bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic association of serum lipids and lipid-modifying targets with endometriosis: Trans-ethnic Mendelian-randomization and mediation analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongling , Fan Yawei , Li Huijun , Feng Xiaoqing , Yue Daoyuan 
Published: May 2024

Background
Prior observational research identified dyslipidemia as a risk factor for endometriosis (EMS) but the causal relationship remains unestablished due to inherent study limitations.

Methods
Genome-wide association study data for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) from European (EUR) and East Asian (EAS) ancestries were sourced from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Multi-ancestry EMS data came from various datasets. Univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) examined causal links between serum lipids and EMS. Multivariable and mediation MR explored the influence of seven confounding factors and mediators. Drug-target MR investigates the association between lipid-lowering target genes identified in positive results and EMS. The primary method was inverse-variance weighted (IVW), with replication datasets and meta-analyses reinforcing causal associations. Sensitivity analyses included false discovery rate (FDR) correction, causal analysis using summary effect estimates (CAUSE), and colocalization analysis.

Results
IVW analysis in EUR ancestry showed a significant causal association between TG and increased EMS risk (OR = 1.112, 95% CI 1.033–1.198, P = 5.03×10−3, PFDR = 0.03), supported by replication and meta-analyses. CAUSE analysis confirmed unbiased results (P < 0.05). Multivariable and mediation MR revealed that systolic blood pressure (Mediation effect: 7.52%, P = 0.02) and total testosterone (Mediation effect: 10.79%, P = 0.01) partly mediated this relationship. No causal links were found between other lipid traits and EMS (P > 0.05 & PFDR > 0.05). In EAS ancestry, no causal relationships with EMS were detected (P > 0.05 & PFDR > 0.05). Drug-target MR indicated suggestive evidence for the influence of ANGPTL3 on EMS mediated through TG (OR = 0.798, 95% CI 0.670–0.951, P = 0.01, PFDR = 0.04, PP.H4 = 0.85%).

Conclusions
This MR study in EUR ancestry indicated an increased EMS risk with higher serum TG levels.
Dynamic natural components and morphological changes in nonculprit subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome and mild chronic kidney disease at the 1-year follow-up and clinical significance at the 5-year follow-up
Authors: Nong Jia-cong , You Wei , Wang Yi-fei , Xu Yi , Xu Tian , Meng Pei-na , Wu Xiang-qi , Wu Zhi-ming , Kong Xiao-han , Jia Hai-bo , Yin De-lu , Li Lang , Ye Fei 
Published: May 2024

Introduction
The natural outcome of coronary plaque in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unique, which can be analyzed quantitatively by optical flow ratio (OFR) software.

Methods
A total of 184 ACS patients with at least one nonculprit subclinical atherosclerosis (NSA) detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) at baseline and 1-year follow-up were divided into non-CKD group (n = 106, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)> 90 mL/(min×1.73 m2)) and mild CKD group (n = 78, 60≤eGFR<90 mL/(min×1.73 m2)). Changes of normalized total atheroma volume (TAVn) of NSA was the primary endpoint at the 1-year follow-up.

Results
Patients with mild CKD showed more TAVn progression of NSA than non-CKD (p = 0.019) from baseline to the 1-year follow-up, which was mainly due to an increase in calcium TAVn (p<0.001). The morphological change in the maximal calcification thickness (p = 0.026) was higher and the change in the distance from the calcified surface to the contralateral coronary media membrane (ΔC-to-M) at the maximal cross-sectional calcium area was lower (p<0.001) in mild CKD group than in non-CKD group. Mild CKD had more NSA related MACEs at the 5-year follow-up than non-CKD (30.8% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.045).

Conclusions
Mild CKD patients had more plaque progression of NSA which showed the increase of calcium component with more protrusion into the lumen morphologically at the 1-year follow-up and a higher corresponding incidence of NSA-related MACEs at the 5-year follow-up.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02140801. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02140801.
Do all roads lead to Rome? An ideal-type study on trajectories of resilience in advanced cancer caregiving
Authors: Opsomer Sophie , De Clercq Luca , De Lepeleire Jan , Joossens Sofie , Luyten Patrick , Pype Peter , Lauwerier Emelien 
Published: May 2024

Objective
Studies on resilience in advanced cancer caregiving typically focus on the interplay between resilience-promoting resources and coping strategies that may be associated with resilience. However, no studies have investigated the emergence of trajectories of resilience and distress in individuals confronted with a cancer diagnosis of a loved one.

Methods
Ideal-type analysis, a method for constructing typologies from qualitative data, was used to identify trajectories involving resilience or the lack thereof based on fifty-four interviews conducted with seventeen partners of patients recently diagnosed with advanced cancer over a period of three years.

