bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Mortality Predictors Using a Machine‐Learning Approach in Patients With Chronic Limb‐Threatening Ischemia After Peripheral Vascular Intervention
Authors: Callegari Santiago , Romain Gaëlle , Cleman Jacob , Scierka Lindsey , Jacque Francky , Smolderen Kim G. , Mena‐Hurtado Carlos 
Published: May 2024

Background
Patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischemia (CLTI) face a high long‐term mortality risk. Identifying novel mortality predictors and risk profiles would enable individual health care plan design and improved survival. We aimed to leverage a random survival forest machine‐learning algorithm to identify long‐term all‐cause mortality predictors in patients with CLTI undergoing peripheral vascular intervention.

Methods and Results
Patients with CLTI undergoing peripheral vascular intervention from 2017 to 2018 were derived from the Medicare‐linked VQI (Vascular Quality Initiative) registry. We constructed a random survival forest to rank 66 preprocedural variables according to their relative importance and mean minimal depth for 3‐year all‐cause mortality. A random survival forest of 2000 trees was built using a training sample (80% of the cohort). Accuracy was assessed in a testing sample (20%) using continuous ranked probability score, Harrell C‐index, and out‐of‐bag error rate. A total of 10 114 patients were included (mean±SD age, 72.0±11.0 years; 59% men). The 3‐year mortality rate was 39.1%, with a median survival of 1.4 years (interquartile range, 0.7–2.0 years). The most predictive variables were chronic kidney disease, age, congestive heart failure, dementia, arrhythmias, requiring assisted care, living at home, and body mass index. A total of 41 variables spanning all domains of the biopsychosocial model were ranked as mortality predictors. The accuracy of the model was excellent (continuous ranked probability score, 0.172; Harrell C‐index, 0.70; out‐of‐bag error rate, 29.7%).

Conclusions
Our random survival forest accurately predicts long‐term CLTI mortality, which is driven by demographic, functional, behavioral, and medical comorbidities. Broadening frameworks of risk and refining health care plans to include multidimensional risk factors could improve individualized care for CLTI.
Cardiac Biomarker Change at 1 Year After Tafamidis Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kuyama Naoto , Takashio Seiji , Oguni Tetsuya , Yamamoto Masahiro , Hirakawa Kyoko , Ishii Masanobu , Hanatani Shinsuke , Oda Seitaro , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Usuku Hiroki , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Hirai Toshinori , Ueda Mitsuharu , Tsujita Kenichi 
Published: May 2024

Background
Although tafamidis treatment improves prognosis in patients with wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, an optimal surrogate marker monitoring its therapeutic effect remains unclear. This study investigated the association between changes in cardiac biomarkers, high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) during the first year after tafamidis treatment and clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

In 101 patients with wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy receiving tafamidis at our institution, change in cardiac biomarkers from baseline to 1 year after tafamidis administration and its association with composite outcomes (composite of all‐cause death and hospitalization attributable to heart failure) was assessed. During the follow‐up period (median, 17 months), 16 (16%) patients experienced composite outcomes. The hs‐cTnT level significantly decreased at 1 year after tafamidis treatment, unlike the BNP level. The frequencies of increased hs‐cTnT and BNP levels were significantly higher in those with composite outcomes than in those without (44% versus 15%;
P
=0.01). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that patients in whom both hs‐cTnT and BNP levels increased at 1 year after tafamidis had a higher probability of composite outcomes compared with those with decreased hs‐cTnT and BNP levels (log‐rank
P
<0.01). Cox regression analysis identified increased hs‐cTnT and BNP levels at 1 year after tafamidis administration as an independent predictor of higher cumulative risk of composite outcomes.

