bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective cohort study investigating association between precancerous gastric lesions and colorectal neoplasm risk
Authors: Pan Hui , Zhang Yu-Long , Fang Chao-Ying , Chen Yu-Dai , He Li-Ping , Zheng Xiao-Ling , Li Xiaowen 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is considered the most prevalent synchronous malignancy in patients with gastric cancer. This large retrospective study aims to clarify correlations between gastric histopathology stages and risks of specific colorectal neoplasms, to optimize screening and reduce preventable CRC.MethodsClinical data of 36,708 patients undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy from 2005-2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Correlations between gastric and colorectal histopathology were assessed by multivariate analysis. Outcomes of interest included non-adenomatous polyps (NAP), conventional adenomas (CAs), serrated polyps (SPs), and CRC. Statistical analysis used R version 4.0.4.ResultsOlder age (≥50 years) and Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI) were associated with increased risks of conventional adenomas (CAs), serrated polyps (SPs), non-adenomatous polyps (NAP), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Moderate to severe intestinal metaplasia specifically increased risks of NAP and CAs by 1.17-fold (95% CI 1.05-1.3) and 1.19-fold (95% CI 1.09-1.31), respectively. For CRC risk, low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia increased risk by 1.41-fold (95% CI 1.08-1.84), while high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (OR 3.76, 95% CI 2.25-6.29) and gastric cancer (OR 4.81, 95% CI 3.25-7.09) showed strong associations. More advanced gastric pathology was correlated with progressively higher risks of CRC.ConclusionPrecancerous gastric conditions are associated with increased colorectal neoplasm risk. Our findings can inform screening guidelines to target high-risk subgroups, advancing colorectal cancer prevention and reducing disease burden.
Case report: Successful treatment of advanced colon cancer in an eighty-year-old man with long-term and multi-stage endoscopic minimally invasive therapy
Authors: Zhang Nana , Zhu Lulu , Liu Yan , Chen Xiaolong , Zhang Bifang , Wen Chunhong , Zhang Huayu , Tang Qinglin , Zhang Mingqing 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundNo previous studies have reported on the use of minimally invasive endoscopic therapy for colon cancer in older patients.Case presentationAn 80-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with haematochezia and diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in 2018. Traditional surgical care was rejected by his family. We successfully treated the patient with multiple minimally invasive endoscopic therapies, such as argon plasma coagulation, from 2018 to 2021.ConclusionInvasive endoscopic therapy is a feasible way to treat colon cancer in older patients.
The characteristics and operations of “online pharmacies” investigated in relation to medicines popularised during the coronavirus pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oriakhi Oria Jason , Almomani Hamzeh , Patel Nilesh , Donyai Parastou 
Published: February 2024

Aim: To explore the characteristics and operations of online pharmacies in relation to medications that gained widespread popularity and increased demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, to assess and compare practices between legitimate and “rogue” online pharmacies.Methods: Fifteen COVID-19-pandemic-related medications were investigated through a UK-based online search. We systematically assessed the credibility of 116 retrieved online pharmacies using the factors: operational location, range of medicines sold, prescription requirements for Prescription Only Medicines (POMs), information exchange, payment/delivery, user-friendliness, legitimacy. Descriptive analysis was conducted, and legitimacy status (legitimate vs. illegitimate/rogue) was tested against relevant safety indicators using a chi-square test.Results: Out of 116 “online pharmacies,” 55 (47%) were confirmed as “rogue,” 47 (41%) were verified as legitimate by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), and 14 (12%) were verified by other bodies but not by the GPhC. A total of 93 declared their “apparent” physical location of operation on the webpage of which 63 (67.7%, n = 93) declared a location that did not match their actual location according to the online pharmacy’s server (through their IP address). All 15 medicines analysed were readily available for purchase. A high percentage of online pharmacies offered POMs to the public (93.1%, n = 116). Only 23 out of the 116 online pharmacies assessed required a prescription for providing POMs, with only four of these verified as legitimate by the GPhC register, while most of the legitimate pharmacies (44 out of 47) offered online consultations as an alternative option instead of a prescription. Controlled medicines were offered by 28 online pharmacies 27 of which were deemed as rogue. Rogue online pharmacies were significantly more likely to guarantee refunds for medication, not require prescriptions for POMs, and not require an online consultation to obtain POMs.Discussion: Findings reveal easy access to rogue online pharmacies, posing patient safety risks. We also found legitimate online pharmacies often offer online consultations without requiring prescriptions for POMs, raising concerns about inadequate safety checks. This emphasises the need for improved regulations for both types of online pharmacies, especially during public health crises.
