bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weather Associated with Rapid-Growth California Wildfires
Authors: Murphy Patrick , Mass Clifford 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
California is vulnerable to large, rapidly growing wildfires that can threaten human lives and damage physical infrastructure. This study analyzes the daily growth of all satellite-observed California fires from 2003 through 2020 and relates that growth to local meteorological and environmental conditions. Fire growth is defined using both absolute and relative metrics (absolute growth—the daily burned area; relative growth—the daily percent increase in burned area). Near-surface environmental conditions are evaluated before, during, and after periods of fire growth for individual fires of varying sizes and spread rates across events with both high and low relative growth. Regional spatial patterns and distributions of near-surface dryness and winds during large absolute-growth events are examined and compared to climatological conditions. Overall, large absolute-growth events generally occur when dead fuels are driest, trailing short periods of increased atmospheric dryness. For large absolute-growth events, high relative growth is usually associated with strong winds, while low relative growth is generally associated with quiescent climatological winds. Winds during high-relative-growth events are greatest in autumn, surpassing the 95th percentile on average. For these autumnal events, atmospheric dryness is less than during other seasons, but atmospheric and fuel dryness is still sufficient for fire. Irrespective of the season, winds during particularly rapid-growth events (high absolute and relative growth) are frequently downslope and influenced by local terrain regardless of the climatological conditions.

Significance Statement
Wildfires that undergo rapid growth are particularly dangerous to human life and infrastructure. This research finds that, given sufficient dryness, wind is the most important environmental factor in differentiating fire growth of varying sizes and spread rates and for enabling explosive wildfire growth.
Effects of MyBFF@school, a multifaceted obesity intervention program, on anthropometry and body composition of overweight and obese primary schoolchildren
Authors: Zin Ruziana Mona Wan Mohd , Mokhtar Abdul Halim , Yahya Abqariyah , Zain Fuziah Md. , Selamat Rusidah , Ishak Zahari , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity in Malaysia, raising concerns about increased cardiometabolic morbidity. MyBFF@school is a multifaceted program comprising physical activity, nutritional education, and psychological empowerment introduced to combat childhood obesity in Malaysia. The efficacy of a six-month intervention on the body composition of overweight and obese primary schoolchildren was evaluated.

Methods
This is a school-based, cluster randomized controlled trial involving selected primary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan. A total of 1,397 primary-school students aged 9–11 with a body mass index (BMI)

$$z$$

z

-score (corrected for age) greater than + 1 standard deviation based on the World Health Organization 2007 Growth Reference were assigned to intervention (

$$n=647$$

n
=
647

) and control (

$$n=750$$

n
=
750

) groups. BMI z-score, waist circumference (WC), percentage body fat (PBF), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were assessed at baseline and after three and six months of the study. Analyses of all outcomes except for the baseline characteristics were conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle.

Results
After three months, there was no significant difference in the BMI z-score or PBF between the control and intervention groups, but SMM and WC were significantly higher in the intervention group versus the control group with mean difference of 0.15 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07–0.22, p < 0.001 and mean difference of 1.53 cm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21- 1.85, p < 0.001 for SMM and WC respectively. After six months, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PBF compared to the controls (% mean difference: 0.43%, 95% CI: − 0.73 to − 0.12, p < 0.001) as well as a greater increase in SMM (mean difference: 0.28 kg, 95% CI: 0.18–0.37, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the BMI z-score or WC between the intervention and control groups at six months.

Conclusions
The multicomponent MyBFF@school intervention significantly improved body composition among obese primary schoolchildren in terms of percentage body fat and skeletal muscle mass compared to the control after six months. However, BMI z-score and waist circumference measures did not reflect the benefits of this program.

Trial registration
Clinical trial number: NCT04155255, November 7, 2019 (Retrospective registered). National Medical Research Register: NMRR-13–439-16,563. Registered July 23, 2013. The intervention program was approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Educational Planning and Research Division (EPRD), Ministry of Education Malaysia. It was funded by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
The effects of deprivation, age, and regional differences in COVID-19 mortality from 2020 to 2022: a retrospective analysis of public provincial data
Authors: Chen Anqi A. , Renouf Elizabeth M. , Dean Charmaine B. , Hu X. Joan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quickly spread around the world after its initial identification in Wuhan, China in 2019 and became a global public health crisis. COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths as important disease outcomes have been investigated by many studies while less attention has been given to the relationship between these two outcomes at a public health unit level. In this study, we aim to establish the relationship of counts of deaths and hospitalizations caused by COVID-19 over time across 34 public health units in Ontario, Canada, taking demographic, geographic, socio-economic, and vaccination variables into account.

Methods
We analyzed daily data of the 34 health units in Ontario between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022. Associations between numbers of COVID-19 related deaths and hospitalizations were explored over three subperiods according to the availability of vaccines and the dominance of the Omicron variant in Ontario. A generalized additive model (GAM) was fit in each subperiod. Heterogeneity across public health units was formulated via a random intercept in each of the models.

