bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire effects on plant communities in Ozark woodlands and glades
Authors: Stephen Carolyn A. , Drees Dan G. , Ladner Jamie H. , Sullivan Lauren L. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Decades of fire suppression caused drastic changes to community structure and composition across ecosystems, including in Ozark woodlands in Missouri, USA. Reintroducing fire can restore ground flora by reducing midstory tree density, increasing ground layer light, and reducing leaf litter accumulation, but we lack a clear understanding of how these effects vary across time and space. We investigated the effects of repeated prescribed fire on ground flora species richness, floristic quality, abundance, community composition, and stand structure over 20 years in a landscape matrix of dry-mesic woodlands, dry woodlands, and glades using data collected from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Fire Effects Monitoring program in the Current River Watershed in the Missouri Ozarks.

Results
We found that fire plays a key role in driving community structure and dynamics across community types, although with varying levels of intensity. Herbaceous species richness, abundance, and floristic quality index increased across all community types, while mean coefficient of conservatism decreased. Abundance and floristic quality effects were stronger in drier sites. Community composition changed with successive burns, resulting in several indicator species for post burn treatments. The density of midstory trees declined across community types with repeated fire. The number of burns significantly affected overstory tree density overall, but overstory tree density only declined in dry woodlands and glades and not in dry-mesic woodlands.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that landscape fire shapes plant community structure and dynamics. Specifically, these findings show that fire effects vary among community types and suggest that land managers should consider landscape heterogeneity in fire application for restoration. Separate community types imbedded in the same landscape may respond to fire differently. Understanding repeated fire effects over several decades across multiple community types is critical to informing fire-driven woodland restoration across landscape scales.
Inhibition of Sesn2 has negative regulatory effects on the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Song Zubiao , Lin Qing , Liang Jiahui , Zhang Weixi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSestrin2 (Sesn2) has been previously confirmed to be a stress-response molecule. However, the influence of Sesn2 on myogenic differentiation remains elusive. This study was conducted to analyze the role of Sesn2 in the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts and related aspects in mdx mice, an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Our results showed that knockdown of Sesn2 reduced the myogenic differentiation capacity of C2C12 myoblasts. Predictive analysis from two databases suggested that miR-182-5p is a potential regulator of Sesn2. Further experimental validation revealed that overexpression of miR-182-5p decreased both the protein and mRNA levels of Sesn2 and inhibited myogenesis of C2C12 myoblasts. These findings suggest that miR-182-5p negatively regulates myogenesis by repressing Sesn2 expression. Extending to an in vivo model of DMD, knockdown of Sesn2 led to decreased Myogenin (Myog) expression and increased Pax7 expression, while its overexpression upregulated Myog levels and enhanced the proportion of slow-switch myofibers. These findings indicate the crucial role of Sesn2 in promoting myogenic differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration, providing potential therapeutic targets for muscular dystrophy.
Ethane integration project—a study for Egyptian NGLs plants and their economics
Authors: Elzohairy Hamdy R. , Ahmed Tamer S. , El-Marsafy Sahar M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract For Egypt, ethane is a vital chemical precursor, with the potential to significantly attract financial resources and drive economic growth. Enhancing its added value necessitates efficient recovery of ethane before it enters the national grid without processing. This research investigates the technical and economic feasibility of integrating natural gas liquids (NGLs) from three Egyptian NGLs plants—South Western Desert NGLs (SWD NGLs), North Western Desert NGLs (NWD NGLs), and East Mediterranean NGLs (EMD NGLs)—to improve ethane recovery from natural gas fields. The study focuses on revamping these NGLs plants using various NGLs recovery techniques, conducting a comprehensive comparison to identify the most effective methods for processing rich feed gas. Detailed design of the NGLs recovery processes was developed using HYSYS V.14 simulation software and supplementary calculation sheets. The design criteria encompass both technical and economic parameters to ensure a holistic approach in meeting project requirements. Results indicate a significant increase in ethane recovery: 16% for SWD NGLs, 10% for NWD NGLs (A, B, C), and 85% for EMD NGLs. This improvement will boost ethane feedstock for petrochemical companies from 2000 ton/day to 3500 ton/day, enabling increased polyethylene production. Economic analysis for the base case shows an expected internal rate of return (IRR) of 26%, a net present value (NPV) of USD 73 million, and a payback period of approximately 3 years. Sensitivity analysis on product prices, feed gas prices, and total capital investment confirms the project’s economic viability, with all cases showing feasibility (IRR ≥ 15%) except when product prices fall below USD 225/ton for propane, USD 215/ton for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and USD 25/bbl for condensate. This study highlights the potential for enhanced ethane recovery, offering substantial economic benefits and supporting the growth of Egypt’s petrochemical industry.
