bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of optimization and decision models of prescribed burning for wildfire management
Authors: Qi Jianzhou , Zhuang Jun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPrescribed burning is an essential forest management tool that requires strategic planning to effectively address its multidimensional impacts, particularly given the influence of global climate change on fire behavior. Despite the inherent complexity in planning prescribed burns, limited efforts have been made to comprehensively identify the critical elements necessary for formulating effective models. In this work, we present a systematic review of the literature on optimization and decision models for prescribed burning, analyzing 471 academic papers published in the last 25 years. Our study identifies four main types of models: spatial‐allocation, spatial‐extent, temporal‐only, and spatial–temporal. We observe a growing number of studies on modeling prescribed burning, primarily due to the expansion in spatial‐allocation and spatial–temporal models. There is also an increase in complexity as the models consider more elements affecting prescribed burning effectiveness. We identify the essential components for optimization models, including stakeholders, decision variables, objectives, and influential factors, to enhance model practicality. The review also examines solution techniques, such as integer programming in spatial allocation, stochastic dynamic programming in probabilistic models, and multiobjective programming in balancing trade‐offs. These techniques' strengths and limitations are discussed to help researchers adapt methods to specific challenges in prescribed burning optimization. In addition, we investigate general assumptions in the models and challenges in relaxation to enhance practicality. Lastly, we propose future research to develop more comprehensive models incorporating dynamic fire behaviors, stakeholder preferences, and long‐term impacts. Enhancing these models' accuracy and applicability will enable decision‐makers to better manage wildfire treatment outcomes.
Compost‐induced changes in microbial community reinforce the ecosystem functioning of sandy loam soil in China
Authors: Guo Kangli , Li Guihua , Wu Pengjie , Yue Yanan , Liu Xiao , Lv Zuopeng , Zhang Jianfeng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn China, the extensive distribution of sandy loam soils, which are often low in fertility, highlights the need for effective remediation strategies. Compost application has emerged as a promising approach for improving soil health and supporting ecological restoration. However, the relationship between compost‐induced soil properties and microbial functioning remains elusive. We examined the intricate relationships among soil properties, microbial communities, and organic matter transformations in response to varying compost inputs (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 t compost hm−2), examining how each level influenced soil dynamics and microbial interactions. The gradient compost input significantly decreased the bacterial richness but increased bacterial cohesion and community stability. The low‐abundant taxa (relative abundance <0.1%) exhibited a sensitive response to varying levels of compost input along the gradient. Two fundamental soil properties, dissolved organic nitrogen and available potassium, demonstrated significant correlations with two core species, Spirillospora and Saccharomonospora (p < .01). The gradient compost input had a notable impact on the abundant Deinococcota, which was closely associated with the reduction of organic nitrogen. Moreover, the gradient compost input stimulated rare taxa to reply changes of soil microenvironment, enhanced organic carbon and nitrogen transformation via functional microbial groups, strengthened the interplay among microbes and soil properties. Importantly, soil treated with 30 t compost hm−2 exhibited the most resilient bacterial community and soil functioning, suggesting that 30 t compost hm−2 might be the optimal input quantity for remediating sandy loam soil. These findings highlight that the gradient compost input reinforces the relation between microbes and C‐/N‐metabolisms, and establish more stable microbial interconnections thus enhancing functional gains.
Influence of typical soil minerals on ureolytic bacteria‐induced carbonate precipitation
Authors: Geng Yuanyuan , Wang Shumin , Tang Lingyi , Shen Zhengtao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMicrobial‐induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been widely applied in soil remediation, stabilization and soil carbon storage. This study investigated the effects of different soil minerals on carbonate production during MICP. Aqueous sorption experiments, along with chemical and microstructural analyses, were conducted to monitor the progress and performance of MICP. Montmorillonite significantly enhanced carbonate production, while quartz, kaolinite and goethite adsorbed free Ca2+ from the solution, slowing the formation of calcium carbonate without affecting the overall carbonate yield. Calcite and vaterite were identified as the primary carbonate phases, with vaterite dominating (accounting for ~90% of the crystalline calcium carbonate). However, montmorillonite substantially increased the proportion of calcite (from 9% to 52%). The enhancement may be attributed to the lower Ca2+ adsorption capacity of montmorillonite, which helps maintain sufficient Ca2+ in solution and promote direct calcite precipitation. Additionally, interactions between montmorillonite and ureolytic bacteria may also protect bacteria from being co‐precipitated with carbonate minerals. Soil minerals were also found to accelerate the urease activity of ureolytic bacteria, with goethite having the strongest effect. Since carbonate was not a limiting factor in the experiment, goethite had no significant impacts on carbonate yield. This study sheds light on the potential application of MICP under different soil mineral conditions.
