bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of multiomics liquid biopsy testing in the clinical setting of lung cancer
Authors: Gottardo Andrea , Russo Tancredi Didier Bazan , Perez Alessandro , Bono Marco , Di Giovanni Emilia , Di Marco Enrico , Siino Rita , Bannera Carla Ferrante , Mujacic Clarissa , Vitale Maria Concetta , Contino Silvia , Iannì Giuliana , Busuito Giulia , Iacono Federica , Incorvaia Lorena , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Galvano Antonio , Russo Antonio , Bazan Viviana , Gristina Valerio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and multiomics could enhance the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of liquid biopsy (LB) for lung cancer (LC). Despite advances, the transition from tissue biopsies to more sophisticated, non‐invasive methods like LB has been impeded by challenges such as the heterogeneity of biomarkers and the low concentration of tumour‐related analytes. The advent of multiomics – enabled by deep learning algorithms – offers a solution by allowing the simultaneous analysis of various analytes across multiple biological fluids, presenting a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics. Through multi‐marker, multi‐analyte and multi‐source approaches, this review showcases how AI and multiomics are identifying clinically valuable biomarker combinations that correlate with patients' health statuses. However, the path towards clinical implementation is fraught with challenges, including study reproducibility and lack of methodological standardization, thus necessitating urgent solutions to solve these common issues.
Variable viral loads and immune response in an invasive ant's native and introduced ranges
Authors: Felden Antoine , Baty James W. , Chapple David G. , Gruber Monica A. M. , Haywood John , Paris Carolina , Suarez Andrew V. , Tsutsui Neil D. , Lester Philip J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimPathogens can play an important role in biological invasions. Introduced populations may be particularly vulnerable to pathogens due to factors such as low genetic diversity and high population density. However, introduced populations that escape their natural pathogens may reallocate resources away from immunity and towards growth and reproduction. Interestingly, introduced ants have been suggested to have increased tolerance to new pathogens, contributing to their success as introduced species. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether introduced Argentine ant populations harbour different viral loads compared to native populations and if these differences were related to immunity‐related gene expression.LocationThe study was conducted across the native range of Argentine ants in Argentina and four introduced regions in California, France, Australia and New Zealand.MethodsWe used RT‐qPCR to quantify viral loads and gene expression in the ants. We analysed 15 different potentially pathogenic viruses across the Argentine ant's native and introduced ranges.ResultsWe found that five viruses, LhuPcV1, LhuPiLV1, LhuCV1, Kashmir Bee virus and LHUV‐1, presented high loads in Argentine ants compared to the other viruses we screened. We found a significant effect of range on viral infections: high viral loads were commonly found in ants from introduced populations, which also exhibited increased immune gene expression. We found highly significant correlations between viral loads and expression of immune and metabolic genes. However, these associations were not fully consistent across the studied regions, indicating the complexity of eco‐immunological phenomena.Main ConclusionsOur results suggest that introduced Argentine ant populations host different viral communities compared to native populations and that these differences are correlated with changes in immunity‐related gene expression. The study highlights the complex role of pathogens in biological invasions and the importance of considering eco‐immunological factors when assessing the impact of introduced species.
