bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“We’re gonna die!” Do Brazilian conservation units provide protection to the Amazonian chelonians?
Authors: Sousa Loyriane Moura , Correia Letícia Lima , Alexandre Rafaela Jemely Rodrigues , Pena Simone Almeida , Vieira Thiago Bernardi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The creation of conservation areas (CAs) is not always based on science; consequently, some aquatic species may not receive the same level of protection as terrestrial ones. The objective was to identify priority areas for the conservation of chelonians in the Brazilian Amazon basin and assess the contribution of CAs, distinguishing between Full Protection Areas, Sustainable Use Areas, and Indigenous Lands for group protection. The entire species modeling procedure was carried out using Species Distribution Models (SDMs). Data points were obtained from platforms such as SpeciesLink, GBIF, the Hydroatlas database, and WorldClim for bioclimatic variables adjusted for algorithms like Maximum Entropy, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Gaussian-Bayesian. Indigenous lands cover more than 50% of the distribution areas of chelonians species in the Brazilian Amazon. Protection areas with higher conservation importance (Full Protection Areas and Sustainable Use Areas) hold less than 15% of the combined species distribution. Researchers face significant challenges when making decisions with models, especially in conservation efforts involving diverse taxa that differ significantly from one another within a group of individuals.
¿Y ahora, quién podrá defendernos? The Inefficacy of Brazilian Conservation Areas in Safeguarding Bat Biodiversity
Authors: de Oliveira Bruna Nascimento , Alexandre Rafaela Jemely Rodrigues , Pena Simone Almeida , Correia Letícia Lima , Vieira Thiago Bernardi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There are several threats to bat biodiversity, including deforestation and habitat loss, mainly due to agriculture, farming and urbanization. These problems are aggravated by the lack of knowledge about biodiversity and its geographic distribution. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate whether the current network of reserves in Brazil is adequate for the conservation of bat biodiversity and its ecosystem services. We used the occurrences of species present in digital databases, with 19 bioclimatic variables to build potential species distribution models. With the potential models we calculate the importance metrics, and overlap them with the current UC and TI in Brazil. We note that the UC and TI show that the areas located in the north of Brazil and in the southeastern coastal region are those that presented the highest values of importance for the conservation of the total biodiversity of bats. This same pattern was observed for the Frugivore, Total Insectivore and Non-Gleaner Insectivore guilds. For the measure of importance for each category in the IUCN of bats, we identified that the Southeast portion of Brazil represents high importance for conservation in the four threat levels present. For DD species, regions with a high degree of importance are concentrated throughout the northern and central regions of Brazil. For species classified as EM, the entire Brazilian region was classified as highly important for conservation and NT species have important areas in the coastal region of Brazil, extending inland across almost the entire Brazilian Cerrado. Our results highlight the ineffectiveness of areas designated for conservation in preserving terrestrial biodiversity, especially bats. They reinforce the need to plan conservation strategies based on conservation policies, reducing the probability of excluding species with restricted distribution or that occur in productive areas of high economic value.
Interfacial phase-change and geometry modify nanoscale pattern formation in irradiated thin films
Authors: Evans Tyler P. , Norris Scott A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the linear stability of ion-irradiated thin films where the typical no-penetration boundary condition has been relaxed to a phase-change or mass-conservation boundary condition. This results in the modification of the bulk velocity field by the density jump across the amorphous-crystalline interface as new material enters the film and instantaneously changes volume. In other physical systems, phase change at a moving boundary is known to affect linear stability, but such an effect has not yet been considered in the context of continuum models of ion-induced nanopatterning. We also determine simple closed-form expressions for the amorphous-crystalline interface in terms of the free interface, appealing directly to the physics of the collision cascade, which was recently shown to strongly modify the critical angle at which pattern formation is predicted to begin on an irradiated target. We find that phase-change at the amorphous-crystalline boundary imparts a strong ion-, target- and energy- dependence and, alongside a precise description of the interfacial geometry, may contribute to a unified, predictive, continuum-type model of ion-induced nanopatterning valid across a wide range of systems. In particular, we consider argon-irradiated silicon, where the presence of phase-change at the amorphous-crystalline interface appears to predict an experimentally-observed, strong suppression of pattern formation near 1.2keV for that system.
