bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating approaches for integrating species distributions in spatial conservation planning
Authors: Winiarski Jason M. , Shipley Amy A. , Fowler Drew N. , Palumbo Matthew D. , Straub Jacob N. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMap‐based decision support tools (DSTs) that use species distributions are an important means of identifying priority areas for conservation. The Wisconsin Waterfowl Habitat Conservation Strategy (WWHCS) uses a DST to identify priority ecological landscapes and watersheds to guide waterfowl habitat projects. The WWHCS DST relies on waterfowl habitat suitability layers derived through expert opinion in lieu of species distributions, a common approach in DSTs. Given the subjectivity of expert opinion, model‐driven species distributions such as those available from community science projects could provide more reliable information and better identify areas for waterfowl conservation. Here, we explore the application of relative abundance products available through the eBird Status and Trends project as an alternative to expert‐derived habitat suitability layers in the WWHCS DST. Our objectives were to compare seasonal species distributions from habitat suitability models (expert‐derived) and species distribution models (eBird‐derived) and determine whether differences influenced DST prioritizations. Correlations between expert‐ and eBird‐derived distributions were generally low to moderate for breeding and fall layers (ρ: −0.03–0.76), and lowest for spring (ρ: −0.49–0.72). There was also minimal agreement among top‐ranked ecological landscapes (40%) and watersheds (28%) between the two versions of the DST. Finally, we compare tradeoffs and suggest a model‐driven approach for the WWHCS DST. However, additional work validating eBird relative abundance against professional surveys and empirical studies evaluating waterfowl habitat selection and vital rates are important future considerations for the DST and waterfowl habitat conservation in Wisconsin.
Environmental drivers of arthropod communities across the endangered predator Gambelia sila's current and historic range
Authors: Braun Jenna , Westphal Michael , Goldgisser Marina , Padula Kevin , Ramirez Kathryn , English John , Evans Jason , Statham Mark , Fesnock Amy , Lortie C. J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDescribing the habitat needs of endangered species is a major focus of applied conservation research. The blunt‐nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila (Stejneger, 1890)) is a flagship endangered species endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California, USA. Arthropods are an important component of G. sila's diet and of many other listed vertebrate species in Californian drylands. We examined the drivers of abundance, richness, and composition across the current and extirpated ranges of the blunt‐nosed leopard lizard G. sila for four arthropod communities: ground‐active, shrub‐canopy active, open area active, and aerial. We found no evidence for lower arthropod abundance or species richness at sites from which G. sila has been extirpated. In contrast, the ground‐active arthropod and beetle communities were less abundant at sites with current populations of G. sila after accounting for environmental variation. Thus, prey availability—at least at the community level and for the taxonomic groups considered—would not likely be a factor constraining future repopulation efforts for G. sila into its historical range. Beta‐diversity partitioning analyses indicated that a regional approach to conservation is necessary to conserve arthropod biodiversity across the San Joaquin Valley. Increasing aridity lowered abundance and species richness at fine scales for most communities tested and was also related to spatial composition across the region. Thus, in terms of G. sila conservation and restoration, sites with the lowest current and projected future aridity should be prioritized to maximize the abundance and richness of co‐occurring ground‐active arthropod and beetle communities.
‘It just doesn't stop’: Perspectives of women who use drugs on increased overdoses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Speed Kelsey A. , McNeil Ryan , Hayashi Kanna , Maher Lisa , Boyd Jade 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn Canada, the COVID‐19 pandemic collided with an ongoing overdose crisis driven by a toxic unregulated drug supply. Public health guidance intended to limit transmission of COVID‐19 (e.g., social distancing) directly contradicted guidance responding to the ongoing overdose crisis (e.g., never use drugs alone), exacerbating harms among people reliant on the toxic unregulated drug supply. While existing literature characterises many harms associated with consuming unregulated drugs during COVID‐19, less is known about the specific impacts on women. We explored the perspectives of women who use unregulated drugs and experienced socio‐economic marginalisation on how the COVID‐19 environment shaped their overdose risk in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews remotely with 45 participants between May 2020 and September 2021, and analysed the data thematically using a social violence framework.ResultsParticipants identified contamination of the unregulated drug supply, particularly with benzodiazepines, as a significant driver of overdose and gendered violence among women who use drugs. ‘Social distancing’ guidelines (e.g., guest restrictions in supportive housing, reduced capacity in harm reduction services) compounded these risks and resulted in more women using drugs alone, reducing opportunities for timely overdose intervention. In response, participants practiced individualised acts of caregiving (e.g., establishing informal networks that regularly check on each other) to mitigate the risks of overdose and gendered violence for themselves and their community.Discussion and ConclusionsThese intersecting health crises perpetuated individualised approaches to addressing the risks of overdose and gendered violence, rather than addressing underlying social and structural drivers of these risks.
