bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Ecosystem Functions Across Three Ecosystem Types in Afromontane Forest in Kenya
Authors: Mwania Felistas Mbinya , Muriu Simon Mwangi , Gichuru Virginia Gathoni , Teucher Mike , Habel Jan Christian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ecosystem functions play a crucial role in providing essential goods and services to humans, either directly or indirectly. However, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted species composition, affecting key processes like predation and pollination. This study aimed to evaluate ecosystem functions across three ecosystem types in Taita-Taveta County, Coastal Kenya. The study focused on cloud forest (Chawia), exotic plantation (Fururu), and agricultural land in Taita Hills. Vegetation characterization and Proxies for ecosystem functions including pollination and predation activities were assessed. Twenty transects, each measuring 256m, were established per ecosystem type. Pollination was evaluated using daily pan traps, and arthropods were morphotyped. Predation was assessed using artificial caterpillar dummies set up for 24 hours over 15 days per ecosystem type. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, were performed to compare pollinator diversity and predation activity, across the ecosystem types. Results showed that Chawia forest had the highest pollinator abundance (7.71 ± 0.68), followed by agricultural land (7.16 ± 0.51) and Fururu forest (4.67 ± 0.76). Dipterans (n = 2,951, 77.97%), were the predominant pollinators, followed by Hymenopterans (n = 553, 14.61%) and Coleopterans (n = 281, 7.42%). Predation activity varied across ecosystems, with the highest activity in Chawia forest (3.97 ± 0.16), followed by agricultural land (3.56 ± 0.16), and Fururu forest (3.05 ± 0.12). In conclusion, the Chawia forest exhibited greater diversity and played a vital role in providing ecosystem functions. Exotic plants in the Fururu forest led to reduced ecosystem processes. Therefore, conserving natural forests by planting native flowering plants maintains forest integrity and promotes ecosystem functions.
Assessment of Short-Term Effects of Heat Waves and Warm Days on Human Health in Santiago-Chile.
Authors: González Patricia , Ortíz Valentina , Domínguez Alan , Moraga Ana María , Zaror Claudio , Rodríguez Lisdelys González 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Exposure to heat waves (HW) and warm days (WD) is an emerging public health concern. This study assesses the short-term effects of HW and WD on mortality and morbidity in the most populated city of Chile (Santiago de Chile). A time series analysis was developed for three boroughs (Santiago Centro, Cerro Navia, and El Bosque) located covering the warm period during the years 2011–2016. The number, and duration of HW and WD in each borough were determined. Daily counts of death, hospital admission, daily maximum temperature, and environmental variables were analyzed. To assess the risk of death or hospitalization for different causes and age groups during HW or WD events Generalized Additive Models were used. Results show that HW events can be localized and may not affect all areas equally. Santiago Centro had the highest tendency to record HW (16 events) and WD (152 days). The significant risk of HW-related mortality events in Santiago Centro was 2.79 [95% CI: 1.07-7.27], affecting people over 24 years old. For the three communes, the attributable risk of exposure to hot events is greater than 33.8% (mortality) and 3.9% (morbidity). This is the first approximation in the most populated Chilean city to set up robust databases to support science-based policy-making aimed at reducing health risks related to extreme weather conditions.
