bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological response and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel as a neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer compared to docetaxel combined with anti-HER2 therapy: a real-world study
Authors: Lyu Zhidong , Gao Linlin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to retrospectively analyse the pathological response and safety of combining albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) or docetaxel with anti-HER2 therapy as a neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.MethodsFrom June 2020 to August 2023, 225 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgery following neoadjuvant treatment were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the drugs they received: the nab-paclitaxel group (n=166, receiving nab-paclitaxel + platinum along with trastuzumab and pertuzumab) and the docetaxel group (n=59, receiving docetaxel + platinum along with trastuzumab and pertuzumab). The pathological response and adverse events related to the drugs were collected and evaluated in both groups.ResultsIn the nab-paclitaxel group, the rates of breast and total pathological complete response (bpCR and tpCR) were significantly greater than those in the docetaxel group (69.27% vs. 47.45%, P=0.003; 68.67% vs. 45.76%, P=0.002). For patients who did not achieve pCR after chemotherapy, the pathological response of chemotherapy was analysed using MP grading and RCB grading. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P&lt;0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that therapeutic drugs, clinical stage, ER status, and Ki-67 level were independent predictors of pCR. The nab-paclitaxel group had a significantly greater proportion of patients with peripheral sensory neuropathy than did the docetaxel group (58.43% vs. 38.98%, P=0.035), while the docetaxel group had a greater proportion of patients with allergies and elevated ALT (31.93% vs. 69.49%, P=0.000; 23.49% vs. 40.68%, P=0.021).ConclusionsOur real-world study revealed that nab-paclitaxel combined with anti-HER2 therapy was an effective neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. The multivariate analysis revealed that chemotherapy drugs, clinical stage, ER status, and Ki-67 level was the significant factor influencing treatment outcome. These findings offer a valuable reference for the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Dexmedetomidine administration is associated with improved outcomes in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction partly through its anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Liu Yimou , Chen Qian , Hu Tianyang , Deng Changming , Huang Jing 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDexmedetomidine (DEX) is a commonly used sedative in the intensive care unit and has demonstrated cardioprotective properties against ischemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical studies. However, the protective effects of early treatment of DEX in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its underlying mechanism are still not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the association between early DEX treatment and in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, and to explore the potential mediating role of white blood cell (WBC) reduction in this relationship.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Patients with AMI were divided into the DEX and non-DEX group, based on whether they received DEX treatment in the early stage of hospitalization. The primary outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. The study evaluated the association between DEX use and in-hospital mortality using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method and Cox proportional hazards model. Additionally, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to validate the results. Furthermore, causal mediation analysis (CMA) was utilized to explore potential causal pathways mediated by WBC reduction between early DEX use and the primary outcome.ResultsThis study analyzed data from 2,781 patients, with 355 in the DEX group and 2,426 in the non-DEX group. KM survival analysis revealed a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate in the DEX group compared to the non-DEX group. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the Cox regression model demonstrated a significant positive impact of DEX on the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, with hazard ratios (HR) of 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35–0.71, p &lt; 0.0001). PSM analysis confirmed these results, showing HR of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31–0.77, p = 0.0022). Additionally, CMA indicated that 13.7% (95% CI: 1.8%–46.9%, p = 0.022) of the beneficial effect of DEX on reducing in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI was mediated by the reduction in WBC.ConclusionThe treatment of DEX was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Mapping QTLs with additive and epistatic effects for awn length and their effects on kernel-related traits in common wheat
Authors: Sun Nina , Liu Wei , Shi Deyang , Zhao Chunhua , Ou Jinlian , Song Yuanze , Yang Zilin , Sun Han , Wu Yongzhen , Qin Ran , Yuan Tangyu , Jiao Yanlin , Li Linzhi , Cui Fa 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWheat awns are crucial determinants of wheat yield due to their capacity to photosynthesize and exchange gas. Understanding the genetic basis of awn length (AL) is essential for improving wheat yield in molecular breeding programs.MethodsIn this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of AL were analyzed using recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population referred to as YY-RILs, which was derived from a cross between Yannong 15 (YN15) and Yannong 1212 (YN1212).Results and discussionSeven putative additive QTLs and 30 pairwise epistatic QTLs for AL were identified. Among them, five novel additive QTLs (except qAl-2A and qAl-5A.2) and 30 novel pairwise epistatic QTLs were identified. qAl-5A.1 was repeatedly identified in all five environment datasets, which was considered to be one novel stable QTL for AL with minor additive effects. eqAl-2B.2-2 significantly interacted with eight loci and could be of great importance in regulating awn development. The genes associated with the major stable QTL of qAl-5A.2 and the minor stable QTL of qAl-2A were B1 and WFZP-A, respectively. Awn lengths exhibited significant genetic correlations with kernel weight and kernels per spike, which could affect grain protein content to a lesser extent. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of awn development and identifies novel genes as well as markers for future genetic improvement of wheat yield.