Adding hydroxyurea to chronic transfusion therapy for sickle cell anemia reduces transfusion burden
Authors: Nickel Robert Sheppard , Margulies Stefanie , Panchapakesan Karuna , Chorvinsky Elizabeth , Nino Gustavo , Gierdalski Marcin , Bost James , Luban Naomi L. C. , Webb Jennifer 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is an established therapy to prevent stroke in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). It is unclear if adding daily hydroxyurea treatment to chronic transfusion is beneficial.Study Design and MethodsWe conducted a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03644953) investigating the addition of dose‐escalated hydroxyurea to chronic transfusion for patients with SCA receiving simple chronic transfusion for stroke prevention. Simple chronic transfusion therapy was administered as per the same protocol before and after hydroxyurea treatment in which the volume transfused was dependent on the pretransfusion hemoglobin (Hb).ResultsA total of 14 participants enrolled with nine completing one year of combination hydroxyurea and transfusion (HAT) therapy after reaching hydroxyurea target dose. No participant who discontinued the study prematurely had a serious adverse event attributed to HAT. Among the nine participants who completed the study, eight participants achieved a reduction in RBC transfusion volume with a median reduction of −19.4 mL/kg/year (interquartile range −31.8, −2.8 mL/kg/year), p = .02, when comparing pre‐ and post‐HAT time periods. With the addition of hydroxyurea participants had a significant increase in pretransfusion Hb S% but this was balanced by an increased Hb F% and decreased lactate dehydrogenase. One participant developed a pretransfusion Hb >11 g/dL and Hb S > 45% that required holding hydroxyurea and changing to partial manual exchange transfusions. No patient had evidence of cerebrovascular disease progression.DiscussionHydroxyurea added to chronic transfusion therapy for patients with SCA is feasible and decreases RBC transfusion volume requirements.
Pediatric blood transfusions in Colombia: Dissecting adverse reaction trends and age dynamics
Authors: Bermúdez‐Forero María‐Isabel , Anzola‐Samudio Diego‐Alexander , García‐Otálora Michel‐Andrés 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAdverse transfusion reactions (ATRs) represent undesired responses in patients. Different reports indicate that rates of ATRs are 1.3–2.6 times higher in pediatric populations compared with adults. The aim of this study was to investigate whether similar trends are observed within the pediatric population in Colombia.Study Design and MethodsThis retrospective study, conducted from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022, investigated transfusion occurrences and ATRs. Data were collected from the National Hemovigilance Information System. ATRs were reported by medical personnel using standardized forms following guidelines set by the International Society of Blood Transfusion.ResultsThe study included 2,097,179 patients receiving 6,637,363 transfusions, with 6830 ATRs. In comparison with adult transfusions, pediatric transfusions exhibit a male bias, a higher rate of ATRs per 10,000 transfused patients (79.4 vs. 27.7), a greater prevalence of allergic reactions and a lower incidence of febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs). The rate of ATRs varied across age groups: 17.1 for those aged 0–1 year, 120.5 for individuals aged 2–14 years, 42.5 for people aged 15–65 years, and 24.4 for those over 65 years. Among pediatric patients, 688 of 1126 allergic reactions were linked to platelet transfusions. Platelets obtained via apheresis had a higher ATR rate compared with those from the buffy coat method (OR: 1.44), while in adults, 960 of 3002 allergic reactions were attributed to platelet transfusions, with higher ATR rates for apheresis platelets compared with buffy coat platelets (OR: 1.41).ConclusionATRs in the Colombian pediatric population were three times higher than adults.
