bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire behavior simulation of Xintian forest fire in 2022 using WRF-fire model
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Deng Xiangwen , Zhang Gui , Feng Lanbo , Long Jun , Li Ziming , Zhu Yu , Wang Yiying 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe behavior of forest fire is a complex phenomenon, and accurate simulation of forest fire is conducive to emergency response management after ignition. In order to further understand the characteristics of forest fire spread and the applicability of WRF-Fire in China, which is a coupled fire-atmospheric wildfire model, this study simulated a high-intensity forest fire event that occurred on October 17, 2022 in Xintian County, southern Hunan Province.MethodsBased on the fire-atmosphere coupled WRF-Fire model, we used high-resolution geographic information, meteorological observation and fuel classification data to analyze the forest fire behavior. At the same time, the simulation results are compared with the fire burned area observed by satellite remote sensing forest fire monitoring data.ResultsThe study found that, the simulated wind speed, direction and temperature trends are similar to the observation results, but the simulated wind speed is overestimated, the dominant wind direction is N, and the temperature is slightly underestimated. The simulated wind field is close to the actual wind field, and the simulation results can show the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of the local wind field under complex terrain while obtaining the high-resolution wind field. The simulated fire burned area is generally overestimated, spreading to the north and southwest compared with the observed fires, but it can also capture the overall shape and spread trend of the fire well.DiscussionThe results show that the model can accurately reproduce the real spread of fire, and it is more helpful to forest fire management.
Abundance, diversity and composition of understory plants along the altitudinal gradient and dominant overstory composition types in the temperate Himalayan region
Authors: Sangry Saveena , Kumar Praveen , Bhardwaj D.R. , Dogra K.S. , Poonam  
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe Indian Himalayan forests are remarkable landforms experiencing tremendous climatic variation, constituting complex and diversified ecosystems with prominent vegetation zones. Despite their global significance and substantial research efforts focused on plant diversity in the temperate Himalayan region, only a few studies have explicitly assessed the distribution patterns of understory vegetation in relation to forest compositional types along altitudinal gradients.MethodsTo cover a wide range of altitudes and diverse overstory compositions, stands were sampled across four altitudinal ranges from 1500 to 3500 meters above mean sea level with increments of 500 meters in elevation steps. The overstory compositions were classified on the basis of dominant tree species in each stand on the similar sites. Vegetation in the shrub and ground layers was surveyed by visually estimating the percentage coverage within circular plots.ResultsA total of 99 understory species including 37 species each in the shrub layer, 62 species in the herb layer vegetation were recorded. The abundance, species diversity and composition of understory vegetation differed significantly along the altitudinal gradient and dominant overstory composition types. Moreover, distinct understory vegetation communities were observed at lower elevations compared to higher elevations, with middle elevations exhibiting intermediate vegetation characteristics. The study also highlighted the importance of dominant overstory composition types in shaping the pattern of understory vegetation abundance, species diversity and composition in the temperate Himalayan region. The higher resource conditions associated with broadleaved stands supported higher understory species abundance at lower elevations, while the heterogeneous conditions induced by the mixedwood stands promoted higher understory species diversity.ConclusionThe hump shaped pattern along the altitudinal gradient appeared to be the most dominant pattern of plant abundance and species diversity and call for more conservation concern towards the middle elevation zones in the temperate Himalayan region. Furthermore, the management interventions should aim at maintaining diverse range of overstory composition types for conserving biodiversity and their ecological functions in the temperate Himalayan region.
Short-term effects of an unprecedented heatwave on intertidal bivalve populations: fisheries management surveys provide an incomplete picture
Authors: Raymond Wendel W. , Tobin Elizabeth D. , Barber Julie S. , Hayford Hilary A. , Raymond Ann E. T. , Speck Camille A. , Rogers Doug , Brown Rana 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionCoastal marine ecosystems, are particularly susceptible to climate change. One such threat is atmospheric heatwaves, which are predicted to increase in frequency, duration, and intensity. Many intertidal organisms already live at the edge of their thermal tolerance limits and heatwaves can outstretch an organism’s ability to compensate in the short term. In June 2021 the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including the Salish Sea, experienced a significant atmospheric heatwave during some of the lowest tides of the year. This was followed by numerous reports of dead and dying intertidal marine organisms region-wide. A semi-quantitative rapid assessment found a range of both species- and location-specific effects but generally recorded widespread negative impacts to intertidal shellfish species across the Salish Sea. MethodsFollowing these results, we opportunistically analyzed data collected by intertidal bivalve resource managers from the region. These datasets allowed us to examine regional density and size data for clam and oyster populations before and after the heatwave to increase our quantitative understanding of heatwave effects. ResultsWe found a range of responses including positive and negative effects of the heatwave on clam and oyster density. While we generally found small changes in bivalve size, some site-species combinations displayed large shifts in size frequency. Many of our analyses did not indicate even moderate statistical support, even with large changes in the mean, driven in part by high variability in the data. Time intervals between surveys, ranging from 2 to over 25 months, had little effect on observed variability indicating that any heatwave-induced effects may be masked by variability inherent to the population ecology and/or survey methodology. DiscussionThis analysis has highlighted the need for intertidal resource managers, and the greater research community, to consider alternative survey approaches designed to constrain variability in order to detect the effects of acute or extreme events. With the effects of climate change predicted to become more intense, targeted survey approaches may be needed to detect the effects and implications of such events and to continue effective management of intertidal bivalves in the Salish Sea and worldwide.