Results
Mean daily COVID-19 deaths increased quickly as daily hospitalizations increased, particularly when daily hospitalizations were less than 20. In all the subperiods, mean daily deaths of a public health unit was significantly associated with its population size and the proportion of confirmed cases in subjects over 60 years old. The proportion of fully vaccinated (2 doses of primary series) people in the 60 + age group was a significant factor after the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines. The deprivation index, a measure of poverty, had a significantly positive effect on COVID-19 mortality after the dominance of the Omicron variant in Ontario. Quantification of these effects was provided, including effects related to public health units.

Conclusions
The differences in COVID-19 mortality across health units decreased over time, after adjustment for other covariates. In the last subperiod when most public health protections were released and the Omicron variant dominated, the least advantaged group might suffer higher COVID-19 mortality. Interventions such as paid sick days and cleaner indoor air should be made available to counter lifting of health protections.
An introduction to MyBFF@school, a school-based childhood obesity intervention program: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mokhtar Abdul Halim , Ishak Zahari , Zain Fuziah Md. , Selamat Rusidah , Yahya Abqariyah , Jalaludin Muhammad Yazid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Obesity trend among Malaysian children is on the rise. Noting that the tendency for them to grow into obese adults and the relationship of obesity to many non-communicable diseases, the My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School (MyBFF@school program) was designed to combat obesity among the schoolchildren. The program was piloted in 2014 in Putrajaya, Malaysia. There were several challenges during the pilot study which included strain in manpower, limited variation of physical activity, nutrition, and psychology modules, time-constraint after school hours, co-curriculum marks, contamination effect, and school selection. The main MyBFF@school in 2016 addressed the challenges and improvised the design which were elaborated in subsequent articles in this supplement. This cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in three states; Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan in 23 primary and 15 secondary schools were selected through proportionate random sampling. The MyBFF@school intervention package consisted of physical activity, nutrition and psychology components were carried out for six months. Data were collected at baseline, mid (month-3) and end (month-6) of the study period. The effects of the program on body composition, clinical, physical fitness, nutrition, and psychology were assessed in primary schoolchildren aged 9 to 11 years old (children age group) and secondary schoolchildren (adolescent) aged 13 to 16 years old. The prevalence of overweight and obesity at screening (N=22,816) were 29.4% in primary and 26.8% in secondary schoolchildren. Outcomes of the trial is presented in this supplement. In summary, the MyBFF@school program is a school-based intervention for overweight and obese children and adolescent. It is a combination of physical activity, nutrition and psychology components. We present in this supplement, the rationale, methodology and the outcomes of this randomized control trial of the MyBFF@school program.
Exploring the contribution of integrated healthcare practices to malaria control in Ghana: perspectives of medical herbalists
Authors: Ampomah Irene G. , Devine Susan , Ampomah Genevieve A. , Emeto Theophilus I. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The integration of herbal and orthodox medicines has gained momentum in global health, ensuring improved management of infectious diseases like malaria. This study explored the experiences of medical herbalists working in Ghana’s diverse ecological zones to understand the contributions of integrated healthcare to malaria control.

Methods
A phenomenological design was employed to conduct in-depth interviews with 19 purposively sampled medical herbalists. Framework analytical approach and Donabedian’s conceptual framework for quality of care were utilised in analysing the data.

Results
Findings revealed high awareness of integrated healthcare practices among participants. Medical herbalists perceived integrated care as instrumental in enhancing malaria management through factors such as improved quality assurance, increased accessibility to integrated health facilities, patient-centred care, follow-up practices, and opportunities for continuous professional development. However, structural and process-related challenges were identified, including inadequate healthcare personnel, medicines, and equipment. Additionally, limited promotional activities, non-comprehensive National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and ineffective referral systems were recognised as barriers hindering the effectiveness of the integrated system and its potential contribution to malaria control.

