bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher 3-year recurrence-free survival rate in patients with complete pathological remission following neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus immunotherapy for esophageal cancer: a two-center, propensity score matching study
Authors: Zhang Hai , He Haiquan , Feng Qingyi , Wu Bomeng , Chen Ying , Zhang Zhenyang , Zhou Linrong , Li Cui , Lin Wanli , Lin Jiangbo 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy is preferentially recommended for resectable locally advanced esophageal malignancies, with patients who achieve pathological complete response (PCR) anticipated to have longer survival rates. The aim of this study was to compare 3-year follow-up data for patients with esophageal malignancy who achieved PCR through neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCRT) and to compare the findings with those of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (nICT).MethodsThis retrospective study included 85 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical resection following nCRT (n=47) or nICT (n=38) between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020 at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital and Gaozhou People’s Hospital. Propensity score matching was used to match baseline data and reduce bias between the patient groups. Data during the neoadjuvant treatment and perioperative periods were compared, and follow-up was performed to evaluate differences in 3-year survival rate and recurrence-free survival.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, 28 nCRT patients and 38 nICT patients were included. During neoadjuvant therapy, the nCRT group had higher incidences of leukopenia and neutropenia than did the nICT group. No significant differences were observed in the incidences of hemoglobin decrease, platelet decrease, liver function damage, elevated serum creatinine, diarrhea, radioactive pneumonia or immunotherapy-related pneumonia, and esophageal perforation. The nCRT group had fewer lymph node dissections and lymph node stations. Postoperative lung infection (50.00%) was significantly higher in the nICT group than in the nCRT group (25.00%). The 3-year survival rates were 97.37% and 85.71% in the nICT and nCRT groups, respectively; the 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was significantly lower in the nCRT group (82.14%) than in the nICT group (97.37%, P=0.02).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that patients with esophageal cancer who achieve PCR after nICT treatment may have lower rates of disease recurrence.
A preliminary study of linear accelerator-based spatially fractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Lee Young Kyu , Seol Yunji , Kim Byeong Jin , Choi Kyu Hye , Hong Ji Hyun , Park Chan-beom , Kim Sun Hwa , Park Hyeong Wook , Cheon Wonjoong , Kang Young Nam , Choi Byung‑Ock 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study aimed to provide quantitative information for implementing Lattice radiotherapy (LRT) using a medical linear accelerator equipped with the Millennium 120 multi-leaf collimator (MLC). The research systematically evaluated the impact of varying vertex diameters and separations on dose distribution, peak-to-valley dose ratio (PVDR), and normal tissue dose.MethodsA cylindrical Virtual Water™ phantom was used to create LRT treatments using the Eclipse version 16.0 treatment planning system (Varian, Palo Alto, USA). The plans were optimized employing a 3 × 3 × 3 lattice structure with vertex diameters ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 cm and separations from 1.0 to 5.0 cm. The prescribed dose was 20.0 Gy to 50% of the vertex volume in a single fraction. Peak-to-valley dose ratio (PVDR) was calculated along three orthogonal axes, and normal tissue dose and monitor units (MU) were analyzed. Additionally, the modulation complexity score (MCS) was calculated for each plan to quantitatively assess treatment plan complexity.ResultsThe PVDR analysis demonstrated heterogeneous dose distribution, with optimal values below 30% in all directions for 5.0 cm separation. PVDR in the superior-inferior direction was consistently lower than in other directions. Normal tissue dose analysis revealed increasing mean dose with larger diameters and separations, while the volume receiving high doses decreased. MU analysis showed significant contributions from collimator angles of 315.0° and 45.0°. MCS values ranged from 0.02 to 0.17 for 0.5 cm vertex diameter and 0.08 to 0.20 for larger diameters (1.0-2.0 cm) across different separations, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the technical feasibility of implementing LRT using a medical linear accelerator with Millennium 120 MLC. The findings provide insights into optimizing LRT treatment plans, offering a comprehensive quantitative reference for achieving desired dose heterogeneity while maintaining normal tissue protection.
