bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human milk microbiome: associations with maternal diet and infant growth
Authors: Ajeeb Tamara T. , Gonzalez Emmanuel , Solomons Noel W. , Vossenaar Marieke , Koski Kristine G. 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIngestion of human milk (HM) is identified as a significant factor associated with early infant gut microbial colonization, which has been associated with infant health and development. Maternal diet has been associated with the HM microbiome (HMM). However, a few studies have explored the associations among maternal diet, HMM, and infant growth during the first 6 months of lactation.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, Mam-Mayan mother-infant dyads (n = 64) were recruited from 8 rural communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala at two stages of lactation: early (6–46 days postpartum, n = 29) or late (109–184 days postpartum, n = 35). Recruited mothers had vaginally delivered singleton births, had no subclinical mastitis or antibiotic treatments, and breastfed their infants. Data collected at both stages of lactation included two 24-h recalls, milk samples, and infant growth status indicators: head-circumference-for-age-z-score (HCAZ), length-for-age-z-score (LAZ), and weight-for-age-z-score (WAZ). Infants were divided into subgroups: normal weight (WAZ ≥ −1SD) and mildly underweight (WAZ &lt; −1SD), non-stunted (LAZ ≥ −1.5SD) and mildly stunted (LAZ &lt; −1.5SD), and normal head-circumference (HCAZ ≥ −1SD) and smaller head-circumference (HCAZ &lt; −1SD). HMM was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing; amplicon analysis was performed with the high-resolution ANCHOR pipeline, and DESeq2 identified the differentially abundant (DA) HMM at the species-level between infant growth groups (FDR &lt; 0.05) in both early and late lactation.ResultsUsing both cluster and univariate analyses, we identified (a) positive correlations between infant growth clusters and maternal dietary clusters, (b) both positive and negative associations among maternal macronutrient and micronutrient intakes with the HMM at the species level and (c) distinct correlations between HMM DA taxa with maternal nutrient intakes and infant z-scores that differed between breast-fed infants experiencing growth faltering and normal growth in early and late lactation.ConclusionCollectively, these findings provide important evidence of the potential influence of maternal diet on the early-life growth of breastfed infants via modulation of the HMM.
Numb cheek syndrome in breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Tan Zhibin , Tan Si Ying 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundNumb cheek syndrome, a rare corollary of numb chin syndrome, is due to infra-orbital neuropathy. It can occur in association with an underlying malignancy, which can cause neuropathy by direct malignant nerve infiltration or via a paraneoplastic mechanism. Although numb cheek syndrome has been reported in association with a variety of cancers, it has previously not been reported in association with breast cancer. We report a case of left breast cancer presenting with left numb cheek syndrome.Case presentationA 65-year-old woman presented to the Neurology clinic with a 7-month history of left cheek numbness and occasional cheek tenderness. Examination revealed slightly diminished pin-prick sensation in the left cheek and a vaguely palpable left breast lump. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain showed abnormal enhancement of the left maxillary nerve at the foramen rotundum, but cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. Mammography, ultrasound scans, and core biopsy of the left breast confirmed the diagnosis of invasive left breast carcinoma (estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, c-erb-B2 equivocal, fluorescence in-situ hybridization negative). There was no evidence of distant metastases on computed tomography and bone scintigraphy scans. The patient underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (4 cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, followed by 4 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin), and left breast wide excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy, and a repeat magnetic resonance imaging scan performed 2 months after surgical resection showed resolution of the left maxillary nerve enhancement. The patient’s left numb cheek symptoms improved over a course of 5 months after cancer resection but did not completely resolve.ConclusionsOur case represents the first reported left numb cheek syndrome in association with breast cancer, due to maxillary neuropathy without any discrete mass or compressive cause. To avoid delays in diagnosing malignancy, physicians and surgeons should be aware that numb cheek syndrome can occur in association with an underlying malignancy, and that breast cancer should be counted amongst the possibilities.
Prediction of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Zhong Xiaoling , Zeng Guohua , Zhang Lixiang , You Shuyuan , Fu Yuxiang , He Wan , Liao Guixiang 
Published: March 2024

PurposeTo investigate the predictive factors of pathologic complete response (pCR) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who had been treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT).Methods and materialsFor this retrospective study, 53 LARC patients (37 males and 16 females; age range 25 to 79 years) were selected. Clinical characteristics, baseline mrTNM staging, MR gross tumor volumes (GTV), and pCR were evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of GTV for predicting pCR was calculated.ResultsAmong 53 LARC patients, 15 patients achieved pCR (28.3%), while 38 patients achieved non-pCR. Only three (5.7%) out of 53 patients did not downstage after nCRT. GTV and tumor differentiation were the significant prognostic parameters for predicting pCR. A tumor volume threshold of 21.1 cm3 was determined as a predictor for pCR, with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 47%. In addition, GTV was associated with mrN stage, circumferential resection margin (CRM) status, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) status, and pretreatment serum CEA level.ConclusionTumor volume and tumor differentiation have significant predictive values in preoperative assessment of pCR among LARC patients. These findings aid clinicians to discriminate those patients who may likely benefit from preoperative regimens and to make optimal treatment plans.
Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) leaves proanthocyanidins inhibit intestinal glucose transport in human Caco-2 cells
Authors: Wang Mengting , Mao Haiguang , Ke Zhijian , Chen Jianchu , Qi Lili , Wang Jinbo 
Published: March 2024

Background: The hypoglycemic effects of Chinese bayberry leaves proanthocyanidins (BLPs) have been demonstrated. It is unclear, nevertheless, whether BLPs reduced postprandial blood glucose levels by regulating glucose uptake and glucose transport.Method: This study investigated the effect of BLPs (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) on glucose uptake and glucose transport in human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 cells). The uptake of 2-Deoxy-2-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) amino]-D-glucose (2-NBDG) and disaccharidases activity in Caco-2 cells were measured. The glucose transport ability across the cell membrane was determined using the established Caco-2 monolayer model. The transcript and protein levels of key glucose transporters were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting, respectively.Results: The results showed that BLPs significantly decreased glucose uptake and disaccharidases activity (p &lt; 0.05). Otherwise, BLPs treatment obviously inhibited glucose transport across the Caco-2 monolayer in both simulated-fast (5 mM glucose) and simulated-fed (25 mM glucose) conditions. It was attributed to the suppression of glucose transporter2 (GLUT2) and sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) by BLPs. BLPs were found to significantly downregulated the transcript level and protein expression of glucose transporters (p &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of phospholipase C (PLC) and protein kinase C (PKC) involved in the signaling pathway associated with glucose transport were decreased by BLPs.Conclusion: These results suggested that BLPs inhibited intestinal glucose transport via inhibiting the expression of glucose transporters. It indicated that BLPs could be potentially used as a functional food in the diet to modulate postprandial hyperglycemia.
Pharmacological treatments and medication-related problems in nursing homes in Catalonia: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Anderssen-Nordahl Emilie , Sánchez-Arcilla Rosanas Margarita , Bosch Ferrer Montserrat , Sabaté Gallego Mònica , Fernández-Liz Eladio , San-José Antonio , Barceló-Colomer Maria Estrella 
Published: March 2024

Background: Aging correlates with increased frailty, multi-morbidity, and chronic diseases. Furthermore, treating the aged often entails polypharmacy to achieve optimal disease management, augmenting medication-related problems (MRPs). Few guidelines and tools address the problem of polypharmacy and MRPs, mainly within the institutionalized elderly population. Routine pharmacological review is needed among institutionalized patients. This pharmacological review may improve with a multidisciplinary approach of a collaboration of multiple health professionals. This study aimed to describe institutionalized patients, systematically review their medication plans, and then give recommendations and identify MRPs.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using data obtained from patients living in five nursing homes in the northern area of Barcelona, Spain. The inclusion criteria comprised institutionalized patients with public health coverage provided by the Health Department of Catalonia. A detailed description of the clinical characteristics, chronic diseases, pharmacological treatments, recommendations, incomplete data, and MRPs, such as potential drug–drug interactions, therapeutic duplications, contraindications, and drugs deemed inappropriate or of doubtful efficacy, was made. The clinical pharmacologist was the medical doctor specialist who acted as the coordinator of the multidisciplinary team and actively reviewed all the prescribed medications to make recommendations and detect MRPs.Results: A total of 483 patients were included. Patients had a mean age of 86.3 (SD 8.8) years, and 72.0% were female individuals. All patients had at least three health-related problems, with a mean of 17.4 (SD 5.6). All patients, except one, had a minimum of one prescription, with a mean of 8.22 drugs prescribed (SD 3.5) per patient. Recommendations were made for 82.4% of the patients. Of these recommendations, verification of adequate use was made for 69.3% and withdrawal of a drug for 49.5%.Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of health-related problems and several prescribed drugs in nursing homes in Catalonia. Many recommendations were made, confirming the increased proportion of polypharmacy, MRPs, and the need for standardized interventions. A multidisciplinary team approach, including general practitioners, geriatric assessments, a clinical pharmacist, and a clinical pharmacologist, should address this problem.