The relationship among body image, psychological distress, and quality of life in young breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yao Hongmei , Xiong Meidi , Cheng Yuping , Zhang Qingyuan , Luo Ying , Ding Xiegang , Zhang Chunhua 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore the interrelationships among body image perception, levels of psychological distress, and the quality of life (QOL) experienced by young breast cancer patients.MethodsThis study analyzed data from 339 young female breast cancer patients aged between 18 and 40 years (mean age was 33.47 years) from August 2023 to February 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, psychological distress, body image, medical coping, and QOL of young breast cancer patients were collected. Psychological distress, body image, medical coping, and QOL were measured using the Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Scale (BIS), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), respectively. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine factors influencing QOL.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, significant predictors of QOL in young survivors included psychological distress (β = −3.125; p = 0.002), anxiety and depression (β = −4.31; p &lt; 0.001), cognitive dimension of body image (β = −0.218; p = 0.027), behavioral dimension of body image (β = 0.579; p = 0.047), and confrontational dimension of medical coping (β = −0.124; p = 0.01).ConclusionThe findings suggest that higher levels of body image concerns and psychological distress are associated with poorer QOL among young female breast cancer patients. Furthermore, breast cancer patients facing with more positive medical coping strategies predicted a higher QOL.
Using qualitative exit interviews to explore schizophrenia burden and treatment experience in clinical trial patients
Authors: Simmons Adam , O’Sullivan Amy K. , Carpenter-Conlin Julia , Carty Michelle K. , Saucier Cory , McDonnell David 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionQualitative research methods can be used to obtain a deeper understanding of patient experience by collecting information in the patients’ own words about their encounters, perspectives, and feelings. In this study, patients with schizophrenia were interviewed to capture their voice and to complement the quantitative data typically obtained in clinical trials.MethodsSemi-structured exit interviews were conducted with 41 patients who completed or prematurely discontinued from a phase 3, open-label trial (NCT02873208). The interview guide included open-ended questions on current and prior disease burden, symptoms, quality of life, and treatment experiences. Steps taken to reduce interview stress and secure the validity of data included interviewer sensitivity training specific to mental health conditions and schizophrenia, use of in-person interviews whenever possible and use of videoconferencing for remote interviews to promote trust and comfort, and working closely with clinical site staff to identify patient eligibility and willingness to participate. Transcripts based on audio recordings were content coded and analyzed using thematic analysis; a post-hoc quantitative content analysis was conducted.ResultsPatients reported that the symptoms of schizophrenia negatively impacted their work, relationships, self-esteem, emotional health, and daily activities. Most patients had positive experiences with medications that alleviated hallucinations, depression, and anxiety. However, side effects of medications were associated with negative impacts on physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health. Lack of energy/drowsiness, weight gain, mood changes, and involuntary movements were the most common side effects reported with the use of antipsychotic medications. Patients reported unmet treatment needs related to better symptom control and to improved social and physical functioning.ConclusionCollection of qualitative information within a schizophrenia clinical development process provides value and insights into patients’ views on burden of illness, experiences with previous medications, and experiences following participation in a clinical trial and can inform design for future studies.
