bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Least significant change with repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements in children with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Speakman Alexandria , Hitchcock Kathryn , Romantic Emily , Quiambao Venancio , Lepolt Abigail , Arce‐Clachar Ana Catalina , Bramlage Kristin , Fei Lin , Sun Qin , Xanthakos Stavra , Mouzaki Marialena 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundBioelectrical impedance is used clinically to assess body composition. To determine true (rather than chance/measurement error) change in bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements over time, it is necessary to know their least significant change. Least significant change represents values exceeding the 95% prediction interval of the precision error of repeat measurements. The least significant change of repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements in children with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease is currently unknown.MethodsThis is a prospective, single‐center, descriptive cohort study in youth 6–20 years of age with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. Two same‐day bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were performed on a multifrequency, octopolar device (InBody 370). Fat mass and fat‐free mass were adjusted for age using respective indices (dividing by height squared). Fasting status was determined by patient report. Descriptive statistics (medians with interquartile ranges and means with standard deviations and proportions) were used; the least significant change between repeat measurements with precision interval was calculated.ResultsWe recruited 43 patients (81% male; 33% Hispanic; median age: 14 years [interquartile range: 11–16]; median body mass index z score: 2.31 [interquartile range: 2.84–2.65]). A total of 60% were fasting, for a median of 12 h. The least significant change of fat mass index was 0.5 (precision interval: −0.4 to 0.5) kg/m2, fat‐free mass index was 0.3 (precision interval: −0.3 to 0.3) kg/m2, and body fat percent was 1.5% (precision interval: −1.3 to 1.50). Fasting status affected least significant change measurements.ConclusionIn youth with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements beyond least significant change and precision interval determined in this study likely represent true changes in body composition over time, vs measurement error.
Insights into human–environment interactions in tropical Africa during the Late Holocene based on the sediment sequence from Saiwa Swamp, Kenya
Authors: Kiage Lawrence Morara 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe present landscapes that define the tropical African region have evolved through the intricate interplay of climate and human interventions across various spatial and temporal scales. The late Holocene period is a valuable window for investigating how the environment responded to human influence. This study examined paleoenvironmental changes in the African tropics over the past 3500 years using proxy data, encompassing pollen, fungal spores, loss‐on‐ignition and microscopic charcoal extracted from core SS4 collected from Saiwa Swamp in western Kenya. The results show that Afromontane forests, represented by Podocarpus, Olea, Celtis and Juniperus, persisted in the region for much of the late Holocene despite prevailing conditions that favored the expansion of open savanna‐like vegetation and drought‐adapted taxa. The charcoal record reveals continuous fire occurrences throughout the sequence, raising questions about human‐induced fires and their potential role in shaping the landscape. The emergence of Sordaria fungal spores in the record between approximately 925
bce and 970
ce points to early human settlements engaging in livestock farming. Yet, these initial anthropogenic impacts did not trigger extensive forest clearing, hinting at a nuanced interplay between human activities and the environment during that era. The study emphasizes the importance of considering natural and human factors when interpreting environmental changes. It highlights the complex interplay of climatic, ecological and anthropogenic factors in shaping the landscape and vegetation dynamics over time.