Findings
Six trajectories could be distinguished, three of which involved resilience (rapidly adapting resilience, gradually adapting resilience, and slowly adapting resilience), while the other three trajectories (continuing distress, delayed distress, and frozen disconnection) reflected a less optimal adjustment. These different trajectories seemed to be rooted in the individual characteristics of partners, the behavior of a support network, and interactions between the two.

Conclusion
The differentiation between these trajectories in partners of patients diagnosed with cancer not only furthers research on resilience in the face of adversity, but also promises to assist healthcare professionals in optimizing support for this often-neglected group of partners of patients diagnosed with cancer.
Application of a transparent artificial intelligence algorithm for US adults in the obese category of weight
Authors: Huang Alexander A. , Huang Samuel Y. 
Published: May 2024

Objective and aims
Identification of associations between the obese category of weight in the general US population will continue to advance our understanding of the condition and allow clinicians, providers, communities, families, and individuals make more informed decisions. This study aims to improve the prediction of the obese category of weight and investigate its relationships with factors, ultimately contributing to healthier lifestyle choices and timely management of obesity.

Methods
Questionnaires that included demographic, dietary, exercise and health information from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017–2020) were utilized with BMI 30 or higher defined as obesity. A machine learning model, XGBoost predicted the obese category of weight and Shapely Additive Explanations (SHAP) visualized the various covariates and their feature importance. Model statistics including Area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and feature properties such as gain, cover, and frequency were measured. SHAP explanations were created for transparent and interpretable analysis.

Results
There were 6,146 adults (age > 18) that were included in the study with average age 58.39 (SD = 12.94) and 3122 (51%) females. The machine learning model had an Area under the receiver operator curve of 0.8295. The top four covariates include waist circumference (gain = 0.185), GGT (gain = 0.101), platelet count (gain = 0.059), AST (gain = 0.057), weight (gain = 0.049), HDL cholesterol (gain = 0.032), and ferritin (gain = 0.034).

Conclusion
In conclusion, the utilization of machine learning models proves to be highly effective in accurately predicting the obese category of weight. By considering various factors such as demographic information, laboratory results, physical examination findings, and lifestyle factors, these models successfully identify crucial risk factors associated with the obese category of weight.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic delay treatment for localized breast cancer patients? A multicenter study
Authors: Zhou Ke , Robert Marie , Seegers Valérie , Blanc-Lapierre Audrey , Savouroux Stéphane , Bigot Frédéric , Frenel Jean-Sébastien , Campone Mario , Conroy Thierry , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Raoul Jean-Luc , Bellanger Martine M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Longer times between diagnosis and treatments of cancer patients have been estimated as effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, relatively few studies attempted to estimate actual delay to treatment at the patient level.

Objective
To assess changes in delays to first treatment and surgery among newly diagnosed patients with localized breast cancer (BC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
We used data from the PAPESCO-19 multicenter cohort study, which included patients from 4 French comprehensive cancer centers. We measured the delay to first treatment as the number of days between diagnosis and the first treatment regardless of whether this was neoadjuvant chemotherapy or surgery. COVID-19 pandemic exposure was estimated with a composite index that considered both the severity of the pandemic and the level of lockdown restrictions. We ran generalized linear models with a log link function and a gamma distribution to model the association between delay and the pandemic.

Results
Of the 187 patients included in the analysis, the median delay to first treatment was 42 (IQR:32–54) days for patients diagnosed before and after the start of the 1st lockdown (N = 99 and 88, respectively). After adjusting for age and centers of inclusion, a higher composite pandemic index (> = 50 V.S. <50) had only a small, non-significant effect on times to treatment. Longer delays were associated with factors other than the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion
We found evidence of no direct impact of the pandemic on the actual delay to treatment among patients with localized BC.
Meta-analysis on the efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to treat malignant lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Jin , Guo Xiaojing , Zheng Meijing , Su Liping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The goal of the study involved the comparison of clinical efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in the treatment of malignant lymphoma (ML). The effectiveness of allo-HSCT versus auto-HSCT in the treatment of ML was compared by searching EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies. The confidence intervals (CI) and odds ratio (OR) of the article’s outcomes were described by a forest plot. Finally, 972 patients in seven articles were included. Overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly between allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT groups (OR  =  0.87, 95% CI: 0.66–1.14, P  =  0.31). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in adverse reactions (AR) between the two groups (OR  =  1.35, 95% CI: 0.81–2.24, P  =  0.25). We observed a significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups (OR  =  4.14, 95% CI: 2.93–5.35, P < 0.01). There was no evidence of publication bias in this meta-analysis. The incidence of OS and AR differ significantly between allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT, but the PFS was longer in ML patients who received allo-HSCT.
Biosemiotics’ greatest potential contribution to biology
Authors: Sherman Jeremy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Encouraging biologists to factor semiotics into their research is likely to fall on deaf ears because they already factor it in through an accepted life science methodological standard here called Abstract Parallel Engineering (APE). Biosemiotics’ most significant contribution to biology – a contribution that biologists would come to depend upon – would be a more rigorous alternative methodology to APE through a proof-of-concept explanation for how semiotics – here defined as beings making functional interpretive effort – can emerge within nothing but physical phenomena. It would explain organisms’ most basic agency – their struggle for existence – ergodynamically (i.e., an emergent change in likely physical work) that results in work (effort) that works (functions) to keep a chemical system working (a being) in semiotic response to their workspace (interpretation).
Measuring urban growth dynamics: A study in Hue city, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Tuan Nguyen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The proliferation of urban sprawl has emerged as a prevalent occurrence in response to the rapid expansion of the worldwide population. The objective of this study is to determine the level of freedom for urban expansion using Pearson’s Chi-square (χ2) index and the amount of urban spatial dispersion using the Shannon entropy (