Polydatin protects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via Nrf2/Slc7a11/Gpx4-dependent inhibition of ferroptosis signalling activation
Authors: Zheng Shimin , Yin Jianbin , Wang Bingbing , Ye Qiujuan , Huang Jialuo , Liang Xinzhi , Wu Junfeng , Yue Hui , Zhang Ting 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory irritable bowel disease, is characterized by a recurrent and persistent nonspecific inflammatory response. Polydatin (PD), a natural stilbenoid polyphenol with potent properties, exhibits unexpected beneficial effects beyond its well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In this study, we presented evidence that PD confers protection against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis.MethodsThe protective effect of PD on colitis was examined in cultured caco-2 cells and DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Bulk RNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis were used to investigate the protective mechanism of PD on DSS-induced colitis. Ferroptosis was determined by MDA levels, SOD levels, mitochondrial iron accumulation and ROS production. Ferroptosis-related proteins Slc7a11, Nrf2 and Gpx4 levels were measured by western blot, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsPD mitigated the DSS-induced increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), alleviated colon length shortening, reduced morphological damage to the intestinal mucosa, and preserved tight junction proteins (TJ) occludin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in both caco-2 cells and murine models of colitis. Mechanistically, PD reversed the reduction of Nrf2, Slc7a11 and Gpx4, the degree of nuclear translocation of Nrf2 induced by DSS in vitro and in vivo significantly. Moreover, the protective effect of PD is attenuated by erastin and resembled that of Fer-1 in caco-2 cells model.DiscussionOur study suggested that PD protects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via Nrf2/Slc7a11/Gpx4-dependent inhibition of ferroptosis signalling activation. Further investigation into the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon is warranted. The findings presented herein indicated that PD may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for patients with UC.
Citrus transcription factor CsERF1 is involved in the response to citrus tristeza disease
Authors: Chen Qi , Yan Fulin , Liu Jing , Xie Zhipeng , Jiang Junyao , Liang Jiamei , Chen Jing , Wang Huanhuan , Liu Jinxiang 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionCitrus tristeza virus (CTV) is a threat to the citrus production and causes severe economic losses to the citrus industry. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) play important roles in plant growth and stress responses. Although ERF genes have been widely studied in model plants, little is known about their role in biological stress responses in fruit trees, such as citrus. CsERF1 belongs to the citrus AP2/ERF transcription factor family.MethodsTo determine the role of CsERF1 on CTV resistance in citrus and the effects of the exongenous hormone application on CsERF1 in citrus, the expression of related genes was quantitatively analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in this study.ResultsThe expression profile showed that the expression level of CsERF1 in roots was significantly lower under CTV infection than in healthy plants, while the expression level in stems was significantly increased. CsERF1 responded to exogenous salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments. The CTV titer in RNAi-CsERF1 transgenic sweet orange plants significantly increased. Furthermore, CsERF1-overexpressing and RNAi-CsERF1 transgenic sweet orange plants exhibited differential expression of genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) and SA signaling.DiscussionThese results suggest that CsERF1 mediates CTV resistance by regulating the JA and SA signaling pathways. The results of this study provide new clues as to the citrus defence response against CTV. It is of great significance to create citrus germplasm resources resistant to recession disease.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities in Western and Asian countries: a scoping review
Authors: Guan Xin , Duan A-min , Xin Gong-kai , Oyebode Jan , Liu Yu 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThere is a gap between the principles of person-centred dementia care and their actual implementation. However, scoping reviews of the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities for Western countries and Asian countries are lacking.ObjectiveTo identify and compare the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities between Western and Asian countries.MethodsIn line with Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology, a scoping review was conducted and is reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Nine English language databases and three Chinese databases were searched to identify qualitative and quantitative research studies published in English and Chinese. Thematic analysis was used to summarise and characterize the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities for Western and Asian countries.ResultsThirty-three studies were included. Over half were conducted in Western countries (n =20). Barriers and facilitators were grouped under four high level themes: Nursing and care staff factors, people living with dementia and family factors, organizational factors, and resource factors. Inadequate knowledge of person-centred care, staffing shortages, time constraints, and low wages were the principal barriers to implementing person-centred dementia care in both Western and Asian countries.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that staff encounter numerous obstacles and needs in implementing person-centred care for people living with dementia in long-term care settings. Educational levels of nursing staff in Western countries were generally higher compared to Asian countries. Additionally, work-related injuries and stigma associated with dementia care presented unique challenges for nursing staff in Asia and were not cited in Western studies. Conversely, family-related factors were more frequently and elaborately cited as influencing person-centred dementia care in Western long-term care facilities. Moreover, Asian studies identified a significant lack of educational training support for person-centred dementia care, as well as shortages in staffing and poor availability of personalized, home-like environments
Coping strategies and correlations with depressive symptoms among female nurses working in Japanese general hospitals
Authors: Kubo Hideyuki , Kaneko Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Kaori , Furihata Ryuji , Jike Maki , Otsuka Yuichiro , Uchiyama Makoto , Suzuki Masahiro 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPreventing depression among nurses is a critical issue from the perspective of occupational welfare, but associations between depressive symptoms in nurses and stress-coping strategies remain unclear.MethodsIn the present study, an epidemiological study was conducted based on a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Data obtained from 2,534 female nurses working at three general hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, were analyzed. Participants completed a questionnaire comprising 42 items, including depressive symptoms and stress-coping strategies, in addition to sociodemographic information and perceived mental stress.ResultsOur study showed that the emotional distraction strategy “Engaging in hobbies or relaxing” was negatively associated with both depressed mood and loss of interest. In addition, the problem-solving strategy “Making an effort to think optimistically” was negatively associated with loss of interest. Conversely, use of avoidant strategies was positively associated with both depressive symptoms.DiscussionOur findings may indicate the importance of focusing on types of coping styles when developing strategies to prevent depressive symptoms in nurses.