Context‐dependent orientation discontinuity encoding by gamma rhythms in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Liao Baitao , Gong Qiang , Sun Xiaxin , Liu Haolun , Deng Haoran , Cui Yan , Yu Shuang , Yang Xiaotong , Guo Daqing , Xia Yang , Yao Dezhong , Chen Ke 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThrough the modulation of its surround, an identical visual stimulus can be perceived as more or less salient, allowing it to either stand out or seamlessly integrate with the rest of the visual scene. Gamma rhythms are associated with processing stimulus features across extensive areas of the visual field. Consistent with this concept, the magnitude of visually induced gamma rhythm depends on how well stimulus features aligned both within and outside the classical receptive field (CRF) at the recording site. However, there still exists some uncertainty regarding the encoding of context‐modulated orientation discontinuity by gamma rhythms. To address this concern, we conducted extracellular recordings in layers II/III and IV of area V1 using lightly anaesthetized mice to investigate the gamma tuning for stimuli with orientation discontinuity. Our study revealed that gamma rhythms exhibit a preference for stimuli with orientation discontinuity similar to the spiking responses observed in V1, which contradicts the findings of previous studies. Furthermore, the gamma tuning of discontinuous orientations exhibits a moderate correlation with spike tuning and a positive correlation with the strength of surround suppression. Therefore, our study suggests a close association between gamma tuning and nearby spiking tuning; additionally, it highlights the connection between the encoding of visual features by gamma rhythms and functional architecture, as well as neural signal integration.
imageKey points
Visual context modulates the gamma rhythms in the primary visual cortex.
Discontinuous orientation elicits significantly enhanced gamma rhythms compared to the iso‐orientation stimulus.
The gamma tuning of discontinuous orientations exhibits a moderate correlation with spike tuning.
Gamma tuning of orientation discontinuity exhibits a positive correlation with the strength of surround suppression.
High‐intensity interval exercise is more efficient than medium intensity exercise at inducing neurogenesis
Authors: Lambertus Marvin , Geiseler Samuel , Morland Cecilie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe neurogenic potential of the brain decreases during ageing, whereas the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke rises. This creates a mismatch between the rate of neuron loss and the brain's capacity for replacement. Adult neurogenesis primarily occurs in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and the ventricular‐subventricular zone (V‐SVZ). Exercise enhances SGZ neurogenesis, and we previously showed that V‐SVZ neurogenesis is induced by exercise via activation of the lactate receptor HCA1. Here, we investigated how high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) and medium‐intensity interval training (MIIT) affect neurogenesis in these niches. Wild‐type (WT) and HCA1 knockout (KO) mice were randomized to sedentary, HIIT or MIIT (n = 5–8 per group) for 3 weeks. In the SGZ, HIIT increased the density of doublecortin (DCX)‐positive cells in WT mice by 85% (5.77±1.76 vs. 3.12±1.54 cells/100 µm, P = 0.013) and KO mice (67% increase; 7.91±2.92 vs. 4.73±1.63 cells/100 µm, P = 0.004). MIIT did not alter the density of DCX‐positive cells in either genotype. HIIT increased the density of Ki‐67‐positive cells only in KO mice (P = 0.038), whereas no differences in nestin‐positive cells were observed. In the V‐SVZ, HIIT increased the density of DCX‐positive cells in WT mice by 155% (117.79±39.72 vs. 46.25±19.96 cells/100 µm, P < 0.001) and MIIT increased the density of DCX‐positive cells by 80% (83.26±39.48 vs. 46.25±19.96 cells/100µm, P = 0.027). No exercise‐induced changes were observed in KO mice. Similar patterns were noted for Ki‐67 positive and DCX/Ki‐67 double‐positive cells in the V‐SVZ. These findings suggest that HIIT enhances neurogenesis more robustly than MIIT in both niches, with HCA1 playing a crucial role in V‐SVZ neurogenesis.
imageKey points
The neurogenic potential of the brain decreases with age, whereas the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke increases, highlighting a mismatch between neuronal loss and replacement capacity.