Nationwide analysis of patients with ovarian cancer: Racial status and risk of metastasis.
Authors: Suenghataiphorn Thanathip , Kulthamrongsri Narathorn , Lohawatcharagul Tuntanut , Kansuttiviwat Chalermkiat , Saowapa Sakditad 
Published: August 2024

124 Background: Literature review has found profound disparities in clinical outcomes, for patient with ovarian cancer. Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. However, data on the metastasis risks on hospitalized individuals with ovarian cancer is still limited. Therefore, we aim to assess the association between metastatic ovarian cancer and racial differences using large database analysis. Methods: We analyzed the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to explore patients who have ovarian cancer as the primary diagnosis. Additionally, we identified evidence of metastasis, as recorded by ICD-10-CM. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for specified outcomes were calculated through multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. The primary outcome was racial differences in organ metastasis and secondary outcomes included mortality and length of stay. Statistical significance was established at p-value of 0.05. Results: We identified 19,789 patients with primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer at discharge. The mean age was 61.6 years. Caucasians accounted for 68.3%, with Hispanics at 11.1 % and African Americans at 9.7%. We found that 7% of the patients had liver metastasis. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for patient, COVID-19, chemotherapy usage and hospital factors, African Americans and Hispanics had higher risk of liver metastasis (aOR 1.95; 95%CI (1.32, 2.88), p = 0.001) (aOR 1.78; 95%CI (1.19, 2.66), p = 0.004). We also observed reduced length of stay for Asian Americans (b = -0.74; 95%CI (-1.31, -0.17), p = 0.011). We observed an increase in risk of metastasis and mortality but non-statistically significant in some parameters and races, as shown in table provided. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study revealed that racial difference is associated with higher risk of metastasis, as well as other outcomes. More studies following patients over time are needed to determine if race directly affects how ovarian cancer spreads and other clinical outcomes. [Table: see text]
Longitudinal tracing of on-treatment plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA as a biomarker for real-time dynamic risk monitoring in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: The EP-SEASON study.
Authors: Xu Ling-Xin , Li Zhi-Xuan , Lin Li , Wu Chen-Fei , Zhou Guan-Qun , Sun Ying , Lv Jiawei , Ma Jun 
Published: August 2024

136 Background: Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, whether longitudinal on-treatment EBV DNA tracing would inform real-time recurrence risk in NPC remains to be elucidated. To address this issue, we conducted EP-SEASON (NCT03855020), a prospective cohort study of longitudinal on-treatment EBV DNA in EBV-positive NPC patients. Methods: Non-metastatic NPC with detectable pretreatment EBV DNA that received standard sequential chemo-radiotherapy were recruited. Serial EBV DNA in blood specimens were collected across pretreatment, 3-week after each induction chemotherapy (IC), every-week during radiotherapy (RT), within 1-week and 1-3 months upon RT completion. EBV DNA extracted from plasma was quantified by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the BamHI-W region of the EBV genome. Longitudinal changing patterns of EBV DNA and their clinical relevance were analyzed. Results: Between May 2019 and April 2021, a total of 1000 patients underwent per-protocol EBV DNA assessments and treatment; 248 and 752 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT, subcochortno-IC) and IC plus CCRT (subcochortIC), respectively. Longitudinal changes and clearance rates of EBV DNA displayed unique patterns during IC and RT phases. Throughout IC and RT phases, the rate of EBV DNA clearance decreased with repeated IC cycles; interestingly, the rate re-rose upon the introduction of RT, and then dropped to low levels (<10%/week) after the 4th week of RT (post-RT4w). Patients in subcochortno-IC and subcochortIC also exhibited differential clearance patterns during RT, with the rate of clearance being higher in subcochortno-IC before the 2nd week of RT (post-RT2w). Notably, despite the prognostic significance of EBV DNA at each timepoint ( Pall < 0.05), longitudinal EBV DNA displayed a linkage changing map with dynamic recurrence risks: 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate steadily dropped with delayed EBV DNA clearance during IC; it re-rose at the 2nd RT week upon EBV DNA clearance, followed by a sharp decrease at the 4th RT week in subcochortIC. In contrast, 3-year DFS rate continuously decreased with delayed EBV DNA clearance in subcochortno-IC. Finally, we identified different phenotypes of whole-course circulating tumor DNA changing dynamics that showed distinct prognosis ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Longitudinal on-treatment EBV DNA tracing could forecast real-time risks and facilitate risk-adapted decision-making in NPC.