The Influence of Area Deprivation Index on Surgical Outcomes in Pancreas Cancer
Authors: Muaddi Hala , Glasgow Amy , Abou Chaar Mohamad K. , Habermann Elizabeth , Starlinger Patrick , Warner Susanne , Smoot Rory , Kendrick Michael , Truty Mark , Thiels Cornelius A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSurgical resection for pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the mainstay of treatment. Regardless of enhanced survival rates, disparities in patient outcomes and experiences driven by the social determinants of health (SDH) persist. The area deprivation index (ADI) comprises 17 indicators related to education, employment, housing‐quality, and poverty. We sought to examine the impact of ADI on surgical outcomes of PDAC patients.MethodsPatients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy for PDAC between January 2011 and December 2022 were identified. ADI was calculated using patient zip codes and categorized into quartiles, with the highest indicating the most marginalized. The primary outcome was loss to follow‐up after surgical resection. To account for confounders, a competing risk multivariable regression analysis was used.ResultsA total of 1001 patients had a mean age of 66.6 (±9.64), with 46.3% (n = 463) of patients being female. A majority, 94.6% (n = 947), identified as white, and 64.1% (n = 641) had at least a college degree. The median length of follow‐up after surgery was 1.8 years (interquartile range: 0.9–3.5). Multivariable analysis adjusting for competing risk of death, showed that patients who are least marginalized are 1.57 times more likely to have their follow‐up than those most marginalized (hazard ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.29, p = 0.017).ConclusionSDH impact many aspects of patient's care including a higher risk of loss to follow‐up for marginalized patients after surgery for PDAC. Future efforts should seek to identify and lower barriers faced by marginalized patients with system‐level changes to ensure equitable access.
The Effect of Health Insurance on Racial Disparities in Patients With Isolated Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Mitsakos Anastasios T. , Hao Scarlett , Honaker Michael D. , Irish William , Court Colin , Snyder Rebecca A. , Parikh Alexander A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesAlthough resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) improves survival, factors including race and health insurance are associated with disparities in care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of health insurance on racial disparities in CRLM resection.MethodsA retrospective study of patients with CRC with synchronous CRLM was performed using the National Cancer Database (2004−2020). The primary outcome was resection liver resection. Multivariable logistic regression (MVR) was performed to evaluate the association of race and insurance with the odds of resection.ResultsForty‐four thousand and six hundred sixteen patients were included. Resection rates were lower among Blacks compared to White patients (12.9% vs. 17.3%). By MVR, Black patients (OR 0.76 vs. White), uninsured and Medicaid‐insured patients (OR 0.49 and OR 0.71 vs. private insurance) were less likely to undergo resection. On MVR of race stratified by insurance, Black patients with private and Medicare insurance had decreased odds of resection compared to White (OR 0.71 and OR 0.64).ConclusionsAlthough Black patients with CRLM have lower odds of hepatic resection compared to White, when stratified by insurance, this was only present among private‐ and Medicare‐insured. Further investigation is warranted to understand other factors associated with racial disparities in this population.
Wolf density and predation patterns in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Anderson Morgan L. , Cluff H. Dean , Mech L. David , MacNulty Daniel R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is a predator of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), Arctic hares (Lepus arcticus), and endangered Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) in the Canadian High Arctic. Although Arctic wolves potentially affect the dynamics of muskoxen and Peary caribou populations, knowledge about their abundance, distribution, and predation patterns is limited. Inuit and Inuvialuit communities value these species for sociocultural and subsistence reasons, and community members are concerned about how interactions among these species and their environment may change in a warming, unpredictable Arctic. We conducted a study from 2014–2018 of wolves in the rolling tundra of central Ellesmere Island (Fosheim Peninsula) and eastern Axel Heiberg Island. This area supported relatively high densities of muskoxen and Arctic hares, and previously supported Peary caribou, although caribou were mostly absent in the area during our study. We deployed global positioning system (GPS) radio‐collars on 10 adult wolves in 6 packs on Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands to describe wolf density and predation patterns. Wolves were neither nomadic nor migratory; they remained on territories year‐round, with summer densities of 2.5–8.0 adult wolves/1,000 km2 and 3.7–10.4 wolves/1,000 km2 including pups. Based on a ground search of 312 of 868 location clusters over a 340‐day period, wolves in a focal study pack killed approximately 0.12 muskoxen/day, equivalent to a predation rate of 5.5–17.0% of the estimated muskox population (older than 10 months old). This predation rate is likely sustainable given that calves and yearlings rather than reproductive adults comprised most documented kills, and that muskox populations can increase at rates up to 20%. The kill rate for this pack also implied a biomass intake deficit of 0.82–1.63 kg/wolf/day that could have been offset by each wolf consuming 115–228 Arctic hares annually. The decline of Peary caribou in the study area precluded any assessment of wolf predation influences on their population, but annual telemetry data confirming the year‐round presence of a wolf–ungulate–hare system with relatively high wolf densities suggests that apparent competition could present a challenge to Peary caribou recovery efforts.