Dynamics of Microcystis surface scum formation under different wind conditions: the role of hydrodynamic processes at the air-water interface
Authors: Wu Huaming , Wu Xingqiang , Rovelli Lorenzo , Lorke Andreas 
Published: March 2024

Due to climate change, Microcystis blooms occur at increasing frequencies in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Wind-generated turbulence is a crucial environmental stressor that can vertically disperse the Microcystis surface scum, reducing its light availability. Yet, the interactions of Microcystis scum with the wind-generated hydrodynamic processes, particularly those at the air-water interface, remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the response of Microcystis (including colony size and migration dynamics) to varying magnitudes and durations of intermittent wind disturbances in a mesocosm system. The flow velocities, size of Microcystis colonies, and the areal coverage of the water surface by scum were measured through video observations. Our results demonstrate that low wind speeds increase colony size by providing a stable condition where Microcystis forms a scum layer and aggregates into large colonies at the air-water interface. In contrast, wind disturbances disperse scum and generate turbulence, resulting in smaller colonies with higher magnitudes of wind disturbance. We observed that surface scum can form rapidly following a long period (6 h) of high-magnitude (4.5 m s-1) wind disturbance. Furthermore, our results indicate reduced water surface tension caused by the presence of Microcystis, which can decrease surface flow velocity and counteract wind-driven mixing. The reduced surface tension may also drive lateral convection at the water surface. These findings suggest that Microcystis reduces surface tension, likely by releasing surface-active materials, as an adaptive response to various wind conditions. This could result in an increased rate of surface scum re-formation under wind conditions and potentially facilitate the lateral expansion of scum patches during weak wind periods. This study reveals new insights into how Microcystis copes with different wind conditions and highlights the importance of the air-water interface for Microcystis scum dynamics.
Smaller household size and higher prevalence of serious psychological distress in younger people and never-married people: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Japan
Authors: Tomioka Kimiko , Shima Midori , Saeki Keigo 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSmall-member households are increasing worldwide. However, most previous studies have focused on older people and living alone. Using the latest national survey data, we investigated a dose–response relationship between household size and serious psychological distress (SPD).MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2019 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan. The study participants were 405,560 community-dwelling adults aged 20 or older. Household size was classified into 5 or more, 3 or 4, two, and one (i.e., living alone). SPD was defined as ≥13 points based on the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale. We used multivariable logistic regressions and included age, education, equivalent household expenditures, housing tenure, employment contract, smoking, and illness under treatment as covariates.ResultsAfter stratified analyses by age and gender, a dose–response relationship between smaller household size and more common SPD was significant for younger, but not for older people (p-trend was &lt;0.001 in men aged 20–59 and women aged 20–39). After stratified analyses by gender and marital status, a dose–response relationship was significant only for the never-married group in both genders (p-trend was &lt;0.001 in never-married men and women).ConclusionSmaller households were associated with higher prevalence of SPD in younger adults and in never-married individuals, regardless of gender. Our findings suggest a need to focus on younger people and never-married people to reduce the mental health risks due to small household sizes.
Geographic disparities and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri: a retrospective ecological study
Authors: Lacy Alexanderia , Khan Md Marufuzzaman , Deb Nath Nirmalendu , Das Praachi , Igoe Morganne , Lenhart Suzanne , Lloyd Alun L. , Lanzas Cristina , Odoi Agricola 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundLimited information is available on geographic disparities of COVID-19 vaccination in Missouri and yet this information is essential for guiding efforts to improve vaccination coverage. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (a) investigate geographic disparities in the proportion of the population vaccinated against COVID-19 in Missouri and (b) identify socioeconomic and demographic predictors of the identified disparities.MethodsThe COVID-19 vaccination data for time period January 1 to December 31, 2021 were obtained from the Missouri Department of Health. County-level data on socioeconomic and demographic factors were downloaded from the 2020 American Community Survey. Proportions of county population vaccinated against COVID-19 were computed and displayed on choropleth maps. Global ordinary least square regression model and local geographically weighted regression model were used to identify predictors of proportions of COVID-19 vaccinated population.ResultsCounties located in eastern Missouri tended to have high proportions of COVID-19 vaccinated population while low proportions were observed in the southernmost part of the state. Counties with low proportions of population vaccinated against COVID-19 tended to have high percentages of Hispanic/Latino population (p = 0.046), individuals living below the poverty level (p = 0.049), and uninsured (p = 0.015) populations. The strength of association between proportion of COVID-19 vaccinated population and percentage of Hispanic/Latino population varied by geographic location.ConclusionThe study findings confirm geographic disparities of proportions of COVID-19 vaccinated population in Missouri. Study findings are useful for guiding programs geared at improving vaccination coverage and uptake by targeting resources to areas with low proportions of vaccinated individuals.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training and technology use among Chilean amateur athletes