Blood count, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a case-control animal study of induced periodontitis in female rodents
Authors: Estarreja João , Pimenta Ana Clara , Botelho João , Vilares Arminda Maria , Mendes José João , Rocha João , Pinto Rui , Mateus Vanessa , Machado Vanessa 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Periodontitis is a non-communicable chronic inflammatory disease with a systemic burden. Animal models of induced periodontitis help elucidate the mechanisms by which periodontal inflammation drives systemic effects. Studying this systemic involvement over longer follow-up periods may provide a strong foundation for future research on the association between diseases and periodontitis, particularly in female rats. Therefore, we aimed to compare blood, endocrine, immunologic, renal, and hepatic markers in a rat model of induced periodontitis in females with their control counterparts.Methods: Experimental periodontitis was induced in 20 female Wistar rats by the application and maintenance of silk ligatures on the upper molars. The rats were then assessed for macroscopical analysis, complete blood count, and biochemical, endocrine, and immunologic markers at 21, 28, 42, and 56 days.Results: Chronic periodontal inflammation was observed after 42 days of exposure to the ligatures. Additionally, it was also possible to notice significant systemic manifestations, such as the reduction of triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels, along with an increase in the expression of alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase.Discussion: The study’s findings imply that certain changes can be underscored to highlight a reduced risk of conception. Notably, previous investigations have indicated that subfertile women exhibit lower levels of thyroid hormones and elevated lactate dehydrogenase expression. Despite the absence of preclinical data delineating a possible association between periodontitis and female infertility, the results of this study may prove to be a crucial contribution to both the scientific and medical fields.
Exposure to heavy metals and trace elements among pregnant women with twins: levels and association with twin growth discordance
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhao Wei , Zhao Li , Liang Qiongxin , Tang Jun , Zhou Weixiao , Zhang Yanhua , Wen Hong 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTwin growth discordance is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality in twin pregnancies. Whether prenatal exposure to heavy metals and trace elements is associated with twin growth discordance has not been studied yet.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prenatal level of heavy metals and trace elements in twin pregnancy and its relationship with twin growth discordance.MethodsThis study involving 60 twin pairs and their mothers was conducted in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2020–2021. The concentration of heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood, umbilical cord, and placenta were collected at delivery and measured by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer. The association of prenatal level with twin growth discordance was evaluated using conditional logistic regression.ResultsHigh levels of heavy metal elements (thallium in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood of larger twins, vanadium in the placenta of larger twins) and trace elements (iodine in the placenta of larger twins) during pregnancy, as well as low levels of heavy metal elements (strontium in the umbilical cord blood of larger twins, strontium and chromium in the umbilical cord blood of smaller twins, strontium in the placenta of larger twins, molybdenum and lead in the placenta of smaller twins and difference of molybdenum in the placenta of twins), are associated with intertwin birthweight discordance. Univariate regression analyses showed a significant effect of gestational age at delivery and eleven trace element data on intertwin birthweight discordance. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with transformed variables as dichotomous risk factors combined with baseline demographic characteristics showed Tl in maternal blood as an independent risk factor. The model constructed by combining Tl in maternal blood (OR = 54.833, 95% CI, 3.839–83.156) with the gestational week (OR = 0.618, 95% CI, 0.463–0.824) had good predictive power for intertwin birthweight discordance (AUC = 0.871). The sensitivity analysis results indicate that the effect of maternal blood thallium on intertwin birthweight discordance is stable and reliable.ConclusionTo our knowledge, ours is the first case–control study to investigate the association between elevated maternal thallium levels before delivery and twin growth discordance.
The impact of recreational cannabinoid legalization on utilization in a pregnant population
Authors: Torres Jacob , Miller Colton , Apostol Michael , Gross Jessica , Maxwell Jessie R. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMarijuana potency and utilization both continue to increase across the United States. While the overall prevalence of cannabinoid utilization during pregnancy has been surveyed in various studies, the direct impact of changing governmental policies on pregnancy use is less characterized. Thus, we aimed to investigate how the legalization of recreational cannabinoid products impacted use during pregnancy in the state of New Mexico.MethodsParticipants who had a live birth during two study epochs were included: pre-legalization (Epoch 1: 1 January 2019–31 March 2021) and post-legalization (Epoch 2: 1 November 2021–30 November 2022). Participants were further divided into case group [prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE)] vs. control (no PCE), with cases being identified by documented self-report or a positive laboratory toxicology test for cannabinoid use during pregnancy.ResultsA total of 1,191 maternal/infant dyads were included in Epoch 1, and 378 maternal/infant dyads were included in Epoch 2. In Epoch 1, 788 dyads were controls with 403 cases, while Epoch 2 had 292 controls and 86 cases. Interestingly there was a significant decrease in self-report or positive laboratory toxicology tests in Epoch 2 compared to Epoch 1. Infants born following PCE in both Epoch groups were more commonly born via Cesarean section, had significantly smaller birth weight, length, and head circumference as well as significantly lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min.ConclusionThe finding of decreased reported cannabinoid use in the post-legalization group is contradictory to previous studies which have shown increased rates of cannabinoid use after legalization. This could be due to multiple factors including changes in screening practices, the COVID-19 pandemic, and lack of commercialization of THC products. Additional studies are needed to further characterize how changing governmental policies impacts utilization during pregnancy.
