bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of an Indian colorectal cancer faecal microbiome collection demonstrates universal colorectal cancer-associated patterns, but closest correlation with other Indian cohorts
Authors: Bose Mayilvahanan , Wood Henry M. , Young Caroline ,   International C. R. C. Microbiome Network (AMS/CRUK), Van Nang Pham , Van Doi Mai , Vaccaro Carlos , Piñero Tamara Alejandra , Arguero Julieta , Melendez Luis Contreras , Valladares Camilo Tapia , Quirke Philip , Seshadri Ramakrishan Ayloor 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIt is increasingly being recognised that changes in the gut microbiome have either a causative or associative relationship with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, most of this research has been carried out in a small number of developed countries with high CRC incidence. It is unknown if lower incidence countries such as India have similar microbial associations.Having previously established protocols to facilitate microbiome research in regions with developing research infrastructure, we have now collected and sequenced microbial samples from a larger cohort study of 46 Indian CRC patients and 43 healthy volunteers.When comparing to previous global collections, these samples resemble other Asian samples, with relatively high levels of Prevotella. Predicting cancer status between cohorts shows good concordance. When compared to a previous collection of Indian CRC patients, there was similar concordance, despite different sequencing technologies between cohorts.These results show that there does seem to be a global CRC microbiome, and that some inference between studies is reasonable. However, we also demonstrate that there is definite regional variation, with more similarities between location-matched comparisons. This emphasises the importance of developing protocols and advancing infrastructure to allow as many countries as possible to contribute to microbiome studies of their own populations.
Maternal and newborn plasma oxytocin levels in response to maternal synthetic oxytocin administration during labour, birth and postpartum – a systematic review with implications for the function of the oxytocinergic system
Authors: Buckley Sarah , Uvnäs-Moberg Kerstin , Pajalic Zada , Luegmair Karolina , Ekström-Bergström Anette , Dencker Anna , Massarotti Claudia , Kotlowska Alicja , Callaway Leonie , Morano Sandra , Olza Ibone , Magistretti Claudia Meier 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe reproductive hormone oxytocin facilitates labour, birth and postpartum adaptations for women and newborns. Synthetic oxytocin is commonly given to induce or augment labour and to decrease postpartum bleeding.AimTo systematically review studies measuring plasma oxytocin levels in women and newborns following maternal administration of synthetic oxytocin during labour, birth and/or postpartum and to consider possible impacts on endogenous oxytocin and related systems.MethodsSystematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus databases followed PRISMA guidelines, including all peer-reviewed studies in languages understood by the authors. Thirty-five publications met inclusion criteria, including 1373 women and 148 newborns. Studies varied substantially in design and methodology, so classical meta-analysis was not possible. Therefore, results were categorized, analysed and summarised in text and tables.ResultsInfusions of synthetic oxytocin increased maternal plasma oxytocin levels dose-dependently; doubling the infusion rate approximately doubled oxytocin levels. Infusions below 10 milliunits per minute (mU/min) did not raise maternal oxytocin above the range observed in physiological labour. At high intrapartum infusion rates (up to 32 mU/min) maternal plasma oxytocin reached 2–3 times physiological levels.Postpartum synthetic oxytocin regimens used comparatively higher doses with shorter duration compared to labour, giving greater but transient maternal oxytocin elevations. Total postpartum dose was comparable to total intrapartum dose following vaginal birth, but post-caesarean dosages were higher.Newborn oxytocin levels were higher in the umbilical artery vs. umbilical vein, and both were higher than maternal plasma levels, implying substantial fetal oxytocin production in labour. Newborn oxytocin levels were not further elevated following maternal intrapartum synthetic oxytocin, suggesting that synthetic oxytocin at clinical doses does not cross from mother to fetus.ConclusionsSynthetic oxytocin infusion during labour increased maternal plasma oxytocin levels 2–3-fold at the highest doses and was not associated with neonatal plasma oxytocin elevations. Therefore, direct effects from synthetic oxytocin transfer to maternal brain or fetus are unlikely. However, infusions of synthetic oxytocin in labour change uterine contraction patterns. This may influence uterine blood flow and maternal autonomic nervous system activity, potentially harming the fetus and increasing maternal pain and stress.
A harmonized analysis of five Canadian pregnancy cohort studies: exploring the characteristics and pregnancy outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Schmidt Rose A. , Wey Tina W. , Harding Kelly D. , Fortier Isabel , Atkinson Stephanie , Tough Suzanne , Letourneau Nicole , Knight Julia A. , Fraser William D. , Bocking Alan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs a teratogen, alcohol exposure during pregnancy can impact fetal development and result in adverse birth outcomes. Despite the clinical and social importance of prenatal alcohol use, limited routinely collected information or epidemiological data exists in Canada. The aim of this study was to pool data from multiple Canadian cohort studies to identify sociodemographic characteristics before and during pregnancy that were associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to assess the impact of different patterns of alcohol use on birth outcomes.MethodsWe harmonized information collected (e.g., pregnant women’s alcohol intake, infants' gestational age and birth weight) from five Canadian pregnancy cohort studies to consolidate a large sample (n = 11,448). Risk factors for any alcohol use during pregnancy, including any alcohol use prior to pregnancy recognition, and binge drinking, were estimated using binomial regressions including fixed effects of pregnancy cohort membership and multiple maternal risk factors. Impacts of alcohol use during pregnancy on birth outcomes (preterm birth and low birth weight for gestational) were also estimated using binomial regression models.ResultsIn analyses adjusting for multiple risk factors, women’s alcohol use during pregnancy, both any use and any binge drinking, was associated with drinking prior to pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, and white ethnicity. Higher income level was associated with any drinking during pregnancy. Neither drinking during pregnancy nor binge drinking during pregnancy was significantly associated with preterm delivery or low birth weight for gestational age in our sample.ConclusionsPooling data across pregnancy cohort studies allowed us to create a large sample of Canadian women and investigate the risk factors for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We suggest that future pregnancy and birth cohorts should always include questions related to the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed before and during pregnancy that are prospectively harmonized to support data reusability and collaborative research.
Integrated transcriptional analysis reveals macrophage heterogeneity and macrophage-tumor cell interactions in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Kaidi , Yang Tongxin , Yu Jian , Li Fang , Zhao Xiang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease harboring significant microenvironment heterogeneity, especially for the macrophages. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) orchestrate PDAC malignancy, but their dynamics during disease progression remains poorly understood. There is a pressing need to identify the molecular mechanism underlying tumor-macrophage interactions and thus design novel therapeutic strategies.