A randomized, multicenter, phase II trial of camrelizumab (Cam) with and without metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) in recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M-NPC).
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yan Jin , Lei Qianqian , Zhang Lu , Yang Jieying , Tan Sze Huey , Chua Melvin L.K. , Wang Ying , Sui Jiangdong 
Published: August 2024

141 Background: To investigate the on- and off-target treatment responses of MDT when added to camrelizumab – an anti-programmed cell death 1 antibody in patients with R/M-NPC. Methods: We conducted an open-label, randomized, controlled, multicenter, phase II trial in 3 centers from China (NCT04830267). Patients with R/M NPC, without prior exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors, who presented with ≥2 lesions, and at least 1 measurable lesion were screened and randomized 1:1 to either Cam (200 mg IV 2-weekly) alone or Cam plus MDT (Cam+MDT). Patients randomized to the MDT group must have 1 lesion that is amendable to MDT using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) prescribed to 27Gy in 3 fractions every other day between the first and second dose of Cam. Primary endpoint was off-target objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included on-target ORR, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results: Between March 1, 2021, and August 16, 2023, 39 patients with R/M NPC were randomly assigned to receive either Cam alone (n=20) or Cam+MDT (n=19). 17/39 (44%) patients had oligometastatic disease (≤3 lesions); 18/39 (46%) had liver metastasis. Median duration of Cam was 4.1 mo (95%CI: 2.4-10.9) and 4.7 mo (95% CI: 2.3-11.0) in both treatment groups, respectively. Sites of MDT included lungs (8/19, 42%), followed by liver (4/19, 21%), bones (4/19, 21%), and lymph nodes (3/19, 16%); median SBRT target volume was 5.8 cc (IQR: 2.7-13.5). Off-target ORR did not differ between the treatment groups (26% vs 30%, P=0.51), although DCR was 74% in the Cam+MDT group compared with 60% in the Cam only group ( P=0.37, Table). After a median follow up of 25.8 mo, median PFS was 9.3 mo (95% CI:6.2-NR) in the Cam+MDT group and 8.8 mo (95% CI: 3.3-NR) in the Cam group (P=0.75), and median OS was not reached in the Cam+MDT gorup (95% CI: 20-NR) and 13.7 mo (95% CI: 11-NR) in the Cam group. Interestingly, exploratory analyses suggest a longer OS with Cam+MDT for patients with >3 metastatic lesions ( HR 0.228 [95% CI: 0.067-0.769]), and no liver involvement ( HR 0.287 [95% CI: 0.068-1.208]). G3 and above adverse events were comparable between the treatment groups (14.3% vs 12.5%). Conclusions: We did not observe a difference for off-target ORR with the addition of MDT to Cam in patients with R/M-NPC, although DCR was higher with combinatorial treatment due to a higher proportion of stable disease. Interestingly, OS was prolonged with Cam+MDT in a subset of patients with >3 lesions and no liver involvement. Clinical trial information: NCT04830267 . [Table: see text]
Laser ablation of stage 4 buccal cancer: A paradigm shift in management.
