Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of electroacupuncture on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of electroacupuncture for the treatment of obesity. Methods: We searched 8 electronic databases for articles published between 2005 and 2021, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the review. The intervention groups received either electroacupuncture alone or electroacupuncture with standard care, whereas the control groups received sham electroacupuncture, standard care, or no treatment. The primary outcome was the body mass index (BMI), and the secondary outcomes were the body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass, body fat percentage, and adverse effects. Continuous outcome data are presented as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 RCTs involving 779 participants. Results revealed that the BMI (MD: −0.98; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.61), BW (MD: −1.89; 95% CI: −2.97 to −0.80), WC (MD: −2.67; 95% CI: −4.52 to −0.82), and WHR (MD: −0.03; 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01) were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared with those in the control groups. Adverse effects were reported in 5 studies. The most commonly used acupoint in the abdomen was ST25, whereas the most commonly used acupoints in other regions were ST36 and SP6 for the treatment of obesity. ST25 was the most commonly used acupoint connected by electroacupuncture. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that electroacupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for simple obesity. To increase the reliability of this study, further detailed, long-term studies should be conducted on the effects of electroacupuncture on obesity.
Thrombocytopenia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is the second most common hematological change during pregnancy and is considered as a major source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its effects to morbidity and mortality, it is frequently ignored or disregarded, particularly in resource-limited nations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia from June 20 to August 30, 2022. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 pregnant women selected through a systematic sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of Haramaya University. Data related to sociodemographic and reproductive variables were collected using structured questionnaires. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from each study participant and a complete blood cell count was determined using UniCel DxH 800 hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between TCP and independent variables and P < . 05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, the prevalence of TCP was 14.1% (95% CI: 9.6–19.7). Of them, 10 (35.7%), 12 (42.9%), and 4 (21.4%) had mild, moderate, and severe TCP, respectively. Having more than 3 children (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 7.90, 95% CI: 2.60, 24.3), no antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 7.90, 95% CI: 2.40–26.2), being in the second and third trimester (AOR = 6.90, 95% CI: 1.70, 28.9 and AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.12, 22.7, respectively), and history of heavy menstrual bleeding (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.25, 13.1) were significantly associated with TCP. TCP is a public health problem among pregnant women in the study area. Having more than 3 children, lack of antenatal care follow-up, being in the second and third trimesters, and having history of heavy menstrual bleeding was significantly associated with TCP. As a result, regular platelet count monitoring and appropriate intervention approaches based on identified predictors should be explored to mitigate adverse outcomes in pregnant women.
Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review

Tranexamic acid (TXA), a fibrinolytic agent, effectively inhibits plasminogen activation, thereby reducing fibrinolysis and hemorrhage. This study focused on its application in trauma patients undergoing emergency surgery, a critical area due to trauma's significant role in mortality. Our investigation involved a meticulous screening of randomized controlled trials from databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane. The findings indicate that TXA intervention is promising in enhancing outcomes for trauma patients. However, the drug's effectiveness may vary based on the specific nature of the medical condition. In summary, robust evidence suggests that TXA can diminish blood loss, lower transfusion rates, reduce complications, and improve hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in surgical patients. Consequently, TXA should be considered a crucial medication, readily available to mitigate morbidity and mortality in surgical settings. Future research should explore factors influencing TXA's effectiveness in traumatic brain injury cases and across a broad spectrum of surgical scenarios in diverse patient populations. This would further guide clinicians in refining and optimizing the use of TXA.
Fish assemblages of caribbean coral reefs: Effects of overfishing on coral communities under climate change

The natural, pre-human, abundance of most large predators is unknown due to the lack of historical data and the poor understanding of the natural factors that control their populations. We assessed the relationship between the biomass of predatory reef fishes and several anthropogenic and environmental variables to (1) attribute among site variability in predator abundance to both human impacts and natural factors, and (2) estimate historical baselines of fish predator biomass in the absence of humans. We hypothesized that predatory fish abundance declines with human influence but is also strongly influenced by natural environmental variability. We assessed the biomass structure of reef fishes at 39 sites over three years across the greater Caribbean. Using generalized linear mixed effect models, we examined the relationships between the biomass of predatory reef fishes and a comprehensive set of 29 anthropogenic, physical, spatial, biotic, and management-related covariates. We used the best explanatory models to predict the biomass of fish predators in the absence of humans. Predatory reef fish biomass was higher in marine reserves but strongly negatively related to human impacts, especially coastal development. Over 50% of the variability in predator biomass, however, was also explained by non-human factors including reef complexity, ocean productivity, and prey
"I told myself, be bold and go and test": Motivators and barriers to HIV testing among gay, bisexual, and other cis-gender men who have sex with men in Ghana ‒ West Africa

