bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as an indicator of tumor immune status in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Iwata Kazuma , Suzawa Ken , Hashimoto Kohei , Tanaka Shin , Shien Kazuhiko , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Okazaki Mikio , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Toyooka Shinichi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported as a prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the underlying biological rationale remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the potential utility of NLR as a surrogate biomarker for immune response to cancer and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Methods
This retrospective study included the medical records of 120 patients with NSCLC who underwent surgery at the study institution in 2012. NLR in peripheral blood was determined from blood test within 30 days before surgery. Tumor immune status was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining to identify CD3+, CD8+ and FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and the relationship of NLR, with clinicopathologic characteristics including 5-year overall survival (OS), and the tumor immune status was investigated. The median values of NLR and TIL count were used as cutoff points.

Results
The 5-year OS was significantly better in patients with low NLR (&lt;2.2) than in those with high NLR (≥2.2) (70.1% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.042) and in patients with high CD3+ TIL count (≥242) than in those with low CD3+ TIL count (&lt;242) (70% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.019). Additionally, the CD3+ TIL count was negatively correlated with preoperative NLR (P = 0.005).

Conclusion
NLR might potentially reflect the immune status of tumor microenvironment, explaining its impact on prognosis of patients with NSCLC.
Review and meta-analysis of correlates of home range size in bats
Authors: Wood Matthew R , de Vries J Low , Monadjem Ara , Markotter Wanda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Home range is an ecological concept that affects many aspects of the life of vertebrates and hence understanding how it varies between species is crucial. Mammalian home range size has been linked to body size and diet, but these studies were based predominantly on terrestrial species and most specifically excluded bats. As the only group of flying mammals, bats experience distinctly different constraints on movement, and hence home range. However, despite their diversity, relatively little is known about the home ranges of bats, and this is the first global review assessing correlates of their home range size. Our hypothesis is that home range will be impacted by different ecological conditions experienced by the bats and by the biological traits of the bats themselves. We performed a meta-analysis based on published data for 81 bat species to identify variables that contribute most to home range size. Sex, wing loading, functional group, colony size, dietary class, distance from the equator (latitudinal region), habitat type, and the interaction between habitat type and latitudinal region were all important explanatory variables. Wing loading was positively correlated with home range size—while females, open-air foragers, large colony sizes, and bats in temperate regions consistently had large home ranges. Understanding the correlates of home range has important implications, for example, for bat conservation and for assessing the risk of spillover of zoonotic pathogens from bats to humans and livestock.
Assessment of optimal blood exposure time at 37 °C during in vitro tsetse flies feeding for quality production in mass-rearing colonies
Authors: Pagabeleguem Soumaïla , Yoda Rebecca Lebcara , Somda Martin Bienvenu , Toé Ange Irénée , Bagayogo Abdramane , Dao Daouda , Dabiré Metuor Amana , Yoni Moise 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Control of African animal trypanosomosis is implemented through an integrated control strategy, with the sterile insect technique (SIT) as one of its components. The SIT requires mass rearing of tsetse fly colonies using an in vitro feeding system. The exposure of blood at 37 °C on heating plates over time can have an impact on the quality of fly productivity. In this study, we investigated the survival and fecundity of adult tsetse flies fed at 37 °C on 8 blood exposure times ranging from 30 min to 4 h with increments of 30 min (treatment 1, flies were fed 30 min after exposure to blood at 37 °C; treatment 2, 1 h and so on until treatment 8 [4 h after]) in order to determine the optimal exposure time. In addition, bacterial growth in blood from each treatment was assessed by agar culture at 37 °C for 72 h. The results showed that the adult female survival rates were similar regardless of the treatment. For males, only those of treatment 1 (30 min) showed a marginal lower survival than those of treatments 7 and 8 fed after 3 h 30 min and 4 h of blood exposure, respectively. Over the 4-h interval of blood exposure at 37 °C, the results showed that the number of pupae produced per initial female and pupal weight tended to increase with exposure time, but the differences were not significant. We discuss the implications of these results on tsetse mass rearing for the SIT program.
Quality-of-life outcomes in metastatic spinal cord compression: findings from the SCORAD trial
Authors: Hoskin Peter J , Reczko Krystyna , Rashid Memuna , Hackshaw Allan , Lopes Andre ,   the SCORAD Investigators, Hopkins K , Misra V , Holt T , McMenemin R , McKinna F , Krishnaswamy M , Bates A , O’Rourke N , Lester J , Sevitt T , Roos D , Brown G , Shibu Thomas S , Forsyth S 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This article reports detailed quality-of-life data including preferred and actual place of care from SCORAD, the only large prospective randomized trial in metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