Host preference patterns in domestic and wild settings: Insights into Anopheles feeding behavior
Authors: Bouafou Lemonde , Makanga Boris K. , Rahola Nil , Boddé Marilou , Ngangué Marc F. , Daron Josquin , Berger Audric , Mouillaud Theo , Makunin Alex , Korlević Petra , Nwezeobi Joachim , Kengne Pierre , Paupy Christophe , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , Ayala Diego 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe adaptation of Anopheles malaria vectors to domestic settings is directly linked to their ability to feed on humans. The strength of this species–habitat association is unequal across the species within the genus, with the major vectors being particularly dependent on humans. However, our understanding of how blood‐feeding behavior interacts with and adapts to environmental settings, including the presence of humans, remains limited. Using a field‐based approach, we first investigated Anopheles community structure and feeding behavior patterns in domestic and sylvatic settings in La Lopé National Park in Gabon, Central Africa. We characterized the preference indices using a dual‐host choice sampling approach across mosquito species, habitats, and seasons. We then quantified the plastic biting behavior of mosquito species in each habitat. We collected individuals from 16 Anopheles species that exhibited significant differences in species composition and abundance between sylvatic and domestic settings. The host‐seeking behavior also varied among the seven most abundant species. The general attractiveness to each host, human or animal, remained relatively constant for each species, but with significant variations between habitats across species. These variations, to more generalist and to more anthropophilic behavior, were related to seasonal changes and distance from the village, respectively. Finally, we pointed out that the host choice of major malaria vectors changed in the absence of humans, revealing a plastic feeding behavior of these species. This study highlights the effect of humans on Anopheles distribution and feeding evolution. The characterization of feeding behavior in wild and domestic settings provides opportunities to better understand the interplay between genetic determinants of host preference and ecological factors. Our findings suggest that protected areas may offer alternative thriving conditions to major malaria vectors.
Climate change introduces threatened killer whale populations and conservation challenges to the Arctic
Authors: Garroway Colin J. , de Greef Evelien , Lefort Kyle J. , Thorstensen Matt J. , Foote Andrew D. , Matthews Cory J. D. , Higdon Jeff W. , Kucheravy Caila E. , Petersen Stephen D. , Rosing‐Asvid Aqqalu , Ugarte Fernando , Dietz Rune , Ferguson Steven H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Arctic is the fastest‐warming region on the planet, and the lengthening ice‐free season is opening Arctic waters to sub‐Arctic species such as the killer whale (Orcinus orca). As apex predators, killer whales can cause significant ecosystem‐scale changes. Setting conservation priorities for killer whales and their Arctic prey species requires knowledge of their evolutionary history and demographic trajectory. Using whole‐genome resequencing of 24 killer whales sampled in the northwest Atlantic, we first explored the population structure and demographic history of Arctic killer whales. To better understand the broader geographic relationship of these Arctic killer whales to other populations, we compared them to a globally sampled dataset. Finally, we assessed threats to Arctic killer whales due to anthropogenic harvest by reviewing the peer‐reviewed and gray literature. We found that there are two highly genetically distinct, non‐interbreeding populations of killer whales using the eastern Canadian Arctic. These populations appear to be as genetically different from each other as are ecotypes described elsewhere in the killer whale range; however, our data cannot speak to ecological differences between these populations. One population is newly identified as globally genetically distinct, and the second is genetically similar to individuals sampled from Greenland. The effective sizes of both populations recently declined, and both appear vulnerable to inbreeding and reduced adaptive potential. Our survey of human‐caused mortalities suggests that harvest poses an ongoing threat to both populations. The dynamic Arctic environment complicates conservation and management efforts, with killer whales adding top‐down pressure on Arctic food webs crucial to northern communities' social and economic well‐being. While killer whales represent a conservation priority, they also complicate decisions surrounding wildlife conservation and resource management in the Arctic amid the effects of climate change.
Into the unknown: The role of post‐fire soil erosion in the carbon cycle
Authors: Girona‐García Antonio , Vieira Diana , Doerr Stefan , Panagos Panos , Santín Cristina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWildfires directly emit 2.1 Pg carbon (C) to the atmosphere annually. The net effect of wildfires on the C cycle, however, involves many interacting source and sink processes beyond these emissions from combustion. Among those, the role of post‐fire enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) erosion as a C sink mechanism remains essentially unquantified. Wildfires can greatly enhance soil erosion due to the loss of protective vegetation cover and changes to soil structure and wettability. Post‐fire SOC erosion acts as a C sink when off‐site burial and stabilization of C eroded after a fire, together with the on‐site recovery of SOC content, exceed the C losses during its post‐fire transport. Here we synthesize published data on post‐fire SOC erosion and evaluate its overall potential to act as longer‐term C sink. To explore its quantitative importance, we also model its magnitude at continental scale using the 2017 wildfire season in Europe. Our estimations show that the C sink ability of SOC water erosion during the first post‐fire year could account for around 13% of the C emissions produced by wildland fires. This indicates that post‐fire SOC erosion is a quantitatively important process in the overall C balance of fires and highlights the need for more field data to further validate this initial assessment.