Conclusions
Deterioration in cardiac biomarkers during the first year after tafamidis treatment predicted a worse prognosis, suggesting the utility of serial assessment of cardiac biomarkers for monitoring the therapeutic response to tafamidis in patients with wild‐type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
Active recess: School break time as a setting for physical activity promotion in European primary schools
Authors: Bailey Richard Peter , Payne Rachel , Raya Demidoff Andreu , Samsudin Nadia , Scheuer Claude 
Published: May 2024

Objective: This study investigated active recess as an innovative approach to improving physical activity levels in European primary schools, addressing the need to counteract sedentary behaviour and enhance health in students. Method and Design: Using rapid reviewing, the article summarises empirical evidence from a variety of sources, including cross-sectional and intervention studies. Different approaches are investigated to determine their impact on physical activity during recess. Results: Different playground settings have distinct effects on physical activity, with grassland and designated zones in particular promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Gender inequalities in physical activity patterns suggest the need for gender-sensitive interventions. Playground marking and scheduled activities temporarily increase physical activity, whereas recess of more than 60 minutes dramatically enhances physically active participation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the impact of active recess in facilitating children to engage in higher levels of physical activity. The findings have implications for school health policy decisions.
Young men’s sexual health through the lens of precarious manhood
Authors: Vandello Joseph A , Kubicki RJ , Upton Rebecca A 
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This review examines the sexual development of young men through a precarious manhood framework. The teenage and emerging adulthood years are a time of change and uncertainty for many boys and young men, heightening concerns about manhood. They are also a time when boys and young men are learning about and experimenting with sex. Sex and (hetero)sexuality are means for establishing and proving manhood, especially during a developmental period when other avenues (e.g. financial success) may be less available. Methods and Results: This paper reviews research connecting precarious notions of manhood to sexual development across three areas. First, we examine how precarious manhood encourages sexual risk-taking and objectification of sexual partners. Second, we review research connecting precarious manhood to men’s sexual violence. Third, we link precarious manhood to men’s derogation of gender and sexuality minority (LGBTQ+) individuals and groups. Conclusion: We end the paper by suggesting how sexual education programmes may consider a precarious manhood framework to foster healthier sexual development.
TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2 and OAS3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms among severe COVID-19 ICU patients in Morocco
Authors: Benmansour R. , Tagajdid M. R. , El Hamzaoui H. , Fjouji S. , Doghmi N. , Houba A. , Belbacha I. , Elkochri S. , Aabi R. , Elannaz H. , Laraqui A. , El Mchichi B. , Chmitah T. , Touil N. , Ennibi K. , Eljaoudi R. , Elmir E. , Amine Lahlou I. , Oumzil H. 
Published: May 2024

Objectives This study aimed to explore the potential correlation between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (TYK2, IFITM3, IFNAR2, and OAS3 variants) and the severity of COVID-19 in Moroccan patients. Methods A genetic analysis was conducted on 109 patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Morocco. Among these patients, 46% were hospitalized in the intensive care unit, while 59% were not hospitalized. Importantly, all patients lacked known risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. Genotyping was performed to identify variations in TYK2 rs74956615, IFITM3 rs12252, IFNAR2 rs2236757, and OAS3 rs10735079. Statistical analysis was applied using codominant, dominant and recessive logistic regression models to assess correlations with COVID-19 severity. Results Our findings revealed no significant correlation between TYK2 rs74956615, IFITM3 rs12252, IFNAR2 rs2236757, and OAS3 rs10735079 with COVID-19 severity in Moroccan patients, as indicated in logistic regression models ( p > .05). Interestingly, these results may offer insights into the mitigated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reduced severity observed in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Morocco. Age, however, exhibited a significant correlation with severity ( p < .001), with a trend towards increased likelihood of ICU admission with advancing age. Additionally, In the severe group, a higher proportion of patients were females (54%), indicating a statistically significant correlation with disease severity ( p = .04). Nevertheless, female ICU patients aged above 60 years accounted for 37%, compared to 17% for males. Conclusion This study underscores the absence of a genetic association between the selected polymorphisms and COVID-19 severity in Moroccan patients. Advanced age emerges as the primary factor influencing the severity of COVID-19 patients without comorbidities. We recommend setting the threshold for advanced age at 60 years as a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19.
Comparison of Bayesian and frequentist monitoring boundaries motivated by the Multiplatform Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Joo Jungnam , Leifer Eric S , Proschan Michael A , Troendle James F , Reynolds Harmony R , Hade Erinn A , Lawler Patrick R , Kim Dong-Yun , Geller Nancy L 
Published: May 2024