H

n

{H}_{n}

) index in Hue City, Vietnam. While the first index asserts the degree of freedom for observed urban growth above expected urban growth, the second index is applied to analyze urban spatial dispersion patterns through richness and evenness. Land use map data were collected from Japan’s JAXA agency from 1990–2020. Research results show that, in the past 10 years (2010–2020), the level of urban freedom expansion in Hue city has increased compared to the period 2000–2010 and 1990–2000, with corresponding χ2 values of 219.18, 150.05, and 106.95. The South-Southwest (TNN) area is also the area with the most significant urban freedom expansion among the eight regions in Hue City through three stages. The urban dispersion level in Hue City has also expanded recently when the

H

n

{H}_{n}

and

H

n

′

{H}_{n}^{^{\prime} }

indexes gradually increased from 1990 to 2020. This result puts pressure on the Hue city government on how to develop the city sustainably. Therefore, the study also points out some disarmament to contribute to sustainable urban development.
Europas heiligste Güter. Wilhelm II., Hermann Knackfuß und die „Gelbe Gefahr“
Authors: Reichert Folker 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Der Aufsatz befasst sich mit dem ebenso berühmten wie berüchtigten allegorischen Bild, das Wilhelm II. eigenhändig skizzierte, dann durch den Kasseler Akademieprofessor Hermann Knackfuß ausarbeiten und unter dem Titel „Völker Europas, wahret eure heiligsten Güter“ weltweit verbreiten ließ. Der erste Abschnitt rekonstruiert die Entstehung des Bildes, die Werbung in den Medien und die Reaktionen der Öffentlichkeit. Zweitens werden die einzelnen Bestandteile der Allegorie einer genauen Analyse unterzogen, insbesondere was die jeweiligen Vorlagen betrifft. Drittens schließlich wird die Geschichte des Bildes mit der des Schlagworts von der „Gelben Gefahr“ verknüpft. Wilhelm hat diesen Begriff nicht erfunden; aber er hat dessen Wirkung durch die Macht des Bildes verstärkt.
Der andere Weber in der „Deutschen Geschichte“ Thomas Nipperdeys Rezeption Max Webers als Heuristik des Konflikts
Authors: Bosch Johannes 
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung
Scheint Max Weber seit dem Niedergang der Modernisierungstheorie in der Geschichtswissenschaft aus der Mode gekommen, so stellen seine Arbeiten, als Konflikttheorie der Moderne gelesen, weiterhin eine anregende Quelle für eine kulturhistorisch orientierte Geschichtsschreibung dar. Der Artikel untersucht, wie eine solche Lektüre paradigmatisch im historiographischen Werk Thomas Nipperdeys angelegt ist: Entgegen der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung ist Nipperdeys Hauptwerk, die „Deutsche Geschichte“, eine substanziell durch Weber geprägte Arbeit. Allerdings knüpfte Nipperdey nicht an die modernisierungstheoretische Lesart Webers an, wie sie vor allem der amerikanische Strukturfunktionalismus entwarf und wie sie in der Bielefelder Historischen Sozialwissenschaft historiographisch umgesetzt wurde. Stattdessen übernahm er, geprägt durch das Interesse an der Kulturanthropologie, eine Perspektive, die in der deutschen Soziologie der 1970er Jahre entwickelt, in der Geschichtswissenschaft aber wenig beachtet wurde. Nipperdey referiert an zentralen Stellen der „Deutschen Geschichte“ auf Weber und orientiert sich an dessen Modell kulturwissenschaftlicher Erkenntnis. Vor allem aber entnahm er Weber eine Sensibilität für die Widersprüche und Ambivalenzen der modernen Gesellschaft und entwickelte daraus eine Heuristik des Konflikts, die für eine aktuelle Kulturgeschichte nach dem Ende des Modernisierungsoptimismus ein anregendes Beispiel darstellen kann.
Seals from Ancient South Arabia: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Grasso Valentina A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
There exists widespread evidence that the Near Eastern societies manufactured seals. However, among these, South Arabian seals remain largely neglected while performing various particularly revealing functions. For instance, the practice of sealing allowed for the explicit expression of ownership as well as the act of witnessing in legal matters. More broadly, seals were a means of articulating individual identities and reinforcing communal belonging. This paper is the first study on the seals of ancient South Arabia after the unpublished Ph.D. dissertation by Diana P. Wong (1999. “Stamp Seals of the Ancient Yemen.” Unpublished PhD diss., Berkely). It investigates a corpus comprising 85 published seals currently held in museums and private collections across three continents. After providing a brief survey of the region’s history, this article analyses the epigraphic and iconographic content carved on the corpus, offering some reflections on the typology and characteristics of the seals, as well as on the society of ancient South Arabia.
Basics of meteorology for outdoor sound propagation and related modelling issues
Authors: Tombolato Andrea , Brambilla Giovanni , Troccoli Alberto , Sanchini Andrea , Bonomini Francesco 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Noise from industrial plants, wind farms, ports, and airports ranges long distances and merges with noise from linear transport infrastructures (i.e. roads and railways). A straightforward description of people’s long-term noise exposure is usually performed using simplified algorithms implemented in software packages. However, when focusing on the worst-case scenario in favourable sound propagation conditions, the prediction needs to be more accurate and requires the model’s calibration through actual measurements. In these cases, where the noise source under investigation, the concurrent sources, or all of them may be far away from the receivers, the correct choice of the temporal and meteorological windows to perform the measurements demands specific knowledge of weather-related phenomena. Such an approach is also essential in developing technically and economically sustainable mitigation strategies when required. This article first introduces some of the meteorological principles underpinning these phenomena. Within this framework, three of the most commonly used road-traffic noise calculation methods have been applied to identical scenarios, and their performances in accounting for weather-related effects on sound propagation have been analysed. The chosen methodological approach can be used for other environmental noise sources.
Young Adult Ministry
Authors: Mullen Timothy , Cooper Trudi 
Published: May 2024