An explorative qualitative study of barriers to the use of health and mental health services among migrant female sex workers in Germany and needs for action
Authors: Lotysh Anastasiia , Tezcan-Güntekin Hürrem , Kalinowski Olivia , Kaya Gizem , Kroehn-Liedtke Franziska , Mihaylova Hristiana , Schouler-Ocak Meryam , Rössler Wulf 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundMigrant female sex workers (MFSWs) can be exposed to various health risks due to their occupation, including mental and physical health, substance use, and experience of violence. However, they face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services. The inadequate access to medical care for migrant female sex workers poses a challenge to the German healthcare system.Research aimsThis qualitative study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers to the use of health and mental health services by migrant female sex workers in Berlin and what should be done to improve the access to healthcare and to make it easier to use health and mental health services for migrant female sex workers. The data collected can be used to derive overarching recommendations and strategies for action.MethodsSemi-structured, guided interviews were conducted with 10 migrant female sex workers in Berlin, Germany. The interviews were audio recorded, and the content of the transcribed interviews was analyzed. A structuring qualitative content analysis, according to Kuckartz, with deductive-inductive category formation was conducted in MAXQDA 2022.ResultsBarriers were analyzed at three levels: patient, provider, and system. The patient level was related to the patient characteristics: social structure variables, health beliefs and attitudes, personal enabling resources, community enabling resources, perceived illness, and personal health practices. The provider level was related to the provider characteristics: skills and attitudes. The system level was related to the system characteristics: the organization of the healthcare system on local and national levels. Moreover, needs for actions were identified, which can be used for deriving recommendations for the improvement of healthcare situation of migrant sex workers living in Berlin.Conclusion/discussionHealth services and future intervention studies should consider barriers identified in this study to improve the health services utilization and health of sex workers as part of the effort to protect the right of humans to health.
Practice Guidelines for the Value Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services (version 2)
Authors: Wu Liuyun , Lv Ziyan , Chen Min , Zheng Xingyue , Li Lian , Du Shan , Han Lizhu , Yin Qinan , Wang Yin , Liu Xinxia , Li Wenyuan , Huang Xuefei , Wang Hulin , Yi Xiaoqing , Cui Xiaojiao , Chen Zhujun , Wang Yueyuan , Hou Yingying , Zheng Xi , Lei Yang , Gou Mengqiu , Wu Yue , Kang Fengjiao , Cai Fengqun , Liang Shuhong , Yang Yong , Li Jinqi , Bian Yuan 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo optimize the construction of pharmaceutical services in medical institutions, advance the development of clinical pharmacy as a discipline, enhance the level of clinical pharmacy services, systematically implement and evaluate clinical pharmacy practices, and improve patient therapeutic outcomes, we have developed the Practice Guidelines for the Value Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services (Version 2).MethodsThis guideline was designed following the World Health Organization (WHO) Guideline Development Manual. The Delphi method was employed to identify clinical questions. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted to collect existing evidence on relevant issues, and the systematic reviews, evidence grading, and evidence summaries were subsequently compiled. The guideline employs the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) evidence level system from Australia and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system introduced by WHO in 2004 to classify the quality of evidence. Consensus on the recommendations and evidence levels was achieved through the Delphi method, resulting in the formation of the Practice Guidelines for the Value Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services (Version 2).ResultsThrough a questionnaire survey of over 100 experts and the Delphi method voting, 23 preliminary indicators for evaluating the value of clinical pharmacy services were identified. The content of these included indicators was searched according to the PICO principle, followed by systematic reviews, meta-analyses, network meta-analyses, and related original research. Each search strategy was reviewed and approved by the guidelines steering committee. Ultimately, three dimensions for evaluating the value of clinical pharmacy were identified, encompassing 15 indicators, resulting in 20 recommendations.ConclusionThis guideline presents a set of metrics to assess the quality and effectiveness of clinical pharmacy services, which is crucial for enhancing and elevating clinical pharmacy services in healthcare institutions.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.guidelines-registry.org/guide/28502a74-7038-439c-bdee-d355747e2a9d, identifier: PREPARE-2022CN756.