AM/PM dosing of LAMA for COPD: a randomized controlled trial protocol using digital recruitment and registries
Authors: Sivapalan Pradeesh , Rømer Valdemar , Wirenfeldt Klausen Tobias , Dyrby Johansen Niklas , Pareek Manan , Modin Daniel , Mathioudakis Alexander , Vestbo Jørgen , Eklöf Josefin , Jordan Alexander , Hurst John R. , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Jensen Jens-Ulrik 
Published: August 2024

RationaleLong-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) reduce the risk of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), usually taken once daily in the morning. However, the circadian activity of autonomic regulation suggests that the highest need for anticholinergic therapy may be in the late night/early morning. This is supported by evidence that AECOPD most often begins in the morning. Furthermore, the trough spirometry effect of LAMA is lower than the peak effect, which further argues that evening dosing may be more optimal than morning dosing. This trial aims to determine whether evening administration of LAMA reduces hospitalization-requiring AECOPD or death from all causes within 1 year as compared to morning administration of the same LAMA.MethodsRandomized controlled open-label trial. Persons aged 30 years or older with a once-daily LAMA prescription and a confirmed COPD diagnosis were recruited. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either morning or evening LAMA administration. Complete follow-up for the primary outcome, hospitalization-requiring AECOPD, or death from all causes within 1 year was captured from the Danish National Health Register, as were patient-reported outcome assessments at 6 and 12 months.ResultsA total of 10,013 participants were randomized, and the recruitment process started on 9 March 2023. Secondary outcomes include (i) moderate COPD exacerbations; (ii) all-cause hospitalization; (iii) ICU admission; (iv) need for non-invasive ventilation; and (v) all-cause mortality, among others. All outcomes will be evaluated 12 months after recruitment.Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05563675.
Effectiveness of acupuncture in treating patients with pain and mental health concerns: the results of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project
Authors: Lu Mingshan , Sharmin Sumaiya , Tao Yong , Xia Xin , Yang Gongliang , Cong Yingying , Yang Guanhu , Jiang Jing , Xiao Yun , Peng Laura , Quan Joshua , Xu Bentong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThis study presents real-world evidence on the clinical outcomes of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project (ABCHIP), which utilized acupuncture to address pain and mental health issues in two vulnerable populations in Alberta: youth (aged 24 and below) and elderly (aged 55 and above).MethodsOver 282 days, a total of 606 patients received 5,424 acupuncture treatments. Tailored to each patients’ specific pain and mental health concerns, an individualized treatment plan was selected, following a standard treatment protocol lasting 1 to 3 months. Patients were evaluated at least twice: initially and upon completing therapy. Primary treatment outcomes were assessed using various measures, including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), PROMIS Anxiety 8a and its pediatric form PROMIS Anxiety-Pediatric, PROMIS Short Form v1.0 Fatigue 8a and its pediatric counterpart PROMIS Pediatric Short Form v2.0 Fatigue 10a, PROMIS Short Form v1.1 Anger 5a and its version PROMIS SF v2.0 5a, and EQ-5D-5L. These measures gauged pain reduction, improved sleep quality, reduced depression, anxiety, fatigue, anger, and quality of life, respectively.ResultsAnalysis of data from 500 patients who received at least 6 acupuncture sessions through ABCHIP showed statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes. Among this group, the subgroup of 235 patients who received at least 12 sessions demonstrated the most favorable treatment outcomes, including an 75.5% reduction in pain severity, a 53.1% improvement in sleep quality, a 78.4% drop in depression, a 41.1% decline in anxiety, a 43.7% decrease in fatigue, a 38.2% decrease in anger, and a 42.6% improvement in overall quality of life.ConclusionIntegrating acupuncture with usual care demonstrates promise in enhancing mental health, alleviating chronic and general pain, and improving overall quality of life. The findings suggest that integrative programs, such as ABCHIP, present an effective approach to addressing pain and mental health concerns in vulnerable populations, providing valuable insights for future healthcare interventions.