Adaptation to bioinvasions: When does it occur?
Authors: Nota Alessandro , Bertolino Sandro , Tiralongo Francesco , Santovito Alfredo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe presence of alien species represents a major cause of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss worldwide, constituting a critical environmental challenge of our time. Despite sometimes experiencing reduced propagule pressure, leading to a reduced genetic diversity and an increased chance of inbreeding depression, alien invaders are often able to thrive in the habitats of introduction, giving rise to the so‐called “genetic paradox” of biological invasions. The adaptation of alien species to the new habitats is therefore a complex aspect of biological invasions, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, and ecological processes. Albeit numerous studies and reviews investigated the mechanistic foundation of the invaders' success, and aimed to solve the genetic paradox, still remains a crucial oversight regarding the temporal context in which adaptation takes place. Given the profound knowledge and management implications, this neglected aspect of invasion biology should receive more attention when examining invaders' ability to thrive in the habitats of introduction. Here, we discuss the adaptation mechanisms exhibited by alien species with the purpose of highlighting the timing of their occurrence during the invasion process. We analyze each stage of the invasion separately, providing evidence that adaptation mechanisms play a role in all of them. However, these mechanisms vary across the different stages of invasion, and are also influenced by other factors, such as the transport speed, the reproduction type of the invader, and the presence of human interventions. Finally, we provide insights into the implications for management, and identify knowledge gaps, suggesting avenues for future research that can shed light on species adaptability. This, in turn, will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of biological invasions.
ADD‐ON PRICING OVER REGIONAL BUSINESS CYCLES: EVIDENCE FROM EXTENDED WARRANTIES
Authors: Bošković Branko , Kapoor Sacha , Markiewicz Agnieszka , Scholnick Barry 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAdd ons are features or services that can enhance the functionality or quality of base goods. They are pervasive. Yet we know little about the behavior of add‐on prices over the business cycle. We use 10 years of data from a nationwide Canadian retailer to investigate the local cyclicality of extended warranty prices, a classic add on. We find base prices are acyclical. Warranty prices are procyclical because local stores use warranties to make demand for durable goods less price‐elastic. We show add ons amplify responses to national business cycles and study the implications for inflation rate bias.
Current issues and management consensus of advanced prostate cancer: Report of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference—JAPAN 2023
Authors: Hashimoto Kohei , Kosaka Takeo , Terada Naoki , Kimura Takahiro , Nonomura Norio , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Uemura Hiroji 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the voting results of Japanese urologists with the global panel at the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2022.MethodsAmong the 198 questions discussed at the APCCC 2022, the APCCC‐JAPAN 2023 focused on 14 key questions related to the management of advanced prostate cancer with insufficient high‐level evidence based on their relevance to the Japanese cohort. A panel of six prostate cancer experts addressed these 14 questions and presented the latest evidence to Japanese urologists who voted on‐site using a web‐based system. The results were compared with those of APCCC 2022.ResultsThis study found significant differences in the voting results between Japanese urologists and the global panel regarding several crucial issues related to advanced prostate cancer management. These differences were those observed in treatment preferences, monitoring strategies, and treatment choices in specific clinical scenarios. These findings highlight the need for a nuanced approach tailored to the unique challenges with considerations of the Japanese healthcare environment.ConclusionsAPCCC‐JAPAN 2023 provides valuable insights into the current clinical issues surrounding the management of advanced prostate cancer in Japan. The partial divergence in the consensus between Japanese urologists and the global panel underscores the importance of a context‐specific approach. The results of this study provide practical guidance for physicians facing complex challenges and should be used to inform decision‐making in the management of advanced prostate cancer.