A high proportion of patients demonstrate recall bias in the retrospective collection of patient‐reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy
Authors: Morgan Allison M. , Triana Jairo , Li Zachary I. , Song Melissa , Rynecki Nicole D. , Garra Sharif , Youm Thomas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to assess agreement between retrospectively and prospectively collected patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).MethodsPatients undergoing hip arthroscopy from 2021 to 2023 for FAIS completed preoperative PROMs, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Non‐Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Post‐operatively, patients were surveyed and asked to recall their preoperative hip function. Paired two‐sample t tests were used to compare baseline and recalled baseline PROMs and the difference between scores was compared to previously published minimally clinically important difference (MCID) values. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to test the reliability between scores based on a single‐rater, two‐way mixed‐effects model. Multivariable regression, accounting for age, sex and preoperative baseline scores, was used to evaluate the relationship of time elapsed since surgery with recall accuracy.ResultsA total of 116 patients (age: 37.6 ± 11.8 years; 61.2% female) were included. The mean time elapsed for recalled data was 13.1 months (range: 1–27 months). Overall, patients' recalled scores were significantly lower than those prospectively collected (mHHS: 52.9 ± 20.1 vs. 61.5 ± 18.5, p < 0.0001; NAHS: 54.7 ± 20.0 vs. 58.8 ± 19.1, p < 0.0001). Frequency distribution found 68.1% of recalled mHHS and 61.2% of NAHS scores to have a greater difference (between baseline and recalled scores) than the MCID. The ICC was moderate for both mHHS (ICC = 0.559, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.420‐0.672], p < 0.001) and NAHS (ICC = 0.612, 95% CI = [0.484–0.714], p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis did not find time elapsed since surgery to be associated with the difference between baseline and recalled mHHS (n.s.) or NAHS (n.s.).ConclusionThere are significant differences between retrospective and prospectively collected PROMs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy that are not predicted by time to recall. These findings should impact the interpretation of the existing literature, support the routine collection of prospective data and inform patient counsel regarding their perceived post‐operative outcomes.Level of EvidenceLevel IV.
Warming effects on a nonindigenous predator are not conserved across seasons
Authors: Theurich Nora , Cuthbert Ross N. , Briski Elizabeta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe global proliferation of nonindigenous species remains a critical stressor driving both biodiversity loss and socioeconomic costs. These impacts frequently depend on environmental contexts, but few studies have investigated how seasonal variations coupled with climate changes, like warming, could modulate nonindigenous species ecological impacts. The Japanese brush‐clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi is a successful nonindigenous species in northern European waters and is currently spreading in the Baltic Sea. In this study, we used generalized linear models and the comparative functional response approach to examine the predatory impact of H. takanoi toward blue mussels Mytilus sp. across four seasons under current and future temperature scenarios (i.e., ambient and + 6°C warming). We further integrated H. takanoi Q10 values and field abundances across seasons to examine population‐level feeding impacts toward blue mussels. The nonindigenous species exhibited a consistent type II functional response (i.e., inversely prey density‐dependent response) across all seasons, temperatures and sexes, with males consistently consuming more mussels than females across all seasons. Warming generally decreased handling times and increased attack rates, but these effects varied by season and sex, with the most pronounced temperature responses observed in autumn and spring. Population‐level impact calculations integrating field abundance data of H. takanoi indicated that under ambient conditions, feeding impacts toward blue mussels currently peak in the summer months, but as temperature increases, this feeding impact is anticipated to shift later in the year into autumn. These findings underline the critical need for multifaceted research approaches to better understand and predict the context‐dependent ecological impacts of nonindigenous species, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change and shifting population characteristics.