Exercise enhances neurogenesis in both the subgranular zone and the ventricular‐subventricular zone.
High‐intensity interval exercise is more effective than medium‐intensity interval exercise at promoting neurogenesis in both the subgranular zone and the ventricular‐subventricular zone of wild‐type mice.
The enhancement of neurogenesis in the ventricular‐subventricular zone is dependent on the activation of the HCA1 receptor, as evidenced by the ability of medium‐ and high‐intensity interval exercise to induce neurogenesis in wild‐type mice and the lack of this effect in HCA1 knockout mice.
By contrast, neurogenesis in the subgranular zone is independent on the activation of the HCA1 receptor, highlighting that neurogenesis in the two major neurogenic niches are regulated differently.
Metabolomic signature of retinal ageing, polygenetic susceptibility, and major health outcomes
Authors: Liu Riqian , Yang Shaopeng , Zhong Xiaoying , Zhu Ziyu , Huang Wenyong , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2024

Background/aimsTo identify the metabolic underpinnings of retinal aging and examine how it is related to mortality and morbidity of common diseases.MethodsThe retinal age gap has been established as essential aging indicator for mortality and systemic health. We applied neural network to train the retinal age gap among the participants in UK Biobank and used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to profile plasma metabolites. The metabolomic signature of retinal ageing (MSRA) was identified using an elastic network model. Multivariable Cox regressions were used to assess associations between the signature with 12 serious health conditions. The participants in Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study (GDES) cohort were analyzed for validation.ResultsThis study included 110 722 participants (mean age 56.5±8.1 years at baseline, 53.8% female), and 28 plasma metabolites associated with retinal ageing were identified. The MSRA revealed significant correlations with each 12 serious health conditions beyond traditional risk factors and genetic predispositions. Each SD increase in MSRA was linked to a 24%–76% higher risk of mortality, cardiovascular diseases, dementia and diabetes mellitus. MSRA showed dose–response relationships with risks of these diseases, with seven showing non-linear and five showing linear increases. Validation in the GDES further established the relation between retinal ageing-related metabolites and increased risks of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases (all p<0.05).ConclusionsThe metabolic connections between ocular and systemic health offer a novel tool for identifying individuals at high risk of premature ageing, promoting a more holistic view of human health.
Seasonal variations in peptic ulcer disease incidence in Taiwan, a country spanning both tropical and subtropical regions: a real-world database analysis
Authors: Lai Yi-Chen , Chen Yu-Han , Chen Chien-An , Ho Chung-Han , Wu Yu-Cih , Wang Jhi-Joung , Weng Shih-Feng , Kao Yuan 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies have shown that the incidence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) exhibits seasonal variations. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variation in PUD incidence in Taiwan, which spans both tropical and subtropical regions, using a nationwide database.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using real-world claims data from Taiwan, which includes a representative sample of 2 million individuals. Patients hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of PUD between 2001 and 2019 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes for gastric ulcers (GUs), duodenal ulcers (DUs) and unspecified peptic ulcers. Descriptive statistics were used to present the seasonal variations in PUD incidence. Patients’ gender, age, PUD type, geographical region and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage across the four seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter) were compared using Pearson’s χ2test.ResultsAmong the 13 022 patients, new-onset PUD cases varied annually, peaking at 771 cases in 2004 and reaching a low of 614 cases in 2018. PUD incidence was higher in males than in females, and more common in elderly individuals aged ≥65 (59.5%). GU had the highest prevalence (56.1%), followed by DU (36.3%) and unspecified ulcers (7.7%). PUD incidence peaked in winter (26.8%), followed by spring (25.1%), fall (24.2%) and summer (23.9%). This seasonal trend was consistent across gender and age groups, with no significant impact on latitude, NSAID usage or PUD type.ConclusionAcross the tropical and subtropical regions of Taiwan, seasonal variation in PUD incidence is observed with the highest rates occurring in winter, regardless of age or sex. However, NSAID usage tends to obscure this trend. The seasonal variation in DU incidence showed no significant differences between north and south Taiwan, suggesting that factors other than temperature may affect DU incidence compared with their effect on GU incidence.