Understanding social situations: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating a novel social cognitive training versus modified problem-solving training for people with psychosis
Authors: Fiszdon Joanna M. , Bell Morris D. , Fulford Daniel , Roberts David L. , Dziura James , Parente Lori , Nasse Alexis , Choi Jimmy 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPsychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) are associated with poor social function. In this study, we investigate which of two different types of 2-month long training courses is more effective in improving day-to-day interactions and quality of life.Methods/designParticipants with psychotic spectrum disorders will be randomly assigned to one of two training courses. Social functioning, everyday activities, social cognition and symptoms will be assessed at multiple timepoints, including baseline, treatment midpoint, end of treatment and 2-month follow-up. One training focuses on how to make good judgments about what other people may be thinking or feeling in social situations, and why people might act in certain ways in different situations. The other training focuses on different strategies for handling everyday problems and stressors. Both trainings are done in one-on-one sessions with a research staff member. There will be 16-20 training sessions, each about 45-60 minutes long. The investigators will ask participants to attend 2 training sessions per week, so the total training time should be about 2 months.Clinical Trials RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier NCT04557124
Non-suicidal self-injury among youth students during COVID-19 pandemic: the role of psychological factors in Jingzhou, China
Authors: Zhou Lie , Yu Ye , Liu Bo , Zhou Li-Fang , Sheng Juan , Zhang Xin-Feng , Deng Xiao-Peng , Ran Mao-Sheng 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among youth students, and the mediating role of psychological factors in the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and NSSI.MethodAn online survey was conducted at junior and senior high schools, as well as universities located in Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China between June 2021 and January 2022. The COVID-19 Impact Index was constructed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) method. The bootstrapping method was used for mediation analysis.ResultsA total of 16025 youth participated in the study and 12507 youth (78.1%) finished the questionnaires. The COVID-19 Impact Index had a significantly positive effect on NSSI (r=0.16, p&lt;0.001). The mediation analysis results showed that the COVID-19 Impact Index had a significant indirect effect on youth’ NSSI (β=0.0918, 95% CI [0.0788, 0.1048]), and this indirect effect was mainly achieved through affecting youth’ anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mediation effect of anxiety on NSSI was 0.0584, the direct effect was 0.0334, and the mediation proportion was 63.6%. The mediation effect of depression on NSSI was 0.0668, the direct effect was 0.0250, and the mediation proportion was 72.8%. The mediation effect of PTSD on NSSI was 0.0640, the direct effect was 0.0278, and the mediation proportion was 69.7%. All the mediation effects, direct effects and total effects were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001).ConclusionThe higher the impact of the COVID-19 Impact Index, the higher the prevalence of NSSI among youth students. Anxiety, depression and PTSD had mediated the relationship between the COVID-19 Impact Index and NSSI. It is suggested that specific health policies, mental health services and interventions should be developed to reduce the NSSI and improve mental health status among youth students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health inequalities in a middle-income country: a systematic review of the Costa Rican case
Authors: Barboza-Solis Cristina , Herrero Rolando , Fantin Romain 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study systematically reviews evidence of socioeconomic health disparities in Costa Rica, a middle-income country, to elucidate the relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.MethodsPublished studies were identified through a systematic review of PubMed (English) and Scielo (Spanish) databases from December 2023 to January 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included socioeconomic status, social determinants, social gradient in health, and health inequalities.ResultsOf 236 identified references, 55 met the inclusion criteria. Findings were categorized into health inequalities in mortality (among the general population, infants, and older adults), life expectancy, cause-specific mortality, and health determinants or risk factors mediating the association between the social environment and health. The studies indicate higher mortality among the most disadvantaged groups, including deaths from respiratory diseases, violence, and infections. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower mortality rates in the 1990s, indicating a positive social gradient in health (RII = 1.3, CI [1.1–1.5]). Disparities were less pronounced among older adults. Urban areas exhibited concentrated wealth and increased risky behaviors, while rural areas, despite greater socioeconomic deprivation, showed a lower prevalence of risky behaviors. Regarding smoking, people living in rural areas smoked significantly less than those in urban areas (7% vs. 10%). Despite the relatively equitable distribution of public primary healthcare, disparities persisted in the timely diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases. Cancer survival rates post-diagnosis were positively correlated with the wealth of districts (1.23 [1.12–1.35] for all cancers combined).ConclusionThe study highlights the existence of social health inequalities in Costa Rica. However, despite being one of the most unequal OECD countries, Costa Rica shows relatively modest social gradients in health compared to other middle and high-income nations. This phenomenon can be attributed to distinctive social patterns in health behaviors and the equalizing influence of the universal healthcare system.