Radiation proctitis after iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy utilizing SpaceOAR hydrogel
Authors: Morita Masashi , Hiramatsu Aya , Nishimura Kota , Yanagida Wahei , Nakamura Saori , Yamatoya Jin , Noguchi Tetsuo , Tanabe Mayo , Fukagai Takashi , Lederer John L. 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveWe retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining the SpaceOAR (SOAR) hydrogel with prostate brachytherapy, using colonoscopy findings to assess for radiation proctitis.MethodsAmong 731 patients undergoing iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT), SOAR was utilized in 394 patients (53.9%). Colonoscopy was performed for 97 patients (13.3%) to assess the presence, location, condition, and treatment of radiation proctitis. We also investigated treatment factors associated with the occurrence of radiation proctitis.ResultsRadiation proctitis was observed in 57 patients (7.8%) and 17 (2.3%) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). The incidence of radiation proctitis was 12.2% in the non‐SOAR and 4.1% in the SOAR group (p < 0.001). In the non‐SOAR group, the incidence of radiation proctitis was 6.6% for LDR‐BT monotherapy and increased to 22.0% when combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (p = 0.001). However, in the SOAR group, these rates significantly decreased to 3.3% and 5.7% for monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively (p = 0.035, p < 0.001). With SOAR, inflammation was observed directly above the DL in most patients (87.5%), and only one patient (6.3%) required APC. The absence of SOAR (p < 0.001, HR = 0.29) and the concurrent use of EBRT (p = 0.018, HR = 2.87) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of radiation proctitis.ConclusionThe use of SOAR significantly reduced the incidence of radiation proctitis in patients undergoing LDR‐BT monotherapy and combined EBRT. Inflammation primarily occurred directly above the DL; further examination is necessary to clarify its cause.
Oncological outcomes of prophylactic urethrectomy at the time of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A nationwide multi‐institutional study
Authors: Miki Jun , Fukuokaya Wataru , Taoka Rikiya , Saito Ryoichi , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Kawahara Takashi , Matsuda Ayumu , Kawai Taketo , Kato Minoru , Sazuka Tomokazu , Sano Takeshi , Urabe Fumihiko , Kashima Soki , Naito Hirohito , Murakami Yoji , Nishiyama Naotaka , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Kimura Takahiro ,   the Japan Urological Oncology Group
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of prophylactic urethrectomy (PU) on oncological and perioperative outcomes in patients with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data on 1976 evaluable patients with BC who underwent RC. Patients were drawn from 36 institutions within the Japanese Urological Oncology Group. Oncological outcomes were compared using restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) based on inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)‐adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves for non‐urinary tract recurrence‐free survival (NUTRFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Interaction terms within IPTW‐adjusted Cox regression models were examined to assess the heterogeneity of treatment effect based on the risk of urethral recurrence (UR). The association between PU, estimated blood loss (EBL), and the incidence of severe postoperative surgical complications (SPSCs) (Clavien‐Dindo grade 3 or higher) was analyzed.ResultsOf 1976 patients, 1448 (73.3%) received PU. IPTW adjustment was used to balance baseline characteristics between the treatment groups. Within the 107‐month window of patient monitoring, PU showed no survival benefits (NUTRFS difference: 0.2 months [95% confidence interval: −6.8 to 7.3]; CSS, 1.2 [−4.9 to 7.3]; OS, 0 [−6.5 to 6.5]). No significant interactions were observed with factors associated with UR, and PU was associated with unfavorable perioperative outcomes (EBL, 1179 mL vs. 983 mL; SPSC, 14.6% vs. 7.0%).ConclusionsThis study showed that (1) PU was not associated with survival in patients with BC undergoing RC, regardless of UR‐associated factors, and (2) PU was associated with unfavorable perioperative outcomes.