Authors: Bhalla Rusy , Bhalla Seemantini 
Published: August 2024

164 Background: Laser ablation of soft tissue tumors is fast gaining ground in the field of Oncology. Conventional Oral cancer treatment is blamed most often for a radical dip in Quality of Life post-surgery and Radiotherapy. Mutilation, Mouth closure, inability to speak, eat or drink normally discourages patients to adopt surgery in early stages or even treatment as a whole. Laser technology uses controlled heat to burn the cancer affected tissues under sonography control. The new technique of Laser Ablation has removed the need for cutting of face and the need for radiotherapy. Methods: 54 patients were diagnosed with stage 4 inoperable cancer on clinical and radiological examination. Criteria for inoperability were size of tumor more than 3.5 cms and less than 5 cms, involvement of upper or lower Gingivo buccal sulcus with or without involvement of bone. Laser ablation was achieved by using 980mm diode laser. The margins of effective tumor ablation are assessed under sonography. The lymph nodes were laserised percutaneously under sonography control. Post operatively patients were administered chemotherapy by a standard cisplatin, paclitaxel and 5Fu 3 weekly for 6 cycles. Results: All patients showed a decrease in their swelling within 1 month of the procedure. There was an increase in appetite and well being within 2 weeks of the procedure. 47 (90%) patients had a total resolution of the tumor with laser and chemotherapy at 2 months. MRI scans done after 3 months showed a resolution of the original lesion with resolution of lymph nodes. 8 patients (9%) showed a recurrence in the operated area which did not settle on repeat laserisation. These patients underwent standard commando operation at other institutions. 41(75%) patients showed an MRI consistent with no active cancer at 8 months. All of these patients had a weight increase from 4 to 10 kgs compared from pre laser weight over this period. 13 (24%) patients showed a recurrence in neck lymph nodes after 8 months. Of these patients 8 (60%) patients showed a good response to laserisation of the affected node. Over all 80% of patients of stage 4 inoperable buccal cancer were in remission at 2 years with no sign of cancer on MRI scans. Conclusions: Laser ablation of oral cancer in late stage oral cancer should be offered as an alternative to patients not willing for a standard commando operation. Skill sets required for the same are different from conventional surgery. It involves a working knowledge of sonography and has a short learning curve.
Descriptive and content analysis of breast cancer vlogs on YouTube.
Authors: Meguerditchian Ari N. , Htite Elly , Ahisar Yitzchok , Hayman Victoria , Rentschler Carrie A. , Morena Nina 
Published: August 2024

18 Background: Vlogs, or “video blogs,” are personally-created experiential videos based on wide-ranging topics, usually posted to YouTube. Many women with breast cancer (BC) document their cancer experiences in YouTube vlogs. These may have the potential to serve as peer-to-peer support and provide community. This study provides a descriptive and content analysis of vlogs by women with BC. Methods: YouTube was searched in incognito mode in 11/2023 using the search terms “breast cancer vlog.” A maximum of 10 videos/creator were included based on viewership and date created. Video characteristics collected included: title, length, number of views, likes, comments, and playlist inclusion. Videos were assessed for sponsorship, presence of explanation and discussion on BC, type of content, and themes. Creator characteristics included age, location, and engagement approaches. Descriptive and content analysis were performed to assess and analyze video content and potential areas where peer-to-peer support may be provided. Results: 90 vlogs by 13 creators were included, all originating from personal accounts. Mean video length, number of views, and number of comments were 21.4 minutes (SD 9.1), 266,780 (SD 534,465), and 1485 (SD 3422), respectively. 38.9% included hashtags. 12.2% included paid sponsorships. Most common filming location was at home (96.7%), followed by the hospital (31.1%), or in the car (21.1%). Home vlogs were most often set in the living room (44.3%), bedroom (33.0%), or kitchen (20.6%). 56.7% included visuals of treatment as well as physical findings. Creators addressed motivation for vlogging in 48.9%; the two most common reasons were wanting to build a community and helping others in a similar situation. In 46.7%, creators explicitly expressed emotion. Most common themes were treatment (85.6%), mental health (81.1%), side effects (72.2%), appearance (63.3%), and family relationships (36.7%). Subthemes included young age, finances, and the importance of online community support. Patient-directed advice was offered in 60.0%, mostly on treatment-related issues. In 56.7%, creators provided explicit treatment definitions. Chemotherapy was discussed in 70.0%; surgery in 57.8%, primarily mastectomy; radiation in 30.0%; general side effects in 71.1%. 24.4% were about a new diagnosis. When mentioned (44.4%), most common creator location was the USA. When mentioned (30.0%), most common age demographic was 20-29 years old. Conclusions: Vlogs by women with BC receive significant levels of engagement. The dedication to building community demonstrated by vlog creators, and the personal nature of their storytelling, advice, and suggestions, may make these vlogs a potential resource for peer-to-peer support.
