The effects of climate change on the natural rate of interest: A critical survey
Authors: Mongelli Francesco Paolo , Pointner Wolfgang , van den End Jan Willem 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis survey reviews the literature about the possible impacts of climate change on the natural rate of interest (r*), an important yardstick for monetary policy. Prima facie, economic, and financial developments can lower r* in scenarios with increasing climate‐related damages and uncertainty that reduce productivity growth and raise precautionary savings. Orderly climate policies have a pivotal role in facilitating the transition to a carbon‐neutral economy and supporting a steady investment flow. We discuss the main models used to simulate the effects of climate change on r* and summarize the outcomes. However, in scenarios that assume innovations and investments induced by transition policies, r* could be affected positively. Overall, the downward effects of climate change on r* can be substantial, even considering the high degree of uncertainty about the outcomes, with tipping points and nonlinear effects aggravating the economic impacts. The downward pressure on r* will further challenge monetary policy in the long run, by limiting its policy space.This article is categorized under:
Climate Economics > Economics and Climate Change
Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change
Talking with Spies: From Naïve to Distrustful Researcher
Authors: Díaz-Fernández Antonio M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntelligence officers – generally known as ‘spies’ – will not openly admit, even within their own family circles, that they work for an intelligence service. These agencies have neither local offices nor facilities, nor do they visit schools to talk about the daily life and work of their officers. Public media appearances are extremely rare, and it is usually only the director of the agency whose face is seen in public. Innate secretiveness and the inaccessibility of many official archives are obstacles to transparent research on intelligence services. In 1998, I commenced my doctoral thesis on the Spanish intelligence services. Far from being a passing adventure, the topic became my principal line of research for over two decades, during which time I completed almost 250 interviews, including 100 with members and ex-members of the intelligence services and another 50 with heads of government, Spanish and foreign intelligence service directors, military staff, politicians, and diplomats. In this chapter, I present my fieldwork experience of interviewing intelligence officers and the evolution of a young and somewhat naïve researcher into a more mature and distrustful one.
Researching the Roma in Criminology and Legal Studies: Experiences from Urban and Rural Participant Observation, Interviews, and Surveys
Authors: Molnar Lorena , Vallés Marc H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe Roma are the largest European minority and among the groups that have suffered the most dreadful persecution and trauma in the past that persists today. This chapter addresses the fieldwork experiences of two early career researchers who conducted criminological and socio-legal studies on several Roma groups in urban and rural settings in two countries. We discuss the particularities necessary to access the field and gain the participants’ acceptance, those both with and without Roma ethnicity, through diverse gatekeepers, i.e., a network of acquaintances, as well as NGOs. We used such data collection methods as interviews and self-reported surveys in our studies, the procedures and challenges of which are discussed herein. Emotional and ethical challenges in our studies were related to the dilemmas with respect to our role as researchers and witnesses of poverty and difficult situations or testimonies. We argue that the adaptation of tools, integration of researchers who share an ethnic or linguistic background with the participants, thorough reflection on the researchers’ role, and an open-minded attitude that accepts the participants’ cosmovision are necessary to conduct fruitful research among the Roma.
Doing Research on, for and with Police in Canada and Switzerland: Practical and Methodological Insights
Authors: Burkhardt Christine , Boivin Rémi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis chapter focuses on policing research, distinguishing among research conducted on, for or with the police and addresses various stages of the research process considered sensitive or crucial. For researchers, police organisations are fascinating subjects, albeit challenging to access and sometimes reluctant to scientific input. From access to the fieldwork and dissemination of findings, several challenges can arise, including those that are administrative, methodological, ethical or emotional. Anecdotes, guidelines and avenues for reflection are formulated to guide researchers in conducting applied research in policing. Although policing is a rich source for criminological studies, police science and applied research remain underexploited. Police and academia need to understand and accept each other’s competencies, resources and contributions.
Conclusions: Deciphering the Unspoken: A Collective Examination of Sensitive Fieldwork Experiences in Criminology and Security Studies
Authors: Díaz-Fernández Antonio M. , Del-Real Cristina , Molnar Lorena 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPreceding these conclusions are the experiences of 55 researchers from 40 Universities and research centers across four continents. These scholars have accumulated a collective experience of over 700 years in fieldwork, starting as early as the 1980s. Rather than a mere compilation of authors’ experiences, we aimed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of their research endeavors, extracting valuable lessons to enhance criminology and security studies in sensitive areas. The extensive review of chapters revealed both commonalities and unique aspects among the research projects.
Sharp Hardy’s Inequality for Orthogonal Expansions in $$H^p$$ Spaces
Authors: Plewa Paweł 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHardy’s inequality on $$H^p$$

H
p

spaces, $$p\in (0,1]$$

p
∈
(
0
,
1
]

