bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cats in farms: Ranging behavior of fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) in a human-dominated landscape
Authors: Mishra Rama , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Leirs Herwig , Subedi Naresh , Adhikari Sabin , Acharya Hem Raj , de Iongh Hans H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Home range studies provide valuable insights into animal ecology and behavior, informing conservation efforts and management strategies. Although fishing cat is globally threatened habitat specialist, only a few studies have been conducted on their home ranges and social organization, and how those respond to human influence. In the first study of its kind in Nepal, we tracked 11 fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) with satellite GPS collars to investigate their home range size and habitat use in and around Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Altogether 2,303 locations were obtained from 11 collared cats. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Autocorrelation-informed Kernel Density Estimation (AKDE) were used to estimate the fishing cats’ home range sizes. The average home ranges of fishing cats (n = 8) with 95% MCP and 95% AKDE were 29.12 ± SD 16.89 km2 and 39.88 ± 26.16 km2 respectively. Home range (95% AKDE) of adult females (21.72 km2, 5– 44 km2) was significantly smaller compared to the males (58.03 km2, 35.99–85.02 km2). Sex-specific social organization with a single male overlapping with multiple non-overlapping adult females was consistent with other carnivore home range behaviors. Habitat selection by fishing cats using Ivlev’s electivity index showed fishing cats’ preference towards undisturbed wetlands. A large part of the fishing cat home range is situated in human-dominated areas such as fish ponds, agriculture, and settlements, but there are various threats to fishing cats including persecution, road kills and guard dogs attacks. To ensure long-term survival of these cats amid habitat alteration and human-wildlife conflict, we recommend fishing cat conservation activities focusing on raising awareness especially in human-dominated landscapes.
Association of systemic immune-inflammation index with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in chronic kidney disease: evidence from NHANES
Authors: lei yi , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Chuzhao , Liu Hangyu , Liu Yanfeng , Huang Xiantao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives We aimed to assess the association between SII levels and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in the CKD population. Methods The dataset was collected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES 1999–2014) and followed for vital status through December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to evaluate the correlation between various mortalities [all-cause mortality (ACM)/cardiovascular-related mortality (CVM)/cancer-related mortality (CCM)] and SII levels. Besides, we also further performed restricted cubic splines (RCS), two-piecewise linear regression, and subgroup analysis. Results A total of 7035 eligible subjects were included. In this cohort, 3279 death participants were observed, of which 1022 were from cardiovascular causes, 562 from cancer causes, and 1659 from other causes during the long-term follow-up period. After adjusting for possible confounders, the risks for ACM (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 1.05[0.95–1.17], 1.11[1.00-1.23], 1.48[1.34–1.63], P for trend < 0.001) and CVM (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 0.96[0.8–1.16], 1.19[0.99,1.42], 1.27[1.06–1.5], P for trend < 0.001) were an uptrend, along with the increasing SII. In addition, SII levels were also associated with CCM (HR [95 CI%] = 1.13[1.07–1.19]). The RCS analyses demonstrated a J-shaped correlation between log (SII) and various mortalities in adults with CKD, with threshold values of 2.2, 2.66, and 2.6 for log (SII) respectively. Finally, subgroup analyses showed that this association was more pronounced in females, age ≥ 60 years, and body mass index(BMI) > 29.9. Conclusion Increased SII levels were an independent risk factor for ACM, CVM, and CCM in the CKD population. Furthermore, we found a J-shaped curvilinear relationship between log (SII) and various mortalities (ACM/CVM/CCM), with threshold values of 2.2, 2.66, and 2.6, respectively.
Identification of Natural Product Inhibitors Targeting Dengue Capsid Protein Using an Open-Access Artificial Intelligence-Based Drug Discovery Methodology
Authors: Khan Ahad , Hasan Mahedi , Hasan Nahid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Dengue fever, or break-bone fever, is caused by dengue flavivirus transmitted through mosquito bites. To identify a druggable protein target for developing effective antiviral therapies, we studied how proteins from the dengue virus interact with the human body and created a detailed protein-protein interaction network of these interactions. The analysis of molecular functions and biological processes associated with proteins has shown that the capsid protein is crucial in facilitating the interaction between the virus and the host. This finding highlights the significance of the capsid protein as a potential target. We used AutoDockFR to study the binding of 208 natural compounds from Azadirachta indica with capsid protein. We screened the compounds using the X-ray diffraction structure of capsid protein (6vg5) and placed them into the binding pocket of an inhibitor called ST-148. We re-docked the inhibitor ST-148 and considered its docking score (-8.5) as the threshold value for hit selection. After applying these criteria, we obtained 81 hits. The binding mode analysis of the hits revealed that the cyclopentanoperhydrophenathrene ring structure is an essential pharmacophore that fits well into the binding cavity. Further molecular dynamics simulation study of the complexes for the highest affinity and the lowest affinity hits score confirmed the stability of the complex. An exhaustive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of potential drug candidates and their pharmacokinetic profiles has revealed that the natural products under consideration hold great potential as a viable treatment option for infections caused by the dengue virus.
Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) diversity in the Pampas region of Argentina: status as revealed by long-term sampling
Authors: Mariottini Yanina , Wysiecki María Laura , Cepeda Rosana , Marinelli Claudia , Bardi Christian Jorge , Lange Carlos Ernesto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study, spanning 37 years, assessed the diversity of grasshopper communities across much of the Pampas region. Ninety-five sampling sites were established in Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces. Five zones were defined: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and West (W). Each site was categorized according to the dominant vegetation. A total of fifty grasshopper species from three families were collected. Acrididae was the most diverse (41 species). Rarefaction analysis indicated that the SE was the zone with the lowest species richness (Q0). The NE, SW, and W showed higher diversity (Q1), while NE was less diverse according to Q2. The PCA revealed varying abundances of species across zones, with some species more abundant in specific areas (e.g., Dichroplus maculipennis and Borellia bruneri in SE). The highest species count (50) was in grassland with grass dominance. The CA showed significant associations between grasshopper species and different grasslands (e.g., Covasacris pallidinota, Dichroplus maculipennis, and Parorphula graminae in Halophilous grassland). Beta diversity highlighted species turnover as key component in the SW, W, and NE, while in the SE it was nestedness. In the NW, turnover and species loss components affected beta diversity. Communities were dominated by a few species, with three or four species representing over 50% of the community. Some abundant species declined or disappeared over time, while others appeared later. These results provide the first quantitative analysis of the grasshopper fauna across much of one of South America's most heavily modified ecosystems, the grasslands of the Argentine Pampas region.
The Role of Remnant Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Non-Obese Individuals with Normal LDL-c Levels
Authors: Xie Liang , Zhang Shaobo , Wang Yulong , Fang Zhengdong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The ratio of RC to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (RC/HDL-c) is demonstrated to be a dependable indicator of the risk of metabolic illness. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of studies investigating the significance of the RC/HDL-c ratio in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients who are non-obese (NOB) and possess regular low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels.
Methods
The current paper was a longitudinal investigation that encompassed a sample of 178474 Chinese individuals, both women and men, who had an average age of 41.13 years. The individuals in this paper received comprehensive physical evaluations at a wellness screening facility located within Wenzhou People's Hospital. The definition of NAFLD is established through the utilization of ultrasound imaging to identify the presence of steatosis. We utilized univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis to determine the link between NAFLD and RC/HDL-c level. Additionally, we utilized the receiver operating characteristic curve to ascertain the TC/HDL-c threshold for the NAFLD estimation.
Results
Following the adjustment for possible confounding variables encompassing blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sex, age, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albuminous protein (ALB), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), creatinine (CR), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT), globulin (GLB), glucose (GLU), body mass index (BMI), LDL-c, total bilirubin (TB), total cholesterol (TC), serum uric acid (SUA), TG, HDL-c, a non-linear connection was observed between the RC/HDL-c and NAFLD ratio. Notably, this relationship exhibited an inflection point (IF) at a value of 1.33. The observed effect sizes (ES) and corresponding confidence intervals, situated on both IF sides, were determined to be 1.64 (95% CI: 1.53 to 1.76) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.64), respectively. The AUC values for the RC/HDL-c ratios (0.707) exhibited a significant increase compared to the AUC values for RC (0.665) and HDL-c (0.699) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the determined threshold for identifying the NAFLD was determined to be 0.715.
Conclusion
we found a non-linear pattern exhibited by the relation between the RC/HDL-c and NAFLD ratio. A positive connection was found between RC/HDL-c ratio being < 1.33 and the NAFLD existence. Conversely, a negative connection was found between the RC/HDL-c ratio being > 1.33 and the NAFLD occurrence.
Unified Performance Analysis of Dual-Hop Radio Frequency/Free Space Optical System
Authors: M Lakshmanan , Rani Rekha , N Jayanthi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of the dual-hop radio frequency/free space optical (RF/FSO) system based on the amplify-and-forward relaying scheme is analyzed. The RF link is modeled by Nakagami-m distribution for the multipath fading channel which is a generalized distribution. The FSO link is characterized by Fisher-Snedecor fading distribution that is valid for all atmospheric turbulence conditions. Operating the intensity modulation direct detection scheme, the unified expression of the cumulative distribution function (CDF) is employed for the instantaneous end-to-end received electrical signal-to-noise ratio. By utilizing its CDF, a novel mathematical framework to drive the exact closed-form expressions of the outage probability and the average bit error rate with different modulation schemes are calculated for the considered system involving Meijer-G functions. Additionally, to get a deeper understanding, asymptotic expressions for the OP and ABER are also obtained in terms of basic elementary functions. The analytical and asymptotic expressions are simulated in MATLAB. The results revealed that increases in the severity of atmospheric turbulence profoundly degrade the system performance. Furthermore, the dual-hop RF/FSO system mitigates atmospheric turbulence effectively in contrast to the single FSO system.