Focused ultrasound therapy for Alzheimer’s disease: exploring the potential for targeted amyloid disaggregation
Authors: Scott Kurt , Klaus Stephen P. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is marked by beta-amyloid plaque accumulation and cognitive decline. The limited efficacy and significant side effects of anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapies have prompted exploration into innovative treatments like focused ultrasound therapy. Focused ultrasound shows promise as a non-invasive technique for disrupting the blood–brain barrier, potentially enhancing drug delivery directly to the brain and improving the penetration of existing therapeutic agents.MethodsThis systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Embase databases, focusing on studies published in the last ten years that examined the use of low–intensity focused ultrasound for blood–brain barrier disruption in Alzheimer’s disease. The search strategy encompassed terms related to Alzheimer’s disease, focused ultrasound, and the blood–brain barrier. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence framework.ResultsTwelve studies were analyzed, the results of which suggested that low intensity focused ultrasound when combined with microbubbles may safely and transiently disrupt the blood–brain barrier. These studies, primarily early-phase and observational, highlight the potential feasibility of focused ultrasound in facilitating drug delivery to the brain for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, one study reported positive impacts on cognitive tests, suggesting potential direct therapeutic effects of focused ultrasound beyond blood–brain barrier disruption.ConclusionThe results of the included studies indicate the use of focused ultrasound in Alzheimer’s disease treatment might be safe and effective in transiently opening the blood–brain barrier. Although current evidence is promising, further research is needed to establish generalizability. Future studies should also aim to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of low-intensity focused ultrasound as well as microbubbles for blood–brain barrier opening and explore potential clinical benefits beyond blood–brain barrier opening such as impacts on cognitive outcomes. Future studies should also aim for greater participant diversity to ensure findings are applicable across the full spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease patients.
Effects of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome on cerebral white matter and emotional health among non-hospitalized individuals
Authors: Churchill Nathan W. , Roudaia Eugenie , Chen J. Jean , Sekuler Allison , Gao Fuqiang , Masellis Mario , Lam Benjamin , Cheng Ivy , Heyn Chris , Black Sandra E. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Graham Simon J. , Schweizer Tom A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPost-acute COVID syndrome (PACS) is a growing concern, given its impact on mental health and quality of life. However, its effects on cerebral white matter remain poorly understood, particularly in non-hospitalized cohorts. The goals of this cross-sectional, observational study were to examine (1) whether PACS was associated with distinct alterations in white matter microstructure, compared to symptom-matched non-COVID viral infection; and (2) whether microstructural alterations correlated with indices of post-COVID emotional health.MethodsData were collected for 54 symptomatic individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 (mean age 41 ± 12 yrs., 36 female) and 14 controls who tested negative for COVID-19 (mean age 41 ± 14 yrs., 8 female), with both groups assessed an average of 4–5 months after COVID testing. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were collected, and emotional health was assessed via the NIH emotion toolbox, with summary scores indexing social satisfaction, well-being and negative affect.ResultsDespite similar symptoms, the COVID-19 group had reduced mean and axial diffusivity, along with increased mean kurtosis and neurite dispersion, in deep white matter. After adjusting for social satisfaction, higher levels of negative affect in the COVID-19 group were also correlated with increased mean kurtosis and reduced free water in white matter.DiscussionThese results provide preliminary evidence that indices of white matter microstructure distinguish PACS from symptomatic non-COVID infection. Moreover, white matter effects seen in PACS correlate with the severity of emotional sequelae, providing novel insights into this highly prevalent disorder.
Regorafenib-related erythrocytosis in metastatic extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report
Authors: Fassi Elena , Amoroso Vito , Cosentini Deborah , Ferrari Vittorio , Laganà Marta , Berruti Alfredo , di Mauro Pierluigi 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionRegorafenib is an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) indicated for the treatment of various tumor types, including metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), as a third-line systemic therapy. Erythrocytosis, which is characterized by an increase in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, has been described as a side effect of some antiangiogenic TKIs but has never been associated with regorafenib administration.Case presentationAn extra-GIST was diagnosed in a 58-year-old woman after she underwent surgery to remove a pelvic mass. Three years later, systemic therapy with imatinib was started due to pelvic disease recurrence. However, after six months, due to disease progression, we prescribed sunitinib, which the patient received for four years. Regorafenib was initiated in June 2019, and after six months, we noted an increase in the erythrocytes’ count and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Given that the patient had clinical benefit and hematocrit was within normal range, we only monitored the blood cell count and continued to give regorafenib at the same dose. The drug was then stopped for over six weeks due to hospitalization for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and Hb levels returned to normal. Therefore, we decided to restart regorafenib at a lower dose. However, Hb levels rose again in conjunction with increased hematocrit, resulting in the need for multiple phlebotomies. We attempted to restart regorafenib every other day, but it was unsuccessful, so we stopped it permanently in May 2023, and all values returned to normal.ConclusionRegorafenib may cause secondary erythrocytosis that could not be dose-related, as this case report suggests. Secondary erythrocytosis might be a marker of TKI efficacy, given the patient’s prolonged clinical benefit during regorafenib treatment (48 months). In patients receiving regorafenib, monitoring blood count as well as any symptoms associated with erythrocytosis may be suggested.