Despite a disproportionately high burden of HIV, GBMSM in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa often delay testing until the point of illness. However, limited studies examine factors that affect their participation in testing. We used qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect insights into experiences, motivators, and barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM. Two community-based organizations used snowball and convenience sampling to recruit 10 GBMSM for IDIs and 8 to 12 for FGDs. We transcribed, coded, identified, and analyzed the relationship and commonalities between the participants’ responses. Under experiences with testing, 1) fear of HIV infection created a stressful HIV testing experience, and 2) a friendly and supportive healthcare environment facilitated a positive experience in healthcare facilities. Motivators or facilitators of testing include 1) the perception or belief that HIV testing is an HIV prevention strategy; 2) encouragement from friends and peers; 3) understanding risk associated with certain sexual behaviors; 4) education or information on HIV; 5) access to free testing and incentives; 6) early symptoms and provider recommendation. Barriers to HIV testing include 1) negative community perceptions of HIV; 2) individual-level low-risk perception or indifference about HIV infection; 3) health system issues; 5) Perceived stigma at healthcare facilities. The findings point to the need to address critical issues around stigma, education, peer support, and healthcare resources through interventions and research to improve HIV testing among GBMSM in the country.
Enhanced formation of isoprene‐derived organic aerosol in sulfur‐rich power plant plumes during Southeast Nexus

We investigate the effects of anthropogenic sulfate on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from biogenic isoprene through airborne measurements in the southeastern United States as part of the Southeast Nexus (SENEX) field campaign. In a flight over Georgia, organic aerosol (OA) is enhanced downwind of the Harllee Branch power plant but not the Scherer power plant. We find that the OA enhancement is likely caused by the rapid reactive uptake of isoprene epoxydiols (IEPOX) in the sulfate‐rich plume of Harllee Branch, which was emitting at least 3 times more sulfur dioxide (SO2) than Scherer, and more aerosol sulfate was produced downwind. The contrast in the evolution of isoprene‐derived OA concentration between two power plants with different SO2 emissions provides an opportunity to investigate the magnitude and mechanisms of particle sulfate on isoprene‐derived OA formation. We estimate that 1 µg sm−3 reduction of sulfate would decrease the isoprene‐derived OA by 0.23 ± 0.08 µg sm−3. Based on a parameterization of the IEPOX heterogeneous reactions, we find that the effects of sulfate on isoprene‐derived OA formation in the power plant plume arises from enhanced particle surface area and particle acidity, which increases both IEPOX uptake to particles and subsequent aqueous‐phase reactions, respectively. The observed relationships between isoprene‐OA, sulfate, particle pH, and particle water in previous field studies are explained using these findings.
Dynamics of biomass and carbon sequestration across a chronosequence of masson pine plantations

The changes of forest biomass stock and carbon (C) sequestration with stand ages at fixed intervals in the different vegetation components remain unknown. Using the masson pine (Pinus massoniana) relative growth equation, biomass carbon stocks were obtained in four masson pine plantations at 12 year intervals (3 years, 15 years, 27 years, and 39 years). Meanwhile, the changes in soil organic C (SOC) stock with stand ages were also estimated. The biomass stock varied from 1.41 to 265.33 Mg ha−1, 6.87 to 7.49 Mg ha−1, and 2.66 to 4.86 Mg ha−1 in the tree, shrub, and herb layers. Carbon concentrations in plant tissues were 51.6%, 39.0%, and 42.2% in the tree, shrub, and herb layers. The aboveground biomass C contributed 81.7% and 60.5% in the tree and shrub layers, and the root to shoot (R/S) ratio of the tree and shrub layer biomass averaged 0.23 and 0.69. Biomass C stock increased significantly (p < 0.05) with forest age, whereas the changes in biomass accumulation rate decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The annual net C sequestration increased with age from 0.47 to 9.83 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in the tree layer but decreased in the shrub and herb layers. The SOC content decreased with soil depth but increased with age, whereas the SOC stock increased with depth and age. However, the total ecosystem C stock increased significantly (p < 0.05) with stand age suggesting that age is the controlling factor of photosynthetic and biological processes and thus changes in biomass accumulation and C sequestration in masson pine plantations. Therefore, in‐depth studies are needed for continuous monitoring of the changes in nutrients and elements cycling with stand ages in this forest ecosystem.
Quantification of uncertainty in the assessment of future streamflow under changing climate conditions