Generic semi-automated radiofluorination strategy for single domain antibodies: [18F]FB-labelled single domain antibodies for PET imaging of Fibroblast Activation Protein-α or Folate Receptor-α overexpression in cancer
Authors: Dierick Herlinde , Navarro Laurent , Ceuppens Hannelore , Ertveldt Thomas , Antunes Ana Rita Pombo , Keyaerts Marleen , Devoogdt Nick , Breckpot Karine , D’Huyvetter Matthias , Lahoutte Tony , Caveliers Vicky , Bridoux Jessica 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Radiofluorination of single domain antibodies (sdAbs) via N-succinimidyl-4-[18F]fluorobenzoate ([18F]SFB) has shown to be a promising strategy in the development of sdAb-based PET tracers. While automation of the prosthetic group (PG) has been successfully reported, no practical method for large scale sdAb labelling has been reported. Therefore, we optimized and automated the PG production, enabling a subsequently efficient manual conjugation reaction to an anti-fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-α sdAb (4AH29) and an anti-folate receptor (FR)-α sdAb (1012). Both the alpha isoform of FAP and the FR are established tumour markers. FAP-α is known to be overexpressed mainly by cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast, ovarian, and other cancers, while its expression in normal tissues is low or undetectable. FR-α has an elevated expression in epithelial cancers, such as ovarian, brain and lung cancers. Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as PET-imaging, can provide a detailed picture of the characteristics of both the tumour and its environment, which is critical for the success of cancer treatments.
Results
[18F]SFB was synthesized using a fully automated three-step, one-pot reaction. The total procedure time was 54 minutes and results in [18F]SFB with a RCP > 90% and a RCY d.c. of 44 ± 4% (n = 13). The conjugation reaction after purification produced [18F]FB-sdAbs with a RCP > 95%, an end of synthesis activity > 600 MBq and an apparent molar activity > 10 GBq/µmol. Overall RCY d.c. were 9% and 5 ± 2% (n = 3) for [18F]FB-1012 and [18F]FB-4AH29, respectively.
Conclusion
[18F]SFB synthesis was successfully automated and upscaled on a Trasis AllInOne module. The anti-hFAP-α and anti-hFR-α sdAbs were radiofluorinated, yielding similar RCYs d.c. and RCPs, showing the potential of this method as a generic radiofluorination strategy for sdAbs. The radiofluorinated sdAbs showed a favourable biodistribution pattern and are attractive for further characterization as new PET tracers for FAP-α and FR-α imaging.
Effect of dimension size and window size on word embedding in classification tasks
Authors: Držík Dávid , Kapusta Jozef 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In natural language processing, there are several approaches to transform text into multi-dimensional word vectors, such as TF-IDF (term frequency - inverse document frequency), Word2Vec, GloVe (Global Vectors), which are widely used to this day. The meaning of a word in Word2Vec and GloVe models represents its context. Syntactic or semantic relationships between words are preserved, and the vector distances between individual words correspond to human perception of the relationship between words. Word2Vec and GloVe generate a vector for each word, which can be further utilized. Unlike GPT, ELMo, or BERT, we don't need a model trained on a corpus for further text processing. It's important to know how to set the size of the context window and the dimension size for Word2Vec and GloVe models, as an improper combination of these parameters can lead to low-quality word vectors. In our article, we experimented with these parameters. The results show that it's necessary to choose an appropriate window size based on the embedding method used. In terms of dimension size, according to our results, dimensions smaller than 50 are no longer suitable. On the other hand, with dimensions larger than 150, the results did not significantly improve.
Custom exome panel revealed new mutations in MAPK14 and novel mutation in RUNX2 gene in patients with PCOS
Authors: ARIKAN Yunus , ONAT Taylan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy and is both phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous. A large number of genetic variants have been found in different genes, so far. Based on the literature, we identified 7 genes and aimed to find new causative variants in these genes. We created a targeted PCOS panel including major genes in the steroidogenezis, WNT, MAPK, and TGFβ pathways and analyzed whole-exome sequencing results. We compared the minor allele frequency (MAF) values of different variants with our results and calculated deleterious scores of newly found variants using various web-based prediction tools and ACMG pathogenicity criteria. We found a novel missense mutation (p.Thr355Ile) in the RUNX2 gene in one patient and heterozygous mutations in the MAPK14 gene (c.306_5delT and c.*8G > T) in another patient with PCOS. Five novel pathogenic moderate (PM2) intronic variants in 4 different genes in total were introduced for the first time. We also decoded 7 genes in patients with PCOS in our cohort. Two more candidate genes (MAPK14 and RUNX2) may be related to PCOS.