Sexual dimorphism of colorectal cancer in humans and colorectal tumors in a murine model
Authors: Rodríguez-Santiago Yair , Terrazas-Valdés Luis Ignacio , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Del Río-Araiza Víctor Hugo , Garay-Canales Claudia Angélica , Morales-Montor Jorge 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionIn colorectal cancer, men exhibit a higher incidence than women, and there is a disturbance in the levels of sex steroids in serum in patients with this disease. Consistently, in animals, males have greater tumor growth than females in diverse models. Nevertheless, the role of sex steroids is not well established. For that, we analyzed the effect of the principal gonadal sex steroids in both sexes. We determined sex as a statistically risk factor for colorectal cancer with data obtained from GLOBOCAN database.MethodsTo induce colorectal tumors, we used the gold standard chemical method of azoxymethane and dextran sulphate of sodium. To evaluate the role of sex steroids, we gonadectomized independent males and female animals, reconstituting and substituting them with 17β estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Finally, we determined, in vitro, the proliferation of a human cell line exposed to 17β estradiol, testosterone, or dihydrotestosterone. Sex, as a risk factor for colorectal cancer, showed a statistically significant susceptibility of men over 50 years old.ResultsIn vivo, males develop a greater number of tumors and with a larger size than females. In males, orchiectomy prevents tumor growth, whereas in females, ovariectomy promotes the development of neoplasms. DHT acts as a protumoral agent in both sexes. 17β estradiol reduces tumor growth in females but enhances it in males, showing a dimorphic effect. In vitro studies reveal that estradiol decreases the proliferation of the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line, while testosterone boosts proliferation in these cells. Interestingly, dihydrotestosterone does not influence proliferation.
Bibliometric analysis of bone metastases from lung cancer research from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Tang Jing , Gu Zhangui , Yang Zongqiang , Ma Long , Liu Qiang , Shi Jiandang , Niu Ningkui , Wang Yanyang 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundBone metastases of lung cancer (BMLC) severely diminish patients’ quality of life due to bone-related events, and the lack of clear guidelines globally regarding medical and surgical treatment significantly reduces patient survival. While knowledge about BMLC has grown exponentially over the past two decades, a comprehensive and objective bibliometric analysis remains absent.MethodsA comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted on relevant literature on BMLC extracted from the Web of Science database from 2004 to 2023 by Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Office Excel Professional Plus 2016 software. 936 papers related to BMLC were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). The number of publications, countries, institutions, global collaborations, authors, journals, keywords, thematic trends, and cited references were then visualized. Finally, the research status and development direction in the last 20 years were analyzed.ResultsThis study included a total of 936 papers on BMLC from 2004 to 2023. There has been a steady increase in global publications each year, peaking in 2021. China had the highest number of publications, followed by Japan and the United States. Additionally, China had the most citations with an H-index of 35, while the US followed with an H-index of 34, highlighting their significant contributions to the field. “Frontiers in Oncology” had the highest number of publications. CiteSpace analysis identified “lung cancer,” “bone metastasis,” and “survival” as the top high-frequency keywords, encapsulating the core research focus. Keyword clustering analysis revealed six main clusters representing the primary research directions. Burst analysis of keywords showed that “skeletal complications” had the highest burst intensity from 2005 to 2013, while recent research trends include “immunotherapy” and “denosumab,” with bursts from 2021 to 2023. Trend topic analysis indicated that “non-small cell lung cancer,” “immunotherapy,” and “immune checkpoint inhibitors” represent the cutting-edge research directions in this field.ConclusionThis article reveals the current status and trend of research on BMLC, which is increasing worldwide. China and the United States have contributed the most, but international cooperative research on BMLC should be strengthened. The pathogenesis, early prevention, and individualized treatment of BMLC need to be strengthened for further study, and immunotherapy is the next hotspot of lung cancer bone metastasis research.