bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and outcome in Guillain–Barré syndrome: Is time nerve?
Authors: Min Young Gi , Hong Yoon‐Ho , Rajabally Yusuf A. , Sung Jung‐Joon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsDespite treatment, a considerable proportion of patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) experience poor recovery, highlighting a therapeutic need. There is a lack of evidence that treatment timing affects recovery. This study aims to investigate the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) timing on disability and speed of recovery in GBS.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 136 IVIg‐treated GBS patients admitted to two Korean centers between 2010 and 2021. We analyzed the effect of time to IVIg on the GBS disability scale (GBS‐DS) and the degree of improvement from nadir (∆GBS‐DS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as the time to regain the ability to walk or run unaided. Time to IVIg was treated either as a continuous variable or categorized into 1‐week intervals to explore critical time windows. Known prognostic factors, the modified Erasmus GBS Outcome Scores on admission and pre‐treatment serum albumin levels were adjusted as covariates.ResultsShorter time to IVIg was independently associated with better GBS‐DS, greater ∆GBS‐DS, and shorter time to walk or run unaided at all time points. The therapeutic effect of IVIg was notably diminished when administered beyond the first 2 weeks of onset.DiscussionOur study highlights the timing of IVIg as a modifiable prognostic factor in GBS. The earlier IVIg is initiated, the better the outcomes, with the ideal time window being within the first 2 weeks. These findings underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis and early intervention to optimize recovery in GBS patients.
3D Semi‐Analytical and Numerical Upper‐Bound Homogenisation Approaches to the Out‐of‐Plane Strength Domain of a Running‐Bond Masonry Wall
Authors: Donval Elodie , Hassen Ghazi , Pham Duc Toan , de Buhan Patrick , Vigroux Martin 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe present contribution proposes a new semi‐analytical homogenisation approach to determine a running‐bond masonry wall's in‐ and out‐of‐plane strength domain based on the yield design framework. The main novelty of such an approach is that it does not rely on simplifying assumptions such as infinitely thin joints or plane stress state within the blocks, by making use of 3D virtual failure mechanisms in the kinematic approach. The new semi‐analytical approach is then compared to a state‐of‐the‐art numerical implementation of the kinematic approach of yield design, relying on semi‐definite programming. Several comparisons show a good agreement between the semi‐analytical and the numerical approaches and outline the computational efficiency of the semi‐analytical approach as well as the fact that it is very well suited for engineering design purposes. Both proposed approaches are then compared to existing approaches based on the limit analysis or yield design framework.
Practice changes and infant health risks during the 2022 infant formula shortage: Results of a US healthcare provider survey
Authors: Sheehan Marguerite Drowica , Orenstein Diana , Addisu Leeyu , Patil Sujata , Kuehn Devon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn February 2022, an infant formula recall and closing of a major manufacturing center exacerbated a nationwide shortage initiated by COVID‐19–related supply chain disruptions. The effects were far‐reaching, impacting families and healthcare providers across the US.MethodsA 19‐item web survey was developed to better understand how the infant formula shortage impacted healthcare provider practices, resources needed and those already used, and patient health, including malnutrition. Subjective data on providers' experience were also collected.ResultsTwo hundred forty‐one providers responded, primarily registered dietitians (94%) practicing in inpatient/academic hospitals in urban and metropolitan areas. Practice adjustments included increases in patient education (100%), communication with pharmacies/durable medical equipment companies (65%), and visit durations (28%). Feeding adjustments by caregivers included new infant formula (99%), toddler (55%) or homemade (23%) formula, cow's milk (46%) or milk alternatives (32%), formula dilution (41%), and early food introduction (14%). Providers indicated an increase in malnutrition (33%), related diagnoses (including failure to thrive [31%] and deceleration in z score [27%]), and associated symptoms. Of the providers who reported malnutrition and related diagnoses, 93% also reported caregiver feeding practices that are generally not recommended.ConclusionProviders made practice adjustments to mitigate the consequences associated with formula unavailability and misuse yet saw an increase in malnutrition and related diagnoses or symptoms. Subjectively, providers reported frustration that greater workloads did not result in improved outcomes, contributing to burnout. These data underscore the essentiality of supporting healthcare providers as they guide families in safe infant feeding practices.