Molecular Characteristics of Sweet Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Calabrese Laura , Romagnuolo Maurizio , D'Onghia Martina , Rubegni Pietro , Marzano Angelo V. , Moltrasio Chiara 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSweet syndrome (SS), originally described as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory skin condition, considered the prototype of neutrophilic dermatoses. It is characterised by the sudden onset of well‐defined tender papules, plaques and nodules often accompanied by fever, neutrophilia and elevated markers of inflammation. Several variants have been described both clinically and histopathologically. Classifications include idiopathic, malignancy‐associated, and drug‐induced SS. The exact pathogenesis of SS is still unclear; however, recent findings have shed light on the role of dermal infiltrating neutrophils—in the context of innate immunity, and signalling pathways related to adaptive immunity. To critically analyse the current molecular landscape of SS and discuss the recent evidence supporting novel potential immune mediators and biological signalling pathways involved in SS pathogenesis. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines and included two bibliographical databases, searching articles published until 17 December 2023. Titles, abstracts and full text were reviewed independently by two assessors, while other two investigators resolved any opinion differences. Of 3303 records identified through database search, 22 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. We considered experimental studies that performed molecular analysis, in terms of cytokines quantification, gene expression and/or immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry. As for the latter, only studies aimed at characterising the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate and potential mechanisms leading to distinct forms of cutaneous inflammatory cell influx were included. Overall, we described research on 202 SS patients (177 skin biopsies and 25 blood specimens) revealing the predominant role of neutrophil activation and abnormal proliferation as unifying mechanisms in different SS subtypes. Interestingly, we found that hyperactivation of the IL‐1 pathway might occur only in a subset of SS patients and adaptive immunity could also play a role in the pathogenic scenario of SS, with a potential significant role of IL‐17 axis. This systematic review provides a wealth of evidence on the molecular landscape of SS, although further research is needed to a deeper understanding of the patho‐mechanisms of this rare disease and hopefully lead to targeted therapeutic approaches.
A Physical Bottleneck Increases Predation on Atlantic Salmon Smolts During Seaward Migration in an Irish Index River
Authors: Sortland Lene Klubben , Wightman Glen , Flávio Hugo , Aarestrup Kim , Roche William 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCounting departing smolts and returning adults in index rivers is essential to estimate marine survival and track population trends of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). However, mortalities between counting facilities and a river mouth can skew survival estimates. We used acoustic and radio telemetry to investigate survival, mortality sources and behaviour of wild salmon smolts in the River Erriff, Ireland's index river, and Killary Fjord. Smolts were tagged with acoustic tags in 2017 (n = 40) and 2018 (n = 35) and radio tags in 2018 (n = 30). Survival was low for acoustic‐tagged smolts in 2017 (26%) and 2018 (47%), mainly due to riverine mortality. Terrestrial or avian predators consumed 65% of acoustic‐tagged smolts in 2017 and 67% of radio‐tagged smolts in 2018. Nocturnal migration and ebb tide transportation likely contributed to high estuary survival. High predation on smolts emphasised the importance of assessing freshwater mortality for effective salmon management.
Exploring the formal development of regional policies and their potential to drive local change: Insights on climate change adaptation in Italy
Authors: Colocci Alessandra , Pietta Antonella , Bagliani Marco 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe growing impacts of climate change are urging effective countermeasures in terms of adaptation, particularly through appropriate policy tools integrated across levels of governance. Local governments, often at the forefront of climate action, play a critical role. The regional level can become a key element in the adaptation chain, connecting higher‐level perspectives to local implementation. The present study aimed to investigate, first, the formal development of regional adaptation policies and, second, their potential to drive local change, focusing on the case study of Italian regions. This study proposed a twofold, qualitative‐quantitative assessment methodology based on the European Regional Adaptation Support Tool framework and a novel approach built on six main factors. Our analysis revealed the underdevelopment of regional adaptation policies, highlighting a critical interruption in the adaptation chain interconnecting European, national and local levels. Furthermore, even when formally issued, regional policies exhibited several significant weaknesses, severely hampering their potential to foster local change. This was especially evident in the generally limited efforts to engage internal and external climate agents through structured mechanisms. In this context, it would be beneficial for regions to embrace the role of coordinating local efforts and actions. Providing actionable solutions, along with related monitoring and evaluation tools, could enhance local climate action and inform the revision of policies across governance levels. Adaptation policies should envisage actions that progressively involve and promote change comprehensively across the territory. We conclude that further efforts should focus on strengthening local climate resilience, not only by developing formal adaptation policies but also by fostering local change.