Precision and effort in robot-assisted placement of pedicle screws compared to standard surgical navigation: a cadaveric study
Authors: Sippel Julia Katharina , Groh Johannes , Bräuer Lars , Perl Mario , Stadthalter Holger 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Aim was to compare image-guided navigation with a robot-assisted solution for performing MISS regardarding precision, required time and subjective aspects.
Methods: 90 pedicles were instrumented on two torsos, half with navigation, half robot-assisted.
Results: Precision analysis between both solutions didn’t show a significant difference.
Time measurement showed a significantly longer duration per wire for the robot-arm on the first torso and a not significant longer duration on the second torso, where a significant reduction in the mean duration was shown.
There was no significant difference in the subjective impressions comparing navigation and robot except the possibility to change the procedure.
Conclusion: Precision of both methods is suitable for clinical use. A time advantage using the robot-arm couldn`t be demonstrated in the present study. A significant learning curve was shown, so a reduction in the longer duration on the robot can be expected. Further studies in clinical use are necessary.
Upregulation of circulating soluble programmed death-1 molecule and its correlation with the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Biruk , Tajebe Fitsumbrhan , Abdissa Becky , Negash Markos , Wondmagegn Tadelo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of joints and, if left untreated, leads to functional impairment. Various elements heightened the inflammation and progress of the disease. Although the pioneered role of soluble programmed death-1 is controversial, it is believed to be correlated to the disease activity of Rheumatoid arthritis. So this study aimed to assess plasma soluble programmed death 1 (sPD-1) level and its correlation with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients at Tikur Anbesa Specialty Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Method: The hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from February 2021 to June 2021. Participants were enrolled through consécutive sampling. Sociodemographic data was collected using structured questionnaires, while clinical data was collected using a data collection sheet. The disease activity of the Rheumatoid arthritis patients was measured with disease activity score-érythrocytes sédimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) score. Plasma soluble programmed death one concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. A median variation in the concentration of soluble programmed death one between Rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U-test, while Spearman’s correlation coefficient was measured to test the correlation between predictor and outcome variables.
Results: This study included 50 rheumatoid patients with a mean age of 48.08 ± 9.391 and 50 healthy controls with a mean age of 38.30 ± 13.386. In patients with RA, soluble PD-1 levels were (median; 1023 pg/mL, IQR; 850.5 - 1304.54) compared to healthy controls (median; 531.9 pg/mL, IQR: 364 - 809) increased significantly (p<0.001). Soluble PD-1 has a strong positive correlation with DAS28 (r=0.7157, p<0.001), ESR (r=0, 5657, p<0.001), and number of swollen and tender joints (r=0.5533, p<0.001). Plasma-soluble PD-1 levels were significantly lower in patients in remission compared to active RA patients.
Conclusion: soluble PD-1 Is significantly higher in RA patients and positively correlates with DAS28. This result demonstrates that sPD-1 is associated with RA disease activity and is a biomarker of RA disease activity.
Biomarkers Exploration of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Ferroptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Transcriptomic Analysis and Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Zhang Tianming , Hou Yue , Chen Lijun , Diwu Danbei , Tao Hongyan , Wang Hong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:Studies have demonstrated the prognostic potential of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes (ERGs) and ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) for Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients, but their correlation and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, this investigation employs transcriptomics, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and single-cell data to explore the relationship and prognosis of EMT and ferroptosis with LUAD.
Methods:Transcriptomic data from training and validation sets, along with single-cell datasets, were utilized. Prognostic-related differentially expressed (DE)-FRGs and DE-ERGs were identified, and a risk model was constructed using MR analysis and machine learning techniques. Single-cell data were analyzed to characterize model genes’ expression and function.
Results:Totally, 40 DE-FRGs and 222 DE-ERGs related to prognostic were identified in TCGA-LUAD. And there were 7 candidate genes by MR analysis. A total of 6 model genes (TFAM, ALOX15, GATA1, ALAD, PDCD4 and NDRG2) were selected to construct a risk model and the model was verified by GSE11969. Meanwhile, stage, N, T, and risk score were screened out as independent prognostic factors via univariate and multivariate cox regression and scores were counted to build a nomogram. Then, MR analysis results revealed that 6 model genes were significantly causally associated with LUAD. Meanwhile, model genes were mainly enriched in NK cells, T cells, Endothelial cell clusters, etc. by single-cell analysis.