Coach access to digital self‐monitoring data: an experimental test of short‐term effects in behavioral weight‐loss treatment
Authors: Butryn Meghan L. , Miller Nicole A. , Hagerman Charlotte J. , Arigo Danielle , LaFata Erica , Zhang Fengqing , Spring Bonnie , Forman Evan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study experimentally tested whether coach access to participants' digital self‐monitoring data improved behavioral weight‐loss outcomes.MethodsParticipants (N = 322) received 12 weeks of group‐based behavioral weight‐loss sessions via videoconference and were instructed to engage in daily self‐monitoring of weight, physical activity (PA), and dietary intake. For participants who were randomly assigned to Coach Share ON (n = 161), coaches regularly accessed a web‐based portal that displayed data from the participants' scale, PA sensor, and food record.ResultsWeight loss at 12 weeks was significantly greater in Coach Share ON versus OFF (6.2% vs. 5.3%; p = 0.04). Self‐monitoring of PA (98.70% vs. 97.40% of days; p = 0.006) and eating (98.05% vs. 93.51% of days; p = 0.007) was more frequent in Coach Share ON versus OFF. There were no significant differences by condition in PA (p = 0.57), attendance (p = 0.42), working alliance (p = 0.62), or self‐monitoring of weight (p = 0.12). Perceived supportive accountability was significantly greater in Coach Share ON versus OFF (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe short‐term efficacy of behavioral weight loss was greater when coaches had direct access to self‐monitoring device data. Notably, there also was no evidence of iatrogenic effects of data sharing.
The Impact of Green Intellectual Capital on Audit Quality
Authors: Jabbar Ahmed Sattar , Salehi Mahdi , Moradi Mahdi 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe current research investigates the impact of green intellectual capital (GIC) and its components on audit quality. In other words, the current study seeks to find whether the entrepreneur's GIC can affect the audit quality. The research method is applied based on the objective and descriptive survey based on the method. The statistical population of the research includes all auditors working in audit institutions in Iraq; 299 participants were selected as the sample size using Cochran's sampling method. This paper used PLS tests to investigate the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The results show a positive and significant relationship between the GIC and its three components, including green human capital (GHC), green structural capital (GSC), green relational capital (GRC) and audit quality. Moreover, the findings suggest that among the triple‐employed components of GIC, the GSC plays a paramount role in improving audit quality. So far, no research has investigated the impact of GIC and its triple components on audit quality in Iraq. The results can provide valuable information to managers, auditors, and policymakers and contribute to developing science and knowledge in this area.
Hierarchical modelling in benchmarking, analysis and code development for coupled geo‐processes
Authors: Nagel Thomas , Buchwald Jörg , Kiszkurno Feliks , Pitz Michael , Helfer Thomas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGeotechnical safety analysis relies on numerical simulations capturing interacting physical phenomena. Systematic model development and selection are vital for interpretable results without black‐box aspects. Interpretability implies that models can be checked for plausibility and consistency as a whole and in terms of individual components by the handling engineers. This contribution discusses the following three related aspects: (1) confidence‐building through embedding process models in a complexity hierarchy that ensures physical consistency among its members and provides an avenue for software testing and confidence building; (2) combining probabilistic engineering analyses with such model hierarchies to allow selection of the most appropriate process model given a set of experimental data while avoiding overfitting and (3) separating distinct model aspects both technically and logically for reproducibility, efficiency and quality assurance of simulation software. The latter aspect is illustrated based on the example of a material model database that can be linked to different process codes.
Double‐surface plasticity for micropolar continuum
Authors: Börger Alexander , Mahnken Rolf 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis work is concerned with the modeling of a cold‐box sand (CBS), a composition of sand grains and a resin binder. To this end, experiments are performed which show the following characteristics: localization phenomena in form of a shear band, softening behavior in the force‐displacement curve, asymmetric behavior for compression and tension. These complex characteristics require a sophisticated material model. For this purpose a micropolar continuum, which is a special case of the micromorphic continuum, is used. In addition to the degrees of freedom of a classical continuum, the micropolar model has additional degrees of freedom in the form of micro‐rotations, which represent the grains of sand in our analyzed material. The macro‐part of this model represents the binder of the CBS. In order to make the micropolar model as flexible as possible, two flow functions are introduced; one for the macro‐part and one for the micro‐part. This approach is called double‐surface plasticity. The two flow functions can be implemented independently or coupled, depending on the application. For the coupled case, the radial‐return algorithm is no longer sufficient, so that the local iteration is calculated with the Fischer–Burmeister residual. Due to the lack of rotational symmetry in the experimental results, it is not possible to compute in two dimensions; instead, a 3D model is used for the simulation.
Links between deforestation, conservation areas and conservation funding in major deforestation regions of South America
Authors: Qin Siyu , Buchadas Ana , Meyfroidt Patrick , He Yifan , Ghoddousi Arash , Pötzschner Florian , Baumann Matthias , Kuemmerle Tobias 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Land‐use change is a major driver of biodiversity loss, affecting tropical forests and savannas at an unprecedented rate. To protect these ecosystems and their biodiversity, national conservation areas and international conservation funding have increased considerably in these regions. Understanding of how conservation funding allocation relates to dynamics in deforestation and conservation areas is crucial to identifying what mobilizes and distributes conservation funding.