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic highlighted the need to conduct efficient randomized clinical trials with interim monitoring guidelines for efficacy and futility. Several randomized coronavirus disease 2019 trials, including the Multiplatform Randomized Clinical Trial (mpRCT), used Bayesian guidelines with the belief that they would lead to quicker efficacy or futility decisions than traditional “frequentist” guidelines, such as spending functions and conditional power. We explore this belief using an intuitive interpretation of Bayesian methods as translating prior opinion about the treatment effect into imaginary prior data. These imaginary observations are then combined with actual observations from the trial to make conclusions. Using this approach, we show that the Bayesian efficacy boundary used in mpRCT is actually quite similar to the frequentist Pocock boundary. Methods The mpRCT’s efficacy monitoring guideline considered stopping if, given the observed data, there was greater than 99% probability that the treatment was effective (odds ratio greater than 1). The mpRCT’s futility monitoring guideline considered stopping if, given the observed data, there was greater than 95% probability that the treatment was less than 20% effective (odds ratio less than 1.2). The mpRCT used a normal prior distribution that can be thought of as supplementing the actual patients’ data with imaginary patients’ data. We explore the effects of varying probability thresholds and the prior-to-actual patient ratio in the mpRCT and compare the resulting Bayesian efficacy monitoring guidelines to the well-known frequentist Pocock and O’Brien–Fleming efficacy guidelines. We also contrast Bayesian futility guidelines with a more traditional 20% conditional power futility guideline. Results A Bayesian efficacy and futility monitoring boundary using a neutral, weakly informative prior distribution and a fixed probability threshold at all interim analyses is more aggressive than the commonly used O’Brien–Fleming efficacy boundary coupled with a 20% conditional power threshold for futility. The trade-off is that more aggressive boundaries tend to stop trials earlier, but incur a loss of power. Interestingly, the Bayesian efficacy boundary with 99% probability threshold is very similar to the classic Pocock efficacy boundary. Conclusions In a pandemic where quickly weeding out ineffective treatments and identifying effective treatments is paramount, aggressive monitoring may be preferred to conservative approaches, such as the O’Brien–Fleming boundary. This can be accomplished with either Bayesian or frequentist methods.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among waste handlers in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gedefie Alemu , Getaneh Fekadeselassie Belege , Debash Habtu , Sebsibe Saleamlak , Erkihun Yonas , Alemayehu Ermiyas , Metaferia Yeshi , Kassa Yeshimebet , Shibabaw Agumas , Tilahun Mihret , Bambo Getachew Mesfin , Kebede Samuel Sahile , Alemu Mekuanent , Demsiss Wondmagegn 
Published: May 2024