Authors: Chahin-Inostroza Natalia , Bracho-Milic Fanny , Velasco-Bahamonde Edith , Navarrete-Hidalgo Claudia , Serón Pamela 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic was a health problem which affected the entire world. Sports were strongly affected, especially outdoors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on training and technology use among Chilean amateur athletes.MethodAn observational descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out during the 2021–2. Nonprobabilistic convenience sample of people over 18 years. Data were obtained via online survey and analyzed with Stata 16.0 statistical program for runners, triathletes, cyclists.ResultsThe sample was 179 athletes, average age was 42.5 years ±10.2; males were 58.6%. 22.65% of the sample were triathletes, 58% runners, and 18.2% cyclists. Training habits were measured during Pre-Pandemic (PP), Pandemic With Quarantine (PWQ), and Pandemic Without Quarantine (PWOQ). In total sample, a decrease was observed in variables of average training frequency of 1.28 sessions per week (p = 0.001; d = 0.648); weekly average training time of 189.63 min (p = 0.005; d = 0.293); days per week with high and medium intensity training of 0.95 (p = 0.001; d = 0.833) and 0.37 (p = 0.001; d = 0.327) respectively; and days per week with cardio training of 1.01 (p = 0.001; d = 0.678), comparing the PP and PWQ periods. When comparing PWQ and PWOQ, an increase was observed in the same variables mentioned above of 1,57 sessions per week (p = 0.001; d = 0.513); 162.68 min per week (p = 0.020; d = −0.245); days per week with high of 0.82 (p = 0.001; d = −0.714) and medium intensity training of 0.46 (p = 0.001; d = −0.412); days per week with cardio training of 1.14 (p = 0.001; d = −0.730); and included strength training of 0.42 (p = 0.012; d = −0.312). For technology incorporation, over 78% (p = 0.023) claimed to used devices to measure training, with the watch being the preferred device in over 72% (p = 0.002) during the three timeframes. Highlighted the rise in use of training software during and after the lockdown period of more than 23% (p &lt; 0.001).DiscussionAll variables related with training habits decreased comparing PP and PWQ and all variables rose between PWQ and PWOQ; however, comparing PP and PWOQ, there are small differences, which do not always favor the PWOQ, reflecting how athletes have not yet been able to recover their training rhythms. Finally, we should note that the use of technology increased, in all periods.
Improving quality standards of purchase policy and sustainable staple food safety
Authors: Cao Chen , Shao Kaichao 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionFood quality is closely related to food safety. Improving food quality, especially staple foods quality, is crucial to ensuring sustainable food safety. China's government is making efforts to improve the quality of staple foods and has improved quality standards of purchase policy for staple food. However, the actual effects of the new quality standards of purchase policy in implementation have not been verified.MethodsBased on this background, applying difference-in-differences models, this paper examines whether the new quality standards of purchase policy can improve the quality of staple food supply based on the wheat market transaction data.Results and discussionThe results show that the new quality standard of purchase policy has a significant positive impact on the quality of staple food supply. The conclusion remains robust through several alternative tests. Further research shows that the new quality standards of purchase policy significantly expand the degree of quality premiums in the market, thereby improving the staple food supply quality. Our research provides an insight for policy or standard makers to change relevant purchase quality limits following consumer demand to ensure sustainable food security.
Rectus muscle diastasis in Italian women: determinants of disease severity, and associated disorders
Authors: Sartori Alberto , Tfaily Ahmad , Botteri Emanuele , Andreuccetti Jacopo , Lauro Enrico , Caliskan Gulser , Verlato Giuseppe , Di Leo Alberto 
Published: March 2024

PurposeDiastasis of rectus abdominis (DRA) refers to a separation of the rectus abdominis from the linea alba, which is common in the female population during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The present study aimed at investigating DRA severity, risk factors and associated disorders.MethodsIn the present cross-sectional study, a web-based questionnaire was addressed to the 23,000 members of the Women's Diastasis Association. The questionnaire comprised three parts, dedicated respectively to diastasis characteristics, possible risk factors, and related disorders. Faecal and urinary incontinences were assessed using the Wexner and ICIQ-SF score, respectively. Risk factors for diastasis severity (&lt;3, 3–5, &gt;5 cm) were evaluated by a multinomial regression model.ResultsFour thousand six hundred twenty-nine women with a mean age (SD) of 39.8 (6.5) years and a median BMI of 23.7 kg/m2 (range 16.0–40.0) responded to the questionnaire. Proportion of DRA &gt;5 cm increased from 22.8% in norm weight women to 44.0% in severely obese women, and from 10.0% in nulliparous women to 39.3% in women with &gt;3 pregnancies. These associations were confirmed in multivariable analysis. DRA severity was associated with the risk of abdominal hernia and pelvic prolapse, whose prevalence more than doubled from women with DRA &lt;3 cm (31.6% and 9.7%, respectively) to women with DRA &gt;5 cm (68.2% and 20.2%). In addition, most patients reported postural pain and urinary incontinence, whose frequency increased with DRA severity.ConclusionThe present study confirmed that DRA severity increases with increasing BMI and number of pregnancies. Larger separation between rectal muscles was associated with increased risk of pain/discomfort, urinary incontinence, abdominal hernia and pelvic prolapse. Prospective studies are needed to better evaluate risk factors.