Methods
SCORAD compared 2 doses of radiotherapy in patients with MSCC: 8 Gy single fraction and 20 Gy in 5 fractions. In total, 686 patients were randomized, of whom 590 had Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) data collected at baseline and at least 1 later time point. HRQoL was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Core 30 supplemented with the QLU-C10D and data on place of care at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12 postrandomization. Quality-of-Life Adjusted Survival was computed by multiplying Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities with the UK utility weights obtained from the QLU-C10D.

Results
Patients with a baseline physical functioning score of above 50 demonstrated a 28% reduction in the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.72, 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54 to 0.95; P = .003). An increased risk of death was associated with fatigue (HR = 1.35, 99% CI = 1.03 to 1.76; P = .0040), dyspnea (HR = 1.61, 99% CI = 1.24 to 2.08; P &lt; .001), and appetite loss (HR = 1.25, 99% CI = 0.99 to 1.59; P = .014). The preferred place of care for the majority was at home or with relatives (61%-74% across the 12 weeks) but achieved by only 53% at 8 weeks.

Conclusions
Prolonged survival in patients with MSCC was associated with better HRQoL. More than 60% of patients preferred to be cared for at home or with relatives, but only half were able to achieve this. There was no difference in HRQoL between the multifraction and single-fraction groups.

Trial registration
ISRCTN97555949 and ISRCTN97108008.
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 regulates CYP27A1-induced myometrial contraction during preterm labor
Authors: Peng Ting , Cui Jiayan , Ni Ziyun , Tang Yao , Cao Xiaojing , Li Sihan , Cheng Xixi , Huang Jin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Persistent and intense uterine contraction is a risk factor for preterm labor. We previously found that methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), as a target of infection-related microRNA miR-212-3p, may play an inhibitory role in regulating myometrium contraction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MeCP2 regulates myometrial contraction are still unknown. In this study, we found that MeCP2 protein expression was lower in myometrial specimens obtained from preterm labor cases, compared to those obtained from term labor cases. Herein, using RNA sequence analysis of global gene expression in human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) following siMeCP2, we show that MeCP2 silencing caused dysregulation of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Notably, MeCP2 silencing resulted in the upregulation of CYP27A1, the key enzyme involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, in HUSMCs. Methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter gene technology indicated that MeCP2 could bind to the methylated CYP27A1 promoter region and repress its transcription. Administration of siCYP27A1 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor mouse model delayed the onset of preterm labor. Human preterm myometrium and the LPS-induced preterm labor mouse model both showed lower expression of MeCP2 and increased expression of CYP27A1. These results demonstrated that aberrant upregulation of CYP27A1 induced by MeCP2 silencing is one of the mechanisms facilitating inappropriate myometrial contraction. CYP27A1 could be exploited as a novel therapeutic target for preterm birth.
Photon counting detector computed tomography in pediatric cardiothoracic CT imaging
Authors: Siegel Marilyn J , Ramirez-Giraldo Juan C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) is the most recent advancement in CT technology and has the potential to change clinical practice. Unlike conventional energy-integrated-detector (EID) that uses a two-step process to convert X-rays into a digital signal, PCD-CT directly converts photon energies into electronic signal. The advantages of PCD-CT over EID-CT are higher spatial resolution, electronic noise reduction, higher contrast-to-noise ratio, improved radiation dose efficiency, and intrinsic spectral imaging. Successful implementation into clinical practice requires adaptations in CT protocols. In this review, we summarize the basic principles of PCD-CT and technical scanning factors followed by a discussion of its clinical benefits in pediatric pulmonary and cardiovascular imaging.
Pricing protest: the response of financial markets to social unrest
Authors: Barrett Philip , Bondar Mariia , Chen Sophia , Chivakul Mali , Igan Deniz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We identify start days of 156 episodes of social unrest from textual analysis of media reports and show a systematic negative impact of social unrest on stock market performance. Social unrest on average leads to a 1.4 percentage point drop in cumulative abnormal returns in 2 weeks, more for events that last longer and that happen in emerging markets. Stronger institutions, particularly better governance and more democratic systems, are associated with a smaller adverse impact of social unrest on stock market returns. We argue this reflects the ability of better institutions to provide a more reliable way to reconcile conflicting views and dampen uncertainty after unrest.
Factors Influencing the Self-management of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
Authors: Wang Ying , Wei Tingting , Li Miaomiao , Wu Peipei , Qiang Wanmin , Wang Xian , Shen Aomei 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPatients with breast cancer have an estimated 14% to 60% risk of developing lymphedema after treatment. Self-management behavior strategies regarding lymphedema are essential in preventing and alleviating the severity of lymphedema.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate qualitative research evidence on the potential influencing factors for self-management behaviors of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA systematic search of 10 electronic databases was conducted to identify qualitative studies on patient experience of lymphedema self-management. The following databases were included and appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist: Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Med Online, and Chinese Biomedical Database.ResultsThe literature search yielded 5313 studies, of which only 22 qualitative studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Five synthesized findings were derived encompassing personal characteristics, personal knowledge and experience, personal health beliefs, self-regulation skills and abilities, and social influences and support.ConclusionsPatients with breast cancer are confronted with many challenges when performing self-management of lymphedema. Therefore, it is important to recognize potential facilitators and barriers to further offer practical recommendations that promote self-management activities for lymphedema.Implications for PracticeHealthcare professionals should receive consistent training on lymphedema management. On the basis of individual patient characteristics, tailored education and support should be provided, including transforming irrational beliefs, and improving related knowledge and skills, with the aim to promote self-management behaviors with respect to lymphedema.
Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring
Authors: van Klink Roel , Sheard Julie Koch , Høye Toke T. , Roslin Tomas , Do Nascimento Leandro A. , Bauer Silke 
Published: May 2024