Global Linkages across Sectors and Frequency Bands: A band spectral panel regression approach
Authors: Lyu Jingjing , Süssmuth Bernd 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We introduce the technique of band spectral panel regression to analyze global linkages across sectors and frequency bands. It relies on decomposing time series --allowably measured in mixed observation frequency-- into "deviation cycle" dynamics by frequency band. We use it to compute measures of real co-movement, trade linkage, financial market integration, and policy coordination band by band. Considering intra-industry as well as inter-industry linkage indicators, we apply it to data of contemporary China and its 20 major trading partners in the pre-trade war and pre-pandemic era. Band-specific fixed effects and band-industry-specific interaction terms are included. For labor intensive industries co-movement through intra-industry trade linkages is found to be band-specific. Moreover, our results clarify the puzzle of financial globalization implying real regionalization or contagious synchronization of cyclical dynamics. We find the latter to hold in the 4-6 years band and the former in the 6-10 years range.
JEL classification: C32, C49, E32, F40
Fiber reinforced epoxy composites for femur fractures: a mechanical investigation
Authors: Atia Eyad , Kamel Mustafa , Ali Waheed , Badran Ahmed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Femur fractures, often resulting from trauma or osteoporosis, pose significant challenges due to their effect on mobility and life quality. Metallic implants like titanium and stainless steel, despite their strength and biocompatibility, present problems related to stress shielding, altered biomechanics, and limitations in diagnostic imaging. This research suggests the use of biocompatible epoxy composites fortified with kevlar fibers (KF), carbon fibers (CF), hybrid fibers, and flax as potential replacements for metallic implants to address these issues. Our examination of the biomechanical reactions of these composites under tensile and flexural stresses revealed that kevlar fiber composites demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties with a maximum tensile strength of 283.5 MPa and flexural strengths of 53 MPa and 90.4 MPa for the first and second modes, respectively, at a 24% volume fraction. While flax fibers offer the advantage of being natural, their performance was found to be subpar. Carbon and hybrid fiber composites showed performance similar to flax but inferior to kevlar. Interestingly, the inclusion of kevlar in hybrid composites enhanced performance compared to carbon composites. All composites experienced a 50% reduction in ductility when transitioning from the first to the second flexural mode, but this was offset by a significant increase in flexural strength. These findings suggest that kevlar fiber-reinforced composites, despite addressing the problems associated with metallic implants, show promise as an alternative material for femur implants due to their superior mechanical properties. Further research is required for clinical application to optimize fiber mixtures, enhance composite structures, and assess in vivo biocompatibility.
Health impacts of takeaway management zones around schools in six different local authorities across England: a public health modelling study using PRIMEtime
Authors: Rogers Nina , Amies-Cull Ben , Adams Jean , Chang Michael , Cummins Steven , Derbyshire Daniel , Hassan Suzan , Keeble Matthew , Liu Bochu , Medina-Lara Antonieta , Savory Bea , Rahilly John , Smith Richard , Thompson Clare , White Martin , Mytton Oliver , Burgoine Thomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
In England, the number of takeaway food outlets (‘takeaways’) has been increasing for over two decades. Takeaway management zones around schools are an effective way to restrict the growth of new takeaways but their impacts on population health have not been estimated.
Methods
To model the impact of takeaway management zones on health, we used estimates of change in and exposure to takeaway outlets (across home, work, and commuting buffers) based on a previous evaluation suggesting that 50% of new outlets were prevented from opening because of management zones. Based on previous cross-sectional findings, we used changes in takeaway exposure to estimate changes in BMI, from 2018 to 2040. Finally, we used PRIMEtime, a proportional multistate lifetable model, and BMI change to estimate the impact of the intervention, in a closed-cohort of adults (25–64 years), in terms of incidence of 12 non-communicable diseases, obesity prevalence, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and healthcare costs saved by 2040 in six selected local authorities across the rural-urban spectrum in England (Wandsworth, Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Sheffield, North Somerset, and Fenland).