MicroRNA-4776-5p acts as a radiosensitizer and predicts the prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy
Authors: Lai Yo-Liang , Wang Chun-Chieh , Yu Ching-Fang , Lin Yung-Lun , Shen Pei-Chun , Tsai Meng-Hsin , Chen Fang-Hsin , Cheng Wei-Chung 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the most common worldwide. Radiation therapy plays an important role in treating HNC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with tumor progression and radiosensitivity. However, their mechanisms remain largely unknown, and the evidence remains limited. This study aimed to identify miRNAs associated with the radiosensitivity of head and neck tumor cells, leading to the poor prognosis of patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy. The miRNA expression profiles and clinical information of patients with HNC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The miRNAs were identified through an integrated bioinformatics analysis and validated throughin vitroandin vivostudies. Results MiR-4776-5p was identified as a radiosensitizer and predictor of the prognosis of patients with HNC receiving radiotherapy. Eleven of 16 genes targeted by miR-4776-5p were found to regulate mechanisms related to radiosensitivity via functional annotation. Conclusion In this study, we identified a miRNA, miR-4776-5p, related to the clinical outcome of patients with HNSC receiving RT alone, which could be potentially selected as a miRNA-based therapeutic target to block radioresistant characteristics and lead to better treatment outcomes for HNC.
The association between serum anion gap and short-term prognosis in septic patients: Based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database
Authors: Ma Desheng , Li Ma 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Although anion gap(AG) has been widely used in clinical practical, its t short-term prognostic value in septic Patients remains uncertain. The study aimed to investigate the association between AG and short-term prognostic in septic patients.
Methods
All patients with sepsis were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III(MIMIC-III). All patients were categorized by quartiles of AG, the association between AG and clinical outcome were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Cox proportional hazard regression models. moreover, the prediction of the 28-day mortality was calculated by the receiver operator characteristic curves(ROC), and the subgroup analysis was to explore the association between AG and 28-day mortality in septic patients.
Results
A total of 10175 patients were enrolled in this study, they were Q1(AG < 12, n = 2208), Q2(12 ≤ AG < 14, n = 2313), Q3(14 ≤ AG < 16, n = 2389) and Q4 (AG ≥ 16, n = 3265), respectively. From Q1 to Q4 group, we found the 28-day mortality (12.3% vs 14.2% vs 16.5% vs 25.6%) was higher and higher. In the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, the survival rate has decreased with the extension of hospital stay, and highly coincident with the Cox regression prediction curve (P < 0.001). Moreover, in different Cox regression models, while Q1 was a reference group, from Q2 to Q4, the HR value has increased, the trend test also has confirmed the result (P < 0.001). Compared with AG, Simplified Acute Physiology Score(SAPSII) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) have better prognosis value by ROC(P < 0.001), but compared with red blood cell distribution width (RDW)and serum creatinine (Scr), there were no difference (P = 0.071). In the subgroup analysis, the higher AG was associated with higher 28-day mortality in septic patients serum creatinine ≥ 1.1mg/dL, PT ≥ 14s, and SOFA score ≥ 5.
Conclusion
AG may be an effective indicator for predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with sepsis.
Identification of Acinetobacter schindleri isolated from Chinese Giant Salamanders (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Wang Cheng , Xie Yixing , Liu Yi , Deng Zhiyong , Yuan Huayan , Tian Zhuming , Wei Ying , Jiang Wansheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

At a particular aquaculture facility in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) exhibited analogous clinical manifestations, culminating in sequential mortalities. This study used rigorous aseptic sampling methods to extract bacteria from the affected liver of salamanders to determine the causative agent behind the decline of amphibians. A bacterial pathogen was isolated from the diseased A. davidianus, and the strain was named DN-3. This isolate was subjected to bacterial identification, antibiotic susceptibility assays, reinfection experiments, and biochemical profiling. The isolated bacterial strain was definitively identified as Acinetobacter schindleri using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that this isolate was susceptible to neomycin, macrolides, doxycycline, piperacillin, nitrofurantoin, and carbenicillin. Subsequent reinfection assays, wherein varying concentrations of the bacterial inoculum were administered to healthy salamanders, corroborated that the pathogen elicited varying degrees of morbidity or mortality within an eight-day observation period. The median lethal dosage (LD50) of A. schindleri DN-3 for A. davidianus was calculated to be 6.25×104 CFU/mL. This supports the significant pathogenicity of the strain. The findings of this study furnish empirical underpinnings for the clinical management and epidemiological control of diseases affecting the Chinese giant salamander.