Methods
Herein, we developed an insilico computational method incorporating bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiling to characterize macrophage heterogeneity. CellPhoneDB algorithm was applied to infer macrophage-tumor interaction networks, whereas pseudotime trajectory for dissecting cell evolution and dynamics.

Results
We demonstrated myeloid compartment was an interactive hub of tumor microenvironment (TME) essential for PDAC progression. Dimensionality reduction classified seven clusters within the myeloid cells wherein five subsets of macrophages were characterized by diverse cell states and functionality. Remarkably, tissue-resident macrophages and inflammatory monocyte were identified as potential sources of TAMs. Further, we uncovered several ligand-receptor pairs lining tumor cells and macrophages. Among them, HBEGF-CD44, HBEGF-EGFR, LGALS9-CD44, LGALS9-MET, and GRN-EGFR were correlated with worse overall survival. Notably, as in vitro experiments indicated, TAM-derived HBEGF promoted proliferation and invasion of the pancreatic cancer cell line.

Conclusion
Together, our work deciphered a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the macrophage compartment of PDAC and provided novel macrophage-tumor interaction features with potential value in developing targeted immunotherapies and molecular diagnostics for predicting patient outcome.
Disparities in eye clinic patient encounters among patients requiring language interpreter services
Authors: Mudie Lucy I. , Patnaik Jennifer L. , Gill Zafar , Wagner Marissa , Christopher Karen L. , Seibold Leonard K. , Ifantides Cristos 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Communication barriers are a major cause of health disparities for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Medical interpreters play an important role in bridging this gap, however the impact of interpreters on outpatient eye center visits has not been studied. We aimed to evaluate the differences in length of eyecare visits between LEP patients self-identifying as requiring a medical interpreter and English speakers at a tertiary, safety-net hospital in the United States.

Methods
A retrospective review of patient encounter metrics collected by our electronic medical record was conducted for all visits between January 1, 2016 and March 13, 2020. Patient demographics, primary language spoken, self-identified need for interpreter and encounter characteristics including new patient status, patient time waiting for providers and time in room were collected. We compared visit times by patient’s self-identification of need for an interpreter, with our main outcomes being time spent with ophthalmic technician, time spent with eyecare provider, and time waiting for eyecare provider. Interpreter services at our hospital are typically remote (via phone or video).