The relationship between fat distribution and diabetes in US adults by race/ethnicity
Authors: Xu Furong , Earp Jacob E. , Riebe Deborah , Delmonico Matthew J. , Lofgren Ingrid E. , Greene Geoffrey W. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThis study examined the relationship between fat distribution and diabetes by sex-specific racial/ethnic groups.MethodsA secondary data analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 data (n = 11,972) was completed. Key variables examined were visceral adipose tissue area (VATA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), diabetes prevalence, and race/ethnicity. The association of VATA and SFA and diabetes prevalence was examined separately and simultaneously using multiple logistic regression. Bonferroni corrections were applied to all multiple comparisons between racial/ethnic groups. All analyses were adjusted for demographics and muscle mass.ResultsVATA was positively associated with diabetes in both sexes (p &lt; 0.001) and across all racial/ethnic groups (p &lt; 0.05) except Black females. No statistically significant relationships were observed between SFA and diabetes while accounting for VATA with the exception of White females (p = 0.032). When comparing racial/ethnic groups, the relationship between VATA and diabetes was stronger in White and Hispanic females than in Black females (p &lt; 0.005) while the relationship between SFA and diabetes did not differ between any racial/ethnic groups.ConclusionThis study found that VATA is associated with diabetes for both sexes across almost all racial/ethnic groups independent of SFA whereas the only significant relationship between SFA and diabetes, independent of VATA, was observed in White females. The findings indicated that visceral fat was more strongly associated with diabetes than subcutaneous. Additionally, there are health disparities in sex-specific racial/ethnic groups thus further study is warranted.
Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa
Authors: Kutywayo Alison , Mataboge Paballo , Mthimkhulu Nqaba , Martin Catherine E. , Muhwava Lorrein S. , Mazibuko Mbali , Makalela Nthabiseng , Kwatsha Khanyiswa , Butler Vusile , Mullick Saiqa 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionMultipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and/or unintended pregnancy. Key gatekeepers, [healthcare providers (HCPs) and key stakeholders] require proactive engagement before product implementation. This manuscript identifies HCP demand creation strategies, key stakeholder considerations for the adoption of MPTs in South Africa.MethodsFormative research was conducted in three districts in three South African provinces (July to November 2022). Nurses initiating oral PrEP at facility and mobile study sites participated in 4-hour participatory workshops, exploring HIV prevention, including MPTs, demand creation strategies, and preferred MPTs training packages. Activities were observed, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five online in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Key informants (KIs) (National/district programme implementers and technical leads) and one in person, exploring key programmatic and policy considerations for MPT adoption. IDIs were approximately 40 min long, audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty-one Professional Nurses completed workshops: 19 female. Six IDIs were conducted with 4 Facility Managers, 1 NDoH representative and 1 DoH Provincial Deputy Director. All participants were females, aged 30–60+ years with &gt;10 years' in SRH/HIV policy/advocacy/research. Community conversations and information at the clinic were the best MPT demand creation methods among HCPs. KIs identified five considerations for future MPT implementation: HCP training; demand creation and messaging; existing PrEP policy amendments; preparing users for additional choice; and sustaining MPT provision.ConclusionContraceptive implant and oral PrEP implementation lessons learned should be proactively considered when preparing for MPT introduction. HCP training and demand creation are of particular importance before MPT introduction.
The value of organ and tissue biovigilance: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Navarro Aurora , Len Oscar , Muñiz-Diaz Eduardo , Vives Corrons Joan-Lluis , Dominguez-Gil Beatriz , Vilarrodona Anna , Tort Jaume 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionBiovigilance (BV) systems aim to improve the quality and safety of tissues and organs for transplantation. This study describes the Catalan BV system and analyzes its utility.MethodsIt is a retrospective analysis of notifications on serious adverse events (SAEs) and reactions (SARs) since the implementation of the BV system (2008 for tissues and 2016 for organs) until 2020. Variables are presented to describe the most common critical steps of the pathway and complications associated with the quality and safety of tissues and organs.ResultsA total of 154 and 125 notifications were reported to the Tissue and the Organ BV systems, respectively. Most SAEs were related to unexpected donor diseases and implemented actions were assured on those deemed preventable. Regarding SARs, donor-transmitted infections and malignancies (only organs) were the most common, followed by graft failure (tissues) and process-related (organs). The incidence of SAEs and SARs related to tissue was 3.44‰ and 0.22‰, respectively. The corresponding figures for organs were 31.48‰ and 8.8‰, respectively.DiscussionThe analysis of the notifications to the Catalan BV systems has provided useful information about existing risks associated with the quality and safety of tissues and organs, and enabled the implementation of actions targeted to diminish risks and mitigate damage.