The impact of digital storytelling on Iranian EFL learners ‘motivational self, and self-disclosure
Authors: Nikbakht Ahmadreza , Neysani Masoud 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Digital stories are nowadays a rather well-known foreign language teaching material, especially produced by and for the EFL learners. Moreover, it is rather widely believed that producing digital stories is beneficial for the learners of English since they help them better develop their language skills, along with their digital literacy and (critical) thinking skills, as well. This study aimed at investigating the effect of using two types of digital storytelling, i.e., asynchronous and synchronous digital storytelling, on the EFL learners' motivational self and self-disclosure. To this end, a quasi-experimental design with an experimental and a comparison group was devised in which the learners’ language proficiency and gender were controlled variables. Sixty-five lower intermediate EFL learners were conveniently selected, and then were homogenized based on their scores on Oxford Placement Test (OPT). Then two questionnaires with Likert-scale items were used to measure their motivational self and self-disclosure before and after the intervention. The results of the study indicated that, with regard to their motivation, unlike what was observed before the intervention, the learners in the two groups were not only different in terms of their ought-to self, but also different in terms of their ideal self after the intervention. In terms of their ought-to self the learners in synchronous group had stronger beliefs. These orientations were very similar to those they had before the course in terms of instrumentality. However, the synchronous group changed in terms of their ideal self. In terms of self-disclosure, it was found that learners in both groups were more willing to disclose themselves after the course.
Low expression of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist correlate with poor prognosis via promoting proliferation and migration and inhibiting apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ding Yujie , Yi Jie , Shan Yufei , Gu Jiaqi , Sun Zhida , Lin Jie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Biomarkers are biochemical indicators that can identify changes in the structure or function of systems, organs, or cells and can be used to monitor a wide range of biological processes, including cancer. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) is an important inflammatory suppressor gene and tumor biomarker. The goal of this study was to investigate the expression of IL1RA, its probable carcinogenic activity, and its diagnostic targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Results: We discovered that IL1RA was expressed at a low level in OSCC tumor tissues compared to normal epithelial tissues and that the expression declined gradually from epithelial hyperplasia through dysplasia to carcinoma in situ and invasive OSCC. Low IL1RA expression was associated not only with poor survival but also with various clinicopathological markers such as increased infiltration, recurrence, and fatalities. Following cellular phenotyping investigations in OSCC cells overexpressing IL1RA, we discovered that recovering IL1RA expression decreased OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and increased apoptosis.
Conclusions: In summary, our investigation highlighted the possible involvement of low-expression IL1RA in OSCC cells in promoting invasive as well as metastatic and inhibiting apoptosis, as well as the efficacy of IL1RA-focused monitoring in the early detection and treatment of OSCC.
Identifying factors that can be used to assess a country’s readiness to deploy a new vaccine or improve uptake of an underutilized vaccine: a scoping review
Authors: Bhatt Aomesh , Monk Vaneesha , Bhatti Alexandra , Eiden Amanda L. , Hermany Lindsay , Hansen Natasha , Connolly Mark P. , Baxter Luke , Vanderslott Samantha , Mitrovich Rachel , Slater Rebeccah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives Identifying whether a country is ready to deploy a new vaccine or improve uptake of an existing vaccine requires knowledge of a diverse range of interdependent, context-specific factors. This scoping review aims to identify common themes that emerge across articles, which include tools or guidance, that can be used to establish whether a country is ready to deploy a new vaccine or increase uptake of an underutilized vaccine.
Design Scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
Data Sources Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched for articles published until 09-Sep-2023. Relevant articles were also identified through expert opinion.
Eligibility Criteria Articles published in any year or language that included tools or guidance to identify factors that influence a country’s readiness to deploy a new or underutilized vaccine.
Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers screened records and performed data extraction. Findings were synthesized by conducting a thematic analysis.
Results Thirty-eight articles met our inclusion criteria; these documents were created using methodologies including expert review panels and Delphi surveys and varied in terms of content and context-of-use. Twelve common themes were identified relevant to a country’s readiness to deploy a new or underutilized vaccine. These themes were: (i) legal, political, and professional consensus; (ii) socio-cultural factors and communication; (iii) policy, guidelines, and regulations; (iv) financing; (v) vaccine characteristics and supply logistics; (vi) program planning; (vii) program monitoring and evaluation; (viii) sustainable and integrated healthcare provision; (ix) safety surveillance and reporting; (x) disease burden and characteristics; (xi) vaccination equity; and (xii) human resources and training of professionals.
Conclusions This information has the potential to form the basis of a globally applicable evidence-based vaccine readiness assessment tool that can inform policy and immunization program decision-makers.
Susceptibility-Weighted MRI for Predicting NF-2 Mutation and S100 Protein Expression in Meningiomas
Authors: Azamat Sena , Buz-Yaluğ Buse , Dindar Sukru Samet , Tan Kubra Yilmaz , Ozcan Alpay , Can Ozge , Danyeli Ayca Ersen , Pamir M.Necmettin , Dincer Alp , Ozduman Koray , Ozturk-Isik Esin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate non-invasive biomarkers of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF-2) mutation and S100 protein expression in meningiomas using morphological and radiomics features of susceptibility-weighted MRI (SWI) with deep learning.