Objective: Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus are the leading causes of global liver-related morbidity and mortality. Waste handlers are one of the high-risk groups for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus acquisition. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the pooled prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among waste handlers in Ethiopia. Methods: Articles were extensively searched in bibliographic databases and gray literature using entry terms or phrases. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were extracted in MS Excel and exported to STATA version 14 software for statistical analysis. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled magnitude of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Heterogeneity was quantified by using the I2 value. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact of a single study on pooled effect size. Result: Of the 116 studies identified, 8 studies were selected for meta-analysis. All studies reported hepatitis B virus, while 5 studies reported hepatitis C virus infection among waste handlers. The overall pooled prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among waste handlers in Ethiopia was 5.07% (2.0–8.15) and 1.46% (0.52–2.4), respectively. Moreover, the pooled prevalence of lifetime hepatitis B virus exposure among Ethiopian waste handlers was 33.98% (95% CI: 21.24–46.72). Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection were not statistically associated with the type of waste handlers, that is, there was no difference between medical and nonmedical waste handlers. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023398686. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection among waste handlers in Ethiopia was intermediate and moderate, respectively. This showed that there is a strong need to scale up preventive efforts and strategic policy directions to limit the spread of these viruses. Moreover, we also conclude that handling healthcare and domestic waste is associated with a similar risk of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.
Revisiting the mechanism of β-O-4 bond cleavage during acidolysis of lignin part 10: reactions of C6–C2-type non-phenolic syringyl model compounds and comparison of the reactions with those of the guaiacyl analogues
Authors: Mizutani Ryota , Katsumata Kyoko S. , Komatsu Toshihiro , Yokoyama Tomoya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA C6–C2-type non-phenolic syringyl lignin model compound (I, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanol) as well as its derivatives was acidolyzed in aqueous 82vol% 1,4-dioxane containing 0.2 mol/L HBr, HCl, or H2SO4 at 85ºC. The results were compared with those on the guaiacyl analogues (V as well as its derivatives) obtained in our previous reports. The acidolysis of compound I was slower than that of compound V, which is in accordance with our previous result on the formation rates of the benzyl cation intermediates (BC) from a syringyl compound and its guaiacyl analogue. The enol ether-type compound was primarily produced in the acidolysis of compound I, similar to that of compound V. The acidolysis using HBr or HCl was faster than that using H2SO4, indicating the participation of Br¯ or Cl¯, respectively, in the acidolysis. It was suggested that Br¯ (as well as Cl¯) adds to the cation center of the BC to afford the adduct in the acidolysis of compound I, similar to that of compound V, and hence, this adduct formation is a major bypass of the common route. The bypass activity in the acidolysis of compound I was about half in that of compound V.
Unveiling the hidden role of the interaction between CD36 and FcγRIIb: implications for autoimmune disorders
Authors: He Chenfei , Hua Guoying , Liu Yong , Li Shuijie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The role of the scavenger receptor CD36 in cell metabolism and the immune response has been investigated mainly in macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. However, its involvement in B cells has not been comprehensively examined.

Methods
To investigate the function of CD36 in B cells, we exposed Cd36fl/flMB1cre mice, which lack CD36 specifically in B cells, to apoptotic cells to trigger an autoimmune response. To validate the proteins that interact with CD36 in primary B cells, we conducted mass spectrometry analysis following anti-CD36 immunoprecipitation. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation were used to confirm the protein interactions.