By applying fixed‐effect models on 30 years of dynamics in forest cover, conservation areas and conservation funding in the main deforestation regions of South America, we analysed the conservation funding allocation strategies in relation to deforestation (proactive vs. reactive), conservation areas (expanding or consolidating) and previous investment (agglomerating or not). We also assessed whether allocation strategies vary across regions and the stages of deforestation and conservation.

We found that funding allocation followed conservation areas and higher prior funding levels over space and over time, across all regions and deforestation stages. This highlights the important role of recognized conservation areas (including protected areas and Indigenous territories) in mobilizing financial support for conservation.

The allocation strategies relating to forest dynamics, however, varied depending on the scale of analysis, whether we look at the temporal or spatial dimension, and in which regions we assessed the allocation patterns. Capturing region‐level biases and within‐region dynamics is crucial for more effective and equitable conservation.

As public and private actors commit to mobilizing more conservation funding and conserving more areas of the Earth, our insights on the relations between forest change and conservation efforts can help improve the allocation of conservation areas and conservation funding.

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The evolutionary history of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours reveals a therapy driven route to high‐grade transformation
Authors: Backman Samuel , Botling Johan , Nord Helena , Ghosal Suman , Stålberg Peter , Juhlin C. Christofer , Almlöf Jonas , Sundin Anders , Zhang Liang , Moens Lotte , Eriksson Barbro , Welin Staffan , Hellman Per , Skogseid Britt , Pacak Karel , Mollazadegan Kazhan , Åkerström Tobias , Crona Joakim 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTumour evolution with acquisition of more aggressive disease characteristics is a hallmark of disseminated cancer. Metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) in particular may progress from a low/intermediate to a high‐grade disease. The aim of this work was to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying metastatic progression as well as PanNET transformation from a low/intermediate to a high‐grade disease. We performed multi‐omics analysis (genome/exome sequencing, total RNA‐sequencing and methylation array) of 32 longitudinal samples from six patients with metastatic low/intermediate grade PanNET. The clonal composition of tumour lesions and underlying phylogeny of each patient were determined with bioinformatics analyses. Findings were validated in post‐alkylating chemotherapy samples from 24 patients with PanNET using targeted next generation sequencing. We validate the current PanNET evolutionary model with MEN1 inactivation that occurs very early in tumourigenesis. This was followed by pronounced genetic diversity on both spatial and temporal levels, with parallel and convergent tumour evolution involving the ATRX/DAXX and mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Following alkylating chemotherapy treatment, some PanNETs developed mismatch repair deficiency and acquired a hypermutational phenotype. This was validated among 16 patients with PanNET who had high‐grade progression after alkylating chemotherapy, of whom eight had a tumour mutational burden >50 (50%). In comparison, among the eight patients who did not show high‐grade progression, 0 had a tumour mutational burden >50 (0%; odds ratio ‘infinite’, 95% confidence interval 1.8 to ‘infinite’, p = 0.02). Our findings contribute to broaden the understanding of metastatic/high‐grade PanNETs and suggests that therapy driven disease evolution is an important hallmark of this disease. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The Association Between the Structure of the Fatty Chain in Amides and Their Lubricating Performance in Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene (ABS) Resins
Authors: Sun Xiang , Hu Huilin , Kang Ning , Song Zhenbiao , Lu Shulai , Zhao Shicheng 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe exploitation of efficient lubricants for ABS resins is widely recognized as beneficial for industrial production. Fatty diamides are typically applied as the lubricants for ABS resins; however, the connection between fatty chain structures and the lubricating properties is still vague. In this work, a range of ethylenediamine‐based amide lubricants (EDA‐Cn) with different fatty chain structures were successfully prepared and chemical structures were characterized in detail by the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The rheological test results suggested that the complex viscosity and relaxation time were positively associated with the fatty chain lengths of EDA‐Cn. The dynamic mechanical analysis results confirmed that EDA‐Cn exhibited excellent compatibility with ABS resins. The lubricating effect of EDA‐Cn decreased with increasing fatty chain lengths, which was manifested by a higher glass transition temperature, and lower elongation at break of ABS resins. In comparison to EDA‐C22, the complex viscosity (angular frequency = 0.1 rad/s) and glass transition temperature of EDA‐C10 have decreased by 24.9% and 3.9%, respectively. The molecular dynamics simulations revealed the intrinsic mechanism of lubricant‐substrate interaction. The EDA‐Cn containing short fatty chain lengths reduced the interaction energy with the matrix, thereby promoting the diffusive movement of the chain segments, and resulted in the increase in the mean square displacement and improved flow properties. These findings provided sufficient theoretical basis for the rational design and preparation of lubricants for ABS resins.