, in the context of orthogonal expansions is investigated for general bases on a wide class of domains in $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

with Lebesgue measure. The obtained result is applied to various Hermite, Laguerre, and Jacobi expansions. For that purpose some delicate estimates of the higher order derivatives for the underlying functions and of the associated heat or Poison kernels are proved. Moreover, sharpness of studied Hardy’s inequalities is justified by a construction of an explicit counterexample, which is adjusted to all considered settings.
Efficacy and safety of generic pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: a multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial
Authors: Zhou Huixing , Wang Yafei , Chen Jiao , He Aili , Jin Jie , Lu Quanyi , Zhao Ying , Li Junjun , Hou Ming , Su Liping , Lai Xun , Wang Wei , Liu Lihong , Ma Yanping , Gao Da , Lai Wenhong , Zhou Xin , Jing Hongmei , Zhang Jinqiao , Yang Wei , Ran Xuehong , Lin Congmeng , Hao Jianping , Xiao Taiwu , Huang Zhenqian , Zhu Zhigang , Wang Qing , Fang Baijun , Wang Binghua , Song Yanping , Cai Zhen , Liu Bo , Zhu Yanan , Yang Xinai , Kang Xiaoyan , Li Juan , Chen Wenming 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05236621) was conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety of generic pomalidomide plus dexamethasone in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Total 79 eligible RRMM patients were planned to be included. Patients were treated with generic pomalidomide (4 mg daily on days 1–21, orally) and low-dose dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15, and 22, orally; 20 mg for patients aged > 75 years) in 28-day cycles until disease progression with a maximum treatment duration of 2 years. The primary endpoint is the overall response rate (ORR) assessed by the independent review committee per the 2016 International Myeloma Working Group guidelines. A total of 85 eligible patients were included in this study from 32 centers in China, with a median age of 62.0 (range, 39–76) years, a median prior line of therapy of 4 (range, 1–16), and 41.2% patients with high-risk cytogenetics. The ORR was 38.8% (95% confidence interval (CI), 28.44–50.01). The disease control rate was 67.1% (95% CI, 56.02–76.87), meanwhile, the median progression-free survival was 5.55 months (95% CI, 3.68–7.52). Among the treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), infective pneumonia (17.6%) was the most frequent non-hematologic adverse event, while a decrease in neutrophil count (52.9%) was the most common grade ≥ 3 TRAE. The study results indicated that the generic pomalidomide demonstrated consistent efficacy and a safety profile similar to the branded pomalidomide when combined with low-dose dexamethasone in Chinese RRMM patients.Registration number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236621, retrospectively registered on February 11, 2022.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of second neoplasms in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: the PETHEMA-PALG experience
Authors: Sobas Marta , Knopinska-Posluszny Wanda , Piątkowska-Jakubas Beata , García-Álvarez Flor , Díez María Elena Amutio , Caballero Mar , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Aguiar Eliana , González-Campos Jose , Garrido Ana , Algarra Lorenzo , Salamero Olga , de la Serna Javier , Sayas Maria Jose , Perez-Encinas Manuel Mateo , Vives Susana , Vidriales Belén , Labrador Jorge , Prado Ana Inés , Celebrin Lucía , Mayer Jiri , Brioso Joana , de Laiglesia Almudena , Bergua Juan Miguel , Amigo Maria Luz , Rodriguez-Medina Carlos , Polo Marta , Pluta Agnieszka , Cichocka Edyta , Skarupski Marek , Sanz Miguel A , Wierzbowska Agnieszka , Montesinos Pau 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe most important challenges in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is preventing early death and reducing long-term events, such as second neoplasms (s-NPLs). We performed a retrospective analysis of 2670 unselected APL patients, treated with PETHEMA “chemotherapy based” and “chemotherapy free” protocols. Only de novo APL patients who achieved complete remission (CR) and completed the three consolidation cycles were enrolled into the analysis. Out of 2670 APL patients, there were 118 (4.4%) who developed s-NPLs with the median latency period (between first CR and diagnosis of s-NPL) of 48.0 months (range 2.8–231.1): 43.3 (range: 2.8–113.9) for s-MDS/AML and 61.7 (range: 7.1–231.1) for solid tumour. The 5-year CI of all s-NPLs was of 4.43% and 10 years of 7.92%. Among s-NPLs, there were 58 cases of s-MDS/AML, 3 cases of other hematological neoplasms, 57 solid tumours and 1 non-identified neoplasm. The most frequent solid tumour was colorectal, lung and breast cancer. Overall, the 2-year OS from diagnosis of s-NPLs was 40.6%, with a median OS of 11.1 months. Multivariate analysis identified age of 35 years (hazard ratio = 0.2584;p< 0.0001) as an independent prognostic factor for s-NPLs. There were no significant differences in CI of s-NPLs at 5 years between chemotherapy-based vs chemotherapy-free regimens (hazard ratio = 1.09;p= 0.932). Larger series with longer follow-up are required to confirm the potential impact of ATO+ATRA regimens to reduce the incidence of s-NPLs after front-line therapy for APL.
Childhood community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Meyer Sauteur Patrick M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disease in children, and its aetiological and clinical diagnosis are challenging for physicians in both private practice and hospitals. Over the past three decades, conjugate vaccines have successfully reduced the burden of the former main causes of CAP, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Today, viruses are by far the most commonly detected pathogens in children with CAP. Conclusion: New insights into the aetiology and treatment of CAP in children in recent years have influenced management and are the focus of this review. In addition to reducing diagnostic uncertainty, there is an urgent need to reduce antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance in children with CAP.