An Analytical Framework for the Multiplicative Best‐Worst Method
Authors: Ratandhara Harshit M. , Kumar Mohit 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Best‐Worst Method (BWM) is a well‐known Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making (MCDM) method. Numerous models of BWM have been developed by integrating various distance functions with the core principles of the method. This article addresses the multiplicative model of BWM. We first formulate an optimization model that is equivalent to the existing multiplicative model. This model provides a robust foundation for deriving analytical forms of optimal interval‐weights, the Consistency Index (CI) and the Consistency Ratio (CR). The proposed approach eliminates the need for optimization software, enhancing its ease of implementation and time efficiency. Moreover, the derived analytical form of CR enables it to function as an input‐based consistency measure. We then introduce a secondary objective function to select the best optimal weight set from the collection of all optimal weight sets. Finally, we present numerical examples to illustrate the proposed approach.
A multimethod approach to assess marine recreational fishing activity in a Mediterranean area: A case study of the Balagne region (Corsica, France)
Authors: Iborra Laura , Marengo Michel , Valleteau Claire , Patrissi Michela , Lejeune Pierre , Gobert Sylvie , Cuny Philippe 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Recreational fishing is a growing concern in the management of fishery resources given its economic impact, the number of people involved, and the magnitude of catches. Despite its significant impact on marine resources and ecosystems, recreational fishing has received less attention in research than commercial fishing.

Methods
This study focuses on marine recreational fishing in Balagne (Corsica, France, northwestern Mediterranean). It presents, for the first time in this region, valuable data on the population size of recreational fishers; their sociological profiles; fishing habits; and, specifically, catch data related to boat fishing.

Result
Through an extensive telephone survey involving 387 households, we estimated that recreational fishers constitutes 10.2% of the population, with the majority being men (84.84%). The average age varies significantly based on the type of fishing practiced: 38.4 years for spearfishing, 50.2 years for shore fishing, and 56.4 years for boat fishing. Additionally, the study found that shore fishers declare practicing no-kill fishing more frequently than do boat fishers (90.00% and 56.67%, respectively). Photographic protocol, fishing logbooks, and boarding provided data on catch composition and fishing characteristics. In the case of boat fishers, catches per unit of effort, estimated from boarding data, were found to be 1.03 ± 1.51 individuals/h/fisher and 222.32 ± 318.94 g/h/fisher. Despite the great diversity among the species caught (49 species), Comber Serranus cabrilla, Blackspot Seabream Pagellus bogaraveo, Black Seabream Spondyliosoma cantharus, and Painted Comber Serranus scriba are overly represented in number among the species of marine fish caught by boat fishers and Common Dentex Dentex dentex, Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili, Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, and Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus are overly represented in weight. Among all individuals caught and measured, about one out of two individuals (48.97% of catches) does not reach the legal size.

Conclusion
This study reveals the need to establish monitoring, surveillance, and control programs to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and fisheries, including recreational fisheries.
Neurophysiological Features of Tremor during Walking in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Costanzo Matteo , Marchet Francesco , Leodori Giorgio , Cutrona Carolina , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Vivacqua Giorgio , Conte Antonella , Fabbrini Giovanni , Berardelli Alfredo , Belvisi Daniele 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn Parkinson's Disease (PD), upper limb tremor during walking (TW) is observed and clinical observations suggest it may represent a variant of rest tremor. However, its neurophysiological characteristics remain unexplored.ObjectivesThis study compared the neurophysiological features of TW with other PD tremors and tested whether TW arises from reduced ipsilateral arm swing.MethodsInertial measurement units were used to measure frequency and amplitude of tremors and arm swing during walking in 25 PD patients.ResultsTW shared a similar frequency with rest and re‐emergent tremor (RET) but showed significantly greater amplitude. A positive correlation was observed between the amplitude and frequency of TW with those of rest and RET on the same side. TW distribution was unrelated to reduced arm swing during walking, suggesting TW is not due to decreased ipsilateral arm movement.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that walking may act as a provocation maneuver, triggering rest tremor.