Conclusion:TFAM, ALOX15, GATA1, ALAD, PDCD4 and NDRG2 played crucial roles in LUAD prognosis, providing refresh directions for the treatment of LUAD.
Alkali-activated Rice Husk Ash-Foamed Concrete: Correlation between Microporous Structure, Hydration Characteristics and Hardening Properties
Authors: Bai Ying-hua , Xie Yuan-liang , Chen Yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Solid waste recycling plays a crucial role in environmental protection and energy conservation. This study explores the utilization of rice husk ash as an auxiliary binding material in the production of alkali-activated foamed concrete. The impact of the modulus of the alkaline activator on the dry density, water absorption rate, thermal conductivity, electromagnetic wave absorption, and compressive and flexural strength of rice husk ash-foamed concrete was investigated. Additionally, the foamed concrete's micro-pore structure and hydration characteristics were characterized. For the first time, the study reveals the correlation between the pore structure, hydration products, and hardening properties of alkali-activated rice husk ash-foamed concrete. The results demonstrate that with a decrease in the modulus of the alkaline activator, the presence of accessible OH- ions in the colloid increases, leading to an improvement in the pore structure of alkali-activated rice husk ash-foam concrete and an increase in hydration products. The reduction in interconnected pores, increase in tiny pores, and higher C-S-H gel and ettringite content in the hydration products directly impact the development of concrete strength, reduction in dry density and water absorption rate, and decrease in thermal conductivity. Alkaline activation, through optimizing the pore structure, enhances the attenuation constant and impedance matching of the alkali-activated rice husk ash-foam concrete matrix, enhancing its electromagnetic wave absorption capability. In conclusion, the overall results suggest that alkali-activated rice husk ash-foam concrete is a viable material for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction.
Opposite Effects of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α on Autophagy and Apoptosis Expression in Yak Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: LU Hongqin , BAI Xuefeng , LU Zenghua , HE Junfeng , XIE Xiating , CUI Yan , YU Sijiu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Here, we investigated the effects of long-term high-altitude hypoxic environments on autophagy and apoptosis factor expression in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) of yaks. By using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription polymer-ase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting (WB), we compared the distribution and expres-sion of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in the kidneys of adult yaks and yellow cattle. The immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining results demonstrated positive HIF1α expression in kidney tissues from adult yaks and cattle, mainly in collecting duct epithelial cells, renal tubules, some renal glomerulus cells, and renal cysts. The WB and qRT-PCR results revealed that kidney HIF1α expression was significantly higher in adult yaks than in adult cattle (P < 0.0001). Primary cultured yak RTECs were used as experimental materials, We investigated the regulatory effects of drug inhibition and overexpression of HIF1α on the expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related factors using experimental methods such as flow cytometry, and mono-dansylcadaverine autophagy staining. The experimental results showed that HIF1α upregulation promoted autophagy and inhibited apoptosis, whereas its downregulation suppressed autoph-agy and promoted apoptosis. In conclusion, HIF1α is a crucial gene regulating the expression of autophagy and apoptosis factors in yak kidneys.
Impact of shape, spacing, and number of sacrificial piles on clear water local scour around a compound bridge pier
Authors: Sharif Muhammad Nawaz , Ghani Usman , Pasha Ghufran Ahmed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Bridge piers that have non-uniform cross-sectional dimensions along their length are called compound piers. The behavior of a significant number of bridge piers is characterized by non-uniformity, which is contingent upon how their foundations are exposed to flow fields. Bridges may fail for a variety of reasons, including design flaws and construction mistakes, however, scouring is the most dominant and dangerous of all the reasons. The primary objective of this experimental study was to mitigate the scouring effect around a circular compound bridge pier. This was achieved by using sacrificial piles as a counter-scour measure under clear water conditions. The flow rate was kept constant during the experimentation and each trial was run for about 3 hours. A point gauge was employed to measure the depth of the scour around the pier. Three shapes of sacrificial piles were used during the experimentation i.e., circular, square, and diamond. For each shape, four different values of mutual spacing between the compound pier and its adjacent upstream (u/s) sacrificial pile were used. For each mutual spacing, three different sets of sacrificial piles i.e. two, four, and six were used. In this way, 12 trials for each shape and a total of 36 trials were performed during this experimental work. The results demonstrated that the use of sacrificial piles greatly reduced the scour depth. It was observed that circular sacrificial piles were more effective in reducing maximum scour depth as compared to square and diamond-shaped sacrificial piles. The maximum reduction in local scour was observed by using six circular sacrificial piles with 5,5.67&6.33 b mutual spacing b/w pier and u/s pile. On the other hand, the least reduction in scour depth was observed by using two circular piles with 1b mutual spacing b/w pier and u/s pile.