What is Known:• Conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b have shifted the epidemiology of childhood CAP to predominantly viral pathogens and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.• Clinical, laboratory, and radiological criteria cannot reliably distinguish between bacterial and viral aetiology in children with CAP.

What is New:• Test results and epidemiological data must be carefully interpreted, as no single diagnostic method applied to non-pulmonary specimens has both high sensitivity and high specificity for determining pneumonia aetiology in childhood CAP.• This review provides a simple and pragmatic management algorithm for children with CAP to aid physicians in providing optimal and safe care and reducing antibiotic prescribing.
Immunisation with Neospora caninum subunits rsNcSAG4 and rsNcGRA1 (NcSAG4 and NcGRA1 epitopes construct) in BALB/c mice: the profile of the immune response and controlling the vertical transmission
Authors: Fernandes Fidelis Cintia , Silva de Araújo Leandro , Prates-Patarroyo Pablo A. , Martins-Kalks Karlos H. , Licursi de Oliveira Leandro , Vargas Viloria Marlene Isabel , Tafur-Gómez Gabriel A. , Patarroyo Salcedo Joaquín Hernán 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan that causes neosporosis, which has a high economic impact on cattle herds with no available vaccine. During infection, the secretion of dense granules and the expression of surface antigens play an important role in hosting immunomodulation. However, some epitopes of those antigens are immunogenic, and using these fractions could improve the subunit antigens in vaccine design. This study evaluates the recombinant peptides rsNcGRA1 and rsNcSAG4 derived from NcGRA1 and NcSAG4 native antigens as vaccine candidates produced by a fermentative process in the yeast culture system of Komagataella phaffii strain Km71, confirmed by colony PCR, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting. The assay was conducted in BALB/c mice using the peptides at low (25 μg) and standard (50 μg) dosages in monovalent and combined administrations at three time points with saponin as an adjuvant assessing the immunogenicity by antibodies response and cytokine production. We challenge the females after pregnancy confirmation using 2 × 105 NC-1 tachyzoites previously propagated in Vero cells. We assessed the chronic infection in dams and vertical transmission in the offspring by PCR and histopathology. Mice, especially those immunised with combined peptides and monovalent rsNcGRA1 at a standard dose, controlling the chronic infection in dams with the absence of clinical manifestations, showed an immune response with induction of IgG1, a proper balance between Th1/Th2 cytokines and reduced vertical transmission in the pups. In contrast, dams inoculated with a placebo vaccine showed clinical signs, low-scored brain lesions, augmented chronic infection with 80% positivity, 31% mortality in pups, and 81% vertical transmission. These findings indicate that rsNcGRA1 peptides in monovalent and combined with rsNCSAG4 at standard dose are potential vaccine candidates and improve the protective immune response against neosporosis in mice.
Index admission cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis reduces 30-day readmission rates in pediatric patients
Authors: Pathak Sagar J. , Ji Hyun , Nijagal Amar , Avila Patrick , Dai Sun-Chuan , Arain Mustafa A. , Kouanda Abdul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Adult patients with cholecystitis who do not undergo cholecystectomy on index admission have worse outcomes, however, there is a paucity of data of the role of cholecystectomy during index hospitalization in the pediatric population. Our aim was to determine outcomes and readmission rates among pediatric patients with cholecystitis who underwent index cholecystectomy versus those who did not.

Methods
We performed a retrospective study of pediatric (< 18 years old) admitted with acute cholecystitis (AC) requiring hospitalization using the 2018 National Readmission Database (NRD). Exclusion criteria included age ≥ 18 years and death on index admission. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with 30-day readmissions.

Results
We identified 550 unique index acute cholecystitis admissions. Mean age was 14.6 ± 3.0 years. Majority of patients were female (n = 372, 67.6%). Index cholecystectomy was performed in (n = 435, 79.1%) of cases. Thirty-day readmission rate was 2.8% in patients who underwent index cholecystectomy and 22.6% in those who did not (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients who did not undergo index cholecystectomy had higher odds of 30-day readmission than those who did not (OR 10.66, 95% CI 5.06–22.45, p < 0.001). Female patients also had higher odds of 30-day readmission compared to males (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.31–8.69).

Conclusions
Patients who did not undergo index cholecystectomy had over tenfold increase in odds of 30-day readmission. Further research is required to understand the barriers to index cholecystectomy despite society recommendations and clear clinical benefit.