Changes in Respiratory Syncytial Virus‐Associated Hospitalisations Epidemiology After Nirsevimab Introduction in Lyon, France
Authors: Chauvel Cécile , Horvat Côme , Javouhey Etienne , Gillet Yves , Hassenboehler Juliette , Chakra Claire Nour Abou , Ragouilliaux Corinne , Plaisant Franck , Ploin Dominique , Butin Marine , Casalegno Jean‐Sebastien , Nunes Marta C. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major health concern, particularly for infants. In France, Nirsevimab, a long‐acting monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV‐associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) was available from September 2023. We described RSV‐associated LRTI hospitalisations during the 2023–2024 season among infants younger than six months born at the Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), and evaluated the effectiveness of Nirsevimab against RSV‐LRTI hospitalisation.MethodsThis observational study included infants born and hospitalised at the HCL during the 2023–2024 season, along with pre‐COVID‐19 and 2022–2023 seasons. Information on Nirsevimab immunisation status, clinical and perinatal variables were collected through routine care. Infants' characteristics and incidence rate of hospitalisation per 100 births during 2023–2024 were compared with the historical periods overall and by delay between birth and the onset of the RSV season. Nirsevimab effectiveness was computed by the screening method.ResultsDuring the 2023–2024 season, 83 infants younger than six months were hospitalised with an RSV‐associated LRTI. Compared with the historical periods (640 pre‐COVID‐19 and 123 in 2022–2023), these infants were older. Incidence rate for infants born during the period when immunisation was available were lower than the previous seasons; incidence rate ratios were 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33; 0.62) in 2023–2024 compared with pre‐COVID‐19 period and 0.53 (95%CI: 0.36; 0.77) compared with 2022–2023 season. Nirsevimab effectiveness was 78.3% (95%CI: 55.9; 89.5) with a coverage of 79.3% in the two main HCL maternities.ConclusionsHigh Nirsevimab coverage and effectiveness were estimated in a real‐world setting. A change in the age distribution of RSV‐associated LRTI hospitalisations in 2023–2024 was noted compared with historical seasons.
Singapore's COVID‐19 Genomic Surveillance Programme: Strategies and Insights From a Pandemic Year
Authors: Tan Hao Yi , Khamis Nur Huda , Goh Alvin , Mah Tania K. L. , Yeo Benny , Ngan Jie Yin , Ding Yichen , Lin Cui , Chae Sae‐Rom , Lee Phoebe , Ho Zheng Jie Marc 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, genomic surveillance was crucial for monitoring virus spread and identifying variants. Effective surveillance helped understand transmission dynamics. Singapore had success in combating COVID‐19 through its surveillance programmes. This paper outlines Singapore's strategy and its impact on public health during the transition to endemicity over 54 weeks from February 2022 to February 2023.MethodsIn May 2022, Singapore expanded its acute respiratory infections (ARI) surveillance to enhance COVID‐19 detection. COVID‐19–positive samples from ARI cases were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS data informed public health actions based on transmission origins and case severity.ResultsOver 54 weeks, NPHL sequenced 18,918 (73%) samples. Analysis showed 29% imported and 71% local cases. Severe cases accounted for 12% and were mostly elderly, specifically those aged 80 years old and above. Variant analysis identified 11 predominant variants and 288 subvariants. Omicron BA.2, BA.5 and XBB were initially dominant, followed by increased variant heterogeneity. Severe cases mirrored these trends.ConclusionGenomic surveillance was integral in Singapore's COVID‐19 response, guiding timely public health decisions. Effective variant tracking supported proactive measures. The experience underscores the importance of genomic surveillance for future pandemic preparedness and emerging disease detection, emphasising its role in shaping pandemic responses and global health.
Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (ALRI) in Rural Bangladeshi Children Prior to the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Reller Megan E. , Mehta Kayur , McCollum Eric D. , Ahmed Salahuddin , Anderson Jack , Roy Arunangshu D. , Chowdhury Nabidul Haque , Saha Samir , Moulton Lawrence H. , Santosham Mathuram , Baqui Abdullah H. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAcute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) remain the leading infectious cause of death among children < 5 years, with viruses contributing to a large proportion of cases. Little is known about the epidemiology and etiology of viral ALRI in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe enrolled 3‐ to 23‐month‐old children with ALRIs attending a subdistrict hospital outpatient clinic in Sylhet district in Bangladesh. Trained study physicians ascertained the cases and obtained nasopharyngeal swabs to detect 19 respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR using the Luminex Integrated System NxTAG Respiratory pathogen panel.ResultsBetween August 2016 and September 2017, we enrolled 1477 children. Median age was 10 months; 58.1% were male. Forty‐seven percent presented during autumn (mid‐June to mid‐October). About a third had temperature ≥ 101°F, 95.4% had cough in the previous 3 days, 72.0% had fast breathing, and 80.0% had chest indrawing. Alveolar consolidation occurred in 23.9%, and 4.4% were hypoxemic (saturation < 90% on room air). Nineteen percent required hospitalization; 79.1% of them were discharged within 48 h. A respiratory virus was identified in 81.8%, majority (75.8%) with single virus isolation. Rhinoenterovirus was most commonly identified (HRV/HEV, 37.9%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 20.2%) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 11.7%). Rhinoenterovirus was detected year‐round; RSV was detected during August–November and hMPV during December–March.ConclusionsRespiratory viruses were identified in a majority (82%) of children under 2 years of age presenting with ALRI in rural hospitals of Bangladesh. These findings have implications for future study and potentially for surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, vaccine program planning, and policy.