Changes in tobacco and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in India: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Summan Amit , Laxminarayan Ramanan 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced alcohol and tobacco consumption in low-income and middle-income countries, yet the effects are relatively unknown. In this study, we estimated the medium-term effects of the pandemic on tobacco and alcohol consumption in India.MethodsWe used data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey 2019–2021, a nationally representative survey conducted between June 2019 and April 2021. We employed propensity score matching to evaluate the change in tobacco and alcohol consumption patterns by exploiting the gap in survey activities due to the pandemic lockdown—no data collection took place from April to October 2020. Individuals surveyed after the lockdown were considered COVID-19-affected, while those surveyed before were considered as unaffected.ResultsThe tobacco use rate was 1.4% lower and alcohol consumption was 0.3% lower for COVID-19-affected individuals relative to non-affected individuals. By tobacco product, there was a 0.9%, 0.6% and 0.4% decrease in the use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes and bidi, respectively. Recent initiation decreased by 2.3%, 1.6% and 1.4%, for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and alcohol, respectively. Tobacco use declined to a greater extent in low-wealth and rural populations, and in male and older subsamples. Alcohol use decreased in urban households, and among male and young subsamples, relative to their counterparts. Secondhand smoke exposure decreased by 4.6%.ConclusionTobacco and alcohol consumption, including recent initiation, decreased during the pandemic in India. Varying effects by subgroups suggest the need for targeted future control policies that support cessation and limit consumption.
Reducing family and school-based violence at scale: a large-scale pre–post study of a parenting programme delivered to families with adolescent girls in Tanzania
Authors: Lachman Jamie , Wamoyi Joyce , Martin Mackenzie , Han Qing , Calderón Alfaro Francisco Antonio , Mgunga Samwel , Nydetabura Esther , Manjengenja Nyasha , Wambura Mwita , Shenderovich Yulia 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundParenting programmes, including those delivered in the Global South, are effective strategies to reduce violence against children (VAC). However, there is limited evidence of their impact when implemented at scale within routine delivery systems. This study aimed to address this gap by evaluating the real-world delivery of Parenting for Lifelong Health for Teens in Tanzania.MethodsParticipating parents/caregivers and their adolescent girls were recruited by local implementing partners in 2020–2021 as part of a community-based HIV prevention initiative focused on addressing drivers of female adolescent HIV-vulnerability such as VAC, caregiver–adolescent relationships and sexual reproductive health communication. The 14-session, group-based parenting programme was delivered by trained teachers and community facilitators. Quantitative surveys administered by providers measured a variety of outcomes including child maltreatment (primary outcome) and multiple secondary outcomes linked to increased risk of VAC. Multilevel models examined pre–post effects as well as variation by attendance and baseline demographic variables.ResultsPre–post data from 27 319 parent/caregiver–child dyads were analysed, of which 34.4% of parents/caregivers were male. Analyses showed large reductions in child maltreatment (parents/caregivers: IRR=0.55, (95% CI 0.54, 0.56); adolescents: IRR=0.57, (95% CI 0.56, 0.58)), reduced intimate partner violence experience, reduced school-based violence, increased communication about sexual health, reduced poor supervision, reduced financial insecurity, reduced parenting stress, reduced parent and adolescent depression, and reduced adolescent conduct problems. In contrast to these positive outcomes, parents/caregivers and adolescents also reported reduced parental positive involvement and support of education, with those experiencing greater adversity reporting less change than those with less adversity.ConclusionsThis study is the first to examine the large-scale implementation of an evidence-based parenting programme in the Global South. Although additional research is necessary to examine potential negative effects on positive parenting and parent support of education, findings suggest that Furaha Teens can sustain its impact on key outcomes associated with VAC when delivered at scale.