Analysis of an intergenerational service-learning experience based on physical exercise in a community setting: a mixed-method study
Authors: Alonso-Cortés Fradejas Beatriz , Lafuente-Ureta Raquel , Calvo Sandra , Fernández-Gorgojo Mario , Poveda-López Jose Lesmes , Jiménez-Sánchez Carolina 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPhysical activity offers numerous benefits that improve psychological well-being, reduce dependency, and foster intergenerational relationships. Universities play a key role in promoting the health of students by proposing actions that contribute to a sustainable future, fostering a mature society and reducing ageism. This service-learning project aimed to assess the impact of an intergenerational cane-walking program on older adults and physiotherapy students in a community setting. The project focused on promoting health and fostering intergenerational relationships.MethodsA concurrent, nested mixed-methods design was used for the intervention, involving intergenerational group walks during the 2022–2023 academic year. The program was designed and supervised by faculty members and three fourth-year fellows. Data collection was based on adherence to the intervention, the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3), interviews with older adults and feedback questionnaires completed by them and participating students.ResultsSatisfactory adherence was evidenced among older adults, with 65.79% of participants who completed the project and 72% who adhered to the intervention, although there were no statistically significant differences in terms of motivation to exercise taking that adherence into account. The project’s ability to foster intergenerational relationships was rated by the seniors at 9.50 ± 0.6, and 100% answered affirmatively about its capacity of contribute to improving their health and well-being. Student feedback also reflected high scores for fostering intergenerational relationships, with scores of 10 (fellows), 8.7 ± 1.2 (third-year students), and 8.27 ± 1.2 (second-year students). The project’s contribution to skills development was rated positively by 100% of the fellows, 88.6% of the second-year students, and 74.1% of the third-year students. In the nested study, three key themes related to exercise emerged by older adults: (1) perceptions of exercise, (2) barriers to exercise and (3) motivations for exercise. Regarding satisfaction with the program, three main themes emerged: (1) intergenerational relationships, (2) strengths of the program and (3) suggestions for improvement.ConclusionThe program appears to improve the well-being of older adults and provide valuable experiential learning for students. Thus, service-learning projects could effectively promote sustainable health practices, highlighting the important role of universities in community health initiatives.
Craving for exercise due to the disruption of daily routine by an earthquake
Authors: İlbak İsmail , Yasuntimur Ahmet , Stojanovic Stefan , Düz Serkan , Rydzik Łukasz , Cepicka Ladislav 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThe research aimed to examine exercise cravings that arise from the disruption of daily routine resulting from the earthquake and the consequent mandatory absence from exercising at fitness centers.Study designThis study utilized the phenomenological design through qualitative research methods.MethodsThe research sample comprises six individuals aged between 22 and 29 years. They were selected using the criterion sampling method. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsTwo different types of cravings were identified. The first type is related to exercise addiction, while the second type is related to anxiety-induced cravings.ConclusionsExercise craving manifests in two ways. The first type originates from exercise addiction, emerging when an individual with exercise addiction experiences a lack of exercise. With a more clinical dimension, the second type arises from the inability to engage in training for uncontrollable reasons.
Unbalanced rural development in underdeveloped areas: rurality and human settlements
Authors: Wang Xueyi , Geng Manguo , Tang Xianglong 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe continuous migration of rural populations to urban areas poses a significant threat to food production and sustainable development in underdeveloped regions. Consequently, planning farmers’ livelihoods and optimizing their living environments are crucial for addressing rural challenges. Rurality represents the fundamental attributes of the countryside, serving as an accurate measure of the stages and characteristics of rural development and providing valuable support for policy formulation.MethodsIn this study, 87 counties (districts) in Gansu Province were selected as samples to construct and evaluate a rurality evaluation index system. The Geographical Detector Model and Pearson’s correlation analysis were applied to examine the relationship between the rurality index and key factors of the human settlement environment and identify pathways for rural development.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the rurality index effectively reflects the spatiotemporal patterns of rural development, demonstrating a steady increase from west to east across Gansu Province. Various human settlement factors influence the spatial distribution of the rurality index, with humanities factors emerging as the primary drivers. Based on their dominant factors, the counties in Gansu Province were categorized into three groups for policy formulation: external economy-driven rural areas, endogenous resource-driven rural areas, and location-constrained rural areas.DiscussionHowever, it was also recognized that the rurality index alone does not comprehensively capture the current state of rural agricultural development. To propose effective, regional, and integrated rural development policies for underdeveloped areas, it is essential to combine agricultural development policies with an analysis of the existing rural living environment.