Results
By 2031, compared to no intervention, reductions in outlet exposure ranged from 3 outlets/person in Fenland to 28 outlets/person in Manchester. This corresponded to per person reductions in BMI of 0.68 and 0.08 kg/m2, respectively. Relative to no intervention, obesity prevalence was estimated to be reduced in both sexes in all LAs, including by 2.3 percentage points (PP) (95% uncertainty interval:2.9PP, 1.7PP) to 1.5PP (95%UI:1.9PP, 1.1PP) in males living in Manchester and Wandsworth by 2040, respectively. Model estimates showed reductions in incidence of disease, including type II diabetes (eg: 964 (95%UI:1565, 870) fewer cases /100,000 population for males in Manchester)), cardiovascular diseases, asthma, certain cancers and low back pain. Savings in healthcare costs (millions(£)) ranged from £0.90 (95%UI: £1,23, £0.54) in Fenland to £5.44 (95%UI:£3.87, £7.45) in Manchester. Gains in QALYs/100,000 person were broadly similar across local authorities.
Conclusions
Takeaway management zones in England have the potential to meaningfully contribute towards reducing obesity prevalence and associated healthcare burden in the adult population, both at the local level and across the rural-urban spectrum.
rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination in people with pre-existing immunity to Ebolavirus: an open-label safety and immunogenicity study in Guinean communities affected by Ebola virus disease (l’essai Proches)
Authors: Watson Conall H , Gsell Pierre-Stéphane , Hall Yper , Camacho Anton , Riveros Ximena , Enwere Godwin , Vicari Andrea , Nadlaou Séverine Danmadji , Toure Alhassane , Sani Ismaila M , Diallo Abdourahamane , Kolie Cece , Duraffour Sophie , Maomou Andre , Dore Kassie , Djidonou Honora A , Bagayoko Aminata , Damey Philos P. , Camara Mabetty , Diallo Fatoumata , Oumar Fofana Thierno , Toure Kalidou , Diaby Mohamed , Sylla Lansana , Conde Doussou , Kaba Ibrahima Lansana , Tipton Tom , Eggo Rosalind M , Marks Michael , Roberts Chrissy H , Strecker Thomas , Günther Stephan , Keita Sakoba , Edmunds John W , Carroll Miles W , Henao-Restrepo Ana Maria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Zaire Ebolavirus disease (EVD) outbreaks can be controlled using rVSV-ZEBOV vaccination and other public health measures. People in high-risk areas may have pre-existing antibodies from asymptomatic Ebolavirus exposure that might affect response to rVSV-ZEBOV. Therefore, we assessed the impact pre-existing immunity had on post-vaccination IgG titre, virus neutralization and reactogenicity following vaccination.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, 2,115 consenting close contacts (“proches”) of EVD survivors were recruited. Proches were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV and followed up for 28 days for safety and immunogenicity. Anti-GP IgG titre at baseline and day 28 was assessed by ELISA. Samples from a representative subset were evaluated using live virus neutralization.
Results
Ten percent were seropositive at baseline. At day, 28 IgG in baseline seronegative (GMT 0.106 IU/mL, 95% CI: 0.100 to 0.113) and seropositive (GMT 0.237 IU/ml, 0.210 to 0.267) participants significantly increased from baseline (both p<0.0001). There was strong correlation between antibody concentration and virus neutralization in day 28 samples (Spearman's rho 0.75). Vaccinees with baseline IgG antibodies against Zaire Ebolavirus had similar safety profiles to those without detectable antibodies (63.6% vs 66.1% adults experienced any adverse event; 49.1% vs 60.9% in children), with almost all adverse events graded as mild. No serious adverse events were attributed to vaccination. No EVD survivors tested positive for Ebolavirus by RT-PCR.