The impact of HRD mutation on survival in patients with KRAS-mutated advanced pancreatic cancer: A real-world database study.
Authors: Kawanaka Yusuke , Inagaki Chiaki , Takahama Takayuki , Watanabe Satomi , Mitani Seiichiro , Tanizaki Junko , Tanaka Kaoru , Yoshida Takeshi , Iwasa Tsutomu , Kawakami Hisato , Sakai Kazuko , Yonesaka Kimio , Nishio Kazuto , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Hayashi Hidetoshi 
Published: August 2024

221 Background: Advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a poor prognosis. Prior studies indicate that homologous repair deficient (HRD+ve) PDAC patients (pts) have improved survival and greater response to platinum agents, but the optimal treatment for these population is still unclear. Here, we evaluate the survival impact of HRD mutations in KRAS-mutated PDAC, which represent 90% of cases, in a real-world setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all pts diagnosed with KRAS-mutated PDAC from Jun 2019 to Dec 2021, who were registered in the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT), the cancer registry with comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) data. Pts were stratified with the presence or absence of HRD mutations identified through Foundation One, including ATM, ATR, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CHEK2, FANCA, PALB2, and RAD51. We analyzed the prevalence of co-alterations and the impact of HRD status on survival. Pts with a history of systemic therapy for curative intent were excluded from the survival analysis. Results: In 2251 PDAC cases (HRD+ve 232pts, HRD-ve 2019pts) enrolled, we found that HRD+ve PDAC had a significantly lower incidence of TP53 mutation (p<0.001), CDKN2A mutation (p<0.046), and CDKN2A loss (p<0.046). Survival analysis was performed in 823 pts (HRD+ve 92pts, HRD-ve 731pts). HRD+ve pts had significantly longer overall survival (OS, 28.8m vs 23.5m, P=0.030). In the first line setting, HRD+ve pts had exhibited a markedly extended time-to-treatment failure (TTF; [HRD+ve, 19pts vs. HRD-ve, 177pts]; 7.6m vs. 5.4m; p=0.026) and OS ([HRD+ve, 30pts vs. HRD-ve, 239pts]; 28.8m vs. 23.5m; p=0.019) when treated with mFOLFIRINOX (mFFX), but not when treated with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GA; [HRD+ve, 34pts vs. HRD-ve 276pts]; OS, 29.3m vs 26.3m; p=0.34; TTF, 5.2m vs. 5.2m; p=0.80). In the second line setting, there were no differences in TTF between HRD+ve and HRD-ve irrespective of these regimens. Among HRD+ve PDAC pts, pts who having received mFFX tend to have better survival compared to those who did not (46pts vs. 46pts; OS, 31.7m vs 26.3m; p=0.09). Conclusions: Our analysis has identified a unique profile in HRD+ve PDAC, underscoring the importance of platinum-based chemotherapy in the initial treatment to enhance survival, which highlights the practical clinical benefits of routine CGP for pts with KRAS-mutated PDAC.