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth, yet our knowledge of their diversity, ecology and population trends remains abysmally poor. Four major technological approaches are coming to fruition for use in insect monitoring and ecological research—molecular methods, computer vision, autonomous acoustic monitoring and radar-based remote sensing—each of which has seen major advances over the past years. Together, they have the potential to revolutionize insect ecology, and to make all-taxa, fine-grained insect monitoring feasible across the globe. So far, advances within and among technologies have largely taken place in isolation, and parallel efforts among projects have led to redundancy and a methodological sprawl; yet, given the commonalities in their goals and approaches, increased collaboration among projects and integration across technologies could provide unprecedented improvements in taxonomic and spatio-temporal resolution and coverage. This theme issue showcases recent developments and state-of-the-art applications of these technologies, and outlines the way forward regarding data processing, cost-effectiveness, meaningful trend analysis, technological integration and open data requirements. Together, these papers set the stage for the future of automated insect monitoring.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.
Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective
Authors: Sánchez Herrera Melissa , Forero Dimitri , Calor Adolfo Ricardo , Romero Gustavo Q. , Riyaz Muzafar , Callisto Marcos , de Oliveira Roque Fabio , Elme-Tumpay Araseli , Khan M. Kawsar , Justino de Faria Ana Paula , Pires Mateus Marques , Silva de Azevêdo Carlos Augusto , Juen Leandro , Zakka Usman , Samaila Akeweta Emmanuel , Hussaini Suwaiba , Kemabonta Kehinde , Guillermo-Ferreira Rhainer , Ríos-Touma Blanca , Maharaj Gyanpriya 
Published: May 2024