Presence of foodborne pathogens and survival of generic Escherichia coli in an organic integrated crop-livestock system
Authors: Cheong Sejin , Jay-Russell Michele T. , Chandler-Khayd Carolyn , Di Francesco Juliette , Haghani Viktoria , Aminanadi Peiman , Williams Sequoia R. , Gaudin Amélie C. M. , Tautges Nicole , Pires Alda F. A. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIntegrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) use animals to graze crop residues or cover crops before planting fresh produce and provide ecosystem services to support organic vegetable production. However, there is a risk of foodborne pathogen transfer to fresh produce because grazing may introduce enteric foodborne pathogens into the soil via animal feces, which may subsequently be transferred to the produce.MethodsTo examine the effect of cover crop use and the risk of cover crop grazing on the contamination of soil and produce by foodborne pathogens in ICLS, a three-year (2019–2021) experimental study was conducted in organically managed plots, which were assigned three different treatments (fallow without cover crop or grazing, cover crop without grazing, or cover crop with grazing by sheep) in a maize/tomato rotation. During the three years of the experiment, a total of 184 pre- and post-graze fecal samples and 96 samples of tomatoes were collected to test for foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157, non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Listeria (L.) monocytogenes). Soil samples were collected monthly until 126–171 days after grazing (824 in total) to examine the presence of foodborne pathogens, and generic E. coli (MPN/g) was quantified to compare its persistence among the three treatments.Results and DiscussionWe did not detect any foodborne pathogens from harvested tomatoes in 2020 and 2021. One non-O157 STEC positive soil sample (0.1%, 1/824) was detected in the fallow treatment, and one L. monocytogenes-positive (1.1%, 1/92) was detected from the post-graze fecal samples. When assessing proportions of generic E. coli positive and counts of generic E. coli in the soil samples using mixed effect zero-inflated negative binomial models, soil samples collected in the graze cover crop treatment plot showed significant increases in the counts of generic E. coli until 61–82 days post grazing, but no difference was observed after 96–123 days, compared to the baseline of the fallow treatment. Findings from generic E. coli counts support the use of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) 90- or 120-day interval rule between applying raw manure and harvesting in organic farming into ICLS. Additionally, we confirmed that commercial organic compost application before cover crop seeding in the winter had no significant effect on the proportions and counts of generic E. coli in the soil of the following growing seasons. This longitudinal field trial confirmed that the effect of sheep grazing on foodborne pathogen contamination in ICLS is minimal but further studies comparing the genetic associations between fecal and soil samples would be necessary to distinguish the source of foodborne pathogen contamination.
Pet owner perspectives, motivators and concerns about veterinary biobanking
Authors: McEnhill Richard , Borghese Holly , Moore Sarah A. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionVeterinary biobanks store samples for future use and distribute samples to academic researchers and industry entities; however, informed consent provided by owners for pets contributing to biobanks can be complicated by limited understanding of goals, purpose, and logistics of biobanking.MethodsThis survey-based study aimed to gather feedback from pet owners on how they viewed allowing their pet to contribute to a veterinary biobank, with the goal of identifying opportunities to improve education, awareness of veterinary biobanking initiatives, and the consent processes. An electronic survey was distributed to a listserv of 2,119 pet owners and responses were received from 118 respondents (5.6%).ResultsMost respondents (67%) were not familiar with the concept of veterinary biobanking prior to having responded to the survey. Most (89%) were willing to allow their healthy pet to contribute samples to a veterinary biobanking program. Ninety-five percent would allow their sick pet to contribute. Most were neutral about financial incentives as a motivator to participate, although 40% indicated that if their pet’s condition resulted in a decision to humanely euthanize, they would be more likely to contribute to the biobank if the veterinary biobanking program covered the cost of euthanasia. Common concerns included security/confidentiality (36%), that results would not be shared with them (33%) or that samples would be used for other purposes beyond those advertised (22%).DiscussionThese results suggest veterinary biobanking initiatives are well received by owners and most are willing to allow their pets to participate. Respondent concerns represent opportunities for veterinary biobanks to improve messaging and dissemination of results from work they support.