Conclusion
Although national and health system-based challenges have thwarted the importance of integration on malaria control, medical herbalists feel optimistic about the intervention. To optimise the effectiveness of integrated healthcare in controlling malaria in Ghana would require policy modification and implementation. Future research could focus on developing healthcare frameworks, particularly for malaria, that prioritise quality service delivery within an integrated system.
The SIRT5-JIP4 interaction promotes osteoclastogenesis by modulating RANKL-induced signaling transduction
Authors: Zhu Kecheng , Sheng Chunxiang , Zhang Linlin , Yang Yuying , Chen Xiaojing , Jiang Tao , Song Jiaxi , Zhang Deng , Wang Xiao , Zhao Hongyan , Sun Lihao , Zhou Libin , Tao Bei , Liu Jianmin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) initiates a complex signaling cascade that is crucial for inducing osteoclast differentiation and activation. RANKL-induced signaling has been analyzed in detail, and the involvement of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK), NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activator protein-1 (AP-1), and molecules that contain an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) has been reported. However, the precise molecular steps that regulate RANKL signaling remain largely unknown. Here, we revealed the indispensable role of a class III histone deacetylase (SIRT5) in the processes of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and activation. SIRT5 expression in osteoclasts was increased during osteoclastogenesis upon stimulation with RANKL. The RANKL-induced signaling activation was suppressed in SIRT5-deficient osteoclasts but enhanced by SIRT5 overexpression. Mice with global or conditional monocytic lineage knockout of SIRT5 had increased bone mass and reduced osteoclast numbers. In the cytoplasm, SIRT5 interacted with the scaffold protein JNK-interacting protein 4 (JIP4) to finely regulate MAPK signaling, which was critical for osteoclast differentiation and activation. Pharmacological inhibition of the catalytic activity of SIRT5 effectively reversed bone loss in ovariectomized mice. Taken together, the results of this study reveal that the SIRT5-JIP4 axis is a novel positive regulator that finely regulates RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and suggest that targeting this axis is a therapeutic strategy for preventing osteoporotic bone loss.

Graphical Abstract
Machine learning and multi-omics in precision medicine for ME/CFS
Authors: Huang Katherine , Lidbury Brett A. , Thomas Natalie , Gooley Paul R. , Armstrong Christopher W. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and multifaceted disorder that defies simplistic characterisation. Traditional approaches to diagnosing and treating ME/CFS have often fallen short due to the condition’s heterogeneity and the lack of validated biomarkers. The growing field of precision medicine offers a promising approach which focuses on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of individual patients. In this review, we explore how machine learning and multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) can transform precision medicine in ME/CFS research and healthcare. We provide an overview on machine learning concepts for analysing large-scale biological data, highlight key advancements in multi-omics biomarker discovery, data quality and integration strategies, while reflecting on ME/CFS case study examples. We also highlight several priorities, including the critical need for applying robust computational tools and collaborative data-sharing initiatives in the endeavour to unravel the biological intricacies of ME/CFS.
The interaction of tPA with NMDAR1 drives neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in α-synuclein-mediated neurotoxicity
Authors: Torrente Daniel , Su Enming J. , Citalán-Madrid Alí Francisco , Schielke Gerald P. , Magaoay Daniel , Warnock Mark , Stevenson Tamara , Mann Kris , Lesept Flavie , Delétage Nathalie , Blanc Manuel , Norris Erin H. , Vivien Denis , Lawrence Daniel A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The thrombolytic protease tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is expressed in the CNS, where it regulates diverse functions including neuronal plasticity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain-barrier integrity. However, its role in different brain regions such as the substantia nigra (SN) is largely unexplored. In this study, we characterize tPA expression, activity, and localization in the SN using a combination of retrograde tracing and β-galactosidase tPA reporter mice. We further investigate tPA’s potential role in SN pathology in an α-synuclein mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To characterize the mechanism of tPA action in α-synuclein-mediated pathology in the SN and to identify possible therapeutic pathways, we performed RNA-seq analysis of the SN and used multiple transgenic mouse models. These included tPA deficient mice and two newly developed transgenic mice, a knock-in model expressing endogenous levels of proteolytically inactive tPA (tPA Ala-KI) and a second model overexpressing proteolytically inactive tPA (tPA Ala-BAC). Our findings show that striatal GABAergic neurons send tPA+ projections to dopaminergic (DA)-neurons in the SN and that tPA is released from SN-derived synaptosomes upon stimulation. We also found that tPA levels in the SN increased following α-synuclein overexpression. Importantly, tPA deficiency protects DA-neurons from degeneration, prevents behavioral deficits, and reduces microglia activation and T-cell infiltration induced by α-synuclein overexpression. RNA-seq analysis indicates that tPA in the SN is required for the upregulation of genes involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses induced by α-synuclein overexpression. Overexpression of α-synuclein in tPA Ala-KI mice, expressing only proteolytically inactive tPA, confirms that tPA-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration is independent of its proteolytic activity. Moreover, overexpression of proteolytically inactive tPA in tPA Ala-BAC mice leads to increased neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration compared to mice expressing normal levels of tPA, suggesting a tPA dose response. Finally, treatment of mice with glunomab, a neutralizing antibody that selectively blocks tPA binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-1 (NMDAR1) without affecting NMDAR1 ion channel function, identifies the tPA interaction with NMDAR1 as necessary for tPA-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in response to α-synuclein-mediated neurotoxicity. Thus, our data identifies a novel pathway that promotes DA-neuron degeneration and suggests a potential therapeutic intervention for PD targeting the tPA-NMDAR1 interaction.
'Which treatment do you believe you received?' A randomised blinding feasibility trial of spinal manual therapy
Authors: Muñoz Laguna Javier , Kurmann Astrid , Hofstetter Léonie , Nyantakyi Emanuela , Braun Julia , Clack Lauren , Bang Heejung , Farshad Mazda , Foster Nadine E. , Puhan Milo A. , Hincapié Cesar A. ,   the SALuBRITY Blinding Clinician Group, Mühlemann Malin , Caviezel Curdin , Ehrler Marco , Häusler Melanie , Höltschi Céline , Kroismayr Daniela , Leemann Serafin , Mühlemann Daniel , Nyirö Luana , Rabold Lorene , Schmid Christof , Yilmaz Bedran , Granelli Fredrik , Sem Christophe 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Blinding is essential for mitigating biases in trials of low back pain (LBP). Our main objectives were to assess the feasibility of blinding: (1) participants randomly allocated to active or placebo spinal manual therapy (SMT), and (2) outcome assessors. We also explored blinding by levels of SMT lifetime experience and recent LBP, and factors contributing to beliefs about the assigned intervention.