Understanding of and attitudes towards nursing education reform at medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Skela‐Savič Brigita , Mambetova Altynai , Giachino Marina , Heller Olivia , Zimmermann Kathrine , Orozalieva Gulzat , Rustamova Burulcha , Zhusupbekova Nurida , Lab Bruno 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo determine teachers’ understanding of and attitudes towards nursing education reform at four medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan.BackgroundThe quality of nursing education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels has a major impact on patient outcomes and the development of nursing as a profession and a science.IntroductionLower middle‐income countries have sought to advance their nursing education by adopting the experiences of high‐income countries.MethodsA mixed‐method cross‐sectional study design was used. The STROBE combined checklist was followed. A cohort of all faculty members at four colleges were included (N = 150). The questionnaire consisted of 10 groups of questions and statements. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected.FindingsA total of 56.4% of respondents were familiar with the European approach to nurse education; 73.3% of respondents with a nursing education reported being familiar with the European approach, compared to 40.7% of respondents with a medical education. Qualitative written comments yielded 57 superscripts of codes, 14 subcategories, 5 categories and 2 themes as drivers and barriers of reform.DiscussionThe survey revealed weak support for the nursing education reform. Respondents do not envisage nurse education being offered at all three levels of higher education (bachelor's, master's, and PhD), and even fewer recognise nurses as leaders of healthcare institutions.Implication for nursingTeachers in nursing programmes should mostly be nurses with academic careers.Implication for health policyNursing is still not recognised as an extremely important health profession that needs to be developed. This misunderstanding and negative attitude towards the role of nurses in the health care system are evident in both the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study.
The old king is dead, long live the algorithmic king – the decline of Facebook and the rise of TikTok – comparative study of algorithmic design of social media platforms
Authors: Nowacki Lukasz 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlmost 20 years of Facebook (FB) hegemony in the social media have lately been put in jeopardy by the newly arising Chinese platform TikTok (TT), which has taken the market by storm. This comparative study aims to analyse the divergencies in the employment of AI and algorithms in the mechanics of the two social media platforms. The ‘the networked self’ model of FB is contrasted with the ‘algorithmized self’ of TT and the implications of the latest shift in the social media approach, which has skewed from the engagement with other social media users to strict interaction with the AI‐induced algorithm. Additionally, particular elements and reasons for the declining importance and involvement in the FB platform are under scrutiny here to provide an explanation for the participation downturn of the Gen Z generation in the American social media platform. This study has revealed a steady shift from FB to other social media platforms that provide a more personalized experience and the content that is better suited to the needs of contemporary young people. Another issue that is discussed is the changing agency of social media participants, who have been switching from the traditional user model to the creator mode, which allows them to employ their creativity and become immediate producers of video content that challenges traditional approaches to social media.
Alliance Re‐Evaluation in the Context of Outside Partnering Opportunities: Decision Heuristics and the Impact of Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Hampl Nina , Hoffmann Werner H. , Knoll Tobias , Reuer Jeffrey J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEmpirical evidence shows that firms engaging in alliance re‐evaluation are able to increase their alliances’ performance. However, extant literature largely treats alliance re‐evaluation as a ‘black box’. In this paper, we develop a conceptual model of alliance re‐evaluation to gain better insight on this important phase of the alliance lifecycle. Further, in a decision experiment, we study alliance managers’ heuristics applied to the decision of whether to pursue an outside partnering opportunity during the course of an alliance re‐evaluation. Our results show that in their decision heuristics alliance managers rate value creation‐related partner characteristics more highly than commitment‐related partner characteristics. However, the importance of commitment‐related characteristics is contingent on the level and dimension of uncertainty present in the managers’ environment. Thus, our findings call for a more nuanced perspective on environmental uncertainty in alliance re‐evaluation decision making. Implications for research on alliances and managerial heuristics are discussed.