Climate change has a significant influence on streamflow variation. The aim of this study is to quantify different sources of uncertainties in future streamflow projections due to climate change. For this purpose, 4 global climate models, 3 greenhouse gas emission scenarios (representative concentration pathways), 6 downscaling models, and a hydrologic model (UBCWM) are used. The assessment work is conducted for 2 different future time periods (2036 to 2065 and 2066 to 2095). Generalized extreme value distribution is used for the analysis of the flow frequency. Strathcona dam in the Campbell River basin, British Columbia, Canada, is used as a case study. The results show that the downscaling models contribute the highest amount of uncertainty to future streamflow predictions when compared to the contributions by global climate models or representative concentration pathways. It is also observed that the summer flows into Strathcona dam will decrease, and winter flows will increase in both future time periods. In addition to these, the flow magnitude becomes more uncertain for higher return periods in the Campbell River system under climate change.
Mesoproterozoic to Early Devonian Evolution of the Lyderhorn Gneiss (Øygarden Complex, SW Norway) - Constraints from Field Mapping and U-Pb Zircon Geochronology

The Øygarden Complex and the Bergen Arc System are intriguing large-scale structures in the SW Norwegian Caledonides, but their formation is still incompletely understood. So far, the lack of published U-Pb zircon ages has limited clear interpretations of the geologic evolution of the Øygarden Complex. The Lyderhorn Gneiss is located in the poorly studied eastern part of the Øygarden Complex and forms the core of the Bergen Arc. Detailed field mapping was conducted and seven samples were dated by SIMS U-Pb zircon geochronology, to study the magmatic and structural formation of the Lyderhorn Gneiss. Igneous protoliths formed during the Mesoproterozoic Gothian-Telemarkian (1504 Ma) and Sveconorwegian (1041 Ma and 1026 1022 Ma) orogenic periods. They do not record Sveconorwegian high-grade regional metamorphism. Early Ordovician (483 Ma) thermal resetting of metamict zircons was followed by sustained residence at elevated temperatures that annealed previous radiation damage. The U-Pb zircon system was not affected by Caledonian amphibolite facies metamorphism. The structure of the Lyderhorn Gneiss formed in one single deformation event, recorded in ENE-directed exhumational deformation from amphibolite facies to the brittle-plastic transition. Fluid-assisted strain weakening formed phyllonitic E-dipping detachment shear zones that became finally overprinted by (semi-)brittle deformation. Based on the Mesoproterozoic protolith ages, the Lyderhorn Gneiss and thereby the Øygarden Complex are correlated with the Telemarkia domain of the Baltican basement. The age of magmatism relates the Øygarden Complex with the Sirdal Magmatic Belt of southern Norway. The correlation suggests a continuous NNW-trend of Sveconorwegian domain boundaries and supports the assertion that Sveconorwegian high-T metamorphism in the Baltican basement was rather local than regional. A rapid temperature increase in the Early Ordovician is interpreted to mark the onset of Caledonian convergence. The structure of the Lyderhorn Gneiss is constrained to have formed by Early Devonian extensional deformation. Bidirectional Devonian extension in the Øygarden Complex is explained by exhumation as a Devonian extensional gneiss dome. The proposed, symmetrical core complex style of exhumation, resembles previously identified core complexes in central Norway and allows for a more consistent interpretation of basement culminations along the Norwegian margin. Possible onshore-offshore correlations are suggested for the Utsira High in the northern North Sea. Detailed structural and thermochronological studies will be needed to test the proposed model.
Preliminary data concerning zooplankton and zoobenthos communities of the Lower Mureş River from the Lunca Mureşului National Park (Arad County)

The present paper represents an inventory of aquatic fauna from the lower Mures River, downstream of Arad, in the Lunca Muresului National Park. Zooplanktonic microcrustaceans and zoobenthonic communities were considered for the study. The samples were taken in the year 2004, using the qualitative sampling equipment not only for zooplankton but also for zoobenthos communities.
Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Dryland Vulnerability and Land Conflict Among Border Communities

Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Dryland Vulnerability and Land Conflict on the Border Communities of Southeast Kenya Alvin Maingi Solomon This study examines how individuals and groups respond to prevailing politicoeconomic and biophysical changes and how the adjustments they make influence and are influenced by their social relations and material condition in spatial and temporal terms. This dissertation comprises of three parts: The first part is a critique of the climateconflict relationship debate and the problems associated with studies pushing for a causal relationship between climate variables and conflict. I argue that scholars lack of attention on varying institutional capacities and the focus solely on environmental factors as trigger mechanisms for conflict leads to misleading arguments about conflict distribution and frequency which may ultimately hinder the understanding of why conflicts occur, are exacerbated or resolved, recur or not. I find that as scholars focus on climatic variables in pursuit of narrow causations, they ignore known weaknesses in both theory and methodology. In addition, shifting from a human vulnerability approach to a human security one in climate conflict studies advances a functionalist conservative discourses that pay the most attention to securing the states of the global north and global capital circulation rather than helping vulnerable groups deal with risk and the impacts of climate change. The second part of the dissertation examines how social relations around land allocation and tenure in Africa have changed over time and how the existence of a dual system of tenure in many African countries produces a third system of informal land transfers. I argue that these often-unregulated informal transfers may help circumvent protections provided within law and policy. I find that, in Kenya as in many other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, the existence of many plots of land held as freehold without title coupled with an expensive and deeply bureaucratic process of titling produces and maintains unregulated land transfers that often cement inequalities that are addressed in formal policy and law. The third part of this dissertation utilizes the concept of “ecological gradient” to examine the social benefit of material relations for different livelihood groups living along the Mt Kilimanjaro altitudinal gradient. I find evidence of increased diversification and interdependence between the different livelihoods that occupy the ecological zones along the gradient. Consequently, livelihood groups living within the various ecological gradients along the mountain gradient adjust to changing biophysical and politico-economic factors by extracting social benefits from increased contact with each other.
The glaciolacustrine complex of Llestrui (Central Southern Pyrenees) : a key-locality for the chronology of the last glacial cycle in the Pyrenees

New radiocarbon dates obtained from the glaciolacustrine rhythmites of Llestui (Llauset valley, Central Southern Pyrenees) allow us to date a pulsation of Llauset glacier that took place between 18,000 and 21,000 years BP. This glacial readvance is characterized by a major phase of glacial deposition in the juxtaglacial glaciolacustrine complex of Llestui. This phase, recorded during the deglaciation period which followed the last Pyrenean glacial maximum. is synchronic with the Last Glacial Maximum (18.000-20,000 years BP)
Analyzing the varied impact of COVID-19 on stock markets: A comparative study of low- and high-infection-rate countries

The global health crisis initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic triggered unparalleled economic upheavals. In this comprehensive study of 16 countries categorized by their infection rates, we scrutinize the impact of a range of variables on stock market indices and calculate four critical ratios derived from those variables. Our regression analyses reveal striking differences in how the variables influenced stock indices in countries with low and high infection rates. Notably, in countries with low infection rates, all variables exhibited significant effects on stock returns. An increase in infection numbers and fatalities correlated with greater stock market declines, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to the health and economic risks posed by the pandemic. Recovery and testing rates also displayed positive associations with stock returns, reflecting investor optimism concerning potential recovery scenarios. Conversely, nations grappling with high infection rates experienced notably weaker effects from these variables. Although fatalities had a negative impact on stock indices, other factors, including recoveries, infections, and testing rates, did not result in significant effects. This suggests the likelihood that markets in high-infection countries had likely factored pandemic conditions into their pricing, thereby reducing the immediate impact of these metrics on stock returns. Our findings underscore the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on stock markets and highlight the importance of tailored strategies and policies for distinct country categories. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and investors navigating financial markets during global health crises and preparing for future epidemics.
Influence of continental growth on mid‐ocean ridge depth

The interconnectedness of life, water, and plate tectonics is strikingly apparent along mid‐ocean ridges (MOR) where communities of organisms flourish off the disequilibrium of chemical potentials created by circulation of hydrothermal fluids driven by Earth's heat. Moreover, submarine hydrothermal environments may be critical for the emergence of life on Earth. Oceans were likely present in the Hadean but questions remain about early Earth's global tectonics, including when seafloor spreading began and whether mid‐oceanic ridges were deep enough for maximum hydrothermal activities. For example, plate tectonics influences global sea level by driving secular variations in the volume of ocean basins due to continental growth. Similarly, variations in the distribution of seafloor age and associated subsidence, due to assembly and dispersal of supercontinents, explain the largest sea level variation over the past 140 Myr. Using synthetic plate configurations derived from numerical models of mantle convection appropriate for early Earth, we show that MOR have remained submerged and their depths potentially constant over geologic time. Thus, conditions in the early Earth existed for hydrothermal vents at similar depths as today, providing environments conducive for the development of life and allowing for processes such as hydrothermal alteration of oceanic crust to influence the mantle's geochemical evolution.