Methods
Ninety-nine meningioma patients, who were pre-operatively scanned at a 3T clinical MRI scanner, underwent genetic analysis for NF-2 mutation and immunohistochemistry for S100 protein expression. Tumor growth pattern, peritumoral edema, sinus invasion, hyperostosis, bone destruction, and intratumoral calcification were semi-quantitatively assessed. The differences of radiomics and deep learning features of SWI were compared between NF-2 mutation- and S100 protein expression-based subgroups using either Mann–Whitney U or χ² tests. Logistic regression and machine learning techniques explored the relationships between the molecular characteristics and the features obtained by radiomics and deep learning.
Results
NF-2 mutation was associated with a higher risk of developing high-grade tumors (P = 0.01). Additionally, elevated signal intensity (P = 0.002) and a decrease in entropy (P = 0.049) within the tumoral region on SWI were observed in meningiomas with S100 protein expression. NF-2 mutation was associated with lower SWI signal intensity (P = 0.015), a growth pattern described as "en plaque" (P = 0.023), and the presence of calcification within the tumor (P = 0.021). Logistic regression models achieved accuracies of 0.74 for predicting NF-2 mutation and 0.80 for identifying S100 protein expression. Deep learning features demonstrated strong predictive capability for S100 protein expression (AUC = 0.85) and had reasonable success in identifying NF-2 mutations (AUC = 0.74).
Conclusion
SWI shows promise in identifying NF-2 mutation and S100 protein expression by revealing neovascularization and microcalcification characteristics in meningiomas.
Strategic Alliances in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Sector: A Qualitative Assessment in the Bangladesh Market
Authors: Siam Saleh Ahmed Jalal , Aziz Fardin , Abtahi Ahanaf Tahmid , Supta Amrin Sultana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the intricacies of strategic partnerships in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in Bangladesh. The research aims to explore the motivations, challenges, critical success factors, and implications of alliances in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. This will be done through 40 in-depth interviews with industry experts, managers, and executives from various FMCG companies. The study focuses on the rapidly changing and competitive market environment. The study utilizes qualitative analysis to reveal a notable transformation in the objectives and extent of strategic relationships. Originally centered on resolving issues related to distribution, alliances have progressed to include other goals such as innovation, market growth, and operational effectiveness. The motivations behind these agreements encompass risk reduction, consolidation of resources, market entry, and obtaining a competitive advantage. Nevertheless, fundamental difficulties were recognized, such as cultural gaps and opposing objectives among collaborating companies. To overcome these obstacles, it is necessary to implement strategic initiatives such as cultural integration programs, efficient communication techniques, and well-defined governance frameworks. The study's conclusions are primarily constrained by its qualitative nature, which may impact its generalizability. Moreover, the emphasis on the Bangladeshi Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector could restrict the wider repercussions for the industry. However, the results provide practical advice for FMCG companies, including solutions to overcome difficulties and improve the efficiency of strategic partnerships. Furthermore, the incorporation of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities into these partnerships signifies a transition towards ethical corporate practices, which not only benefits business objectives but also contributes to the well-being of society. This study enhances the current body of knowledge by offering empirical observations on the changing characteristics, difficulties, and key determinants for success in strategic partnerships within Bangladesh's FMCG industry. Nevertheless, the limitations encompass potential biases from participants and the inherent subjectivity in the qualitative research methodology.
Development of a decision-support system to select nature-based solutions for domestic wastewater treatment
Authors: Acuña Vicenç , Castañares Laura , Castellar Joana , Comas Joaquim , Cross Katherine , Istenič Darja , Masi Fabio , McDonald Robert , Pucher Bernhard , Pueyo-Ros Josep , Riu Adrià , Rizzo Anacleto , Riva Massimiliano , Tondera Katharina , Corominas Lluís 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Nature-based solutions are increasingly used in domestic wastewater treatment, because of their potential to remove contaminants and pathogens from water (e.g., stormwater, river water, wastewater) as well as their provided co-benefits, such as mitigation of the heat island effect or enhanced biodiversity. The transition from traditional grey technologies towards nature-based solutions in domestic wastewater treatment might yield multiple benefits for local communities while enhancing biodiversity. Although some nature-based solutions such as treatment wetlands have been used for decades in domestic wastewater treatment, this is not the case for others such as green walls or roofs, which lack implementation guidelines and design criteria. Aiming to support implementation of nature-based solutions in domestic wastewater treatment, we have developed an online decision-support system for the pre-selection of the best nature-based solution to use in each socio-environmental context and adapted to the needs, as well as an estimate of the required area. Our decision-support system's recommendations are based on an expert knowledge-driven approach, building on two complementary expert knowledge elicitation workshops. We hope the developed online decision-support system will support the transition towards integrating nature-based solutions into urban water and wastewater treatment systems.