Conclusions
These data add further evidence of rVSV-ZEBOV safety and immunogenicity, including in people with pre-existing antibodies from suspected natural ZEBOV infection, whichdo not blunt rVSV-ZEBOV immune response. Pre-vaccination serological screening is not required.
Identifying Hot Spots of Breast Cancer Prevalence and their Association with Industrialized Areas in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Authors: Villa-Guillen Diana Evelyn , Villa-Carrillo Jorge Alejandro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is a significant public health concern in Sonora, Mexico, which has a history of industrial pollution. Hermosillo, the state capital, exhibits both of these characteristics. Prior studies suggest that living in areas with high levels of pollutants may contribute to a higher incidence of breast cancer, creating what is known as a "hot spot" in that specific region.
Purpose
This study aims to assess the potential association between living in an industrialized area and the presence of breast cancer hot spots in Hermosillo.
Methods
The research collected clinical data on breast cancer cases between 2013 and 2023 and pinpointed neighborhoods with a high prevalence of breast cancer using hot spot analysis (ArcGIS software version 10.8.2). The odds ratio was used to compare the likelihood of finding a breast cancer case in industrialized areas versus non-industrialized neighborhoods (R version 4.3.1).
Results
The study observed a link between industrialized areas and high breast cancer rates (unadjusted OR = 6.94, 95% CI (0.94, 50.8), p-value = 0.05)), particularly in women aged 65 + in 33 industrialized neighborhoods located at Hermosillo's northwest (OR = 2.70, 95% CI (1.27, 5.72), p-value = 0.009).
Conclusions
In this study cohort, there is a link between industrialized areas and high breast cancer rates in Hermosillo, with hot spots for women aged 65 + living in 33 neighborhoods in the city's northwest. Further extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings in other cities in Sonora, Mexico.
Patients’ Experience of Patient-Reported Outcomes, Continuous Feedback, and a Solution-Focused Approach (Using DIALOG+) in Psychosis Care in Sweden
Authors: Lundmark Marcus , Allerby Katarina , Gremyr Andreas , Andersson Ann-Christine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Involving patients in their care and including them in continuous follow-up is a challenge. This challenge is often compounded by a lack of self-reported outcome measures. Incorporating such measures could aid healthcare professionals in collaboratively designing care plans and adjusting treatments as therapy progresses. Previous research highlights the positive impact of continuous feedback based on treatment outcomes and problem-solving methodology in routine psychiatric care. DIALOG + is a digitally supported conversational tool designed to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of patient-clinician meetings by incorporating continuous self-reported outcomes and a solution-focused approach. The objective of this study was to investigate the disparities in patients' experiences when using DIALOG + compared to standard treatment and to examine the implications for clinical use within a Swedish setting.
Methods
A qualitative study was designed to describe patients’ experiences using DIALOG + in psychosis outpatient care in Sweden. A convenience sample of patients who used DIALOG + three times or more was included in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
The analysis identified two themes: 'The supportive features of DIALOG+' and 'Providing a constructive structure'. These themes consist of six sub-categories: Expanded the understanding of my health; Moving toward improvement; Provided memory support; Empowering participation; Distinguishing DIALOG + as a constructive complement, and Experiences of the digital tool.
Conclusion
The structure of DIALOG+, including continuous feedback and the solution-focused approach, seems to enhance person-centred care for patients with psychotic disorders, fostering shared decision-making and aiding memory support. It also facilitates a collaborative understanding of the patients’ health concerns and personal goals, which shows that DIALOG + could be useful as a tool to develop care plans that are more tailored to the patients’ needs. Despite some concerns about structured dialogues, DIALOG + holds promise for improving patient-clinician interactions and treatment outcomes in psychosis care in Sweden. Additional research is planned, which will include an exploration of clinicians' experiences with DIALOG + as well as observational and effectiveness studies.