Methods
A two-parallel-arm, single-centre, placebo-controlled, blinding feasibility trial. Adults were randomised to active SMT (n = 40) or placebo SMT (n = 41). Participants attended two study visits for their assigned intervention, on average seven days apart. The primary outcome was participant blinding (beliefs about assigned intervention) using the Bang blinding index (BI) at two study visits. The Bang BI is arm-specific, chance-corrected, and ranges from − 1 (all incorrect beliefs) to 1 (all correct beliefs), with 0 indicating equal proportions of correct and incorrect beliefs. Secondary outcomes included factors contributing to beliefs about the assigned intervention.

Results
Of 85 adults screened, 81 participants were randomised (41 [51%] with SMT lifetime experience; 29 [39%] with recent LBP), and 80 (99%) completed follow-up. At study visit 1, 50% of participants in the active SMT arm (Bang BI: 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.26 to 0.74]) and 37% in the placebo SMT arm (0.37 [95% CI, 0.10 to 0.63]) had a correct belief about their assigned intervention, beyond chance. At study visit 2, BIs were 0.36 (0.08 to 0.64) and 0.29 (0.01 to 0.57) for participants in the active and placebo SMT arms, respectively. BIs among outcome assessors suggested adequate blinding at both study visits (active SMT: 0.08 [− 0.05 to 0.20] and 0.03 [− 0.11 to 0.16]; placebo SMT: − 0.12 [− 0.24 to 0.00] and − 0.07 [− 0.21 to 0.07]). BIs varied by participant levels of SMT lifetime experience and recent LBP. Participants and outcome assessors described different factors contributing to their beliefs.

Conclusions
Adequate blinding of participants assigned to active SMT may not be feasible with the intervention protocol studied, whereas blinding of participants in the placebo SMT arm may be feasible. Blinding of outcome assessors seemed adequate. Further methodological work on blinding of SMT is needed.

Trial registration number
NCT05778396.
How Delphi studies in the health sciences find consensus: a scoping review
Authors: Schifano Julia , Niederberger Marlen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Delphi studies are primarily used in the health sciences to find consensus. They inform clinical practice and influence structures, processes, and framework conditions of healthcare. The practical research—how Delphi studies are conducted—has seldom been discussed methodologically or documented systematically. The aim of this scoping review is to fill this research gap and to identify shortcomings in the methodological presentation in the literature. On the basis of the analysis, we derive recommendations for the quality-assured implementation of Delphi studies.

Methods
Forming the basis of this scoping review are publications on consensus Delphi studies in the health sciences between January 1, 2018, and April 21, 2021, in the databases Scopus, MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, and Epistemonikos. Included were publications in German and English containing the words “Delphi” in the title and “health” and “consensus” in the title or abstract. The practical research was analyzed for the qualitative content of the publications according to three deductive main categories, to which an influence on the result of Delphi studies can be imputed (expert panel, questionnaire design, process and feedback design).

Results
A total of 287 consensus Delphi studies were included in the review, whereby 43% reported having carried out a modified Delphi. In most cases, heterogeneous expert groups from research, clinical practice, health economics, and health policy were surveyed. In about a quarter of the Delphi studies, affected parties, such as patients, were part of the expert panel. In the Delphi questionnaires it was most common for standardized Likert scales to be combined with open-ended questions. Which method was used to analyze the open-ended responses was not reported in 62% of the Delphi studies. Consensus is largely (81%) defined as percentage agreement.

Conclusions
The results show considerable differences in how Delphi studies are carried out, making assessments and comparisons between them difficult. Sometimes an approach points to unintended effects, or biases in the individual judgments of the respondents and, thus, in the overall results of Delphi studies. For this reason, we extrapolate suggestions for how certain comparability and quality assurance can be achieved for Delphi studies.