Dual‐Wideband Slot Antenna With Simple Structure
Authors: Li Jun Xi , Huang Jie Ju , Jiang Fan , Ye Liang Hua , Li Jian‐Feng , Ni Yi Qiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA compact dual‐wideband slot antenna with a simple structure is presented. A wide slot etched in a rectangular ground plane is fed by a T‐shaped strip and a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line for generating an ultrawide lower operating band. Then a narrow slot, which is embedded in the T‐shaped strip, is fed by a microstrip line for introducing a wide higher operating band. It is worth noting that the loading of the narrow slot and microstrip line does not enlarge the antenna size, but introduce an extra higher operating band. By using this method, a dual‐wideband antenna is designed. It achieves dual wide bandwidths of 117.8% and 58.1%, which covers 0.698–2.7 and 3.3–6 GHz for the lower and higher bands, respectively. The isolation between the ports can exceed 30 dB. Additionally, the overall size of our antenna is only 0.30λ0 × 0.24λ0 × 0.002λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the lowest frequency).
Temperature Extended‐Two‐Fluid Tracking (txTFT) Method for Grouting Simulation in High‐Temperature Flowing Water
Authors: Xu Zhenhao , Bu Zehua , Pan Dongdong , Zhou Hao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAiming at the treatment problem for water inflow in a high geothermal environment, we proposed a grouting simulation method in high‐temperature flowing water: temperature extended‐two‐fluid tracking (txTFT) method. First, a transport model for solving the residence time of slurry was derived. Furthermore, a temperature transport model was established to describe the heat transfer between slurry and water. Finally, according to the fitted equation of slurry viscosity with residence time and temperature, the fine characterization of slurry viscosity was realized, and then the whole process simulation of grouting was realized. This method was used to reveal the blocking mechanism for grouting in high‐temperature flowing water of rock fractures. The results show that high‐temperature water limited the parallel‐flow diffusion of slurry and increased the counterflow diffusion and transverse diffusion of slurry. The higher the water temperature, the larger the grouting rate, and the lower the inlet pressure, the better the blocking effect of flowing water. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and application value for the grouting treatment of water inflow in a high geothermal environment.
One‐Dimensional Fully Coupled Hydro‐Mechanical‐Chemical Model for Contaminant Transport Under Step‐Loading Condition and Its Analytical Solutions
Authors: Zhou Jiashu , Zhang Zhihong , Han Lin , Lu Xixin , Huang Jinkun , Jin Rencai 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTStepped dumpling of waste is the main operating method used in landfill engineering. For the liners located at the bottom of the landfill, the waste can be considered as a vertical loading due to its heavy weight, causing compressive deformation of the liners and, most importantly, tending to lose the effectiveness of the geomembrane with the differential deformation. However, most experiments or numerical models use transient‐loading and ignore the influence of variable step‐loading on liner performance. In this study, a one‐dimensional fully coupled hydro‐mechanical‐chemical (HMC) model for contaminant transport under the framework of small strain, taking into account the step‐loading effect, is proposed, and its analytical solutions are derived by using the separation of variables. The behavior of contaminant transport in a single‐layer clay liner is investigated under variable step‐loading conditions. Analytical results show that the step‐loading can significantly accelerate the transport of contaminants compared to the transient‐loading. Variation of the step‐loading rate from 2 to 4 times yields an increase of 6.1 and 15.2 years of the breakthrough time. At a step‐loading rate of 50 kPa/year, the breakthrough increases by 13.37 years, and the peak settlement reduces to half that under transient‐loading. Ignoring the influence of step‐loading on contaminant transport may overestimate the performance of clay liners.