Results
A total of 87,157 patient encounters were analyzed, of which 26,443 (30.3%) involved LEP patients identifying as requiring an interpreter. After adjusting for patient age at visit, new patient status, physician status (attending or resident), and repeated patient visits, there was no difference in the length of time spent with technician or physician, or time spent waiting for physician, between English speakers and patients identifying as needing an interpreter. Patients who self-identified as requiring an interpreter were more likely to have an after-visit summary printed for them, and were also more likely to keep their appointment once it was made when compared to English speakers.

Conclusions
Encounters with LEP patients who identify as requiring an interpreter were expected to be longer than those who did not indicate need for an interpreter, however we found that there was no difference in the length of time spent with technician or physician. This suggests providers may adjust their communication strategy during encounters with LEP patients identifying as needing an interpreter. Eyecare providers must be aware of this to prevent negative impacts on patient care. Equally important, healthcare systems should consider ways to prevent unreimbursed extra time from being a financial disincentive for seeing patients who request interpreter services.
Incidental detection of retinoblastoma from accidental trauma in children
Authors: Fang Yuxin , Li Qiyan , Zhang Chengyue , Zhao Junyang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo report a case series of patients who were diagnosed with retinoblastoma (RB), which was preceded by trauma, in a large multicenter cohort and to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and causes of RB misdiagnosis.MethodsThe medical records of consecutive patients with RB between 2006 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics of trauma patients, including their age at initial trauma, site of trauma, sex, and RB laterality, were analyzed.ResultsAmong 3780 patients, 30 (0.8%) experienced systemic or ocular trauma prior to the detection of RB. The median age was 20.7 months, and the median follow-up time was 6 years. There were 2 eyes in stage A, 2 in stage B, 3 in stage C, 12 in stage D, and 15 in stage E. The remaining 2 eyes had extraocular RB. A total of 20 patients experienced ocular trauma, 9 patients experienced head trauma, and 1 patient experienced trauma in other body parts. RB was suspected or detected in 22 patients (73.3%) at the time of primary trauma occurrence, and 8 patients (26.7%) were misdiagnosed with RB during their first visit.Among them, all experienced blunt ocular trauma, and enucleation was performed in 7 patients in which 1 patient died.ConclusionsLess than 1% of the patients experienced systemic or ocular trauma before RB was detected. The majority were unilateral and in advanced stages. Differential diagnoses that are not trauma-related must always be considered, and comprehensive examinations must be conducted before diagnostic and therapeutic intraocular procedures are initiated.
Adolescent girls in aquaculture ecozones at risk of nutrient deficiency in Bangladesh development and validation of an integrated metric
Authors: Grieve Eleanor , Mamun Abdullah-Al , de Roos Baukje , Barman Benoy K. , Ara Gulshan , Roos Nanna , Pounds Alexandra , Sneddon Alan A. , Murray Francis , Ahmed Tahmeed , Little David C. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study developed and validated an integrated metric that enhances understanding of linkages between agro-ecological and socio-economic factors that are important for explaining nutritional wellbeing in relation to fish consumption; especially among adolescent girls who are at risk of nutritional deficiency in Bangladesh. Currently, there is no metric that takes account of environmental, cultural and economic contexts when considering fish consumption and dietary health from a policy perspective.MethodsThe study was designed as a bi-seasonal survey, repeated in the same population of adolescent girls recruited during the dry and wet seasons. Sampling was stratified by five settings (four aqua-agroecological zones and one processing plant community), with 60 girls recruited in each. Associations between candidate predictors (salinity, diet diversity, religion, socio-economic status and women’s autonomy score) and dependent variables representing nutritional outcomes (anthropometry, omega-3 index and micronutrient levels) were explored in multivariable regressions. The fitted model with its predictors was validated, and a risk score derived from responses to a few short questions on religion, salinity zone, female autonomy, diet diversity and tilapia consumption.ResultsThe omega-3 index showed the clearest distinction between seasons, by salinity and religion. Higher female autonomy, religion (being Hindu rather than Muslim), geographical location (living in a high or mid-saline area), and a higher dietary diversity were the strongest predictors of whole blood omega-3 index. The c-index for the prognostic model was 0.83 and 0.76 in the wet and dry season respectively, indicating good predictive accuracy. There appeared to be a clear trend in risk scores differentiating between those ‘chronically at risk’ and those ‘never at risk’.ConclusionsObservational data on different aquaculture-ecozones defined by salinity enabled us to establish linkages between seasonal fish intake, religion, diet diversity, female autonomy and nutritional wellbeing. The purpose of the metric is to reveal these specific linkages in practice. This tool should improve targeting of timely, preventative and cost-effective nutritional interventions to adolescent girls most at-risk from low omega-3 levels in communities where seafood is produced.
What motivated men to start PrEP? A cross-section of men starting PrEP in Buffalo city municipality, South Africa
Authors: Smith Philip John , Daniels Joseph , Bekker Linda-Gail , Medina-Marino Andrew 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Compared to women, South African men are less likely to know their HIV status (78% vs. 89%), have suppressed viral loads (82% vs. 90%), or access HIV prevention services. To achieve epidemic control where heterosexual sexual behavior drives transmission, interventions to improve the uptake of HIV testing services (HTS) and prevention services must also target cis-gendered, heterosexual men. There is limited understanding of these men’s needs and wants with regards to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Methods
Adult men (≥ 18 years) from a peri-urban community in Buffalo City Municipality were offered community-based HTS. Those who received a negative HIV test result were offered community-based, same-day oral PrEP initiation. Men initiating PrEP were invited to participate in a study exploring men’s HIV prevention needs and reasons for initiating PrEP. An in-depth interview guide, developed using the Network-Individual-Resources model (NIRM), explored men’s perceived HIV acquisition risk, prevention needs, and preferences for PrEP initiation. Interviews were conducted by a trained interviewer in isiXhosa or English, audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used, guided by the NIRM to generate findings.