Results
The data revealed that mice lacking CD36 in B cells exhibited a reduction in germinal center B cells and anti-DNA antibodies in vivo. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 30 potential candidates that potentially interact with CD36. Furthermore, the interaction between CD36 and the inhibitory Fc receptor FcγRIIb was first discovered by mass spectrometry and confirmed through immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation techniques. Finally, deletion of FcγRIIb in mice led to decreased expression of CD36 in marginal zone B cells, germinal center B cells, and plasma cells.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that CD36 in B cells is a critical regulator of autoimmunity. The interaction of CD36-FcγRIIb has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Adsorption of Cd and Mn from neutral mine effluents using bentonite, zeolite, and stabilized dewatered sludge
Authors: Prepilková Veronika , Poništ Juraj , Ďuricová Anna , Salva Jozef , Schwarz Marián , Samešová Dagmar , Mordačová Martina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the adsorption efficiency of Cd and Mn using natural sorbents—bentonite, zeolite and stabilized digested dewatered waste sludge. The main contributions of the scientific article are in adding to the scientific knowledge of the use of natural and waste sorbents in the removal of heavy metals from neutral mine effluents. Current studies mainly focus on metal removal by sorption using natural sorbents from acid mine drainage. This study investigates sorption in neutral mine drainage. The efficiency of the sorption process was evaluated using the following parameters: efficiency (%) of metal ion removal, Freudlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm constant. The AES–ICP method (atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma) was used for the initial metal analysis of the materials used. The atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method was used for the analysis of Cd and Mn in the sorption process. The maximum efficiency of Mn removal by bentonite at the end of the test was approximately 90%. The removal of Mn by zeolite was considerably lower—about 20% compared to the use of sludge—80%. Based on the sorption efficiency, the sludge was suitable for sorption. Much higher levels of Cd sorption were achieved using sludge compared to using natural bentonite and zeolite. The main novelty of the work lies in the sorption of metals using dewatered digested sludge. Previous studies have focused on metal sorption using activated sludge. Most previous studies focused on sorption from acid mine drainage. The novelty of this study is that we focused on the sorption of neutral mine drainages, which are typical for the location we are monitoring.
Genomic identification and evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptor gene families in two Phthorimaea pest species: insights into chemical ecology and host adaptation
Authors: Chen Ruipeng , Yan Junjie , Wickham Jacob D. , Gao Yulin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Insects rely on sophisticated sensitive chemosensory systems to sense their complex chemical environment. This sensory process involves a combination of odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs) in the chemosensory system. This study focused on the identification and characterization of these three types of chemosensory receptor genes in two closely related Phthorimaea pest species, Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leaf miner).

Results
Based on manual annotation of the genome, we identified a total of 349 chemoreceptor genes from the genome of P. operculella, including 93 OR, 206 GR and 50 IR genes, while for P. absoluta, we identified 72 OR, 122 GR and 46 IR genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we observed minimal differences in the number and types of ORs and IRs between the potato tuber moth and tomato leaf miner. In addition, we found that compared with those of tomato leaf miners, the gustatory receptor branch of P. operculella has undergone a large expansion, which may be related to P. absoluta having a narrower host range than P. operculella. Through analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of male and female antennae, we uncovered 45 DEGs (including 32ORs, 9 GRs, and 4 IRs).

Conclusions
Our research provides a foundation for exploring the chemical ecology of these two pests and offers new insights into the dietary differentiation of lepidopteran insects, while simultaneously providing molecular targets for developing environmentally friendly pest control methods based on insect chemoreception.
Comparison of the sputum microbiome between patients with stable nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease and patients requiring treatment
Authors: Song Min Jong , Kim Dae Hun , Kim Su-Young , Kang Noeul , Jhun Byung Woo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
We evaluated whether the sputum bacterial microbiome differs between nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) patients with stable disease not requiring antibiotic treatment and those requiring antibiotics.

Methods
We collected sputum samples from 21 clinically stable NTM-PD patients (stable group) and 14 NTM-PD patients needing antibiotic treatment (treatment group). We also obtained 13 follow-up samples from the stable group. We analyzed the 48 samples using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3–V4 region) and compared the groups.

Results
In the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the species Porphyromonas pasteri, Haemophilus parahaemolyticus, Prevotella nanceiensis, and Gemella haemolysans were significantly more prevalent in the sputum of the stable group compared to the treatment group. No taxa showed significant differences in alpha-/beta-diversity or LEfSe between the 21 baseline and 13 follow-up sputum samples in the stable group. In the stable group, the genus Bergeyella and species Prevotella oris were less common in patients who achieved spontaneous culture conversion (n = 9) compared to those with persistent NTM positivity (n = 12) (effect size 3.04, p = 0.039 for Bergeyella; effect size 3.64, p = 0.033 for P. oris). In the treatment group, H. parainfluenzae was more common in patients with treatment success (n = 7) than in treatment-refractory patients (n = 7) (effect size 4.74, p = 0.013).

Conclusions
Our study identified distinct bacterial taxa in the sputum of NTM-PD patients based on disease status. These results suggest the presence of a microbial environment that helps maintain disease stability.