The research reported in this article examines what can be learnt from listening to young people who stay engaged with churches and those who leave. This research compared both groups’ experiences for further analysis. The authors analysed fourteen qualitative phenomenological interviews with young people aged 19–28 that documented young adults’ experiences of the Baptist Church in Perth, Western Australia. Attitudes to spirituality and dogma were central themes relevant to young people’s decision-making. The data was then compared with Fowler’s faith development theory, to find that many of the participants displayed faith styles reminiscent of individuative reflective faith, and their communities exhibited modal development akin to synthetic-conventional and mythic-literal faith. The article concludes by suggesting that young people (both those who stayed and those who left the church) were seeking dialogue about faith and spirituality, and that dissonance between young people’s faith style and the modal faith style of their church community affected decisions to stay or leave the church, and this relationship was not always straightforward. The implications for youth ministry are that it would be beneficial to focus more on dialogue about faith which accommodates and explores disagreement and less on dogma.
Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris: a veritable avian weightlifter
Authors: Cunningham Peter 
Published: May 2024

Four nests of Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris were examined. The nests were constructed mainly of awns and stems grasses (genus Stipagrostis) on substantial foundations averaging 827 components, mostly small stones, with an average weight of 723 g, which is 33 times the weight of the average Familiar Chat.
Exploring the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity in second cycle schools in Ghana
Authors: Amponsem-Boateng Cecilia , Oppong Timothy Bonney , Amertil Ninon P. , Boakye-Yiadom Jonathan , Kpongboe Doris Grace 
Published: May 2024

Background: Overweight and obesity have become pressing global public health concerns, with their prevalence steadily increasing in many countries, including Ghana. The burden of these conditions is not limited to adults. Second-cycle schools play a crucial role in shaping the physical and mental well-being of students, making it imperative to understand the prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity in this specific demographic. This study, therefore, seeks to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity and the predicting factors in students in second-cycle schools in Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in selected second-cycle schools in the Eastern, Ashanti, and Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana from January 31st, 2019 to December 20th, 2021. The sample was determined using an assumed minimum sample of 206 people with an overweight or obesity prevalence of 15%. Two schools were picked by lottery from the list of the three districts that were selected from each region. This investigation comprised six (6) second-cycle institutions.
Results: Overall, 1086 students participated in this study. 43.74% and 56.26% females. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 28.17%. Overweight (24.95%) and obesity (3.1%). 16.20% (female) and 11.97% (male). BMI (female-gender) and type of food (cooked at home) are predictive factors.
Conclusions: Predictive factors included BMI, gender (female), and homemade foods. Educating students and the general public on the risks of obesity and helping curb the misconception of overweight and obesity as a sign of ‘good living’ and beauty within Ghanaian communities is recommended.