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One of the key strategies for radiochemical research facilities is the automation of synthesis processes. Unnecessary manual operations increase the radiation exposure of personnel, while simultaneously threatening the reliability of syntheses. We have previously reported an affordable open‐source system comprising 3D‐printed continuous flow reactors, a custom syringe pump, and a pressure regulator that can be used to perform radiofluorinations. In this paper, we address additional essential processes that are needed for radiotracer development and synthesis, with the aim of making laboratory work safer and research more efficient. We have designed and evaluated a fully automated system for rapidly and effectively processing and drying aqueous [18F]fluoride that can be directly connected to the cyclotron. This process relies on triflyl fluoride gas generation and allows nucleophilic [18F]fluoride to be prepared safely in a hotcell within 10 min and an activity recovery of 91.7 ± 1.6% (n = 5). Owing to the need for convenient radiofluorinated prosthetic ligands, we have adapted our continuous flow system to produce [18F]fluoroethyl tosylate (FEOTs) and [18F]fluoroethyl triflate (FEOTf), prosthetic groups that are widely used for late‐stage fluoroethylation of PET tracers. The processes as well as the radiolabeling of different groups are compared and comprehensively discussed. Having a method providing [18F]fluoroethyl tosylate (FEOTs) as well as [18F]fluoroethyl triflate (FEOTf) quickly and highly efficiently is beneficial for radiochemical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Luchun Stream Toad – Bufo luchunnicus (Yang and Rao, 2008) is a Critically Endangered species with a restricted distribution in southern China and northwestern Vietnam. Habitat loss and disturbance is the main threat to this species, but a lack of understanding of its natural history has hindered urgent conservation efforts to safeguard the species and its habitats. As a result of our field surveys, we herein report two new population records of B. luchunnicus in Vietnam and provide novel data on its natural history. In addition, species distribution models (MaxEnt – Maximum Entropy Algorithm) using current climatic data are applied to predict the potential distribution of B. luchunnicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spotted Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus variegatus) has been recognised since 2019 from Vietnam and Hainan Island, China, but little information about its population status and distribution range is currently available. The species has been provisionally listed as Critically Endangered by the Turtle and Tortoise Working Group, although the status has not been officially accepted by the IUCN, due to the threats the species is facing, including habitat loss and degradation, overexploitation for food, competition with other non-native softshell turtles and pollution. To identify conservation priority sites for P. variegatus in mainland Indochina, this study combines molecular analyses and species distribution modelling. Our results show that, in Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has the largest suitable area and high probability of species occurrence, followed by Vu Quang National Park and Song Thanh and Ke Go Nature Reserves. In addition, the central provinces, from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam, constitute a key part of the species distribution and should be prioritised for conservation actions. According to the study's findings, although P. variegatus is possibly found in Laos, the probability decreases sharply at the border between both countries and there is also a gap in the occurrence of wetlands, arguing for strong natural barriers. Unfortunately, to date, only part of the species potential distribution is protected, while no records are known from protected areas, highlighting the need for extended or even new reserves. To recover natural populations of the species and following the IUCN's One Plan Approach to Conservation, breeding programmes have been established in Vietnam with a potential to expand to other facilities in the country and abroad. Once suitable sites are identified, offspring can be released into the protected areas to improve the current conservation status of this highly-threatened softshell turtle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Justified predictions of future changes in species distributions are necessary for defining adequate conservation plans over space and time. The Marsh or Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is native to freshwater habitats of the Indian subcontinent and in southeastern Iran. Habitat loss is currently the most important threat to crocodile dispersal and persistence, and climate change will likely exert increasing pressure on populations. This study used ecological niche modelling (maximum entropy) to predict the current distribution of this species and project it to future climatic conditions. For this purpose, 380 occurrence records were used for model computation and environmental data were obtained from Worldclim 2.0. Averages of eight global circulation model outputs, assuming four IPCC6 per story lines in 2081-2100, were used as future ensembles. Furthermore, future possible anthropogenic pressure was quantified using economic growth models. Temperature Annual Range was the climatic variable with the highest contribution to the modelling. Presently, most potential suitable habitats are located in Sri Lanka, in the southeastern peninsular of India, the tropical moist forest along the west coast of India, the border region between Nepal and India, and the south coasts of Iran and Pakistan. In the future, these suitable habitats are predicted to be further fragmented and to shift farther inland. Additional threats may arise from increased human/crocodile conflicts due to human population growth. Conservation should therefore focus on those areas that remain climatically comparatively stable with a low potential of human/crocodile conflicts. Key areas are located in the northern parts of India and at the westernmost range limits of this species in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Occidozyga shiwandashaensis was recently discovered from Guangxi Province of China. Hylarana latouchii is a widespread species in southern China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. Both species are expected to be found in the border areas between Vietnam and China; however, no records of these frogs have been documented from Vietnam so far. New information We record two species of amphibians for the first time from Vietnam, namely Occidozyga shiwandashaensis from Bac Giang Province and Hylarana latouchii from Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam. Morphologically, the Vietnamese representatives of O. shiwandashanensis resemble the type series from China. The specimens of H. latouchii from Vietnam slightly differ from the type series from China by having a larger size (SVL 48.6-51.7 mm in males, SVL 58.4 mm in the females vs. 36.0-40.0 mm in males, 42.0-53.0 mm in females). Genetic distances between the Vietnamese records and the type specimens of O. shiwandashanensis from China varied from 0 to 1.5% (16S gene). Genetic divergences between the Vietnamese records and H. latouchii from the type locality were 2.0-2.6% (16S gene). In addition, morphological data and natural history notes of the aforementioned species are provided, based on the new records from Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]