Tubastrine, an antioxidant molecule from Tubastraea tagusensis sun coral, in the reversion of oxidative stress and neuron's death induced by Aβ42
Authors: Silva Amanda G. , Rostirola João Vitor Cerávolo , Speri Filipe Duo , Pina Juliana Guanaes , Kitahara Marcelo V. , Longato Giovanna B. , Sciani Juliana M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated after amyloid peptide (Aβ42) accumulation. In this study, we isolated a new antioxidant molecule from the sun coral Tubastraea tagusensis and analysed it in cells exposed to oligomeric amyloid‐beta peptide 1‐42 (oAβ42). The coral was collected and immersed in methanol for the release of compounds, which were submitted to antioxidant DPPH and FRAP activity‐guided fractionation using solid‐phase extraction and HPLC. An active pure molecule was analysed by mass spectrometry and tested in SH‐SY5Y differentiated neurons previously exposed to 5 μM oAβ42. The isolated active molecule was identified as tubastrine, which could significantly inhibit the cell death caused by the amyloid peptide. Moreover, oAβ42 increased the percentage of ROS in neurons‐like from 40% to 65%, and the treatment with tubastrine reduced it to 50%. The antioxidant power of neurons‐like after oAβ42 decreased significantly, while the compound reversed it, reaching similar values to the untreated cells. Therefore, tubastrine can reverse an important pathophysiological mechanism of AD, oxidative stress, by increasing neuronal antioxidant power and reducing ROS levels, able to prevent neuron‐like cell death caused by oAβ42.
Patents Used in Patent Office Rejections as Indicators of Value
Authors: Cotropia Christopher A. , Schwartz David L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces a novel approach to measure a patent's economic value by examining whether the patent's disclosure leads to rejection of another pending US patent application. This approach considers the use of the patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in office action rejections on the grounds of novelty or obviousness, as well as its citation as an X or Y reference in a European Patent Office (EPO) search report, which provides analogous information. Unlike conventional citation metrics widely employed by economists, the novel metric is arguably more closely tied to private value, as it is centered on the examiner's rejection of another patent application based on the patent in question. As this metric is not directly influenced by potential strategic behavior by patent lawyers or patent applicants, it is more directly tied to private value. This study evaluates how patents used in novelty and obviousness rejections, and comparable EPO information, correspond to common measures of private value—specifically patent renewal, the assertion of a patent in litigation, the number of independent patent claims, and classification in multiple technological subject matters. We examine rejection data over a defined time period for US patents issued from 1999 to 2007 and then link value data to these patents. A similar analysis is also conducted for EPO search reports. Our findings reveal that rejection uses, as well as X and Y EPO search citations, independently exhibit positive correlations with all of these value measurements. Moreover, when information from both the USPTO and EPO concerning a given patent is combined, further insights about that patent's value are obtained. We also find that rejection uses provide unique insights into additional measures of private value such as the patent being listed in the Orange Book or as a Standard Essential Patent. Accordingly, these rejection use metrics provide another independent tool for evaluating a patent's value.
Liquid Polycaprolactone (PCL) for Reversing PXE's Skin Laxity of Inner Thighs and Knees: A Case Report
Authors: Dimonitsas Emmanouil , Albanopoulou Agni , Neamonitou Foteini , Lakiotaki Eleftheria , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Gazouli Maria 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground/AimPseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects the skin with limited treatment options. A recent technology employing particle‐free polycaprolactone (PCL) has shown promising results in treating inner thighs and kness of a 27‐year‐old female patient. This article provides a case report along with our detailed treatment protocol based on the efficacy of PCL in reversing skin laxity that can be easily incorporated into the therapeutic approaches for patients with PXE.MethodsThe pinch test for clinical assessment, photographic documentation as well as satisfaction questionnaire were used in order to evaluate the improvement observed in skin laxity.ResultsAfter the finish of the protocol, the Pinch test score was diminished from 4 to 2, and the depth of the wrinkles was obviously improved in the photos. All the above, together with the high score of the patient satisfaction questionnaire, verified the efficacy of this novel PCL protocol in reversing PXE‘s skin laxity.ConclusionFully liquid PCL appears to outperform other bio‐stimulators in improving skin quality in PXE, offering longer‐lasting results and a high safety profile. However, further clinical trials with long‐term follow‐up are required to confirm its efficacy in PXE‘s skin laxity.