Results
Twenty-two men (age range 18–57 years) initiated PrEP and consented to study participation. Men reported elevated HIV acquisition risk associated with alcohol use and condom-less sex with multiple partners as facilitators driving PrEP initiation. They anticipated social support from family members, their main sexual partner and close friends for their PrEP use, and discussed other men as important sources of support for PrEP initiation. Nearly all men expressed positive views of people using PrEP. Participants believed HIV testing would be a barrier for men interested in accessing PrEP. Men recommended that access to PrEP be convenient, rapid, and community-based (i.e., not clinic-based).

Discussion
Self-perceived risk for HIV acquisition was a major facilitator for men’s PrEP initiation. Although men expressed positive perceptions of PrEP users, they noted that HIV testing may be a barrier to PrEP initiation. Finally, men recommended convenient access points to facilitate PrEP initiation and sustained use. Gender-responsive interventions tailored to men’s needs, wants, and voices will facilitate their uptake of HIV prevention services, and help to end the HIV epidemic.
Effectiveness of the multi-component intervention ‘Focus’ on reducing smoking among students in the vocational education setting: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kjeld Simone G. , Thygesen Lau C. , Danielsen Dina , Jakobsen Gitte S. , Jensen Marie P. , Holmberg Teresa , Bast Lotus S. , Lund Lisbeth , Pisinger Charlotta , Andersen Susan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Social inequality in smoking remains an important public health issue. Upper secondary schools offering vocational education and training (VET) comprise more students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and have higher smoking prevalence than general high schools. This study examined the effects of a school-based multi-component intervention on students’ smoking.

Methods
A cluster randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants were schools offering VET basic courses or preparatory basic education in Denmark, and their students. Schools were stratified by subject area and eight schools were randomly allocated to intervention (1,160 invited students; 844 analyzed) and six schools to control (1,093 invited students; 815 analyzed). The intervention program comprised smoke-free school hours, class-based activities, and access to smoking cessation support. The control group was encouraged to continue with normal practice. Primary outcomes were daily cigarette consumption and daily smoking status at student level. Secondary outcomes were determinants expected to impact smoking behavior. Outcomes were assessed in students at five-month follow-up. Analyses were by intention-to-treat and per protocol (i.e., whether the intervention was delivered as intended), adjusted for covariates measured at baseline. Moreover, subgroup analyses defined by school type, gender, age, and smoking status at baseline were performed. Multilevel regression models were used to account for the cluster design. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputations. Participants and the research team were not blinded to allocation.

Results
Intention-to-treat analyses showed no intervention effect on daily cigarette consumption and daily smoking. Pre-planned subgroup analyses showed statistically significant reduction in daily smoking among girls compared with their counterparts in the control group (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.98). Per-protocol analysis suggested that schools with full intervention had higher benefits compared with the control group (daily smoking: OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.19, 1.02), while no marked differences were seen among schools with partial intervention.

Conclusion
This study was among the first to test whether a complex, multicomponent intervention could reduce smoking in schools with high smoking risk. Results showed no overall effects. There is a great need to develop programs for this target group and it is important that they are fully implemented if an effect is to be achieved.

Trial registration
https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16455577, date of registration 14/06/2018.