Assessing disparities in health and living conditions: a comparative study of Hungarian-speaking Roma and non-Roma women across Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia
Authors: Mózes Noémi , Takács Johanna , Ungvari Zoltan , Feith Helga Judit 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe Roma minority, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, experiences significant disparities in living conditions and health outcomes compared to the non-Roma populations across the continent. Despite extensive documentation of the socio-economic challenges faced by the Roma, there is a notable lack of comparative research.MethodsThis study aims to fill this gap by examining the differences in socio-economic characteristics, living conditions, and self-reported health status between Roma (R) and non-Roma (nR) women in in Hungary (HU), Romania (RO), and Slovakia (SK), providing a cross-country comparative analysis. Utilizing simple and multiple binary logistic models, our research analysed data collected from September 2020 to March 2022, involving 322 Roma and 294 non-Roma women in Hungary, 258 Roma and 183 non-Roma women in Romania, and 146 Roma and 163 non-Roma women in Slovakia.ResultsFindings indicate significant associations between increased age (R:OR = 1.04[1.02,1.06], p &lt; 0.001), (nR:OR = 1.04[1.02,1.05], p &lt; 0.001) lower financial situation (R:OR = 2.05[1.01,4.18], p = 0.048) (nR:OR = 1.67[1.01,2.77], p = 0.047), and basic education level (R:OR = 3.60[1.29,10.08], p = 0.015) (nR:OR = 3.64[1.77,7.51], p &lt; 0.001) with the likelihood of poor health status across both groups in Hungary. In Romania, increased age (OR = 1.04[1.02,1.06], p &lt; 0.001) and basic education level (OR = 5.24[2.29,11.99], p &lt; 0.001) were particularly predictive of poor health among non-Roma, while in Slovakia, age (OR = 1.05[1.02,1.07], p &lt; 0.001) was a significant factor for Roma, and intermediate education level (OR = 2.68[1.16,6.20], p = 0.021) was for non-Roma. The study also found that a higher number of children (HU:OR = 1.35[1.12,1.63], p = 0.002), (RO:OR = 1.57[1.25,1.96], p &lt; 0.001) and problems with housing comfort (RO:OR = 4.83[2.19,10.62], p = 0.015) and wall conditions (RO:OR = 2.81[1.22,6.46], p &lt; 0.001) significantly impacted the health status of non-Roma women in Hungary and Romania. Conversely, an increase in household size was associated with a better health status among Roma women in Hungary (OR = 0.88[0.79,0.99]) and Slovakia (OR = 0.78[0.61,0.99]).ConclusionBy offering a novel comparative analysis, this study highlights the critical need for focused attention on the health disparities faced by Roma women, particularly those in a multiply disadvantaged situation due to their ethnic and socio-economic status.
The impact of environmental protection tax on the health of middle-aged and older adults: evidence from CHARLS data in China
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Ruifan , Luo Haohan , Liang Shanwen , Kong Youzhuan 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionWith the aging population, the relationship between human health and the ecological environment has gained increasing attention. In China, it is imperative to evaluate the policy effects of the Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) on improving the ecological environment and enhancing the health of middle-aged and older adult people.MethodsThis study, based on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to assess the health effects of the EPT policy.ResultsThe findings indicate that the EPT policy significantly improves the health of middle-aged and older adult individuals and reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases. The EPT policy affects the health of middle-aged and older adult through two main mechanisms: emission reduction and psychological effects. These are evidenced by reductions in PM10 particle concentration and sulfur dioxide emissions, improvements in public sleep quality and memory, and significant changes in environmental awareness and concern.DiscussionHeterogeneity analysis reveals differences across urban and rural areas, age groups, and education levels. Following the implementation of the EPT policy, there are notable improvements in reduction of chronic diseases among rural residents, self-rated health among urban residents, and overall health among the older adult and individuals with a junior high school education or lower. The study’s results confirm the importance of environmental policies in promoting public health, providing a reference for the refinement of the EPT system, and offering insights for environmental pollution control in developing countries.