Insect monitoring is pivotal for assessing biodiversity and informing conservation strategies. This study delves into the complex realm of insect monitoring in the Global South—world developing and least-developed countries as identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development—highlighting challenges and proposing strategic solutions. An analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024 reveals an imbalance in research contributions between the Global North and South, highlighting disparities in entomological research and the scarcity of taxonomic expertise in the Global South. We discuss the socio-economic factors that exacerbate the issues, including funding disparities, challenges in collaboration, infrastructure deficits, information technology obstacles and the impact of local currency devaluation. In addition, we emphasize the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping insect diversity, particularly in tropical regions facing multiple challenges including climate change, urbanization, pollution and various anthropogenic activities. We also stress the need for entomologists to advocate for ecosystem services provided by insects in addressing environmental issues. To enhance monitoring capacity, we propose strategies such as community engagement, outreach programmes and cultural activities to instill biodiversity appreciation. Further, language inclusivity and social media use are emphasized for effective communication. More collaborations with Global North counterparts, particularly in areas of molecular biology and remote sensing, are suggested for technological advancements. In conclusion, advocating for these strategies—global collaborations, a diverse entomological community and the integration of transverse disciplines—aims to address challenges and foster inclusive, sustainable insect monitoring in the Global South, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and overall ecosystem health.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.
Towards global insect biomonitoring with frugal methods
Authors: Brydegaard Mikkel , Pedales Ronniel D. , Feng Vivian , Yamoa Assoumou saint-doria , Kouakou Benoit , Månefjord Hampus , Wührl Lorenz , Pylatiuk Christian , Amorim Dalton de Souza , Meier Rudolf 
Published: May 2024

None of the global targets for protecting nature are currently met, although humanity is critically dependent on biodiversity. A significant issue is the lack of data for most biodiverse regions of the planet where the use of frugal methods for biomonitoring would be particularly important because the available funding for monitoring is insufficient, especially in low-income countries. We here discuss how three approaches to insect biomonitoring (computer vision, lidar, DNA sequences) could be made more frugal and urge that all biomonitoring techniques should be evaluated for global suitability before becoming the default in high-income countries. This requires that techniques popular in high-income countries should undergo a phase of ‘innovation through simplification’ before they are implemented more broadly. We predict that techniques that acquire raw data at low cost and are suitable for analysis with AI (e.g. images, lidar-signals) will be particularly suitable for global biomonitoring, while techniques that rely heavily on patented technologies may be less promising (e.g. DNA sequences). We conclude the opinion piece by pointing out that the widespread use of AI for data analysis will require a global strategy for providing the necessary computational resources and training.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.
Sharing insect data through GBIF: novel monitoring methods, opportunities and standards
Authors: Svenningsen Cecilie S. , Schigel Dmitry 
Published: May 2024

Technological advancements in biological monitoring have facilitated the study of insect communities at unprecedented spatial scales. The progress allows more comprehensive coverage of the diversity within a given area while minimizing disturbance and reducing the need for extensive human labour. Compared with traditional methods, these novel technologies offer the opportunity to examine biological patterns that were previously beyond our reach. However, to address the pressing scientific inquiries of the future, data must be easily accessible, interoperable and reusable for the global research community. Biodiversity information standards and platforms provide the necessary infrastructure to standardize and share biodiversity data. This paper explores the possibilities and prerequisites of publishing insect data obtained through novel monitoring methods through GBIF, the most comprehensive global biodiversity data infrastructure. We describe the essential components of metadata standards and existing data standards for occurrence data on insects, including data extensions. By addressing the current opportunities, limitations, and future development of GBIF's publishing framework, we hope to encourage researchers to both share data and contribute to the further development of biodiversity data standards and publishing models. Wider commitments to open data initiatives will promote data interoperability and support cross-disciplinary scientific research and key policy indicators.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.
Delivering on a promise: futureproofing automated insect monitoring methods
Authors: van Klink Roel 
Published: May 2024

Due to rapid technological innovations, the automated monitoring of insect assemblages comes within reach. However, this continuous innovation endangers the methodological continuity needed for calculating reliable biodiversity trends in the future. Maintaining methodological continuity over prolonged periods of time is not trivial, since technology improves, reference libraries grow and both the hard- and software used now may no longer be available in the future. Moreover, because data on many species are collected at the same time, there will be no simple way of calibrating the outputs of old and new devices. To ensure that reliable long-term biodiversity trends can be calculated using the collected data, I make four recommendations: (1) Construct devices to last for decades, and have a five-year overlap period when devices are replaced. (2) Construct new devices to resemble the old ones, especially when some kind of attractant (e.g. light) is used. Keep extremely detailed metadata on collection, detection and identification methods, including attractants, to enable this. (3) Store the raw data (sounds, images, DNA extracts, radar/lidar detections) for future reprocessing with updated classification systems. (4) Enable forward and backward compatibility of the processed data, for example by in-silico data ‘degradation’ to match the older data quality.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.