Comprehensive pulmonary function analysis identifies predominant obstructive phenotype in former premature infants around one year of age
Authors: Stein Elkie S. , Hevroni Avigdor , Zarfati Mor , Erlichman Ira , Boursheh Laurice , Gileles‐Hillel Alex 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreterm infants suffer from significant respiratory morbidity during the first years of life, but the underlying lung pathophysiology is not fully understood. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the pulmonary functions of preterm infants using full infant pulmonary function testing (iPFT).MethodsBetween 2008 and 2019, we recruited 150 infants (Mage 10.5 ± 6 months) of them 104 preterm infants (median gestational age [GA] = 34 weeks (28–36), n = 23 with bronchopulmonary disease [BPD]) and 46 controls born at term. We compared full iPFT parameters of preterm infants to a control group of term infants. Subanalysis included a comparison of preterm infants by BPD status and GA.ResultsPreterm infants had impaired flow parameters, reduced compliance, and air trapping, compared to term infants. Only 15% (n = 14) of the preterm group had normal iPFT, compared to 69% (n = 31) of the term group. The majority of the impaired iPFT in preterm infants were obstructive and 72% (n = 69) had no response to bronchodilators. Reduced maximal flow at the functional residual capacity point (V'maxFRC) was associated with low birth weight and GA. There were no major differences between preterm infants with or without BPD.ConclusionsPreterm infants in the first year of life, demonstrated a high prevalence of obstructive iPFT unresponsive to bronchodilators. BPD status did not add to the degree of pulmonary impairment. These data reveal an airway‐predominant pathology of the modern‐era prematurity‐associated lung disease. Pulmonary function screening tests at an early age may be of value in determining the presence and severity of lung disease in the preterm population. V'maxFRC may provide a good assessment of pulmonary impairment in preterm infants.
Effects of shuttle balance exercises on gait speed, postural control, and quality of life in older males: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadian Zahra , Alimoradi Mohammad , Ramirez‐Campillo Rodrigo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeEnhancing physical function and quality of life in older adults at higher risk of falls is challenging because of the lack of established interventions. This study examines the impact of a 6‐week balance training program using the shuttle balance device on gait speed, postural control, and quality of life in older men.MethodsThis single‐blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in a research laboratory. Thirty‐two participants aged ≥60 years were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 16) or a control group (CG; n = 14). The EG participated in a 6‐week shuttle balance exercise program, while the CG maintained regular physical activity routines. The main outcome measures included gait speed (assessed via the timed up and go test), postural control (assessed via center of pressure data on a force plate), and quality of life (evaluated using the SF‐36 questionnaire).ResultsPost‐intervention, the EG showed significant improvements compared with the CG (p < 0.05). The 95% confidence intervals for the differences between groups were as follows: closed eyes (CE) mean velocity (−39.07, −0.13), CE sway area (−48.86, −0.18), SF‐36 total score (9.01, 16.81), SF‐36 physical functioning (7.00, 24.81), SF‐36 physical role functioning (1.80, 27.57), SF‐36 pain (15.01, 36.82), SF‐36 general health state (7.48, 26.08), SF‐36 vitality (5.60, 28.35), and SF‐36 mental health (0.21, 21.12).DiscussionA 6‐week shuttle balance training program significantly improves postural control and quality of life in older males. These findings suggest the potential effectiveness of shuttle balance exercises in enhancing physical function and well‐being in this population. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the long‐term effects with larger sample sizes.
Mobility patterns in Austrian and Italian municipalities in the decade before and during the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Ghio Daniela , Goujon Anne , Bosco Claudio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn European countries, where the demographic transition has reached advanced stages and the natural increase has fallen below zero, migration constitutes a significant component of local population change. We investigate to what extent the dynamics of international migration and internal mobility changed during the first waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic, compared to the previous decade. We focus on Austrian and Italian municipalities to assess the contribution of migration components to local population growth, using official data provided by National Statistical Institutes on inflows and outflows of migrant and native populations, from 2010 to 2020. The adoption of harmonized degrees of urbanization allows us to profile spatial and demographic patterns of mobility, in the Austrian and Italian territories. We apply Bayesian‐Geostatistical models, and Artificial Neural‐Networks to investigate the potential determinants of mobility variability. The results reveal Austrian and Italian population‐specific migration trends. Overall, the trends observed in the decade before the pandemic were either confirmed or further accentuated during the COVID‐19 era. Although rural‐urban mobility generally persisted in both countries, counter‐urbanization trends were detected among Austrian populations during the initial period of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conversely, urban and intermediate municipalities in Italy maintained their attractiveness and capacity to retain Italian populations. These findings offer new empirical insights into urbanization dynamics in a comparative perspective, which are particularly relevant for the definition of European regional policy aimed at matching local needs with national social cohesion goals.